Visitor Guide
Regional Bureau of Education
for Latin America and the Caribbean
OREALC/UNESCO Santiago
CHILE
Southwest of South America, Chile is located between 17º 30' and 90º south latitude. Its
continental longitude is approximately 4,200 km, or 8,000 km if you consider the Chilean
Antarctica. Easter Island ‘Isla de Pascua’ or ‘Rapa Nui’, the Archipelago of Juan Fernandez,
San Felix, San Ambrosio, Sala and Gomez Islands are also part of the Chilean Territory.
BORDERS. Chile shares a common border with Peru to the North, with Bolivia and Argentina to the East, to the
West, it limit is the Pacific Ocean, and to the South, the South Pole.
SURFACE. Continental territory and islands: 756,626 km2
Antarctic territory 1,250,000 km2
Total area: 2,006,626 km2.
TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION. In 1979, Chile was divided
into thirteen regions, which are subdivided into provinces, which,
in turn, are divided into communes. Each region is associated to a
Roman numeral in order from North to South, except for the
Metropolitan Region of Santiago, the only region without access to
the ocean. Upon the creation of two new regions, the numeration
of the regions lost its meaning, and now the Chilean use de names
of the each region (ex. Región de los Lagos). To date, the country
is made up of 15 regions, 54 provinces and 346 communes.
GOVERNMENT SYSTEM. The current constitution has been in
force since 1980. The State is separated in to three powers:
Executive Power, exercised by the President of the Republic;
Legislative Power, shared by the House of Representatives and the
Senate; and Judicial Power. The current president of Chile is Michelle Bachelet Jeria, of the Socialist party,
which is part of the Nueva Mayoría (Center-Left). This political alliance took on the presidency on 11 March, 2014.
STATISTICS. Chile’s nearly 17,6 million inhabitants, in average, are among the highest regional rates of human
development, percentage of globalization, GDP per capita, level of economic growth and quality of life.

Human Development Index (UNDP, 2014). Rank 41, 0,822 (1)

GDP per capita according to the World Bank
(http://datos.bancomundial.org/indicador/NY.GDP.PCAP.CD/countries/1W?display=default)
Year
2014
US$
14.520
The improving life conditions of the chilean people (the highest in South America) has caused life expectancy to
increase to 79.57 years of age in 2012. In 2007, fertility rate dropped to 1,83 per woman its lowest historical
level. The mortality rate is 5.51‰, while the rate of infant mortality has decreased to 7.36‰. These figures
project an ageing process in which by the year 2020, most of the population will be over 35 years old.
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Chile’s strong economic indicators show an important decrease in poverty rate. However, the same year the Gini
coefficient was 0.50, revealing an important unattended shortage in the economy: inequity. The top fifth decile
earns 35 times more than the bottom fifth decile.
In February 2010 a major earthquake (8.8 on the Richter scale), followed by a tsunami, affected the centralsouthern regions of Chile, its most populated area and historically considered the motor of its economy. One
month after the earthquake, the estimated damage cost in infrastructure and national production was
aproximately 30 billion USD.
Santiago
Founded on 12 February 1541 by the Spanish conqueror Pedro de
Valdivia, Santiago became the capital of the new nation, with the
independence of Chile in 1810. Today, Santiago is a modern
metropolis with nearly seven million inhabitants. The Great
Santiago covers 140 thousand square meters, with 35 km from north
to south and 40 km from east to west, due to suburban expansion.
Located in the central valley east of the Andes Mountains, the city is
located on a slope between the 500 and 1000 meters above sea
level. The imposing presence of the mountain range with heights of
over 6 thousand meters near the city is visible from all points of
the metropolis. The Cordillera is the foremost reference point, at the
east, the north to left and right, south.
The city has a civic center that forms a triangular area bounded at the north by the Mapocho River. In the center
and its large neighborhoods and parks, there are museums, old buildings, churches and beautiful parks. More
modern offices and residential properties are located toward the mountains, the east (or "up", in local jargon),
with neighborhoods of Providencia (where OREALC/UNESCO Santiago is located), Las Condes, Lo Barnechea,
Vitacura, among other things.
