jueves, 22 de diciembre de 2011

Heritages:

Let's go to learn about the heritage of the city...


Now that we have accommodation and we know relevant information, nothing better than use the day to visit and learn the heritages of the city.
The city of Santiago has 174 heritage sites, declared by the Council of National Monuments. These sites consist of barrios, monuments, archaeological and historical sites. In the old city centre is placed as much of them and can be seen and walking routes.


In the most valuable and popular monuments we can highlight: 

  • Convent and Church of San Francisco: It is a temple of religious catholic faith and convent under the title of San Francisco de Asís in the historical centre of the city.
The church and the convent is the oldest architectural monument currently available in the country, dating from the colonial era. In the present, the convent is a museum to various relics of religiosity  and the colonial art. Since 1951, it has been considered as National Monument and in 1998 was presented by the Chilean authorities on Unesco as candidates to be considered for the World Heritage .
This building is important because that allows us to know about the religion at that time and its importance in ancient society; it allows us to see a little more about the past of the city.
Location: The church is located on the south side of the Alameda del Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins, the main avenue of the city.
Adress: Londres nº 4, Santiago Centro.
More information: http://www.museosanfrancisco.cl/index.htm

  • Palace and Cultural Center La Moneda: The Palace of La Moneda owes its name to the original function that it has fulfilled, this was, center of minting of coins. Its design is the work of the Italian architect Joaquín Toesca. Construction began in 1784 and culminated in the first decade of the 19th century.
These were used as materials cal of the hacienda Polpaico; arenas of the Maipo river; stones of the quarry colorada of cerro San Cristobal, oak  and cypress wood from Valdivian forests  ; locks and forging spanish Vizcaya; and 20 varieties of bricks baked in Santiago for the construction of lintels, corners, flooring, moldings and the solid walls of more than a meter thick.
In a classic style, the building is a volume horizontal that transmits strength and stability. Orients its main frontage toward the street currency, and its dependencies give rise to various patios, light sources and serenity. The palace of La Moneda is considered one of the secular buildings's most outstanding of the Colonial America. In 1846 became the headquarters for the Government, role until today.
Cultural Center Palace La Moneda is a cultural center located under the Plaza of the Ciudadanía, in front of the southern facade of the Palace of La Moneda. The CCPLM, an acronym with which it is known to the center, offers to the chilean public and foreign access to the creation and the heritage visual and audiovisual, national and international, encouraging his understanding and appreciation.
This, through exhibitions of scale, in addition to the programming of the Cineteca Nacional, outreach activities, services and additional samples.
These places are important to visit, because we can then know the place from which the president of the republic directs the country, where there are some important ministries, you can learn a little more about the city and the country in regard to the political and to the administrative for familiarize themselves with these issues and have more culture. 
Location: It is located in the commune of Santiago, between the streets Moneda (north), Teatinos (west), Morandé (east) and the Alameda del Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins (south). To the north is the Plaza of the Constitution and to the south, the Plaza of the Ciudadanía.
More information: http://www.ccplm.cl/sitio/ - http://www.gob.cl/la-moneda/historia/palacio-de-la-moneda/

  •  
  • Sanctuary of the Virgin María in the Cerro San Cristóbal: The Shrine of the Immaculate Conception of the Cerro San Cristóbal is one of the main temples of the Catholic Church in Chile, in addition to being an icon of the city. It is characterized by the great image to the Immaculate Conception, which is located in the summit of Cerro San Cristóbal, a few 863 meters over the level of the sea.
The model of the sculpture belongs to the Italian sculptor Jacometti , and is of similar conditions to be found in the Plaza de España in Rome. It was built in cast iron by the smelleder Val D'Here, from Paris by means of the ambassador in France Enrique Salvador Sanfuentes. The cost was 35,274 francs of the time.
The ground on which was lifted the Sanctuary, it was donated by the Communities of the Recoleta Dominica and the Carmelite nuns of Santa Teresa. The day April 26, 1908, day of Easter, the Church of Santiago inaugurates with great solemnity the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
At the foot of the image, is an amphitheatre for officiating masses or other religious services. On one side of the statue there is also a small chapel where the parishioners can pray.
Since its construction, the Blessed Virgin has been an important part of the city, considered as "the beacon of Chile", "the mother of Santiago", and "that watches over the city. Each night the image is illuminated and can be seen from the most remote areas of the city.
Its said that the Sanctuary of  Immaculate Conception, in the Cerro San Cristóbal, is "the consolation of the sorrows of Chile".



