What Is The Capital Of Chile?

A street in old Santiago.
A street in old Santiago.

Santiago is the seat of national administrative and judicial bodies of Chile and Valparaíso houses the national legislature and is the culture center of Chile. Santiago is the oldest, largest, and capital city in Chile. Valparaiso prospers as a port city where more than 50 international cruise ships dock every summer. The city of La Serena thrives on tourism as the most important economic activity. La Serena offers a luxurious lifestyle to both international and local tourists especially those escaping the heat of Santiago. The northern city of Antofagasta is the mining region of the country. In fact, Antofagasta has the highest GDP in Chile.

Santiago

Founded in 1541, Santiago is the largest and capital city in Chile. The city is the political and administrative center of Chile. The executive and judicial of Chile have offices in Santiago. It houses numerous regional headquarters of multinational corporations. Santiago has a concentration of industries producing foodstuffs, shoes, textiles, clothes, and metallurgy and copper mining. Service sectors in the city include a stock exchange, financial sectors, banks and insurance companies. The transport system is well developed with roads and highways connecting Santiago with other towns and ports like San Antonia which lies to the west and Valparaiso located to the northwest. There is a subway system and the international airports at Pudahuel and Los Cerrillos provide air services. The cosmopolitan lifestyle of Santiago is a well-blended mixture of North America and European influences. Santiago is home to Chile’s National Archives and libraries and museums. Education systems located in Santiago include the University of Chile and Catholic University. Recreation activities to indulge in include the public parks of San Cristobal Hill and Santa Lucia Hill. Other facilities located in Santiago are numerous public and private sports clubs, stadiums, ski slopes in Farellones and resorts located on the coast.

Valparaiso

Valparaiso is the port city of Chile, and it has developed into a cultural center as well. The Chile Congress building constructed during the Pinochet regime stands in Valparaiso. Thus, Valparaiso can be regarded as the second capital city of Chile. Located about 69.5 miles northwest of Santiago, the Greater Valparaiso provides the second largest metropolitan in Chile. Industries like tourism, shipping, freights, and culture forms the backbone of Valparaiso economy. Typically more than 50 international cruise ships dock on Valparaiso during the summer. The port is an important hub for exporting wine, copper and fruits. The transport system in the country includes the Valparaiso Metro, a rapid transit system, and the public transport provides many buses, funiculars, and trolleybuses. There is a well developed funicular system that connects Valparaiso to the surrounding regions. The European immigration to Valparaiso in 1848–1914 left a unique imprint on Valparaiso architecture. The British, Germans, and Italians built their own churches, schools, and hillside neighborhoods preserved as National Historic Districts. Education facilities in the city include numerous primary and secondary schools and universities like the University of Valparaiso and Catholic University.

The Capital Cities Of Chile As Tourist Destinations In The Country

Tourism forms the backbone of most Chile cities. The culture, hotels, ski resorts and others make Chile a popular tourist destination. Wine Tourism makes up a significant tourist attraction site in Santiago. Valparaiso benefits from a proximity to Santiago by having many tourists in summer especially in Vina del Mar and the Central Coast. Vina del Mar has 13 beaches, and festivals such as the International Song Festival which is the largest festival in Latin America. Tourism forms are the primary economic activity of both Santiago and Valparaiso. The two cities are almost dependent on each other. Whereas Santiago offers the best in cultural heritage and historic sites, Valparaiso offers life and music. With tourism, the skylines of Chile are developing at a fast rate. The cities of Chile have an incredible vibe, and life is a blast in these regions.

Share

More in Society