See what the experts are saying about San Alfonso. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
-
Introduction
Chile's tremendous length covers a hugely diverse array of landscapes, from the desolate moonscape of Chile's Atacama Desert, to the fertile vineyards of the Central Valley, to the lush rainforests of the Lake District, down to the magnificen... Continue reading »
-
Best dining bets
Aqui Esta Coco, Santiago (tel. 2/235-8649): This place is wildly popular with foreign visitors, with good reason: The kitsch atmosphere is as fun as the food is mouthwatering. The restaurant is spread over two levels of a 140-year-old home an... Continue reading »
-
Best hotel bets
The Best Splurge Hotels Grand Hyatt Santiago (tel. 2/950-1234; www.hyatt.cl): Yes, the Ritz-Carlton opened recently, but the Grand Hyatt's $10-million renovation and sexy, glamorous new look puts the hotel in a league of its own. Service i... Continue reading »
-
The best museums
Palacio de la Real Audiencia/Museo Historico Nacional, Santiago: The National History Museum holds a superb collection of more than 70,000 colonial-era pieces, from furniture to suits of armor to home appliances. This fascinating grab bag of... Continue reading »
-
The most charming small towns
San Pedro de Atacama: Quaint, unhurried, and built of adobe brick, San Pedro de Atacama has drawn Santiaguinos (residents of Santiago) and expatriates the world over who have come to experience the mellow charm and New Age spirituality that w... Continue reading »
-
The best outdoor adventures
Rafting or Horseback Riding in the Cajon de Maipo: Okay, it's not even close to rafting the Futaleufu, but the Maipo River whips up enough exciting rapids for a thrill and, best of all, it's just a 45-minute drive from Santiago. The Maipo Riv... Continue reading »
-
Frommer's favorite experiences
Waking Up in Santiago After a Rainstorm: During the winter, Santiago is prone to smog that is often so thick it covers the Andes like a veil. But in roll the thunderclouds to give the city air a good wash, and in the morning you awake to an u... Continue reading »
-
Planning a trip
Chile is poised to be the next hot destination in South America, given its solid tourism infrastructure and pristine landscapes that are blissfully free of crowds (outside of the summer months of Jan and Feb anyway). Chile is a gorgeous strin... Continue reading »
-
Fast facts
Business Hours -- Banks are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 2pm, and are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Many commercial offices close for a long lunch hour, which can vary from business to business. Generally, hours are Monday through... Continue reading »
-
Visitor information
You'll find a municipal tourism office in nearly every city and the national tourism board Sernatur (www.sernatur.cl) offices in major cities. The quality of service and availability of printed matter, such as maps and brochures, varies from... Continue reading »
-
When to go
Brazilians and Argentines vacation during the summer from December 15 to the end of February, as well as the 2 middle weeks of July and Holy Week (Semana Santa), the week preceding Easter Sunday. These dates coincide with school vacations. In... Continue reading »
-
Calendar of events
The following are some of Chile's major events and festivals that take place during the year Contact Sernatur (www.sernatur.cl) for additional information. February Festival Costumbrista Chilote, Chiloé. The city of Castro hosts a celebra... Continue reading »
San Alfonso Travel Experiences
-
Up the Andes, Into the Wind - Or Die Trying
Uspallata, Argentina to Los Andes, ChileIn the morning, we set off on Route 7, scheduled to reach Chile by the next a... Continue reading »
-
Hola Que Tal from Santiago!
I was super skeptical about going to Chile after someone I met in Buenos Aires painted such a bleak picture of Santiago. She told m... Continue reading »
-
The journey begins here
Just landed after a 14 hour flight from Melbourne to Santiago with a stop over in Auckland - first flight i've been on since 9/11 2001&nb... Continue reading »
-
Cascada de las Animas
Cascade of the Spirit or Waterfall of the Spirit is the literal translation for Cascada de las Animas. How lovely and how much a departur... Continue reading »
-
"South America Summary - Highs and Lows"
Favourite photo? Nick: Squinting 'Booby'. Marissa: So many to choose from...hummingbird flying, Brazilian flag and us lying dow... Continue reading »
