Contents
1.	Shopping & Miscellaneous tips
2.	Travel & entertainment
3.	Travel agencies
4.	Movies - Cines
5.	Dining out in La Serena
6.	Pubs & Discoteques
7.	Marquet Place "La Recova"
8.	Archeological Museum
9.	Nearby Places of interest
10.	Elqui Valley

La Serena is a seaside town, capital of the Coquimbo Region in the Elqui Province. Is one of the oldest city, founded in 1544 after Santiago and Arica. Is located 475km north of Santiago, with a population around 191,000.

La Serena, a city with a marked neocolonial architectural style, has its own undeniable image. It always abounds in multicoloured gardens and many beautiful churches, whose bell chiming traces the passage of time. The city's development can clearly be seen on Avenida del Mar, a coastal stretch located only 2 kms from the centre of La Serena. Thanks to the modern streetlighting system this avenue is also an attractive place for a nocturnal stroll. In addition to the city's constant cultural activity, business life is also fervent. Along with handicrafts and typical products from the region, such as pisco and papaws in all their varieties, sold at a good price in the popular "La Recova" market, can be added the trip along the central streets where all kinds of national and imported products can be found. Coquimbo means "place of calm waters" and its large seaside resorts, among which Penuelas and La Herradura stand out, are its main attraction as well as the entertainment provided by the Casino which is located in Peñuelas. Coquimbo and its surroundings take the visitor back to the XVI and XVII centuries with their pirates and filibusters. 

 

Shopping and miscellaneous tips

Shopping Hours : Closing and opening hours are approximate, but in general you can expect stores to be open from 10:00am until 2:00pm, and 4:30pm to 8:30pm.

Supermarkets are open all day 9:00am to 10:00pm, including Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

Supermarkets – Supermercados

LIDER: Mall Puerta del Mar (open till 11:00pm)
UNIMARC (ex DECA): Balmaceda 1350
SANTA ISABEL: Cienfuegos and Cordovez

Tip : When initially buying beer and soft drinks in returnable bottles, you need to pay a deposit equal to the price of an empty bottle. Upon the next purchase you turn in your empties and receive a receipt which will discount the deposit at the register.

Bottled water is available with or without carbonation.  Wine, beer and liquor are all available in the supermarkets listed above.

Note : Many La Serena residents wash fruit and vegetables with some drops of disinfectants such as “Zonalin” or “Cloro” (Clorex or Clorinda), which you can find in the supermarkets listed above.  The use of these disinfectants is recommended for raw vegetables, such as lettuce, especially during the summer months.

 

Street Market – Feria

The Feria is quite picturesque.  It takes place at two different locations:

Sundays, Tuesdays & Thursdays:  Juan de Dios Pení with Esmeralda (“Plaza de Abastos”)

Saturdays:  Gabriel González Videla with Los Perales, about ten blocks south of Huanhualí.

You can by fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, plants housewares, and many other items there.  Stands are usually set by 8:00-8:30am and the vendors gradually pack around 1:30-2:30pm.,  go if you like more of a variety, cheaper prices and fresher foods.  Here is a list for translations of the most commonly used fruits and vegetables [14].

La Feria in “Plaza de Abastos” on Sundays is particularly lively, colorful and bustling. There are more stands and more people buying the products in comparison with week days.

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Fish and Shellfish Market – Pescados y Mariscos

Terminal Pesquero La Serena:  Vicuña near Cantournet, La Serena

Terminal Pesquero Coquimbo:  La Costanera, Coquimbo (best place to buy fish)

La Jaula:  Av. Varela, Coquimbo

Supermarket Lider has a nice fresh fish section.

NOTE:  It is wise to inspect the fish carefully before buying so as to make sure that is completely fresh.  The flesh should be firm, the eyes clear and the gills bright red inside.  It is highly advisable for newcomers to eat only cooked seafood and shellfish.

Here is a list of more common fish and shellfish [14] sold locally.

Shopping Malls

Mall Plaza La serena  Huanhualí w/Pan American Hwy.

Puerta del Mar   Av. Francisco de Aguirre w/Pan American Hwy.

 

Drugstores – Farmacias

Ahumada - Cordovez 651

Ahumada - (at UNIMARC)   Balmaceda 1350

Ahumada - Balmaceda 3463

Botica Nilsson - Balmaceda 674

Cruz Verde - Balmaceda with Cordovez

La Serena - Balmaceda 457

Bookstores and Stationary Stores – Librerías

Good places to purchase books, toys, games, plastic bags, postcards, etc.

Books & Bits (Books, some English) - Balmaceda 1162-A

Lápiz López - Mall Plaza

Clip (Stationary) - Prat 670

Clip (stationary) - Balmaceda 489

Multilibro (books only) - Serena Oriente, Store 107

Rojas (stationary) - O’Higgins 439

Andrés Bello (books only) - Matta 510

Supermarket Lider - Mall Puerta del Mar

 

Flowers, Planta, Garden Supplies – Florerías, Viveros

La Feria - on Feria days, cur flowers and potted plants

La Pérgola - Domeyko 580

La Recova - Cienfuegos w/Cantournet

Las Añañucas - at the end of Matta to the north

Homecenter Sodimac - Mall Puerta del Mar

Supermarket Lider - Mall Puerta del Mar

 

Dry Cleaning  and Laundromats

Silvana - Eduardo de la Barra 495

Roma - Los Carrera 654

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Travel and entertainment

La Serena is a tourist city, therefore it has a lot to offer to the visitor, it has cultural and natural resources. The city has a distinctive architecture, preserving colonial building that are National Monuments, and being close to the coast has beatiful beaches.

 

Travel Agencies – Agencias de Viaje

Lan Chile - Eduardo de la Barra 435

American - Cienfuegos 463

Torremolinos - Balmaceda 437

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Movies – Cines

CINEMARK [15] - Mall Plaza La Serena

Blockbuster Video (Video Rental) - Balmaceda 1397

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Dining out in La Serena

Most restaurants open for the lunch hours, then close for the afternoon until they begin serving dinner at 8:00 – 8:30.

