O’Higgins and Santiago: flavors, landscapes, and Chilean culture to enjoy
Update date: 29 September 2022
Santa Cruz Vineyard, Pichilemu, Salinas de Cahuil, Glacier in Colchagua, Santiago Centro, Engorda Valley
Day 1
Delight your five senses
The first stop on this trip is the Santa Cruz Wine Route, located in the famous Colchagua Valley, considered one of the most outstanding Chilean agricultural areas. Here you can enjoy different tourist attractions.
One of them is to go up by funicular to the top of Cerro Chamán. Then, visit the Wine Museum, where you have the opportunity to learn more about the wine culture, its origins, and see works inspired by the vine.
The day ends in the Car Museum, also located in this Vineyard, which has a collection of more than 50 vehicles with incredible stories from different eras.
Do not forget to put on sunscreen, drink water, and wear hat and comfortable clothes so you can enjoy the whole vineyard without getting too tired.
Day 2
Recharging energies on the beach
After a day of vineyards, escape to the beach, specifically Matanzas. This destination is synonymous with kitesurfing, windsurfing and surfing due to its perfect wind and wave conditions that attract and surprise sea-loving sportspeople.
After a delicious lunch in the area, go horseback riding on the beach, ending with an ascent to a hill. If weather conditions are good, you can try one of the famous water sports here.
Bring all the usual beach items like sunglasses, towels, sandals, and swimwear. Don't forget to apply sunscreen frequently because you will be in the sun for many hours.
Day 3
Salt flats, water mills and surf
The third day starts very early in another beautiful place on the Chilean coast: Pichilemu and its surroundings. The first stop is Salinas de Cahuil, reddish saltwater pools, with an ancient salt extraction technique recognized as unique in the world.
Then we continue through Pañul, a rural sector where you can see its well-known ceramics made with clay extracted from the same area. In addition, you can take photos in the water mills built in the 1900s and still preserved in the harvest of grains and cereals.
We end the day with a grand finale: a surfing lesson in Punta de Lobos in Pichilemu, the capital of this sport.
Get a good rest the day before, apply sunscreen, bring all your personal hygiene items and passport, and dress in comfortable clothes and shoes to enjoy the walks.
Day 4
A wonderful glacier
This day is full of adventures from start to finish. From the city of San Fernando, we depart very early toward the Universidad Glacier, located in the middle of the Andes Mountain Range, famous for being the second largest ice field in Chile.
On a trekking of medium to high difficulty, you can know the glacier caves and get to the Universidad Glacier, located at 2,800 meters above sea level. It is an experience you definitely must live.
You’ll need sunscreen, your camera, boots (high-topped, mandatory), a change of socks, a windbreaker jacket or parka, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle and a change of clothes.
Day 5
Santiago and its wonders
After such an intense day, return to Santiago for a walk through the downtown of the capital. In the morning you will discover the famous Paris London neighborhood, where you can take beautiful photos. Continue along Calle Bandera until you reach the Museo Precolombino (Pre-Columbian Museum), a place to appreciate the cultural diversity of the Americas.
Then, take the opportunity to walk around Plaza de Armas, the civic center since the Spaniards founded the city. Here you can visit the Central Market, a traditional place to taste the famous Chilean fish and seafood.
In the afternoon, visit the Bellavista neighborhood, known for its historical, artistic, and bohemian character. We recommend you get to the top of Cerro San Cristóbal by funicular to enjoy the magnificent views of the city.
Bring cash, a handbag, passport, a cell phone charger, a basic first-aid kit, and personal hygiene items.
Day 6
Connection with nature
On the last day, you have to make the most of it, and a good place is the Engorda Valley, located at the foot of the San José volcano in the Cajón del Maipo.
Here you can go trekking, enjoy the climate and landscapes, and then go through the Colina hot springs, made up of 9 pools of thermal water, and enjoy the incredible views of the mountain range and the medicinal waters.
With your energies recharged, go on a horseback ride to get to know the surroundings and finish this wonderful day of connection with nature.
Don't forget to bring sunscreen, your camera, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle and a change of clothes.
Plan your perfect trip
- We recommend you take out some medical insurance for a safe trip.
- • In times of the pandemic, you must always respect distancing rules and the use of masks.