Top Tourist Places to Visit in Chile, America
Chile is a country in South America bordering with Argentina in the east, Peru in the north, Drake Passage towards south and Bolivia in the northeast. It comprises of 4 Pacific Ocean islands such as Desventuradas, Easter Island, Juan Fernández and Salas y Gómez. Santiago is the capital and largest city, Spanish is the national language and Chilean Peso is the currency of Chile.
Geography of Chile:
Chile spans over an area of 756,096.3 sq. km. and coordinates with 31.4667° S, 70.9000° W.
History of Chile:
There are several theories about the origin of the name Chile, one theory states that, Chile takes its name from Picunche tribal chief, Tili who was the king of the Incan Empire during the 15th century. Another theory argues that, the name of Chile may be derived from the Mapuche word ‘Chilli’ means ‘ends of the earth’.
The Spanish arrived in Chile during the 1520s and occupied fully during the 1540s and ruled nearly 300 years until Chile became independent on 12 February 1818.
Getting Chile:
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport is the major airport of Chile situated in Pudahuel commune around 15 km away from the capital city, Santiago.
The major cities connected with AMBIA are Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Paris, Panama City, Madrid, Atlanta, Auckland, Sydney, Miami and New York.
There are daily buses departing from the cities of Argentina (Mendoza, Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes) to Chile.
Santiago and Valparaíso in Chile are served by metro trains. Bus, car and taxi are options for local travel.
Culture, Food and Shopping in Chile:
Spanish is the official language of Chile and the indigenous languages include Quechua, Aymara, Rapa Nui and Mapudungun. Roman Catholics form the higher majority of Chile’s population (over 70%).
Chile is renowned for different mouth-watering seafood and most famous traditional dishes include pastel de choclo, asado, cazuela, empanadas and humitas.
Most of the major shopping centres and restaurants of Chile accept Credit and debit cards other than Chilean peso (currency).
Places of interest in Chile:
Parque Metropolitano:
Parque Metropolitano is a park situated in capital city, Santiago with San Cristóbal Hill. Top of the hill can be reached by cable car or funicular or hike. The park also features 2 swimming pools, a zoo and a botanical garden.
Parque Forestal:
Parque Forestal is a large park with National Museum of Fine Arts and Modern Art Museum. It is situated in the downtown Santiago, surrounded by Plaza Baquedano in the east and Estación Mapocho towards west. It was opened in 1905.
Palacio Cousino:
Palacio Cousino is a historical palace constructed with the blend of Spanish and French architecture style. It is open from 9:30-17:00 (Monday-Friday) and Saturday-Sunday (9:30 -1:30). No photography inside and only allows guided tour.
Other places of interest in Chile include:
- Plaza De Armas
- Santiago Centro
- La Chascona
- La Moneda Palace
- Centro Cultural Palacio de La Moneda
- Centro Cultural Matucana 100
- Teatro Municipal
- Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral
- Cerro Santa Lucia
- Iglesia y museo de San Francisco
- Parque Bicentenario
- Valle Nevado
- Torres del Paine National Park
- Fantasilandia
- Cajón del Maipo
Best time to visit Chile:
From November to March is the ideal time to travel Chile while summer season runs.
Accommodation options in Chile:
Chile is home to many world famous tourist attractions as well as hotels and resorts. Here is the list of best hotels in Chile (Santiago):
Budget:
- Hostal Romandia
- Andes Hostel & Apartments
- Hostal Santa Lucia 168
- Hostal de la Barra
- Castillo Surfista Hostel
Mid range:
- Casa Bonita Bed&Breakfast
- Inmoba Apartments & Suites
- MG Apartments
- NH Ciudad de Santiago
High end:
- Sheraton Convention Center and Resort
- Santiago Marriott Hotel
- The Ritz-Carlton
- Grand Hyatt Santiago
- Hotel Fundador
- W Santiago