Standing in the shadow of the Andes, Santiago's infectious energy is reflected in its modern and fast-paced street scenes. Just 70 miles east of San Antonio, Santiago's Centro is the city's historical center. While the city has certainly grown through the centuries the Centro retains the same street pattern as designed by Valdivia in 1541. Your tour begins with a drive past Club Hípico, a manicured horseracing track in the older residential area of the city. Proceed alongside O'Higgins Park and the lively Plaza de Armas, the city's main square. Then continue on to the famous Alameda, Santiago's colorful main avenue, crossing the Mapocho River to visit the Bohemian Bellavista district. Shopping at the Los Dominicos handicraft market offers copper, wool, ceramics, and lapis lazuli mementos of your day in Santiago.