annetti

We are thinking of combining a second trip to Buenos Aires this July/Aug with a stop on the way home in Santiago. This would be our first visit to Santiago and Chile.

More than a couple of questions:

How do the prices compare with BA?

Can we find a reasonable hotel or apartment for under $100 a night?

What are some of the highlights and day trips that you enjoyed there?

Is Santiago an easy city to walk and /or take the metro?

Where is a good part of town to locate oneself?

It looks like the weather should be similar to BA at that time of the year?
Any other thoughts or comments? I looked through past posts and there is not too much information on Santiago posted lately.
Thanks.

Percy

The prices are about the same but I found the currency in Chile to be a bit confusing.

In Buenos Buenos Aires it is about 3 dollars to one US$.

In Chile in comes in a much higher ratio!!

I do not know of a hotel that is under $100.00 a night....they are there , I just do not know of one.

I stayed at the Santiago Sheraton and could virtually walk everywhere.

Some places you want to see are.

1. Plaza de Armas in the City Centre this is a nice place where the locals hang out.

2. There are many nice old colonial building in this area.

3.Santa Lucia Hill in the City Centre ...it is like a little park here but it is nicve to see for sure.

4.San Cristobal Hill... I was walking distance from here,as the Sheraton virtually backs onto this hill.

This hill is in the Bellavista area and it is a very nice area in Santiago.
The hill is the highest poiunt in the city

There is a lovely all white statue of the Virgin Mary almost at the top of San Cristobal Hill...you can walk up or drive up or take a Tram to the top.

You get a sweeping panoramic view of the City below from the top of the hill.

5.Make sure you see the Church and Convent of San Francisco(oldest church in Chile)

6. When you go out to eat...if you see "Grandma's Magic Soup" on the menue...order it , it is divine !!

Maybe you will want to take a day trip to Valparaiso and the wine country.

Percy

annetti

Thank you, Percy for all the ideas. So what is "grandma's magic soup?" What are some of the ingredients? Thanks. Annetti

annetti

Percy, did you enjoy Santiago? Is it a worthwhile destination? I have been toying with visiting it rather than a second city in BA, such as Mendosa. Thanks again. Annetti

Percy

The soup has onions, tomatoes, chives, pieces of chicken and a mixtures of seafood pieces.....very very yummy!

I loved Santiago and you will too..it is safe place and a nice city.

I would do the wine country and head to Valparaiso and Vina del Mar.

Get a good tour guide and let him show you all the great sites.

You will not regret going to Santiago .

Percy

annetti

Thank you again, Percy. Santiago does not get much press on this board. It sounds like a worthy contender to BA. I am adding it for our second So Amer city this Summer. I just hope the July weather is warmer than last Summer 2007. It was bitterly cold for this transplanted Easterner now living in Southern California. I am saving your ideas. Annetti

Percy

Good Luck with the weather and have a good time.

Try to get ( No , just go!!) to Valparaiso and Vina del Mar!!!

It is nice to see the country side as you drive from Santiago to Valparais(74 miles).
Valparaiso is the seat of Government..as Pinochet moved it here from Santiago.

( You remember Pinochet, the dictator who died December 10 2006)

Have a look at the Legislative/Government Building in Valparaiso..... how do you like that "hole"in the middle !!

Percy

annetti

Yes, I remember Pinochet and I suppose he needs to be remembered, but not for the good things he did. Although, there are probably supporters of him on this board(and I know of a few!) who thought he was a savior of their country from Communism.

annetti

Any other thoughts on visiting Santiago out there? Thanks.