Santiago Tourism

Santiago is Chile’s heart and soul twisted into an all year round party which welcomes anyone with open arms. The beautiful Andes Mountains that stretch itself cozily around the capital city of Chile, the Mapocho rives which flows briskly by and the range of forests which are the natural pride of the region, all make for a picture perfect experience!

The history of Santiago dates back prior to 800 AD when nomadic hunters and came down to the Santiago basin after the Andes mountain Snow began to melt. Followed by a curious eye of the Inca Civilization from 1400’s, to the Colonial rule, to the Republic times to lead the way to the electric metropolis of the 21st century, Santiago has grown its charm through its rich historic sites that offer the best of Chile, easy urban places and its brilliantly nurtured nature.

Santiago’s culture, however, simply takes the credit for drawing in tourists from all over the world. The wide range of heritage structures, historic libraries, cultural centers and art-life gives it an edge of its own. You will often come across a number of events held around the city, which take you a little bit closer to the local life and makes you appreciate about how Chile safeguards its culture and arts.

The famous Colo-Colo football club adds a vibrant streak of sports in Santiago memoir dating back to the 1920 and is a short introduction to how seriously football is taken on this side of the globe!

There are loads of ‘off-the-beaten-path’ things to do here which makes ‘Santiago de Chile’ a refreshing place for tourists. If you can, explore the life of Santiago in-between its commercial life and nature and the combination is simply a traveler’s dream come true.

Santiago has a wide palate to offer and if you are looking for diversity, a visit here will keep you wanting for more.

Essential travel information and Santiago tips for your visit

Time Zone: UTC – 3 hours

Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)

Electricity and Internet:

  • Electricity voltage is 220 volts. Plugs C & L. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances.
  • High speed internet is easily available throughout Santiago with most hotels offering free internet.

Languages: Spanish is commonly spoken even though you will come across local people who speak indigenous languages like Mapudungun and Aymara. Most people do speak broken English while some speak fluent English.

Security:

  • Police Emergency 133
  • Ambulance 131
  • Fire Brigade 132
  • Drug related matters 135
  • Services Information (Traffic, Car breakdowns, Police Station addresses, etc.) 139

Off the beaten Path: If you love hiking, hike around the Andes Mountains.

Tipping:

  • At restaurants, a service tax of 10 % is most likely added to your bill and you will not need to pay extra tips.
  • However, for hotels which have gone out of their way to make your comfortable or help you with reservation, a fine of CLP 1,000 is a good way to go.
  • Tipping for Taxi is not obligatory but you can round of the fare.

Customs:

  • The etiquettes in Chile are quite similar to the Western society- a formal handshake for people you don’t known so well and embracing the ones you know well is a good way to go.
  • Locals are generally punctual but if you are invited for dinner, you will be expected a few minutes later than the expected time.

Santiago Trip Planner

Plan your customized day by day trip plan for Santiago. Choose from various experinces categories as adventure, romantic and family and kids friendly for your trip using using Santiago trip planner.

The best tours and activities in the city, guided by experts to give you a local insight to the best of Santiago