Bakulik  (International) - Avenida del Mar 5700

Hotel Costa Real (International) - Avenida Francisco de Aguirre 170

La Mia Pizza (International) - Avenida del Mar 2100

La Serena Club Resort (International) - Avenida del Mar 1000

Tololo Beach Pub (International) - Avenida del Mar 5200

Trattoría Pizzeria (Italian) - Avenida Peñuelas 167

Zapoteco (Mexican) - Avenida los Pescadores 63

Tai Sung (Chinese) - Avenida del Mar 2900

Deli Cafe (Buffet & Sandwiches) - Mall Plaza La Serena

Food Court - Mall Plaza La Serena

McDonalds - Mall Plaza La Serena

 

See also La Serena/Coquimbo Restaurants [16]

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Pubs & Discoteques

Brooklyn’s (Pub & Disco) - Avenida del Mar 2150

Kamanga (Pub) - Avenida Costanera

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Market Place “La Recova”

The Recova is essentially a small shopping center with an assortment of butcher shops, fruit and vegetable stores, small restaurants specializing in fish, bakeries, a supermarket and many shops around the inside patios selling the work of Chilean artisans (pottery, weavings, clothing, baskets, wood and stone carvings, toys, etc.). Other forms of regional art are carvings made out of Guayacán wood (a shrub that took more than a century to grow to its full size and is now in extinction) and Steatite “Soapstone” carvings.

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Archeological Museum – Museo Arqueológico [17]

This museum contains collections of findings that date up to 6,000 years ago, including a complete collection of the Diaguita culture that originated in this province.  This culture was conquered by the Incas and in 1536 by the Spaniards.  They developed agriculture, fishing, and domesticated the llama.

The Diaguita culture became famous for its beautiful ceramicware which was developed to a high degree.  The museum is open as follows:

Tuesday through Friday  09:00am – 01:00pm,  04:00pm – 07:00pm

Saturday  10:00am – 01:00pm,  04:00pm – 7:00pm

Sunday  10:00am – 01:00pm

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Nearby Places of Interest

A trip through the Elqui Valley, where Chilean pisco is made, brings you to the towns of Vicuña, Rivadavia, Paihuano and Montegrande.  The Chilean poetess Gabriela Mistral, Nobel Prize Winner in 1945, was born in Vicuña and buried in Montegrande. 

El Molle:  A picturesque village on the road to Vicuña.  There is a pleasant hosteria with a restaurant and pool.

Vicuña:  (60 Kms)  Located just a few kilometers past the Tololo gate, this town has a wonderful dry climate, and boasts a commemorative museum to Gabriela Mistral.  There is an active inn (“Hostería”) with a restaurant and swimming pool.  Gasoline is not available beyond Vicuña.

Chapilca:  (96 Kms)  At Rivadavia the road forks, and the left fork leads to this village where rough hand weaving work in natural or bright colors is done.  Knock on several doors to get an idea of the selection.  You may special-order items.

Paihuano Montegrande & Pisco Elqui:  (90 Kms)  The right fork leads south through the picturesque pisco-distilling area which makes these towns so famous.  Paihuano has a lovely river-side picnic area and campsite.

Paso de Aguas Negras:  (250 Kms)  The pass of Aguas Negras to San Juan, Argentina, is situated at the end of the road to Baños del Toro.  This road is normally open during the summer months.

Fray Jorge National Park:  About 90-minute drive south, unusual weather phenomenon has preserved this fores between the ocean and desert terrain.  Has a hiking path and a ranger to answer questions  Also has a nice picnic area with tables, barbeque and toilet facilities.  Best time of the year to go is spring when the wild flowers are out (if there has been rain during winter!).

Pichasca Petrified Forest:  National park along the road between Ovalle and Vicuña.

Enchanted Valley National Park:  (“Valle del Encanto”),  located a few kilometers from Ovalle, site of settlement of indigenous cultures.  Many hollowed-out grindstones (“piedras moledoras”) to be seen.  Walk to the old Inca bathing place (“Baño del Inca”).

La Pampilla:  (Coquimbo), every year on the 18th, 19th and 20th of September, tents and “ramadas” are installed on the Pampilla.  Large crowds gather to enjoy the typical folklore, food and dancing in celebration of Chile’s independence from Spain.  There is no water on the Pampilla, premises to please be cautious of what you eat there.  Don’t go if you don’t like crowds and dust.

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Elqui Valley

In the heart of the region there is the Elqui River,  made up from tributaries of minor gorges that only provide it with water during the winter, and which reaches the North of the city of La Serena. The main characteristic of the Elqui river basin is the abundance of underground water, which provides productive potential for agriculture. This, along with its mild climate and landscape invoke contemplation due to its peaceful nature. Many esoteric groups have found a place of special interest in this valley. Towards the mountains, following the course of the river, is the vicinity of Vicuña, founded in the posthispanic era around the year 1821. It is a place where the dry mountains meet with the abundant vegetation of the narrow valleys arising out of the passage of the river.

Monte Grande, beloved village of the Chilean Nobel Prize winner poet, Gabriela Mistral, is also on the bank of the river Claro. Here is her grave which she chose when she was alive. The Tololo Hill, on which sits the largest astronomical observatory in the southern hemisphere, is a few kilometres off the road to Vicuna. It is striking to see the Andacollo village, which is a pilgrimage point for its sanctuary, a basilica which lodges the virgin Rosario's statue brought from Peru in 1676. The Fray Jorge National Park, where cinnamon trees, terebinth shrubs and ferns which cover the tops of its hill survive thanks to the typical mist in the area.

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The port of Coquimbo is 12 kms. South of La Serena along the Pan American Highway.  It is a port of considerable importance with several industries.  The city is built on the southern slopes of the highlands which encircle the sheltered bay of Coquimbo;  it has one of the best harbors on the coast, with a mole pier.

