During today, Monday, in the afternoon and into evening there were mixed groups of young people out in public areas in central Santiago. These groups appear to be a mix of peaceful protesters and then smaller, unruly "anarchic" groups of mainly young men hell bent on fighting with the police. Very much the same genre as the "anti capitalist" groups who violently attack the authorities in Western capitals every now and then.

Unfortunately because the police in Chile are "not allowed" (Human Rights will report them) to use force to control these mobs, the youths do what they want, but, as we say, these activities are limited to central Santiago and only a couple of areas.

During the day the city is functioning normally with people going about their business, driving to work and so on.

The area West of down-town such as Providencia, Las Condes and Vitacura are not affected at all by these demonstrations. And, as we have been saying for some time as well as the official branch of the government, the main tourist destinations are not affected at all and they are also a very long way away from Santiago.

Anyone coming to Chile to see the fantastic Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Atacama and the Lake Region will find these places perfectly operational and far removed from the issues in central Santiago.

If you have any questions about the above please feel free to email us. We are based in Santiago and Patagonia.