Places of Interest San Pedro

Introduction

Most of the places of interest are in various, spread-out locations around San Pedro de Atacama. Many are at high altitude, and some are tens of kms from the village. We will briefly cover most known places below, however, there are many other interesting locations too. Should you ask us to include one of the top-end hotels in your itinerary you will have a great opportunity to know many of the other interesting places that most people do not get to see.

Within the excursion options available from the top-end hotels are trekking, visiting remnants of ancient Atacama culture, floating in a Salt Lake, horse riding, seeing local fauna and flora, visiting the natural geysers at El Tatio and other amazing natural, geographic sites as well as cycling, bird watching, sighting local flora and fauna, and star gazing through telescopes.

Important Advice

San Pedro de Atacama is located at altitude (2,438m). Most excursions out from San Pedro de Atacama are at higher altitudes, some reaching over 4,000m. You should NOT participate in any high-altitude excursions if you are not fit, are in bad health (ie have a less-than-healthy heart condition) and without first adjusting to the altitude in San Pedro de Atacama, which may require at least a full day, or even two, prior to going to higher altitudes. You should also drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids and get a good amount of sleep.

In order to acclimatise and enjoy fully your stay in San Pedro de Atacama, consider a minimum stay of 4 nights, and use your first day to relax and acclimatise.

Altitudes

Calama: 2,460m approx (8,000ft)
San Pedro de Atacama: 2,438m approx. (8,000ft)

Some places of interest near to the village you can walk to or cycle, however, those further outside you will need 4-wheel transport, usually provided by the local tour provider or the hotel we have arranged for you.

There are also numerous trekking places, but to get to the start points requires transport by car or van although we can arrange for you to have your own rental car, we do not advise this.

The hotels that we work with that provide all-inclusive programs will offer trekking excursions and take you to where these trails are located.

San Pedro de Atacama Better-Known Places of Interest

Below this list of places are brief descriptions.

Clothes to Wear San Pedro

During the summer months (December to end of February) the days in San Pedro will be dry and hot, whereas the evenings will be cool, going into cold later at night. And believe it or not, in January and February it is common for there to be sporadic rain showers. Therefore, your clothes wardrobe needs to cater for these, changeable situations.

Suggested San Pedro de Atacama Clothing
Travel light, but pack sturdy, outdoor hiking boots. Take comfortable, layered clothing such as fleeces, t-shirts, swimming gear, long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Include an outdoor warm top for cold nights and cold altitudes as well as a warm hat and gloves (especially if you go to the Geysers). Lip balm, sun-screen cream and sun glasses. And, for the rain showers, if you can, bring a light waterproof top with hood. Also bring a small back pack to carry water bottle(s), snacks, extra top, sun cream and so on.

Clothing Check List

Fleece and windbreaker or parka.
Short- and long-sleeved cotton shirts.
Trekking pants (preferably ones that can be unzipped into shorts). We suggest thermal underwear for high ascents or to visit the geysers, especially during winter.
Comfortable hiking boots with anti-slip rubber soles and sturdy ankle support to avoid possible sprains.
Sneakers or sports shoes.
Swimsuit.
Flip-flops for use at the Termas de Puritama hot springs or at lakes.
Sunglasses.
Hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Hat or headband to protect your ears from the wind or the cold when at the geysers.
Sunscreen and lip protection.
Backpack to carry sunscreen, camera, water, etc.
For inside your hotel: light, informal clothing.
Light waterproof top with hood (for rain showers).
Binoculars and camera.

Climate & Weather San Pedro

It is important to remember that San Pedro de Atacama is located in the heart of a dry desert and that it is at an altitude of 2,443m because these factors influence the climate and local weather considerably. It is also just shy of being on the Tropic of Capricorn.

Surrounded by sand (therefore no heat retention), with the Andes Mountains on one side, and located at high altitude means that the days are hot, and the nights are cool to cold.

In some areas no rainfall has ever been recorded, making it the driest desert on Earth, although rain does fall in San Pedro de Atacama when, in the summer months, the thermal air currents above the Bolivian side of the Andes form large rain clouds that then drift down back into Chile and deposit heavy, but short, rain showers over the area, often accompanied by loud thunder and lighting. This phenomenon is called the Bolivian Winter, resulting in snow fall at higher elevations.

There is very little rain fall and most days of the year are filled with “wall-to-wall” sunshine. Days are hot, evenings cool to cold, and nights are cold.
Clear night skies are common – ideal for star gazing.

The Seasons
Summer: January, February and March
Autumn (not really reflected as a season): April and May
Winter: June, July and August
Spring: September, October, November and December

Average Temperatures are:
Winter (Jun, Jul and Aug)
Night: 9ºC (48ºF) / Day: 24ºC (75ºF)

Summer (Jan, Feb and Mar)
Night: 13ºC (55ºF) / Day: 25ºC (77ºF) - 32ºC (90ºF):

Arrivals & Transfers San Pedro

Introduction

San Pedro de Atacama is located 1,664km north from Santiago, therefore, the most sensible way to get here is to fly in from Santiago.

The flight will take around 3hrs and land at Calama, sometimes going via Antofagasta. From Calama you will then require a road transfer that will take just over one hour to get to San Pedro de Atacama.

San Pedro de Atacama is almost 100km southeast from Calama.

Transfers and Rent a Car

Upon arrival to Calama airport you will have four options to get to San Pedro de Atacama.

Pick up a Rent a Car.
Take the regular minibus transfer.
Have a prearranged, private transfer meet you.
Board a prearranged transfer as part of an all-inclusive program.

ExperienceChile.Org will be very pleased to include a rent a car, private transfer or prearranged transfer in an all-inclusive program, in your travel itinerary. However, we do not recommend a rent a car purely and simply because as a visitor you will not know the area, and the terrain here has the ability to cause problems if you were, for example, to run out of gas (petrol), have a puncture or get lost. It is much better to take a local excursion service, with guide, to any of the places of interest.

Climate & Weather Iquique

The climate of Iquique, located on the coast of the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, within the Tropic of Capricorn, is best described as a desert climate with mild winters and warm summers.

Factors that affect the climate, and therefore weather here, are the arid Atacama Desert, the cold Humboldt Ocean current running along the coast, and its position on the line of longitude, only 20 degrees south from the Equator.

In the summer, days are often cloudy in the mornings, including coastal fog, but this burns off later in the day. It has very little rainfall, if any.

Arrivals & Transfers Iquique

Arrivals & Transfers

The only, realistic way to get to Iquique is to fly from Santiago. The city is located 1,790km north from Santiago, connected by the main Ruta 5 Panamerican Highway.

The flight time is around 3.5hrs, with daily flights from Santiago airport.

Upon arrival to Iquique airport there are these onward options:
Pick up a rent a car.
Take a local transfer service to your hotel.
Take a prearranged private transfer.

ExperienceChile.Org will be pleased to arrange the flight, plus rent a car, or private transfer to meet you at the airport. Our advice would be to not rent a car because nearly all of your time will be based in Iquique city, apart from maybe a couple of excursions outside the city and these we would arrange as part of a local tour, or with private transfer.

Atacama Accomodation

Introduction

Please remember, if you do not like, or do not want any of our partner hotels and you prefer one you have found yourself, please let ExperienceChile.Org know. We will endeavour to include your choice in the itinerary we create for you. Email Us Here: request@experiencechile.org

The Atacama Desert covers approximately one third of mainland Chile, occupying the area from the northern border with Peru down to just above La Serena in the south. This is a vertical distance of around 1,602km (1,000 miles). La Serena, by the way, is about 470km (292 miles) north of Santiago.
Within this vast space there are only a few population centres that are mainly on the coast (mainly Arica, Antofagasta, Iquique) with smaller villages “sprinkled” around the interior (principally Calama, San Pedro de Atacama, Copiapo, Vicuña, Pisco Elqui).

Atacama Visitor Destinations

For the visitor, the key touristic destinations within the Atacama are: Iquique on the northern coast; San Pedro de Atacama, in the interior close to Calama and also near the border with Bolivia; and further south is the fertile Elqui Valley with the town of Vicuña, and the village of Pisco Elqui.

Typically, a desert environment means dryness, not much vegetation and landscapes that are totally different to what most people are accustomed to.
In this section we aim to introduce you to our accommodation partners in Iquique, San Pedro de Atacama, Vicuña and Pisco Elqui.

Accommodation in Iquique
Considering that Iquique is a coastal city and not inland, the more modern buildings here are in the typical, traditional “modern building” style ie square buildings of varying numbers of floors built from cement, concreate and glass. The hotels are the same. There are many hotel options for the visitor, however, we present only those places that we have visited to date. Please Email Us Request@experiencechile.org

Accommodation San Pedro de Atacama
In reality, San Pedro de Atacama is the main draw for the north of Chile and the Atacama Desert in general. It is the northern equivalent of Torres del Paine in southern Patagonia, although a total polar opposite in terms of scenery, climate and weather.

Here, the buildings are either made from adobe or look they were made from adobe. Buildings have their exteriors coloured with earthen shades of the natural desert. Many places have outdoor lounge areas where sunken seats will be positioned around a fire pit. “Gardens” will be prominently spaces with earth or lose stone on the ground, desert shrubs, plants like cactus and maybe trees that do not require much water.

In addition, most hotels will have outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs and maybe outdoor massage tables, as well as the fashionable trend to have outdoor showers adjoining en-suite bathrooms. The higher-end lodges will usually have telescopes to enjoy star gazing at night. The Atacama is, after all, where most of the World’s key scientific observatories are located. This is due to the desert, and higher altitude, combining to offer a number of more clear (not cloudy) night skies than any other place on Earth, and a dry environment.

In our San Pedro de Atacama accommodation selection we will showcase our partner hotels.

However, as we keep saying, should you prefer a hotel that is not here, please just mention it during your request and here at ExperienceChile.Org we will include the hotel you want in your itinerary.

Accommodation Elqui Valley and Pisco Elqui
The Elqui valley is drivable from Santiago. It is a valley that runs east, towards the Andes, from the coastal city of La Serena, which is only 470km (292 miles) north of Santiago, therefore the drive time up the Ruta 5, Panamerica Highway is around 5hrs, plus a further hour to Vicuña. And, one can fly here too (to La Serena).

The stand-out feature of the Elqui Valley is that it is fertile. The lush-green vegetation sits in stark contrast to the barren, brown, red and orange mountain sides, thus offers a very pretty and pleasing vision to the eye.

In our Elqui Valley and Pisco Elqui accommodation selection we will showcase our partner hotels.

Elqui Valley

Introduction

The Elqui Valley, known locally as “el Valle del Elqui”, is located east of La Serena in northern Chile, referred to as the “small north” because La Serena is only 470km north from Santiago along the Ruta 5, Panamerican Highway.

For most people coming to the Elqui Valley they discover a real “little nugget” of Chile. This is not a place that has been developed for tourists and therefore it retains its authenticity, which makes it endearing. What makes the valley special is that it is geographically “attractive” to the eye and possess interesting smaller villages to visit, as well as options to see the stars. The drive from La Serena also passes a large dam holding back a reservoir of water, which is an impressive sight and where there is a look out viewpoint. Then there is the main town called Vicuña, and this is also interesting due to the number of original, adobe-built houses that still exist and the overall calmness that envelopes the area.

Indeed, this is a place to relax, enjoy the sunshine and “escape” from the madness of the world.

In addition, Vicuña is the birthplace of 1945, Nobel Prize-winning poet, Gabriel Mistral. She is something of a cultural icon in Chile and in Vicuña there is a museum dedicated to her history and works, which is another reason to visit this town.

Fertile Valley

The valley starts almost immediately behind La Serena and leads all the way east to the Andes Mountains. It is a sought-after destination because the valley floor it is lush green with crops that get irrigation from the natural Elqui River, which is maintained by the Puclaro Reservoir (built at the end of the 1990’s). Due to its altitude, this part of Chile also receives plentiful sunshine with very few cloudy days.

Visually, the lush green of the fertile valley floor contrasts vividly with the barren, orange, red and sand colours of the steep hill sides, and this creates a unique sight between “life” and “non-life”.

The valley has also become a centre for the production of fruit, especially grapes that go to make the famous Pisco liquor, but more recently are now being used to produce good wines such as Syrah and Carmenere.

Astronomical Observatories

The valley is also known for its dryness, plentiful cloudless days, and clear night skies, ideal for observing the stars, which is why there are a few professional observatories on strategically-located summits in, or close to, the valley. For example, the Tololo, Gemini and Cerro Mayo observatories are all on hill summits within, or just off, the main Elqui Valley. With prearranged reservations it is possible to visit El Tololo, but its administration office where such arrangements have to be made, is in La Serena. It should be noted, however, that these professional observatories monitor the stars through high-end technical equipment and not with the naked eye looking through a telescope. Also, the tours are during the day when the equipment is not operational, but it is still interesting to look around as well as see the fantastic view from high up where the observatory is located.

However, there is a great, more modest observatory at Vicuña, where visitors can look through a telescope and visually see planets, stars and galaxies with the naked eye and this is called Mamalluca.

Fray Jorge National Park

Not located in the Elqui Valley, but worth a mention is the Fray Jorge National Park. This is a park located by the Pacific about 75km south from La Serena, west of where the town of Ovalle is located, and off the main Ruta 5, Panamerican Highway, heading towards the coast.

Known as a natural phenomenon this Park contains a small forest that would normally be found over 1,250 from this point. The vegetation survives here courtesy of a microclimate and shows what this part of Chile was like over 30,000 years ago.

The road west from the Panamericana Ruta 5 will lead to observation points from which it is possible to see various types of bird life including hawks, Humboldt penguins, partridges and even the Culpeo fox. There are over 440 different species of tree and native plants in this “bubble” where the air is humid, enabling them to thrive.
A visit to Fray Jorge is only logical if you are driving up from Santiago.

San Pedro de Atacama

Introduction

San Pedro de Atacama is, as the name would suggest, located the heart of the Atacama Desert. Most of the Atacama Desert is a rainless plateau covering the northern sector of Chile from Arica down to just below La Serena. In some areas no rainfall has ever been recorded, making it the driest desert on Earth, although rain does fall in San Pedro de Atacama when, in the summer months, the thermals above the Bolivian side of the Andes form large rain clouds that then drift down back into Chile and deposit heavy, but short, rain showers over the area, often accompanied by loud thunder and lighting. This phenomenon is called the Bolivian Winter, resulting in snow fall at higher elevations. The Atacama Desert covers around 180,000km 2 and is regarded as being in existence for over 15 million years.

Below, we will cover the history of the area followed by some suggestions and a link to our places of interest page for San Pedro de Atacama.

The Stars

The incredibly dry environment over large parts of the Atacama, together with the natural height of the Andes Mountains, and the fact that there are vast swathes of land not affected by man-made light pollution, provide an ideal setting for astronomical observatories to be located. The European Southern Observatory administers two radio telescopes in the area: La Silla Observatory and the Paranal Observatory where the Very Large Telescope (VLT) is located, and a radio astronomical observatory called ALMA is also now operational.

However, even to the naked eye, the Atacama night sky is one of the clearest in the World, offering a “wow” view of the Milky Way.

The Atacama Desert also contains many sought-after mineral deposits such as copper and, consequently, is a sought-after location for mining companies.

San Pedro village is a simple place with buildings constructed from adobe and other natural materials, but at night it comes alive as the many bohemian-style bars and innovative restaurants open. It attracts a mixture of the “hippy” crowd and back-packers, but these days older and more wealthy visitors are coming to get the “Atacama” experience. However, it is what surrounds San Pedro that makes it such an interesting destination. The village is merely a base from which to go and explore from.