Map:  
  • Casa Colorada: The Casa Colorada owes its name that in 1888, the facade was covered with a natural dye color red. The owner on the distinguished "Count of the Conquest, don Mateo del Toro and Zambrano " who ordered its construction to the Portuguese master Joseph de la Vega in 1769. 10 Years delayed its construction and its structure broke with the architectural canons of the time, since it was the first two-storey house to its brick facade on the ground floor was covered with stones.
The Casa Colorada is perhaps because of its history and tradition, the most typical example that has been preserved at the colonial house chilean. This fact makes it an important building that reflects the architecture in colonial times and that helps us to know one part of the history of the city of Santiago.
Location: It is located in Merced street, which during the colony the people came to call Street of the Condes Crusaders, because they were the mansions of greater lineage of those times. This was the residence of don Mateo del Toro and Zambrano, the Count of the Conquest.
Adress: Merced street #860
Map: 

  •  Park O'Higgins: The Park O'Higgins (formerly, Cousiño Park) is a park located in the center of the city of Santiago de Chile, specifically in the eponymous commune.

In 1870, the former "Fields of Mars" were restored by order of Luis cousiño, which engages the advice of the French landscape artist Guillermo Renner. Thus, the Park Cousiño was officially inaugurated in 1873. The old Park Cousiño was renamed Park O'Higgins in 1972, scoring in a true "green lung" of the city.
This park is an important part of the city because there are made a large number of cultural events, some massive, due to their spaces specialised as are the Arena Santiago, the Ellipse of the Parque O'Higgins, and Theater La Cúpula. It is a great contribution to the culture and is part of the history of the city.
Map: 
  •  Plaza de Armas of Santiago: The Plaza de Armas of Santiago is located in the commune of Santiago, to be considered as the historical center of the capital of Chile. It is the most symbolic site of metropolitan capital. In this sector, Pedro de Valdivia founded the city in the mid 16th Century. Over the years, the city was growing around this space, set up in point of reference for the buildings which had occurred later.

The Plaza emerged in conjunction with the city on february 12, 1541. The plane in the form of cape (similar to a chess board) planned for the construction of a central plaza around which would erect is the main administrative buildings.
Between 1998 and 2000, controversy renewal of the area led to the current plaza, the mix of explanada sectors for cultural activities, especially for the classical painters and humorists, gardens and a pergola central for the implementation of the musical banda municipal.
Around the Plaza de Armas in Santiago have been erected buildings of a rich cultural and historical heritage. This fact that makes this place very important for the city as its helping us to know and understanding of its history, and also an important point for the transit of the inhabitants.
Map: 









 These are some heritage of the city ... Are you ready to visit them?

miércoles, 21 de diciembre de 2011

Relevant:

Useful Information:


Here some relevant data and important information in case of emergency:


1.- Numbers of interest:

Ambulance131
Firefighter132
Carabineers133
PDI (Investigaciones) 134
Relief Corps Andean136
Policial Information139
Vialitywww.vialidad.cl
International Code56

2.- Medical institutions:

  • Las Condes Clinic - Lo Fontecilla 441, Las Condes - Phone:210-5150
  • Alemana Clinic -  Av. Vitacura 5951, Vitacura - Phone: 210-1334 
  • Cordillera Clinic - Alejandro Flemming 7885, Las Condes - Phone: 212-8732 
  • Las Lilas Clinic - Eliodoro Yañez 2087, Providencia - Phone: 205-5710 
  • Dávila  Clinic - Recoleta 464, Independencia - Phone: 730-8222
  • Santa Maria Clinic - Av. Santa María 0410, Providencia - Phone: 730-5788

3.- Timetable:

  • Offices: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 18:00 hrs.
  • Banks: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 14:00 hrs.
  • Shopping Center: Monday to Friday - 11:00 to 21:00-22:00 hrs.
  • Stores: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 22:00 hrs. 
  • Supermarkets: Monday to Sunday - 8:30 to 22:00-23:00 hrs.
  • Cinemas: Monday to Sunday - 16:00, 19:00 and 22:00 hrs. approximately

4.- Press: The main chilean newspaper are: El Mercurio, La Nacóon, Las Últimas Noticias, La Hora and La Tercera. It also distributes foreign press.