In order to become familiar with the city and to ensure a pleasant stay, we suggest to explore the more
traditional neighborhoods, museums and monuments, walking through the new neighborhoods with their art
galleries, luxury hotels, parks, pedestrian walks and cultural centers. Guided tours are recommendable.
CLIMATE. The city is located in the central zone. The type of climate is Mediterranean, with defined seasons:
Spring, between September and November. Mild, fresh weather reaching 28°C. Nights may be chilly, with
temperatures between 6º C (43º F) a 12º C (54º F).
Summer, between December and February, with hot, dry weather, no rain and temperatures that may rise
above 30º C (87º F). Nights are fresh and pleasant, with an average of 18º C (64º F).
Autumn, between March and May, with fresh weather and gradually decreasing temperature that comes to
reach 18º C (64º F) and rain begins to appear. At night, the thermometer may drop to 5º C (41º F).
Winter, between June and September, cold weather. Mornings and nights have minimum temperatures that may
drop to -2º C (28º F). Although temperature rises during the day, it rarely exceeds 15º C (60º F). The mountains
near the city become covered with snow, making the perceived temperature even lower than the actual
temperature.
Rainfall is concentrated between March and September (autumn and winter). Sometimes it snows in Santiago
during the winter, especially in the higher zones of the city.
Attractions
DOWNTOWN. The Civic Center or Barrio Cívico is located around the Palace of Government (Palacio de La
Moneda). It is made up of the Constitution Plaza (Plaza de la Constitución), Bulnes Plaza and the Bulnes
pedestrian street, Ahumada pedestrian walkway (Paseo Ahumada), Plaza de Armas (Santiago’s main square) and
the civic, cultural and religious buildings in the surroundings, including Cerro Santa Lucía, where Santiago was
founded.
PLAZA DE ARMAS. It marks “point zero” of Chile, the starting point from where distances are measured in the
whole country. This is where the city was born here and in its surroundings there are historic landmarks, such as
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the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Historical Museum (formerly the Royal Palace of Audience) and the
Municipality of Santiago, among others. Paseo Ahumada, the main pedestrian walk in Santiago is located in this
area. (Plaza de Armas Metro Station, line 5)
MERCADO CENTRAL. The Central Market, opened in 1872, is a picturesque site originally intended for national
artists’ exhibition. Afterwards, it was transformed into a market. There are now several restaurants specializing in
seafood, such as “Donde Augusto”. There are market stands where local people buy sea products (Plaza de
Armas Metro Station, line 5 / Cal y Canto Metro Station, line 2)
PALACIO DE LA MONEDA. Built in the eighteenth century, the Palace of Government was foremerly the Royal
Mint Palace of Chile. It was later turned into the seat of government. Plaza de la Constitution is locate at the
forefront. Below the building, the Centro Cultural Palacio de La Moneda houses several national and international
cultural exhibitions. This cultural center also includes the national film library, Cineteca Nacional. www.ccplm.cl/.
(Moneda Metro Station, line 1)
CERRO SANTA LUCÍA. Santa Lucía Hill is where Santiago was founded, and is one of the city’s “green lungs”.
At the peak there are old Spanish constructions that simulate medieval forts. (Santa Lucia Metro Station, line 1)
CERRO SAN CRISTÓBAL (PARQUE METROPOLITANO). San Cristobal Hill, the Metropolitan Park, is the main
recreational area of the city and one of its main attractions. The best time to visit is a sunny day right after rain,
for an impressive view of the city and the Andes covered with snow. To get to the top, the best way is to take the
trolley (funicular). The station is at the end of Pio Nono street in Bellavista (Monday thru Friday, from 9:45 AM to
8:00 PM; Saturdays and Sundays from 9:45 AM to 8:30 PM) (Baquedano Metro Station, line 1).
Museums
Most museums are open Tuesday through Saturday between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM and on Sundays only in the
morning. Some are free and some charge a fairly inexpensive admission.
MUSEO NACIONAL DE BELLAS ARTES. (Parque Forestal). The National Museum of Fine Arts is one of the
main centers for disseminating visual arts in Chile. It is located in the area of Parque Forestal. www.mnba.cl/.
