Sample Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

If you can afford it, spend at least one night at Hacienda Los Lingues. The restored ranch near Rancagua gives you a sense of what life was like for the aristocrats who lived here centuries ago. Or head directly to Santa Cruz, where you can relax in modern comfort at the Santa Cruz Plaza Hotel and explore another perfectly preserved hacienda outside town at the Museo San José del Carmen de El Huique. Santa Cruz is the king of Chilean wine tourism, so be sure to visit at least one. Surfing enthusiasts should continue west to Pichilemu for world-class surfing. Head back to the Pan-American Highway and continue south through Curicó, stopping at the Viña Miguel Torres Restaurant, right off the highway, for lunch, then on to the lovely city of Talca. This is a good home base for visiting a number of Maule Valley wineries, the rodeo at San Clemente, or exploring into the nearby mountains. Drive east to Termas de Chillán, which has hot springs, skiing in winter, hiking in summer, and amazing mountain scenery year-round. Head to Concepción, the region's largest city, to grab your flight to Santiago.