The capital of Chile is emerging as one of the most recommended cities for tourism and for conventions and business trips in South America.

It possesses modern facilities, state of the art technology, high quality accommodation, hotels and convention centers with a capacity to lodge up to 7 thousand delegates, and has companies with wide experience in the events industry. A highly developed telecommunications network permits tourists and delegates to maintain close connections with their work and homes.

The notable traditions and history of its civic quarter (center) bear witness to the republican life of the country. The history, artistic and civic tradition are spread throughout its museums, art galleries, and artisan centers.

The multiple university campuses within the city confirm its leadership as a major seat of higher education in the country.
Within the capital, as well as in Valparaiso and Isla Negra (both less than 100 km far from Santiago) tourists can have a first hand experience of the life and work of Pablo Neruda, winner of the 1971 Nobel Proze for Literature, by visiting his various homes, all of which have been converted into museums.

Santiago is the main center for domestic and international flights, as well as being the hub of the modern highway system that extends throughout both the North and South of the country. Santiago also lies in the heart of the the Central Valley, nestled between the Coastal Mountain Range and the high Andes mountains, home to the many fertile farms with agriculture crops and vineyards that are the base of internationally renowned Chilean wine production.

Santiago is also the capital of the Metropolitan Region, which extends over an area of 6 provinces ranging from the heart of the city to the mountains and valleys that are bathed by the rivers that give rise to pleasure and recreation for its visitors. A must- see experience in the outskirts of the city of Santiago is the famous wine tour that allows tourists to visit famous vineyards located in the outskirts of the city. Other popular tours include the Cajón del Maipo and Pomaire.

The Cajon de Maipo is a beautiful Andean valley, ideal for spending a quiet and relaxing day or weekend out of the city , whereas Pomaire boasts some of the finest hand crafted pottery and other handicrafts , as well as being a center of traditional gastronomy, including local dishes such as “empanadas” or “pastel de choclo” (corn pie).

Climate: Santiago has a mild Mediterranean climate: relatively hot dry summers (November to March) with temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) on the hottest days; winters (June to August) are more humid with cold mornings, typical maximum daily temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit), and minimums of a few degrees above freezing. Occasional snowfall occurs in the city, and may extend throughout the city, though this happens infrequently (about every 8–10 years). Mean rainfall is 360 mm per year and is heavily concentrated in the cooler months.

TRANSPORTATION

Car rental: A week’s car rental can cost you around $250.000 CLP or US$500. Most car rentals lease vehicles for hours, days and weeks. Rental prerequisites include: possession of a valid driver's license, over 21 years of age, and submission of credit card (or signed blank voucher as a security deposit. Several of the major car rental companies operate in Chile, such as Avis, Budget or Herz, all of shich have stands at the airport.

Taxis: Taxis are distinguishable by their black bodies and yellow roofs. All legitimate taxis have registration numbers and taxi meters. The cost of a trip is typically $200 (US$ 0.40 aprox.) for the first 100 meters and $200 (US$ 0.40 aprox.) for each additional 200 meters or 60 seconds of waiting. These charges are published on the windshield of the taxi and are fixed 24 hours per day. Smoking is prohibited in all public transportation vehicles.

Public Buses (micros): In Santiago, public buses on principal routes are white with a diagonal green stripe on each side. Local routes are serviced by busses of different colours, always with a contrasting diagonal stripe. Each ride costs $400 CLP or US$0.80 and you have the option of switching buses in a period of an hour and a half without any extra cost. Payment is performed using pre-paid “Bip” cards, which can be purchased at designated shops or at all metro stations.

The Metro system runs: On week days

 

Subway/Metro Schedules Costs	Hight Time	Average Time	Economic Time
	07:00 to 08:59	06:30 to 06:59	06:00 to 06:29
	18:00 to 19:59	09:00 to 18:00	20:45 to 23:00
		20:00 to 20:44
	$460 (US$ 0.92 aprox.)	$400 (US$ 0.80 aprox.)	$380 (US$ 0.76 aprox.)