Central Chile: More Than Just a Layover

Santiago and Central Chile have long been afterthoughts for travelers coming to Chile, who tend to focus on the southern parts of the country, particularly Torres del Paine and the Lake District. Logistically, it’s easy to spend just one night in Santiago, do a few hours of sightseeing to say you’ve been, and leave it at that. But as the country has evolved in recent years, the central region is no longer just a layover spot: it’s now a destination in its own right.

I recently had the opportunity to visit some of the top boutique wineries in Chile’s Casablanca and San Antonio Valleys, the valleys that lie between Santiago and the coast. These valleys can be reached in just a couple hours of driving from the city, and even less time for travelers going directly to or from the airport. With the quality and variety of activities that these wineries are now offering, plus great options for hotels and activities in Santiago and the coastal city of Valparaiso, your stay in this part of Chile deserves a minimum of 2 nights, and 3 or more would be highly recommended.

Whether it’s a visit to Kingston Family Vineyards with a private lunch with the owners, biking or horseback riding at the expansive grounds of La Casona at Matetic Vineyards followed by an overnight at the classic and beautiful La Casona, or a tasting of arguably Chile’s best Pinot Noir at Casa Marin on your way to Isla Negra before heading to Valparaiso for the night, there are a number of ways we can customize visits that include stops and stays in Casablanca and San Antonio to make your Central Chile visit truly unique and special. Central Chile is an afterthought no more.

Ask us about including a visit to the Casablanca Valley wineries and other Central Chile destinations in your itinerary!