Santiago & surrounds

Lying at the foot of the Andes in a valley surrounded, Santiago is recognizable by its modern glass towers with an impressive backdrop of snow topped mountain ranges. One of the most famous phrases “Santiago isn´t Chile” is something you will see once you spend a few days in Chile’s capital. Santiago is a very well developed modern metropolis, which has retained its historical buildings and many green areas within the city. The fairly new financial district and the “New Downtown” are designed in a very international style which makes you sometimes forget that you are in Latin America.
Being within a narrow country with the Andes so close means everything is within easy reach, from the ski slopes to the beach. Especially in the winter months (being in the southern hemisphere, this means from June to August), Santiago is the ideal place to stay thanks to being only half an hour away from some of the best skiing slopes of the world where you will find everything from slopes for the youngest inexperienced to Heli-skiing for the experts.
The central valley, within 1 hour of Santiago, is home to several of the best wine-growing regions with a worldwide award-winning reputation. Although Chile has been growing wine since the 16th century, its remoteness has kept its superb wines unknown by many but international awards have resulted in a booming wine industry in the recent years. A visit to some of the boutique vineyards, some still largely ‘undiscovered” is a must. You will also be introduced to the local cuisine of the region.
Especially during the summer months, travelers should not miss out on the beach town of Viña del Mar as well as the port city of Valparaiso, both within an hour drive of Santiago. Valparaiso, which is built on about 45 undulating hills, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has retained many of its historical buildings and character. During New Year ’s Eve, the bay of Valparaiso and Viña del Mar is home to the biggest fireworks in South America and is visited by more than 2 million people.