The Marine Biology Center is a research station located in Guayacán.  If you wish to visit the laboratories and aquarium, you will need to obtain a pass from the Marine Biology Department at the Universidad Católica del Norte in Coquimbo.

 

Restaurants

El Barrio Inglés in the port area.

 

Casino [18]
The Casino de Juegos Enjoy of Coquimbo, is located on the Av. Peñuelas Norte (just off the Pan American Highway between La Serena and Coquimbo).  This a grand  oceanfront building, with roulette tables, baccarat and slot machines, combined with a bar, dining room. and hotel.

 

Guayacán on La Herradura Bay

On the southern slope of the Coquimbo peninsula is Guayacán, discovered by the English corsair, Francis Drake. Around 1578 it was the meeting point and refuge of pirates among whom the names of Sharp and Drake stand out. Is a mechanized port, full of legends and a church designed by Eiffel.  The bay was used by the Navy as a shelter from big storms, its form of a horseshoe having a narrow entrance just wide enough to permit the ships to pass through and anchor in the bay.  During the 17^thcentury, pirates, buccaneers and corsairs often put down their sails and anchored there.  A legend tells the story of a treasure which was hidden by the English corsairs during the Spanish attacks.

    
Nearby AURA Compound

Marley Coffee (sandwiches, salads, lunch time)
Address: Huanhuali 873
Phone   : 51 249 0695
Location: Walking distance from AURA Compound (2 blocks)
http://www.cayena.cl [19] (Monday through Friday)

Masman Coffee (sandwiches, daily menu)
Address : Cisternas 1778
Phone    : 9-256 12 61
Location: Walking distance from AURA Cisternas exit

Dulce y Salado (take out food)
Address : Cisternas 2041
Phone    : 51 221 7876
Location: Walking distance from AURA Compound (3 blocks)
http://imigra.cl/e/dulce-salado [20]

Challar (Peruvian food)
Address: Corner E. Molina Garmendia w/Bartolome Blanche street (San Joaquin)
Phone   : 51 252 8095
Location: 8 blocks from AURA Compound
http://www.lacomuna.cl/portal/el-challar-nuevo-restaurant-peruano/ [21]

Margaritas (Chilean food) – Open only at lunch time
Address : Las Higueras s/n (between Avda. Cisternas & and Gabriel Gonzalez Videla)
Location: Walking distance from AURA Compound (6 blocks)
https://es.foursquare.com/v/margaritas/4c6ec2f0c5243704a1ef2beb [22]

Innatura (Vegetarian) – Open only at lunch time, from Mondays to Saturdays
Address : Las Higueras, Huerto 43
Phone    : 51 252 1857
Location: Walking distance from AURA Compound (3 blocks)
https://es-la.facebook.com/pages/Innatura/23738482751 [23]

Arezzo - Creperie - Mediterranean Restaurant
Address: Juan Soldado 421
Phone   : 51 249 0592
http://www.arezzorestaurant.cl [24]

La Fuente Germana (Sandwiches)
Address: Huanhuali 473
Phone   : 51 262 2965

Terracota Café (morning breakfast & lunch w/ daily menu)
Address : Las Rojas Oriente 1642
Phone    : 51 248 1582
Location: See map at http://www.terracotacafe.cl/como-llegar/ [25]
http://www.terracotacafe.cl [26]

A La Olla Criolla (Colombian & Mexican food)
Address: Santiago Baltra 264 w/Av. El Santo
Phone   : 51 222 0870
Location: Very close to El Jumbo Supermarket
 
Okasama (Sushi & Delivery)
Address 1: Santiago Baltra 227,  Phone    : 51 221 9176
Address 2: Alberto Arenas 3986 - Strip Center El Milagro, Phone : 51 267 3233
Address 3: Avenida del Mar 4400, Phone : 51 247 2602
http://www.okasamasushi.com [27]

La Casita del Chef (Peruvian food)
Address: Gabriela Mistral 3390 (esq. Cuatro Esquinas)
Phone   : 9 5461 86 71
http://www.lacasitadelchef.cl [28]

Mc Donald (Hamburgers)
Address :  Avenida Alberto Solari 1400 , Loc. A-113 
Location : (Mall Plaza La Serena)

Subway (all kind of sandwiches)
Address : Huanhuali 85
Location: store #3, Shell gas station
&
Address: Balmaceda 2154 (outside Supermarket Lider Express)
http://www.subway.cl/nuestros_locales.php?id_ciu=10 [29]
 
Rincón Oriental (Chinese food)
Address : O’Higgins 570
Phone    : 51 222 5553
Location: La Serena downtown

Lima Limon (Peruvian food)
Address: Balmaceda 5310 - Paradero 11
Phone   : 51 264 1782
http://www.limalimonrest.cl [30]

Hoi Kong (Chinese food)
Address : Avda. Francisco de Aguirre 0315
Phone    : 51 222 3906
Location: On the way to the lighthouse
http://www.hoikong.cl/ [31]

 
On the Beach and Nearby Avda. del Mar
 
Porota’s (International food)
Address : Avda. del Mar 900
Phone    : 51 221 0937
 
La Mia Pizza (International food)
Address : Avda. del Mar 2100
Phone    : 51 221 2232
 
Martin Fierro  (Barbecue)
Address : Avda. Pacifico 3494
Phone    : 51 221 9002
http://www.martinfierro.cl [32]

La Fuente Germana Beach (Sandwiches)
Address: Avda. Pacifico 3494
Phone   : 51 264 2279
http://www.fuentegermanabeach.com [33]
 
Tololo Beach (International food)
Address : Avda. del Mar 5200
Phone    : 51 224 2779
http://www.tololo.cl [34]

Tololo Beef (International, barbecue)
Address: Avda. del Mar 5425
Phone   : 51 2 266 7499

Bakulik (International food) (
Address : Avda. del Mar 5700 (International food)
Phone    : 51 224 5715
 
