Getting There
By Air
Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)
http://www.aeropuertosantiago.cl/
Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport is located 17 kilometers (11 miles) northwest of Santiago.
Airlines serving this airport include:
Air Canada (+56 2 690 1115 /
http://www.aircanada.com)
Aerolineas Argentinas (+56 2 690 1030 /
http://www.aerolineas.com)
AeroMexico (+56 2 690 1038 /
http://www.aeromexico.com)
Iberia Airlines (+56 2 284 0020 /
http://www.iberia.com)
American Airlines (+56 2 209 8111 /
http://www.aa.com)
British Airways (
http://www.britishairways.com)
Delta Airlines (+56 2 690 1555 /
http://www.delta.com)
Lufthansa (+ 56 2 210 2111 /
http://www.lufthansa.com)
Lan Chile (+56 2 526 2000 /
http://www.lan.cl)
Lloyd Aereo Boliviano (+56 2 690 1140 /
http://www.labairlines.com)
Pluna (+56 2 690 1348 /
http://pluna.com.uy)
United (
http://www.united.com)
Varig (+56 2 690 1348 /
http://www.varig.cl)
Air France/KLM (+56 2 290 9696 /
http://www.airfrance.cl)
Bus
Private buses and vans offer service to and from the airport to the city center and around Santiago. Companies with offices in the airport include:
TurBus (+56 2 601 9573 /
http://www.turbus.cl)
Transvip (+56 2 677 3000 /
http://www.transvip.cl)
CentroPuerto (+56 2 601 9883 / +56 2 601 0549)
TurBus and CentroPuerto offer bus service to Los Heroes Metro or nearby, and are the most economical option. TurBus and TransVip also offer shared and private rides in vans.
Taxis
(+ 56 2 690 138) are readily available at the terminal (look for the blue "official" cab logo).
Rental Car
Rental car companies servicing the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport include:
Alamo (+56 2 690 1370 /
http://www.alamochile.com)
Econorent (+56 2 690 1287 /
http://www.econorent.net)
Rosselot (+56 2 690 1374 /
http://www.rosselot.cl)
Avis (+56 2 690 1382 / +56 2 690 1318 /
http://www.avischile.cl)
By Car:
Santiago is located along Chile's Highway 5, which people will refer to as Ruta 5, El 5 Sur, or el 5 Norte, depending on which way it's going. This is the Panamerican Highway.
Driving times to Santiago: From Rancagua – 1 hour; Valparaíso/Viña del Mar – 1 hour 30 minutes; Chillán – 4 hours 30 minutes; La Serena – 5 hours 30 minutes; Valdivia – 9 hours 20 minutes; Puerto Montt – 12 hours; Antofagasta – 15 hours; Arica – 23 hours.
Chile's roads are fast, efficient and well-maintained, especially when compared to other South American countries. That said, driving in Santiago can be a nightmare. There is lots of congestion and confusing traffic patterns. Avoid the morning and afternoon rush hours. Cars brought into Chile need local insurance and a Relaciones de Pasajeros (Passenger Relations) document, both of which are available at points of entry and border crossings.
Getting around
The quick and easy way to get around Santiago is via the metro (+56 2 250 3000 /
http://www.metrosantiago.cl), which is clean, convenient and modern, and serves much of the city and its surrounding areas. The system's five lines run from 6:30a-11:00p M-Sa and 8:00a-10:00p Sundays and holidays. Regular travelers can buy BIP (say: beep) pass for $1200 pesos, and add fare to the card as they go along. These passes also work on the busses, and there is a 90-minute transfer period from bus to metro or metro to bus, during which time the second voyage is free. Small orange buses called the Metrobus offer additional services (with free transfers) from the Metro, and also accept the BIP pass.
Buses bring Santiaguinos all over town, and if you know where you're going or want to try your luck with the Santiago transportation website, it is www.transantaigoinforma.cl. It gives routes and alternate routes but requires a bit of Spanish and knowlege of the city wouldn't hurt either.
Colectivos are shared taxis that ply the streets. They look like regular taxis but have a white plastic sign on top indicating their route. They are more expensive than buses, cheaper than taxis, but only run on specific routes, as indicated by their signs.
Taxi
Taxis are not terribly expensive, but it's best to know the route you need to take before you get in the car to prevent circuitous routes. Some taxi meters are "fixed" and will increase more quickly than they should, though as a traveler, you are ill-equipped to know if this is the case. Upon giving a 10,000 bill to the driver, it behooves you to say "son diez," to avoid "confusion" where you are told that you gave the driver a 1,000 bill, a common scam. Taxis are actually a safe and efficient option, but you need to keep your wits about you. A red light in the upper left corner of the windshield that says "Libre" (free) indicates that the black and yellow cars are in service and looking for passengers, though taxi drivers will often honk if they are assertively looking for fares.
