One of the cheapest places to bed down for the night in Santiago is Scott's Place, also known as the SCS Habitat. Scott, an occasionally acerbic American expat, is nonetheless extremely knowledgeable about the whole continent, particularly the southern cone, and has reams of maps and unusual, out-of-print guidebooks, which offer a distinct change to the Lonely Planet.

The hostel itself is in a quiet neighbourhood a little way out the centre, 20 minutes or so from the Plaza de Armas by regular buses. The facilities themselves are basic but functional. Scott can also arrange a Spanish language teacher for group or individual lessons.

San Vicente 1798, Santiago; tel: 2 683 3732

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