Las Condes Live Cam

Las Condes is a commune located in the eastern sector of Santiago, the capital city of Chile. It has a rich history that dates back to the colonial period.

During the colonial era, Las Condes was a rural area primarily used for agriculture. However, in the 19th century, it became a fashionable summer retreat for wealthy families from Santiago. These families built large houses and estates, many of which still stand today.

In the early 20th century, Las Condes began to develop into a residential neighborhood. The construction of the Los Dominicos Park and the opening of the Los Dominicos metro station in the 1980s helped to transform the area into a bustling commercial and residential district.

Today, Las Condes is one of the most affluent and modern neighborhoods in Santiago. It is known for its high-end shopping centers, luxury hotels, and fine dining establishments. It is also home to several important cultural institutions, including the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art and the Chilean National Symphony Orchestra.

Top Tourist Attractions

Las Condes is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Santiago, with a variety of attractions to suit different interests. Some of the top tourist attractions in Las Condes include:

• Parque Araucano: This large park is a popular spot for picnics, sports, and outdoor activities. It features a lake, walking paths, gardens, and children's play areas.
• Los Dominicos Market: This colorful handicrafts market is located in a restored colonial building and offers a wide range of handmade products from all over Chile, including ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and more.
• Bicentennial Park: This large park is a great place to relax and enjoy nature, with walking paths, gardens, playgrounds, and sports facilities. It also has a cultural center that hosts art exhibits, concerts, and other events.
• Sky Costanera: This observation deck is located on the top floor of the Costanera Center, the tallest building in Latin America. It offers stunning views of the city and the Andes Mountains.
• Museum of Pre-Columbian Art: This museum features a collection of over 10,000 artifacts from pre-Columbian cultures in Central and South America, including pottery, textiles, and gold and silver objects.
• Santiago Metropolitan Park: This large park covers over 700 hectares and includes a zoo, botanical garden, cable car ride, and several hiking trails.
• Apoquindo Avenue: This bustling commercial street is lined with high-end shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a great place to stroll and people-watch.
• La Parva Ski Resort: This ski resort is located just outside of Las Condes and offers a variety of winter sports activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

These are just a few of the many attractions that Las Condes has to offer. Whether you're interested in nature, culture, shopping, or sports, you're sure to find something to enjoy in this vibrant neighborhood.

Climate

Las Condes has a Mediterranean climate, which means it experiences mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The average temperature in Las Condes ranges from around 8°C (46°F) in the winter months (June to August) to around 28°C (82°F) in the summer months (December to February).

The rainfall in Las Condes is mainly concentrated in the winter months, with most of the precipitation occurring between May and September. The summer months are generally dry, with very little rainfall.

The climate in Las Condes is influenced by its location in the central valley of Chile, which is sheltered by the Andes Mountains to the east and the Coastal Range to the west. This creates a semi-arid climate with distinct seasonal variations.

Overall, the climate in Las Condes is pleasant and comfortable, with mild temperatures and relatively low humidity throughout the year. This makes it a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing without being affected by extreme weather conditions.

Geography

It is bordered by the communes of Vitacura to the west, La Reina to the south, Lo Barnechea to the east, and Huechuraba to the north.

The geography of Las Condes is characterized by a mix of urban and natural areas. The western part of the commune is mostly urbanized, with high-rise buildings, shopping centers, and residential neighborhoods. The eastern part of the commune is more rural, with mountains, forests, and natural parks.

One of the most prominent natural features in Las Condes is the Cerro San Cristobal, a hill that rises to an elevation of 860 meters (2,820 feet) above sea level. The hill is part of the Metropolitan Park of Santiago, a large protected area that covers over 700 hectares and offers a variety of outdoor activities and attractions, including hiking trails, a cable car ride, a zoo, and a botanical garden.

