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Tips
•To enter this South American country, it is required to show ID documents such as an identity card or passport and a valid stamped visa depending on the visitor’s country of origin. Visitors from the European Union, United States, Canada and Australia do not require a visa as tourists.
•Upon arrival at the airport in Chile, you must pay cash tax known as reciprocity tax. The amount depends on the visitor’s country of origin. The rate for Mexico is $ 23. Upon entering the country, Chile will issue a permit for a 90 days stay, which may be renewed for additional 90 days.
•You can enjoy the typical food of the region spending around $ 3 per person (one dollar has an average value of 500 Chilean pesos), although if you have a larger budget, there are places where prices can reach $ 100 per person. Prices for logging range from 10 to 300 dollars a night.
•Banks open Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 14:00 hours, The money exchange institutions, are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 15:00 to 18:00 hours, commercial stores are open from 10:00 to 20:00 and business hours are 9:00 to 14:00 and from 14:00 until 18:00.
•In Chile, the Health System has an obligation to provide service to anyone with a medical emergency. Overall health care is the same quality than anywhere in the world and there is no vaccine or medical examination required to enter the country.
Tops
•A most while at Santiago, is a visit to the Providencia district. The place is known for its exceptional cultural and commercial blend. Some of the best places are: El Parque de las Esculturas (The Sculpture Park), La Municipalidad de Providencia (The Providencia City Hall) and El Parque Metropolitano de Santiago (The Metropolitan Park of Santiago).
•You can enjoy the bohemian ambiance at the Bellavista neighborhood, between the Mapocho River and San Cristobal Hill. In the past, it was one of the favorite areas for the upper class, endowing it with an exquisite architecture. Bellavista is also known for its very interesting mix of food, art and entertainment attractions.
•Another major reason to visit Santiago is its proximity to several of the country’s most important ski resorts. You only need to travel 40 km to the east, and you can find incredible mountain resorts like Farellones, El Colorado, La Parva and Valle Nevado.
•El Cajon del Maipo Valley is an ideal place to leave behind the city to enjoy fresh air and a closer contact with nature. A number of villages are scattered in this region, where you can enjoy traditional Chilean food, in addition to a number of options for adventure activities.
•An hour’s drive from Santiago is Valparaiso, the country’s largest port whose origins date back to 1536. The hills surrounding the bay are embellished with colorful houses narrow streets and balconies. Valpararaiso was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003.
Text: Amura ± Photo: Panoramio