Santiago is the capital of Chile. It is located in the country's central valley at an elevation of 520 m (1,700 ft) AMSL. Although Santiago is the capital, legislative power is based in Valparaíso.

Because of two decades of continuous economic growth, Santiago became one of the most modern metropolitan areas in South America, having an extensive suburban development, dozens of shopping centers and an impressive high-rise architecture. The city also has one of the most modern transportation systems in Latin America, such as Metro of Santiago and the new Costanera Norte, which is a toll-based highway system that passes below downtown and connects the Eastern and Western ends of the city in a 25-minute drive. Santiago is also headquarters to many important companies and a regional financial center. Additional information about Santiago can be found at the websites www.sernatur.cl, www.santiago.cl and www.scb.cl. Some nearby attractions are listed below:

• Ski resorts (40 km)
• Viña del Mar beach (118 km)
• Valparaíso seaport (117 km)
• Vineyards (30 km)
• Pablo Neruda's house at Isla Negra (80 km)