Geographical position
The Republic of Chile is located in the southwest of South America, between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes. The height of the Andes in some places in northern Chile reaches 6880 m. The highest point in the country is Mount Ojos del Salado (6893 m) on the border with Argentina. There are many volcanoes in the country. In the area of the island of Tierra del Fuego there is an extensive system of fjords. Between the ridges of the Andes is the Longitudinal Valley, which is the main economic region of the state.
Mainland Chile shares borders with Argentina, Peru and Bolivia. The western part of the country is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The capital of Chile is Santiago (4.6 million inhabitants). The area of the republic is 756.6 thousand square meters. km. The length of Chile from the city of Arica, located in the north, to Cape Horn in the south, is 4025 km.
The Republic of Chile has access to the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Magellan.
In the Pacific Ocean, Chile owns several small islands. These are: Easter Island, the Sala y Gomez Islands, San Felix, San Ambrosio, the Juan Fernandez Islands, and the Diego Ramirez Islands, which are located 100 km southwest of Cape Horn.
By latitude, the territory of the country is divided into three regions, which have different climates and topography. These are: Northern Desert (Atacama desert region), Central Chile (Andean highlands) and Southern Chile (hilly zone of dense forests in the foothills of the Southern Andes with narrow straits and mountainous islands in the extreme south). Chile is the longest and narrowest country on the planet. In addition, it is also the southernmost country in the world, because. located just 900 km from Antarctica. The Chilean city of Puerto Williams is considered the southernmost city in the world. The Atacama Desert is the driest place on earth.
Almost all rivers in the country belong to the Pacific Ocean. The largest river in the middle part of the country is the Bio-Bio. The largest lakes in Chile are Llanquihue and Ranco. The Patagonian lakes are located in the eastern foothills of the Andes, on the border with Argentina. For this reason, most of them have double names: Chilean and Argentinean.
The climate in Chile is quite diverse: tropical desert in the north, Mediterranean in the center and temperate oceanic in the south. This is due to the large length of the country from north to south. Climate zones can be divided into three groups. In the north of the country, a tropical, desert type of climate prevails. The northern region of the country is considered one of the driest places in the world. Under the influence of the Humboldt current, the temperature softens there.
In Santiago, in January, the air temperature is from 12°C to 29°C, and in July - from 3°C to 15°C.
In the middle part of Chile, a temperate climate of the oceanic type dominates. The air temperature in these places ranges from +3-12 in winter to +22 °C in summer. In this case, precipitation falls from 100 to 800 mm. a year, mostly in winter. On mountain slopes up to a height of 1 thousand meters above sea level, the amount of precipitation can reach up to 2500 mm. in year.
The highlands of the country differ from the coastal plain in a cooler climate. Here the temperature even in summer can not exceed +3 ° C, and in winter it drops to -27 ° C) and an insignificant amount of precipitation. To the south are colder regions, where it even sometimes snows.
The average annual temperature in Punta Arenas is around 7°C.
Easter Island has an even subtropical hot climate. The coolest time here is from July to August. The average monthly air temperature is +18°C. The hottest month is February with an average temperature of +24°C. On this island, most of the precipitation falls in May. It is cold in the area of the Strait of Magellan and on the island of Tierra del Fuego. Strong winds blow there, little precipitation falls.
The best time to visit Santiago and the central region of Chile is from September to November. It is better to go to Easter Island in March, and to ski resorts - June-August.
Chile is one of the countries in Latin America with the highest quality roads. In addition, this country has a fairly extensive network of railways and convenient air traffic.
Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport is located 26 km west of Santiago.
Tourists can use buses to move around the city. They are painted yellow and white. However, the movement speed is low. In addition, city buses are not very comfortable.
Intercity buses are offered by several companies in all cities of the country. The level of service is quite high, they go regularly.
The capital has a subway with three lines. It should be noted that the subway there is distinguished by its speed, cleanliness, safety and cheapness. On weekdays and Saturdays, the metro is open from 6:30 to 22:30, on Sundays and holidays - from 8:00 to 22:30.
Taxis are quite popular in Chile. To make them easy to recognize, these cars are brightly colored with black bottoms and yellow tops. Each car is equipped with a counter and has its own registration number. Chilean taxi drivers are distinguished by their politeness.
Railways stretched from Santiago to the south of the country. They pass through such cities as: Rancagua, Talca, Chillan, Concepcion and to the final station - Temuco. Chilean trains have several types of passenger cars. They vary in terms of comfort. Train delays occur quite often in the country.
Tourists in Chile can also rent a car. This is done by a large number of different companies. The driver must be at least 21 years old and not older than 75. He must have a passport, an international driver's license and a credit card with him, which will serve as a guarantee.