Know the Altitudes

Be aware that San Pedro itself is at altitude and most of the excursions are at even higher altitudes. Therefore, if you suffer from any health issues related to high altitude you should not consider San Pedro de Atacama on your travel list.

Calama: 2,460m approx. (8,000ft)
San Pedro de Atacama: 2,438m approx. (8,000ft)

Optional Excursions Altitudes:
Geisers del Tatio: 4,321m approx. (12,000ft)
Centinelas de la Pakana: 4,500m approx. (12,000ft)
Laguna Verde: 5,900m approx. (18,000ft)
Lagunas Altiplánicas: 4,200m approx. (12,000ft)
Miskanti & Miñique: 4,500m approx. (12,000ft)

Description

San Pedro de Atacama village is located close to the border with Bolivia and Argentina (where the three countries borders join) and is considered one of the key destinations in Chile, and the world, to visit. The village is 1,667km north of Santiago, 2,438m above sea level and 106km south-east from the mining city, and airport, of Calama. It is a tiny, dusty, oasis village with unpaved streets that serves as a base from where to explore the outstanding, natural, geographic beauty of the area.

Natural Geography

The geography in the area around San Pedro de Atacama is what makes this region so incredibly dramatic to view. The landscape is the aftermath of millions and millions of years of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, lava flows and flood-ravished plains all combining to create one of the most incredible places on Earth. The overall result is impossible to describe, but if you can imagine the mind-blowing spectacle of a massive desert plain dwarfed by conical, snow-covered volcanoes reaching heights of 5,916m in the Andean Cordillera; the beauty of the changing colours on the landscape from shades of orange to red to purple as the sun sets; the view of powerful heat vapour rising up from the vast white expanse of the Salar de Atacama salt plain (home to pink flamingos); the moon-surface-like landscape of the Valley of the Moon, and the vivid blue and green colours of the high-altitude lakes, the silence of which is only broken by the chirping of birds, then you may just begin to get a picture of what lies in wait here.

The entire area is also steeped in ancient, cultural history dating back thousands of years, with evidence suggesting that the first human arrival was as long ago as 11,000BC.

Cultural History San Pedro de Atacama

The village was named after its patron saint “San Pedro” (Saint Peter) and Atacama, which originates from the word “Accatcha” from the ancestral “Cunza” tongue and means “Head of the Country”. However, long before the village got this name it was merely an oasis from which early settlers could source drinking water and cultivate crops.

Due to the unique dryness of the air and lack of rainwater to help biodegrade alien materials, the environment is ideal for preserving relics from thousands of years ago, including human remains, which has led to San Pedro de Atacama becoming the archaeological capital of Chile. Here, well-preserved mummified bodies, textiles, bones, hunting tools and other items have been discovered in a good state, thus enabling a cultural history to be recorded to a degree of reasonable accuracy.

From the archaeological evidence discovered, it is believed that the first hunter-gatherer inhabitants were in the region as long ago as 11,000BC, living off natural vegetation found at oasis points and beside the then massive lake, which has since turned into the Salar de Atacama (Salt Lake). Even today, at oasis villages such as Toconao fruit trees and plants only grow due to the supply of natural spring water.

It has been calculated that around 5,000BC these early inhabitants, called Atacameño, started to domesticate some of the wild animals and used their fleeces for wool, hide for leather and excrement for fuel and fertiliser. It has been suggested that in the summer months the newly-created farmers would then migrate, with their animals, to the higher plains where there was fresh vegetation and allow the plants at the lower altitude, lake-side and oasis areas, to regenerate. As the settlers grew in numbers so, too, the settlements grew and crops such as beans, pumpkins, potatoes and maize were cultivated.

Between 3,000BC and 1,000BC it is believed that a prolonged drought resulted in the water level of the lower-level lakes to decrease significantly, forcing these early human settlers to seek water elsewhere, such as in the ravines and canyons where there was a natural supply of potable water as well as shelter. This, in turn, stimulated the birth of a controlled agricultural system and animal husbandry. One village, called Tulor, has shown evidence that its original inhabitants arrived here in the period around 750BC and that they produced ceramics, weaved, performed metallurgy, and introduced irrigation systems. Other historic settlements south from San Pedro de Atacama, between the Andes Mountains and the eastern side of the Salar de Atacama, such as Toconao, Sequitor, Peine and Sociare appear to have been settled between 100BC and 100AD.

However, the oasis at San Pedro de Atacama was the largest in the area and as more people settled here San Pedro village developed into the largest settlement of them all. Over the following two thousand years other cultures came and went, including the Incas, and then in 1540 the Spanish arrived.

Options on How to Enjoy San Pedro de Atacama

There are three options to consider if you come to San Pedro de Atacama.

All-Inclusive Option

Our suggestion is to book an all-inclusive hotel and excursion package. With these programs you will be picked up from Calama airport, be fed, have educated guides explaining about the sights and be transported to where you want to go, as well as relax back at a great hotel, usually with a pool.

Rent a Car

Although here at ExperienceChile.Org we, and will be pleased to arrange a car rental within the rest of your itinerary, we do not recommend it. The reason for this is because the distances to the places of interest are exceedingly long, and it is not that clear on how to get to them if you do not know the terrain. Should anything go wrong with your car you will have to wait a very long time for help to arrive. Worse, if you get stuck somewhere remote, which is easy to do, you could be “on your own” for a very long time.

If you rent a car and “do your own thing” beware, take extra water, warm clothes and check that the car does have a spare wheel, jack and that you know how to use it BEFORE setting off. People do break down, run out of water and get cold. We personally know of an Englishman who almost lost his life when he became stuck in a dried-out river and was marooned for over two full days.

You are in a desert a long way from help.

Just the Hotel

Another option is that we arrange the in and out transfers along with hotel accommodation and you then book your own tours when at San Pedro.

Iquique

Iquique Brief History

Iquique developed into an established settlement when it was first under Peruvian administration, later under Bolivian control and ultimately part of Chile. The reason this location was of such importance, at that time, was due to the demand for the mineral deposits in the area. This discovery made Iquique a valuable piece of real estate for any country able to claim it and Peru, Bolivia and Chile all had an interest to have Iquique, and this part of the Atacama, within their national boundaries. The location of the city was also sought after because it had a natural harbour enabling ships to transport mined cargo to markets around the world.

Iquique, along with the northern sector of the Atacama became part of Chile after Chile won the War of the Pacific, between Chile and Bolivia on the 21 May 1879, thus enabling it to get control of the entire northern sector of the Atacama Desert, which included the main coastal cities such as Iquique. However, textbooks state that the War of the Pacific ran from 1879 to 1883 and this is because after the success of Bolivia, Peru tried to wrestle the territory from Chile, but Chile then defeated Peru a few years later.

The economic consequence of Chile winning this war, and gaining a massive swathe of the Atacama, meant that it now inherited a land bestowed in sought after minerals. However, rather than run the mining operations as a national industry the Chilean government encouraged private companies to come in and extract and process the minerals, whilst the Chilean government applied a tax on exports from whence it derived its main, national income.

The British

The British were heavily involved in the mining business even before the War of the Pacific, since the 1820’s for example, specifically processing nitrate, which was plentiful in the area and was in huge demand as a fertiliser (and gun powder) in Europe and the USA. Therefore, naturally, the established British companies continued with their mining operations after the War of the Pacific. However, the Brits were also involved in the construction and establishment of the railway and electrical networks required for transport and urbanisation.

Many of the buildings in Iquique that were constructed for the purposes of operational administration, such as storage warehouses and a custom’s clearing building, were built by the British.

At the end of World War 1, Germany invented a synthetic nitrate fertilizer, which was significantly cheaper than mining the mineral, making it uneconomical to continue mining nitrate in northern Chile. This reality was then compounded by the 1930 Great Depression, which resulted in major decline of the main nitrate mining industry in Chile.

Places of Interest

Introduction
In reality there are only these reasons to visit Iquique, from a foreigner’s point of view. One, if you fancy a summer break on the beach (although it can become quite busy), or by the pool of your hotel. The point being that in the summer the days are usually sunny and hot, and it has, to a degree, that “beach-type vibe”. The city is located only 400km (248 miles) south of the Tropic of Capricorn), therefore, in the summer there is a slight tropical feeling to the place.

The other reason is to see the period houses from the mining days as well as visit the mining ghost town of Humberstone (more about this below).
And, possibly, one other reason, if you happen to be here, is to shop in the tax-free shopping area called a zofre. However, even though it is tax free, many of the goods have high prices, so it is not as bargain rich as one might imagine.

Iquique

Iquique today is a busy city. It offers sandy beaches with palm trees, whereupon the Pacific Ocean water is at a more agreeable temperature than it is further south. Therefore, it can be said that a beach break here is one attraction.

Like many other Chilean cities and towns, there is also a gambling casino, for those who enjoy that kind of thing, along with some modern, well-equipped hotels that serve as holiday accommodation and / or for the conference market.

However, to our mind, the best aspect of Iquique is the left-over English “footprint” of historical houses. These can be clearly seen around the central western plaza area of the city offering a clear idea of how life must have been during the early nitrate-mining boom times when the then “rich” mining executives and families lived in these houses.

In line with the historical angle, one amazing place to visit is the mining “ghost town” called Humberstone, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is located about 45km east from Iquique city, in the Atacama Desert.

It is a small settlement that was completely and intelligently planned out. Like a Hollywood cowboy film set on an outdoor stage, there is a main street that still has the administration office, the doctor’s surgery, the hardware store and many buildings still with furniture from the period. Then there is a swimming pool (now empty), a theatre for live shows, a baker’s shop, a grocery store and other key elements required to providing an infrastructure for a functioning settlement. Between 1933 and 1940 the population grew to 3,700 inhabitants.

What is also interesting to observe is that the workers houses were, as is the case today, smaller than, and closer to one another, compared to the houses where the management lived.
At the abandoned “village” is also the machine shed and mine processing building.

Such a place may not be for everyone’s liking, but if you appreciate history and want to see how people who came from the other side of the world managed to create a viable, living and working mining town then a visit here is well worth it. You need to allow a few hours to casually walk around.

Humberstone History

In 1872 two nitrate works were established close to one another. One was called Santa Laura, by the Guillermo Wendell Nitrate Extraction Company, and the other was called James Thomas Humberstone founded his company the Peru Nitrate Company when Peru still administered this region. Both places grew quickly, and the settlements were built in the English style.

The area saw other nitrate mines open, and ownership change, in line with the change in the economic viability of mining nitrate according to the rise and fall of demand. But, it was when a synthetic fertiliser was invented in Germany at the end of World War 1, together with the World Wide Economic Depression that really curtailed the nitrate mining boom. Consequently, The Peru Nitrate Company changed hands to a group called La Palma and Santa Laura did not fare so well.

In 1934 both Santa Laura and La Palma were then taken over by the Compañia Salitrera de Tarapaca y Antofagasta (COSATAN) who decided to rename La Palma to “Oficina Santiago Humberstone” in honour to the founder James Thomas Humberstone. And, with modernization and new processing methods that made extraction economically viable, in 1940 Humberstone became a very successful operation once again. However, this renaissance lasted only until around 1958 and then once again it was not profitable. This led to the settlement being deserted in 1960, whereupon it became a ghost town. Ten years later, in 1970 it was declared a Chilean national monument and in 2005 awarded the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other Things of Interest

In addition to the historical and beach aspects to Iquique there are geoglyphs, petroglyphs and rock paintings at various locations outside the city, as well as the Volcan Isluga National Park in the Andes – but this is far away and at altitude.

There are natural hot springs at Mamiña and the village of La Tirana, about 72km from Iquique holds a colourful religious festival during July of each year, attended by thousands of people.

We Suggest

We would suggest that a trip to only Iquique, if restricted on time with your itinerary, is NOT a good idea, however, if you have the time and can combine a visit here with San Pedro de Atacama then yes, a couple or three nights at Iquique would be worthwhile. Alternatively, if you want a few days at the beach, and by the hotel pool to relax under the hot summer sun, then that too would be a good reason to come here maybe at the end of your trip.

Atacama

Introduction

There is some debate as the where the Atacama Desert officially begins with regards its southern border. The terrain is appears more “desert like” just north of the Chilean coastal city of La Serena, and La Serena is 470km north from Santiago. However, for all intents and purposes La Serena can be considered within the Atacama southern boundary line, which also puts the Elqui Valley within the Atacama too.

From La Serena, up to Arica in the far north of Chile, by the border with Peru is it 1,602km, meaning that this is at the least, the vertical area covered by the Atacama.
If we run south, down the Pacific coast from Arica, the principal cities on the list are Iquique, Antofagasta: and inland is Copiapo, then La Serena on the coast. The Tropic of Capricorn passes just to the north of Antofagasta cutting through the Salar de Atacama, which is close to San Pedro de Atacama. Therefore, officially above this line is the tropics, heading towards the equator.

As with all high temperature deserts the Atacama is hot and dry. It is said that there are places where rainfall has never been recorded. However, the Atacama also covers an area, width-wise, from the cold Pacific coast up to the tops of the cold, Andes mountains and this geological reality has an effect on the weather. For example, on the coast there is often coastal fog, therefore moisture in these areas, and in the highlands of the Altiplanico, there are often rain clouds, especially in the summer months, that descend and empty their watery contents rapidly over villages like San Pedro de Atacama. The water provided by nature covers the Andes in white snow and provides the lower valleys with water for certain plants to thrive.

From the visitor’s perspective, what makes the Atacama Desert so appealing is the dramatic, geographical scenery which, to the unaccustomed, is, in places “jaw dropping”.
In addition, due to the dry air and relative lack of artificial light pollution, the Atacama night sky is one of the clearest in the World, offering, even to the naked eye, a dramatic view of the Milky Way.

The Elqui Valley & Iquique

The other places are the Elqui Valley, which is drivable from Santiago – about 5hrs, and Iquique further north and on the coast. The Elqui Valley is an amazing fertile valley that runs west to east from La Serena (470km north from Santiago) towards the Andes, whereupon the town of Vicuña is located, and further into the Andes is the tiny village of Pisco Elqui.

Iquique used to be an important coastal base for the English who were busy making money from the Nitrate mining back in the 19th century. Today there are still a few of the interesting period houses lining some of the streets. Near to Iquique is also the facinating ghost, mining town called Humberstone a UNESCO Heritage Site, and well worth a visit if you like history.

Please see the individual menu tabs for more information on these key Atacama destinations.

Wine Accommodation

Introduction

The Chilean wine valleys of Casablanca, Aconcagua, Maipo and Colchagua are all accessible from Santiago, each containing great wineries for tours and tastings.

However, the Maipo, Casablanca and Colchagua valleys each contain top-end accommodation options whereby one can not only stay overnight and venture out to see various wineries each day, but also sit back and enjoy complete luxury and high-end experiences.

Also, many of these hotels offer all-inclusive programs whereby the guest can participate in many other activities such as trekking, horse riding and swimming among other delights, as well as enjoy great food and nice surroundings.

Here at ExperienceChile.Org we work with only those hotels that we have personally checked out and, ideally, stayed over in order to fully appreciate what the product offering is all about. Therefore, the properties we offer our clients (ie you) are only the ones we are pleased to consider as our Accommodation Partners. Herewith below are the partners we will include in any wine-based itinerary that we have created for you, should you wish to include accommodation in one, or more, of the wine valleys.

However, as always, should you prefer a different accommodation option then please mention this and we will include that hotel into your itinerary.

