Plaza de ArmasThe Plaza de Armas is both the heart of Santiago and the historical center, a square hemmed in by impressive Spanish colonial public buildings, including the 18th-century Cathedral and elaborate main post office that was once the Spanish governors' residence. The square became the hub of administrative, commercial and social life when the city was founded in 1541 and today it remains the center of life in the city. Never a dull place to be by day with its constant activity and throngs of people entertained by buskers and local artists, the evenings are just as lively
when passers-by can become embroiled in chess games on temporary tables set up under the trees.
Transport: Metro to Plaza de Armas
Chilean Museum of Pre-Colombian ArtSpanning 4,500 years and about 80 pre-Colombian civilizations of South America the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino (Chilean Museum of Pre-Colombian Art) is a fascinating place to spend a few hours. Located in the old Royal Customs House, the exhibit displays are well lit and beautifully arranged throughout four rooms set around a central courtyard. The collection provides an informative insight into the cultures of the Incas, Mayans, Aztecs and other once proud civilizations of the continent, illustrating their artistic diversity.
Address: Calle Bandera 361
Phone Number: (0)2 688 7348
Website: www.precolombino.cl
Transport: Metro to Plaza de Armas
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm. Free guided tours are offered Tuesday to Friday at 1pm and 5pm, and Saturday 10am to 2pm (advance registration required)
Admission: Ch$3,000
Mercado CentralSantiago's colorful Mercado Central, housed in an 1872 wrought iron structure, has a fruit and vegetable market as well as a buzzing fish market where an assortment of glistening fish is packed onto the tables. Mussels, oysters and clams sit in buckets among an unidentifiable variety of crustaceans and tentacled creatures. The fishmongers demonstrate their skill at gutting and filleting amid a cacophony of frenzied buying. The best time to visit is at lunchtime when a delicious sampling of the wares can be enjoyed in the happily chaotic atmosphere of the central hall.
Address: Corner of Calle Puente and Calle San Pablo
Transport: Metro to Puente Cal y Canto
Hours: Daily from 6am to 4pm
Cerro San CristóbalCerro San Cristóbal is a 2,752-foot (860m) hill jutting out of the city and on a clear day affords magnificent views of the surrounds and across to the Andes. The easiest way to the top is by funicular, but there is also a teleférico (cable car), bus or a path leading up from the bottom through the forested slopes. There are many walkways and at the summit is the 70-foot (22m) high statue of the Virgin Mary to mark where the Pope held a mass in 1987. There is also a small zoo, picnic sites and an outdoor swimming pool. The cerro is situated within the Santiago's biggest open space, Parque Metropolitano, and is a peaceful place, an escape from the never-ending noise of traffic in the city below.
Address: Calle Pedro de Valdivia or Calle Pio Nono
Phone Number: (0)2 730 1300
Transport: Metro to Pedro de Valdivia or Baquedano
Hours: Park: Sunday to Thursday 8am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 8am to 12am. Funicular: Monday 1pm to 8pm, Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 8pm
Admission: Ch$1,500 return for a funicular ride
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The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
