Chile is the Walt Disney Land of outdoor adventure and has often been compared to Norway, New Zealand and Alaska.  Chile is a country where you could ski/snowboard in the Andes Mountains and swim in the Pacific Ocean in the same day. 

Chile is probably best known for its economic stability, Pablo Neruda, outdoor adventures, Valparaìso and Santiago.

There are amazing natural wonders such as, fjords, forests, lakes and of course a spine of tall, rugged mountains. Santiago is the vibrant capital city where you will feel at home immediately.  Santiago is a magnificent city and occupies one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world.

The snow-capped Andes are less than an hour away to the east and the Pacific Ocean is 1.5 hours to the west. Even though Santiago is a large city it has a small town feel. There are always quiet neighborhoods to be found and it is very easy to leave Santiago in order to explore the surrounding countryside. 

Santiago may not be as famous as Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro but this clean and modern city never fails to impress. Plus its proximity to everything makes Santiago the ideal place to be in Chile. Santiago has a privileged climate and is sunny most days of the year. It also has an animated nightlife and a variety of stylish restaurants. Activity is guaranteed while here.

When to Go:
When is the best time to travel to Santiago?  The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with four well-defined seasons (which are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere).  The weather is comparable to that of central and southern California.

Things to See and Do

Skiing – Chile is known internationally as one of the world's best skiing destinations and the best of South America.  Around Santiago, the places to ski are Portillo, El Colorado, La Parva, Valle Nevado, Lagunillas and Chapa Verde. Rafting and Kayaking – Chile’s rivers are perfect for rafting as well as kayaking.  Both can be practiced by families on easy rivers, as well as those who prefer the extra adrenalin that is offered in the challenge of faster, white rapids. Fishing - Chile is an excellent destination for fishermen. With a coastline more than four thousand kilometers long as well as countless rivers and lakes, Chile offers incredible scenery as well as an ample variety of species. Trekking - The diversity of Chile's geography means that you can trek among different environments, terrain, and climates; from popular places with good infrastructure to wild and unexplored places. Surfing - Chile is a great surfing destination; from the Northern region to the Central region there are many beaches with the right conditions for the sport. You can surf practically all year round here. Mountaineering - Chile boasts 4,200 km (2,625 mi) of mountain ranges, with summits over 23,000 ft. high, many of which are still unexplored. In addition, it serves as an excellent departure point for climbing the Aconcagua Mt. located in Argentina but only 150 km. (94 MI) from Santiago. Golf – With 58 golf courses, tee it up in Chile.  Play in the Andes Mountains or along the Pacific Ocean. Hot Springs - Chile boasts diverse thermal areas from rustic wells in the ground to modern spas and resorts. Wine Tasting – Chile is wine country and many of the vineyards are concentrated in The Central Valley, where Santiago is the hub.  So you can stay comfortably in Santiago and enjoy the many excellent restaurants and nightlife the capital has to offer while visiting and tasting during the day. Culture – In recent years, Santiago has found a new identity for itself and has entered into a cultural renaissance.  There is a growing collection of quality art galleries, theaters and cultural centers. Theaters - Chile is proud of its theatrical tradition and performances catering to most tastes can be found across Santiago. Literature – Chile has a literary heritage that is the envy of the world. Few countries so small can boast two winners of the Nobel Prize for Literature:  Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda.  Chile's most internationally renowned contemporary writer is Isabel Allende, niece of former Socialist president Salvador. Chile's Independence Day (Fiestas Patrias) - The fiestas patrias are a time for all Chileans to gather together and celebrate their country, culture, and independence.  This week includes:  rodeos, parades, dances, drinking, eating traditional Chilean food, and music.