Colchagua Accommodation

Maipu Accommodation

Mendoza

Introduction

The city of Mendoza is, literally, a “hop” over the Andes mountains from the smaller, Chilean town of Los Andes, and Los Andes is only 78km northeast from Santiago. By road, Mendoza is 293km from Los Andes.

There are three ways to get to Mendoza. One is to drive over the Andes from Santiago. This is a very scenic drive that takes in the beauty of the central sector of the Andes. However, the time involved will add up to around 8hrs, considering the time at each border post as well as navigating roads that ascend and descend steeply as well as numerous curves on the road each side of the Andes.

The other, much quicker option is to fly from Santiago. The actual flight time is a quick 45min, but one should allow for the usual 2hrs pre-flight check-in time at the airport, any flight delays and then collecting luggage upon arrival and passport control, making the total time around 4hrs or so.

Then there is also the option to fly in from Buenos Aires, if you happen to be there.

NOTE: Here at ExperienceChile.Org, we can create an itinerary form you that includes any one of the options mentioned to get to Mendoza as well as linking up a trip to Mendoza from either Buenos Aires and on to Santiago, or the reverse. What is not possible is to take a car rental over the border and leave it in one country or the other. What we will do is arranged terrestrial, private transport each way, or a flight plus local transfers each side of the border.

Also, taking a car over the border will require certain paperwork, which we can arrange of course, but it is yet another thing that is required.

About

Mendoza is one of Argentina’s best wine-producing regions with an excellent reputation for producing Malbec wine. The city is effectively located at the base of the eastern side of the Andes in the rain shadow, therefore there is not a lot of precipitation here. Indeed, the area around the city is like a desert.

The fact that Mendoza is on the eastern side of the high Andes means that the land receives lots of hot, summer sunshine from the early morning all the way through to the point where it “suddenly” sets behind the Andes. On the other hand, the vineyards of Chile must wait a little longer for the sun to show its face in the mornings, but they enjoy a longer “sun set” at the end of the day.

Mendoza city emits a much more “European” style compared to its Chile city cousins just over the border. The city is much more active and larger than Los Andes in Chile and more like a small Santiago in many respects. It has some wide, tree-lined avenues, street cafes and many plazas. There is also a large park to walk within, eat at one of a park few restaurants, ride a bike, jog, even swim in outdoor pools.

If you do visit Mendoza for the wine, obviously you can ignore Mendoza city, but we would suggest you allow for 2 to 3 nights in Mendoza at least and / or consider staying at one of the fine hotels located at some of the wineries for an all-inclusive stay.

The Wine Growing Region

The Mendoza wine-growing region lies on a line of latitude, like “its cousin”, the Casablanca Wine Valley in Chile”, at around 33° south of the equator. Therefore, just by this indicator the daily, summer temperatures are going to be high. And, just like other vineyards at this latitude there needs to be a way to cool down the high, daily temperatures in order to stifle the grape ripening process.

In the case of the Mendoza area the “arrest” (stopping) of the grape maturation process is handled by the cool air dropping down off the Andes after the sun sets as well as the altitude where many of the vines are planted. On the basis that the higher you go, the thinner the air is and therefore the cooler it is, many vineyards have been planted higher up the valley sides to get the benefit of cooler air. This combination, together with the “terroir”, is ideal for the cultivation of certain grape varietals, especially the Malbec grape and Mendoza has gained a reputation for producing top Malbec varietal wine.

In addition to this reality, the wine-growing slopes on the eastern side of the Andes tend to be large in overall area with an incline from the valley floor a lot less in gradient compared the other side of the Andes. In Chile the mountain sides of the Andes have a more dramatic, steep-sided drop down to the lower levels.

The advantage to the wine maker of knowing where the air temperature will be slightly less at a particular altitude enables for a managed control of daytime and night time temperatures, thus allowing for the optimum cultivation of their wine grapes for the result they seek. The end result is a wine that is rich in flavour, a good colour and yet maintaining its acidity ie not sweet.

The Mendoza wine-growing region is the largest in Argentina, providing around 70% of the wine production in the country.

History

The first vines planted in this area date back to the mid-16th Century when the Jesuits came to convert the locals to Christianity. It is reported that the French agronomist, Miguel Aimé Pouget, was the first to introduce the Malbec vine to Mendoza.

Later, in the 1800’s the phylloxera pest decimated grape vines in Europe and so Italian and Spanish immigrants came to Argentina, in part, to cultivate vines not affected by phylloxera pest. However, it was in 1885, when the railway arrived from Buenos Aires when wine production started to boom. For the best part of the 19th and 20th centuries, the wine produced in Argentina was mainly for domestic consumption and it is only, like Chile, since the 1980’s that wine production in Argentina found the export market.

Climate, Weather and Soil

As previously mentioned, vineyard altitude in the Mendoza region is a key ingredient in producing the best wine results. The land covered in vines (as well areas yet to be planted) enjoys an altitude between 800 to 1,200 m above sea level. For comparison, Santiago city is at an altitude between 543m to 800m, therefore the wine-growing area of Mendoza is at a higher altitude than Santiago, and most vineyards in Chile.

Irrigation, where required, is provided by local rivers such as the Mendoza and Tunuyán rivers that run off the Andes.

The soil in this region is a mix of rock, stones and sand, created over thousands, if not millions of years, of natural mountain degradation and water runoff from the Andes. They are not considered to be particularly fertile with little organic matter, but they are free draining and mostly dry. This type of ground means that a grape vine root will need to work into the ground to find moisture and nutrients producing smaller, but more flavour-concentrated grapes. When tasting wines from Mendoza a strong minerality can often be detected and this is a result of the “terroir”, along with strong tannins.

Grapes

Without doubt the Malbec grape is the one that appears to love everything about Mendoza, and therefore Malbec wine from Mendoza is usually excellent. As mentioned in our initial landing page for our wine section, certain wine regions of the world are better at producing particular wine grapes over other regions. For the Malbec varietal, Mendoza appears to be the best place, producing the best Malbec wine.

However, in addition to Malbec you will find Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Torrontés, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc among other varietals being cultivated in the Mendoza region. In addition, of late, sparkling wine is also proving to be a success too.

To date there are 22 sectors in and around Mendoza classified as being wine-producing areas. However, we will focus in only on the better-known ones and these are:

Lujan de Cuyo, Uco Valley and Maipu (not Maipo as in Chile).

The Uco Wine Valley
The Uco valley is about 1hr driving south from Mendoza city. The valley measures approximately 70km in length and 22km in width, following the flow of the Tunuyán river that comes down from the Andes, and this provides an essential source of water for the vines here. Furthermore, within the Uco Valley are the sub wine-growing areas of La Consulta and Tunuyán at altitudes of between 850m and 1,100m above sea level respectively.

In the Uco valley the soil is generally a mix of rock, stones, sand and clay, enabling for a natural drainage of unwanted water. This is one of the optimum combinations of “terroir” for vines to work hard and seek the nutrients they need but produce smaller berries that have higher flavour content.

Malbec has done particularly well in this valley, but Cabernet Franc has also looked to be liking this environment too.

At the higher altitudes the white wine grapes of Chardonnay and Torrontés are also thriving due to the cooler temperatures at the higher altitudes. Remember, the cooler the air temperature allows for a slower ripening period.

As if any proof was needed as to how good the Mendoza area is for wine grape cultivation, wine makers of distinction such as Lurton, Dassault and Rothschild from France’s Bordeaux region have arrived.

Luján de Cuyo
Closer to Mendoza than the Cuyo valley, but still south of the city, is the Luján de Cuyo wine valley. This is home to some of the best-known wine producers in Argentina such as Septima, Cheval des Andes and Catena Zapata.

Historically this wine-producing area was the first one in Argentina to get an official appellation in 1993, which includes the sub wine districts of La Compuertas, Agrelo, Perdriel, Vistalba and Ugarteche.

In this valley the altitude is a little higher than other parts, rising up to 1,000m above sea level and this has a big impact on the grape growing because the air is cooler at the higher altitudes. Cooler air means a slower maturation process.

Like the city of Mendoza, Luján de Cuyo also lies in the rain shadow of the Andes and is therefore mostly dry. It is only the River Mendoza and natural snow melt from the Andes that brings in sufficient water for the vines.

Like the Uco Wine Valley, the soil here is stony, rocky and sandy, meaning that the land is not naturally fertile, but vines are OK with this.

The Maipu Wine Valley (not the Maipo, which is in Chile)
Located on the southern perimeter of Mendoza city, just to the east of the Lujan de Cuyo valley, is the small town of Maipo and the land covered in vines runs from the settlement all the way to the River Mendoza, encapsulating the smaller wine areas of Lunlunta, Coquimbito and Barrancas.

The Maipu valley is an historic wine-growing area producing respected intense, red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Malbec.

Very similar to the other wine-producing valleys, the soil is alluvial (stony, rocky, sandy) and at altitude, in this case around 800m above sea level, but the land is mostly flat. However, the cool air from the altitude allows for grape maturation during the hot days to be curtailed with the cool temperatures at night and cold air dropping down off the Andes.

Irrigation is provided by the River Mendoza and snow melt from the Andes too, however, the Maipu valley does not enjoy the plaudits that Uco and Lujan de Cuyo valleys receive for producing quality wine, even though the Maipu does produce good Malbec.

Winery Tours and Tasting

ExperienceChile.Org will be pleased to arrange an itinerary for you in Mendoza in order to either just see the city and / or experience some of the locally-produced wine and visit some wineries.

We can do this either by supplying a car rental from Mendoza airport, or if from Santiago you will need to return to Santiago.

However, the best way to enjoy your time would be to allow us to create an itinerary that includes the transfers you will need either from Mendoza airport or from Santiago.

Colchagua

Introduction

About 140km south of the Santiago, down the main Ruta 5, Pan American highway, is the town of San Fernando. From this point, a further 40km or so towards the coast is the smaller town of Santa Cruz and this is in the heart of the Colchagua wine valley.

This valley is full of fine vineyards and produces excellent Chilean wines, especially red varitals. Almost 35,000 hectares are under vine here mostly with Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by Merlot, Carmenere and Syrah. With the Andes to the east and coastal hills to the west these wide, flat, vine-covered plains are considered to be ideal wine country.

The “wine-capital” is Santa Cruz, which has a few colonial style buildings in some areas, as well as a number of good-level hotels and a “World Class” local history museum. From the plaza there are options to book tours and wine-tasting. Some of the wineries here are also “out of this world” with the wineries sometimes resembling a set from a “James Bond” film.

From Santiago a day trip to the Colchagua Wine Valley is doable, but not realistic considering the distances involved to get there and back (realistically 3hrs there and then 3hrs back), plus time to enjoy the winery (or wineries). It is much better to let us plan into your itinerary a stay of at least two nights in this area in order that you can relax a little and enjoy the area.

About

The Colchagua Wine Valley is considered to be one of the best wine-grape growing areas not only in Chile, but in South America. Its climate is ideal for the cultivation of wine grapes due to the “terroir” here. This valley has a wider, level valley floor compared to the other Chilean wine areas. It is also very fertile and receives the cool breeze from the Pacific, enjoys hot, summer days, but a little more rainfall than the wine valleys further north.

Many of Chile’s top wineries have territory here and produce excellent varietal wine, especially Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and now Syrah. The Casablanca Wine Valley, further north, is known for its white wines, but the Colchagua Wine Valley is known for its red wines.

In this wine-producing area are wineries such as Casa Lapostolle, Montes, Casa Silva, Bisquert among others as well as Los Vascos, which has the historic Baron de Rothschilds family, known for its top Bordeaux wines, behind it; and that in itself demonstrates a clear confidence that this valley can produce top-quality grapes to make quality wine.

The Colchagua area is very much a rural district, and the wine-growing only started in the late 1980’s. The valley covers approximately 100km running west to east, which is basically the area from the inner side of the coastal mountain range across to the base of the Andes mountains.

Grapes

The Colchagua Wine Valley is known for Good Red Wine
Like many of the wine-producing valleys in Chile, Colchagua is better suited for certain grapes, and not all grapes. The conditions here appear to be good for the red wine producing grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Syrah, Merlot and more recently Malbec. There are some wineries producing Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay with vines planted at the western end of the valley closer to the Pacific, but these are in the minority.

Climate, Weather & Soil

In line with the Central Valley of Chile, the overall climate in the Colchagua area is Mediterranean with hot, dry, sunny days in the summer months, that are tempered by the cool air maritime influence that comes off the cold, Pacific Ocean.

At the western end of the Colchagua Valley are the lower-height coastal mountains and these allow for the cool breeze from the Pacific Ocean to come into the valley and mix with the winds coming down from the higher Andes in the east.

This allows for the very hot, summer days, in the valley to be cooled and this, in turn, allows the grapes to enjoy a longer than otherwise maturation period. This situation preserves acidity, resulting in red wines that are fresh and with deep colouring.

Considering that Colchagua is located 34° south of the equator, if it were not for the Pacific breeze influence the valley would likely be too hot to produce the grapes it does. For example, the Bordeaux wine-producing region in Europe, in the northern hemisphere is located at 44.84 ° north of the equator.

To illustrate the point further, at the almost equivalent location of 34 ° north of the equator is Tripoli in Libya, northern Africa, located at 32.88 °N, and that is almost the same distance that Colchagua is from the equator. However, there are not many, if any, decent wine producing areas around Tripoli!

However, Colchagua will receive a similar amount of sun as Tripoli and that is a key ingredient to good wine-grape production.

The other factor that influences the Colchagua Wine Valley is the Tinguiririca River, which flows through the town of Santa Cruz and the northern border of the valley. The river brings with it silt and minerals from the high Andes and regularly replenishes the nutrients in the soil as well as moderating the valley temperature.

The soil in the Colchagua Valley is a mix of silt, granite and clay. The vines planted on the valley hill sides benefit from free-draining land and this forces the vines to “work” resulting in smaller grapes, but with a stronger flavour. The slightly higher altitude on the slopes also provides a greater diurnal temperature variation compared to the vines on the valley floor and these grapes end up with a better balance of ripeness and acidity.

Wine Tours and Tasting

Here at ExperienceChile.Org we will be pleased to include in your overall travel itinerary a custom program in the Maipo Wine Valley that fits your needs.

Obviously, there is always the option of a rent a car and you drive yourself to the wineries, however, most people prefer to be driven, relax and enjoy everything as much as possible.

Within the Maipo Wine Valley are these principal wineries that offer tastings and tours (as well as others not listed here):

Concha y Toro
This is a famous vineyard due to a very successful marketing and wine distribution campaign. In many countries such as the UK, USA and China, a bottle of Concha y Toro can be found in the supermarket wine sector. Consequently, there are large tour parties that now frequent this vineyard.

Santa Rita
One of the historically classic vineyards of Chile that also offers accommodation (see our Wine Accommodation Partners below). Tours, tastings and a restaurant are on offer here.

Haras de Pirque (Private Visits Only)
A small winery nestled a little way up the sides of one of the Andes foothills. The main building is shaped in the form of a horseshoe when viewed from above. This is not an accident. The Matte family who started the vineyard were also in the race-horse breeding business and wanted to link their passion for horse breeding to wine. Therefore, building the wine-making facility in the form of a horse shoe was the ideal way to link the two passions.

The building has been constructed into the hill whereby the higher levels are connected to the lower levels by a series of steps. Gravity allows the wine in the tanks to travel downhill from one part of the production process to the other.

