Santiago, the capital city of Chile is one of the most developed metropolises of Latin America and the political, financial and commercial hub of the city. Founded in the year 1541, Santiago encompasses beautiful skyscrapers, plazas, well constructed transportation and infrastructure, architectures, monuments, numerous residential complexes, developed industries and sectors and so forth.

General climate of the city and the best time to visit

For the geographical location, Santiago has been blessed with a pleasant Mediterranean climate with a well balanced day and night temperature. During the summer season (from November to March) the temperature reaches to 30 - 35 ºC; whereas in winter it goes as low as -2 ºC. The everyday temperature is generally 15 ºC. Autumn (from March to May) is always a pleasant time in Santiago. From April the city experiences rainfall, which gradually lessens down in the month of November. The average rainfall is normally 335 – 385 mm with occasional snowfall.

Almost all the seasons draws in tourists from all around the globe; however the best time to visit Santiago is in between September and April. Occasional showers of rainfall and a cool and pleasant climate is what the tourists love to enjoy.

Area and location

Santiago, the capital city of Chile is a part of the Santiago metropolitan region which covers an area of 641.4 square kilometers. The commune of Santiago that encompasses the oldest part of Greater Santiago is situated over an area of 22.4 square kilometers. It’s situated almost 520m above the sea level and is surrounded by the Andes Mountains, Pacific Ocean and countries namely Argentina and Bolivia and Peru.

Santiago delicacies

For encapsulating diversified ethnic groups Santiago has varied cuisines in store for the local inhabitants as well as the foreign visitors. Restaurants offer cuisines from different corners of the world namely French, Asian, Spanish, Italian, Arabic and Peruvian. Barring the lunch time when the restaurants provide less expensive menú del día or menú ejecutivo, the food is comparatively expensive.

The national cuisine generally comprises of fruits of the sea and is found in every nook and corner of the country. The dominant food of Santiago contains rice which is accompanies by sea urchins, Chilean sea bass, clams, abalone and mussels. Fish and meat have considerable influence of Spanish taste. Other major gastronomies of Santiago are Empanadas (cuttlefish prepared with paprika), meat or seafood and cheese), Pastel de Choclo (a well known fish dish), Pulpo á la Gallega (porotos, squash, basil, corn and cazuela (typical Chilean stew). Sweet dishes are always must for the Chileans. Among the various sweet dishes the Tarta Compostelana (preparation of almond) is the favorite. After a wholesome meal, tourists and local dwellers intake the noted wine of Santiago. Valdeorras, Rosal, Fefiñanes, Amandi, Ulla and Betanzos are just some of the few varieties of wine. Innumerable outlets offering fast foods like fried beef sandwiches and hot dogs is also popular among the Chileans.

Government

Among the 13 regions of Chile, Santiago is one and constituted as the capital city. Presently, under the rule and vigilance of President Michelle Bachelet the city carries out all her legislative, executive and judiciary powers.

In the year 1541 the city was founded and named by Pedro de Valdivia. The 37 municipalities together constitute the Greater Santiago, with some of the peripheral areas incorporated in other provinces like Cordillera, Talagante and Maipo.

Santiago’s province is broadly divided into 32 municipalities; whereby each being headed by a mayor. The names of some of the municipalities are as follows: Lo Barnechea, Cerro Navia, San Joaquín, Maipú, Huechuraba, Peñalolén, Ñuñoa and so forth. The mayor stays in power for four years until the next election is held and a new representative is voted by the common masses. While electing the mayor, on a separate ballot the municipal council’s members of Santiago are elected.

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