Palacio de Bellas Artes:
Fine arts museum with frequent special exhibitions, in Parisian style turn-of-the-century building. (Calle José M de la Barra, fronting Parque Forestal, Centro. (56-2) 633-0655. Tues.- Sat., 11am to 8pm, Sun. and holidays 11 am to 2 pm. US$1.

Museo Arqeologico de Santiago:
Appealing ethnographic museum stressing Chile’s indigenous peoples and their history. (Lastarria 321, 2nd floor. (56-2/638-3975. Monday through Saturday 10 am to 2 pm, Monday through Friday 3:30 to 6:30 pm. Free.)

Museo Neruda:
La Chascona, former residence of Nobel Prize-winning poet, open for guided tours only. (Márquez de La Plata 0192, Barrio Bellavista. (56-2)737-8712. Tues.- Sun., 10 am to 1 pm and 3 to 6 pm. US$2.50)

Museo San Francisco:
Colonial and later religious art, in an annex of one of the city’s oldest churches, an architectural landmark on the Alameda O’Higgins. (Londres 4, Centro. (56-2) 639-8737. Tues.- Sat., 10am to 1:30pm and 3pm to 6pm, Sun. and holidays 10 am to 2 pm. US$1.25.)

Palacio Cousiño:
Admission includes tour of elite family mansion, built in late 19th century, set among elaborate gardens. (Dieciocho 438, Centro (56-2) 698-5063 Tues. -Sun., 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. US $1.25.)

Casa Colorada y Museo De Santiago:
One of Santiago's architectural landmarks, and now the Historical Museum of Santiago.

Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino:
Well-organized archaeological museum focusing on various regions of Latin America; occupies the historic colonial customs house. (Bandera 361, Centro (56-2) 695-3627 Tues-Sat, 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday 10 am to 1 pm US$1.25)

Museo de Santiago:
Municipal history museum in attractive late colonial house; interesting dioramas of memorable events. (Merced 860, Centro (56-2) 633-0723 Tues.-Sat, 10 am to 6 pm; Sundays and holidays, 10 am to 2 pm. US$1.25)

Viña Undurraga
One of Chile’s best known wineries, its grounds and buildings are open for tours on weekdays from 9:30 to 12 and 2 to 4 PM. The site is located 34 km southwest of Santiago on the road to Pomaire.

Viña Concha y Toro
This popular winery is very easy to visit from Santiago, as it is located in the village of Pirque, near Puente Alto just south of the capital. This is the original vinyard that was establihsed in 1883. The grounds are lovely and one has the opportunity to visit the original caves that are still used to store the oak barrels. Tours of the grounds take place daily at 10:30 in the morning and at 1,3 and 5:30 in the afternoon.

Viña Santa Carolina
Although the vineyards of the winery have been swallowed over the years by the growing city, the historic main house (casco) and the warehouses (bodegas) are open to the public on weekends.

Cerro Santa Lucia:
A fortified promontory overlooking the downtown area, Cerro Santa Lucia was used as a refuge from Mapuche attacks. The rather rundown gardens and walkways attest to an era of grandeur in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Santa Lucia is located at 499 Avenida Liberator Bernardo O´Higgins and is accessible by Metro Line 1 via the station bearing the same name.

Parque Metropolitano:
Often referred to as Cerro San Cristobal (the name of the largest of the three hills that make up the park), this is a forested public park rising more than 200 meters above the hustle and bustle of Santiago. It is one the city’s prominent landmarks, crowned with a huge 14 meter statue of the Virgin Mary. A funicular takes you directly to the top, and a gondola (teleférico) spans across two of the highest points for an impressive view of the city and the Andes. For the more energetic, the Cerro has a network of dirt trails, and a steep and winding road which goes to the top. There is a pool, zoo, giftshops, snack bars, and a fine restaurant to visit as well. The forested hill is a popular spot for running, mountain biking, and family outings. To access the park, take Metro Line 1 to Station Baquedano and head across the river on Pio Nono until the street ends at the base of the wooded hill.. This entrance is open between 8 AM and 10 PM. The Pedro De Valdivia Norte entrance (via Metro Line 1) is open between 8 AM and 12 midnight. For more information about the park call (562) 777 6666.

Parque Forestal:
This thin sliver of tall trees and greenery has graced the southern border of the Rio Mopocho since 1891. It contains numerous fountains, statues and monuments amidst a mixture of native and foreign tree species. The Park, which stretches between Plaza Baquedano and Plaza Capitán Prat is accessible by Metro Line 1. It is a popular spot for romantic interludes for Chileans of all ages and cuddling couples are ubiquitous.

Parque O'Higgins:
This 80 hectare park is located southwest of the the city center and is composed of gardens, playgrounds, and tree-lined pathways. It also offers tennis courts, a skating rink, swimming pools, a small lake, grass fields and several restaurants. The park is also the location of Plaza de las Artesanias where 120 artisans and artists can be seen working and producing works of both beauty and practicality. Parque O´Higgins is the home of the Museo del Huaso (tel.556 1937) which exhibits the history of the Chilean campesino (farmer) and his life in the country. Other museums (one on Chilean insects and another on Chilean Fauna) also grace the park´s peaceful expanses.

Aerotec Adventure Tourism:
All types of aeronautic adventure. From bi-plane rides over the Andes to hot air balloons to the quiet serenity of a glider ride. An assortment of high altitude options.

The most popular option for outdoor recreation for residents of Santiago is the Cajon de Maipo (Maipo River Canyon), located only 30 kms southeast of the city center. This area´s possibilities include (rafting, camping, rock climbing, hiking, picnics, horse riding etc.)

Please contact our travel agency to arrange tours, etc.

Valle Nevado, Portillo, Colorado:
Superp skiing only one hour and a half from Santiago. All Wintersport activities are possible here, even if you want to be delivered via a helicopter to the top of the andes and ski from there - unlimited possibilities.

Please contact our travel agency to arrange equipment, classes, etc.