Within the heart of the complex, at the lowest level is an artistically-created and impressive cellar with a central tasting area, above which is a transparent ceiling allowing for natural light to pierce through the otherwise unlit underground arena of wine barrels.

From the exterior terrace is a fine view out over the vineyard and valley below.

Within the Colchagua Wine Valley are these principal wineries that offer tastings and tours (as well as others not listed here):

The Santa Cruz vineyard is a project of its owner, Carlos Cardoen, a very successful Chilean, industrial businessman who has migrated into the world of wine and tourism. He is also the owner of the Santa Cruz Plaza hotel in the heart of Santa Cruz as well as the excellent museum next to the hotel, and the gambling casino, also close by.

However, the vineyard is located over the hills away from the principal wine valley and here, apart from having a tour and experiencing wine tasting, there is a short cable car ride that transports visitors up to the reception area as well as a fair ground carrousel at the entrance.

It gives the impression that it is very much a touristic product, but can be perceived a as “intriguing” place to visit.

This is one of the best vineyards to visit (prior reservation required). Located in the Apalta valley, which is akin to a “tributary” valley to the main Colchagua Wine Valley. The wine making unit is at an elevated position on a hill side. This allows for superb views down over the vineyards as well as the greater Apalta valley and Andes in the distance.

The wine-making facility has been intelligently designed and styled. Using the natural rock embedded in the hillside behind the building, the coolness of the rock keeps the cellars cool too as the colder air drops down into where the cellar is located. The large barrels used for wine storage are aesthetically aligned and below “deck” is the artistically-looking cellar with soft lighting and high-tech looking tasting table in the middle.

The Vik vineyard is another, “top end” winery to visit, although it is not located in the same Colchagua Wine Valley as those above. Effectively, if one could walk over the hill from Viña La Postolle, you would come down and meet the Viña Vik in the adjacent valley.

To get here requires a detour out of the Colchagua valley, back to main Ruta 5 highway and a turn towards the coast, at Pelequen on Ruta 66, therefore west, towards San Vicente. However, you then need to aim for Millahue (note, there is another Millahue in the Colchagua valley and that is not the right one).

The best option would be to visit Vik on the way to Colchagua and come down the Ruta 5 on the way to San Fernando, but turn off right at Pelequen onto the Ruta 66 and then turn off again to Millahue.

An alternative route is also from the Ruta 5 but take the turn off just before San Fernando to the Casa Silva vineyard and continue on the country road that will lead to Millahue. Vina Vik is close to Millahue.

The vineyard is the project of an extremely wealthy person who has created an exceptionally futuristic-looking wine-processing facility that would easily look at home on a James Bond film set.

You would be advised to have prior reservations for a visit.

Viña Casa Silva

Access to this vineyard is a few km before arriving to San Fernando, just off to the right of the main Ruta 5 Highway. It is signposted right to “Casa Silva”.
The main building here at Casa Silva is a historically old, colonial style property which suffered damage in the earthquake of 2010, however, it has since been renovated and once again is open to visitors.

Maipu

Introduction

Bordering the southern perimeter of Santiago is the Maipo Valley. Here, over half of the 11,000-hectare production is Cabernet Sauvignon. The combination of soil, climate, 313mm average rainfall, a 26% risk of frost and extremes between very hot day and cold night temperatures enable the grapes to grow and ripen slowly giving elegant, robust and flavourful results. Many of the premium wines produced in Chile originate from grapes cultivated in this valley. Apart from the dominant Cabernet Sauvignon red grape, other varietals grown here are the red grapes of Merlot, Malbec, Carmenere and Syrah complimented by Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay representing white grapes.

About

The Maipo Wine Valley has the reputation as being one of the best-known wine-producing areas in Chile. It is, perhaps, the wine valley that has established itself as being part of Chile’s history because it is one of the first areas to have been producing Chilean red wine varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot since the late 1540’s, shortly after the time when Santiago was founded. However, it was during the 1800’s when the wealthier Chileans ventured into the wine business “because they could”. Like today whereupon very well-off businessmen will “get into wine” and have their own vineyards to produce their own wine label. Therefore, at a time when local businessmen were making their money from the mining industry, venturing into the wine business was the next step in their ability to enter the world of “gentrification”. The established vineyards of Concha y Toro (now extremely commercial), Santa Rita as well as Cousiño Macul trace their origins back to these early days.

Also, the sub areas of the Maipo Valley, such as Pirque and Puente Alto, are considered to be the “best sectors of the Valley for wine grape production” where the premium-wine vineyards of Don Melchor, Chadwick and Almaviva are located and closer to the banks of the River Maipo.

The climate here is such that summers are hot and dry, influenced a little by the cooler breezes from the Pacific, but not as much as the other valleys of Casablanca and Colchagua, therefore the “terroir” is able to produce a rich and fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon. More recently the varietals of Syrah and Carmenere have been cultivated here too.

The Maipo Valley can be divided into three sectors: Alto Maipo (which means higher Maipo), Central Maipo and Maipo Bajo (which means lower Maipo).

The higher (in altitude) placed vineyards are found along the base of the Andes Mountains, covering altitudes between 400 – 760m above sea level. This height enables the hot air from the sun of the summer day to be cooled at night, which, in turn keeps the maturation of the grape berries “under control” as the cool air dropping down from the Andes prevents them from getting ripe too soon. Consequently, the cultivation period of the grapes is extended, at the same time as maintaining acidity.

The sector known as Central Maipo is to the west of the “Alto” sector and on lower ground around the towns of Buin and Paine. In this area the daily temperatures in the summer are a little higher than in the “Alto” sector and, in addition, the soil here contains more clay as well as being more fertile, thus producing wine that is “not so sophisticated” as the wine from the “Alto” sector. In this area is a lot of Carmenere grape under cultivation.

The “Maipo Bajo” is the lowest-level area of the overall Maipo Valley, which covers the areas around the village of Isla de Maipo and Talagante, both settlements are to the west of the main Ruta 5, Pan-American Highway and closer to the Pacific maritime cool-breeze influence.

The wineries located in this area, such as Undurraga and the De Martino family are wine makers that are more focussed on the production of wine as opposed to the importance of the “terroir” and in their wine-making process they incorporate grapes for various parts of the country. However, closer to the River Maipo where the air is cooler the cultivation of some white wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon has proved successful.

Grapes

Along with any wine-producing valley, different grapes will perform better in some parts of a valley than other parts, due to altitude, soil, moisture and the amount of sun falling on the area. In the Maipo Valley the dominate grapes are the red varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Carmenere. However, in the areas where the air is cooler there is also Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, but these two varietals are very much in the minority.

Climate, Weather & Soil

The soil in the Maipo Valley has been brought down from the Andes over hundreds of thousands of years (or more) by land falls and water, together formulating a soil platform that is quite rocky compared to a valley that has soil created only from river sediment. The result of this is that the land is not especially fertile, and the vine roots need to work to get down into the ground seeking moisture and nutrients. This is a positive situation for wine producers because when this occurs the grape berries that are produced are smaller, but they contain a higher concentration of sugar and acids. The end result is a quality wine.

The summer days in the Maipo Valley are hot and dry, with cool nights and mornings. There is little rain during the summer.

Wine Tours and Tasting

Here at ExperienceChile.Org we will be pleased to include in your overall travel itinerary a custom program in the Maipo Wine Valley that fits your needs.

Obviously, there is always the option of a rent a car and you drive yourself to the wineries, however, most people prefer to be driven, relax and enjoy everything as much as possible.

Within the Maipo Wine Valley are these principal wineries that offer tastings and tours (as well as others not listed here):

Santa Rita
One of the historically classic vineyards of Chile that also offers accommodation (see our Wine Accommodation Partners below). Tours, tastings and a restaurant are on offer here.

From the exterior terrace is a fine view out over the vineyard and valley below.

Casablanca

The Casablanca Wine Valley, eastern end, is located about 75km northwest from Santiago. It has a good reputation for white wine varieties such as Chardonnay, but especially Sauvignon Blanc. Also, in this valley are several wineries open for tours and tasting and in addition to this are a few hotels that offer not only places to stay, but all-inclusive wine programs. Naturally, here at ExperienceChile.Org we work with some of these suppliers and can incorporate our partners into any itinerary we are creating for you.

About

It was during the 1980’s when grape vine planting began in earnest in the Casablanca Valley and has since gone on to become a major wine-producing area for Chile.

There are many positive aspects to the Casabanca Valley, and these are:

That it looks attractive upon approaching it from Santiago, driving down the hill immediately after the second tunnel on the Ruta 68 highway, offering a view “from above” of the fertile, green, valley floor covered in grape vines as well as some green hills, contrasting with the other bare, steep brown hill sides.
It contains numerous wineries open for tastings and tours that allow for a visit to more than one winery if your day is planned accordingly.
It offers good tasting crisp, white wines.
The location of the valley is either side of the Ruta 68 which leads directly to the interesting port city of Valparaiso (as well as Viña del Mar), therefore, it is possible to combine both a wine tasting and tour on the way to Valparaiso.
It is very close to Santiago, therefore offering the convenient option of staying in Santiago and doing a wine tasting day tour (and as we have said above, to more than one winery, if so desired).
It is strategically located close enough to Santiago airport whereupon it is possible to arrive to Santiago and go directly to a hotel in the valley or stay at a hotel in the valley on your final night and then get to the airport for your departure out of Chile.

Running in a west to east latitude the grape-growing area length stretches for around 30km. The valley enjoys a climate of often foggy mornings, where the cool air sits along the valley floor until the hot summer sun burns it off, as well as the maritime influence of cool air coming off the cold, Pacific Ocean further west. However, during the day the hot, dry summer air is ideal for the ripening of the grapes. Indeed, this climate combination is very similar to that found in California’s Napa Valley, which is almost a northern hemisphere mirror of the Casablanca Valley, but whereas the Casablanca has a great reputation for Sauvignon Blanc, the Napa Valley is a great reputation for Chardonnay.

Grapes

The Casablanca Wine Valley is known for Good White Wine.

The Casablanca Wine Valley, as previously mentioned above, provides an ideal “terroir” for producing the white wine grapes of Sauvignon and Chardonnay, with the Sauvignon Blanc varietal wine regarded as excellent for its granite mineral, crisp freshness.

However, there are other grape varieties under vine in different sectors of the valley including Pinot Noir, Riesling, Viognier and even Gewurztraminer on the white side, and on the red side there is Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Climate, Weather & Soil

The soil in the Casablanca Valley varies from sector to sector, but it is predominately a mix of sandy, granite-clay.

The Casablanca Valley is at a latitude of 33 °S of the equator and would normally be considered not suitable for white wine grape production, but it is the cold Pacific Ocean (influenced by the very cold Humboldt current that travels up the coast of Chile from Antarctica) which is approximately 40km off the western end of the valley, providing cool breezes that come in and temper the otherwise very hot daily summer temperatures. In addition, there is a cool fog that sits on the valley floor, thus providing a balance to hot, Mediterranean-strong sun during the high summer days.

Vines are planted on both the flatter valley floor as well as the slopes of the valley hills. Those vines planted at higher altitudes on the hill sides will produce a slightly different end product to the ones lower down because they receive less moisture, but can also escape any frost. All these are factors that go into creating wines of slightly different styles.

It is this ideal combination that creates an almost perfect “terroir” for the cultivation of the white wine grapes mentioned: Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. These grapes enjoy a longer period in which to ripen, whereupon they can develop good complexity and flavour, while maintaining a good sugar to acidity balance.

Here at ExperienceChile.Org we will be pleased to include on your overall travel itinerary a day trip, or longer, to the Casablanca Wine Valley with the option to add on Valparaiso.

We can also include a stay at Valparaiso as well as an option, or in addition to, a stay at the Matetic Vineyard hotel for a short, or longer stay all-inclusive program.

Obviously, there is always the option of a rent a car and you drive yourself to the wineries, however, most people prefer to be driven, relax and enjoy everything as much as possible.

Within the Casablanca Wine Valley are these principal wineries that offer tastings and tours (as well as others not listed here). Some of these wineries are more commercial than others, but if you book a tour with ExperienceChile.Org, we will take you to the “more special wineries”.

Aconcagua

Introduction

The Aconcagua Valley is part of the Aconcagua Wine Region, but here we will talk only about the valley. It takes its name from the mountain also called Aconcagua (pronounced “Akonkawa”) that straddles the border between Chile and Argentina. The Aconcagua summit height of 6,960m above sea level makes it the highest mountain in the Americas and outside of the Himalayas.

The valley is a result of the river, also called Aconcagua, that used to be vastly bigger than it is today, and as it flowed down from the Andes to the Pacific it carved out the valley and left behind a sandy soil, hills and terraces ideal for vine cultivation. As far a wine production is concerned, the Aconcagua valley is relatively small, but it does produce good wine, both red and white, and is close to Santiago and therefore easily accessible for day visits.

About

To get to the Aconcagua Valley you need to take the northern Santiago ring road called Americo Vespucio from central Santiago towards Santiago airport (this is in a northern direction out of Santiago centre, or better, from the Las Condes suburb), but at a point prior to crossing the main Ruta 5 Panamerican highway, you need to turn off right and take the road Ruta 57 towards the Chilean town of Los Andes. Note that this turn off is not that obvious, so you need to keep your eyes focussed on the sign to Los Andes.

Alternatively, you can get on to the main Ruta Panamerican Highway and drive north to Llay Llay for about 90km and from here turn right (east, towards the Andes Mountains) to San Felipe.

The town of Los Andes is, literally, at the base of the Andes mountains, the other side of which is the Argentine city of Mendoza – 293km away by road. Also, the road that departs
Los Andes and continues to the Chilean border crossing with Argentina leads to the ski centre called Portillo.
Los Andes is only 78km northeast from Santiago and the wine-growing area is situated in the sector before arriving to Los Andes, as well as being around the town, and to the west and east of San Felipe.

It has been said that the Aconcagua Wine Valley is one of the more attractive wine valleys of Chile due to the planted areas of vibrant, green leafy vines covering the valley sides contrasting blatantly with the barren, brown-coloured unplanted areas and with the added backdrop of the white-covered peaks of the Andes, especially the mighty Aconcagua Mountain itself.

The first vines were planted here recently, during the 1980’s and therefore Aconcagua is considered a new wine producing valley for Chile.

Grapes

The valley is known for producing excellent ripe, fruity wines, especially the reds of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Merlot and Petit Verdot. However, in the cooler sectors of the Valley, as in the areas further west, closer to the Pacific, there have been good results with the white wine varieties of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Such has been the success of wine berry production in the Aconcagua Valley, in 2004, at the main Berlin Tasting event a wine called “Sena” produced by the Errazuriz family vineyard, gained recognition as an excellent “Bordeaux Style” blend outperforming other, more traditional blends from other wine regions of the World.

Climate, Weather and Soil

As with any wine-grape producing area, the climate and soil type are key ingredients in the overall production process.

Here, the summer days (December to and of March) are usually dry and hot, with high diurnal day-time temperatures, and winters are cold. The summer evenings and night temperatures are influenced by the maritime breeze that comes off the Pacific, some 150km to the west and this also cools the soil as well as the heavier, cold air that falls down from the Andes at night.

There is little rain fall here, but the valley is irrigated by snow melt from the Andes and this, along with a sandy soil, helps with the production of red grape varieties such as Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The sandy soil also acts as a barrier to the phylloxera pest getting into the vine roots and allows vines to develop in a healthy way.

