Santiago
Santiago is a city bursting with life and passion. There is a tremendous amount to see and do in Santiago, so no stay is too long. It is the capital of Chile, and every capital should represent its country as accurately as Santiago. An incredible mix of fun and interesting culture, Santiago is the largest and most active city in the country. The combination of European and Spanish influences complements each other wonderfully in this city that features mountain ranges on both sides. The Andes Mountains are found to the east, and the coastal mountains are to the west of this gorgeous valley known as Santiago. Nestled between these two ranges, the six million inhabitants of Santiago thrive in their little valley. The Mapocho River slices through the city, virtually cutting it into two equal portions. The river splits the city into a north region and a south region, neither of which is characterized by any particular differences from the other. However, there is typically a distinct difference between east and west Santiaguinos, if only an economic difference.
The Plaza Italia is found in the center of the city, and this is the landmark that splits the city into east and west Santiago. Those who reside in the east are often known as cuicos, and they are mostly well to do. They enjoy a rich South American lifestyle full of fine food and great parties. To the west, the much poorer rotos reside, although they, too, do their best to have a good time despite their financial hardships. There are a number of fabulous plazas, beautiful buildings, and glorious sights in Santiago. The Huerfanos and Ahumada malls are great for shopping, and be sure to bring your appetite, because the restaurants are spectacular in this area. If you start at the Plaza Italia, you can walk all over the city, seeing virtually everything. Walking in Santiago is the best way to explore, especially when you take breaks to enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the beautiful parks.
La Serena
Rarely does a town's name describe its ambiance more perfectly than La Serena, Chile. La Serena, or The Serene, is a town where everything feels slowed down. You have two choices upon arrival. You can spend the entire day on the beach and be perfectly content. Or, you can choose to sightsee, and learn about a city whose history dates back centuries. Juan Bohon founded the city in the mid-16th Century. Soon after, silver was discovered in the area, fueling an economic boom that attracted people from all over South America. Today, the city is home to about 130,000 people. It lies right along the Pacific Coast, about three hundred miles north of Santiago, Chile's capital.
Plaza del Armas stands as the city's center, both literally and figuratively. Surrounding the plaza are old churches, small shops, and municipal buildings. La Serena is a city in touch with its past, as the archeological museum and religious art museum highlight. It's also a town that takes advantage of its proximity to the sea, with a row of gorgeous white sand beaches butting up against one another.
Your ship will actually dock in the adjacent town of Coquimbo, but outside of some gorgeous beaches, the town pales in comparison to its neighbor. Get ready to enjoy the natural beauty and serenity of La Serena.
Punta Arenas
In 1520, Magellan was wandering through South America when he discovered Punta Arenas, on the southernmost tip of Chile. This region became enormously popular because of its geographic location, and the fact that it is rich in natural resources. Entrepreneurs, theologians, explorers, and pirates all made numerous trips to Punta Arenas to try and uncover some of its secrets and riches. Charles Darwin and Sir Francis Drake were said to have come here as well, and this amazing new city became the main draw in South America. Between 1892 and 1920, the area really thrived, as steam navigation greatly increased the commercial importance of Punta Arenas. There was an abundance of precious metals in the region, which kept the Europeans flocking to share in the riches of this new land. Other settlers found their prosperity in the form of giant sheep ranches. Hundreds of Europeans began calling Punta Arenas their permanent home.
Unfortunately, with the opening of the Panama Canal, Punta Arenas lost a great deal of its attraction, and all the expansion stopped dead. But the city has stormed back, becoming the capital of the Magallenes region in Chile. It is hundreds of miles away from the other big Chilean cities, and nearly 2,000 miles away from Santiago, but this adds to the charm of this small, unique city. Sharing the territory with the locals is a marvelously interesting array of wildlife. The museums and sights in Punta Arenas are fabulous, and the services and dining facilities are top notch. It is a simple town with all the amenities of a fancy town, so you get the best of both worlds.
Montevideo
Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay, which is one of the smallest yet most popular countries in all of South America. More tourists visit Uruguay every year than Brazil, Argentina, or Chile. The city is full of excitement and beauty. The territory is marvelously scenic, and many say it is the most picturesque area on the continent. The restaurants and shopping facilities are fantastic, and the locals are friendly and always eager to help. The amenities and accommodations are also top notch, and so it is no wonder that Uruguay is so popular among American and European tourists. Uruguay is located south of Brazil and bordered by Argentina to the west. Everywhere you travel within Montevideo and beyond, you will be treated to a wide array of extraordinary visual pleasures. Hilly green meadows laced with sparkling rivers and streams comprise a large portion of the landscape, and near the coast, the beaches are excellent. The conditions at a number of the beaches are near perfect, and the hot springs just outside Montevideo are enormously popular. Sports are adored in Uruguay, and there are opportunities everywhere to play your favorite game or sport.
In addition to being the capital, Montevideo is also the trading center and the main draw for visiting Uruguay. From December to April, Montevideo is the liveliest place around. But to really experience the best of Montevideo, go during Carnival. Carnival in Uruguay is probably the safest in all of South America, and the most fun as well. Montevideo really comes alive during March and April as preparations get underway for celebrating this enchanting weeklong event. As crazy as it gets, there are relatively few problems because everyone is in such good spirits.
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is 75 square miles of 19th-century homes, green parks, and small cafes. It is the cultural, economic, and political capital of the country, and because of its location and stature, it remains the gateway to all other parts of Argentina. The citizens do appreciate this fact, and are proud to be members of practically the largest and most influential city in all of South America. Interestingly enough, there are more psychoanalysts per capita in Buenos Aires than anywhere else in the world. Perhaps this extends from an identity crisis, as many of the ancestors of present-day Buenos Aires residents came over from Europe and settled in this beautiful port town. As a result, the locals, known as Portenos, are constantly struggling with their true culture and heritage.
The city as a whole is a must see. Buenos Aires is more than just fabulous architecture, great people and spectacular cuisine. It is dancing the tango in the middle of the night, strolling through a gorgeous park, sinking your teeth into a savory steak, or walking through the city and admiring the architecture and culture. Buenos Aires is simply dazzling.
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