Santiago Comes to Life for Tourists

Filed in archive Latin Travel on October 30, 2009

© sarahedoherty


Santiago is not the first place I think of when someone brings up the topic of Latin tourism, but the NY Times says Chile's capital is becoming an attraction - and shaking off its sleepy reputation.

Santiago, wedged between the snowy Andes and the sea, has become an electrifying place of vibrant contrasts, with lush new parks, renovated Beaux-Arts neighborhoods and blocks of glamazon-thronged galleries and cafes clustered around “Sanhattan,” the soaring financial district. With Chile celebrating its bicentennial next year, Santiago, its capital, is rushing through an urban master plan of new museums, a stylishly renovated riverfront and other inducements for visitors to stick around and play for a couple of days before heading into the wild.

The NYT article looks in detail at things to do and places to eat.