(Bellas Artes Metro Station, line 5)
MUSEO CHILENO DE ARTE PRE-COLOMBINO. (Bandera 361) The Chilean Museum of Precolombian Art is
considered one of the world’s best museums in its area (pottery, sculpture, painting, etc.) illustrating the
evolution of the american people and their evolution. www.precolombino.cl/. Tel. 688 7348 (Plaza de Armas
Metro Station, line 1)
CENTRO CULTURAL GABRIELA MISTRAL (GAM) Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins (Alameda) 227. Cultural center
focuses on improving access to culture and assembling viewers; spreading artistic creations from the theater,
dance, classical and popular music, visual arts and folk art. The 22 thousand square meters of surface, formerly
occupied by the Diego Portales Building, houses ten rooms for theater, dance, and music rehearsals and shows;
plus two seminar rooms, two visual arts rooms and a recording studio. Its library has a multimedia collection and
study rooms; these places are open to the public. (Universidad Católica Metro Station, line 1)
CONVENTO Y MUSEO DE ARTE COLONIAL SAN FRANCISCO. (Londres 4) The San Francisco Colonial
Convent and Museum exhibits a valuable collection of colonial art that specialists consider one of the best
samples of Cuscan painting of the continent. Tel. 639 8737 (Universidad de Chile Metro Station, line 1)
LA CHASCONA, CASA SANTIAGUINA DE PABLO NERUDA. Pablo Neruda’s house in Santiago is located at
Fernando Márquez de La Plata 0192, Barrio Bellavista). Tel. (56-2) 777 8741. www.fundacionneruda.org/
(Baquedano Metro Station, line 1)
MIM, MUSEO INTERACTIVO MIRADOR. The Mirador Interactive Museum, a cultural entertainment center of
science, art and nature for children is located at Av. Punta Arenas 6711, La Florida www.mim.cl. Tel. 280 7812,
280 7862 (Mirador Metro Station, line 5)
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OTHER MUSEUMS IN DOWNTOWN SANTIAGO. Museo Arqueológico-Archeology Museum (José Victoriano
Lastarria 307); Museo Histórico Nacional-National Museum of History (Plaza de Armas); Museo de SantiagoMuseum of Santiago (Casa Colorada, Merced 860).
Handcrafts
Highligts: jewelry and silver items with lapis lazuli (semiprecious stone),
handcrafts made of wood, straw, clay, stone, aluminum, iron and copper.
Loom woven blankets and ponchos and products made od woven horse
mane (from the village of Rari).
FUNDACIÓN ARTESANÍAS DE CHILE. This non profit institution is
financed with public and private funding. Its efforts are aimed toward
promoting, valuing, preserving and disseminating traditional Chilean crafts.
The foundation sells crafts that are chosen for their outstanding quality
and prices can be more convenient than in craft fairs. Address: Av.
Bellavista 0357, Providencia. Tel: 2777 8643 / Centro Artesanal Los
Dominicos: Av. Apoquindo 9085, Local 35, Las Condes. Tel: 2211 1379 /
Centro Cultural Palacio de La Moneda: Plaza of Citizenship 26, the first subway system. Tel. 2697 2784.
www.artesaniasdechile.cl/
PUEBLITO DE LOS DOMINICOS. This artisan center is located at the end of Apoquindo Avenue. There are 180
workshops where national handcrafts are sold, and there is a botanical garden and an antiques section.
(Domínicos Metro Station, line 1)
BARRIO BELLAVISTA, LASTARRIA Y BELLAS ARTES. Bellavista Patio is a good place to purchase gifts and
souvenirs. Bellavista street has a number of shops that sell lapis lazuli handcrafts.
FERIA ARTESANAL SANTA LUCÍA. This outdoor handcraft market is a varied and inexpensive option for local
handcrafts. Some shop have convenient prices, however many products come from Peru, Bolivia, and some are
even “made in China”. (Santa Lucía Metro Station, line 1)
Gastronomy
Traditional neighborhoods to go to lunch or drinks are located in
Barrio Bellavista, the sector of the El Bosque Norte, Providencia, Av.
Alonso de Cordova, Av. Las Condes, Borde Rio, among others.