Some companies offer such a convenient service as car return in any city of the country. You need to know that when returning the car, it must have the same fuel level with which it was rented.
Most often, car rental implies unlimited mileage, insurance, 24-hour rental, the presence of a child seat, luggage rack, ski equipment, as well as a cable and a map.
In Chile, the driver and passenger must wear seat belts. It is forbidden to smoke, use a cell phone or player while driving. Chilean drivers very often show their intentions with their left hand. If the traffic rules have been violated, the driver loses his license and will have to meet with the judge. In Chile, driving licenses and documents are often checked on the roads. Drunk driving is considered a serious offence. He will have to pay a big fine. Such a driver may even be arrested.
If necessary, the tourist also has the opportunity to rent a car with a driver. At the same time, you need to know that the payment will be higher if the driver speaks one of the European languages.
Of great importance is maritime transport, which provides 95% of the country's total foreign trade turnover. Major ports: Huasco, Valparaiso, Tocopilla.
Minerals
Chile has a large amount of minerals. Among industrialized and developing countries, the country ranks first in terms of copper reserves (over 97 million tons) and saltpeter. The country ranks second after America in terms of molybdenum reserves. Chile ranks third after Iraq and the US in terms of sulfur reserves. Molybdenum reserves amount to 2500 thousand tons. The country also has reserves of gold, silver, rare earth elements, lithium, iron, coal, natural gas. Oil and gas fields are located on Tierra del Fuego (oil - 51 million tons, gas - 70 billion m 3). Coal deposits (Lota, Coronel, etc.) are located near the city of Concepción. The total reserves are 3.9 billion tons. Coal is mined mainly brown, of low quality. Table salt, sodium nitrate and iodine salts, manganese, molybdenum, tungsten, zinc and aluminum are mined in the foothill depressions.
Agriculture
Only 8% of the country's area is occupied by the cultivation of agricultural crops. Approximately 3/4 of the cultivated land is given over to cereals and vegetables. The main crops are wheat, barley, oats, potatoes and sugar beets. The methods of cultivating the land and harvesting are rather primitive. However, the wheat harvest is high. Wheat crops occupy almost half of the arable land in Central Chile. Corn (maize) is a traditional fodder crop in Chile. Clover, alfalfa, vetch, legumes, rice and pepper are also grown in the country. Fruit grows in the northern part of Central Chile. Vineyards occupy 2% of the total area of cultivated land. They are located mainly in the provinces of Talca, Santiago and Linares. Chile sells wines for export to the US and Europe.
Animal husbandry is quite important for the country's economy. In the southern part of Central Chile, cattle and dairy animals are mainly bred. Sheep breeding is carried out mainly in the extreme south of the country, in the Punta Arenas region.
healthcare
For a trip to Chile, tourists are advised to take out international health insurance. To protect your health, it is best to get vaccinated against tetanus and hepatitis. Sometimes epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis are recorded in the country. In rural areas of Chile, infection with Chagas disease can occur. Other diseases that are spread by insects are practically non-existent in Chile. Occasionally, cases of rabies infection may occur.
The milk sold in Chile is pasteurized and is safe to drink even when unpasteurized. The only exception is some remote mountainous regions of the country. Meat and fish must be cooked. Pork, lettuce, and sauces may pose some danger. Vegetables should be thoroughly washed before eating. It is best to remove the peel from fruits and vegetables. All water must be boiled.
Useful data for tourists about Chile, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, the currency of Chile, the cuisine, the features of visa and customs restrictions in Chile.
- Capital: Santiago
- Territory: 756.9 thousand square meters km
- Country code: +56
- Domain: .cl
- Network: 220V
- Time: Moscow - 6 hours, -8 hours (in summer).
- Visa required to enter
Information about Chile
Geography of Chile
The Republic of Chile is a state in the southwest of South America, occupying a long strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes. In the west it is washed by the Pacific Ocean, it borders on Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia.
The country includes the Easter Islands (Rapa Nui, 3,700 km west of the coast of the country), Juan Fernandez (700 km west), a vast archipelago and part of the island of Tierra del Fuego in the southern part of the country, as well as many smaller islands .
Chile is divided into three regions that differ sharply from each other in climate and relief: Northern Desert (Atacama desert region), Central Chile (Andean highlands) and Southern Chile (a hilly zone of dense forests in the foothills of the Southern Andes and a labyrinth of narrow straits and mountainous islands on extreme south).
State
State structure
Republic. The head of state and government is the president. The highest legislative body is the bicameral National Congress.
Language
Official language: Spanish
English, German, Aymara, Araucan, Mapuche and languages of other ethnic groups are used.
