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Chillán

Chillian holds historical significance, as the birthplace of Bernardo O'Higgins, who founded the republic. Chillán - Skiing

Chillán is also Chile’s most interesting market town, and necessary stopover for skiers heading up to the world class resort of Termas de Chillán. Art lovers know it as the site of works by the famous Mexican muralists David Alfaro Siqueiros and Xavier Guerrero in the Escuela México, a school built with Mexican government assistance. Since 1550, Chillian was victim to many earthquakes and Mapuche attacks. Due to an devastating earthquake in 1939, much of the city was rebuilt, and most architecture dates to the 1940s.

Hotels


		Hotel Quinchamalí

	General Info Located only one block south of the Plaza de Armas, this family style hotel is in the commercial center of the city.

	Accomodation Service Bar, cafe, fax service, laundry, parking, conference room.

	Prices Single US$30, Double US$67, Triple US$78, Suite US$67


		Hotel Javiera Carrera

	General Info Good midrange choice.

	Accomodation Service Cafe, laundry, parking, fax service.

	Prices Single US$23 Double US$35


		Hotel Las Terrazas

	General Info Located one block from the Plaza de Armas within a shopping mall.

	Accomodation Service Restaurant, bar, cafe, laundry, fax service, parking, TV.

	Prices Single US$66, Double US$73, Suite US$92


		Gran Hotel Isabel Riquelme

	General Info Located in front of the Plaza de Armas and in the center of the commerical district of the city.

	Accomodation Service Conference room, TV, bar, restaurant, laundry, money exchange, room service, frigobar, parking.

	Prices Single US$60, Double US$70, Triple US$90, Suite US$120 Rates valid until June 31 2005


		Hotel Canada

	General Info Nice, sunny rooms, though small. Excellent budget choice.

	Prices US$14-21.

Activities


		Culture, Historic Buildings

	Escuela Mexico: Escuela Mexico still functions as a school. However, the staff welcomes you to the library, to see the celebrated murals by Mexican muralist David Alfaro. The mural is a testament to the resistence to Spanish imperialism. (Open 9:30am to 12:30pm and 3 to 6 pm daily in the summer; 9am to 1pm and 3pm to 6pm weekdays, except Mon.) Museo Franciscano: This museum houses an intriquing collection of items used by missionaries to proselytize to Mapuches, Colonial furniture and religious items belonging to members of the Franciscan order. (Tues-Sun 9am to 3 pm; CH$500. 237606) Parque Monumental Bernardo O'Higgins: Just a short bus ride from Chillian, in Chillian Viejo, you can take a look at a mosaic mural commemorating O'Higgins' birthplace and scenes from his life. The Centro Historico y Cultural displays objects from his life as well. In summer, the (Centro is open 8am to 8pm daily; the rest of the year, 8am to 6:30pm. Free.) Feria de Chillian: Chillian's outdoor market is one of Chile's most renowned, especially for its colorful appearance. There is an excellent selection of local crafts and an abundance of fresh produce. It is open every day, but it is particularly animated on Saturday. (Plaza Merced).


		Hotspring, Skiing, Snowboarding

	Termas de Chillian: Officially known for its thermal baths, Termas de Chillian is now famous for its skiing, on the Volcan Chillian. "The runs vary from 90m to 700m in vertical drop, and 400m to 2500m in length" (Rough Guide). Skiing is available from mid-May to mid-October. The heated pools are open all year-round. (US$20 per day for adults, US$16 for children.)