The Chilean cuisine is a blend of Spanish colonial cuisine with Inca,
Mapuche and some European influences. The main ingredients include
potatoes, tomatoes and corn, among others, as well as beef and lamb
in the southern part of the country, and seafood in coastal areas. The
most traditional dishes include cazuela, carbonada, asado, curanto,
humitas, pastel de choclo, and empanadas. Some traditional desserts
are pastries with manjar (dulce de leche), mote con huesillos and
desserts made with chirimoya and lucuma (fruit).
The Chilean wine is the main alcoholic beverage, primarily in the varieties of Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon and
Merlot. Another is the traditional drink Chilean Pisco (distilled from grapes).
Restaurants
Bocanariz (restaurant, vinos)
Jose Victorino Lastarria 276, Santiago, tel. 26389893
Jewel of India
Avenida Manuel Montt 1007, Santiago, tel. 29851000
Boulevard Lavaud
Compañia de Jesus 2789, Santiago, tel. 26825243
Como Agua Para Chocolate
Constitución 88, Barrio Bellavista, Providencia, Santiago, tel. 27778740
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Astrid y Gastón (peruana)
Antonio Bellet 201, Providencia, Santiago, tel. 26509125
Aquí está Coco
La Concepción 236, Providencia, Santiago, tel. 22410620
Le Bistrot
Santa Magdalena 80, Local 7, Patio del Sol, Providencia, Santiago
Osaka
Isidora Goyenechea 3000, Las Condes, Santiago, tel. 2770 0000
El Giratorio
Avenida Nueva Providencia 2250, Providencia, Santiago, tel.22321827
Mestizo
Av. Bicentenario 4050, Santiago, Chile (Vitacura), tel. 974776093, /968437146
Borago
Avda. Nueva Costanera 3467, Vitacura, Santiago, tel. 29538893
Tiramisú
Avenida Isidora Goyenechea 3141, Las Condes, Santiago, tel. 25194900
Mercado Central
www.mercadocentral.cl/
Ocean Pacific´s
Avenida Ricardo Cumming 221, Santiago, tel. 26972413
Useful Information
LONG DISTANCE CALLS. If you are at a hotel or a call center, it is not necessary to use a carrier for long
distance calls, however if you dial from a private telephone, the sequence is as follows:
For national calls outside Santiago, dial carrier number + area code + telephone number. For international
calls, dial carrier number + 0 + country code + area code + telephone number.
Some companies and carrier numbers: VTR Global Carrier S.A. (111), Transam (113), Heilsberg S.A. (113),
Telefónica del Sur (121), Entel (123), Telefónica Mundo (188), MoviStar (181), Netline (169)
Some area codes in Chile: Santiago (2), Valparaíso-Viña del Mar (32), Concepción (41), Santa Cruz (72), Puerto
Montt (65), Punta Arenas (61), Antofagasta (55), San Pedro de Atacama (55), Isla de Pascua (39).
CALLS TO CELULAR/MOBILE TELEPHONES. From a celular phone to another, dial only the phone number
that begins with 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 + seven other digits. From a regular telephone, dial 9 + the phone number that
begins 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 + the other seven digits.
CELULAR PHONE RENTAL. With access to national and international numbers. The main companies are: Entel
PCS: Tel. 600 367 7000; Movistar: Tel. 600 600 2010; and Claro: Tel. 800 835 800 and Virgin: Tel. 600 600
3300
ELECTRICITY. Voltage: 220V, 50Hz
TIME ZONE. The official time is GMT / UTC - 3 hours. Easter Island GMT / UTC - 5 hours. Beginning in 2015, the
time will not change between summer or winter.
CURRENCY. The currency is the Chilean peso (CLP). 1 USD = about 670 (695 agosto 2015). There $ 20,000, $
10,000, $ 5,000, $ 2,000 and $ 1,000 bills and $ 500, $ 100, $ 50, $ 10, $ 5 and $ 1 coins.
ATM MACHINES. The simplest way to get cash is through automatic teller machines (Redbanc), located in
business and banking areas, subway stations, gas stations and pharmacies. Local and international bank cards
are accepted (Cirrus, Maestro, Visa and others). The exchange rate of this system is fair. ATMs in open areas
operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For safety, the withdrawal amount is approximately U.S. $ 300 per day
(200,000 Chilean pesos). Most shops in Chile accepting electronic money purchases with debit card (Redcompra)
and credit card.
