Santiago is Chile’s capital and largest city, a fast-growing Andean metropolis of around 6–7 million people in the greater urban area, founded in 1541 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia. Set in the Central Valley with the Andes rising dramatically to the east, it’s best known for its mix of historic districts and modern skylines: the Plaza de Armas and the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino anchor the old centre, while Providencia and Las Condes bring towers, shopping and nightlife. Classic viewpoints include Cerro San Cristóbal and Cerro Santa Lucía, and green space is a big part of daily life in parks like Parque Metropolitano and Bicentenario. Getting around is straightforward on the Metro and bus network, with Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) about 15–20 km from the centre and easy day trips out to Valparaíso, the Maipo Valley wine region and Andean mountain towns.
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