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Central Chile is the cultural heart of the country. The largest cities are located in this area, as are most of the universities and industries, vineyards, the best farmland, and examples of architecture from the Colonial and Early Republic periods.

In a way, central Chile is a microcosm of the country located between the northern deserts and the southern forests, with a capital city nestled up against the highest peaks in the Americas on one side and with easy access to many excellent beaches on the other.

The capital of Chile , Santiago , is a focal point of the Latin American economy. Most international flights arrive here.

Clean and modern, with excellent hotels and restaurants to satisfy the most discerning palates, Santiago is located in the valley between the Coastal mountain range to the west and the Andes Mountains to the east.

The ski slopes of the central Andes are only 45 minutes away, up a series of hairpin curves that climb 2200 meters ( 7200 ft ) in only 42 kilometers ( 26 miles ). Many vineyards, belonging to six different wine-growing regions, are close to the capital. Numerous hot springs , 17th century haciendas, and national parks in the Andes and coastal ranges can be easily visited on day trips. At night, visitors can choose among a wide variety of restaurants serving regional or ethnic foods. Excellent hotels guarantee a peaceful night's sleep for the business traveler or tourist.

Towards the west, modern highways connect the capital city with the coastal cities of Viña del Mar , Valparaíso, and San Antonio . Like Santiago , the central coast has a Mediterranean climate, with short, mild winters and sunny eight-month summers.

Here, stretches of white beaches and coastal towns have something for everyone, from luxurious vacation resorts to isolated cabins, from beach picnics to fresh seafood served in open-air restaurants.

Toward the north, the climate becomes drier. The beaches and vacation spots stretch north to La Serena, Chile 's second-oldest city and the de facto capital of the pisco-producing region.

South of Santiago, the climate becomes colder and damper. These fertile lands were the first to be claimed by the Spanish conquistadors. Here the Chilean huaso, or cowboy, still lives all day in the saddle wearing his traditional poncho and wide-brimmed hat and perfecting his technique for the annual rodeo.

Towards the east, the Andes Mountains are an unforgettable sight, crowned in white during winter and spring. The spring thaw high up in the mountains feeds the rivers that irrigate the heart of Chile .

Beyond the first range of peaks, visible from anywhere in the central valley and from many places on the coast, lies a labyrinth of canyons carved out by glaciers, forests with microclimates, alpine lakes, and torrential rivers. Roads leading into the mountains provide access to numerous parks and unlimited opportunities to enjoy skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and rafting.