FOREIGN CURRENCY. Chilean pesos are used to make payments. Foreign currency is rarely accepted, except
in hotels where foreigners can pay with American dollars, with the benefit of being exempt of value-added tax
(VAT). The foreign exchange market is not regulated by the State, therefore currency can be bought and sold at
any money exchange office at the daily exchange rate. Foreign exchange offices are located downtown
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(Agustinas Street), Providencia (Pedro de Valdivia and Providencia) and in shopping malls. Other alternatives are
the hotels, travel agencies and banks.
TRAVELLERS CHECKS can be exchanged in banks and money exchange offices. Passports are required.
CREDIT CARDS. Widely accepted and used, there are no surcharges for their use. The most common are Visa,
Master Card and Diners Club. Large stores also accept American Express. The exchange rate for credit cards is
fair. More information: Visa International y Master Card: Tel. 2202 2136; American Express: Tel.: 800 208
020; Diners Club, Tel.: 800 220 220.
MEASUREMENT SYSTEM. Chile uses the metric system, in which 1 meter equals 3.3 feet, 1.6 kilometers is equal to 1
mile and 1 liter is 0.26 gallons. Temperature is measured in Celsius, 0 ° C is equivalent to 32 ° F and 100 ° C is equivalent to
212 ° F.
TIPS. In restaurants tips are not included in the final bill. As a general rule 10 and 15% of the total bill is
customary, depending on the quality of service. Tipping is not customary to taxi drivers, unless you want to round
up the fare, or when the taxi driver has helped with bulky luggage.
TAXI CABS. There are stops at public transportation terminals, metro stations, major hotels, airports, and at
some corners and in shopping malls. The initial cost of "drop rate" is 300 Chilean pesos and every 200 meters, or
each minute of use has a value of 120 Chilean pesos. A route between the center and the area of Providencia
with Pedro de Valdivia should not cost more than 4000 pesos, as well as the distance between the mentioned
corner and Parque Arauco Mall, unless there is traffic. If you require additional security, there are radio-taxi
companies that charge a small starting fee around 1,000 CLP which is added to the cost per meter, or trip. Ask
for the fare to your destination. We recommend Radiotaxis El Golf, Tel. 2249 8100.
It is important to note that taxi drivers charged separately the use of high-speed roads paid in Santiago. Note
that the maximum cost of each portal is 400 pesos, and never is higher than 740 pesos for each segment
(each beep).
METRO (SUBWAY). Since the change of the transport system in Santiago in early 2007, it is not advisable to
use this service during peak hours, between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The Metro has
a fairly extensive network that is still expanding and is a great way to travel. Its average cost is 660 pesos per
trip aprox. You can pay with a single ticket or purchase a Bip! card ($ 1,500) and add money to the card at the
station. This card also may also be used in urban buses.
TRANSANTIAGO (urban buses). The bus fare per passenger is 640 per trip (average cost). If you use Metrourban bus combination, an additional 40 or 60 pesos are charged. The service is paid through a Bip! card ($
1,500), available at Metro stations, ServiEstado offices and some other places. You can add money to these cards
at these places, and it may also be used in the subway system in the city. Bus drivers do not accept money.
Routes and schedules: www.transantiago.cl . Telephone enquiry: 800 73 00 73 - 600 730 00 73
SHOPPING. There are department stores (Falabella, Paris, Ripley) in shopping malls. Commerce is concentrated
in areas such as Alameda, Paseo Ahumada, Estado and Av. Providencia. Shopping hours on weekdays (Monday to
Friday) are from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Malls or shopping centers open
between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.
Emergency Information
UNITED NATIONS DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND SECURITY (DSS).