There are a number of small wineries in the Aconcagua Wine Valley that open themselves up for wine tours and tastings, often accompanied with food options too, and these are:
Baron Knyphausen
El Escorial
Errazuriz Wines
Flaherty Wines
Narbona
Peumayen
Sanchez de Loria
San Esteban von Siebental

For more information by all means check out the valley web site: http://aconcagua.wine/

Wine Tours and Tastings

Note: Here at ExperienceChile.Org, we will be pleased to arrange a full day wine tour to the Aconcagua Wine Valley, with tastings, lunch and all transport included. This can also be included into the rest of your travel itinerary.

Wine Destinations

Introduction

One of the outstanding characteristics of Chilean wine is that its original vines were brought to Chile from Europe prior to the onset of the phylloxera disease that wiped out most European vineyards in the late 1800’s.

Consequently, the Chilean vines never suffered from the phylloxera disease and remained “pure” for quite some time. European, and other vines only survived when they were grafted with foreign vines that were resistant to the disease, but this resulted in a new lineage of vine.

Chile has become renown for producing some excellent varietal wines of late and this is down to the fact that the country possesses the right combination of “terroir” (the right mix of soil, moisture, and temperature for optimum wine-grape production). The central sector of the country (the Central Valley), where most of the wine-producing valleys are located, enjoys (in the summer months December to March) a hot Mediterranean climate that bathes grapes in copious amounts of sunshine.

However, the high Andes Mountains on the east provide natural irrigation from summer snow melt as well as a supply of cool air that fills the lower valleys early morning and late evening. In addition, the cool air influence of the Pacific Ocean from the west provides just the right amount of cool breeze to come in and cool the air in the valleys too. The combination of these two elements enables the grapes to mature perfectly during the day, but the process is then slowed during the night, and this prolongs the maturation process overall as well as allows the vines to produce more flavor-concentrated berries (grapes).

There are now 17 official wine-designated valleys throughout Chile located in the north around Copiapo, down to the south around Osorno. This is a vertical distance of approximately 1,727km. Incredibly the town of Copiapo is close to the Tropic of Capricorn. Then, about 800km further south begins the Chilean Central Valley followed further south by the colder and wetter Chilean Lake Region. Therefore, there is a varied and dramatic climatic change between the Chilean wine valleys located in the north compared to those located in the south. This means that there is a completely different set of climatic circumstances in these valleys that has a direct influence on which grapes are best suited to grow in each region, and further influenced by the “terroir” in each valley. In turn, this dictates which wines are finally created from each wine-producing valley.

The official wine valleys of Chile are (running north to south):
Copiapo / Huasco / Elqui / Limari / Choapa / Aconcagua / Casablanca / San Antonio / Maipo / Cachapoal / Colchagua / Curico / Maule / Itata / Bio Bio / Cautin / Osorno

Within the above valleys are also “sub valleys” that are recognised as separate wine-growing areas within the overall main valley.

However, for the visitor the key wine valleys that can be easily accessed are the ones closest to Santiago, in the main Central Valley sector of Chile. Therefore, what we aim to do here is to focus on the wine valleys near to Santiago that not only offer some of the best wines, but are accessible for day tours, and those that offer great wine hotels for a few nights stay. Each of these wine valleys is geographically aligned in a west to east formation in a more-or-less horizontal layout and are:

Aconcagua
Casablanca (with San Antonio sub valley)
Maipo
Colchagua
Mendoza (Argentina)
We will also include Mendoza, in Argentina because it is “just over the Andes” from Santiago.

Due the proximity to Santiago these valleys are accessible with self-drive, but we can also arrange private transfers that enable the otherwise self-drive, driver, to enjoy the wine tasting.

NOTE: ExperienceChile.Org is also offering private wine tours accompanied by our English-speaking wine expert. Just let us know how many people and the dates.

However, we also have some wine tours, again guided by our wine expert, on fixed dates whereupon anyone can join. Please refer to our wine itineraries.

ExperienceChile.Org offers overnight stays at some of the best wine hotels in the country that include a tour of the wine-making facilities, a tasting of the wines (with educational explanation), accommodation, food and other activities too, all set in wonderful, scenic locations.

We would suggest, however, that you let us incorporate a small wine itinerary into the rest of your overall itinerary.

Chile is a great New-World wine producer offering some of the best varietal wines in the market. To the unaccustomed, the New World is the territory outside of Europe (the area producing “old world” wines) and a varietal wine is a wine made from one grape variety, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Carmenere, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and so on, as opposed to the carefully blended wines that come from, for example, Bordeaux in France.

There are certain wine areas in the New Word countries that have a reputation for producing the “best” varietal wine in each category. For example, Mendoza, in Argentina, produces excellent Malbec; New Zealand’s Marlborough area produces, perhaps, the best Sauvignon Blanc; the Napa Valley in the USA has a reputation for creating excellent Chardonnay; South Africa for Pinotage; Australia produces great Shiraz, or Syrah as it is called elsewhere, and Chile produces excellent Carmenere and Merlot.

Location

The most northerly of the wine valleys close to Santiago is the Aconcagua Valley, (pronounced “Akonkawa”) about 100km north-east of the capital Santiago. This valley runs more or less from a village called Llay Llay on the Ruta 5 Panamerican about 90km north from Santiago to the east towards the Andes Mountains and the town of San Felipe, and eventually ending around the town of Los Andes.

Most of the vineyards are located in the areas around San Felipe and Los Andes. From Santiago it is only 78km northeast and the good, paved road also leads to the ski centre called Portillo, as well as the Chilean border with Argentina and then on to Mendoza. By the way, Mendoza is 293km east of Los Andes, by road, literally “on the other side” of the Andes.

The Aconcagua valley is named after the tallest mountain in the Americas, Aconcagua (6,960m). The valley basin has been created over hundreds of thousands of years (or longer) by the Aconcagua River, which flows down from the Andes on its way to the Pacific Ocean. Along the banks of the river are alluvial and colluvial steps, or terraces, that are perfect for the cultivation of grape vines.

Grapes

The grape varieties that have been grown here from the mid 1980’s are predominantly the reds of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere and Syrah that thrive in the hotter areas closest to the Andes. However, at the western end of the valley, therefore closer to Llay Llay, due to it being further away from the Andes there is a cooler climate better suited to these varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Climate and Weather

In the valley, summer days are hot, nighttime is cool, there is an 8% risk of frost and an average annual rainfall of 214mm.

Introduction

The Casablanca wine-producing valley is a mainly “cool-climate” wine valley, ideal for producing some excellent white wine varieties, especially Sauvignon Blanc, but there are also other varieties that do well here that are explained further below.

Location

To the west of Santiago towards the port of Valparaiso (or “Valpo” as it is called locally) lies the Casablanca Valley. Only planted in the 1980’s this 10,000-acre area has managed to benefit from fog that often settles on the valley floor early mornings, which helps to slow down the grape maturation process and keep the air cool for longer.

Along the valley floor are planted mainly the Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grape varieties, whereas at higher altitudes on the valley sides, therefore out of the colder temperatures that linger on the valley floor, are the Merlot and Syrah grapes.

However, the star of the Casablanca Valley is the Sauvignon Blanc which has the distinct minerality and crispness found in classic Sauvignon Blancs.

Grapes

Overall, the grapes cultivated here are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc. Others, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenere.

Climate and Weather

The Casablanca Valley is approximately halfway between Santiago and the Pacific coast, and this combination is not lost on the creation of an ideal climate for the growing of “cold grapes”, usually used in white wine production.

The influence of the cold, Pacific breezes creates what is known as the “marine influence” that cools the otherwise hot day time temperature. The usual morning fog, that sits in the valley, together with the granite and clay soil combine to provide an excellent “terroir” for the white wine varietals.

Introduction

The San Antonio valley is a small valley that runs almost parallel to the main Casa Blanca Valley but enjoys its own microclimate. It has three sub sectors within it called Rosario, Leyda and Lo Abraco.

Location

Parallel to the western end of the Casa Blanca Valley, but about 20km south. To get here you need to go through the Casabanca Valley on Ruta 68 and then turn south onto Ruta 64 at a point just before the town of Casa Blanca. Continue for about 17km to a turn off east (left) and this leads to the San Antonio valley.

Grapes

The “terroir” of the San Antonio Valley is, typically, thin, and rocky due to its closer proximately to the Pacific Ocean and this, combined with the maritime influence creates a well-suited environment for the cultivation of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as Syrah – all varietals that require cool days (in terms of wine production).

Climate and Weather

Similar to the main, Casablanca Valley, the San Antonio Valley receives the maritime influence from the Pacific and its cool breeze. However, it has less fog and receives more sunshine due to the hills being at a slightly higher elevation compared to the valley floor of the Casa Blanca Valley.

Introduction

One of the better-known wine-producing valleys in the Chilean Central Valley is the Maipo. Historically one of the first valleys in Chile to have been used for wine grape production producing excellent red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Carmenere.

Location

The Maipo Valley contains the River Maipo and is located about 30kms south of Santiago running out from the Cajon del Maipo and the snow melt from the Andes at the end.

Grapes

Over half of the area’s 27,000-acre production is Cabernet Sauvignon. Other red varietals grown here are Merlot, Malbec, Carmenere and Syrah complimented by Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay representing white grapes.

The eastern sector of the valley touches the foothills of the Andes, whereas the western area reaches the base of the lower, Coastal mountains, as well as enjoying soils that are sandier. This slight disparity in the makeup of the valley “terroir” means that different grapes do better at one end of the valley compared to the other end.

Climate and Weather

In the Maipo Valley the climate is Mediterranean with dry, warm summers and cold, wet winters. The soil here, together with the climate (313mm rainfall, 26% risk of frost and extremes of day and night temperatures), make the grapes grow and ripen slowly giving elegant, robust and flavorful results, and many of the countries premium wines are from this valley, in particular from the Andes end of the valley.

Introduction

Within the southern half of the larger Rapel Valley is the Colchagua Valley. Traditionally a rural area, but wine growers discovered at the end of the 1990’s that its “terroir” was ideal for the cultivation of grapes for wine production.

The position of the valley is closer to the Pacific than, for example, the Maipo valley. It also has a wider valley floor than the Casablanca Valley and enjoys high day time temperatures that are cooled off by the breeze from the Pacific Ocean, which prolongs the grape maturation period, resulting in fresh, strongly-coloured red wines.

Location

The Colchagua Wine Valley has in its heart the “cowboy” town of Santa Cruz 191km southwest from Santiago. The drive here is along the main Ruta 5, Panamerican Highway, south to San Fernando and from here a turn right (west) to Santa Cruz (approximately 41km).

Grapes

Known for producing excellent red wines from Merlot, Carmenere, and Cabernet Sauvignon. However, vineyards that are located closer to the coast, therefore in the western sector, are getting good results for colder-climate white wines.

Climate and Weather

Similar to the other wine-producing valleys within Chile’s Central Valley Region, the overall climate in the Colchagua area is Mediterranean with sunny days that are hot and dry during summer months, but these are tempered by the cool air that comes in off the cold, Pacific Ocean.

However, one of the key ingredients to the success of the Colchagua Wine Valley is the River Tinguiririca which flows along the northern boundary of the valley bringing with it water from the Andes snow melt as well as silts and clays.

Introduction

Mendoza in Argentina is a long way west from Buenos Aires, but almost “next to” Santiago, in Chile. The Chilean population centre closest to Mendoza is Los Andes, and this town is only 78km northeast from Santiago.

Mendoza has the reputation for being the largest and best wine-producing area in Argentina. It is especially known for excellent Malbec wine.

Although the vines here are only “the other side” of the Andes to those in Chile, there are a number of factors that distinguish a difference in the grape-growing conditions. For example, Mendoza is in the rain shadow of the Andes and receives less rain that the western (Chilean) side of Andes. Most of the vineyards here are planted at an altitude higher than the vineyards in Chile, which means they are in cooler air, and the soil is more alluvial (rocky and sandy). The sun also rises in the east but will drop down quickly behind the Andes early evening creating a sudden drop in temperature. These subtle differences have a great influence in how successful certain grapes do in the circumstances of the “terroir”.

Location

Mendoza and its wine-growing region is located in western Argentina at the foot of the eastern side of the Andes almost parallel to Santiago. Most of the wine-grape growing area is located south of the city of Mendoza.

Grapes

The Mendoza wine-growing region is notably known for its Malbec grape, but is getting good results with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Torrontes, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc among other varietals.

Climate and Weather

Like central Chile, Mendoza has a Mediterreanen climate with dry, hot summer days. However, the nighttime is cool with cold air coming down off the Andes, and the vines, as well as Mendoza city, being in the cold shadow of the Andes as soon as the sun sets behind the high mountain ridge.

There is little rain in the Mendoza area because of its location in the rain shadow. Irrigation, where required, is provided by local rivers that run down off the Andes from snow melt such as the Mendoza and Tunuyan Rivers.

Portillo Accommodation

Valle Nevado Accommodation

Valle Nevado

Introduction to Valle Nevado Skiing

Valle Nevado Skiing is considered to be the best ski centre closest to Santiago. The name “Valle Nevado”, translated into English means “snow valley”, which is a very apt for this ski centre because its base location is at a height of 2,860m rising to 3,670m above sea level in the heart of the Andes Mountains, and within a natural, mountain bowl. This combination creates the conditions for a better chance of snow compared to the other ski centres around Santiago, during the winter months of June, July and August. Also, the high mountain ridges protect the snow in the bowl from too many hours daytime sun, thus preserving the snow for a longer period than the other nearby ski centres.

The actual complex sits on a small plateau at a height just short of 3,000m beside an almost vertical mountain ledge. It is within a natural mountain bowl, surrounded by mountains on all sides, and the ski zones are to the north-east side of the complex with many facing southeast.

It has a great reputation for power skiing and its stupendous views over the Andean Mountain peaks.

Valle Nevado Infrastructure

Location: Southeast from Santiago
Road Distance from Santiago: 46km
Skiing Altitude: 2,860m (9,383ft) to 3,670m (12,040ft) 
Vertical Drop: 810m (2,657ft) 
Pisted Terrain: 21 Runs 15% Beginner, 40% Intermediate, 30% Advanced, 15% Expert
Combined Ski Trail Distance: 37km
Backcountry Access: Excellent
 Heliski: Yes 
Historical Season Snow Dump: 7m
Lifts: 12
Accommodation: Hotel Tres Puntas, Hotel Puerta del Sol, Hotel Valle Nevado, plus Self-Catering Apartments. Restaurants: 6 / Bars and Pubs: 4 / Mountain Restaurant: 1 / Ski Rental Shop: 1 / Boutique Shop: 1 / Ski School: 1 / Minimarket:1

Valle Nevado Ski Area
The ski area from Valle Nevado covers almost 2,832 hectares (7,000 acres) – the largest ski area in South America. Within this sector are black, blue and red runs, off-piste and snow-board areas. New runs are often opened, along with more chair lifts to provide better access to the ski area. It is also one of the participants of the “Three Valley Ski Network” linking together La Parva and El Colorado and opening up an even larger ski area of 100km of groomed pistes. And, in addition, in 2010 a new, fast-speed, chairlift was installed, the first of its type in South America, to transport skiers more quickly up the mountain. There are also different, designated areas with ski bumps, jumps and powder.

Valle Nevado boasts one of the best Terrain Parks in South America, designed and maintained for freestyle tricks suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers, as well as snowboarders. The facilities include boxes, jumps and rails of different difficulty levels. You choose your limits. For example, within the Terrain Park are rollers, two boxes, rainbow, mini boxes, wall riders, and three jumps for the intermediate level skiers, as well as two rails with box, step up jumps and a quarter-pipe for the more advanced level of skier.