I hope this will helps you!!







Accommodation:


About where to stay...




The first thing you need when you are visiting a new place is accommodation, to leave your things and ensure a place to stay for the time that you'll be in the new place. Well, here we recommend you some places to stay in the city. 
There is something for all the pockets! :

1.- Hotels 5 stars:
  • Sheraton Santiago Hotel and Convention Center: 30 years of presence in the Chilean capital, makes him one of the most prestigious hotels and tradition. Factors coupled with its highly qualified staff, a continuing infrastructure renewal, modern fully equipped rooms, the warmth and elegance of the Convention Center for 2,000 people, restaurants, fitness center and swimming pool make the combination Sheraton Santiago Hotel perfect, where you can discover why we are leaders in the hospitality industry. 

    Sheraton Santiago Hotel & Convention Center has 379 luxury rooms including 13 Executive Suites and 1 Governor Suite. All rooms have a spectacular view to the Andes and the city. 
Location: Avenida Santa Maria 1742 (Providencia), Santiago de Chile
Website: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=296&language=es&PS=M8_LAD
  • Hotel Crown Plaza Santiago: Crowne Plaza Club, a hotel in itself, has magnificent suites and Executive rooms, is located on the upper level of the hotel ensuring complete security and privacy.
    This area offers independent access to reception area, special amenities, lounge with open bar, billiard table, library with international newspapers and magazines, terrace and lounge where breakfast is served.
    Crowne Plaza Santiago Hotel has an outdoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi and gym. With a large lounge, open bar, pool table, a comprehensive library and a large terrace. It also has a babysitting service so you can enjoy all the amenities offered there.
Location: Av. Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 136, Santiago (Centro), Santiago de Chile 
Website: http://www.crowneplaza.com/hotels/us/es/santiago/sclco/hoteldetail?sicreative=13539528353&dp=true&sicontent=0&sitrackingid=282119301&siclientid=5037



2.- Hotels 4 stars:

  • RQ Providencia Suites: The RQ Providence Suites offers a central location, 3 minutes walk from the metro Los Leones and Pedro de Valdivia. All are air conditioned and fully equipped with a kitchenette, a sitting area and desk. Facilities at the hotel 's include an outdoor pool and gymnasium.The hotel is close to bars and restaurants and only 4.2 km from the bustling Plaza de Armas. Parking available at the hotel upon reservation.
    Located close to restaurants and bars and only 1 mile from the bustling Plaza de Armas.
Location: Diego de Velazquez 2087, Providencia, Santiago de Chile
Website: http://www.rq.cl/providencia/index.htm
  • Hotel Diego de Almagro Santiago: Diego de Almagro Hotel is located in the civic district of the city of Santiago, built and designed specially to preserve the national heritage and Rivas Palacio has all the equipment to make your trip a truly enjoyable, whether for business or pleasure.
    The muffs rooms have windows, are air conditioned and are finely furnished so that they can give you all the rest. need.
    The services provided by the hotel Diego de Almagro Santiago are: Air Conditioning, Private Bath, Central Heating, Breakfast Buffet included, Covered Parking, Safe with Key, Cable TV, Hair dryer, electronic lock tronics, wireless, Internet connection, Laundry, Bilingual staff, lobby, meeting rooms, lift, car rentals, Non-Smoking Floors, Non-Smoking Rooms, Business Center, Terrace, Dial Direct National, International Direct Dialing.


 Location:  Av. Lib. Bernardo O'higgins 1485, Santiago Centro, Santiago de Chile
Website: http://www.dahoteles.com/da/index.php
  • Hotel España: Corazoon Located in the cultural and financial activity is the Hotel Spain, a distinguished hotel in the city of Santiago de Chile, located a few blocks from the main points of the region, such as cinemas , museums, restaurants, banks and shopping malls.
    Spain Hotel offers its 70 comfortable single, double and suites, finely decorated, combining the magic of classic and modern functionality. In each you will find:
    - Internet
    - Cable TV
    - Safe
    - Private bathroom
    - Minibar
    We also put at your disposal our facilities, designed to offer maximum comfort and service at the highest level:
    - Restaurant
    - Exercise Room
    - Security
    - Laundry
    - Room service
    - Meeting Room
    Hotel Spain is waiting with open doors to provide excellent care, hospitality and special attention to every detail.


