Chile: Centro de Chile

The Vibrant Heart of the Country

The central area of Chile is where modernity and tradition meet. With dynamic cities like Santiago and Valparaíso, this region is the economic and cultural engine of the country. Surrounded by world-class vineyards, stunning coastlines and the Andes mountain range, it offers endless experiences: from touring historic heritage neighborhoods to tasting some of the best wines in the world. In the central area, cultural wealth is combined with business opportunities, all in an environment full of diverse landscapes and activities for all tastes.

Maule Valley

A valley with a great passion for wine that can be seen in every corner, that is Maule Valley. Enjoy the endless variety of vineyards dotted around these lands that welcome you with attractive tourism experiences.

Be amazed by the fun tours that these deeply family-rooted vineyards have, as well as others that mix the use of hi-tech with boutiques and Chilean traditions. High-end luxury services like wine-therapy and olive oil tasting are just some of the alternatives that will keep you busy during your visit to the valley.

Gillmore State Vineyard

Visit this family-owned vineyard set up on the Tabonko Estate. Visit their vineyards and see the manual extraction and grape handling processes, which respect local traditions and create an independent wine that will steal your palate.

Gonzalez Bastias Vineyard

Take your time and quietly enjoy this vineyard. Visit their famous adobe winery where both red and white wines are preserved. Admire their clay vessels, which have more than 400 years of history and soak up their traditions by tasting some of the legendary blends.

Enjoy boat rides, group walks and outdoor rural barbecues, accompanied by house wines. It’s advisable to make reservations ahead of time and to avoid going during July and August due to the weather conditions.

Casa Donoso Vineyard

This winery is nestled in the heart of the Maule Valley and features the traditional production of red and white wines with the best, French style. Visit the old manor house and enjoy the wines that have won awards on every continent. You can taste the wine directly from one of the barrels or admire its body and color in a crystal glass during a private tasting.

Take a tour of the large plantations and discover the history of the ancient Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay grape varieties while in the company of a winemaker.

Colchagua Valley and Santa Cruz

One of the country’s most famous valleys, the Colchagua Valley, set at the heart of the central valley, is the icon of wine production in Chile. There are several wineries in the valley that offer tours with amazing wine tasting.

The Santa Cruz Vineyard is one of the most emblematic in the area. A cable car takes you to the top of the Chamán Hill where you can see constellations at the observatory of the same name. You can also visit the automobile museum and learn about the different periods of Chilean history visiting the thematic museum. If you like fine dining, good wine and culture, then Colchagua is your ideal destination.

Viña del Mar

Relaxation and good taste define the so-called “Garden City”.

Its waterfront is ideal for outdoor sports, recreation and high-level cuisine. You cannot miss the sun, swimming or watching the sunset at the resorts of Reñaca, Concón, and Las Salinas.

Walk through its streets and transport yourself to the last century’s golden age. The numerous castles and old mansions of wealthy families are now converted into museums. Among them, the glamorous Municipal Casino is a must-see at night.

The Viña del Mar Song Festival is an icon held every year in February, a must for music fans.

Cajón del Maipo

Synonymous with adventure and sports, the green lung of Santiago is a respite from the busy urban life. Put on your sneakers and get ready to experience a rush of adrenaline climbing its mountains, cooling off in its marshes, bungee jumping, enjoying the speed of rafting, or exploring its paleontological sites.

And if you are into quieter experiences, go horseback riding, fly fishing, or have a picnic in one of its crystal-clear pools.

Taste the local cuisine in small shops along the road and enjoy their empanadas baked in clay ovens, kneaded bread, and dried fruits and nuts extracted from local orchards. If your palate asks for something sweeter, its tea rooms are famous for their handmade chocolates and pastries dipped in caramel.

Isla Negra

If you are passionate about poetry, follow the footsteps of Pablo Neruda and fall in love with this coastal town, where the incessant pounding of waves on the rocks are a constant inspiration for different artists.

Treat yourself by visiting the eccentric house that the poet built by the ocean. Discover Neruda’s playful imagination through the interesting objects he collected during his life. Figureheads, world maps, boxes with strange insects, and masks of different shapes and origins are some of the treasures that give the residence a magical aura, now a museum.

