Our grading system explained
Santiago
The conquistador Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago de Chile in 1541. Leaving Cuzco he travelled down the continent and once he gazed upon the valley at the point where the Mapocho and Maipo Rivers descend from the Andes on their journey to the Pacific Ocean. Valdivia marked the centre of colonial Santiago with the Plaza de Armas and his house was located where the central Post Office now stands. Today, this clean, tree-lined square is a haven for old men, young and old playing chess together, shoe shiners, artists and lovers.