Security advisor for the United Nations System in Chile. Tel. 22102589, cel. 95375662
Deputy Chief Security Advisor: Rodrigo Víctor da Paixao 22102632, cel. 92345415
ELCLAC SECURITY CONTROL CENTER: Tel. directo: 2208 3989, otro 2 210 2249 -2222-2499, fax 2210 2705,
celular 9 739 6400. Tel. satelital 00 871 762194447
POLICE (CARABINEROS)
Emergency
La Reina 16th Station
Las Condes 17th Station
Tel. 133
Tel. 2273 1838 - 2759
Tel. 2229 1457 - 2759
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Providencia 19th Station
Vitacura 37th Station
Tel. 2235 2650 - 8913
Tel. 2211 9676 – 9677 ó 22249125
FIREFIGHTERS
DETECTIVES
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
SAMU
CEPAL Clinic
Clínica Alemana (ambulance)
Clínica Las Condes (ambulance)
Tel. 132
Tel. 139 (POLICIA DE INVESTIGACIONES)
Tel.
Tel.
Tel.
Tel.
131
2210 2333 – 2379 - 2467
2210 1010 - 1111
2362 5333 – 5299 – 5555
HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Clínica Alemana - Av. Vitacura 5951, Vitacura. Emergency Tel.: 2210 1334
Clínica Las Condes - Lo Fontecilla 441, Las Condes. Emergency and ambulance Tel.: 2210 5150 y 800 211 800.
Clínica Indisa. Av. Santa María 1810, Providencia. Central Tel. 2362 5555
Clínica Santa María - Av. Santa María 0410, Providencia. Emergency Tel.: 2461 3001.
Hospital Militar - Plaza Los Leones s/n, Providencia. Alternative access: Av. Vitacura 115. Tel.: 2365 3000.
Hospital de la Universidad Católica - Marcoleta 367, Santiago, U. Católica Metro Station. Tel. 2633 2051
Note: Most large hotels have medical service in case of emergency.
SECURITY. Although Chile is one of the safest countries in South America, it is advisable to be cautious to avoid
inconveniences. In Santiago, pick pocketing and theft of cameras is very common, especially downtown. Be
particularly careful with personal items such as handbags, wallets and cameras. Always hold your bag and never
leave it in the back of the chair or on the table of restaurants or cafes. Be careful not to walk around dark and
lonely places, do not go to the center or suburban areas after sunset, as Santiago, like most big cities, does have
dangerous neighborhoods.
TRANSPORTING VALUABLE OBJECT. As a precaution, keep your valuable items (passport, identity card and
other important documents) in the hotel safe deposit box and only take copies of their personal documents with
you. In case of passport theft, immediately contact the Carabineros (Police) at any police station and report the
loss of documents to your Consulate.
IMPORTANT HEALTH ADVICE. Tap water is safe to drink in the cities. However, since the bacterial flora is
different your that of his country, if your stay in Chile is short, it is advisable to bottled water. Hygiene is
widespread throughout he population, but it is only advisable to have raw salads ad vegetables at reliable
restaurants.
In Chile there are only 3 poisonous insects: araña de rincón (the spider in the corner), araña de trigo (wheat
spider) and the vinchuca. The araña de rincón is quite common and avoing its presence is related to the
cleanliness of places. The other insects are very rare and are present in remote areas. Another hazardous
condition is the Hanta virus, transmitted by rodents in fields. Infection is prevented by avoiding houses or cabins
that have been closed for long periods of time. If you are going to use these types of facilities, they must be
ventilated and cleaned with chlorine, using a protective mask during the process. There are no other insects or
animals that require special precaution.
ALWAYS wear sunscreen. Chile is one of the countries with the highest solar radiation rates in the world. It is
also advisable to wear a hat and sunglasses, especially on sunny days.
USEFUL INFORMATION IN UNESCO SANTIAGO:
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
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
Jorge Sequeira, Director, tel. +56 (2) 2472 46 00, fax +56 (2) 2655 10 46.
Loreto Bilbao, Secretary to the Director’s Office, tel. +56 (2) 2472 46 00, fax +56 (2) 2655 10 46.
Paz Portales, Programme Coordinator, tel. +56 (2) 2472 46 43, fax +56 (2) 2655 10 46.
Administrative officer, tel. +56 (2) 2472 46 20, fax +56 (2) 2655 10 46.
Regional Bureau of Education for Latin America and the Carribean:
Enrique Delpiano 2058, Providencia
Santiago
Chile
Tel.: +56 (2) 2472 46 00, Fax +56 (2): 2655 10 46.