The Mapocho River, one of the main rivers in Chile, also runs through Las Condes. The river originates in the Andes Mountains and flows westward through Santiago before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Overall, the geography of Las Condes is diverse and offers a range of landscapes and natural attractions, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Ski Portillo’s beautifully groomed trails

With an annual snowfall of about thirty-five feet and a sun that makes one feel like one never left summer behind at all, Portillo offers a unique skiing experience in the Andes. Portillo is the oldest ski area in South America and its history is an important part of the history of skiing. A history of men and mountains, dreams and accomplishments in the wonderful world of skiing. Portillo is not just for skiing, socializing and relaxing; it's for renovating and restoring the mind and body in a natural environment that is nothing less than spectacular. Famous for its majestic scenery and tremendous snow, Portillo has been South America's premier destination ski resort for fifty years.

Portillo is an intimate resort. Our 450 employees take excellent care of our 500 guests. Portillo's friendly ambiance, skiing and service mean good health and great memories for all who come to enjoy a Portillo vacation.

Each Saturday a new set of guests arrives like a freshman class arriving for the first time to university. They begin to meet each other on the drive up from the airport and by the end of the week they leave as friends for life, having lived, skied and laughed together for the week in Portillo.

A Portillo vacation is a Saturday to Saturday ski week between mid-June and mid-October. The skiweek includes 7 days skiing (8 days skiing if you turn your room back to us before 11am on your final Saturday), 7 nights lodging and four meals per day. Also included for no extra charges are aerobics and yoga classes, weight room facilities, gymnasium, game room, kids afternoon activities, day care for children, boot and ski valet, ice skating (when weather permits the survival of our rink), heated outdoor pool and entrance to the disco. Guests should budget extra for ski/snowboard rentals, lessons or ski training sessions, massage, beauty salon treatments, computer time at our cyber cafe, ski-shop purchases and bar bills.

Portillo's guests arrive every Saturday like a freshman class and depart a week later as friends for life. Portillo has a fifty year tradition of terrific snow, meals, entertainment, comfort and friendliness. Portillo’s guests come from near and far, they speak a host of languages and they represent the full spectrum of skiing abilities from beginner-beginner to the most expert world champions. They enjoy Portillo for many different reasons…its beauty…its fantastic ski terrain…its spa and fitness services... the surprisingly warm hospitality…the new friends made... the fun. So many Portillo guests end up coming back. They simply love the Portillo way of life.

Portillo is 102 miles from Santiago or approximately a 2 1/2 hours drive. The drive from Santiago is very scenic. Ground transfers are not included in our rates. However, both airport and ground transfers are available upon request from Portillo Travel.

Portilho Online

The history of the Portillo region in Chile is closely tied to its geographical location and the development of transportation routes across the Andes Mountains. Portillo is known for its stunning natural beauty, with towering peaks, pristine lakes, and world-class skiing opportunities. Here's an overview of the history of Portillo in Chile:

• Early Indigenous Inhabitants: Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, the region around Portillo was inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Picunche and the Inca. These groups established trade routes and paths through the mountains, taking advantage of the strategic location of the area.
• Spanish Colonization: In the 16th century, Spanish explorers and conquistadors arrived in Chile, including Pedro de Valdivia. The Spanish sought to control the valuable silver mines in the region, establishing the city of Santiago in 1541. The Portillo area became a vital passageway for transporting goods and minerals between Chile and Argentina.
• Development of the Trans-Andean Route: During the 19th century, the Trans-Andean Route, also known as the Old Route, was developed to connect Chile with Argentina. This route passed through the Portillo region and became crucial for trade and communication between the two countries. The journey was challenging and dangerous, particularly during winter, but the route remained an important link for many years.
• Construction of the Transandine Railway: In the early 20th century, both Chile and Argentina envisioned a railway system to improve connectivity between the two countries. The Transandine Railway, which aimed to traverse the Andes, was constructed between 1910 and 1912. The railway's highest point was located in Portillo, at an altitude of approximately 10,430 feet (3,180 meters). However, the railway faced numerous challenges due to the difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions, and it was eventually closed in 1984.
• Skiing and Tourism: Portillo's transformation into a renowned ski destination began in the mid-20th century. In 1949, an Austrian ski instructor named Othmar Schneider introduced skiing to the region, and the first ski resort was established. Over the years, Portillo gained international recognition for its exceptional skiing conditions and breathtaking scenery, attracting visitors from around the world.
• Portillo Today: Today, Portillo remains a popular skiing and tourist destination in Chile. The ski resort offers world-class facilities and accommodations, including the iconic Hotel Portillo, which has hosted numerous international ski teams and notable personalities. The region continues to be admired for its natural beauty, with pristine lakes, snow-covered peaks, and a serene atmosphere.

