OVERVIEW

Santiago, the vibrant and lively capital of Chile, is situated between the Andes Mountains on the east and Pacific Coast on the west.  The “Europe of South America,” Santiago offers both the flare of Latin culture and comforts of the old world in an affordable and friendly city unlike any other.  Visitors will enjoy the modern, Spanish colonial, and pre-Colombian Mapuche influences that abound in the city’s architecture as their way of life.  While accessible accommodation may be limited compared to what is commonly available in other destinations around the world, certain communes, Vitacura, Los Condes, and Providencia may be indistinguishable in their services they provide. 

LANGUAGE

The official language of Chile is Spanish.

“Spanish (a dialect of Spanish distinct to region that may not be easily understood by other fluent speakers) Chileans commonly use “modismos” or slang in their speech, but also have regional differences that may render any phrase book useless. For example: “Como estas?” will be spoken in Chile as “Como estai?” The “vous” verb form abandoned elsewhere in Latin America has been repurposed here.” Carrie, 9/15/10

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

CURRENCY

The official currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso.

Banking: “ATM and debit cards are accepted everywhere in Chile although foreigners are not be permitted bank accounts regardless of the duration of their stay. Cashiers will request a number of “quotas” or “sin quotas” nearly every time customers make a purchase with their card. “Quotas” refer to the number of monthly installments the item will be billed in, which is an option available even when purchasing a sundae at McDonald’s. No foreign banks support this option and the answer should always be “no gracias.” Carrie, 9/15/10

SANTIAGO : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

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RENTAL VEHICLE

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SHUTTLE

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BUS

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TRAIN

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SANTIAGO : Accommodations

BED AND BREAKFAST

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HOTELS

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Condos

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SANTIAGO : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Accessible Journeys: Accessible Journey’s is a sightseeing tour company that knows some of the best spots for accessible tourism and accommodations.

South Excursion Accessible: South Excursion Accessible offers wheelchair accessible tours of Santiago Chile, Valparaiso and Buenos Aires. The company also rents some medical supply equipment such as oxygen and mobility devices. Contact the company for a list of medical equipment rentals and specific tour details.

Korke AMAPI Accessible tailor-made Tours: Korke designs tours for visitors of all abilities to experience destination Chile. The Korke team understands accessibility and has worked with people with disabilities for many years.

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ACTIVITIES

Pueblito los Dominicos (The Dominican Town): The Dominican Town is located in Los Condes, Santiago. It’s an artesian center of old charm for visitors to shop for Chilean treasures or participate in workshops. Most of the shops are wheelchair accessible, although the shops are quite small. There are also shops and artisans located out in the open air space out in the center. Restrooms are not particularly wheelchair accessible.

Parque Arauco: “Chileans are unusually proud of their shopping malls and people of all ages frequent them for music, dining, and other activities.  This shopping mall in Vitacura has many great options for visitors and excellent accommodation.  Shoppers will enjoy paying only two-thirds the price they normally expect in North America for the latest styles, one of the well-known secret benefits of visiting Chile.” Carrie, 9/15/10  

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

“Accessibility in Chile in general could be considered challenging at best and the nightlife, which typically begins at mid-night and doesn’t stop until bars and restaurants close at 5 am, is the worst.  While specific options may exist with excellent or acceptable accommodation, those visitors who choose to enjoy Santiago’s nightlife should plan ahead.” Carrie, 9/15/10    

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SANTIAGO : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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SANTIAGO : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

“Pickpockets are especially talented and prevalent in South America.  If you must carry a purse, do not position it over your shoulder, but rather place it in front of your body.  Do not even consider using backpacks.  Cell phones and other items of value may be removed directly from your hand if used out in the open.” Carrie, 9/15/10 

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ADDITIONAL LINKS

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