Religion
Catholics - about 80%, Protestants - 13%, as well as adherents of other faiths.
Currency
International name: CLP
The Chilean peso is equal to 100 centavos. In circulation there are denominations of 20000, 10000, 5000, 2000 and 1000 pesos, as well as coins of 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1 pesos. It is possible to pay for goods and services in US dollars.
You can exchange money at banks or exchange offices ("casas de cambios"). It is quite possible to exchange with private money changers - their exchange rate is usually 10 percent more profitable, but cases of fraud are not uncommon here.
Large shops, restaurants and hotels accept credit cards of the world's leading systems for payment. Traveler's checks can be exchanged at banks (departments that deal with traveler's checks are usually only open until noon here) or at exchange offices (there are usually better rates here). To avoid additional exchange costs, it is recommended to take travelers checks in US dollars with you. In the province, the use of non-cash means of payment is problematic.
History of Chile
The history of Chile begins with the settlement of the region about 13,000 years ago. In the XVI century, the conquest and subjugation of the territories of present-day Chile by the Spanish conquistadors began, in the XIX century. the Chilean people won independence from colonial power. The further development of Chile until the Second World War was predetermined initially by the extraction of saltpeter and somewhat later by copper. The large availability of minerals has led to significant economic growth in Chile, but also to strong dependence on neighboring states and even wars with them. After a century of leadership of the Christian Democratic forces in the country, in 1970 socialist President Salvador Allende came to power in Chile. The coup of General Augusto Pinochet on September 11, 1973 marked the beginning of a 17-year dictatorship in the country and led to radical market reforms in the economy. Since 1988, Chile has embarked on a democratic path of development.
Chile map
Popular Attractions
Chile Tourism
Where to stay
The hotel base in Chile is improving every year. Classification of hotels in the country - standard European: from one to five stars. Chile has a very large selection of places to stay, ranging from hostels, small family hotels and guest houses to luxury premium hotels.
The best Chilean hotels are concentrated in Santiago, the country's largest city. Here are the hotels of all leading international hotel chains, most of which work on the all-inclusive program. The largest ski hotels in the country are located in such winter resorts as Portillo, Termas de Chillan, Valle Nevada.
A universal accommodation option for guests of Chile are cabañas - separate apartments or chalets, ranging from the simplest with minimal service and amenities to truly luxurious.
Apart-hotels, which are quite similar to cabañas, are considered a separate type of accommodation in the country. These are multi-apartment houses with separate cozy apartments, in which hotel service is accepted. Guests have at their disposal several rooms with a separate kitchen. Another option for accommodation in Chile is hosteria - a private hotel or boarding house of an average price range and level of service.
As for hostels, in the country they are located mainly in the capital. Many of them are located in private houses, where there are both common areas and separate rooms for guests. Most of the hostels are quite comfortable, and in terms of amenities they are not inferior to such inexpensive hotels as residencial, which can be found in every provincial city.
In almost all Chilean hotels, except for the cheapest ones, breakfast is included in the room rate. In inexpensive hotels, guests are offered a continental breakfast, and in more expensive hotels - a buffet or a traditional American breakfast.
Chile is a country nestled between the Pacific Ocean and mountain ranges. Andes on the southwestern coast of South America. There are different options for where the name of this unique country came from. Even the Chileans themselves cannot choose a single generally accepted version. According to the first theory, the name comes from the language of the Aymaru tribe and means "the place where the earth ends." According to the second, in translation from the Quechua language, it means "cold". The material culture of the Chilean people is a combination of elements of Spanish culture and the culture of the indigenous population.
Chile is not only the narrowest and longest country on the planet, but also the southernmost, because it is located 900 km from Antarctica. It borders Argentina to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, and the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Magellan.
Chile has three climatic and geographical regions. Northern desert, rather cold south of the country and humid area Middle Chile, which is the most developed economically. Santiago- industrial and financial center, the capital of the country. Also major cities include Valparaiso, Antofagasta and Punta Arenas. The official language is Spanish and is spoken by most Chileans.
More than 80% of the population are adherents of the Roman Catholic Church, but in Chile there are large groups of Protestants and followers of Judaism.
An important industry is mining. More than 80% of all minerals fall on copper mining, and the iron ore industry is in 2nd place.
