Getting Oriented

Pedro de Valdivia wasn't very creative when he mapped out the streets of Santiago. He stuck to the simple grid pattern typical of almost all colonial towns. The city didn't grow much larger before the meandering Río Mapocho impeded these plans. You may be surprised, however, at how orderly the city remains. It's difficult to get lost wandering around downtown.

Much of the city, especially communities such as Bellavista, is best explored on foot. The subway is the quickest, cleanest, and most economical way to shuttle between neighborhoods. To travel to more distant neighborhoods, or to get anywhere in the evening after the subway closes, you'll probably want to hail a taxi.