Planning a city break to Santiago or planning a trip of a life time exploring the city and everything else this great country has to offer? Start planning your trip now and book a hire car Santiago with us through our online comparison portal HAPPYCAR. We check the deals and prices of all the best international and local providers, saving you the trouble of visiting countless different websites to provide you with the best deals on a rental car that fits your specific vacation needs! You have the option of choosing the car size, the type of insurance and pick up location, including one at the Santiago Airport.
General information
Santiago is the capital of Chile and the economic, political and cultural hub of the country. The city is perfectly located for those that want to explore for of the country, with just a short drive with a car rental Santiago one can reach the beautiful mountains of the Andes or reach the lovely beaches on the Pacific Ocean. The city dates back to the 16th century and has been the capital city since the colonial times. Today, the city’s population is now over 8 million in its metropolitan area.
Sights
Cerro san Cristobel: is a 300 meter high hill located in the north of the city however it is not the highest point in the city, this goes to Cerro Renca. A climb to the top of San Cristobel offers fantastic views of the city, and should you be lucky enough it is possible to get a view of the Andes on a clear day, as well as the views there are two swimming pools, a zoo and a botanical garden, reaching the top is possible either by a cable car or by a half hour or so walk.
Take a walk through the main plaza, Plaza De Armas, where you will see many Peruvian restaurants and shops. The plaza is home to the Santiago Cathedral, which was built in 1800 and is the seat of the city’s archbishop.
Mercado is the central market in the city. On a visit here one a great selection of fresh fish with energetic fishmongers trying to sell their stock. The market has a great atmosphere, the rustle and bustle of a busy market makes it a must visit.
Museums
Museum of Memory and Human Rights was opened in 2010 and it is housed in a very unusual building. The building forms a sort of bridge with a large rectangular concrete building placed on top of two concrete structures. The museum tells the story of the victims of human rights violations during the rule of the military regime of Augusto Pinochet. A visit is highly recommended for anybody with an interest in the history of this country.
Founded in 1880, the National Fine Arts Museum is housed in lovely building. Inside you will see many sculptures in the buildings grand hall and some of the finest art in Chile and South America.
Excursions
Having a hire car Santiago gives you the freedom to get out of the city and explore much more of this fantastic country, around 70 miles away from the city is the interesting city of Valparaiso, a coastal city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city offers visitors a very bohemian feel, beautiful multi colored housing and great views of the sea. A stroll through the city and trip through the city's steep streets on the hill railway is highly recommended. Should you wish to relax on one the county’s great beaches and just watch the world go by, a trip with your hire car Santiago to the beach resort of Vina del Mar is highly recommended.You can even take your rental car across the border to visit the beautiful Argentina where you can relax on more beaches or take in the sites this country has to offer.
Whatever you decide to do with your trip to Santiago, having a hire car Chile gives you the capability to make the most of it. Start your Chilean vacation today when you book your next car hire through HAPPYCAR!