  Location: Morandé 510 Esq Catedral, Santiago Centro, Santiago de Chile
Website: http://www.hotelespania.com/

3.- Hotels 3 stars:  

  • Hotel Panamericano: The Panamerican Hotel is situated in the heart of Santiago, near the Government Palace, an area which is characterized by being among the safest in the capital, located in the commercial, financial, cultural and CI ; VICA.
    The hotel offers 145 spacious and comfortable rooms, guarded parking, room reuniores, laundry, meeting rooms for events and a luxurious VIP room for stays of more pleasant. Rooms Pan American Hotel, comfortable and spacious and equipped with comforts Box Spring Rose, double glazed windows with anti-system, Color TV Sony 21 "TV with cable, electronic locks, minibar, private bathroom with toilet mirror lighted Hairdryer, safe, telephone, room service Calefaccióny among other details to make your stay comfortable. There are also computers connected to the Internet access service, and free Wi - Fi in the lobby area. Ideal conference rooms for courses, seminars, workshops or conferences. These rooms offer all the necessary infraenstructura for the results to be successful. These spaces have natural light, audio amplification, wireless microphones, Computer, Projectors, Audiovisual Equipment, Data Show, telephone lines with optional Tele Conference, climate and support service request for work is as effective and pleasant as possible. Salones VIPEsta alternative, which is reserved for the most distinguished clientele, offers specialized care in the conduct of its meetings and business lunches . With capacity for eight people, is the favorite site for prominent companies. 

Location: Teatinos 320, Santiago Centro, Santiago de Chile
Website: http://www.hotelpanamericano.cl/
  •  Bellas Artes Suites: The privileged location Bellas Artes Suites located just steps from the metro Bellas Artes and only a few blocks from the center of Santiago. This advantage enables us to offer our guests the possibility to be embedded in the shell No historic, cultural and government in the capital 
Some of the services offered in Fine Arts Suites are fully equipped kitchen with microwave, 24 hour reception, laundry, mini bar, childcare, breakfast, cable tv, tv 20 ', audio system with CD and remote control, internet, air and heating, digital safe in each suite. 


 Location:  Mac-Iver #549, Santiago Centro, Santiago de Chile
Website: http://www.bellasartessuites.cl/index.htm



4.- Apartments:

  • Menorca Rent a Suite:  Located in a privileged residential and commercial area of Providencia is Menorca Rent a Suite, a few meters from the metro station Los Leones, which provides access to major banks, shopping malls, restaurants and pubs the region.
    Menorca Rent a Suite offers spacious apartments fully furnished, nicely decorated and with the widest range of services to make your stay in Santiago de Chile is pleasant and comfortable.
    Each of our departments offer the following benefits:
    - Cable TV
    - Internet
    - Stereo
    - Telephone and fax
    - Air conditioning
    - Heating
    - Living room with sofa bed or two
    - Two bathrooms
    - Terrace
    - Kitchenette

    Furthermore, in our comfortable facilities will find all the amenities you may require during their passage through the capital of Chile:
    - Continental Breakfast
    - Parking
    - Fitness
    - Sauna
    - Maid service

    Menorca Rent a Suite at we guarantee that all our departments and services are top quality, making us the best choice for your stay in Santigo, Chile.
Location: Andrés de Fuenzalida #71, Providencia, Santiago de Chile
Website: http://www.menorca.cl/index.htm
  
5.- Hostels:

  • EcoHostel: EcoHostel gives you the chance to spend an unforgettable stay in Santiago, with all amenities, like a warm, entertaining and safe. It also has an excellent location close to supermarkets, buses, metro, restaurants, banks, laundries, pubs, museums, Cerro Santa Lucia, a craft fair.
    EcoHostel supports the development of the Mapuche community of Tirúa in Region VIII. Every week there are different types of events such as barbecues, projections of photos.
    The service provided includes: Breakfast, TV room, dining room, kitchen, 40 beds, recreational areas, Wi-Fi, lockers for luggage.
Location: General Jofré #349 B
More information:  http://www.ecohostel.cl/index_.htm
  • Hostal Forestal: Hostal Forestal is a classic place of lodging, with a style and cutting edge design in the leafy suburb Lastarria. We are just a few blocks from Forest Park and the area of Bellavista, which simply gives us a perfect location. Surrounded by neoclassical buildings, cafes, restaurants, museums and bars, since the hostel is possible to visit all the main attractions of Santiago de Chile! Visit us and enjoy our fun weekly activities with the best atmosphere.
  • Parts / Bedroom safe, clean and furnished with private bath / shared. 
  • free security lockers. 
  • Staff friendly, English speaking, French and Spanish. 
  • Open 24 hours with hot showers. 
  • Internet access & FREE Wireless Internet 
  • Custody of luggage for long and short periods. 
  • Map / Guide Free Santiago. ; 
  • FREE breakfast included 
  • NEW! Bar - cold beer and very good Chilean wine. ; 
  • Fully equipped kitchen & grill area.
    Pool Table
  • (mention that you can play for free anytime) 
  • Cable TV, Home Theater, DVD, MP3, etc ... 
  • Linen provided and towels available for rental.
    Lavanderíay
  • ATM just around the corner. 
  • Book collection at the airport transfers ($ 15) and taxis ($ 30) approx. 
  • City tours (Santiago, Central Coast Wine Tours, Ski & Snowboard) 
  • Information about classes and language schools. 
  • accept credit cards (charge of 5%) 
  • Without closing hours at night (curfew), check out at 12 pm. 
  • Comfortable common areas to rest and relax. 
  • Bikes for rent and parking of bicycles. 
  • wine shop, supermarket, restaurant, bar, pubs and nightclubs a few blocks away. 
  • games available (chess, backgammon, etc. ..) 
  • movie nights every week!
    Each week nights
  • Pisco Sour! 
  • Each week nights and barbecue grill Chileno! 
  • These activities and the itinerary may vary from week to week, but be clear that there is always something to do at the hostel!

Location: Coronel Stgo. Bueras 122 - Santiago, Santiago de Chile
More information: http://www.hostalforestal.cl/

6.- Bed&Breakfast: 

  • Casa Bonita Bed&Breakfast: Casa Bonita B & B is one that comes after the restoration carried out in an old house, which was restored as a form of a bed & breakfast. The property is considered a National Monument because it is located in a historic district, which is protected in the center of Santiago. Bonita House Bed & Breakfast is located just minutes from the station Republica meters. Location infrastructure for Casa Bonita B & B is targeted to both tourists and executives. One of the main features of the Casa Bonita B & B is served entirely by its owners (a Chilean-Dutch marriage), whose sole purpose is to serve its guests by providing a personalized service toalmente quality at a fair price.
    Each Beautiful Bed and Breakfast has a super home-style, it has 5 fully equipped rooms with good beds, soft pillows, fresh sheets and towels. A desk, cable TV and WIFI connection. They have excellent natural light, private bathroom and a central heating system.
    Rates include: 
  • WIFI 
  • cable TV 
  • Internet 
  • breakfast consisting of fresh bread, natural orange juice, ground coffee or tea, jam, cheese, and antequilla eggs, yogurt and cereals. 


Location: Pasaje Republica 5, Santiago Centro, Santiago de Chile
More information: http://www.bbcasabonita.com/ 


These are some options ... now, which one will choose?

Characteristics:



About Santiago...



Santiago de Chile is the economic and administrative capital of the country. With five million habitants (and counting), was founded in 1541. Situated at the foot of the Andes Mountains and an hour of the Pacific Ocean, is an ideal starting point for many activities. 

  • Founding: Santiago was founded oficially by Spanish Conquistador Pedro de Valdivia on February 12, 1541 with the name Santiago de Nueva Extremadura, as a homage to Saint James and Extremadura, Valdivia's birth place in Spain. The founding ceremony was held on Huelén Hill (later renamed Cerro Santa Lucía). 