Some people prefer to call a taxi rather than hailing one on the street. Here are some companies:
Centro (+56 2 695 4148)
Andes-Pacifico (+56 2 225 3064 /
http://www.andespacifico.cl)
Apoquindo (+56 2 211 6073).
By Long-Distance Bus
Bus travel in South America is very popular and effective. The main international bus companies serving Santiago from as far as Rio de Janiero, Brazil, are:
Tas Choapa (+56 2 779 4295 /
http://www.taschoapa.cl/)
El Rápido (+1 56 2 776 0049 /
http://www.elrapidpoint.com.ar/)
These companies also run domestic routes within Chile, as do:
Tur Bus (+56 2 270 7500 /
http://www.turbus.cl/)
Pullman Bus (+56 2 560 3700 /
http://www.pullman.cl/).
There are four main bus terminals in Santiago:
Alameda, Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins 3750 (+56 2 776 2424)
San Borja, Calle San Borja 184 (+56 2 7760645)
Universidad de Santiago, Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins 3848 (+56 2 3761755)
Los Heroes, Calle Tucapel Jimenez 21 (+56 2 420 0099)
Travelers going to Valparaíso or Viña del Mar may prefer to take the red line metro to Pajaritos where there is another small bus station with just 11 platforms that has frequent (every 10-15 minutes) service to these two destinations.
For long distance buses, there are a few clases of service, from ejecutivo (regular Pullman-style seat), semi-cama (somewhat more inclined) cama (flatter still, with leg rest). Even so, these services vary from company to company, and asking how many seats there are on the bus is a better indication of how comfortable they will be than the name itself. Most overnight bus services will come with blankets and a snack at breakfast time, with the quality of the snack related to the price of the service. Buying tickets ahead of time for long weekends, holidays and during the prime summer travel season (January and February) is recommended and can be essential.
By Long-Distance Train
There are two trains that run out of Santiago to other cities, both of which leave from the striking Estación Central (on the red line metro stop of the same name, along the Alameda (Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins).
The Metrotrén is a commuter line that runs out to San Fernando, near the Colchagua valley, and which you can take to some smaller towns such as Pelequén with its onion domed church, or to go to Rancagua, or get closer access to the abandoned mining town of Sewell (
http://www.tmsa.cl/)
The second train is the
"Train to the South" which is, post earthquake (Feb 27, 2010), only running as far as Talca, but will hopefully one day extend back to Concepción. Their website. in English is at
http://www.terra-sur.cl/link.cgi/English/
Getting There
By Air
Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)
http://www.aeropuertosantiago.cl/
Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport is located 17 kilometers (11 miles) northwest of Santiago.
Airlines serving this airport include:
Air Canada (+56 2 690 1115 /
http://www.aircanada.com)
Aerolineas Argentinas (+56 2 690 1030 /
http://www.aerolineas.com)
AeroMexico (+56 2 690 1038 /
http://www.aeromexico.com)
Iberia Airlines (+56 2 284 0020 /
http://www.iberia.com)
American Airlines (+56 2 209 8111 /
http://www.aa.com)
British Airways (
http://www.britishairways.com)
Delta Airlines (+56 2 690 1555 /
http://www.delta.com)
Lufthansa (+ 56 2 210 2111 /
http://www.lufthansa.com)
Lan Chile (+56 2 526 2000 /
http://www.lan.cl)
Lloyd Aereo Boliviano (+56 2 690 1140 /
http://www.labairlines.com)
Pluna (+56 2 690 1348 /
http://pluna.com.uy)
United (
http://www.united.com)
Varig (+56 2 690 1348 /
http://www.varig.cl)
Air France/KLM (+56 2 290 9696 /
http://www.airfrance.cl)
Bus
Private buses and vans offer service to and from the airport to the city center and around Santiago. Companies with offices in the airport include:
TurBus (+56 2 601 9573 /
http://www.turbus.cl)
Transvip (+56 2 677 3000 /
http://www.transvip.cl)
CentroPuerto (+56 2 601 9883 / +56 2 601 0549)
TurBus and CentroPuerto offer bus service to Los Heroes Metro or nearby, and are the most economical option. TurBus and TransVip also offer shared and private rides in vans.
Taxis
(+ 56 2 690 138) are readily available at the terminal (look for the blue "official" cab logo).
