The capital of Chile and other secrets of this wonderful country

The countries of Latin America are a relatively new tourist destination and, unlike the resorts of the Caribbean, a fairly small number of Russian tourists come here on vacation. Chile is one of them. This state is first of all associated with the bloody dictator Pinochet, and with very sharp pepper. But years Go, the military junta was defeated, and chili peppers can not be eaten at all or consumed moderately. But the amazing beauty of nature, the wonders of architecture and the mysteries of the departed civilizations have remained and attract curious travelers.

Tours in Chile rarely go without visiting the island of Easter, on the bank of which there are strange stone idols of moai. Scientists still can not come to a common opinion which religious beliefs gave rise to these sculptures and, most importantly, how the ancient islanders brought them to the banks of the quarries. "As a child in school we were taught - there is no country more miraculous than Chile" - is sung in a song on the verses of Pablo Neruda. This phenomenal state lies almost in all climatic zones of the planet, and one can ride from the subequatorial jungle to the tundra, without crossing the state border.

The capital of Chile, Santiago, can not, of course, compare 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 see it as a simple transit point to immediately go to the Atacama desert, to Patagonia or to Tierra del Fuego. However, here there is a reason to stay for a few days. From all sides Santiago is surrounded by a crown of majestic mountain peaks.

Andes not only form a kind of microclimate, but also serve as a resting place for the capital's inhabitants: mountaineering, rock climbing, trekking, and skiing, snowboarding. It's a lot of snow to cover the snow-covered slopes, and slightly chilled, you can go to the beach, the capital of Chile is only an hour's drive from the sea. Acquainted with the natural beauty of the surroundings of Santiago, you need to give due attention to the architectural attractions of the city.

All sightseeing tours usually begin with the Plaza de Armas - the Plaza de Armas, with which the capital of Chile started. In 1541 the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia built an arsenal at this place, because he felt uncomfortable among the local population. Since that time, the square was also a market, it hosted festivals and even bullfights. Now fountains gurgle here, and only the bronze statue of the conquistador reminds us of the A shock. La Chascon is a must-see in the excursion program for Santiago. This house of the poet Pablo Neruda completely reflects his character: here you will not find flat walls and right angles, but only a complex interlacing of staircases, garden paths and secret passages.

The capital of Chile is also famous for another building - the palace of La Moneda. Once here coins were minted (hence the name), but later the presidential palace was built here. It was in 1973 that he was bombed by the Pinochet junta, as a result of which the palace was partially destroyed. A memorial to Salvador Allende is now set up opposite the government residence . If desired, you can get inside the building or just limit yourself to watching the solemn change of the guard to the drums and the music.