Excursions
For a Half Day
Via Concha y Toro: Chile’s wines have soared in international reputation and some of the country’s best-known tipples are produced at the Concha y Toro Winery (tel: (2) 476 5269; website: www.conchaytoro.com) in the village of Pirque, southeast of Santiago. Established in 1883, Chile’s largest winery is surrounded by seemingly endless fields of vines and blessed with spectacular views of the Andes. It is here that such internationally recognised brands as Casillera del Diablo and Don Melchor (both award-winners) are produced. The management offers guided tours of the grounds and the whitewashed adobe storehouses with their gloomy cellars full of huge oak barrels. Visitors are invited to sample three varieties of wine during the tour and are given a souvenir glass to take home. Tours are at 1130 and 1500 in English and 1030 and 1600 in Spanish, Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, English tours are at 1000 and 1200, Spanish tours at 1100. It can take one to two hours to reach the vineyard and visitors need to make an online or telephone reservation in advance. Visitors should take the Metro to Bellavista de la Florida on Line 5, then take one of the blue MetroBuses marked Pirque and ask to be dropped off at the winery.
For a Whole Day
Valparaso and Via del Mar: Valparaso is a ramshackle city of multi-coloured mansions and houses balanced precariously on steep hills overlooking the historic port. Every corner turned, alleyway walked or staircase climbed reveals a vibrant street scene or sweeping view of the sea and city – and it is easy to see why artists and intellectuals have traditionally been attracted to Valparaso. Among the best known is the poet Pablo Naruda, whose former home La Sebastiana (tel: (32) 256 606; website: www.lasebastiana-neruda.cl) is open as a museum. The best way to reach the top of the steep hills is by the century-old boxcar elevators. The heritage of Valparaso is so unique that UNESCO is considering declaring certain parts of the city World Heritage Sites. Valparaso is also an important naval base, financial centre and, following the construction of the new congress building, the seat of the national government. It is also next door to the swish resort of Via del Mar, with its sandy beach, leafy Riviera-style boulevards, casino and nightclubs. Buses to Valparaso and Via del Mar depart approximately every 15 minutes from Santiago’s Alameda bus terminal. The main tourist office is situated in the Municipalidad building, Condell 1490 (tel: (32) 882 285) and is open Monday to Friday 0830-1400 and 1530-1730. There is also a small information kiosk at the bus terminal.
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Excursions