Pizzamania (Italian food)
Address : Peñuelas Norte 167
Phone    : 51 223 2309
 

Supermarkets

Unimarc (4 blocks walking distance from AURA Compound)
Address : Reinaldo Boltz 1950
 
Unimarc (5 blocks walking distance from AURA Compound)
Address : Balmaceda 1350
 
Jumbo (7 blocks walking distance from AURA Compound)
Address : Avda. Huanhuali/Panamerican highway (Ruta 5)
 
Lider Express (10 blocks walking distance from AURA Compound)
Address : Balmaceda 2154

Santa Isabel (20 blocks walking distance from AURA Compound)
Address: Gabriela Mistral/Avda. 4 Esquinas

Downtown La Serena

Mall Plaza La Serena

Mall Plaza La Serena is the largest urban center north-central sector of the city.  It is a typical Chilean shopping center where you can find banks, money exchange, post office, cinema, food courts. Etc.
Location :  Avda Huanhuali/ Panamerican highway (Ruta 5)
Open from  10:30 to 21:00 hrs.

La Recova

La Recova is a town market of Spanish origin which dates back from 1830.   Constructed in colonial times, and rebuilt in 1981 after a big earthquake, it has two central yards on the first floor and restaurants on the second floor.   It is completely surrounded by arcs where visitors can find the best handicraft market in the city as well as  typical food and souvenirs. 
It is located downtown in La Serena (Cienfuegos/Cantournet street).  Open from 10:00 to 19:00 hrs.

Enjoy Coquimbo – Casino & Resort
New Bay Hotel & Casino located in the area of Peñuelas, rises imposingly in front of the Avenida del Mar with all the modernity and luxury that characterize projects Enjoy.
The comprehensive entertainment project, designed for the whole family, includes Casino, Hotel, Spa, restaurants and event space in a building area of 36,000 square meters in a magical setting with the sea, beach and sunsets.

Restaurants at Enjoy Coquimbo

Hanami
All the magic of the ancient cuisine of Japan, with its exotic flavors, has been quoted in this exclusive restaurant, ideal for lovers of art, taste and fun.
Sushi, Nigiri, Makimono, hosomaki (Rolls Traditional) Futomaki (Thick Roll) Temaki (cones), sashimi (slices of fish), soup, tickets, meat, chicken and fish, tempura and desserts. Sommelier.

La Barquera
Ideal to enjoy with friends and family, informality, good vibes, a variety of dishes and drinks is the keynote of La Barquera Restaurant.
Pasta, meat, fish, tickets, seafood, tables, pizzas, sandwiches. Extensive wine list and sommelier, afternoon tea and desserts.

Sta Brasa
Barbecues and steaks.

56 North Ave Peñuelas, Coquimbo.
Phone: 56 (51) 242 3000

	Contents
1.	About Santiago
2.	General information
3.	Transport
4.	Money exchange & credit cards
5.	Tourist Information (SERNATUR)
6.	Hotels [35]
7.	Historical Santiago
8.	Cultural & artistic Santiago
9.	Natural Santiago
10.	Shopping in Santiago
11.	Gastronomical Santiago
12.	Santiago: a city for incentive trips, meetings & congresses
13.	Santiago & outskirts
14.	Vineyards
15.	Ski resorts

About Santiago

The majestic Andean Mountain Range can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Due to its geographic location, Santiago is one of the few capital cities in the world which has easy access both to ski slopes -just 50 km away-, and beaches, 100 km away. It is in fact possible to visit the modern ski resorts as well as the famous beach resort of Viña del Mar or picturesque Valparaiso [36], Chile's main port, in just one day. Numerous villages located in the countryside around Santiago invite the visitor to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquility of countrylife. Tourists may also visit the vineyards and try the delicious Chilean wines.

The Santa Lucia Hill in the city center is an important historic landmark. It was here, at the foot of this hill formerly known as the "Huelèn", that the Spanish Conquistador Pedro de Valdivia founded the city of Santiago on February 12th, 1541. He planned the city according to the traditional Spanish checkerboard layout which is still evident in the downtown area today. Today, the Plaza de Armas with its colorful gardens is very different to what it was many years ago but the buildings that surround it bring back many memories. The Metropolitan Cathedral, on the western side of the plaza, stands on the same spot where the first church in Santiago was once built; to the north are three important buildings: the Post Office, the National Museum of History and the Townhall of Santiago. In the days of the Republic, new central neighbourhoods -now traditional ones- were added on to the colonial Santiago of the 16th century. By the 1930s, modern Santiago, with its green areas and architecture had come into being. The growth and development which have taken place during the past years are evident in the facilities which the city offers the visitor.

New and comfortable hotels Located both in the center and on the eastern side of the city, have significantly increased Santiago's capacity to accommodate visitors as well as providing special facilities for congresses and conventions. Together with the development of tourist infrastructure, gastronomy in Chile has also taken on a new lease of life, both as regards the quality and the quantity of restaurants.

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General information

Santiago is located at 543 meters above sea level, in Chile's central zone, 2,051 kms. south of Arica, the country's northernmost city and 3,141 km. north of Punta Arenas, the southernmost city in the world. The Pacific Ocean is located a hundred kilometers away and the Andean Mountain Range. 40 km. 

Climate
	Warm with annual average temperature of 14.5°C (21°C in January, summer and 8.4°C in July. winter), with annual average rainfall of 346 mm.
Language
	The official language spoken is Spanish. In tourist companies and organizations the higher echelons speak English and/or French.
Airport
	Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport is located 17 kms. from Santiago downtown. There are bus and taxi services, which takes you to and from the airport.

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Transport

There is a SUBWAY that runs from east to west and north to south in the city as well as buses and taxis. The city is connected to the rest of the country by mean of:

Airplanes
	Lan Chile run regular daily flights There are also companies that run air taxi services.
Buses
	Buses run to any part of the country. Bus terminals are located in: Los Heroes: Tucapel Jimenez 21; Santiago: Av. L. Bernardo O'Higgins 3800; Alameda: Av L Bernardo O'Higgins 3794.
Trains
	Trains run from Santiago to the south of the country. The Main Railway Station is located in Av. L. Bernardo O'Higgins 3322.

