Santiago, Valparaíso & the Central Valleys

You don’t have to venture far for a taste of Chile’s diversity. This trip around Central Chile takes in the cultural capital, coastal hotspots, superb surfing, our best-known wine region, beautiful cascading waterfalls and even a trip to the world famous Andes. After enjoying this short road trip you’ll be sure to return and explore even more of this beautiful country.

Condor Tips

  • Check out free walking tours in Santiago & Valparaíso. A great way to discover the cities & learn real history from a local. Tips only.
  • Don’t leave without trying a completò, the unique Chilean hotdog. It’s a fast, tasty & unmistakable snack available everywhere!
  • Scuba junkies will love Pichidangui & Los Molles. Buceo Pichidangui offers PADI courses for all levels. Those already certified can take part in 3 dives in 1 day $55.000 CLP.
  • Group surf lessons in Pichilemu cost around $12,000 CLP & include everything you need to start your professional surfing career.
  • Viu Manent in Colchagua Valley offers excellent horse drawn carriage wine tours including a tour of the vineyard & cellar & of course wine tasting. Available daily $16.000 CLP.
  • Visit our friends at Casa Suiza Hostel in the Colchagua Valley. What they don’t know about wine isn’t worth knowing. Relax in their garden & savour the Chilean way of life.
  • Don’t miss the hikes in Altos de Lircay Reserva Nacional, The views will blow you away.

 

Condor Tips

  • Check out free walking tours in Santiago & Valparaíso. A great way to discover the cities & learn real history from a local. Tips only.
  • Don’t leave without trying a completò, the unique Chilean hotdog. It’s a fast, tasty & unmistakable snack available everywhere!
  • Scuba junkies will love Pichidangui & Los Molles. Buceo Pichidangui offers PADI courses for all levels. Those already certified can take part in 3 dives in 1 day $55.000 CLP.
  • Group surf lessons in Pichilemu cost around $12,000 CLP & include everything you need to start your professional surfing career.
  • Viu Manent in Colchagua Valley offers excellent horse drawn carriage wine tours including a tour of the vineyard & cellar & of course wine tasting. Available daily $16.000 CLP.
  • Visit our friends at Casa Suiza Hostel in the Colchagua Valley. What they don’t know about wine isn’t worth knowing. Relax in their garden & savour the Chilean way of life.
  • Don’t miss the hikes in Altos de Lircay Reserva Nacional, The views will blow you away.

 

Central Chile Road Trip

Begin with a few nights in the happening capital, Santiago. Stroll around the historic centre, soak up some heritage in the fantastic museums, break for a lively seafood lunch in the Mercado Central and spend the afternoon gazing over Santiago from the summit of Cerro San Cristobal. If you’ve got any energy left, the bohemian neighbourhood of Bellavista will be open for dining, drinking and dancing until the early hours.

Starting early, pickup your Condor Camper at our centrally located Condor Campers HQ and get ready for your Central Chile road trip. Before driving off, stock up on cheaper essentials in the city and head west where you’ll soon reach the Casablanca Valley. This is Chile’s fastest growing wine region where you can learn all about the process and sample the best white wines of Chile at one of the many vineyards.

On to funky Valparaíso to walk its famously steep cerros (hills) and ride antique elevators like Cerro Concepción, the city’s oldest. This UNESCO World heritage site is a great place to get lost in the steep maze of bright mural lined alleyways, feast on the catch of the day, and take a boat ride around the harbour at sunset before eventually collapsing in one of the antiquated bars that stay open until the small hours.

Time to unwind at nearby Viña del Mar. Referred to as ‘La Ciudad Jardin’ due to its series of beautiful parks and palm tree-lined boulevards, this coastal town is a popular holiday destination for the well-to-do Chileans. Want something a little more secluded? Head north along the beautiful coastal road to find the perfect tailor made beach town for you. MaitencilloCachagua and Zapallar are some of our favourites. Don’t forget to stop for some delicious tasty seafood at any of the abundant coastal eateries.

Want something a little more rustic? Check out Los Molles or Pichidangui. Both have excellent beach front campsites with BBQ’s, Chiles best scuba diving, superb hiking in the nearby (and truly remarkable) Parque Puquen or, just great clean beaches for strolling or snoozing your lunch off.

Next, follow the pacific coast south to Pichilemu where the best surfing in central Chile awaits. Pichilemu offers something for every kind of surfer. Beginners try to catch their first waves at the beaches of Las Terrazas or La Puntilla whilst the more skilled ‘dudes’ hang out at Infiernillo. For non surfers, sit back, relax and observe the experienced surfers at Punta de Lobos where mighty waves can reach six metres high.

Leave the coast and head inland to Chile’s best-known wine region, Colchagua Valley. Protected by mountains on all sides, the vines around here produce Chile’s best reds. Swirl, sniff and sip the full bodied reds whilst enjoying a tour at one of the many vineyards. If your hungry, some of the best cuisine South America has to offer is available in this gorgeous scenic valley.

Start making your way back towards Santiago via one of the best national parks in Chile. Parque Nacional Radal Siete Tazas. Named after the ‘Siete Tazas’ (Seven cups) which consists of seven consecutive natural pools with their respective waterfalls winding along the Claro River, this national park is a perfect place for camping, hiking, swimming and climbing.

No trip to central Chile would be complete if you didn’t visit the Andes Mountains. Continue to Monumento El Morado where you can hike to the sparkling Laguna El Morado to enjoy fabulous views of the San Francisco glacier and the 5000m summit of Cerro El Morado. Complete your trip with a well-earned dip at the natural hot springs of Termas Valle de Colina. Relax and reflect on your sensational road trip but remember to look up, if you’re lucky you may even spot a Condor!

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