Capital |
Santiago |
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Population |
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Population density |
22.81 people/km² |
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Spanish |
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Religion |
Catholics, Protestants |
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Form of government |
presidential republic |
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Chilean peso |
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Timezone |
UTC-4 (UTC-3 in summer) |
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International dialing code |
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Domain zone |
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Electricity |
Climate and weather
The climatic conditions of Chile are extremely diverse, and this is due to the great length of the country from north to south and the direct influence of the ocean. Average monthly temperatures can fluctuate considerably: from +12…+16 °С to +18…+22 °С. In the south of the country, the climate is subtropical, with a large amount of precipitation falling in the form of rain. The temperature here ranges from +3 °С to +14 °С. In the north, the climate is mostly dry and desert. The average temperature here is +12…+22 °С. The Mediterranean type of climate prevails in the center. There are four seasons characteristic of Chile: summer (December - February), autumn (March - May), spring (September - November), winter (June - August). The average Chilean winter temperature is about +3…+15 °С. During the summer in Chile, the weather is quite hot. The air temperature can reach +22 °С, but there is practically no sweltering heat here due to the cold current Humboldt.
Sea holidays in Chile are most favorable in the southern and middle parts of the country. The resort is considered the best place for a beach holiday. Viña del Mar next to the national botanical garden. In the highlands of the country, the climate is cool and characterized by temperatures that often do not rise above +3 °С. This makes ski holidays in Chile available all year round.
Nature
The territory of the country is a narrow strip of coastal plain, bounded from the east by mountain ranges. Andes, among which lies the Longitudinal (Central) valley. Often mountain ranges break the cones of dormant and active volcanoes ( Llullaillaco, Ojos del Salado, Tupungato etc.), and in the area of the island of Tierra del Fuego go under water and form a system of fjords. The highest point in the country is Mt. Ojos del Salado(height - 6,880 meters).
The flora of Chile depends on the climate zone. In the north of the country, thorns and cacti grow - the flora of the desert. In the central valley of Chile, some types of cacti are common, you can find the Chilean pine. south of Valdivia jungle is located. There grow: magnolia, laurel, several types of coniferous trees and beech. The extreme south of the country is covered with steppes.
Representatives of the animal world that you can meet: alpaca, llama, vicuña, puma, guanaco.
Birds are quite widely represented, but only ostriches are found among large species.
Attractions
Attractions, both natural and man-made, in Chile can be found at almost every step. The most popular are: lakes Miscanti and Chungara, geysers El Tatio, volcano Parinacota, granite "towers" Torres del Paine, desert Atacama, Easter Island and Patagonia, archaeological sites Sapawira and Copaquilla.
Chile's most frequently visited attraction is the National Park. Lauka, located at an altitude of more than 4,500 kilometers above sea level, almost on the border with Bolivia.
This wonderful reserve has a huge collection of the rarest representatives of flora and fauna.
Another interesting attraction is the volcano. Maipo, still active today, one of the southernmost peaks of the Andes. It is located on the border with Argentina, 100 kilometers from the capital and 90 kilometers from Tupungato. Maipo gained popularity due to its unusual, almost perfectly symmetrical conical shape.
It cannot be said about Municipal Opera and Ballet Theater in Santiago, built in 1857, considered one of the best on the entire continent. In addition to attracting attention Museum of History and Weapons in Arica, the National Museum of Fine Arts, which is the oldest museum in Latin America.
Nutrition
Chile is a country famous for its amazing seafood, which you can enjoy not only in good hotels, but also in most restaurants throughout the country. Especially delicious crabs and abalone shellfish. In addition to seafood, Chilean cuisine is famous for beef dishes, fresh vegetables and fruits. The country is associated with the name of hot pepper, and many mistakenly believe that the national cuisine is very spicy. This is not true. The local food is quite familiar to a European. Chileans eat a lot of meat, they love lamb very much. Prepared from beef asado- a common dish of fried meat.
Chicken is on most menus, although Chileans consider chicken to be second-rate meat. Popular Chilean dishes include:
- empanada de pino(patties with beef, raisins, onions, olives and eggs);
- Empanada de Queso(cheese in dough);
- Lomo a lo pobre(steak, fried eggs, fried potatoes);
- Cazuela de vacuno(soup with beef, potatoes, a piece of bread, pumpkin and rice), etc.
Chile is known for its wonderful wines, the most famous of which are red varieties. carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as white wine Casablanca. Among strong alcoholic drinks, pisco can be distinguished - grape brandy, on the basis of which various cocktails are prepared, such as Pisco Sour(Pisco with lemon juice and sugar).
The best and most popular restaurants are located in Santiago, in the districts Bellavista, Suesia, Las Condes where dinner for one guest costs about $30-55.
Accommodation
In Chile, you will have a wide variety of accommodation options - from cheap hostels, guest houses and small family hotels to upscale hotels from global chains such as Hyatt, Kempinski, Ritz, Sheraton etc. Cheap hotels are called Residential and is available in almost every city. Most of them work according to the well-known system All Inclusive("all inclusive").