Rental Car
Rental car companies servicing the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport include:
Alamo (+56 2 690 1370 /
http://www.alamochile.com)
Econorent (+56 2 690 1287 /
http://www.econorent.net)
Rosselot (+56 2 690 1374 /
http://www.rosselot.cl)
Avis (+56 2 690 1382 / +56 2 690 1318 /
http://www.avischile.cl)
By Car:
Santiago is located along Chile's Highway 5, which people will refer to as Ruta 5, El 5 Sur, or el 5 Norte, depending on which way it's going. This is the Panamerican Highway.
Driving times to Santiago: From Rancagua – 1 hour; Valparaíso/Viña del Mar – 1 hour 30 minutes; Chillán – 4 hours 30 minutes; La Serena – 5 hours 30 minutes; Valdivia – 9 hours 20 minutes; Puerto Montt – 12 hours; Antofagasta – 15 hours; Arica – 23 hours.
Chile's roads are fast, efficient and well-maintained, especially when compared to other South American countries. That said, driving in Santiago can be a nightmare. There is lots of congestion and confusing traffic patterns. Avoid the morning and afternoon rush hours. Cars brought into Chile need local insurance and a Relaciones de Pasajeros (Passenger Relations) document, both of which are available at points of entry and border crossings.
Getting around
The quick and easy way to get around Santiago is via the metro (+56 2 250 3000 /
http://www.metrosantiago.cl), which is clean, convenient and modern, and serves much of the city and its surrounding areas. The system's five lines run from 6:30a-11:00p M-Sa and 8:00a-10:00p Sundays and holidays. Regular travelers can buy BIP (say: beep) pass for $1200 pesos, and add fare to the card as they go along. These passes also work on the busses, and there is a 90-minute transfer period from bus to metro or metro to bus, during which time the second voyage is free. Small orange buses called the Metrobus offer additional services (with free transfers) from the Metro, and also accept the BIP pass.
Buses bring Santiaguinos all over town, and if you know where you're going or want to try your luck with the Santiago transportation website, it is www.transantaigoinforma.cl. It gives routes and alternate routes but requires a bit of Spanish and knowlege of the city wouldn't hurt either.
Colectivos are shared taxis that ply the streets. They look like regular taxis but have a white plastic sign on top indicating their route. They are more expensive than buses, cheaper than taxis, but only run on specific routes, as indicated by their signs.
Taxi
Taxis are not terribly expensive, but it's best to know the route you need to take before you get in the car to prevent circuitous routes. Some taxi meters are "fixed" and will increase more quickly than they should, though as a traveler, you are ill-equipped to know if this is the case. Upon giving a 10,000 bill to the driver, it behooves you to say "son diez," to avoid "confusion" where you are told that you gave the driver a 1,000 bill, a common scam. Taxis are actually a safe and efficient option, but you need to keep your wits about you. A red light in the upper left corner of the windshield that says "Libre" (free) indicates that the black and yellow cars are in service and looking for passengers, though taxi drivers will often honk if they are assertively looking for fares.
Some people prefer to call a taxi rather than hailing one on the street. Here are some companies:
Centro (+56 2 695 4148)
Andes-Pacifico (+56 2 225 3064 /
http://www.andespacifico.cl)
Apoquindo (+56 2 211 6073).
By Long-Distance Bus
Bus travel in South America is very popular and effective. The main international bus companies serving Santiago from as far as Rio de Janiero, Brazil, are:
Tas Choapa (+56 2 779 4295 /
http://www.taschoapa.cl/)
El Rápido (+1 56 2 776 0049 /
http://www.elrapidpoint.com.ar/)
These companies also run domestic routes within Chile, as do:
Tur Bus (+56 2 270 7500 /
http://www.turbus.cl/)
Pullman Bus (+56 2 560 3700 /
http://www.pullman.cl/).
There are four main bus terminals in Santiago:
Alameda, Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins 3750 (+56 2 776 2424)
San Borja, Calle San Borja 184 (+56 2 7760645)
Universidad de Santiago, Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins 3848 (+56 2 3761755)
Los Heroes, Calle Tucapel Jimenez 21 (+56 2 420 0099)
Travelers going to Valparaíso or Viña del Mar may prefer to take the red line metro to Pajaritos where there is another small bus station with just 11 platforms that has frequent (every 10-15 minutes) service to these two destinations.
For long distance buses, there are a few clases of service, from ejecutivo (regular Pullman-style seat), semi-cama (somewhat more inclined) cama (flatter still, with leg rest). Even so, these services vary from company to company, and asking how many seats there are on the bus is a better indication of how comfortable they will be than the name itself. Most overnight bus services will come with blankets and a snack at breakfast time, with the quality of the snack related to the price of the service. Buying tickets ahead of time for long weekends, holidays and during the prime summer travel season (January and February) is recommended and can be essential.
