misha2

I had posted an earlier version of our itinerary a few months ago and thanks to your insights am adding Mendoza to our trip (as verus Machu Pichu). We (family with two college-age students) will be visiting Chile around the holidays at the end of December. The first part of the trip is set for various reasons. I would love your thoughts on the non Chilean part of the journey.

Day one - Arrive in Santiago early AM
Day two-four- Valpo
Day five-eight - Mendoza and vicinity (including travel)
Day nine - return to States from Santiago

We chose Mendoza because of the easy flight from Santiago. I'm considering spending the first night or two in the city or just outside--Olive grove tour? Cooking class? Rafting?--and the remaining time in the Uco Valley. wine tour? Spa day?

What would you advise? Any tips or suggestions would be highly appreciated.

misha2

ttt

crellston

A long time since we were in Valparaiso but we loved the place. The city itself has a lot to keep your interest for the time you have. you could spend a day on the graffiti tour alone. We took a trip out to a place near Vina del mar for a days horse riding and had a great time.

Some photos and more info on our blog entries 66-67

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...ai/1/tpod.html

Mendoza we weren't quite so impressed with (entry 74). We took a wine tour which was ok, but for some reason they weren't keen for us to sample the decent stuff and some of what they did give us to sample we spat out for entirely the wrong reasons!

If i returned i think i would be inclined to stay outside of town at one of the more upscale bodegas and maybe get your cooking class etc. there. We met some people who did just that and had a much better impression of Mendoza than we had.

If wine is a primary driver for you, wouldn't staying in Chile be easier and reduce travelling time?

NoFlyZone

Mendoza is ok. Not great and, as noted above, the 'regular' wine tours are mundane.

But we had an excellent experience two years ago with a semi-private (only 4 or 5 people IIR), all day upscale wine tour wherein we got access to some of the otherwise off limits parts of several 'upscale' vineyards, got to taste the 'good stuff' everywhere, and often did so apart from the regular tour people (like in a formal wine tasting room in the cellar at one place). And for lunch, it was a five or so gourmet meal with superb wine pairing at Bodega Melipa, one of the most creative meals ever (one of the appetizer was served inside the foil wine bottle caps!). Truly a 5+ star experience.

This was provided by Ampora Wine Tours and we're doing it again in February, bringing some friends along!

misha2

Thanks so much! I think we'll stay on the outskirts, Thanks Crelliston! I'll check out your blog entries.

Noflyzone, truly appreciate the tip for Ampora Wine Tours.

I'll continue to research.

jpvillahill

We are in Santiago 3 days, planning on day trip to wineries Concha y Toro and Valpo as well. Any other places in Santiago that are great to see?