Santiago, Chile Travel Tips. Places To Visit In Santiago.
When it comes to traveling to Santiago, Chile, there are a number of tips you need to keep in mind to get the most out of your vacation. It’s important to research the city before you go, as you may be surprised to learn a few bits of information about Santiago that will certainly impact your vacation.
For example, if you see pictures of Santiago on tourism sites, you may be taken in by the amazing views – the snowcapped Andes surround the city, and the buildings themselves seem to sparkle. However, what the websites don’t tell you is that these images were taken right after it rained. During a normal day, Santiago looks a lot like Los Angeles – covered in smog. The city often features gray, cloudy-looking skies, especially in winter. Recently, the city air has cleared up somewhat, but there’s still a lot of air pollution. If you have a breathing condition like asthma, you might want to check with your doctor to see if the Santiago air will have any affect on you before you plan your trip.
Santiago is also quite loud. In fact, you may think that it will be impossible to sleep because of the constant din. However, the city does quiet down at night. Just don’t let the beauty of other cities like Buenos Aires blind you to what Santiago has to offer – there are actually plenty of activities here for you to enjoy.
One travel tip is to get away from the Santiago Centro area. This downtown district has little to offer tourists, and neither does the financial section of Las Condes. Once you get out of these areas, you’ll find many small art shops and great restaurants for you to enjoy. And if you’re into good food, many gourmet chefs offer great meals in the areas of Providencia and Bellavista.
Looking for art and museums to explore? Head over to Barrio Brasil, one of the older districts of Santiago. You’ll find a number of cafes, art displays, and much more here. There are also a number of parks you can explore throughout Santiago. You can spend the day here or simply stop to have lunch outdoors. Either way, search through Santiago for little, hole-in-the-wall cafes and shops – the best finds aren’t going to be in commercial locations.
Of course, if you want to head out to the mountains surrounding the city, you’ll find many different things to do there. You can go skiing, hiking, climbing, kayaking, and even take a tour of Santiago’s vineyards and taste some amazing wines. However, you may want to pack heavier clothing if you’re going to be heading up to the mountains. The higher peaks feature snow most of the year, and the temperatures will drop the higher you climb. If you’re going to go kayaking, pack a wetsuit and other necessities. Another tip for wine lovers is to leave a little extra space in your luggage – you’re probably going to want to buy a bottle or two to bring home with you!