By Long-Distance Train
There are two trains that run out of Santiago to other cities, both of which leave from the striking Estación Central (on the red line metro stop of the same name, along the Alameda (Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins).
The Metrotrén is a commuter line that runs out to San Fernando, near the Colchagua valley, and which you can take to some smaller towns such as Pelequén with its onion domed church, or to go to Rancagua, or get closer access to the abandoned mining town of Sewell (
http://www.tmsa.cl/)
The second train is the
"Train to the South" which is, post earthquake (Feb 27, 2010), only running as far as Talca, but will hopefully one day extend back to Concepción. Their website. in English is at
http://www.terra-sur.cl/link.cgi/English/
©
NileGuide
more transportation
wcities.com
Getting There
By Air
Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)
http://www.aeropuertosantiago.cl/
Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport is located 17 kilometers (11 miles) northwest of Santiago.
Airlines serving this airport include:
Air Canada (+56 2 690 1115 / http://www.aircanada.com)
Aerolineas Argentinas (+56 2 690 1030 / http://www.aerolinas.com)
AeroMexico (+56 2 690 1038 / http://www.aeromexico.com)
Iberia Airlines (+56 2 284 0020 / http://www.iberia.com)
American Airlines (+56 2 209 8111 / http://www.aa.com)
British Airways (http://www.britishairways.com)
Delta Airlines (+56 2 690 1555 / http://www.delta.com)
Lufthansa (+ 56 2 210 2111 / http://www.lufthansa.com)
Lan Chile (+56 2 526 2000 / http://www.lan.cl)
Lloyd Aereo Boliviano (+56 2 690 1140 / http://www.labairlines.com)
Pluna (+56 2 690 1348 / http://pluna.com.uy)
United (http://www.united.com)
Varig (+56 2 690 1348 / http://www.varig.cl)
Air France/KLM (+56 2 290 9696 / http://www.airfrance.cl)
Bus
Private buses and vans offer service to and from the airport to the city center and around Santiago. Companies with offices in the airport include:
TurBus (+56 2 601 9573 / http://www.turbus.cl)
Transvip (+56 2 677 3000 / http://www.transvip.cl)
CentroPuerto (+56 2 601 9883 / +56 2 601 0549)
TurTransfer (+56 2 677 3600 / http://www.turtransfer.cl)
Taxis
(+ 56 2 690 138) are readily available at the terminal (look for the blue "official" cab logo).
Rental Car
Rental car companies servicing the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport include:
Alamo (+56 2 690 1370 / http://www.alamochile.com)
Econorent (+56 2 690 1287 / http://www.econorent.net)
Rosselot (+56 2 690 1374 / http://www.rosselot.cl)
Avis (+56 2 690 1382 / +56 2 690 1318 / http://www.avischile.cl)
By Car:
Santiago is located along Chile's Highway 5.
Driving times to Santiago: From Rancagua – 1 hour; Valparaíso/Viña del Mar – 1 hour 30 minutes; Chillán – 4 hours 30 minutes; La Serena – 5 hours 30 minutes; Valdivia – 9 hours 20 minutes; Puerto Montt – 12 hours; Antofagasta – 15 hours; Arica – 23 hours.
Chile's roads are fast, efficient and well-maintained, especially when compared to other South American countries. That said, driving in Santiago can be a nightmare. There is lots of congestion and confusing traffic patterns. Avoid the morning and afternoon rush hours. Cars brought into Chile need local insurance and a Relaciones de Pasajeros (Passenger Relations) document, both of which are available at points of entry and border crossings.
Getting around
The quick and easy way to get around Santiago is via the metro (+56 2 250 3000 / http://www.metrosantiago.cl), which is clean, convenient and modern, and serves much of the city and its surrounding areas. The system's three lines run from 6:30a-11:00p M-Sa and 8:00a-10:00p Sundays and holidays. Regular travelers can buy a Valor or a "Multi-Trip Pass." Special buses, known as MetroBuses, start from Metro stations and act as an extension to the Metro system, and MetroBus combination tickets are available.
By Bus
Bus travel in South America is very popular and effective. The main international bus companies serving Santiago from as far as Rio de Janiero, Brazil, are:
Tas Choapa (+56 2 779 4295 / http://www.taschoapa.cl/)
El Rápido (+1 56 2 776 0049 / http://www.elrapidpoint.com.ar/)
These companies also run domestic routes within Chile, as do:
Tur Bus (+56 2 270 7500 / http://www.turbus.cl/)
Pullman Bus (+56 2 560 3700 / http://www.pullman.cl/).