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Money exchange and credit cards

Money exchange can be done in banks, money exchange houses and main hotels Most major credit cards are accepted in shops, hotels and travel agencies. Banks are open Mondays to Fridays, from 9 am to 2pm. Money Exchange Houses have the same opening hours as shops.

 

Tourist Information SERNATUR [37] (National Tourism Board)

Offices in the Airport and in Nro. 1550 Providencia. Tel. 2360531 Open: Mondays to Fridays 8.30 am to 6 30 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm

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Hotels - see Chile Hotels [35]

Historical Santiago

DOWNTOWN, includes churches dating from the 17th and 18th centuries and buildings that were once the seat of important colonial institutions, as well as other important historic landmarks.

• Santa Lucia Hill - National Library-Casa Colorada (Museum of Santiago
• Stock Exchange
• Club de la Union Building, La Moneda Palace (Government Headquarters) - Plaza de la Constitucion.
• Plaza de Armas - Townhall of Santiago Real Audiencia Building (National Museum of History) Central Post Office Building
• Royal Customs Building (Museum of pre-Columbian Art) - Former National Congress Building - Palace of Justice
• Manso de Velasco`s House
• Santo Domingo Temple
• Central Market-Mapocho Station
• San Francisco Church - Paris-Londres Neighbourhood - Catholic Univerty`s Main Campus-
             Traditional Neighbourhoods includes a tour through streets dating from the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, mansion houses built by well-to-do families reveal the influence of European culture. Racetrack

• Diego de Almagro Plaza - Cousiño Palace - Chile Racetrac
• Ejjército, República and España Avenues and Dieciocho, Vergara and Cienfuegos Streets - Main Railway Station

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Cultural and artistic Santiago

A visit to the museums, art galleries, handcraft centers and neighbourhoods with intense cultural and artistic activity will give the visitor an insight into the culture and traditions of the country and its people.

A few suggestions:

Museums in Santiago:

• Colonial San Francisco
• of Contemporary Art
• of Decorative Art. A must.
• of Popular American Art
• of Pre-Columbian Art. A must.
• of Fine Arts
• of Santiago, "Casa Colorada"
• of National History
• "La Chascona", housewith final destination Puerto Montt of the poet Pablo Neruda
• of Natural History
• Municipal Theater - Plaza Mulato Gil de Castro with its art galleries and antique stores.
• Bellavista district - Park of Sculptures
• Providencia district (art galleries, cinemas and theater halls) - Cultural Institute of Providencia.
• Artisan Village of Los Graneros del Alba - Los Dominicos Church -
• Cultural Institute of Las Condes - Cultural Institute of La Reina.

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Natural Santiago

Green areas located throughout the different sectors give the city a fresh and natural touch.

• Forestal Park, borders the south bank of the Mapocho River, west of Plaza Baquedano and has fine sculptures located throughout it
• Metropolitan Park in the San Cristobal Hill: includes a zoo, two swimming pools, picnic areas, restaurants and Enoteca. It can be visited by car, cable car or teleferique.
• Santa Lucia Hill, in the heart of the city.
• Balmaceda Park, in the Las Condes district.
• Araucano Park, in the Las Condes district.
• Intercomunal Park of La Reina.
• O'Higgins Park, located in the district of Santiago. Amongst its attractions is "El Pueblito": which resembles a typical Chilean country village.
• Quinta Normal Park: 40 acres located in west Santiago.

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Shopping in Santiago

Shops are open Mondays to Fridays, from 10am to 8pm and from 10am to 2pm on Saturdays. Shopping Centers open Mondays to Sundays. from 10am to 9pm.

National and imported goods at reasonable prices are available in Santiago in some of the following areas:

• Downtown, between Miraflores and Amunategui streets and Av. B. O'Higgins and Santo Domingo street.
• Providencia Avenue, including chic boutiques on Suecia, General Holley, Los Leones, Ricardo Lyon streets, amongst others.
• Shopping Centers: Panoramico, Apumanque and Parque Arauco, Alto Las Condes in the eastern area.
• Plaza Vespucio, in the southern area.

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Gastronomical Santiago

Santiago's restaurants offer local cuisine based on seafood, fish, vegetables, and meat, as well as a variety of international specialities. Areas where most restaurants are located are:

• Bellavista district.
• El Bosque - Isidora Goyenechea area.
• Providencia Suecia area
• General Holley, also has elegant bars.
• Paseo San Damián. Las Condes.

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Santiago the ideal city for incentive trips, meetings and congresses

Nowadays it is vital to have somewhere special where you can do business, arrange meetings and meet up with contacts. Santiago, like other cities in Chile -Viña del Mar, Arica, La Serena and Concepcioón- combines all the ideal characteristics: a pleasant climate, beautiful surroundings and first-class tourist facilities. Most major multinational companies, whether European, North American or Japanese, have offices and/ or representatives in Santiago. They have chosen Chile as their South American operational base because of the efficient services offered here.

A modern communications network via satelite -International Direct Dialing telephone system, fax and telex-offers permanent contact with other countries. A good highway system and a regular transport service connects Santiago with the rest of the country and the world. The International Airport receives over 100 regular flights a week from 20 different international and two national airlines. Chile's financial system is sophisticated and efficient, which explains why 22 foreign banks and 24 national banks operate in the country, supplying the corresponding facilities for financial operations. In Chile, those in charge of organizing conventions will find that the very best facilities and efficient backup systems are available to help them guarantee the success of every event.

