Santiago
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Museums

Santiago, like other big cities, is a busy and somewhat stressful place, with people running around from one place to another, and no time to stop to observe the beautiful and interesting places that surround them. The Palacio de la Real Academia, which is now the site of the Museo Histórico Nacional (National History Museum). The palace was built towards the end of the colonial period, between 1804 and 1807, and was then home to the highest court in the country under Spanish control. Don't miss the chance to visit this museum.

On the opposite side of Calle Rosal, one can also find handicrafts and bookshops or visit the Museum of Pre-Colombian Cultures. The Museo de Arte Sagrado (Museum of Sacred Art) is where religious objects, furniture, a silver lectern and manuscripts from the times of the Colony and the Republic are kept. Further along Calle Merced, to the east, is the Basilica and Museum of Merced, a beautiful and impressive building which once belonged to the order of the Mercedarians. After several earthquakes, the present building was erected in 1760.

Churches

Santiago has some of the most magnificent churches and sanctuaries in the world. One such place, right in the center of Santiago, is the walk which starts at the Casa Central de la Universidad Católica, one of the most prestigious centers for study and research in the country. Right in front of the University is Calle José Vistorino Lastarria, which is where one begins to experience the peace and quiet of the area, particularly if compared to the noise and activity of the Alameda, or Bernardo O'Higgins (the main avenue in Santiago). Lastarria Street has a very pleasant atmosphere, heightened by such places as the Theatre and Café El Biógrafo, on the corner of Calle Villavicencio, and restaurants like those on the Plaza Mulato Gil de Castro. Another special place to visit is the Church of Veracruz, declared a national monument, which stands out in spite of its size. In the surrounding area is the Cathedral of Santiago, which was destroyed several times by various earthquakes. Two additional towers were built towards the end of the 19th Century.

The Iglesia y Museo de San Francisco (Saint Francis' Church and Museum), built between 1586 and 1628 is the oldest architectural monument still standing today in Chile.

City Parks & Santiago Zoo

When you come to the end of the street, cross Calle Merced and Calle Monjitas, and you will come to the Parque Forestal. Going eastward through the sculptures and variety of trees (oriental plane trees, palm trees and plum trees), you will come out to Calle Pío Nono. Just before you get there, to your left, is the recently opened Teatro del Puente, where you can enjoy theater plays on the river Mapocho. In the midst of the grey of the city of Santiago, you will find one of the largest green areas in the capital: the Parque Metropolitano, which features 712 hectares of green land across the hills of San Cristóbal, Chacarillas, Pirámide and Blanco. San Cristóbal hill is a true symbol of the city, being higher than its neighbors and topping 860 meters. In 1921, works started on the hill to make a green public pathway, and six years later the works were completed. Today, it is one of the most attractive and popular places in Santiago. Apart from the green spaces, it also holds the Zoo, home to 170 animal species. There are also two swimming pools, a picnic area, a square for children to play in, a chapel, the Mapulemu Botanical Gardens Mapulemu Botanical Gardens and the wine cellar, where all sort of events take place. The most impressive thing about it, however, is the breathtaking view of Santiago, even more spectacular if you happen to go on a clear day after it has rained, or at night, when you can see all the city lights.

Plazas & National Institutions

Along Calle Pío Nono, towards the north, you come to one of the most entertaining and interesting areas in Santiago, Bellavista. Bars, discotheques, restaurants, cafés—you can find anything here. This is where the poet Pablo Neruda chose to live. You can end your walk paying a visit to his house La Chascona. If you turn right, along Calle Antonia López de Bello, and then left again along Constitución, you will eventually come out onto Calle Fernando Márquez de la Plata.

This visit to the heart of Santiago includes the Plaza de Armas and the religious, cultural and institutional buildings nearby. It will take about three hours, but it is best to do it in the morning on a weekday, except Mondays, which is when most of the museums are closed. Spanish conqueror Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago in 1541 and made this square the reference point in measuring the country.

On the north side of the square is the Correo Central (The Central Post Office), which was built in 1882 in the place that was once the Palace of the Governors of the Colony. After the effects of a fire, it was refurbished in 1908. Now, the second floor is an interesting Telegraphic Post Museum, with displays postal and telegraphic history and an interesting stamp collection. In front of the museum is the building of the Courts of Justice, declared a national monument, much like the former Ex Congreso Nacional building. Behind these buildings lies the Palacio Edwards, also known as the September Palace. The National Library is an impressive French-style building that was built between 1913 and 1924. Inside, don't miss the Medina room, which holds the most important collection of papers from the Indies in Latin America. Go down Calle Moneda and you will get to the famous Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Square), surrounded by other important public buildings.

Santa Lucia Hill

It is recommended that you start this tour at Santa Lucía underground station. Outside the station and to the northeast is the famous Cerro Santa Lucía (Hill of Santa Lucía), known as Huelén by the natives and later named Santa Lucía by Pedro de Valdivia. From 1872 to 1875, 150 prisoners worked on it to make a public pathway. We recommend you go during the day and keep away from deserted areas. If you turn right down Calle San Antonio, and past Calle Moneda, you will get to the Teatro Municipal, which is well worth a visit. The main cultural activities in Santiago (opera, ballet and concerts) take place here. Opened in 1857, it later suffered the effects of a terrible fire in 1870, and an earthquake in 1906. However, it has been rebuilt and refurbished in keeping with the original design. Other places nearby which are also worth paying a visit to are the Plaza del Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins (opposite the Palacio de la Moneda), the Club de la Unión, the Bolsa de Comercio (the stock exchange) and the Universidad de Chile.

Adventure Tours
Eagle Touring (+56 2 2355302 / http://www.chiletouring.cl/)
Archaeological Tours (+1 866 740 5130 / http://www.archaeologicaltrs.com/am_no-chile.html)

Walking Tours
Chilebbtours (+56 2 6963847 / http://www.chile-travel.com/)
Chile Call Center (+1 800 811 3077 / http://www.chilecallcenter.com/excursions.htm)
Chile Tours (+1 800 811 8829 / http://www.chile-tours.com/santiago.htm)