Flights to Santiago

 

A top travel destination, the capital and economic center of Chileopens, opens in a new window is thriving. Santiago has survived its share of earthquakes; as such, there are only a few historical buildings from the Spanish colonial period left in the city. In their place, skyscrapers and high rises have been popping up everywhere, giving the city a futuristic feel. In February 2011, Gran Costanera Toweropens, opens in a new window reached the 226 meters (741 feet) mark, officially becoming the tallest structure in Latin America, opens in a new window.

Though smog caused by thermal inversion is one of the city's unfortunate staples, fresh O2 can be found in one of Santiago's many parks. The largest of the public parks, Parque Metropolitano, is home to Cerro San Cristóbal. A cable car or a long hike up to the summit will reward you with a beautiful view of the city and, on a clear day, the Andes mountains. This is a good place to start your visit, or with one of the many walking tours around town. Spicy Chile and Free Tour Santiago are, you guessed it, free — and provide a thorough, enchanting overview of the city.

Alonso de Cordova is Santiago's equivalent of Fifth Avenue, with exclusive stores like Louis Vuitton, opens in a new window, Hermes and Emporio Armani, opens in a new window. Some of Santiago's most high end restaurants are located here and along a section of Avenida Nueva Costanera in Vitacura - including the popular Peruvian restaurant, La Mar.

Come nightfall, you can always relax at the stylish Whisky Blue Night Club at the W Santiago. Or you can do something a little more Chilean and check out Santiago's impressive jazz scene. The Club de Jazz de Santiago is arguably the best of all the jazz clubs, routinely bringing in some of the best artists from all over the world.

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