Excursions from Santiago:
The Metropolitan Region of Chile is in the fertile valley of central Chile, and is bounded by the Pacific to the West and the Andes to the East. (Large map)
Within the 70km distance between the Andean foothills and the coastal range, there is a wide variety of attractions and things to do and see that fit nicely in a day trip or a weekend excursion from Santiago.
Towns, Refugios and Villages
- Pomaire, southwest of Santiago, near Melipilla is known for its pottery. Talented potters create unique and very reasonably priced goods. While there, don't miss a meal at either Los Naranjos or Don Antonio restaurants, recommended by Clarence Fisk in his salute to Chilean cuisine.
- Caleu, northwest of Santiago on Highway 5, known as the Panamericana, is a small rustic village rapidly becoming popular with Santiaginos. Enjoy the crafts markets and the typical dishes of Chile during the Feria Artesanal y Gastronómico which takes place in November.
- Pirque, southeast of Santiago on the way to the Cajón de Maipo, or Maipo river valley, (photo) hosts a weekend arts and craft fair where leatherworkers, goldsmiths and silversmiths display their wares. Viña Concha y Toro, Chile's largest winery, is located here.
- San José de Maipo, is one of the oldest villages in the valley. The Iglesia Parroquial dates from the 1790s, and from the village, it's an easy reach to the small ski resort of Lagunillas.
- Refugio Lo Valdés is an all-season favorite
for its views of the Cajón and its access to the
Baños Colina at the end of the road
up the mountain. These hot springs offer basic amenities, including camping. Horseback rides are available, and
with enough advance reservation, visitors can cross the border into Argentina.
- Bus service to the Cajón is inexpensive and frequent. You can either ride with Buses Manzur (located near the Plaza Italia,) or with the Santiago-Cajón line which leaves from terminal across the street from the Parque Bernardo O'Higgins metro stop.
Ski Resorts
- El Colorado is the closest to Santiago, and has 19 lifts, 22 runs.
- Portillo is world-famous for dry powder, challenging skiing in the shadow of Mt. Aconcagua, and for being an all-season resort.
- Valle Nevado has 27 runs, and offers skiers a variety of gentle slopes, or long runs, or helicopter skiing.
- Farellones / La Parva together with El Colorado form a
cluster of ski villages, where, if the snow is good, you can ski from one to another.
- To reach the ski resorts by public transportation, take the Skitotal round trip bus from the Skitotal office to all the resorts except Portillo. For Portillo, Manzur Expeditions runs a bus service. You may also hire an all-day ski-taxi to any of the ski areas.
Wineries
- The vineyards of Viña Santa Carolina have been moved outside Santiago, but the main house, casco, and the cellars, bodegas are in the community of Macul, and are open to the public with 24 hour notice.
- Viña Cousiño Macul, is located in Peñalolén, but is moving most of its winery operations outside the city, but the bodegas are still open to visitors.
- Viña Santa Rita, just south of Santiago, offers tours, tastings and an excellent meal at the on-site restaurant, La Casa de Doña Paula. Reservations are a must.
- Viña Undurraga, southwest of Santiago on the old road to Melipilla, opens its grounds and buildings during the week. Reservations are a must.
- Viña Concha y Toro is the largest winery. Open to visitors with reservations, the winery offers tours of the grounds, the museum, the vineyards, bodegas, brick catacombs. Wine tasting is available. (photo)
National Parks and Reserves
- Reserva Nacional Río Clarillo is a nature preserve near Pirque. The river, forests, and wildlife, including the endangered Chilean iguana, are the main attractions.
- Cascada de las Animas, located near San Alfonso in the Cajón de Maipo, is a private reserve created on an old fundo, estate. It is extremely popular for picnics, day trips, camping, hiking, horseback rides, rafting, and kayaking.
- Monumento Natural El Morado is reached on foot or by horseback from Baños Morales and rewards the visitor with Laguna El Morado and Cerro El Morado. Camping is available. Hikers can continue on to the base of Glaciar El Morado at the base of the cerro.
Enjoy your excursions from Santiago!