Usually, the ski season in Valle Nevado can be considered more reliable than other ski centres close to Santiago, as well as the fact that there are a good number of artificial snow-making machines on the slopes too. For this reason Valle Nevado is the only place in South America where the International Ski Federation (FIS) holds one of its Skiing World Cup competitions.

Today Valle Nevado is considered to be the best ski centre in the Southern Hemisphere, offering a complete ski experience package of various accommodation levels, restaurants, pisted ski runs, off-piste, powder skiing and helicopter skiing, snow-board parks and ski competitions. Indeed, Valle Nevado is often the place where Northern-Hemisphere national ski teams come to practice and is frequented by the international skiing community, more so than the local Chilean families.
Three Valleys: Part of the Three Ski Valley network with La Parva and Valle Nevado
Ski Rental Shop: 1 / Restaurants: 3 / Pub: 1

Getting Here

The access road to Valle Nevado is the same road that begins from the Santiago eastern suburb of Las Condes and heads up the mountain leading to Farellones, whereupon the road forks left to get to Farellones, El Colorado and La Parva, and forks right to continue on to Valle Nevado.

The road distance from Las Condes to Valle Nevado is 46km and will take about 1.5hrs to drive from Las Condes.

Note: The road leading up to La Parva, El Colorado, Farellones and Valle Nevado has restrictions of direction. On Weekends, and public holidays it is one way only going up between 08:00hrs to 14:00hrs. Then it is one way only coming down between 16:00hrs and 20:00hrs. There are fines if you are caught going in the wrong direction at the wrong time, as well as it being dangerous.

Helicopter
However, there is also an option to fly in from Santiago by helicopter, which takes 15 minutes and offers incredible panoramic views over the Andes.

Accommodation and Ski Weeks at Valle Nevado

There are three hotels at Valle Nevado, each offering a different atmosphere and general level of accommodation and services to suit the different requirements and budgets of guests.

In addition to the three hotels, there is also nearby self-catering apartment blocks where private apartments are offered to outside guests.
 Check and Out Times
Check in: 4pm / Check out: 10am

Ski Programs Offered are:
7 Nights: Check In Friday / Check Out Friday
4 Nights: Check In Friday / Check Out Tuesday
3 Nights: Check In Tuesday / Check Out Friday

ExperienceChile.Org will be please to arrange a ski week (or longer) itinerary. Please just ask.

El Colorado & Farellones

Introduction to El Colorado Skiing with Farellones

El Colorado skiing centre is one of the oldest in Chile when people came up to these slopes to test skis back in the 1930’s as well as being known to have the first ski lift in operation from 1936. It is, however, a relatively small ski centre, compared to Portillo and Valle Nevado, but for day trippers it is a great option as well as those on a Three Valley ski ticket. The base of the El Colorado ski lift is at 2,430m rising to 3,333m above sea level at the highest lift.

The Farellones ski village is a very small and simple skiing area located 5km down the road from El Colorado, but only about 200mts less in altitude (base of the ski lifts). However, it is linked to El Colorado by one ski lift, therefore allowing access to the Three Valley ski network linking El Colorado, La Parva and Valle Nevado together.

Usually, Farellones is a destination for day trippers, but there are also a number of residential houses that line the road to the base of the slopes as well as a few, small hotels here.

Facing west, when the sun is out the days are bathed in sunshine for almost the entire day (there is not so much mountain shadow here), however, this also means that later in the season, especially September time, the snow can loosen up during the day and start to disappear from the summits. But, if you like to ski in a T-Shirt, under a cloudless sky on a brightly lit day this is an option.
 Both Colorado and Farellones are frequented by families and young skiers, especially snowboarders.

El Colorado Infrastructure Combined with Farellones

Location: Directly east from Santiago
Road Distance from Santiago: 39km (El Colorado)
Skiing Altitude: 2,430m (7,972ft) to 3,333m (10,935ft)
Vertical Drop: 903m
Longest Run: 4.3km (only El Colorado)
Combined with Farellones Pisted Terrain: 62 runs
Combined with Farellones, Piste Category Allocations: 11 for Beginners, 6 for Intermediate, 33 for Advanced and 12 for Experts
Combined Ski Trail Distance: with Farellones 40km
Historical Seasonal Snow Dump: 4m
Lifts: 18, 2 double chair lifts, 3 triple chair lifts and 12 drag lifts.
Three Valleys: Part of the Three Ski Valley network with La Parva and Valle Nevado
Ski Rental Shop: 1 / Restaurants: 3 / Pub: 1

Getting Here

By road Farellones is 34km from the Santiago district of Las Condes and then a further 5km up the road is El Colorado. The mountain road up to both places is the same road that leads to La Parva and Valle Nevado. It begins in the eastern end of the Las Condes district in Santiago and continues in an upward direction, around numerous curves until reaching a junction whereupon turning left leads to La Parva, El Colorado and Farellones and turning right leads to Valle Nevado. Naturally, if ExperienceChile.Org is making your ski arrangements we will build in the up and down transfers.

La Parva

Introduction to La Parva Skiing

The La Parva skiing village is located at an altitude of 2,750m, rising to 3,630m, and is not far from one of the highest mountain peaks in the Andes – “El Plomo” at 6,050m, on the western-facing slopes of the Andes, clearly visible on a clear day from the Las Condes area of Santiago

It is one of the ski villages located in the Andes Mountains close to Santiago (48km by road from the eastern, Las Condes suburb of Santiago). It is mainly an up-market residential ski village where there are private apartments and houses, which creates more of a traditional ski village setting and not a ski resort like Valle Nevado and Portillo. Typically, it is the “better off” Chileans who frequent La Parva because they have a second home here. It is a west facing mountain and therefore gets a lot of sun during the day.
 The pisted ski area is spread in a mainly long area as opposed to covering a large horizontal area, but there are some decent runs for all levels of skier as well as backcountry, off-piste access.

La Parva Infrastructure

Location: Directly east of Santiago
Road Distance from Santiago: 48km
Skiing Altitude: 2,750m (9,022ft) to 3,630m (11,909ft) 
Vertical Drop: 880m (2,887ft)
Longest Run: 4km
 Pisted Terrain: 30 Runs, 15% Beginner, 45% Intermediate, 30% Advanced, 10% Expert
 Backcountry Access: Excellent
Heliski: Yes
Historical Seasonal Snow Dump: 6m
Lifts:15
Combined Ski Trail Distance: 38km
Three Valleys: Part of the Three Ski Valley network with La Parva and Valle Nevado
Ski Rental Shop: 1 / Bar: 1 / Restaurants: 5 / Mountain Restaurant at: 3,100m

 The Three Valleys
La Parva, officially, has 30 pisted trails, but is also part of the “Three Valley” complex of la Parva, El Colorado (5km away and on the same western side of the Andes) and Valle Nevado, literally over the other side of the Andes from La Parva and El Colorado, thus offering a combined ski area of over 100km of pistes.

Getting Here

In order to get to La Parva you need to take the mountain road up to all the Santiago ski centres and this starts at the eastern end of the Las Condes district of Santiago. The road continues in an upward direction, around numerous curves, until reaching a junction whereupon turning left leads to La Parva and turning right leads to Valle Nevado.

La Parva is about 48km by road from Las Condes and it will take around 1.5hrs to get here allowing for traffic and navigating all the curves. Naturally, if ExperienceChile.Org is arranging your ski week at La Parva, we will include the up and down transfers required.

Portillo

Introduction to Portillo Skiing

Portillo is embedded in both Ski and Chilean history. It was the first ski resort in Chile and the place where the origins of the Ski World Cup competition were discussed. Today it is a regular destination for many South American families as well as skiers from other countries who come back year after year to enjoy the ambience, skiing and meet friends again.

Suited for all levels of skiers, but offering excellent helicopter, off-piste skiing too.

Portillo ski centre comprises one large hotel (painted yellow on the exterior) with capacity for 400 guests. It is located by the Chilean border into Argentina 61km east from the town of Los Andes, which is itself 78km northeast of Santiago. If driving to Portillo you need to allow, from Santiago, about 2.5hrs. The hotel offers a very welcoming, warm atmosphere with families and regular guests returning year after year.

At the base where the Hotel Portillo is situated the altitude is 2,880m above sea level, and behind the hotel, a little lower, is the Lago del Inca Lake, which is frozen over in the winter. The hotel is set on a small plateau at the base of a natural mountain bowl surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks on all sides, but the skiing is mostly on the mountain slopes on the north and southern sides of the hotel with trails coming to the hotel door, thus permitting a ski out, and in, from the hotel. This natural mountain “bowl” creates a microclimate which is ideal for maintaining good snow.

The atmosphere at Portillo is unique in that it is very much a family, “club style” hotel where families and friends come back to year after year and enjoy the cosy, warm reception from the hotel owners and staff. Guests, be they regulars or newly arriving, with or without children, are made to feel very welcome with an emphasis on relaxing and enjoying their stay.

To support this ethos of overall enjoyment there are many non-ski activities and facilities offered, such as a games room, cinema, internet café, superb restaurant, bar, disco, outdoor heated pool and spa, sauna, massage, shop, beauty-treatment centre and a medical centre.

Portillo Infrastructure

Location: Near the city of Los Andes (61km), Central Chile
Road Distance from Santiago: 139km
Skiing Altitude: 2,510m (8,234ft) to 3,350m (10,990ft) Vertical Drop: 840m (2,755ft)
Longest Run: 2km (1.5miles)
Pisted Terrain: 35 Runs 20% Beginner, 30% Intermediate, 20% Advanced, 30% Expert
Skiing Area: 500 Hectares
Backcountry Access: Very Good Heliski: Yes, Bell B3 Helicopter Historical Seasonal Snow Dump: 6m
Lifts: 14
Chance for Sunny Weather: 80% sunny days
Accommodation: Hotel Portillo, the Octagon Lodge, and the Inca Lodge
 Altitude of Hotel: 2,880m above sea level
Hotel Capacity: 400 Guests
Ski School: 1 / Ski Shop: 1 / Small Medical Centre: 1

Getting Here

Portillo is located 61km east from the town of Los Andes, by the Chilean border into Argentina. The town of Los Andes is 78km northeast of Santiago, therefore total distance Portillo is from Santiago is 139km. The drive time from Santiago is just over 2hrs.

From Santiago airport the road distance to Portillo is 164km, which takes a little over 2hrs to drive.

Here at ExperienceChile.Org, if we are arranging your stay at Portillo we will take care of the transfers you will require.

Pucon Accommodation

Corralco Accommodation

Corralco

Introduction Corralco Skiing

Corralco Skiing resort is a unique ski centre in the Chilean Lake Region. Corralco is predominately one hotel with direct access to a small ski area, but because it is remote it is not as crowded as places closer to Santiago, and the snow here is more reliable than at the ski resorts further north. And for the powder hounds and snowboarders there is a lot of back country to conquer. It is also a good place for beginners. Where it lacks is, perhaps, not offering a high variety groomed pistes for the intermediate skier.

For those who like powder, there is plenty of it. In addition, the hotel has a great indoor pool and spa facility, nice restaurant, and good level rooms. Near to the hotel are also some fantastic viewpoints over the Andes, to other volcanos as well as a dried lava river that came out of the side of the Lonquimay Volcano in 1988 on Christmas day.

Corralco also offers other activities such as a snow-shoe hike, in order to walk over the snow and get to remote places with beautiful views, as well as snowkite (where you get pulled along by a kite being blown by the wind) on the piste near the hotel.

Corralco Infrastructure

Location: Northeast from Temuco
Road Distance from Santiago: 702km
Skiing Altitude: 1,480m (4,855ft) to 2,400m (7,874ft)
Vertical Drop: 920m
Ski Area: 1,800 Hectares
Usual Ski Season: June, July, August, September Pisted Terrain: 29 runs
Snowpark: Yes
Snowkite: Yes
Backcountry Access: Yes
Historical Season Snow Dump: 9m
Lifts: 6
Accommodation: Hotel Corralco
Mountain Restaurant: 1 / Ski School: 1

Location of the Corralco Skiing Centre

The Corralco Ski Resort is located on the south eastern side of the Lonquimay Volcano in the Malalcahuello National Reserve, not far from the little town of Malalcahuello. Corralco is 120km to the east of Temuco, whilst Santiago is 700km to the north. 

How to Get to Corralco Skiing Centre

Flying in from Santiago
The flight from Santiago to Temuco airport is just about 1.5hr and from the airport to Corralco is just under 2hrs.
Here at ExperienceChile.Org we will arrange the flights and transfer you will need, just ask.

Driving from Santiago
Generally, it is accepted that the Chilean Lake Region begins at a point around Temuco, which is on the main Ruta 5, Panamerican Highway, and 676km south from Santiago. If you were to drive down the Ruta 5 towards Temuco and turned off left (therefore east) 65km before arriving to Temuco, you will arrive to a small village called Victoria 611km south of Santiago (therefore 65km north of Temuco). After that, heading east, towards the Andes for 53km is the village of Curacautin, followed by Lonquimay (but you do not want to arrive to Lonquimay). However, there will be the turn off left at a point 30km past Curacautin that leads up to the Corralco ski centre, which is 8km from this turn off.

Moreover, the scenery between the Ruta 5 and then up to and past Victoria, on the way to Curacautin is exceptionally pretty, rural countryside.

Araucaria Forest

Another key point, is at the point 30km past the village of Curacautin where the road leads up to where the Corralco ski base is located, is the start of Araucaria forest. All things considered, it is this area that is particularly special because it is populated entirely by an Araucaria trees (this is the “money puzzle” tree). Furthermore, above this amazing tree line is the Lonquimay Volcano (2,890m), all within the beautiful Reserva Nacional Malalcahuello and bordering Reserva Nacional Nalcas.

The Malacahuello Reserve is 120km northeast from Temuco offering 31,000 hectares of Chilean State-protected, wilderness. Within this area is incredible volcanic geology, Arucaria Forests as well as Lenga, Ñirres and Coihues trees.

Araucaria Forest

At Corralco there is one, upmarket hotel called Corralco Hotel and Spa. It offers 54 guest rooms and is positioned with direct access to the ski lift system.

Here at ExperienceChile.Org we will be pleased to arrange your accommodation, together with all required ski program needs, just ask.

Pucon

Introduction Pucon Skiing

Pucon is an attractive, boutique, lake side village and very popular in the Chilean summer months. However, on the side of its dominating and active Villarrica Volcano where the snow falls on its slopes in the winter, there are ski lifts and a ski centre called Pucon Skiing.

The area is one of outstanding natural beauty and among the many activities on offer are: visits to volcanic caves, rafting in the Trancura river, expeditions to the top of the Villarrica Volcano, fly fishing, horseback riding excursions, bicycle excursions across mountains and forests, visits to hot spring pools, waterfalls and lakes.
 The skiing here is limited in terms of groomed pistes, but exciting because of the fact that it is on the side of an active volcano. Pucon is a draw for Chileans living in nearby Puocn and Temuco, and Chilean families who come down from Santiago. It is also popular with Brazilians who come to Chile in the winter because they love the snow. For Europeans and USA citizens who are thinking of Pucon as a ski holiday we would suggest that you be prepared to be flexible and open to other activities (of which there are many) should there not be enough snow, or other events take place that result in the ski centre having to close due to bad weather, or volcanic activity.

On a clear day there are superb views over the lakes and mountain peaks. The natural beauty of the area is stunning and after a hard day on the slopes, the many thermal hot springs in the area offer a unique way to relax.

