80 DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS Santiago One of Latin Americas most vibrant cities, Santiago is a study in contrasts: it is home to colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers, close to not only top-notch ski resorts but sandy beaches as well. It is a traditional, friendly city that takes great pride in its order and lawfulness. As if that werent enough, Santiago is located in the heart of Chiles wine country, and close to the intriguing UNESCO World Heritage city of Valparaiso, birthplace of Chiles Noble prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda. Located in a rich, sunny coastal valley, warm and naturally dry, the Colchagua Valley is one of Chiles most important red wine-producing regions. Visitors enjoy the experience of discovering the wine-growing culture that has ? ourished here over decades, and of course, tasting some of the best reds in the world. Santiago Wines of the Central Region