Useful info
Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a sovereign country in western South America. It is the southernmost country in the world and the closest to Antarctica, stretching along a narrow strip of land between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean with a very long coastline of more than 6,000 km.
Chile had a population of 20 million people (2024 estimate). It has a territorial area of 756,102 square kilometers (291,933 sq mi). Chile has four distinct geographic zones: the dry northern desert, the fertile Central Valley, the forests and lakes of south-central Chile, and the archipelagos, fiords, and channels of the far south.
Chile is one of South America’s most stable and prosperous nations, leading Latin American countries in human development, competitiveness, globalization, economic freedom, and low perception of corruption. It has a stable democracy and a high level of social progress compared to the countries of the region.
Chile is the world’s largest producer of copper, lithium and iodine, as well as agricultural products such as fresh grapes, blueberries, plums and dehydrated apples. It is the 4th largest exporter of wine worldwide. The country’s vast extension and contrast of climates provide immense potential for renewable energy generation.
Santiago de Chile
Santiago is the capital and largest city of Chile and one of the largest cities in the Americas. It is located in the country’s central valley and is the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of seven million, representing 40% of Chile’s total population.
The city has a downtown core of 19th-century neoclassical architecture and winding side-streets featuring a mix of art deco, neo-gothic, and other styles. The neoclassical cathedral and the museum of National History are located at the Plaza de Armas, which is lined with palm trees. The huge Metropolitan Park features swimming pools, a botanical garden and a zoo.
Santiago’s cityscape is defined by several hills and the fast-flowing Mapocho River, which is lined by parks such as Parque Forestal and Parque Balmaceda. The Andes Mountains can be seen from most parts of the city. The outskirts of the city are surrounded by vineyards, and Santiago is within an hour’s drive of both the mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Climate
In Santiago, the summers are warm, arid, and clear and the winters are cold and partly cloudy. In October temperature ranges from a low of 47 ºF to a high of 73 ºF.
Appropriate clothing
It is advisable to pack clothes for layering and a warm coat for night-time.
Entrance to Chile – Visa
Visitors must have their passport in good condition and valid for the period of their stay. They do not need a visa for a tourist or business stay of 90 days or fewer.
However, it is advisable to check if a visa is required according to the nationality and find out the requirements to begin the process.
https://www.consulado.gob.cl/informacion-sobre-visas-para-ingresar-a-chile
Vaccination
There are no mandatory vaccinations for entering Chile.
Airport
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, also known as Santiago International Airport and Nuevo Pudahuel Airport, located in Pudahuel, 15 km (9.3 mi) north-west of central Santiago, is Chile‘s largest aviation facility and busiest international airport, with both domestic and international services.
Electricity
In Chile, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type C and type L are used. The standard voltage is 220 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.
Type C
Type L
Currency – ATMs
The legal currency of Chile is the Chilean peso. One dollar equals 900 Chilean pesos approximately. Unlike some other South American countries, US dollars are rarely accepted in Chile except in some hotels and some luxury designer shops. Therefore, we recommend you have some pesos in cash. ATMs are widely available in the city. Changing money in Chile is easy. You can do this at any bank or a “casa de cambio” (currency exchange).
Tipping
Tipping in Chile is voluntary but expected, particularly for porters, bellmen, and waiters.
Taxis
Santiago is full of cabs, all black with yellow roofs. It’s generally safe to hail cabs in the street, though it is advisable to take authorized taxis. You can stop a driver on the spot, walk to the nearest rank, call a radio taxi company or download an app. Hotels and restaurants will readily call you one, too.
Taxis use taximeters to determine the total fare for your ride and many taxis take credit card payments.
You can find airport taxis waiting outside the arrival’s terminal.
Car rental
Car rental offices can be found in the downtown area and the airport. Such companies as Alamo, Hertz, Avis, Europcar and Budget, among others, offer large fleets to satisfy the tourists’ needs.
Main touristic highlights
“Plaza de Armas”
The famous Plaza de Armas (Arms Square) is one of the most visited tourist places in Santiago. Given that the most emblematic colonial buildings of the city are preserved there, like the main post office or the local government’s seat, it is considered the historical center. This square is often the site of important political and cultural celebrations.
The Santiago Cathedral
The main temple of the Catholic Church in the country was built between 1748 and 1906. It is located in front of the Plaza de Armas and is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
San Cristóbal Hill
Visitors can get the best views over Santiago from the peaks and viewpoints of the Parque Metropolitano, better known as Cerro San Cristóbal. At 722 hectares, the park is Santiago’s largest green space. located in the center of the capital. A funicular and a teleferic carry visitors to the top. The hill can also be climbed on foot.
Bellavista neighborhood
Bohemian Bellavista—located between San Cristóbal Hill and the Mapocho River—is one of Santiago’s most walkable and beautiful neighborhoods. It is known for a varied nightlife, some of the city’s most colorful street art, trendy shops and art galleries. A particular Bellavista highlight is the mythical La Chascona house, former residence of the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda.
Santa Lucia Hill
Santa Lucia Hill is one of the best viewpoints in central Santiago, offering a nice panorama of the city and the surrounding mountains. It is actually an important historical sight too ‒in that place Pedro de Valdivia announced the founding of Santiago in 1541.
Central Market
Santiago’s Central Market is a great place to visit and try some of the local food. The building with the cast-iron roof (built in Glasgow and transferred to Chile) dates back to 1872 and replaced the old market that burnt down. You can find here fresh seafood and typical Chilean cuisine.
Other places worth visiting are:
- The National Museum of Fine Arts, in the Bellas Artes neighborhood.
- Museum of Visual Arts, in the vibrant Lastarria neighborhood.
- Museum of Pre-Columbian Arts, featuring displays of indigenous art.
- Museum of Memory and Human Rights.
- La Moneda Palace.
Shopping in Santiago
Some of the recommended places to go shopping in Santiago are:
- Parque Arauco, in Las Condes.
- Costanera Center, in Providencia.
- Alto Las Condes.
- Casacostanera, in Vitacura, with lovely places to stop for a coffee or to have lunch.
Day trips from Santiago
In addition, there are plenty of day trips from Santiago to enjoy the mountains, beaches, vineyards, or natural wonders within a short driving distance from the city. Three of the best options are:
- Visit to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour
- Maipo Canyon and Hot Springs
***
Information about the event
Dress code
For the social meetings, elegant casual clothes are recommended, no jeans. No tie is necessary.
Punctuality
Punctuality is indispensable and will be welcomed for all programmed events.
Badges
You will be requested to show your identification card / badge at all the social and academic events to be allowed into the meeting rooms.
Don’t forget to bring with you
Prescribed glasses, personal medicines, comfortable and smart shoes and a jacket.
Luggage
We suggest that you identify your luggage with bag tags (name and surname).
Insurance
The organizers assume no responsibility for medical, travel, robbery or personal insurance.
Medical urgencies
In case of needing medical attention at the hotel please call Reception (24 hours). Hotels usually have a basic first-aid kit for simple situations.
