Has anyone ever driven from Santiago, Chile to the Colchagua Valley?

Yes, but I am local. Do you want a visitor's point of view?

Why are you asking?
I have driven that road too! but as Huentetu I am native from Chile.

What do you wanna know exactly? Maybe we can help you.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO RENT A CAR AND DRIVE FROM ECUADOR TO PERU THEN TO CHILE?

IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE IN CHILE? ARE THE ROADS MAINTAINED?

WHAT SHOULD AN AMERICAN EXPECT?

First question don't know...
Second one... of course it is safe and the roads are good...shouldn't have problems w/ that.
Third... ?? you should be careful reading the road signs...

sounds like a good road map is in order.

can you suggest a good one?

1. You will not be able to rent a car in Ecuador to drive to both Perú and Chile.
2. Main highways in Chile are world standard.
3.I don't understand the third question.

Go to 'mapas ruteros' on www.turistel.cl

I need some local knowledge- thankyou! Can you tell me whether we can take a hire car (Hertz) from Temuco to Bariloche.
Many thanks. Sally

It is difficult to take a rental car from Chile to Argentina due to Argentinean regulations. Many rental companies will not rent a car to be taken to Argentina, but some do. You will have to ask.

It has been several years since we rented a car and drove from Santiago to Concepcion and then back to Santiago to Valpariaso and Vina Del Mar. Obviously traffic in Santiago was hectic much like other large cities, but the roads to Concepcion and Vina Del Mar were good. We also drove into the Andes with I think 40 hairpin turns on the route to Argentina border, but the views were fantastic. Discovered the very best cherries at a stop enroute to Concepcion. With a rental car, you have the opportunity to stop when ever you wish which has many advantages over organized tours. We always felt safe driving in Chile which is not always the case in parts of US.

We recently drove from Santiago down to Chiloe and back. While the Pan-Americano (Ruta 5) is of decent standard, if not a little expensive to travel on, we were surprised at how many roads were gravel (ripio) once you got off the main highway. We have more paved roads in Morocco! Driving was a piece of cake, the only problem was all the dust on the smaller non paved roads.

In answer to dandj's question, I think an American can expect what any other foreigner visiting Chile can expect: Beautiful scenery, delicious food, excellent wine, and friendly people!

sebti,
thanks, this really wets my travel appetite for Chile...