Hotel prices are moderate for a European, but by Latin American standards they are high. In Santiago, a single room in the cheapest hotels costs from 7,000-8,000 Chilean pesos ($14-16) per day.
Average cost of a double room in a three-star hotel Santiago is $ 80-90 per day, in Valparaiso - $ 60-70, on Easter Island - $ 100-120. The price of a double room in a five-star hotel in Santiago is approximately $200.
If we talk about rental housing, then a 1-room apartment in the center Santiago will cost $300-500 per month, and a 3-room apartment will cost $600-900.
Entertainment and recreation
The country is known for its excellent ski resorts. One of the most popular is the resort Valle Nevado, located 60 kilometers from the capital. There are more than 30 well-equipped trails of different difficulty levels. The resort attracts attention Portillo, located 145 kilometers from Santiago, where there are many slopes that are suitable for skiers of any skill level.
Beach holidays are very common. Most of the beaches in Chile are free, except for those in the parks. The most popular beaches in the resorts Vilna del Mar, beach La Virgen in the bay English coast, beach playa blanca- in the park Llanos de Challe, beach Las Piscinas- near the cape El Morro, Anakena- on Easter Island, as well as the beach Los Piqueros located within the park sugar loaf.
Chile is famous for its bars, clubs and numerous restaurants that are scattered throughout the country. Most of them are concentrated in Santiago. The most famous of them are "Trampoline" and bar "Cathedral"(for rock fans), wine restaurant "Camino Real", "Casino Cumbre" and many others.
Like many other Latin American countries, Chile celebrates a huge number of different festivals and holidays. January in the city angol you can visit the Folklore Festival, in Valdivia— the most interesting Classical Music Festival, in ovalier- the festival del huaso, in San Bernardo– International Folklore Festival, festival Joronadas de Villarica- in Villarica, and this is not the whole list.
Purchases
When visiting another country, everyone wants to bring home gifts that reflect the local flavor and traditional culture. Chile is certainly not a country popular in the world of shopping, but the trip will not be considered complete if you do not bring souvenirs that symbolize this country.
Chile has the richest deposits of lapis lazuli, which is considered the national stone and has a special place in Chilean culture. Since lapis lazuli is mined in Chile, it can be bought much cheaper in the markets and in Chilean stores. It is worth paying attention to earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets and many other jewelry with a special blue color.
Statues are another popular souvenir. moai. They can be purchased in any form: mini-statues for the table, key chains, earrings, beads, etc. Moai are expensive or cheap depending on the size, type of wood or type of stone. High-quality moai are quite expensive - they cost from $50 and up. Also cannot be overlooked mapuche poncho, indio picaro- wooden figurines with a broad smile of the Mapuche Indians, as well as a huge number of copper souvenirs.
Transport
If we talk about intercity buses, then this type of service is provided by several companies. Their branches are in all cities of Chile. These firms provide a high level of service and work according to a convenient schedule. The city bus is easily recognizable by its bright yellow and white color scheme. But during peak hours, this is not the best way to travel. Taxis are popular in the country, which are distinguished by yellow and black colors. Each car has a meter and a registration number. Politeness and courtesy are the hallmarks of Chilean taxi drivers. Smoking on public transport (including taxis) is strictly prohibited.
The state rail transport system (EFE) stretches from Santiago to the south of the country. It passes through most cities such as Rancagua, Chillan, Conception, Talca and to the final station Temuco.
Also in Santiago there is a subway, which is the standard of excellent service and cleanliness. It is a fast, cheap and safe mode of transport. The local metro has three lines: the Red Line runs from West to East through the city center, the Yellow Line runs from the city center to the South-West, and the Green Line runs from the center to the South-East.
Connection
Mobile communication (standard GSM 1900) is quite well developed in Chile. Operators Entel, Claro, Movistar and others almost completely cover the plains of Chile and the capital. In mountainous areas, patchy coverage, even along most of the main highways, the connection is not very stable. One minute of local cellular communication costs $0.2-0.4. The local telephone connection is well developed: there are telephone booths everywhere. It is advantageous to buy a phone card, because the rates for calls from hotels are very high.
International calls are very cheap. You can make a call from any phone. Use a public phone in hotel lobbies or call from phone booths outside. There are outlets in commercial and shopping centers
for international calls.
The Internet is widespread in Chile. Large hotels provide this service in their business centers. You can also use the Internet in an Internet cafe.
Security
In Chile you can feel safe. Although, as elsewhere, you should beware of pickpockets on buses and the subway. In cafes and restaurants, especially those located on the street, you cannot leave your belongings unattended.
Keep your jewelry and passport in a safe (it is available in all hotels). Also take care of your migration cards and identity documents. If documents are lost, you must immediately report this to the police by calling 133 and to the consulate of your country.
