Latin American countries are a relatively new tourist destination and, unlike the Caribbean resorts, a fairly small number of Russian tourists come here to rest. Chile is one of them. In our country, this state is primarily associated with the bloody dictator Pinochet, and also with very hot pepper. But years
go, the military junta was defeated, and chili peppers can not be eaten at all or moderate. But the amazing beauty of nature, the wonders of architecture and the mysteries of bygone civilizations have remained and beckon to curious travelers.
Tours in Chile rarely pass without visiting Easter Island, on the banks of which there are strange moai idols. Scientists still cannot agree on what religious beliefs gave rise to these sculptures and, most importantly, how the ancient islanders brought them ashore from the quarries. “In childhood we were taught at school - there is no country more wonderful than Chile” - it is sung in a song to the verses of Pablo Neruda. This phenomenal state lies in almost all climatic zones of the planet, and you can ride from the subequatorial jungle to the tundra without crossing the state border.
The capital of Chile - Santiago, of course, can not be compared with Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires, where many buildings of colonial architecture are preserved, but this city has its own "face", its own special charm. Many travelers consider it as a simple transit point to immediately go to the Atacama desert, to Patagonia or to Tierra del Fuego. However, there is something to stay for a few days. From all sides Santiago is surrounded by a crown of majestic mountain peaks.
The Andes not only form a kind of microclimate, but also serve as a resting place for residents of the capital: mountaineering, climbing, trekking, as well as skiing, snowboarding. Having plowed the snow-covered slopes, and chilled slightly, you can go to the beach, since the capital of Chile lies just an hour's drive from the sea. Acquainted with the natural beauties of the surroundings of Santiago, you need to pay due attention to the architectural attractions of the city.
All excursion tours usually begin with the Plaza de Armas, the Plaza de Armas, from which the capital of Chile began. In 1541, the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia built an arsenal on this site, because he felt uncomfortable among the local population. Since that time, the square was also a market; festivals and even bullfights were held there. Now the fountains are babbling here, and only the bronze statue of the conquistador reminds of
crazy. La Chascona is a must-have item on a tour of Santiago. This house of the poet
Pablo Neruda fully reflects his character: here you will not find even walls and right angles, but only a complex interweaving of stairwells, garden paths and secret passages.
The capital of Chile is also famous for another building - the palace of La Moneda. Once coins were minted here (hence the name), but later a presidential palace was built here. It was him who was bombed by the junta Pinochet in 1973, as a result of which the palace was partially destroyed. A monument to Salvador Allende is now erected opposite the government residence building . If you wish, you can get inside the building or just limit yourself to watching the solemn changing of the guard to the beat of drums and music.