Chile: Nature, Culture & Wines 2022

This morning, you will explore one of the largest and most interesting cities of South America.  

Santiago, the capital of Chile, combines both the new and the old with its colonial architecture, bohemian neighborhoods, colorful markets, and little shops on every street. As you admire your surroundings, learn about the interesting colonial history of the city and how this has shaped the local people and culture of Santiago, and Chile, today.  

You will also walk through the halls and rooms of La Chascona, the house of Pablo Neruda, one of the world’s most famous poets, who also served as a diplomat and politician in Chile. Learn about his fascinating works, and the political turmoil of his life that represents many of Chile’s internal issues during the 20th century.    

After lunch, you will drive to Cajon del Maipo, a canyon that stretches more than 70 kilometers and runs long the foothills of the Chilean Andes. It is a remarkable setting of steep, rocky walls, with the Maipo river flowing through the middle and the dramatic Andes mountains creating a beautiful backdrop. The canyon is just two hours from Santiago, but you will feel as if you are in a whole new world.   Tonight you will enjoy your first night in the Andes at Lodge Andino El Ingenio, a lodge with a beautiful setting in the middle of the canyon over looking the Maipo River. 

Meals included: L,D 

Accommodation: Lodge Andino El Ingenio 

Today, you will visit El Morado Natural Monument National Park. The park was named for the El Morado glacial cirque, which is part of the El Volcán river basin. Amongst all the peaks surrounding the Maipo canyon, El Morado is the highest, reaching 5,060 meters (16,596 ft). You will take a beautiful hike that will lead you to El Morado Lagoon, at the base of the mountain, and a viewpoint of the San Francisco Glacier. As you walk along the trail, appreciate the impressive mountains towering above you, and the breathtaking snowy peak of El Morado directly ahead.  

Once you reach the lagoon, enjoy the awesome experience of being so close to a glacier and feeling surrounded by the mountains. This hike is also a great time to spot some of Chile’s fascinating bird species, the most notables being the large hummingbird, cometocino, and the austral thrush.    

This evening, you will return to Lodge Andino El Ingenio to relax and put your feet up after a day of hiking. Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and hot tub before a well-deserved dinner, and perhaps a glass of Chilean wine, to finish your first day in the beautiful Chilean Andes.  

Hiking distance and time: 16 kilometers; 5-6 hours  

Difficulty: Challenging  

Meals included: B,BL,D,Staff +11 

Accommodation: Lodge Andino El Ingenio 

Today you will travel south to visit one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in central Chile, Los Cipreses.  

Los Cipreses Natural Reserve was declared in 1985 to protect the local fauna, and consequently is famous for its wildlife. The reserve is home to over 45 species of birds including Tricahues parrots, which if you are lucky may accompany you along the hiking trail. The reserve is also home to the natural predator, the puma, but don’t worry, they are not too fond of humans and never like to get too close.  

During today’s hike you will follow the Chachapoal River to the Salto de la Leona (Lioness Jump) Waterfall. Take a moment to relax and listen to the mesmerizing, rushing water before hiking back down the trail.   This evening you will stay at Noi Puma Lodge, an elegant, year round mountain lodge nestled in the valley of the scenic mountains in Los Cipreses. You can enjoy the services of the spa, for simply relax before another delicious dinner and a good nights rest.  

Hiking distance and time: 16 kilometers; 5 – 6 hours  

Difficulty: Moderate  

Meals included: B,BL,D 

Accommodation: Noi Puma Lodge 

Today, you will drive to the Colchagua Valley, a vibrant, wine valley that is home to some of the best premium wines in Chile. However, your first stop will be the local school, Millahua de Apalta. Here, you will learn about the lives of the local children, interact and spend time with them, and take part in a unique cultural exchange with the children and staff at the school.  

Following your school visit you will reach your first Chilean winery, Neyen Winery, where a host will welcome you and guide you through the property. As you walk through the picturesque grounds of the Neyen estate you will see century old vines and learn about the basics of viticulture, types of leaves, and vineyard characteristics. You will then reach the cellar, built in 1890, where you will be introduced to the authentic winemaking process and taste some of the winery’s finest blends.  

Your wine tour is not over yet, your next stop is MontGras Winery, famous for being one of the most modern wine making facilities in the world. Once again you will take a tour of the vineyards to learn more about the different varieties grown at MontGras. You will then move through to the cellar where you will not only taste the wines, but each wine will be accompanied by a carefully selected appetizer to enhance the characteristics of the wine and created a perfectly balanced wine-food match.  

Tonight, you will stay at Noi Blend Lodge where you can enjoy the swimming pool, a dinner of excellent Chilean food, and of course more delicious Chilean wine if you wish! 

Meals included: B,L,D 

Accommodation: Noi Blend Cochagua 

Today you will visit the Apalta Valley, part of the Colchagua Valley, where you will explore two more incredible wineries.  

After a beautiful drive through the Apalta Valley this morning, you will arrive at the renowned Montes Winery. Montes has a special botanical hiking trail that will take you through the vineyards and onto the slopes of Cerro Divisadero, where you can learn about some of Chile’s native plants whilst taking in the stunning scenic vistas.  

After your hike, discover the vineyards, barrel room and winery where the premium wines are produced. Finish by tasting a delicious selection of some of Montes’ most unique wines.    

Drive back down the road to Viu Manent Winery. It is a Chilean winery owned by the Viu family. It was founded in 1935 when the Catalonian immigrant Miguel Viu-García and his two sons Agustín and Miguel Viu-Manent founded Bodegas Viu in Santiago de Chile. They bottled and sold wine on the local market under the “Vinos Viu” brand. You will of course finish with tasting a variety of the wines, and hopefully now you will be an expert on some of the distinct features found in the wines of the Colchagua Valley.   You will head back to Noi Blend this afternoon, enjoying the beautiful Colchagua countryside on your way. Soak up your surroundings and the authentic atmosphere as you reflect on the incredible experiences you have had during the past week.  

Hiking distance and time: 6 kilometers; 2 hours  

Difficulty: Easy – moderate  

Meals included: B,L,D 

Accommodation: Noi Blend Cochagua 

After a relaxed breakfast, you will drive back to Santiago Airport where one of our representatives will assist you with your luggage and international connections for your flight home, or a transfer to your hotel if you are staying on in Chile.    

We hope you have had an amazing time with us in Chile and that this incredible trip has given you memories to last a lifetime!  

Meals included: B