Chile's vibrant capital nestled between snow-capped Andes mountains and Pacific coast offers stunning scenery, wine country, and modern Latin culture.

Santiago was founded by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia in 1541 at the foot of the Andes Mountains in Chile's fertile central valley. The city became the capital of colonial Chile and survived earthquakes, floods, and wars to grow into South America's most modern metropolis. Santiago's strategic location between the towering Andes and the Pacific Ocean creates spectacular views from almost anywhere in the city. After Chile's return to democracy in 1990, Santiago flourished economically while maintaining its rich cultural heritage. Today's Santiago combines gleaming skyscrapers with historic neighborhoods, pre-Columbian artifacts with contemporary art, and traditional markets with modern malls. Families can ride cable cars up San Cristóbal Hill for panoramic views, explore excellent museums, enjoy nearby ski resorts in winter or beaches in summer, and taste delicious Chilean food including world-famous wines (grape juice for kids!).

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