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Day One: Santiago

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The first day of our trip will be spent in the capital city of Chile, Santiago. Here the magnificent Andes Mountain Range can be seen from practically anywhere in the city. Santiago is one of a select few capital cities in the world that has easy access to both beaches and ski slopes.

After arriving in the morning and getting settled in, spend the afternoon touring the most significant tourist attractions of historic and modern Santiago. The Santa Lucia Hill in the city center is a significant historic landmark. It was at the bottom of this hill that the Spanish Conquistador Pedro de Valdivia established the city of Santiago in February of 1541. He designed the city in keeping with the traditional Spanish checkerboard layout, which is still apparent today in the downtown region. The churches in the downtown date back to the 17th and 18th century, and the area also contains buildings that were once the seat of chief colonial institutions.

First, visit La Moneda, the presidential palace. Later travel through the Plaza de Armas, with its colorful gardens. Although it is significantly different from how it was years ago, the surrounding buildings are reminiscent of its historical aura. Next, visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, found on the western side of the plaza. The Cathedral is located where the very first church in Santiago was originally constructed. To the north of the Cathedral are the Post Office, the Townhall, and the National Museum of History of Santiago. Make sure you explore the newer residential areas of the city, including a trip to the top of San Cristobal Hill. Here, visitors will enjoy an awe-inspiring view of Santiago.

During the days of the Republic, contemporary central neighborhoods emerged in the colonial Santiago of the 16th century. By the 1930s, modern Santiago was birthed, displaying proudly its green areas and architecture, which today provide the city with a fresh and natural touch. It is not hard to notice the growth and expansion the city has made when using the many facilities made available to visitors. Enjoy the evening at a quality restaurant and then retire in a modern, comfortable hotel.

Next Page: Day Two: Valparaso and Viña del Mar

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