As far as health is concerned, routine vaccinations against mumps, measles, rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough (DTP), and polio should be available. In addition, it is reasonable to check the vaccination requirements at the consular office of the host country itself.
In general, Chileans are very friendly and affable people, so a warm welcome awaits you everywhere, especially in small towns.
Business climate
Taxation in Chile is characterized by a small number of direct and indirect taxes and a minimum of tax incentives that are extended to exporters.
The Chilean income tax system includes: a tax on business income - 17%, a tax on the total income of individuals - from 0% to 40%, a tax on salaries and rewards, a tax on income of non-residents - 35%.
It is also interesting that Chile is a member of the American Free Trade Area ( FTAA - Free Trade Agreement of the Americas), which stretches from the fringes of South America to Alaska and is designed to stimulate the development of more lagging regions. In this regard, in two extreme regions (in the north, in the port Iquique, and in the south, in the city Punta Arenas) introduced a preferential taxation system. There is no sales tax, no percentage duty on the import of goods.
At present, a government program in Chile called Start Up Chile, created to attract entrepreneurs from all over the world to create start-ups in the country and use it as a platform to enter the global market. For program participants, the government of Chile allocates $40,000 to come to the country and start a business. The main goal of this program is to turn Chile into an innovative and entrepreneurial center of Latin America.
The property
Apartments in the capital and districts providencia and Las Condes(considered prestigious areas) of 50 "squares" of living space can be purchased at a price of $85,000. Housing with an area of 80-100 m 2 costs an average of $190,000-200,000. AT Viñe del Mar real estate is a bit cheaper.
Cottages with a fairly large plot (living space from 180 m 2 and a plot from 500 m 2) in the private sector cost from $ 160,000-80,000 and more. There are cheaper options, even for $70,000-80,000, but safety and comfort will be lower. In the north and south of Chile, housing is cheaper.
Rent an apartment in Santiago available for $500 (unfurnished, in a normal area). Furnished apartments are slightly more expensive. When renting, you need to add about another $ 400-600: this amount will cost the maintenance of the apartment (gas, water, electricity, Internet and television).
If we talk about real estate for doing business, today it has become more difficult to find and rent commercial premises in an area good for business (coffee houses, restaurants, hairdressers, etc.). In good areas, there is a glut of the real estate market - there are practically no premises, and the remaining ones are quite expensive to rent.
In Chile, guides and hotel staff wait for tips. Their size will depend on the service and financial well-being of the guests of the country. The porter's tip is $1. The restaurant adds about 10% to the amount in the bill, but the tip may already be included in the price of the order.
Paying in Chile is better than pesos. In medium-sized large stores, you can use credit cards of all known banking systems.
On weekends, Chilean cities quiet down: many shops are closed, even stalls with newspapers and cigarettes.
Swimming in the ocean is allowed only in strictly designated areas.
As for customs rules, Chile does not limit the amount of foreign and national currency transported across the border. Amounts above $10,000 must be declared. Uncanned food, seedlings and plants, weapons, insects, parrots and wild animals are not allowed. It is forbidden to export cultural or architectural values of the country, rare representatives of animals and plants.
Visa information
A visa to Chile is not required if you intend to visit the country as a tourist or guest (visiting relatives, friends) or if you are transiting the country. At the same time, the period of your stay in the country should not exceed 90 days within six months. If you plan to work or stay in Chile for more than the specified period, you must apply for a visa in advance at the Chilean consulates in Moscow, St. Petersburg or Vladivostok.
When crossing the border, you will need the following documents: passport, valid at the time of entry; confirmation of the availability of sufficient funds for the entire stay in Chile; a return ticket or a bank card with funds to purchase it; migration card, which is filled out in Spanish or English (valid for 90 days).
Address of the Consulate of Chile in Moscow: 121002, Moscow, Denezhny lane, house 7, building 1. Tel. 51, 241-43-11. The consulate is open every day from 10:00 to 13:00.
As soon as I left my five-star hotel in the center of Santiago, I realized that I would not stay here longer than necessary. It was the center, the sun was shining and I was even met by a car that took me to a meeting with local human rights activists.
I was well received, I told about my history with Azerbaijan, then there was lunch, a lot of communication with interesting guys and girls. But the first impression of the city, or call it the sixth sense, turned out to be correct. After dinner, when I returned to the city and went for a walk, every minute I became more and more convinced that it was not comfortable and dangerous here.
This feeling is extremely rare for me and the last time I experienced it in Johannesburg, South Africa many years ago. Most of all, my impression of Santiago is characterized by a photograph of a sleeping dog in the central square.