Pucon Ski Centre Infrastructure

Location: 107km southeast from Temuco, 13km from Pucon village
Road Distance from Santiago: 781km
Skiing Altitude: 1,550m (5,085ft) to 2,440m (8,005ft)
Vertical Drop: 890m
Summit of Villarrica Volcano: 2,582m (8471ft) above sea level
Usual Ski Season: July, August, September Pisted Terrain: 20 runs, 20% Beginner, 30% Intermediate, 30% Advanced, 20% Expert
Backcountry Access: Yes
Historical Season Snow Dump: 9m
Lifts: 9
Accommodation: In and around Pucon village
Mountain Restaurant: 1 / Ski School: 1 / Ski and Snowboard Rental: 1

Getting to Pucon Skiing

There are two options to get to Pucon Skiing from Santiago. One is to drive from Santiago and the other is to fly to Temuco and then have a transfer whisk you to Pucon.

How to Get to Corralco Skiing Centre

Driving from Santiago
The main Ruta 5 Highway will bypass Temuco city centre (676km south from Santiago) as well as pass the entrance to Temuco airport. Shortly after the airport turn off (which you ignore) there is a road toll and then a few kms past this point is a turn off at Freire to Villarrica. Take this turn off and drive to Villarrica (which is 55km from the turn off). Villarrica is located at the western end of Lake Villarrica. From here you take the southern, lake side road to Pucon 25km. However, just before entering Pucon the entrance to the Villarrica National Park will be on the right. The road that goes into the National Park leads halfway up the volcano where the Pucon ski centre is located. It is a 13km drive up to the ski centre carpark passing through pretty and ancient native forest.

Flying in from Santiago
Alternatively, there are regular flights to Temuco from Santiago, and these take around 1.5hrs, and the road transfer from Temuco airport to Pucon village is around 1hr and 15min. Pucon is 107km from Temuco.

ExperienceChile.Org will arrange for your flights and onward transfer should we create a Pucon Ski itinerary for you.

Nevados de Chillan Accomodation

Puma Lodge Accomodation

Introduction to Ski Puma Lodge

The Puma Ski Lodge is, effectively, an up-market mountain lodge retreat. It is totally isolated, in a remote spot and ideal for those who wish to be in a place that is “cut off” from populated areas. It sits at an altitude of 1,500m above sea level, in the heart of the Andes, 126km southeast from Santiago.

In the Chilean winter, after a good snow fall, Puma Lodge is a key destination for those who like, and can, powder ski, with helicopter access to the peaks of the Andes covered in the white stuff.

However, if you are not a powder skier, or do not even ski, then Skiing Puma Lodge has other activities and on-site facilities. For example, depending on the weather, there some hiking trails, horse riding, a hot tub, spa, nice restaurant, wine cellar, living and bar area.

More Information About Puma Lodge Ski Centre

Please follow this link to see our presentation on Puma Lodge ski centre.

About Ski Puma Lodge

Puma Lodge, operated by NOI, offers 34 guest rooms, and 2 larger apartments. It is a boutique hotel in a modern lodge style.
The owners pride themselves on proving a personal service at a high-end level.

If you are a powder skier, whereupon you seek the services of a helicopter to get to virgin slopes of the Andes, then this is the place for you. However, you need to book a ski program and for the helicopter to be arranged in advance. There is not a helicopter onsite all the time.

ExperienceChile.Org can make the ski program arrangements. Just let us know.

Ski Puma Lodge Local Attractions (apart from powder skiing)

El Yeso Lagoon
This lagoon is located approximately 17kms (1.5hrs drive) from the hotel, at an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level. The road passes through a river and the Las Leñas sector. The Yeso Lagoon is known for the vibrant colour of its water.

National Park Rio Cipreses
Located 31.4kms (1hr) from the lodge. The Park contains the largest population of Tricahue Parrots.

Sewell Mining “Ghost Town”
When it was in operation Sewell was a vibrant Chilean mining town. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2006 due to its historical and cultural value to Chile. It is a fascinating “time warp” where buildings and streets look like a period from the past, but perfectly preserved. Sewell is located 150km south from Santiago, and 64km east from Rancagua, not too far from Puma Lodge.

Location & Map

The Lodge is located 42km east from Rancagua, in an isolated sector in the Andes.

Rancagua is 84km south of Santiago along the main Ruta 5 Panamerican Highway. Heading to a place called Coya, 12km up the mountain from Rancagua and also to the Termas de Cauquenes – a hot springs hotel resort, the road changes to a narrow, uneven surface. From this point anyone coming in a vehicle must have a high-rise base and snow chains (in the winter). The actual address is: Fundo Sierra Nevada S/N, Machalí – VI Región, Chile

The Lodge is close to the mountain border line with Argentina and located almost next to the Reserva Rio de Los Cipres, 30km from Coya. The drive from Las Condes in Santiago will take approximately 2.5hrs.

Naturally, if booking with ExperienceChile.Org, we will arrange the transfers you will need.

All Deluxe Rooms Have:

24 Deluxe Rooms, Room Area: 28m2
Matrimonial King Bed or Two Twins (you choose).
Sheets with 400 threads.
Rain shower.
Cotton bath robes.
Satellite TV.
The Puma Lodge Deluxe Apartments
1 Noi Apartment, Room Area 135m2
1 Noi El Ciprés Apartment, Room Area 78m2

Both Deluxe Apartments Have:

Two double bedrooms,
Living room.
Dining room.
Kitchen.
Two bathrooms.
Private terrace.
Matrimonial King Bed or Two Twins (you choose).
Sheets with 400 threads.
Rain shower.
Cotton bath robes.
Satellite TV.
Check In time from 15:00hrs / Check Out time before 12:00hrs

Nevados de Chillan

Introduction to Nevados de Chillan Skiing

Nevados de Chillan is an established ski destination centre located, by road, 484km south from Santiago, however, it is also possible to fly to Concepcion (1hr, and then take a road transfer to the resort (2hrs). It is a pretty ski destination because there are wooded areas surrounding the accommodation sectors and through which some of the lower pisted runs pass through.

Consequently, it is marketed as an Alpine-style ski resort with above and below tree-line skiing, offering plenty of pisted trails, including one trail which stretches to around 13km; and back-country, off-piste skiing, as well as other facilities such as hot springs, swimming pools, ski mobiles and even dog-sleigh rides.

Nevados de Chillan Infrastructure

Location: Directly east from Chillan
Road Distance from Santiago: 484km
Skiing Altitude: 1,530m to 2,500m above sea level
Vertical Drop: 970m
Longest Run: 13km (longest in South America)
Pisted Terrain: 27 runs, 20% Beginner, 30% Intermediate, 30% Advanced, 20% Expert
Combined Ski Trail Distance: 35km
Backcountry Access: Yes
Heliski: Yes Historical Season Snow Dump: 10m
Lifts: 13 
Accommodation: Hotel Termas de Chillan, Nevados de Chillan and Places in nearby village Las Trancas
Ski Store: 3 / Restaurants: 5 / Ski School: 1

Getting Here

Nevados de Chillan is located on the side of a volcano, about 5km further up the road from the village of Las Trancas, and south from Santiago (487km). There are alternative ways to get to Nevados de Chillan such as, drive from Santiago, take the train from Santiago (we do not supply any information here about the train) or fly to Concepcion, which is 194km west of Nevados de Chillan, and then take a transfer.

Driving From Santiago

The road distance to Chillan city is 404km down the main Ruta 5, Panamerican Highway out of Santiago. To drive this distance will take around 5hrs or so, depending on traffic. From Chillan city it is then 80kms east to the ski centre and this will take around 1.5hrs to drive, therefore total drive time will be around 6.5hrs or so.

Flying

From Santiago the flight time to Concepcion (the nearest airport) is just under 1hr. From here the transfer time to the ski centre will be around 2hrs.

Types of Skiing Available at Nevados de Chillan Skiing

Nordic Skiing
For an incomparable cross-country experience, Nevados de Chillán has a professionally groomed Nordic trail system located at an altitude of 1,600 meters (5,250 feet), that lets you wind your way along gentle slopes through enchanted, snow-covered forests.

Randonee
Randonée Nestled in the magnificent Southern Andes Mountains in Chile, on the slopes of majestic Chillán volcano, the resort offers spectacular ski terrain and breath-taking views, ideal for Randonée enthusiasts. Take an unforgettable guided ski tour to the volcano's very summit and discover the serene beauty of Nevado glacier.

Snowboarding
The ski terrain, with plenty of open slopes and tree-lined runs, is great for snowboarders. In addition, the resort's uniquely designed Snowboard Park offers riders of all abilities even more thrilling attractions, including curvaceous cornices, exhilarating speed runs, dizzying jumps, and challenging championships.

Snowmobile Park
Another of our mountain resort's entertaining activities is snowmobiling. Snowmobiles can be rented and used on a specially designed, groomed course that's fun for the whole family.

Dog Sledding
Dog sledding is a one-of-a-kind adventure also available at Nevados de Chillán.

 Ski School
The ski school features international, certified instructors skilled at teaching beginning, intermediate- and advanced-level alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding and more in an entertaining manner. Private and group lessons are held daily, lasting from one hour to a full day.
 
Ski School Services:
Pivate Lessons: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced (from 1-hour to full-day lessons). Group Lessons: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced (One 2-hour lessons / day), Snowboard Lessons

 Children's Ski School
The Children's Ski School at Nevados de Chillán, for kids ages 3 to 8, features an enclosed mini-snow-park with a specially designed run and an attractive rest area. The school's staff uses the latest teaching techniques and games to introduce youngsters to skiing and to help them build their skills while having fun. Programs range from one-hour and half-day lessons, to full-day classes with a hearty lunch.

Puma Lodge

Introduction to Puma Lodge Skiing

Puma Lodge skiing is not a ski resort, moreover, it is a high-level, 24-guest room mountain lodge (plus two apartments), set on its own in the heart of the Andes at an altitude of 1,500m above sea level. It has to be said that from Puma lodge, power hounds can get to remote, off-piste ski areas in the Andes by way of helicopter transport. Moreover, this service is not provided by the hotel, but from an outside contractor. However, ExperienceChile.Org will make all the arrangements if you are a ski group and wish to stay at Puma lodge and “get to the powder”.

At Puma Lodge there are no groomed pistes, but after a good snow fall this is Nirvana for those who enjoy off-piste, helicopter skiing. Puma Lodge has the reputation for offering access to the largest, virgin ski areas in Chile. Considering where the lodge is located, high up in the Andes, there are a number of nearby glaciers too, whereupon the snow is constant.

Puma Lodge skiing aims to be a luxury mountain lodge offering a place of quiet in the Andes with services and facilities including horse riding, trekking, hot tubs, swimming pool, spa, gym, games room, restaurant with wine cellar and comfortable rooms.

Getting Here

The Lodge is located in an isolated sector in the Andes at a place 42km east from Rancagua, which is 84km south of Santiago along the main Ruta 5 Panamerican Highway. From Rancagua after 12km the mountain road leads to a village called Coya, and then past the hot spring’s hotel, Termas de Cauquenes. From here the route involves navigating
Uneven, narrow mountain roads that will require a high base 4 x 4 vehicle (with snow chains in the winter). Puma Lodge is located almost next to the Reserva Rio de Los Cipres, 30km from Coya, and close to the mountain border line with Argentina and 30km. The drive from Las Condes in Santiago will take approximately 2.5hrs.

Considering that there is glacier skiing from Puma Lodge, in theory there should always be snow. However, if in a season there has not been many new snow falls then Puma Lodge is able to offer the full “mountain experience” whereby there are lodge facilities and other outdoor activities to participate in.

For much more Puma Lodge skiing information please click the link below to the Puma Lodge page.

Lake Region

Introduction to Skiing Chile Lake Region

Skiing Chile Lake Region begins at its northern end around Temuco, and Temuco is 676km south, by road, from Santiago.

This part of Chile is exceptionally beautiful, both in the summer and the winter months. Its landscape comprises rolling hills, native forests, rivers, lakes, numerous volcanoes and the ever present white-coloured peaks of the Andes Mountains.

Corralco

Northeast of Temuco is the ski centre called Corralco (120kms from Temuco). This is one-hotel with adjacent ski area on the side of the Lonquimay Volacano within a beautiful, designated National Reserva – the Malalcahuello. In this area are the amazing Araucaria trees (“monkey puzzle” trees). And, from the high altitudes there are incredible views over the beautiful Andes.

Pucon

Then, 107kms southeast from Temuco is the small, boutique, lake-side village of Pucon, where there is the Villarrica Volcano on the side of which is the ski centre of Pucon. This is another area of outstanding, natural beauty whereupon there are ancient, native forests where trees reach incredible heights and there are views from the ski base of a landscape full of lakes, forests, volcanoes and mountain peaks.

In both Corralco and Pucon the skiing offers more than just a mountain slope. It also offers a likely new experience for those who have never been skiing within such surroundings before.

We will be presenting information on both of the ski options in the Chilean Lake Region.

South of Santiago

All You Need to Know

Skiing south of Santiago, at any location, means that the location is also further south of the equator and therefore, in the winter, the days become a little shorter, the winter temperatures a little colder, the precipitation a little higher, and the snow perhaps a little moister than the snow in the ski centres further north.

Therefore, skiing south of the equator during “normal” ski seasons, this combination will result in more snow at the southern ski centres and for a longer period. This is one of the big advantages of seeking a ski destination south of Santiago.

Here we will talk about one such place and in another section, we will highlight the ski centres in the Chilean Lake Region, which is further south still.
Just under 500km south from Santiago, east from the city of Chillan is Nevados de Chillan. Here there are ski facilities for all levels of skier as well as natural hot springs to bath in.

Santiago

Ski Accommodation

Two of the above five destinations offer accommodation “on site”, that is to say that you can stay in a hotel at the ski centre, and these are Portillo and Valle Nevado.

It is also true that you can stay in a self-catering apartment at La Parva and El Colorado, however, the quality of apartment is better at La Parva. Moreover, at Farellones there are a couple of small hotels for ski guests.

However, one of the great advantages to skiing at any of these ski centres near to Santiago is that you can be based in Santiago city as well, at a good hotel, and then decide each day which ski centre to go to, therefore there is no need to stay at the ski centre.

Whichever way you wish to play it, here at ExperienceChile.Org, we will be pleased to make all the arrangements you need either based at one of the ski centres or in Santiago.

Ski Destinations

Introduction to Skiing Chile Ski Centres

When it comes to the southern hemisphere there are only three countries where skiing is offered at a commercial level during the winter months of June, July and August, and these are: Chile, Argentina and Australia. Out of the three, Chile has more pistes as well as off piste, and heli-skiing, and the greater number of different ski destinations than the other two countries.

For any of the ski centres mentioned below, ExperienceChile.Org will be able to arrange transfers, ski tickets, accommodation, and full all-inclusive ski programs, just ask.

Snow Fall at Chile Ski Centres

It is important to consider that Santiago is on a line of latitude away from the equator, similar to that of north Africa. Therefore, the winters are short, and the winter, daytime temperatures under 1,000m, are not often below freezing. It is only courtesy of the fact that the Andes mountains are extremely high (close to Santiago is the Aconcagua summit in the Andes which reaches 6,960m and is the highest mountain outside of the Himalaya region) that when it rains in and around Santiago, in the winter (June, July and August) it falls as snow on the peaks and valleys of the Andes.
If we travel south from Santiago, and therefore further away from the equator, the winter temperatures drop and the rainfall, which means snow in the mountains, increases, and often the ski season is longer in these ski locations than it is around Santiago.