There are four main bus terminals in Santiago:
Alameda, Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins 3750 (+56 2 776 2424) San Borja, Calle San Borja 184 (+56 2 7760645) Santiago, Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins 3848 (+56 2 3761755) Los Heroes, Calle Tucapel Jimenez 21 (+56 2 420 0099)
Taxi
Taxis are fairly reasonably priced, however beware of taxi drivers who take circuitous routes to get to your destination to bump up the fare. That said, the taxis in Santiago are safe and effective means of travel around the city. The official taxis are black and yellow and are easily found all over the downtown area of the city. For special destinations, etc, some other taxi companies around the city include:
Centro (+56 2 695 4148)
Andes-Pacifico (+56 2 225 3064 / http://www.andespacifico.cl)
Apoquindo (+56 2 211 6073).
Getting There
By Air
Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)
http://www.aeropuertosantiago.cl/
Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport is located 17 kilometers (11 miles) northwest of Santiago.
Airlines serving this airport include:
Air Canada (+56 2 690 1115 / http://www.aircanada.com)
Aerolineas Argentinas (+56 2 690 1030 / http://www.aerolinas.com)
AeroMexico (+56 2 690 1038 / http://www.aeromexico.com)
Iberia Airlines (+56 2 284 0020 / http://www.iberia.com)
American Airlines (+56 2 209 8111 / http://www.aa.com)
British Airways (http://www.britishairways.com)
Delta Airlines (+56 2 690 1555 / http://www.delta.com)
Lufthansa (+ 56 2 210 2111 / http://www.lufthansa.com)
Lan Chile (+56 2 526 2000 / http://www.lan.cl)
Lloyd Aereo Boliviano (+56 2 690 1140 / http://www.labairlines.com)
Pluna (+56 2 690 1348 / http://pluna.com.uy)
United (http://www.united.com)
Varig (+56 2 690 1348 / http://www.varig.cl)
Air France/KLM (+56 2 290 9696 / http://www.airfrance.cl)
Bus
Private buses and vans offer service to and from the airport to the city center and around Santiago. Companies with offices in the airport include:
TurBus (+56 2 601 9573 / http://www.turbus.cl)
Transvip (+56 2 677 3000 / http://www.transvip.cl)
CentroPuerto (+56 2 601 9883 / +56 2 601 0549)
TurTransfer (+56 2 677 3600 / http://www.turtransfer.cl)
Taxis
(+ 56 2 690 138) are readily available at the terminal (look for the blue "official" cab logo).
Rental Car
Rental car companies servicing the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport include:
Alamo (+56 2 690 1370 / http://www.alamochile.com)
Econorent (+56 2 690 1287 / http://www.econorent.net)
Rosselot (+56 2 690 1374 / http://www.rosselot.cl)
Avis (+56 2 690 1382 / +56 2 690 1318 / http://www.avischile.cl)
By Car:
Santiago is located along Chile's Highway 5.
Driving times to Santiago: From Rancagua – 1 hour; Valparaíso/Viña del Mar – 1 hour 30 minutes; Chillán – 4 hours 30 minutes; La Serena – 5 hours 30 minutes; Valdivia – 9 hours 20 minutes; Puerto Montt – 12 hours; Antofagasta – 15 hours; Arica – 23 hours.
Chile's roads are fast, efficient and well-maintained, especially when compared to other South American countries. That said, driving in Santiago can be a nightmare. There is lots of congestion and confusing traffic patterns. Avoid the morning and afternoon rush hours. Cars brought into Chile need local insurance and a Relaciones de Pasajeros (Passenger Relations) document, both of which are available at points of entry and border crossings.
Getting around
The quick and easy way to get around Santiago is via the metro (+56 2 250 3000 / http://www.metrosantiago.cl), which is clean, convenient and modern, and serves much of the city and its surrounding areas. The system's three lines run from 6:30a-11:00p M-Sa and 8:00a-10:00p Sundays and holidays. Regular travelers can buy a Valor or a "Multi-Trip Pass." Special buses, known as MetroBuses, start from Metro stations and act as an extension to the Metro system, and MetroBus combination tickets are available.
By Bus
Bus travel in South America is very popular and effective. The main international bus companies serving Santiago from as far as Rio de Janiero, Brazil, are:
Tas Choapa (+56 2 779 4295 / http://www.taschoapa.cl/)
El Rápido (+1 56 2 776 0049 / http://www.elrapidpoint.com.ar/)
These companies also run domestic routes within Chile, as do:
Tur Bus (+56 2 270 7500 / http://www.turbus.cl/)
Pullman Bus (+56 2 560 3700 / http://www.pullman.cl/).
