On a clear day, fresh after winter showers, Santiago basks in
one of the most spectacular settings of any city in the world. A glance
through the downtown blocks reveals a mighty circle of mountains - the
snowcapped Andean peaks to the east, and a smaller coastal range to the
west - that frames the Chilean capital. A clear day, however, is rare in this smog-blighted metropolis. In art class, Santiago school-kids draw their horizons a murky gray and, although the air has cleared somewhat in recent years, pollution and noise are likely to cloud your first impressions, especially in winter.
Don't be put off. Santiago might be dirty and loud, and it might not match the grandeur of Buenos Aires - but it is
cultured, quirky and ambitious. The city rewards the patient traveler.
Beyond the conservative conformity of Santiago Centro, and the soulless
towers of the Las Condes financial district, there are thriving culinary
and artistic enclaves that are a joy to uncover. Gourmets feast on
world-class cuisine in Bellavista and Providencia, bohemians gather in
the charming old district of Barrio Brasil, while the city is dotted
with fine museums and a flourishing arts scene. With a booming café
culture and leafy, exotic suburban parks, Santiago has an infectious
energy and a growing confidence. And those mountains don't just sit there as
decoration - there's a huge range of activities within easy reach of the
urban sprawl. Trekking, climbing, horseback riding, skiing, kayaking
and wine tours are just a few of the exhilarating possibilities at
Santiago's doorstep.
Show in Lonely Planet
Ready to go?
These tours & activities make it easy:
- Visit Santiago on your trip through Chile, Argentina & Brazil
- Witness the best of Southern Chile by foot and boat
- Go on a day trip to two of the oldest wineries in Chile
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий