What to do in Curacaví

Lively and picturesque Plaza de Armas is the historic heart of Santiago. Admire important city landmarks, visit museums and art galleries, shop for handicrafts and watch street performers. Established by Pedro de Valdivia shortly after he founded the city in 1541, this leafy square has been the city’s pulsating epicenter for nearly five centuries.

Visit the Palacio de la Moneda (Coin Palace) to stand at the scene of notable events in Chilean history. Peak inside presidential offices and watch performances by marching bands. Inaugurated in 1805, the ornate neoclassical palace started life as Chile’s royal mint before becoming the official presidential residence and later the seat of government.

Rising from the heart of Santiago is the scenic peak of San Cristobal Hill (Cerro San Cristóbal). The 2,280-foot-tall (860-meter) hilltop offers unbeatable views across Santiago and out toward the breathtaking Andes mountain range. Cerro San Cristóbal is the highlight of Parque Metropolitano, Santiago’s largest urban park. Enjoy its landscaped green spaces, swimming pools, a zoo and kids’ playgrounds.

Rising out of the eastern edge of downtown Santiago is the picturesque Cerro Santa Lucía (Santa Lucia Hill). Escape the city center crowds and enjoy panoramic views over Santiago’s rooftops to the Andes mountains. Admire an impressive collection of art and architecture or shop for handicrafts at artisanal markets.

Allow your senses to run wild as the diversity of Chilean cuisine unfolds at the Mercado Central. This colorful and frenzied food market has been a quintessential part of Santiago’s daily life since 1872. Sample everything from colorful fruits and vegetables to freshly-baked breads and delicious plates of seafood.

The University of Chile is the oldest higher educational institution in the country, dating back to 1842. It comprises many buildings of historical and architectural importance and plays a key role in the country as a political and scientific hub. Peruse the museums, theaters and lecture halls in the university’s five main campuses, which cover 420 acres (170 hectares) of land in the nation’s capital.