Chile is famous for its wines - the central valley offers ideal conditions to grow a wide variety of grapes, north to south, and from lower to higher altitudes, which require different micro-climates for their development. The Central Valley is an ideal destination for those who wish to combine gourmet pleasures with walking in the foothills of the Andes. The tour starts in Santiago and makes a nice little circuit through some of the best wine growing regions.

Day 1: Santiago - Santa Cruz

Pick up your rental car at the airport or city rental office. From Santiago you will drive south to Santa Cruz, in the heart of the famous Chilean wine valley - Valle Colchagua. Be sure to take the time to visit Colchagua Museum - the largest private collection in South America - featuring an exhibition on the history of man in Latin America.

Along the way you could also visit the Reserva National Rio Los Cipreses (a little bit out of the way), or the Termas de Cauquenes, said to be one of the most beautiful hot spring resorts of Chile, on the eastern slopes of the valley. Overnight in the Hotel Plaza Santa Cruz. (B)

Day 2: Colchagua Valley Wine Route

Today you will follow the oldest Wine Route in Chile, where it is possible to visit some of Chile's best known vineyards. The fertile soils make it possible to produce red wine varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chile's emblematic Carmenère. To arrange a visit to one, or several vineyards, please contact the 'Ruta del Vino' office, adjacent to your hotel. During peak season 48 hours advance notice may be necessary to arrange a tour. Harvest season is in March. For more information see http://www.colchaguavalley.cl/English/index_eng.html Overnight in Hotel Plaza Santa Cruz. (B)

Day 3: Santa Cruz - Talca

Today you will leave Santa Cruz and head towards Talca, in the Maule Wine Valley, the most extensive wine growing region, covering an area of over 46,000 ha /113.670 acres. Most vineyards here produce reds like Carmenère, Malbec, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. You will spend the night at a small and exclusive Boutique Hotel on the Casa Donoso Vineyard estate, close to Talca. (B)

Day 4: Maule Valley Wine Route

If you wish to book a tour of the Maule Valley 'Ruta del Vino' please contact the Ruta del Vino office, located at the National Monument Villa Cultural Huiquilemo, at 10 km / 6 mi from Talca the day prior to your visit (48hours during peak times) More information at http://www.valledemaule.cl. The colonial Hacienda Villa Huiquilemo, built in 1850, is worth a visit as well. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and houses a museum with an exhibition of religious art and local crafts. The excellent restaurant serves traditional Chilean dishes. You will explore the wine route and visit some of the valley's best wineries and vineyards. All the vineyards here have a long wine-making tradition that dates back to the times of the Spanish colonization.

Alternatively you can visit the Reserva Nacional Altos del Lircay with its trail network through the dramatic Andean mountain scenery. A little further south you'll find the hot springs resort of Termas de Panimavida and Quinamavida.

Talca is also the home town of Bernado O'Higgins, celebrated liberator of Chile. He is commemorated in the 'Museo O'Higginiano', which also houses an assortment of oil paintings, sculptures, 19th furniture, pre-Colombian spearheads and more. Overnight at Casa Donoso. (B)

Day 5: Talca - Santiago

From Casa Donoso you will drive back to Santiago and drop off your car at the airport or the city rental office. (B)

Please note that all our itineraries can be customized and modified to suit your wishes.

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.

Hotels used with itinerary

Hotel Plaza Santa Cruz Hotel Plaza Santa Cruz is located right on the central square in the city of Santa Cruz and only 185 km / 115 miles from Santiago airport. It provides an excellent central location from which to explore the vineyards of Colchagua Valley. The hotel preserves many details in its decorations, evoking the history and traditions of its viticulture surroundings. It has 85 rooms, bar, cellar, grill, 1 pizzeria, two outstanding restaurants serving excellent wines, wine-shop and swimming-pool. There is even a convention centre lounge with capacity for up to 700 people and two lounges for private meetings.

Hotel Casa Donozo Founded by the Donoso Family, this vineyard in the heart of the Maule Valley is now owned by French people. This exclusive boutique guest house features 3 suites. The surrounding park is enticing for taking a walk, or to explore on horseback or bicycle. Or take a picknick in the vineyard. Various relaxing therapies such as massage or reflexology are also offered to guests. Situated only few kilometers from Talca and the Panamerican Highway the vineyard is easily accessed by car.