About
Santiago, also known as Santiago de Chile, is the capital and largest city of Chile. It sits in the central valley of the country, surrounded by the Andes mountains, so the city's streets often look toward the peaks on the horizon.
What kind of visit it makes
Santiago works well as a base for a visit to central Chile. It is the country's major economic and cultural hub, which means visitors find a wide mix of business life, arts and everyday city activity side by side. Much of what draws people here is the feeling of a large capital city set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.
What to expect
- A large, lively city and the main gateway to the rest of the country
- Mountain views framing the urban landscape across the central valley
- Cultural life that reflects its role as the nation's capital
- A practical starting point for exploring the region around it
Those planning a trip may want to check current travel details before setting out, as conditions and arrangements can change. Santiago rewards a few days of unhurried walking, looking up at the mountains, and getting a sense of how the capital and the wider valley fit together.