In summary, the history of Portillo in Chile is intertwined with the development of transportation routes across the Andes, from indigenous trade paths to the construction of railways. Today, Portillo is celebrated for its ski resort and scenic splendor, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts from near and far.

Have you ever dreamed of skiing in summer? Then come to the Chilean Andes

San Francisco world travelers should know that, between Mammoth Mountain, the Lake Tahoe resorts and Big Bear, California rivals Utah and Colorado for having the best ski resorts in North America.

You would think, at the end of the season, skiers and riders would trade in their skis and snowboards for surf boards, head to the beach and partake in that other outdoor activity for which California is famous. Many do just that. Others mourn the closing of the lifts, and fly south for the summer. South, meaning South America.

Take, for example Robin Barnes. World travelers should know that she has worked as a ski instructor and instructor trainer at California’s Heavenly Ski Resort since 1989. As a highly advanced skier, she is also a member of the PSIA-Western Regional Demo. Robin eats, drinks, breathes and dreams skiing throughout her California winters.

When the lifts close, she leaves Heavenly, and heads south to the resort that Snow Magazine calls "heaven on earth:" Portillo, Chile. Here, she works as the ski school director, a job that puts her in charge of some of the top ski and ride instructors from all parts of the globe. Robin is also an instructor for the California-based North American Ski Training Center, which just happens to offer a ski clinic in Portillo.

The Portillo experience: If songwriter Scott Mackenzie had visited Portillo, Chile, he would have told us to wear some flowers in our ski helmets. No wonder it appeals to San Franciscans. From the moment you arrive, the staff and other guests make you feel as if you are a beloved member of an international, multicultural skiing family. In fact, some regular guests arrange to visit on the same week each year: almost like a family reunion. Portillo also serves as summer training grounds for numerous Olympic ski teams, but there's no snobbery here. You might share a lift with an elite athlete, who will chat with you as if he was not as important as he is.

The big yellow hotel: It's the layout that encourages intimacy. Most of Portillo's guest stay in the main building, the iconic yellow hotel. Those looking for budget accommodations can choose between the Octagon Lodge, which has two sets of bunk beds in each room and a private bathroom, or the Inca Lodge, with two sets of bunk beds in a small room with a shared bathroom.

Everyone, however, eats in the same main dining room, which serves four elegant meals a day. So elegant, that a gracious maitre d’ will escort you to your table. The folks at Portillo take meals very seriously and want you to be comfortable. When you come in for lunch, take off your boots and hand your gear to the ski-check guy, who will give you your shoes. Don't worry about the cost. Everything, including lifts, lodging, meals and gear check, is included in the price. As if that was not enough, the resort has a fitness center, a pool that features water aerobics, a cinema, a disco and free Internet access. All for no extra charge. Portillo also schedules special theme weeks, which feature art talks, film, music, cooking and wine tasting. Cost is included

So what about the skiing? Portillo is a family-friendly resort with terrain for all levels. Novices will hone their skills on El Puma, El Corralito, and La Princesa, while advanced beginners and intermediate will have fun on El Conejo, Las Lomas, Canarios and Bajada del Tren. Juncalillo, Portillo's longest run, often serves as a training ground for the U.S. and Austrian ski teams. Along with David's Run, Descenso, Los Zorros, and El Estadio, it suits advanced intermediate skiers and snowboarders.

Adventures in lift riding: The Va et Vient lifts, French for “Come and Go,” are Portillo's most unique feature. The Poma company built them for access to Portillo’s Roca Jack, Condor and Las Vizcachas runs. On these avalanche-prone runs, an avalanche will knock even a well-built lift flat to the ground. The Va et Vients have pulleys, which attach to a point at the top of the mountain. Five skiers at a time ride up the mountain, while “sitting” side-by-side on Poma discs suspended from an overhead bar. It feels a bit like water-skiing, only scarier.

If you're looking for a unique ski and ride experience, you will definitely find it at Portillo.