Chile Advice 2007
 

We are planning a vacation in Chile for Jan 2007. We are thinking of flying to Santiago where we will rent a car and tour the Maipo Valley and Valparaiso. return to Santiago and fly to Easter island. return from Easter Island to Santiago and fly to Tumeco. Again rent a car andexplore the Lake District. We will have about 3 weeks. Nothing has yet been booked. Do you think this is possible and do you have any other suggestions? How long would we need on Easter Island? We would book some hotels...but wing it for much of the trip...would this be a problem? Thanks in anticipation.

You might want to look at the Luxury Link web site as we recently got a real 3 night bargain at Hacienda los Lingues.
M (SMdA, Gto., MX)

We're thinking of going to Chile, also, in February 2007. Mikemo, I saw that hotel on Luxury Link, but the TripAdviser reviews put me off.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...-Santiago.html

Do you have other knowledge about the place? Can those bad reviews be discounted?

I know I want to see Åtacama. Anyone have any recommendations there?

MG,
You probably know I'm the designated TA local expert for what that's worth, but I have learned to read between the lines.
All of many folks I know and respect who have stayed at Hacienda los Lingues say it's not to be missed.
We have visited more vineyards and wineries than I care to remember, so that's not high on our lists anymore.
M

Mincepie, you could probably just about do the itinerary you want. I would not give Easter Island less than 4-5 days. This is one place you really need to book lodging in advance. If you fly to Temuco, make Puerto Varas your base for a couple of days and then make Pucon your base. Temuco is really just a place to rent your car. Definitely visit one of the national parks down south. You can get transport to these parks in the area. Some of the roads to and through them can be a little rough, so you can let someone else do the driving for this if you want. As for booking other hotels, January is summer here and holiday time for Chileans. There are quite a lot of hotels out the road to Ensenada from Puerto Varas and Pucon has quite a lot of hotels and cabins, however you might find a lot of things full up. If you are stopping a night on the way south, you might consider visiting the vineyards at Santa Cruz. There is also a very nice hotel. Nicer, in my opinion, than Los Lingues with the plus of visits to vineyards in the area.

Thanks Huentetu....a really helpful response. We have decided to take your advice and go to one of the National Parks. I think OH will drive..but we can decide that later. Have also decided to make Puerto Varas our base and then Pucon.
Thanks again Huentetu!

When you're in Valparaiso i would definitely reccomend staying on Cerro Alegre, rather than in the main town (El Plan.) Its really pretty and quiet with good restaurants etc... I don't know what sort of accomodation you're looking for, but i stayed in a cute little B&B called La Nona...Its small but the owner speaks English and is very helpful.