There are four main bus terminals in Santiago:
Alameda, Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins 3750 (+56 2 776 2424) San Borja, Calle San Borja 184 (+56 2 7760645) Santiago, Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins 3848 (+56 2 3761755) Los Heroes, Calle Tucapel Jimenez 21 (+56 2 420 0099)
Taxi
Taxis are fairly reasonably priced, however beware of taxi drivers who take circuitous routes to get to your destination to bump up the fare. That said, the taxis in Santiago are safe and effective means of travel around the city. The official taxis are black and yellow and are easily found all over the downtown area of the city. For special destinations, etc, some other taxi companies around the city include:
Centro (+56 2 695 4148)
Andes-Pacifico (+56 2 225 3064 / http://www.andespacifico.cl)
Apoquindo (+56 2 211 6073).
Frommer's
Planning a Trip
Visitor Information
The National Tourism Service (Sernatur) office is at Av. Providencia 1550 (tel. 600/SERNATUR [737-6288]; www.sernatur.cl; Metro: Manuel Montt), open Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm, Saturday from 9am to 2pm. Sernatur also has a small information desk, with hotel information and maps, on the departure level of the airport open daily from 9am to 5pm (no phone). The Santiago Municipality has an Oficina de Turismo inside the Casa Colorada at Merced 860 (tel. 2/632-7783), with limited information about downtown Santiago attractions only. Also downtown, at the south side of Cerro Santa Lucía at Avenida Alameda, is a tourism office (tel. 2/664-4216). The Yellow Pages has detailed maps of the entire city of Santiago, or you can pick up a pocket guide to the city, called Map City (www.mapcity.com), sold at newsstands and kiosks, for $7 (£4.70).
City Layout
Santiago incorporates 32 comunas, or neighborhoods, although most visitors will find they spend their time in just a few. Downtown, or el centro, is the thriving financial, political, and historic center of Santiago, although it has been losing clout as more companies opt to locate their offices in burgeoning neighborhoods such as Providencia, Las Condes, and the tiny area that separates the two, El Golf (also known as El Bosque). These upscale, modern neighborhoods are residential areas centered on a bustling strip of shopping galleries, restaurants, and office buildings. El centro is older and scruffier, with the exception of the small but charming Lastarría/Parque Forestal micro-neighborhood, an up-and-coming arts and cafe community. Still, while it may not be easy on the eye or the nerves, centro remains the city's microcosm and the most rewarding place to get under the skin of Santiago's urban matrix.
The well-heeled residential neighborhood Vitacura, north of Las Condes and south of the Mapocho River, and spliced by the thoroughfare Avenida Kennedy, is home to Santiago's luxury shopping and many gourmet restaurants. The sleepy, middle-class residential communities Ñuñoa and La Reina offer few attractions and, therefore, little of interest to the visitor, with the exception of Plaza Ñuñoa and its booming restaurant and bar scene. Santiago is bisected by the Río Mapocho, a muddy river that alternately rushes or trickles down from the Andes and is bordered through downtown and Providencia by the grassy Parque Forestal. On the north side of the Mapocho rises the hill Cerro San Cristóbal, a 880m (2,886-ft.) forested park with lookout points over the city. At the foot of the hill is the bohemian neighborhood Bellavista, another restaurant haven and happening night spot. Note that the principal avenue that runs through downtown is called Avenida Alameda by absolutely everyone, but its official moniker is Avenida Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins.
Getting There
By Plane
Santiago's Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCL; tel. 2/690-1900; www.aeropuertosantiago.cl) is served by LAN, Air Comet, Aerolínea Principal, and Sky, in addition to most major international carriers. The relatively new airport has plenty of restaurants (the best dining options are to be found when you have passed through the security and immigration checks) and souvenir stands, and a Vinoteca wine shop for last-minute purchases.
Once you pass through Customs, there is a small currency exchange kiosk. To the left and right of the passenger gate there are cash machines. Men in olive jumpsuits at the arrival gate and the outdoor-departure curb work as airport bellhops, and they will assist you with your luggage for a 1,000 to 2,000 peso tip (about $1.70-$3.40/£1.15-£2.25).
