Lonely Planet Santiago de Chile

I spent 4 months studying abroad in Santiago and this book was indispensible! It had all kinds of information I needed about places to see in the city, restaurants to try and places to shop. It also has a few pages of day trips from the city (Vina del Mar, Valparaiso, and Rancagua) and maps of those places which were really helpful. If you plan to spend a good amount of time in Santiago, this is the book to get. However, if Santiago is just one small stop on your trip throughout Chile, stick with the Lonely Planet Chile guide (also very helpful). The city guide doesn't have too much more to offer, but it is much smaller and easy to take with you anywhere. If you're spending a long amount of time in Santiago, get this book.

Having lived in many Latin American cities, such as Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Rio de Janeiro, and also Santiago, I never quite understood why Santiago never ranked along its neighbour major cities in terms of tourism. Indeed, Santiago is a wonderful city all to be discovered. Her nightlife is at least up to the standard of Buenos Aires - and much cheaper ! At least as happening as Rio de Janeiro - and much safer ! The food is fabulous, the people are wonderful, the women are gorgeous. The only black spot on Santiago may be its high level of pollution. But apart from that, I love it ! Finally, here is a guide that contains it all. Advice for the budget traveller as well as more researched data on fine restaurants. Plenty of tips and data. By all means, take this to Santiago with you.