annharris2008

Our first visit and the embarkation port has been changed from Valparaiso to San Antonio Chile: We are wondering if it is possible to rent a car (any reliable car rental company??) and self drive on the day of embarkation, otherwise what would you recommend the best way between these 2 places. Thanks.
1. Is there a scenic route between Valparaiso and San Antonio?
2. how long does it takes?
3. any gas stations along the route?
4. is there a CAA or AAA equivalent in Chile?

mlgb

This is a new cruise port so very few will have experience with it. I would be surprised if there is a car rental depot in San Antonio. You may want to join Cruise Critic if you have not yet and follow this thread and others. When is your cruise?

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/show....php?t=2559833

mlgb

Here is some background on the 'why'. I was disappointed to read this because I had done the Cape Horn trip and enjoyed Valpo, and there was an Ibis hotel from which one could take the rail line to the terminal.

http://www.seatrade-cruise.com/news/...or-issues.html

I believe there is a bus route now on Turbus from Valpo to San Antonio, per the cruise critic discussions.

I took Turbus/Pullman a few times and it was fine. You would some CLP to do this as well as to take a taxi to and from the bus terminals.

annharris2008

Thanks very much mlgb for your response. At the very least, we now have a better understanding of the why. There are so much uncertainty with the transportation and to make matters worst, Dec 8 the day of embarkation is a religious public holiday and some highways are closed. On top of that, we have no idea how many cruise ships are involved, coming and going or docking. We are seriously considering leaving Santiago a day early and instead of going to Val, we are heading directly to San Antonio. If time permits and if there is a local bus between San Antonio and Val, we can do a day tour of Val and visit the UNESCO designated area. Do you think this is a good and feasible strategy. Thanks.

mlgb

You could also do a tour to Valparaiso from Santiago and then book the direct bus Santiago to San Antonio (Turbus apparently).

I think because of your info on the holiday I would definitely stay overnight on the 7th in San Antonio.

Fort the 6th I think I'd be inclined to stay in Santiago because of the lack of good info, unless you can clarify what is available and prebook the bus package or a taxi or tour from San Antonio on that day.

Huentetu

Only one highway is closed on the 8th -ruta 68 - which is the highway to Valparaiso and the one where you branch off to Viña del Mar. The police close it on the 7th in late afternoon depending on how many pilgrims are making their way on foot along the highway. If you want to go to Valparaiso you need to do it on the 7th in the morning.

The highway to San Antonio is the ruta 78 and goes nowhere near the Valparaiso (never Val) highway.Pullman is the bus line which goes from Santiago to San Antonio, although Turbus did have plans to do the route. I don't know if it is available now.

annharris2008

Thanks Huentetu for the headsup re early closing of the highway to Valparaiso on Dec 7. With your info, we will definitely wants to leave early as there are lots to see and do in Val. Please let us know what is the best way to travel to Valparaiso from Santiago. Thanks

Huentetu

You can take private transport (taxi), a private tour which will include either vineyards or Valparaiso, or an intercity bus which will leave you at the bus station where you can get a taxi.

No one calls it Val. Valpo is the short version of the name. Most of us call it Valparaiso. That is what you should use if enquiring about transport or tours.

mlgb

And be sure to call it "Balparah EES O. not VaL pa RICE O.

Regardless of how you get there, I'd recommend trying to arrive in time to take this 3pm orientation tour..no reservations needed.

https://tours4tips.com/tour/valparaiso-highlights/

BTW I stayed at the Ibis, which is inexpensive (although not up in the hills) and from there you can walk on level ground to the starting point for the 3pm tour. I can't recall where you decided to stay in the end.

Note that one of the best ascensors (Concepcion) is now closed until sometime in 2018. Instead you will probably use El Peral.