The ideal place, where you can really enjoy doing business

Convention centers, numerous well-organized tourist facilities offering the efficient professional and friendly attention characteristic of the Chilean people, are determining factors when it comes to choosing the right meeting place. Due to its variety of tourist attractions, Chile is an ideal destination for incentive trips. As the main port of entry to the country, Santiago is the right place from which to start a visit, a fitting reward for hard work and professional achievement.

For a weekend of sun, snow and fun.

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Santiago and outskirts

Valparaiso and Viña del Mar. [36] An excellent highway about a hundred kilometers long leads to the coast through the valleys of Curacavi and Casablanca. The countryside is beautiful and there are several typical Chilean restaurants serving good local food along the way. 

Viña del Mar, also known as the Garden City, has 300 thousand inhabitants and is the country's main beach resort. Located next to the Port of Valparaiso it has a good selection of hotels and a wide variety of restaurants, a Casino, cafes, discotheques and good shops. Visitors can go for a ride in a traditional horse-drawn "Victoria" and see the town with its wellkept gardens by the sea. The past and the present intermingle in this bustling tourist center.

Valparaiso, linked to Viña del Mar, is Chile's main port and also the site of the Chilean Congress.

The magnificent view from the numerous hills surrounding the bay of Valparaiso has long been a source of inspiration for both Chilean and foreign artists. It is undoubtedly worth going for a stroll around the picturesque fishing coves or taking one of the old-fashioned elevators up to the hills of Valparaiso with their multicolored houses and mansions dating from last century. "La Sebastiana", Pablo Neruda's museum-cum-house, recently opened to the public, is located on one of these hills. His most important housemuseum, which is filled with his collections, is in Isla Negra, Just an hour from Valparaiso, or an hour and a half from Santiago. As one of the most important ports in the Pacific Ocean, Valparaiso receives ships from all over the world. Here, they unload their cargos and load up again with Chilean goods destined for international markets.

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Vineyards

In the Maipo Valley, near the city of Santiago, lies one of the country's most important winegrowing areas. This region combines the three ideal conditions know internationally as the "trilogy" necessary to produce good wine: -climate -soil -vinestock.

Several vineyards are located in this area: The Concha y Toro vineyard in Pirque offers guided tours of the winery and the nearby village of Pirque with its beautiful countryside and mountain air and old haciendas with their stately manor houses. Other vineyards in the area open to the public are: Santa Rita, Santa Carolina and Cousiño Macul.

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Ski Resorts

The ski resorts [38], which can be reached by bus or car, are located less that an hour's drive from Santiago. Farellones, EI Colorado, La Parva and Valle Nevado are all situated on the slopes of the Andean mountains. From June to October these resorts, as well as others in Chile, are visited by both foreign and Chilean ski fanatics, because of the excellent slopes, good snow, nice weather and modern infrastructure.

Also near Santiago, but 145 kilometers northeast is Portillo with its traditional hotel of international fame, overlooking the beautiful Del Inca Lagoon.

 

		Contents
	1.	The north of Chile
	2.	Chilean Altiplano
	3.	Archaelogy, History and mistery
	4.	The desert is life and adventure
	5.	The North is entertainment and relaxation
	6.	Flowering Desert [39]

 

The north of Chile

The region known as the North of Chile occupies an area equivalent in size to two thirds of Italy. It stretches from the highlands of the Andean Altiplano over the golden sands of the Atacama Desert as far as the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Diverse, surprising, majestic and untouched... this is the place for those in search of adventure with its breathtaking salt flats, geysers and Andean volcanos, vast expanses of land and here and there, occasional signs of life... llamas, vicunas, flamingos and alpacas, all unperturbed by the presence of man. Here you can find museums which record man's presence over the last 10,000 years, sea and long sandy beaches, relaxation and entertainment in casinos, restaurants and hotels, and above all the friendly hospitality of the Chilean people.

The North of Chile... in fact... has everything!

 

The desert in the highlands

The Chilean Altiplano, situated in the foothills of the Andean Mountain Range, 4.000 meters above sea level, is a treasure chest of natural phenomena set in surroundings of unspoilt beauty. Here, you simply must visit the Lauca National Park, a natural monument now declared a World Biosphere Reserve. Incredible landscapes, with volcanos, lagoons, salt flats, tiny pre-Hispanic settlements, as well as a wide variety of animal life such as llamas, vicunas, guanacos, alpacas, flamingos and wild duck, create a lasting impression of sheer beauty.

 

Archeology History and mystery

For over 10,000 years these lands have been inhabited by man and evidence of his presence can be found throughout this area from the Pacific coast to the high Andean Mountain Range 6,000 meters above sea level. In the Azapa Valley 12 kilometers from Arica, the museum of San Miguel de Azapa exhibits especially 'prepared' mummies dating from 18000 BC, the oldest in the world yet to be discovered. The museum also houses a fine archeological collection of some 20,000 objects discovered in this area.

From the road the huge geoglyphic paintings which adorn the hillsides are still visible through the olive groves and from the air they stand out even more clearly. These gigantic drawings of which the most important are those of Lluta, Azapa, Pintados, Cerro Unitas and Tiliviche remain wrapped in mystery to this day. Another world-famous museum, San Pedro de Atacama, is located 100 kilometers from the city of Calama. The small village from which it takes its name was once the center of the Atacamanian civilization. This museum contains a collection of over 300,000 pieces which include pottery, woven fragments and mummies discovered in this area The ruins of Indian fortresses or 'pukaras' such as Quitor, Lasana and Turi remain to this day in the North of Chile, where every step leads to discovery and a new understanding of the history of man.

 

The desert is life and adventure

...Discover for yourself the many wonders of the Atacama Desert, the most arid desert in the world. Spectacular landscapes and natural phenomena abound wherever you look.