After half an hour of walking around the center, a policeman turned to me and recommended holding the camera tighter so that I would not be torn out. Thanking him, I looked around, but it was quite deserted around and at first glance the danger was not obvious. I had previously been to major cities in Latin America, be it Quito, Bogota, Buenos Aires, La Paz or Lima, and therefore had a good idea that crime on the entire continent is one of the most serious in the world. Few people - this is just more dangerous, in which case no one will help you. A lot of people are pickpockets.
The very center of the city is very busy, but tourists are not visible, the vast majority of those walking are local Chileans -
If Argentina is a European country in terms of ethnicity, then Chile is already largely mestizos and Indians. Interestingly, seemingly neighboring states with a common history of Spanish colonization.
So I say, a slight tension did not leave me. The very center, here are all the ministries and the main square with the Cathedral. But somehow everything is littered, miserable, cracked. There are a lot of declassed people, or simply poor -
There is no black population in Chile, or rather, it has never been before. Now there are several hundred thousand Africans in the country, and these are not even quite Africans from Africa, these are Cubans for the most part, who came in search of a better life.
Police at every turn -
And everything is fine with the Arabs in Santiago, in the sense that there are quite a lot of them, and the general statistics say that there are more than a million of them here out of the 17 million population of the republic. A significant part of them are Lebanese and Syrians, who massively migrated to Chile in the 70-80s because of the wars in the Middle East.
I decided to walk around the city, not limit myself to a couple of central squares. Looking ahead, I’ll say that during the day I walked about 15 kilometers on foot, bypassing the entire more or less central part of Santiago. As in many other cities in South America, as soon as you move a little away from the place where the parliament, the central Cathedral and the main walking street, you find yourself somewhere in the semblance of a post-apocalypse. Now let me explain clearly. So, go!
Police cars here are like from a movie about the "Terminator" -
There are also many mounted police -
View of the mighty peaks of the Andes, somewhat reminiscent of Almaty -
I've only gone 15 minutes from the center and I find myself in some kind of desolation. Here, once again, a random passer-by makes a sign to me, they say, be careful with the camera. For the second time in a day.
Why in a city with a population of 5 million inhabitants is absolutely empty in the center - I do not understand. There is a feeling that in such megacities people are trying to leave the centers and move to the outskirts, where the middle class lives and where it is quiet and calm. The centers are populated by poor people who have come in large numbers from the provinces and outright crime. The same situation, by the way, in many US cities.
A good place to shoot a horror movie about how people died out from a terrible virus. There are zombies hiding around here somewhere.
I wonder if that guy in the car has already been bitten?
To complete the picture, there is not enough pack of vicious dogs that eat the homeless. Joke!
Damn, what is this all about? Is it the center of the Chilean capital, a country for which the US canceled visas last year, or is it a slum in Uganda and Ethiopia? Well, really trash. I remind you that in a straight line to the Parliament of Chile there is not even a kilometer -
When I took a picture of a sleeping homeless person, from a passing car, my aunt pointed her finger at those Africans in the distance, they say, carefully. This is the third warning. It seems that the locals are seriously concerned about crime in the city.
Here is the number! Donkey in the center of Santiago -
The city is very littered -
There is some serious decline and pessimism in everything -
The church of the Lebanese Maronites, ugly painted with graffiti and, for added color, with a sleeping bum at the entrance -
Yes, graffiti reflects well what I see on the streets -
Oh, well, at least a little semblance of light. At least not gray slums -
It seems that there is more greenery, people have appeared, cars -
Ufff, it seems somehow got out into civilization -
I went to the zoo, but it was closed. The zoo is located on the slope of a hefty mountain, towering in the northeastern part of the center of Santiago. From there, there are beautiful views of the city itself and the Andes -
From afar, everything looks very solid, the main thing is not to look closer -
Santiago train station, from where you can leave ... yes, in fact, you can’t really go anywhere. Electric trains in the suburbs of the capital and many years of ongoing repairs on the line to Concepción and Puerto Montt. Now the station has turned into a bum. near which the Lonely Planet guide does not recommend walking. And there is nothing to do there, solid shops of African merchants.
As beautiful as the country of Chile, I also disliked the capital, Santiago. I'm flying wherever my eyes look.
Capital city of Chile Santiago de Chile located at the foot of the Andes on the banks of the Mapocho River, 100 km from the Pacific Ocean. The city is surrounded by mountain ranges: in the east -Main CordilleraAndes, in the north - Chacabuco, in the west - Coastal Cordillera. A few kilometers from the city there are volcanoes: Tupungato, Tupungatito, San Jose and Maipo.
