Santiago, Chile

Santiago, also known as Santiago de Chile, is the capital and largest city of Chile, a country located along the southwestern coast of South America. Although Chile is a coastal nation, Santiago itself is an inland city, situated in a broad and scenic valley within the Andean highlands. The city lies 45 miles from the Pacific coast, while the port city of Valparaíso is located about 55 miles northwest of the capital.

The metropolitan area of Santiago covers roughly 250 square miles, making it one of the largest urban areas in the region. The city has an average elevation of about 1,900 to 2,000 feet above sea level. Founded in the 16th century, Santiago serves as Chile’s administrative, cultural, and economic center and is considered one of the most important capital cities in South America.

Santiago is surrounded by striking natural landscapes. The Andes Mountains rise to the east of the city, while the Chilean Coastal Range lies to the west. Nearby peaks and mountain ranges include the Cordillera de la Costa, Cerro Cantillana, Cerro El Plomo, Cerro Colina, and the Barroso peaks, which make Santiago an important destination for both urban and nature-based tourism.