Santiago

Santiago is the capital city of Chile, located in a wide valley between the Andes and the coastal range, with the Mapocho River running through the northern neighborhoods. Tall buildings cluster in the eastern districts, while lower residential blocks and older streets fill the western areas.

Pedro de Valdivia founded the settlement on February 12, 1541, and built the first structures at the foot of Cerro Santa Lucía. The original center followed a grid pattern typical of Spanish colonial planning, with the main square at its core.

People gather on weekends along the parks near the river to grill and socialize in large family groups. Street vendors sell fresh mote con huesillos from corner carts, especially during warm afternoons, and locals stop to chat while they drink.

The metro connects several lines through the city and runs from early morning until late evening, making it easy to move between neighborhoods. Many streets are one-way, and traffic can get heavy in the afternoons, especially toward the eastern districts.

The central market hall, Mercado Central, stands in a wrought-iron building from 1872 and offers fresh fish and seafood from the long Chilean coast. Under the high iron dome, small restaurants line up, where cooks shout out orders and waiters rush between the tables.

Location: Santiago Metropolitan Region

Inception: 1541

Founders: Pedro de Valdivia

Elevation above the sea: 575 m

Shares border with: Cordón de Chacabuco

Website: https://gobiernosantiago.cl

GPS coordinates: -33.43778,-70.65045

Latest update: December 14, 2025 21:06