Approximately two decades of uninterrupted economic growth have transformed Santiago into one of Latin America's most metropolitan areas with extensive suburban development, world class shopping and nightlife and impressive high-rise architecture.

The city has some of Latin America's most modern transportation infrastructure, including the Santiago Metro and the new Costanera Norte Highway. Santiago has emerged as one of the most recommended cities for tourism and for conventions and business trips in South America. However, it has retained its Latin charm and the people are some of the friendliest, sociable and welcoming you will ever meet.

The heart of Santiago is Cerro San Cristobal. Even though the statue of the Virgin Mary and the Zoo are the most popular attractions, San Cristobal also offers miles of trails for hiking and biking, picnic areas and amazing views that make you forget you are in the middle of a modern capital city.

Santiago is the country’s center for arts and culture. It offers over 20 important museums, cultural centers, concert venues and over 50 theaters and cinemas spread throughout the city. Music festivals and live performances in the open air are common in the summer months (December-March).
 
Chile is also home to one of the world’s best skiing destinations, with 6 resorts less than an hour from the center of Santiago. The Andes Mountains, the highest outside of Asia, incorporate nearly 100 skiable miles of slopes in Santiago alone. Every year is a fantastic ski season!

As far as weather is concerned, Santiago is best described as a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot but not humid and the winters are very mild with rain in the city and snow in the higher mountain elevations, which means that the city’s attractions can be enjoyed any time of the year.

Santiago is conveniently located a short distance from the mountains and the sea, which allows you to take day or weekend trips and experience popular outdoor sports such as rafting, paragliding, zip lining, surfing, trekking, etc.