jes02

We have 2 pre-cruise days in Santiago in April '08. I've a few questions:

- how expensive is a taxi to our ship in Valparaiso from Santiago? Is there a better alternative?

- someone recommended the Crowne Plaza as a good hotel with reasonable rates. Does anyone have any knowledge of it and the area it's in?
("Located in midtown Santiago at the entrance to Providencia..." is what I can find on it). Thanks.

helenoftroy

Hi Jes,

Valparaiso is an hour and a half ride from Santiago. I think it's very expensive to take a taxi to get there. I would recommend you to take a bus.
Bus station is next to the subway, so it's easy to get there (be aware of thieves around the area). RT Valpo-Stgo costs around US$ 10. There are many companies that offer this service (check for www.pullman.cl or www.turbus.cl) and frequencies, so you just can show up at the bus station, buy your tickets and get it in the bus.

The other alternative it's to contact a travel agency and take a tour and visit a winnery on the way to Valparaiso.

helenoftroy

Regarding the hotel, I would stay in Providencia rather than in downtown, even though Crowne Plaza might be a fine hotel.

Providencia is a business and residential district east downtown. There are many restaurants, cafes, bookstores, music stores, etc., it's cleaner and safer than downtown at night.

Check
Hotel Neruda: www.hotelneruda.cl
Hotel Four Points: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpo...ropertyID=1294
Hotel Orly: www.orlyhotel.com
Hotel NH Santiago: http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/es/hotel...-santiago.html

Hope this help!
Regards

hills27

What time does your cruise leave? If in the afternoon, you may want to get a driver to take you to a vineyard and/or Pablo Neruda's house before dropping you off at the ship. We had a car and driver take us to Veramonte and Neruda's house (and then back to Santiago) a few years ago, and I don't recall it being very expensive.

jes02

Thanks everyone for all the good info.

thegilbeys

When I booked our cruise for Nov 08 the RCCl rep said that they run shuttles from the Santiago airport to the Valparaiso port. I neglected to ask if there was a cost involved in that or how regularly they run. I figured I'd ask at the RCCL desk when we flew in 2-3 days prior to the cruise. If not, we'll probably catch a bus.

Huentetu

There are some agencie which will do the trnasfer and a tour: Chile About, Terracota Excursiones. Chile About will try to find others going to the same ship to share costs if you ask. A straight taxi will cost about US$100.
Look at cruise specific forums like Cruise Critic and Cruise reviews and you may find someone to share or advice on transfers.
I would not take the bus unless you have only one manageable suitcase each. You can take more on the bus but bus stations are difficult to navigate with more. You will also end up at the bus station in Valparaíso and have to find a taxi to the port. Try to link up with someone for a tour on the way, with delivery directly to the ship.