Since the arrival of the Spanish and the founding of Santiago in 1541, the political, economic, and military power of the republic has always resided here. In this way, both the history of Chile and its people, as well as its social order and idiosyncrasy, are deeply intertwined with this city—the capital of the kingdom.
    For this reason, if you look closely, you can find urban landmarks—such as buildings, statues, plazas, and streets— that narrate this relationship: the one between the city of Santiago and our history as a nation.
    However, Chilean identity and the character of its culture cannot be understood without the connection to the land and its natural environment—without embracing the beautiful yet inhospitable landscape at the end of the world.
    Thus, ‘Santiago is not Chile’ is an old saying that serves as a mantra to remind us that, despite its centralism, the true treasures of the Chilean nation lie beyond the walls of its main city.
    If you plan to visit these places of great natural beauty and their small towns, this activity is a perfect introduction to the main features of our culture and idiosyncrasy, as well as a way to discover the origins of our traditions. It will help you better understand the codes and worldview of Chilean society and provide you with essential concepts to grasp the value we place on our natural spaces. That way, once you’ve completed your journey through the last corner of the world, you’ll be better equipped to judge whether Santiago is—or is not—Chile