Depending on traffic, your Santiago destination, and how you get there, the city can be reached in 20 to 45 minutes. Most hotels offer a private car or van pickup for about $25 (£17). An official taxi to Santiago costs between $25 and $30 (£17-£20), depending on your destination. Tip: A gauntlet of taxi drivers vie for business at the exit gate, but play it safe and buy a taxi ride at one of the official counters located just as you exit the gate, to avoid getting ripped off. More economical options are the minivan transfer shuttles TransVip (tel. 2/677-3000; www.transvip.net) and Tur Transfer (tel. 2/677-3600; www.turtransfer.cl) that charge, per person, $8 (£5.30) for downtown Santiago and $10 (£6.70) to Las Condes. Tickets can be purchased in both the domestic and international arrivals areas. For outbound passengers leaving Santiago for the airport, both companies prefer that reservations are made 1 day in advance. The drawback with this service is that you may stop at several other destinations before arriving at your own. Cheaper yet are bus services that depart from the far ends of the arrival curb and drop passengers downtown, from where they can take the Metro or a taxi. Hotels can also arrange taxis on a fixed fare basis which, depending on your hotel and negotiation skills, tends to be much cheaper, at about $23 (£15). The blue bus Centropuerto leaves every 10 minutes from 6am to 11:30pm and drops passengers at Los Héroes Metro station on the main avenue Alameda. Tur Bus leaves every 30 minutes from 6:30am to midnight, dropping passengers off at Terminal Alameda at the Universidad de Santiago Metro station. The cost is $2.50 (£1.70).
By Bus
There are four bus stations in Santiago. The station for international arrivals and departures to and from destinations in southern Chile is Terminal Buses Estación Central, formerly known as the Terminal Santiago and not to be confused with the actual Estación Central train station and Metro stop; it's located at Alameda 3850 (tel. 2/376-1755; Metro: Universidad de Santiago). The Terminal Alameda next door at Alameda 3750 is the terminal for the Pullman and Tur Bus companies, two well-respected, high-quality services. For departures to northern and central Chile, you'll go to Terminal San Borja, Alameda 3250 (tel. 2/776-0645; Metro: Estación Central). The smaller Terminal Los Héroes, Tucapel Jiménez 21 (tel. 2/423-9530; Metro: Los Héroes), has service to a variety of destinations in both northern and southern Chile as well as a clutch of international destinations.
By Train
Santiago is serviced by the state owned Empresa de los Farrocarriles del Estado (EFE), which provides modern and comfortable service to Chillán, stopping first in Rancagua, San Fernando, and Talca, and passing through beautiful, pastoral landscapes. For reference, prices in 2008 from Santiago to Chillán were $13 to $15 (£8.70-£10) one-way for "salon" class, and $26 to $28 (£17-£19) one-way for "preferred" class, which has seats that recline to 140 degrees. Tickets purchased online are 10% cheaper. There is a snack and beverage service car. Call EFE or check the website for updated information (tel. 600/585-5000; www.efe.cl), or check with your travel agent or hotel for a reservation.
Planning a Trip
Visitor Information
The National Tourism Service (Sernatur) office is at Av. Providencia 1550 (tel. 600/SERNATUR [737-6288]; www.sernatur.cl; Metro: Manuel Montt), open Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm, Saturday from 9am to 2pm. Sernatur also has a small information desk, with hotel information and maps, on the departure level of the airport open daily from 9am to 5pm (no phone). The Santiago Municipality has an Oficina de Turismo inside the Casa Colorada at Merced 860 (tel. 2/632-7783), with limited information about downtown Santiago attractions only. Also downtown, at the south side of Cerro Santa Lucía at Avenida Alameda, is a tourism office (tel. 2/664-4216). The Yellow Pages has detailed maps of the entire city of Santiago, or you can pick up a pocket guide to the city, called Map City (www.mapcity.com), sold at newsstands and kiosks, for $7 (£4.70).
City Layout
Santiago incorporates 32 comunas, or neighborhoods, although most visitors will find they spend their time in just a few. Downtown, or el centro, is the thriving financial, political, and historic center of Santiago, although it has been losing clout as more companies opt to locate their offices in burgeoning neighborhoods such as Providencia, Las Condes, and the tiny area that separates the two, El Golf (also known as El Bosque). These upscale, modern neighborhoods are residential areas centered on a bustling strip of shopping galleries, restaurants, and office buildings. El centro is older and scruffier, with the exception of the small but charming Lastarría/Parque Forestal micro-neighborhood, an up-and-coming arts and cafe community. Still, while it may not be easy on the eye or the nerves, centro remains the city's microcosm and the most rewarding place to get under the skin of Santiago's urban matrix.
