Why stay in Santiago?
photo: patrickcoe
Santiago is Chile's modern capital, and while it is a great base for exploring nearby Easter Island it is also worth a visit of its own. It is a city still struggling to shake off the legacy of the Pinochet era; Santiago's constant high levels of smog being only one visible remnant of Chile's former leader, who promoted individuals owning cars. The city still deals with the contrast of poverty and wealth, which can make a visit challenging, but there are some measures being implemented today which are meant to help alleviate some of Santiago's worst problems.
There are plenty of hostels in Santiago, so even if you are only visiting the city to make a day trip to Easter Island you will not have to spend a fortune on your accommodations. Keep in mind that "hostels" are not just for young people or the backpacking crowd (even if the place has the word "backpacker" in the name!) - hostels are ideal for budget-conscious travelers who are interested in meeting other travelers. A few Santiago hostels worth mentioning are highlighted below.
Andes Hostel is in the Barrio Bellas Artes neighborhood in downtown Santiago. La Chimba Hostel is in the heart of Santiago, four blocks from the Plaza Italia and Baquedano Metro Station.
Chilli Hostel Santiago is in the safe Providencia neighborhood and is within walking distance to some of the city's best nightlife. Hostal de Sammy is run by an American and offers lots of free amenities, including dinner once a week and breakfast every morning.
If none of these hostels sounds like it will be perfect for your needs, never fear. There are other Santiago hostels where those came from. Just keep reading the listings until you find the one that sounds best to you.
Is there anything else we can help you with for your trip? Remember that you can look for the best deals on international airfare to Santiago and book your ticket now. You can also learn more about the area in our Santiago Travel Guide.
More Cities in Chile
