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SANTIAGO |
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We paied our first visit to Santiago, capital of Chile, in January/2004. |
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"Plaza de Armas" was the first place we visited in Santiago. This square has been the symbolic heart of Chile - as well as its political, social, religious, and commercial center -- since Pedro de Valdivia established the city on this spot in 1541. The Palacio de los Gobernadores, the Palacio de la Real Audiencia, and the Municipalidad de Santiago front the square's northern edge. The dignified Catedral graces the western side of the square. Among the palm trees are distinctive fountains and gardens revealing the Chileans' pride about their history. Also here is a bronze weel that once served as the city's main source of water. |
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Plaza de Armas - Santiago/Chile - January/2004 |
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Cerro San Cristoban - Santiago/Chile - January/2004 |
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| St. Christopher's Hill (Cerro San Cristoban), within Parque Metropolitano, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Santiago. From the western entrance at Plaza Caupolic�n you can walk - it's a steep but enjoyable one-hour climb - or take the funicular. From up there, you can see almost the entire city and also the mountains that surround Santiago. |
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Santiago Market |
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Downtown Santiago |
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Museu Precolombiano - Downtown Santiago |
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If you plan to visit only one museum in Santiago, it should be the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, a block from the Plaza de Armas. The well-endowed collection of artifacts of Central and South America's indigenous peoples is displayed in a beautifully restored Royal Customs House dating to 1807. The permanent collection, on the upper floor, showcases textiles and ceramics from Mexico to Patagonia. Unlike many of the city's museums, the displays here are well labeled in Spanish and English. |
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see our visit to Ski Portillo |
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