Santiago > Reviews

Advantages: A relatively gentle introduction to South America.
Disadvantages: For such a big city it lacks a little in visitor attractions.

Santiago is a little out of sync with the continent in finds itself in. Most South American cities are known for their bustle and ability to scare the living daylights out of freshly arrived travellers, yet Chile's capital has a somewhat restrained and openly friendly atmosphere. Just as well too, because we arrived in the city with barely a word of Spanish and nothing in the way of accommodation booked. Santiago's population of 6 million people ... Read review

Advantages: different unspoiled powder relaxed
Disadvantages: mid-priced

About 2 hours east of Santiago are the ski resorts of La Parva, El Colorado and Valle Nevado. All 3 resorts are connected (you can ski between them if you have the right pass) and there are plenty of runs and some world-class off-piste. You can make the trip up and down from Santiago in a day but its worth taking two (at least) if you can ski or snowboard. As well as the resorts, there is a small town called Farrellones located next to the resort ... Read review

Advantages: Nice hotel, good steak, skiing
Disadvantages: Very big, no laundrettes

Santiago is a fine city. We stayed in a hostel called the hotal Londres, a huge, elegant building with high ceilings and shutters with ensuite rooms and breakfast, for about 12 dollars a night. We managed to go skiing at a resort only an hour's drive from the city, and had a great day on the slopes. Then we came back to eat the best steak any of us has ever tasted at a huge steak house. We also went to the cinema one rainy afternoon, delighted to ... Read review