And in all this immensity, tiny villages such as Parinacota, Caspana, Socoroma, Surire or Isluga still maintain the traditions of their Aymara ancestors, and the influence of Spanish colonization is still evident in the architecture of their churches. The city of Calama, 214 kilometers from Antofagasta, is an oasis in the middle of the desert. With its fine selection of hotels, this in an ideal basecamp for sightseeing trips to nearby places of interest such as the El Tatio Geysers 3,550 meters above sea level, where great pillars of water and steam which rise up some 10 meters high and reach temperatures of 85^oC. 100 kilometers to the southeastlies the arid wasteland of the Valley of the Moon. Towards the north, the village of Chiu-Chiu has several attractions including the nearby 150 meter deep Chiu-Chiu Lagoon, an astonishing natural phenomenon in the middle of the desert.

From Calama, you can also visit the huge amphitheatre of the biggest open-cast mine in the world-Chuquicamata. As the largest of the twelve salt flats in the Northern Region, the Salt Lake of Atacama is especially interesting. It stretches out like a vast white lake as far as the eye can see and its banks are the habitat of unique species of fauna.

 

The North is entertainment and relaxation

The main cities of the North, Arica, Iquique, Antofagasta are situated on the coast. They all have airports linking them to the rest of the country, and are connected by road to each other and to the most important sightseeing areas. Comfortable hotels, motels and hostels, usually located on or near the sea in these towns, are available for your enjoyment and relaxation. There's no time for boredom in the North... every day you can choose from the delicious variety of local dishes usually based on fish and seafood. For those who like shopping there are lots of local markets in Arica where you're bound to come across that unexpected treasure, or you can visit the Duty Free Zone in Iquique.  Spend the afternoons sunbathing on one of the numerous beaches lulled by the sea breeze and the feeling of endless space! At night enjoy a game of back gammon, roulette or even the slot machines in the Casinos of Arica or Iquique where you can also dine and dance. The choices are endless!

The North of Chile is much more...

 

Chile's central coastline, which is caressed by the Pacific Ocean, is characterized by a series of beaches where the blue sea blends in with the green vegetation.

In the North, the Coquimbo Region offers 400 kms of coast with a wide variety of large beaches with white, fine sand.

Towards the South, the Valparaíso Region has many different beaches, fishing coves and the country's most important port.

 

Coquimbo Region

The Coquimbo regions coastline possess many beaches with warm waters ideal for water sports: swimming, rowing, waterskiing, diving, windsurfing and yachting. The sea generously provides numerous sought after products which form the basis of the area's rich gastronomy. Conger eel, sole, croaker, razor clams and large oysters are cooked in many different ways to satisfy even the most demanding palates. The seaside resorts in this area have an ever increasing amount of hotels. Furthermore, there are comfortable and well-equipped camping sites, whose use is enhanced by the total lack of rain during the Summer. The development of tourism in the area is favoured by efficient transport and telecommunication services, the good condition of the road network enables one to move about comfortably in the region and from Santiago.

Beaches like Pichidangui, which are famous for their perfect conditions for windsurfing, Los Vilos, Tongoy and the sheltered bay of Guanaqueros are prominent coastal points in the region.

New holiday resorts are being developed in Morrillos and Las Tacas. 

 

Local Beaches and Nearby La Serena and Coquimbo Towns

Peñuelas 

Between La Serena and Coquimbo, used for swimming.

La Herradura

The pirate’s bay on the southern slope of the Coquimbo peninsula, used for water-skiing, sailing, wind surfing and swimming. 

Totoralillo 

Swimming, surfing and skin-diving.  Motel & Polynesian Restaurant “Tiki-Tano”.  There is an entrance fee for the beach.

Las Tacas

Private resort, Spanish restaurant “El Chiringuito”. 

Morrillos

 25 minutes drive south, has camping site and restaurant.  There is an entrance fee. 

Las Mostazas 

30 minutes drive south, has a camping site.  There is an entrance fee.

Guanaqueros 

35 minutes drive south, is a fisherman’s village;  few established camping sites;  is good for skin-diving, fishing, swimming.  Local fishermen will take you out on the bay on weekday afternoons & weekends for a small fee.

Playa Blanca

45 minutes drive south on the road to Tongoy.  Has a camping site with private baths.  Restaurant during summer months.  There is an entrance fee.  To reserve a camping site call 244185, 244228, Parcela 57, Vegas Sur (take the dirt road by the discotheque Sundance).

Tongoy

50 minutes drive south, has seafood restaurants and two good beaches.

 

WARNING:  Dangerous beaches are El Faro, Cuatro Esquinas and Punta de Teatinos.  All of these are good for walks, but the waves and undertows are excessive.  Also, sometimes there may be pollution at the Peñuelas, El Faro, La Herradura and Guanaqueros beaches.

 

Valparaiso Region 

Valparaiso, and particularly Viña del Mar, is the most important tourist area in the country and one of the most attractive of its kind in South America. Between Los Molles in the North and Santo Domingo in the South, the coastline of the Valparaiso region is scattered with beaches which are among the most popular in the country due to their varied infrastructure and proximity to the capital.

A modern 120 km road links Santiago to Viña del Mar, known as the "Garden City" for its large green areas and colourful gardens and connected to the fervent market activity in Valparaiso, the main port in Chile. Viña del Mar is also linked to Mendoza and other cities in the Argentina by a paved road that crosses the Aconcagua Valley and the Andes mountain range. This city fuses both the old and the new. Beautiful villas, parks, gardens and mansions, mostly of classical and neogothic styles, reminiscent of the era of the nitrate boom at the beginning of the century. A tour in a "Victoria", an old carriage drawn by horses typical of the city, is good to appreciate thecity's modern architecture. Its 3 castles also stand out: Cerro Castillo castle, the Presidential palace, Wulff castle, currently a museum, and the castle where the Arab Club is lodged. The Fonck Museum and the La Rioja Palace also keep their splendour. This popular city-holiday resort has an excellent and varied tourist infrastructure. There are many hotels, motels, guest houses, restaurants, discotheques, a casino, cinemas and theatres. Furthermore, it is characterized by permanent and rich cultural activity, by its attractive shops, which are mainly concentrated on Valparaiso Avenue, and by the varied entertainment it offers. The open-air stage, where every year in February thousands of people vibrate to the International Song Festival, is in the Quinta Vergara, which is an ideal stroll for tree and garden lovers. It also houses a beautiful Venetian style building, which is the headquarters of the Museum and School of Fine Arts. Another place of interest is the Valparaiso Sporting Club hippodrome.

An attractive coastal road dotted with coves and restaurants, whose specialties are shellfish and fish, viewing points to enjoy the ever changing seascape, and stalls of handicrafts and other products of the region, leads to the Reaca and Con-Con beaches. The former stands out for its long white sandy beach, which in Summer becomes a real carnival of beauty, youth and entertainment. Con-Con has lovely views, a picturesque fishing cove and pleasant beaches. The Charm of Valparais'os port and its unusual architecture make it one of the country's most attractive cities. Open to the sea, European style mansions and thousands of multicoloured houses are to be found among its many hills. The visitor is captivated by the impressive number of streets, narrow passages, steps, attractive places and elevators built more than 100 years ago. This was what fascinated the Chilean poet and Nobel Prize winner, Pablo Neruda. His house, "La Sebastiana", is the place where the poet discovered the magic of the polychromatic city. To visit Valparaiso and "La Sebastiana" is to enter a world that goes beyond reality, a world that comes from the past with all the crazy happiness of the "Belle Epoque". The northern coast of the Valparaiso region displays a variety of beaches.

Exclusive seaside resorts are those of Zapallar and Cachagua which mix the beauty of the landscape with the architectonic tradition in Zapallar and the harmony of style in Cachagua.

Maitencillo stands out for its restaurants which are highly visited throughout the year by the gourmets who enjoy dishes prepared with fish (conger eel, sole, croaker, swordsifh) and shellfish (clams, crabs, razor clams, mussels and "picorocos").

The luxurious and new "Marbella Resort" is in this area, which combines the attractiveness of the country side and the beach.

A nice mediterranean-style hotel surrounded by gardens with a golf course, polo and tennis courts and swimming pools, make it an international tourist resort. The beaches on the Southern coast of Valparaiso, together with the fascination of the sea, offer additional attractions. The pleasant waters and smooth slope of the Algarrobo beach make it a large resort for water sports and international competitions. Every summer El Quisco, El Tabo, Las Cruces, San Sebastian, Cartagena and Llolleo attract thousands of visitors who enjoy the sun, swimming in the sea and youthful games. Rocas de Santo Domingo, quiet and familyoriented, is characterized by its beautiful houses surrounded by parks and gardens as well as a golf club, which is the centre of the social activities.

SKI SEASON is JUNE - OCTOBER 

Chile has large areas fit for skiing which are easily accessible and which provide all the hospitality, atmosphere and services of modern winter resorts. From June to October you can enjoy their pistes for different kinds of winter sports. Discover the Chilean Andes and the best snow in the Sourthern Hemisphere, while enjoying your favorite sports: skiing, monoskiing and cliff parachuting.

Four of the most important ski resorts in the country are to be found very close to Santiago. Their different pistes, quallty of snow and excellent infrastructure enable one to have an unforgettable stay. What is more, before going up or after coming down from these ski resorts one can take advantage of the various attractions in Santiago: theatres; museums; sophisticate restaurants; discotheques; and of course the elegant shopping centres and the excellent bargains that they offer.

 

Farellones - El Colorado [42]

At only 40 km East of the capital this resort has 18 ski lifts for slopes with varying degrees of difficulty, a ski school, a discotheque, restaurants, and comfortable ski huts, as well as condominiums for rent, and the unique possibility of skiing at night every friday and saturday.

La Parva [43]

In this same area and only 55 kms from Santiago, La Parva offers services directed towards a more select market. It has 13 ski-lifts and slopes for beginners, intermediates and advanced. It is also possible to heliskiing and snowboard, to rent chalets, apartments and to stay in a comfortable selfcatering Hotel.

Valle Nevado [44]

This is located 60 km East of Santiago and has 9 ski lifts and 26 slopes open to all levels. Two large and modern hotels and one condominium provide In the country`s central area and only 67 km South East of Santiago is the resort of Lagunillas. This has 3 huts, 4 ski lifts, cafeterias, ski hire and classes.

Chapa Verde [45]

Chapa Verde is found 53 km North East of Rancagua and has 1 hut, 2 ski lifts and a cafeteria.

Antuco [46]

At a distance of 89 km East of Los Angeles one rises to Antuco, and this has 3 ski liffs, a restaurant, a bar, a cafeteria, a ski school and ski hire.

Lonquimay

Lonquimay, 162 km North East of Temuco has ski lifts, a cafeteria, and a hut. In the same area 80 km East of Temuco Llaima has 1 hut and 5 ski lifts.

Antillanca [47]

Antillanca is found 102 km East of Osorno, which includes 22 km of non-asphalted roads. There are 2 flights a day between Santiago and Osorno, and also a transport Osorno-Antillanca.

La Burbuja

The ski resort La Burbuja, 60 km East of Puerto Varas has huts, 1 ski lift, a cafeteria, nursery, ski classes, and ski hire.

Cerro El Fraile [48]

In the austral area of Chile is Cerro El Fraile located 29 km South East of Coyhaique. This has 2 ski lifts, first-aid services, ski workshop and ski hire.

Cerro Mirador

Cerro Mirador 8 km West of Punta Arenas has 1 ski lift, first-aid service and ski school. 

 

Entertainment and apres skis

In the country's main winter resorts the tourist have daily programmes of activities and shows which are especially prepared for their entertainment. Children and adults can enjoy a wide range of services. Spas, swimming pools, games rooms, restaurants, cinemas, recreation centres, discotheques, live music, and others provide a nice end to a day`s skiing and make their stay a more pleasant one. rou can also enjoy the speciallities of the excellent Chilean gastronomy which includes a wide variety of fish shellfish, meats, delicious fruit and the famous Chilean wines.