SANTIAGO

Santiago is located in the Metropolitan Region in the central zone of Chile, and it is divided among 32 communes, administrated by their own municipalities. The city lays 543mt above sea level, 100km from the coast and 40km from the Andes Mountains. It has a total area of 15,554 km² and it is the most populated region in the country. According to the 2002 national census, the total population of the Metropolitan Region of Santiago is 6,013,185.
In Santiago you can notice the contrast between the old and the new. Modern buildings take the place of Chile’s traditional original hereditary architecture. It contains green areas where cultural, artistic and entertaining activities are usually conducted, such as Parque O´Higgins, Parque Forestal, Parque Balmaceda, Parque Bustamante and Inés de Suárez.

Santiago’s climate is mild – warm Mediterranean with a prolonged dry season and winter rainfall. The average normal temperature is 14ºC and the annual thermal amplitude is 11ºC. Rainfall can reach 256.3mm and concentrates on winter months.

CAJON DEL MAIPO

It is a synonym for rest, adventure and entertainment in a pre-Andean area southeast of Santiago, in the Maipo River’s basin. Surrounded by mountains, it is ideal for weekend or daily trips. It offers diverse alternatives such as picnics, horseback riding along the mountains or walks through natural monuments. For those that want more excitement there is climbing and grade 3 and 4 rafting, with rapids as far as 15km long. Numerous places possess different attractions worth visiting, such as the main town San José de Maipo, which has thermal baths in its surrounding area. Also, it is possible to sky in Lagunillas during the winter. Furthermore, there are many gastronomic offers along the way. All in all, it is a place of tranquility and entertainment, one hour away from Santiago.