Another difference is that none of the ski centres around Santiago have any tree-line skiing, basically because there are no trees! However, those further south from, and including Chillan, do have a tree line and this makes the southern ski centres more “Alpine” in character as well as offering skiers the chance to ski both above and below the tree line.

Climate Change and Global Warming

There is no doubt about the impact the changing seasonal weather is having on the ski season in Chile. Since the end of the 1990’s there has been a lot less regular snow fall at the ski centres around Santiago especially. Unfortunately, this is becoming more the norm, with the occasional winter bucking the trend. One thing is for sure is that a good ski season is not as predictable, as it used to be. However, when there is a good dump of the white stuff the skiing in Chile is the best in the Southern Hemisphere.

Should you be planning to come to Chile and ski, we would say that:

One: Plan to come in July or August. Should the snow come, it normally drops at the end of June, early July.

Secondly: We suggest that you consult with us first and we can give you the local reality.

Thirdly: Should you plan a ski trip and there is not as much snow as you had hoped, try to enjoy what there is and have a break anyway. Most of the ski centers utilize snow-making machines these days, therefore some pistes are usually open for skiing even when the snow fall is not as much as it used to be.

But as we say, get in touch and we will let you know if it is “mega season” with lots of snow or not.

Introduction

Portillo ski centre is one of the oldest ski centres in South America with a fascinating family history behind its development. It comprises one large hotel (painted yellow on the exterior) with a capacity for 400 guests.

Ski Area

The ski area includes 23 pisted runs as well as almost limitless off-piste areas, accessible with the resort helicopter. It also has the two fastest and steepest uphill drag lifts in the world.

However, there is also ski school and moderate runs for those who are not yet in the powder league.

This is a good place for expert, middle-level and beginner skiers as well as “cozy”, relaxing, “Apres” ski within the main hotel where there is a nice restaurant, bar, cinema, outdoor heated pool and night club, together with a mountain bar cafeteria on the slopes called “Tio Bob’s”.

The hotel is based at an altitude of 2,880m above sea level, in the base of a bowl, surrounded by mountains and beside a lake (Lago del Inca).

Getting Here

It is located by the Chilean border into Argentina 61km east from the town of Los Andes, which is itself 78km northeast of Santiago, therefore total distance from Santiago is 139km. The drive time from Santiago is just over 2hrs.

Portillo Ski Accommodation

There is one hotel at Portillo, which is the hotel Portillo, and this is the place for all accommodation here. For many South American families that stay at Portillo it is like a “ritual” whereupon they return year after year, even when there is not so much snow.

ExperienceChile.Org is able to arrange all-inclusive ski weeks at Portillo, including transfers in and out from Santiago airport or your hotel in Santiago, just ask.

For much more information about Portillo please click the link through to our Portillo page.

Introduction

This ski centre is primarily a residential village, similar to the style of villages found in some areas of the Alps and predominately for on piste skiing, although there is back country skiing too. Located directly east from Santiago city, La Parva is a favourite for Chileans who have apartments here as well as day skiers coming up from Santiago. Unbelievably, on a clear day the distinct diamond shape of the village on the mountain side, and the glint of reflecting sunlight on the windows of buildings can be seen from Santiago city, which is around 30km away in a direct line, but 48km away in road distance.

The altitude of the village is at 2,750m above sea level, rising to 3,630 at the top of the highest piste.

Ski Area

La Parva, has its own 21 pisted trails offering 38km of skiing. It is also part of the “Three Valleys” ski area comprising La Parva, El Colorado (5km away) and Valle Nevado (which is in the adjacent valley), opening up an extensive 100km network of groomed ski trails.

Getting Here

The mountain road up to La Parva starts at the eastern end of the Las Condes district in Santiago and continues in an upward direction, around numerous curves until reaching a junction whereupon turning left leads to La Parva and turning right leads to Valle Nevado.

La Parva is about 48km by road from Las Condes and it will take around 1.5hrs to get here allowing for traffic and navigating all the curves.

Note: The road leading up to La Parva, El Colorado, Farellones and Valle Nevado has restrictions of direction.

On Weekends, and public holidays it is one way only going up between 08:00hrs to 14:00hrs.

Then it is one way only coming down between 16:00hrs and 20:00hrs.

There are fines if you are caught going in the wrong direction at the wrong time, as well as it being dangerous.

La Parva Ski Accommodation

Accommodation here is only by way of booking a self-catering, furnished apartment, which ExperienceChile.Org can arrange for you, or, alternatively, staying in Santiago city and coming up here for day skiing, which we can also arrange for you.

For much more information about Portillo please click the link through to our Portillo page.

Introduction

El Colorado is known to be the first place where a ski lift was installed in Chile, in 1936 and is almost adjacent to Farellones, which is only 5km down the road and a little lower in altitude (where the ski base area is located).

Ski Area

The two ski areas of El Colorado and Farellones combined offer 40km of skiable runs spread around 22 pistes.

The base of the El Colorado ski lift is at 2,430m rising to 3,333m above sea level at the highest lift. By road it is 39km from the eastern Santiago district of Las Condes.

Frequented by young skiers, especially snowboarders, it is also part of the “three Valleys” network linking together the ski valleys, and therefore linking up with the ski areas of La Parva and Valle Nevado offering a combined 100km of groomed pistes.

Getting Here

The mountain road up to both Farellones and El Colorado starts at the eastern end of the Las Condes district in Santiago and continues in an upward direction, around numerous curves until reaching a junction that is effectively the start of Farellones village and turning left leads to La Parva, El Colorado and turning right leads to Valle Nevado.

Farellones is about 35km by road from the Las Condes district of Santiago, and El Colorado a further 5km along. It will take around 1.5hrs to get here from Las Condes, allowing for traffic and navigating all the curves.

Note: The road leading up to La Parva, El Colorado, Farellones and Valle Nevado has restrictions of direction.

On Weekends, and public holidays it is one way only going up between 08:00hrs to 14:00hrs.

Then it is one way only coming down between 16:00hrs and 20:00hrs.

There are fines if you are caught going in the wrong direction at the wrong time, as well as it being dangerous.

El Colorado and Farellones Ski Accommodation

Similar to La Parva, the accommodation at El Colorado is primarily private apartments, however, for Farellones there are a couple of small hotels as well.

For much more information about El Colorado and Farellones please click the link here.

Introduction

Valley Nevado has a great reputation for power, off-piste skiing as well as stupendous views over the Andean Mountain peaks. The name Valle Nevado is very appropriate for this ski centre because its base location is at a height of 2,860m rising up to 3,670m above sea level in the heart of the Andes Mountains, and it is also in a bowl that protects it from getting too much sun, which makes it more likely that there will be snow almost every year during the winter months of June, July and August as well as snow that lasts longer here than at La Parva, El Colorado and Farellones because they are all exposed more to the sun.

Today, Valle Nevado, which opened in 1988, is considered the best ski centre in the Southern Hemisphere, offering a complete ski experience package combination of various hotel levels, restaurants, pisted ski runs; off-piste, powder skiing, and helicopter skiing, snow-board parks and ski competitions. Indeed, Valle Nevado is often the place where Northern-Hemisphere national ski teams come to practice when it is summertime in the northern hemisphere.

The actual complex sits on a small plateau beside an almost vertical mountain ledge at a height just short of 3,000m above sea level.

Ski Area

The skiable, pisted area offers 37km of trails as well as vast expanses of virgin powder (after a good snow dump).

In addition, Valle Nevado is part of the “Three Valleys” linked ski valley system linking La Parva and El Colorado ski valleys, offering over 10,000 hectares of skiable area and a combined 100km of groomed ski runs.

Also in the central complex is a ski rental shop, restaurants, bars, a night club and outdoor hot tub.

Getting Here

The road distance from Las Condes to Valle Nevado is 46km (therefore it is a further 24km along, and up the mountain, than Farellones) and will take about 1.5hrs to drive from Las Condes.

Note: The road leading up to La Parva, El Colorado, Farellones and Valle Nevado has restrictions of direction.

On Weekends, and public holidays it is one way only going up between 08:00hrs to 14:00hrs.

Then it is one way only coming down between 16:00hrs and 20:00hrs.

There are fines if you are caught going in the wrong direction at the wrong time, as well as it being dangerous.

Helicopter
However, there is also an option to fly in from Santiago by helicopter, which takes 15 minutes and offers incredible panoramic views over the Andes.

Valle Nevado Ski Accommodation

There is one, central main building at Valle Nevado, plus separate blocks that house private apartments. In the central building there are three hotels, each one designed to offer a different level of comfort and facilities, ranging from a higher level to mid-level to simple level, therefore catering to people of different ages, tastes and budgets.

ExperienceChile.Org is at your service to arrange a ski program for you at Valle Nevado that will include in and out transfers (can be from the airport), or by helicopter, accommodation, ski lift tickets, equipment rental (if required) and accommodation. Just let us know.

For much more information about Valle Nevado please click the link through to our Valle Nevado page.

Introduction

Puma Lodge is not so much a “ski centre”, but a 24-guest room mountain lodge retreat, plus two apartments, set on its own in the heart of the Andes. At Puma Lodge there are no groomed pistes, moreover, after a good snow fall this is a place for those who enjoy off-piste, helicopter skiing. Puma Lodge claims to be the largest, private heliski centre in Chile. There are some nearby glaciers too, therefore offering a high possibility of skiing (helicopter access) in the winter months.

The emphasis here is that this is a high-level mountain lodge offering a retreat in the Andes with services and facilities including horse riding, trekking, hot tubs, swimming pool, spa, gym, games room, restaurant with wine cellar and comfortable rooms.

Puma Lodge is located in a remote area in the Andes at a place more or less in line with Rancagua, which is 84km south of Santiago along the main Ruta 5 Panamerican Highway, but about 42km by road, up in the Andes, east from Rancagua. From Rancagua the access road heads up the Andes to a village called Coya, which is 12km away, as well as past the Termas de Cauquenes hot springs hotel, and then along very narrow mountain roads that require a high base 4 x 4 vehicle (with snow chains in the winter) in order to navigate the rough terrain. The lodge is approximately 30km from Coya and located almost next to the Reserva Rio de Los Cipres and a “stone’s throw” from the Argentine border. The drive time from the Las Condes area of Santiago is around 2.5hrs.

One of the benefits to coming to Puma Lodge is that is you are unable to ski due to lack of snow, you can fully enjoy a stay in the heart of the Andes Mountains and enjoy a full “mountain experience”.

For much more information about Puma Lodge please click the link through to our Puma Lodge page.

Introduction

Now called Nevados de Chillan, the skiing here is suitable for expert, intermediate and beginners.

Among the facilities is a snowboard park, Nordic skiing track, snowmobile and dog sleigh rides. In addition, the main hotel at the base of the last run down, is a thermal springs spa centre and therefore offers hot springs too.

One of the attractive things about Nevados de Chillan is that it is an Alpine-style ski resort with wooded areas that offer above and below the tree line skiing. Chillan offers plenty of pisted trails (one run is 13km long) and back-country, powder skiing as well as other facilities such as hot springs, swimming pools, snow mobiles and even dog-sleigh rides.

Ski Area

There are 28 pisted ski runs and over 35km of trails, as well as back country and powder skiing. The hotel at the base of the groomed runs is at 1,100m, with the highest run is at 2,500m above sea level.

How to Get Here

The ski area at Chillan is located on the side of a volcano and is located 80km east of Chillan city, which is 404km south from Santiago on the main Ruta 5 Panamerican Highway. Therefore, the Chillan ski centre, now called Nevados de Chillan, is 485km, by road from Santiago. The drive time from Santiago is usually around 6hrs.

Alternatively, it is possible to fly down to Concepcion, which is 184km west of Nevados de Chillan. Concepcion is only a 1hr flight from Santiago, followed by a 2hr transfer to the ski centre, plus pre-check-in time at Santiago airport and arrival time at Concepcion, total time around 4hrs.

For much more information about Nevados de Chillan please click the link through to our Nevados de Chillan page.

Introduction

Corralco is special place because it is located within an Araucania forest (monkey puzzle trees) and on the side of the Lonquimay Volcano (2,890m), all within the beautiful Reserva Nacional Malalcahuello adjacent to another natural reserve, the the Reserva Nacional Nalcas.

Ski Area

The base of the ski area, where the one and only hotel is located, is at 1,440m above sea level, with the highest ski point at 2,865m. Corralco offers more than 1,800 hectares of skiable terrain, both pisted and off-piste with an average snow dump of 9 metres each year. Also, because it is much further south than the ski valleys around Santiago, the snow and cold period lasts longer here, often enabling a ski season from mid-June to mid-September. There are 29 groomed pistes, plus off-piste zones.

Corralco is suitable for expert, intermediate and beginner skiers. Apart from the pisted slopes, there is a snow park covering 25m2 for snowboarders and trick skiers alike.

Further up the mountain, from the Corralco hotel is an area the other side of the volcano that offers a fantastic, panoramic sight over the Andes and ten other volcanic peaks as well a view of a dried lava river that came out of the Lonquimay volcano eruption on the 25 of December 1988.

How to Get Here

The Chilean Lake Region begins at a point close to Temuco, which is 676km south of Santiago on the main Ruta 5, Panamerican Highway. However, shortly before arriving to Temuco is a small village called Victoria 611km south of Santiago (therefore 65km north of Temuco), and from Victoria, heading east, towards the Andes and the village of Curacautin 53km, and then Lonquimay (but you do not want to arrive to Lonquimay) there will be the turn off left at a point 30km past Curacautin that leads up to the Corralco ski centre, which is 8km from this turn off. Driving the total distance of 702km from Santiago will take around 8hrs or so.

Alternatively, a flight from Santiago to Temuco takes just over 1hr and from here it is 1.5hrs to Corralco by road.

Here at ExperienceChile.Org we will be pleased to make all the travel arrangements as well as the stay at the hotel at Corralco. Just ask.

Introduction

Pucon is a popular lake-side village in the summer months, however, in the winter the cone of the dominant Villarrica volcano is covered in snow upon which there are ski lifts.

The area around Pucon is one of outstanding natural beauty and among the many activities on offer are: visits to volcanic caves, rafting in the Trancura river, expeditions to the top of the Villarrica Volcano, fly fishing, horseback riding excursions, bicycle excursions across mountains and forests, visits to hot spring pools, waterfalls and lakes as well as skiing.

Ski Area

The skiing here is limited in terms of pistes, but exciting because of the fact that it is on the side of an active volcano. On a clear day there are superb views over the lakes and mountain peaks in the distance. The natural beauty of the area is stunning and after a hard day on the slopes, the many thermal hot springs in the area offer a unique way to relax.

There are 9 ski lifts and 20 pisted trails for all levels of skier.

How to Get Here

Pucon village is 781km south of Santiago taking the main Ruta 5 Panamerican Highway to Temuco, and shortly past Temuco, turning off to Villarrica, which is at the western end of Lake Villarrica, and then following the southern lake-side road to Pucon.
However, a few kms before arriving to Pucon is a turn off right that takes you up the side of the Villarrica Volcano into the Villarrica National Park, and to the ski centre.

Alternatively, you can fly to Temuco, which is just over 1hr from Santiago, and from here the road transfer will take about 1hr to get to Pucon.

Accommodation

There is no accommodation at the ski area, therefore when coming to Pucon you need to stay in accommodation in the village, or close to the village. There are many options, but here at ExperienceChile.Org we will be pleased to arrange for you flights, transfers and accommodation at any of our accommodation partners for the Pucon area.

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Northern Chile, The Atacama Desert, San Pedro de Atacama

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