Chile Zona Central - Santiago, Valparaiso & Fine Wine!
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Zona Central - Santiago, Old Valparaiso & Wine!
Most international flights into Chile arrive at Santiago's International Airport (IATA SCL). From here, visitors head north to San Pedro de Atacama; south to Torres del Paine; or westwards into the Pacific to visit Easter Island. But there is also much to experience and enjoy in Santiago (*) and the Central Valley, and associated Pacific ports of Valparaiso (4) and San Antonio. Many visitors take time to visit the excellent vineyards that offer superb tours and winetasting. And Santiago boasts some of the best shopping malls in South America (eg. Parque Arauco and Alto las Condes), and has world-class rated restaurants, such as Boragó* in classy Vitacura district. In the Austral winter, adventurers from all over the world also come to enjoy first class skiing on the Andean slopes at La Parva and Valle Nevado. (* Rated 27 in The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2018) |
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To fully appreciate Santiago, we suggest you spend at least two nights here, discovering the city on a private tour or on the efficient "Hop-on/Hop-off" Turistik bus tour (audio guide in 12 languages). One should also include the "mandatory" ascent and descent of San Cristobal Hill, by modern cable car and in a vintage funicular, to view the City from the Madonna's viewpoint! The Plaza de Armas, Cathedral and surrounding colonial buildings also merit attention, as do the many excellent museums that display Pre-Colombino art, modern history, and more. The efficient Metro system offers easy access to other sites, such as the artisanal market at Los Dominicos. And the city is rapidly earning recognition for its many good eateries, especially in the local "barrios" of Bellavista, Lastarria and modern "Sanhatten".
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Outside Santiago, a host of day tours can be enjoyed, such as trekking or riding in the Andean foothills, rafting in the Maipo Valley, or visiting a vineyard, such as the famed Concha y Toro in Pirque. Further afield, more vineyards can be enjoyed in beautiful pastoral settings, as in the Santa Cruz/Colchagua vallies, many offering excellent accommodation and superb cuisine. One of our favourite trips is down to the Pacific to visit Old Valparaiso, declared a UNESCO Heritage site in 2003. A city teeming with history and character, visitors love the 19th century buildings, rickety funiculars, vibrant world-renowned Street Art, and general buzz of the town and harbour. If you can spare the time, stay overnight and also visit nearby Viña del Mar. And do try to visit Nobel Laureate, Pablo Neruda's, quirky Valparaiso home, "La Sebastiana"!
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Unique Destinations recommends a series of great hotels in Santiago, on "wine country" estates, and in Valparaiso/Viña del Mar. In Santiago and Valparaiso we use a shortlist of "boutique hotels" that offer beautifully restored elegance in quiet surroundings. An example in Valparaiso is the former home of English artist, Somerscales, and others as illustrated opposite, all centrally located with easy access to shops, restaurants and shows. When visitors must fly in late or take off early, we also use the highly convenient and comfortable Holiday Inn, Santiago Airport, just yards from the Arrivals/Departure Halls! And for those on vineyard outings, we recommend a stay in luxurious, peaceful surroundings, as at Viña Matetic, Viña Lapostolle and others in the Colchagua Valley.
Finally, for lovers of SUPERB food, take a culinary break at Mapuyampay Gastro-Lodge, some 2hrs drive south of Santiago. Here, under guidance of a top international chef, learn to make, and enjoy, Ruth's special dishes! |
PRICING
Boutique hotel rates vary from US$ 250 - 450/night for two persons sharing a double room with breakfast, depending on the standard of the room and season.
Holiday Inn, Santiago Airport tariffs start at around US$ 170/night for a standard double room, including breakfast.
An all-inclusive package at one of the Colchagua vineyards starts at around US$520/night for two persons sharing a double room with breakfast, lunch and dinner, depending on the standard of the room and season. Tours of the estate, riding, massages, wine-tasting, are all possible for an additional charge.
Mapuyampay Gastro-Lodge rates start at US$ 150/ni B&B for 2 persons sharing; extra charges for cooking classes, other meals.
Turistik in Santiago offer a series of packages, in addition to their Hop-on/Hop-off bus tour (US$35/person, Day Ticket), that include wine tours, full day excursions to the Pacific coast (approx. US$50/person). Private tours can be arranged at extra cost.
Boutique hotel rates vary from US$ 250 - 450/night for two persons sharing a double room with breakfast, depending on the standard of the room and season.
Holiday Inn, Santiago Airport tariffs start at around US$ 170/night for a standard double room, including breakfast.
An all-inclusive package at one of the Colchagua vineyards starts at around US$520/night for two persons sharing a double room with breakfast, lunch and dinner, depending on the standard of the room and season. Tours of the estate, riding, massages, wine-tasting, are all possible for an additional charge.
Mapuyampay Gastro-Lodge rates start at US$ 150/ni B&B for 2 persons sharing; extra charges for cooking classes, other meals.
Turistik in Santiago offer a series of packages, in addition to their Hop-on/Hop-off bus tour (US$35/person, Day Ticket), that include wine tours, full day excursions to the Pacific coast (approx. US$50/person). Private tours can be arranged at extra cost.