It is time to tour the sophisticated rustic-style Arts & Craft Fair, which brings together the best creations of local artists, many of whom are inspired by the omnipresent ghost of Neruda.

Santiago Capital

Santiago captivates with its assorted panoramas and its versatility. The Chilean capital fills with life all those that visit.

Lose yourself in its streets to find original art galleries, innovative design stores and arts & crafts fairs, as well as restaurants, bars and coffee shops. And if you are a night owl, do not miss Barrio Bellavista’s nightlife!

Learn more about Chile in its many museums or visit the Central Market to taste exquisite products of the Chilean cuisine.If the outdoors is your thing, admire the capital from the surrounding hills to marvel at the views of Santiago.

When shopping, do not miss the elegant Alonso de Córdoba neighborhood and the city’s many modern shopping malls.

San Cristóbal Hill

Discover Cerro San Cristóbal as the locals call it, while walking around the capital city’s largest urban natural area, which is part of the Metropolitan Park. Put on your sneakers and walk, jog or bike up to the top of the San Cristóbal Hill. At the summit you can quench your thirst with a delicious mote con huesillo.

Enjoy a panoramic view of the city, looking out from above and take some snapshots. Visit the Metropolitan Zoo, located up the hill, where you can see many animals from around the world and Chile.

Bellavista District

Relax and share a drink with friends in the Bellavista District. Known for its Bohemian history, this is the ideal place to relax and “tirar la talla” . An endless list of restaurants, pubs, bars and clubs await you every night because, Bellavista never sleeps!

During the day you can visit the house-museum, La Chascona, which belonged to the poet laureate Pablo Neruda. You can also visit several local theaters such as San Ginés, Centro Mori and the Bellavista Theater, among many others.

Santiago’s Historic Center

Much of Chile’s history has been written around its Main Square. Lose yourself in its streets to find old buildings, such as the Municipality of Santiago, the Cathedral, the National History Museum, and the Courts of Justice. Or sit and witness the hectic city life on the classic Ahumada Boulevard.

The capital’s center offers a wide gastronomic selection. Elegant restaurants welcome clients passing through the streets, but if you want to recharge your batteries, do not miss the famous “picadas”, full of food.

Sanhattan: Las Condes y Vitacura

Meet South America’s largest skyscrapers, a sign of the capital’s growth in recent decades, and enjoy the view of Santiago from 300 meters high in the Sky Costanera skyscraper, the highest point in Latin America that offers a 360° panoramic view of the capital!

Have fun with a variety of activities such as art galleries and shopping and taste exquisite dishes in the capital’s most exclusive restaurants. Find boutique shops at Nueva Costanera and Alonso de Córdoba or visit some of the capital’s largest shopping malls.

Bicentenario Park

Bicentenario Park (Parque Bicentenario) is a nature park set on one side of the capital’s financial district, better known as “Sanhattan”. Discover this modern and well-tended park and enjoy walking across its extensive lawns.

Watch the swans and other birds in its two artificial lagoons and have fun in its themed spaces for leisure activities and on walks with family or friends. Bike around the park, jog over the park’s footbridges and setup your picnic for a whole afternoon of relaxation.

Valparaíso

Bohemian and colorful, Valparaiso’s maze of hills has long inspired poets and writers. You’ll discover something new at every turn: a gem of a building, a remarkable art gallery or some little gastronomic ‘find’. Revel in the crazy architecture of this World Heritage City. Stroll along its narrow streets, climb its endless staircases, ride its historic funicular elevators and enjoy panoramic views from its many lofty lookout points. Feel the excitement in the air at one of the city’s many carnivals, or celebrate New Year in spectacular style at Valparaiso’s ocean-front fireworks party.

Don’t forget to explore the port and fishing wharves, where you’ll get a real feel for Chile’s quirky seafaring side. Buy or sample freshly-caught seafood at the market and enjoy the fishermen’s banter!

The ‘Jewel of the Pacific,’ as Valparaíso is known, is also home to Chile’s legislative Congress and the headquarters of the Chilean navy. Admire these historic buildings and soak up the country’s maritime history!