Nestled between sandy Pacific beaches and the snow-dusted Andes Mountains, Santiago is Chile’s largest city, home to more than 5 million. Founded in 1541 by conquistador Pedro de Valdivia, the capital city is a vibrant metropolis where skyscrapers like Gran Torre Santiago, the tallest building in Latin America, soar over colonial mansions. In addition to South America’s most important financial centers, this dynamic city boasts countless cultural attractions and convenient access to ski centers, wineries and outdoor activities.

GETTING THERE
Most visitors arrive at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, a hub for LAN Airlines and about 45 minutes from city center, depending on time of day. Many hotels offer airport transfers for a charge. For taxi transportation, buy a ride at official counters in the airport for about $30. Two bus companies offer service from the airport to city center. Centropuerto buses depart every 10 minutes 6 a.m.–11:30 p.m. from both terminals to Los Héroes bus terminal, costing about $2.50. Tur buses leave every 20 minutes 5 a.m.–midnight, stopping at the Alameda bus terminal and central Santiago for about $2.80.

GETTING AROUND
The five lines of Santiago’s Metro are clean and efficient. Travelers must use a prepaid, rechargeable bip! card on the city’s public transport system, including the Micro bus. Purchase cards, approximately $2.50, at Metro stations, several banks and commercial locations across the city. Minimum bip! credit is about $1; prices vary according to time of day, with rush-hour travel costing around $1.20. Call ahead for taxi service; official taxis are black with yellow roofs and cost about 45 cents initially, with another 20 cents per 200 meters.

9–5
Aquí Está Coco
Savor fresh seafood from Chile’s Pacific Coast and traditional South American flavors in Aquí Está Coco’s comfortable dining room. Located in the Providencia business district, the popular restaurant provides an ideal venue for power lunches, offering quiet, private rooms for an executive lunch or meeting.

Sheraton Santiago Hotel and Convention Center
Whether for a meeting or an elegant corporate celebration, Sheraton Santiago’s ample facilities will meet all your business needs with 15 flexible event spaces. The recently renovated venues offer high-end audiovisual technology and modern amenities steps from the new Providencia commercial and financial district. When work is done, guests have convenient access to shopping, restaurants and pubs and legendary sites like Parque Metropolitano Zoo; San Cristóbal Hill; and La Chascona, the house where Chilean Noble Prize winner Pablo Neruda crafted his love poems.

TwentyOne Bar & Lounge
For a multitasking breakfast with a view of the snowcapped Andes, visit TwentyOne Lounge in San Cristobal Tower, a Luxury Collection Hotel, minutes from the Providencia business district. Along with a sumptuous panorama, the restaurant offers a scrumptious breakfast buffet on the 21st floor that pays homage to English tradition with scones, pastries, cookies, sweet marmalades and delicious sandwiches.

AFTER 5
Bocanáriz Vino Bar
Indulge when work is done with a glass of acclaimed Chilean wine in a comfortable urban setting in the trendy Lastarria neighborhood. The popular vino bar offers a large selection of Chile’s premier pours and 40-plus dishes created to enhance the taste of the wine.

Liguria
A legend on the Santiago restaurant trail, Liguria is a must-visit eatery whose diverse clientele ranges from businesspeople to artists and intellectuals. Old-school, bow tie-sporting waiters serve traditional Chilean breads with fresh salsa, seafood and delectable meat dishes at three city locations. The restaurant also boasts an impressive cellar of national wines. Book ahead to reserve sidewalk tables.

Whiskey Blue
Electrify your night at South America’s first nightclub from the Gerber Group inside the country’s first W Hotel. Colorful cocktails and light fare fuel the party while world-famous DJs spin global tunes into the early morning hours at this cutting-edge destination bar.

RESOURCES
For more information, visit chile.travel