The well-heeled residential neighborhood Vitacura, north of Las Condes and south of the Mapocho River, and spliced by the thoroughfare Avenida Kennedy, is home to Santiago's luxury shopping and many gourmet restaurants. The sleepy, middle-class residential communities Ñuñoa and La Reina offer few attractions and, therefore, little of interest to the visitor, with the exception of Plaza Ñuñoa and its booming restaurant and bar scene. Santiago is bisected by the Río Mapocho, a muddy river that alternately rushes or trickles down from the Andes and is bordered through downtown and Providencia by the grassy Parque Forestal. On the north side of the Mapocho rises the hill Cerro San Cristóbal, a 880m (2,886-ft.) forested park with lookout points over the city. At the foot of the hill is the bohemian neighborhood Bellavista, another restaurant haven and happening night spot. Note that the principal avenue that runs through downtown is called Avenida Alameda by absolutely everyone, but its official moniker is Avenida Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins.
Getting There
By Plane
Santiago's Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCL; tel. 2/690-1900; www.aeropuertosantiago.cl) is served by LAN, Air Comet, Aerolínea Principal, and Sky, in addition to most major international carriers. The relatively new airport has plenty of restaurants (the best dining options are to be found when you have passed through the security and immigration checks) and souvenir stands, and a Vinoteca wine shop for last-minute purchases.
Once you pass through Customs, there is a small currency exchange kiosk. To the left and right of the passenger gate there are cash machines. Men in olive jumpsuits at the arrival gate and the outdoor-departure curb work as airport bellhops, and they will assist you with your luggage for a 1,000 to 2,000 peso tip (about $1.70-$3.40/£1.15-£2.25).
Depending on traffic, your Santiago destination, and how you get there, the city can be reached in 20 to 45 minutes. Most hotels offer a private car or van pickup for about $25 (£17). An official taxi to Santiago costs between $25 and $30 (£17-£20), depending on your destination. Tip: A gauntlet of taxi drivers vie for business at the exit gate, but play it safe and buy a taxi ride at one of the official counters located just as you exit the gate, to avoid getting ripped off. More economical options are the minivan transfer shuttles TransVip (tel. 2/677-3000; www.transvip.net) and Tur Transfer (tel. 2/677-3600; www.turtransfer.cl) that charge, per person, $8 (£5.30) for downtown Santiago and $10 (£6.70) to Las Condes. Tickets can be purchased in both the domestic and international arrivals areas. For outbound passengers leaving Santiago for the airport, both companies prefer that reservations are made 1 day in advance. The drawback with this service is that you may stop at several other destinations before arriving at your own. Cheaper yet are bus services that depart from the far ends of the arrival curb and drop passengers downtown, from where they can take the Metro or a taxi. Hotels can also arrange taxis on a fixed fare basis which, depending on your hotel and negotiation skills, tends to be much cheaper, at about $23 (£15). The blue bus Centropuerto leaves every 10 minutes from 6am to 11:30pm and drops passengers at Los Héroes Metro station on the main avenue Alameda. Tur Bus leaves every 30 minutes from 6:30am to midnight, dropping passengers off at Terminal Alameda at the Universidad de Santiago Metro station. The cost is $2.50 (£1.70).
By Bus
There are four bus stations in Santiago. The station for international arrivals and departures to and from destinations in southern Chile is Terminal Buses Estación Central, formerly known as the Terminal Santiago and not to be confused with the actual Estación Central train station and Metro stop; it's located at Alameda 3850 (tel. 2/376-1755; Metro: Universidad de Santiago). The Terminal Alameda next door at Alameda 3750 is the terminal for the Pullman and Tur Bus companies, two well-respected, high-quality services. For departures to northern and central Chile, you'll go to Terminal San Borja, Alameda 3250 (tel. 2/776-0645; Metro: Estación Central). The smaller Terminal Los Héroes, Tucapel Jiménez 21 (tel. 2/423-9530; Metro: Los Héroes), has service to a variety of destinations in both northern and southern Chile as well as a clutch of international destinations.
By Train
Santiago is serviced by the state owned Empresa de los Farrocarriles del Estado (EFE), which provides modern and comfortable service to Chillán, stopping first in Rancagua, San Fernando, and Talca, and passing through beautiful, pastoral landscapes. For reference, prices in 2008 from Santiago to Chillán were $13 to $15 (£8.70-£10) one-way for "salon" class, and $26 to $28 (£17-£19) one-way for "preferred" class, which has seats that recline to 140 degrees. Tickets purchased online are 10% cheaper. There is a snack and beverage service car. Call EFE or check the website for updated information (tel. 600/585-5000; www.efe.cl), or check with your travel agent or hotel for a reservation.