How to get to Santiago de Chile
There are no direct flights from Moscow to Santiago de Chile and other cities in Chile. Therefore, an alternative ticket option is a flight with a transfer in Europe or America.The fastest flight from Moscow to Santiagois 20hours 10 minutes with transfer.Chile's main airport - internationalSantiago Arturo Merino Benítez Airport. The airport is located 25 km from Santiago.
Flight search engineAviasaleshelps its customers to buy cheap tickets by comparing airfare to Santiago de Chile in 45 agencies, 5 booking systems and 728 airlines. You decide which airline buy plane tickets to the city Santiago de Chile , Chile. To find out the cost of tickets and flight schedules - use the search form.
Temperature inSantiago de Chile by months
Attractions Santiago de Chile
Cathedral(Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago)
This building is known to everyone not only as the location of the archbishop, but also as the main sacred place, both of the city itself and of the whole country. The building has been a national monument of the republic since 1951. The Cathedral is located on the Plaza de Armas, in the heart of the city. It was built in the Baroque style. Construction was begun by the architect Antonio Acuna in 1748 and completed in 1800. In 2006, the walls and burial places of the senior bishop and saints were restored, and the main altar was erected. Most of all in this famous place of tourists are attracted by carved and wooden pulpits and an organ.
National Library (Biblioteca Nacional)
The National Library is one of the first buildings in the Republic of Chile. Many of the books available there were provided by the citizens themselves. In 1814, the library did not work due to hostilities, but since 1817, the library has not ceased to expand and develop. At the moment, it is located in a building, which is also considered a monument, executed in the neoclassical direction. The mausoleum of Bernardo O'Higgins, the supreme ruler of Chile, who declared the independence of the republic, is also located here.
Armas Square / Plaza de Armas(Plaza de Armas)
This area got its name for a reason. Some time ago, there was a gunpowder warehouse of the Spaniards in the same place. Now it is a historical symbol of Chile. On the square there is a monument to a conquistador sitting on a horse. The area looks laconic, but at the same time very attractive. Among all the buildings located on it, one stands out - the Post Office building, which used to be the residence of the president. More recently, a new monument appeared on the Armory Square - a monument to an Indian, which is dedicated to the indigenous population of the country. Also, if you search well, you can find a zero kilometer mark in the center of the square. The square is always lively, because it is a favorite place for both residents of the country and tourists.
Alhambra PalaceMuseo del Palacio de la Alhambra)
This building was built in 1865 by Manuel Aldunate. In fact, this palace is a copy of a Spanish palace. Initially, this building was an academy, and only students could visit it. In 2010, the palace was badly damaged by an earthquake, so that the number of students was reduced. There are many cracks on the walls of the building, it needs restoration. At the moment, the building is maintained by student fees and money received at the entrance. On the facade of the palace you can see lines from the Koran. Some works cannot be seen at the moment, because many halls are unsuitable for visiting.
Presidential palace /Palace of La Moneda
The palace has been called the Presidential Palace since 1846, before that it was the Mint. The palace has quite an interesting history. In 1973, fierce battles took place, during which the building suffered considerable damage. Also, during the assault, President Salvador Allende committed suicide. The palace offers free tours. In order to get to one of them, you need to apply somewhere in the week. There are guards at the very entrance. And if you come at 10 o'clock in the morning, you can see a colorful procession - the changing of the guard.
Zoo in Santiago (Zoologico Nacional de Chile)
This zoo is the largest in the country. It is located on the slopes of San Cristobal. He is actively involved in the conservation and study of the animals that are there, and besides, he is always glad to see guests. The history of the zoo is as follows: in 1875, a demonstration of exotic species of animals took place, which gave the idea for construction. And in 1925, 4.8 hectares of land were allocated for the zoo. The official opening took place on December 12, 1925. Today, there are 1000 animals of 158 different species here, among which there are some representatives of the local nature.
Hill of Saint Cristobal(Cerro San Cristobal)
This hill is not in the center, but it is here that the most beautiful views are presented to the eyes. At an altitude of 860 meters there is a forest zone. If you're lucky, you can enjoy the most wonderful scenery, but this is rare, because most often smog prevents this. At the very top there is a statue of the Holy Virgin Mary, which, with outstretched arms, is directed at the city, as if protecting and protecting it. This is a great place to spend your weekends, an ideal space for a picnic, walks. There is also a swimming pool, a zoo and a botanical garden.
Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes)
The museum was founded in 1880 and is now one of the oldest art museums in South America. The construction of the new museum building is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the independence of Chile; its opening took place in 1910. The chief architect of the museum, Emilio Jaqueuer, combined the neoclassical style with the baroque and art nouveau styles in this beautiful building. The museum houses not only collections of Chilean paintings and sculptures dating back to colonial times, but also works of art from all over the world.
