Santiago
Santiago, Chile's Capital City, is located in the central zone, in the Metropolitan region, 543 Mts. above sea level. With an approximate extension of 140 sq. km., 35 km from north to south and 35 km from east to west, Santiago's main access routes are Route 5 (Panamericana) - which crosses the region from north to south - and, Route 68 from the west. This road connects Santiago with "Arturo Merino Benitez" International Airport and with the Valparaíso region (one of the main tourist areas in the country).
Santiago has got mild Mediterranean climate with regular temperature variations
between winter and summer. Rain falls mainly in autumn and winter (March 21
to September 21) with an annual average of 384 mm. Summers (December to March)
are dry, with temperatures going over 30ºC since mid January to mid February.
The annual average temperature is 14ºC, with a winter average of 9ºC
and a summer average of 22.7ºC. In early September, when the 1st EELA Confrence
(4 & 5) and the EELA Tutorial (6 & 7) will be held, Santiago's weather
is usually mild with temperatures ranging from 9ºC to 22ºC, and some
occasional showers.
The central zone of the country is the cultural nucleus of Chile and all the
largest cities are located here, as are most of the biggest universities and
industries, also its vineyards, finest agricultural lands, colonial and early
republican architecture. The capital, Santiago, is poised between the highest
peaks in the Americas and a the premier beach places (like the port of Valparaíso
and the beautiful city of Viña del Mar).
Clean and modern, Santiago -a focal point of Latin American commerce and the
entry for nearly all international arrivals- sits in a basin between the Coast
Range to the west and the Andes to the east. Outstanding ski
areas in the central Andes lie only forty-five minutes away. Numerous vineyards
surround the capital; seventeenth-century colonial haciendas, and national parks
in both the Andes and the Coast Range, all make easy day trips. At night, visitors
may choose from a variety of restaurants serving all types of regional and ethnic
cuisines, and excellent hotels assure a good night's sleep for both, business
and pleasure.
To the west, modern highways connect with the coastal cities of Viña
del Mar, Valparaiso (declared Humanity Patrimony). The central coast also
enjoys of a Mediterranean climate, with short, mild winters and a sunny summer
season lasting over eight months. Here a chain of white-sand beaches and coastal
resorts offers something for every taste.
To the north, the climate grows gradually hotter and drier. The chain of beaches
and resorts continues north to La Serena (about 5 to 6 hours far from Santiago
by car), Chile's second-oldest city now known for its production of Pisco, a
grape brandy which follows close behind wine on the list of Chile's preferred
drinks.
To the south, the central valley comes into its own. These were the fertile
lands first claimed by the Spanish conquerors; here the Chilean huaso (cowboy)
still spends his day astride his horse in the traditional manta (poncho) and
sombrero, honing his skills for annual rodeo competitions (September is well
known as the month of Chile, because the Patriot Fiesta -the National Day- is
in September 18th, close to that date is easy to find rodeos).
To the east, the Andes are an unforgettable presence, cloaked in white in winter
and spring, storing meltwater for the rivers which irrigate Chile's heartland.
Beyond that first line of peaks, visible from anywhere in the Central Valley
(unless the smog is too dense) and from many places along the coast, lies a
wilderness of glacially sculpted canyons, glaciers and microclimate forests,
alpine lakes and thundering rivers. Lateral roads lead into the cordillera,
providing access to numerous national parks and truly endless opportunities
for skiing, hiking and mountaineering, mountain biking, horseback riding and
rafting.