Valdivia chose the location of Santiago because of its climate, abundant vegetation and the ease with which it could be defended. 
  • Geography: The city of Santiago is located mainly in a plain known as the "Santiago basin". This basin is part of the Intermediate Depression and is clearly delimited by the cord of Chacabuco to the north, the Andes Mountain Range to the east, the angostura Paine in the south and the Coast Mountain Range. Approximately, has a length of 80 km in the direction north-south and 35 km from east to west.
The city of Santiago is nestled in the river basin of the Rio Maipo, which covers an approximate area of 15,380 km². The main channel was born in the mountain range to the southeast of Santiago, in the foothills of the volcano's namesake and descends over the cordillera in the form of a canon known as the Cajón del Maipo.
In this area converge three important channels tributaries: the Rio Volcán that is born under the volcano San Jose and presents some hot springs like the "Baños Morales", the Río Yeso, that in their higher channel is located the dam El Yeso, wich is the main reservoir of potable water to the entire Metropolitan Region, and the Río Colorado. 
The climate of the city of Santiago corresponds to a warm, temperate climate with rains in winter and dry season prolongada, more known as continentalizado Mediterranean climate.
  • Division of the city:At present, the city of Santiago expands over thirty-six communes according to the National Institute of Statistics; twenty-six of these are completely urbanized and the remaining in a partial manner. Of the 36 communes, are the 32 that make up the province of Santiago, two in the province of Cordillera, one of the Maipo Valley and another of the Talagante.
Santiago is divided into 32 communes administered by their respective municipalities. The center of Santiago is where the main offices of banks, as well as government agencies. Commercial companies are moving toward the east of the town, a commune of Providencia, Vitacura and Las Condes. Most hotels, banking and entertainment areas are located in these communities. The industrial area of Santiago, is located in the north and norponiente of the city, in the communes of Quilicura, Huechuraba and Pudahuel. The areas south and west are primarily residential. 
Communes: Santiago, Macul, Lo Espejo, Independencia, Peñalolen, Estación Central, Conchalí, La Florida, Cerrillos, Huechuraba, San Joaquín, Maipú, Recoleta, La Granja, Quinta Normal, Providencia, La Pintana, Lo Prado, Vitacura, San Ramon, Pudahuel, Lo Barnechea, San Miguel, Cerro Navia, Las Condes, La Cisterna, Renca, Ñuñoa, El Bosque, Quilicura, La Reina, Pedro Aguirre Cerda and Puente Alto. 
  • Economy: The city of Santiago is the main pole of economic development in Chile and one of the most important in all Latin America. According to the Central Bank, the gross domestic product of the Metropolitan Region in 2005 was 24,461,582 million Chilean pesos (Approx. US$ 35,380 million) and that it was equivalent to 42.68 % of the total GDP national and a 46.98 % of the GDP regionalized production. This adjusted figure with the purchasing power parity increases to US$ 91,000 million, which ranks as the 53or city with more income in the orb and the fifth at the latin american level (after Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro).
  • Demography: In accordance with the data collected in the 2002 census conducted by the National Institute of Statistics, the population of the metropolitan area of Santiago reached 5,428,590 inhabitants, equivalent to 35.91 % of the national total and the 89.56 % of the total regional.
  • Cityzenship:The population of the metropolitan region is characterized by be a worker, as most people use large part of its day to develop its work.
We can add that has also become technological, because as they move toward electronic devices and discover new things, people want for them as they facilitate their daily lives.
Also, one can say that, in the face of adversity, the population is united and helpful (something that can be seen in the various disasters that has been in the country) and that, although they will continue to fashion look to other countries and they forget to certain traditions, they feel "Chilean's heart".
  • Heritages: Within the metropolitan area of Santiago there are 174 patrimonial sites in the custody of the National Monuments Council, among which are architectural monuments, historical, archaeological and even neighborhoods and typical areas. Of these, 93 are found within the commune of Santiago, considered the historical center of the city.
The varied architecture, contrasts between the classic and modern, and its cultural influences make it a cosmopolitan city of Santiago, where you can enjoy art activities, attractive shopping malls and a variety of international cuisine accompanied by the delicious wines. 




And this is Santiago...