Santiago - Central Chile off the beaten path

(8 days / 7 nights) This tour will show you Santiago and its surroundings in depth, taking you from the countryside next to the Andes Mountains to the coastal towns along the Pacific Ocean.

Ride the Metro (underground) to Santiago’s main square, and enjoy a walking tour through the historical quarter of Santiago with visits to the National History Museum and the Pre-Columbian Art Museum.

At the heart of Santiago's bohemian neighborhood, learn how people work with lapis lazuli, a semi-precious blue stone found only in Chile and Afghanistan and visit a shop run by a foundation that showcases objects produced by small artisans throughout the country. Walk around one of the three homes owned by Nobel Prize winner Pablo Neruda and end the day with a ride in funicular to the top of San Cristóbal Hill, where you will have spectacular views of Santiago.

At a private protected area in Zapallar, enjoy a trek through an unusual mix of an arid coastal desert surrounded by hills covered by a lush forest that grows thanks to the fog that rolls in from the Pacific Ocean, a remnant of ancient times. Visit Cachagua and enjoy observing marine wildlife.

The Mantagua Coastal Wetland, in Concón, is a favorite among birdwatchers due to its high species diversity that can be easily observed. Enjoy a 2.5-hours walk along the wetland with a specialized birding guide and take some fantastic photos that you can show off with while sharing a traditional Chilean lunch.

Enjoy a tour through Chile's garden city of Viña del Mar and World Heritage Sites in Valparaíso. These two interconnected cities allow you to see two very different lifestyles in Chile's central coast. At the beach resort city of Viña del Mar you will visit the Fonck Museum, with the best collection of artifacts from Easter Island, and the Botanical Garden. Valparaíso will surprise you with its old funiculars, fantastic views of the bay and winding streets that go up and down its many colorful hills.

At the Curacaví Valley, known among locals for its agricultural products and typical Chilean food, experience the true spirit of the Chilean countryside. Visit a small-scale traditional pastry factory and a family-owned "chicha" factory that has been producing this liquor made from grapes for 100 years. Share a hearty Chilean lunch, play traditional games, visit an apiculture farm and learn about the local culture through the people you interact with.

In the Machalí area, have an up-close experience with alpacas, learn about them through the owner of the breeding ranch and take some fun photos. Visit a sustainable winery in the Cachapoal Valley and taste some of its premium wines amongst beautiful views of the Andes mountains as a backdrop.

Finally, in the outskirts of Santiago, visit a family-owned organic winery in the Alto Maipo Valley and enjoy a tasting of some of their best wines.