Four adults (age 60+) will be traveling to Chile for three weeks in January. We are looking to have a relaxing trip without the hurry, hurry of a tour group. A few things we are interested in: agriculture, history, architecture and not-so-popular places (hidden gems). Currently, we are thinking of a few days in Santiago, then to the Valparaiso/Vina del Mar area for a couple of days. After that we would like to hang out in the Lake area - maybe headquarter out of Chillan &/or Temuco. We are farmer/ranchers in North Dakota/Montana USA, so we would like to tour farms or ranches in Chile to learn about what is grown there. BONUS points for lodging on a farm/ranch. We would like to tour at least one vineyard too. Hiking is not something we enjoy. We are looking to rent a vehicle while there so we can be flexible. Any suggestions of places to see, go or stay will be greatly appreciated. I have read other posts but they were from quite a few years ago. Thank you in advance for any advice. A, M, K & K

"I have read other posts but they were from quite a few years ago" Well our visit was quite a few years ago but these forums get little traffic these days that is probably as good as it gets! For more recent info better to gcheck out the TripAdvisor Chile forum.

That said, apart from prices and number o f tourists, I doubt much has changes.

We have visited Chile several times always as part of longer trips around South America. I have to say we were not fans of Santiago which we felt was the least interesting and most expensive, of all the South American capitals. Personally, I would just use the city and an entry and exit point. Fortunately, Valaparaiso is just a couple of hours from the airport and easily reached by bus. A fascinating city and well worth a few days stay. Some details and photos of our time there.

https://accidentalnomads.com/2008/10...ls-and-horses/

Cant hep with vineyards or farms as most of those we visited were in Argentina and we didn't make it that far south to the Patgonian lakes (though coincidentally I am in the early stage of planing for November/December 25) and that is somewhere I do regret not visiting (either Argentina or Chile) I and also looking at the Navimag cruise down that way.

We did make it as far as Pucon right next to Villarica volcano and loved that area - farms all over the place there so that may be worth checking out. Wonderful scenery.

Finally, a long shot I know, but by any chance have you guys visited Tanzania? I remember meeting a group of Montana ranchers at a tented camp in Sealous NP. The reason it stick in my mind is that their's was the place where Brokeback Mountain was filmed.

Thank you for sharing. I will check out your link too. We plan to get at least as far south as Pucon.

No, that wasn't us. But a fun memory for.you.

https://www.airbnb.com/chile/stays/farmstays

thank you