Chile Travel Guide: Uncover Chilean Culture, Vineyards, and Scenic Wonders

Welcome back, Wondrous Travelers! We hope your holidays were filled with joy, adventure, and all the magic you could wish for—and that your New Year is already off to an incredible start!

We’re back with another exciting recap of a familiarization trip—this time, we’re heading to stunning Chile! This last September, Becki Holt went on amazing educational journey through the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of Chile. Nestled amid the Andes mountains, to the tranquil, sun-kissed vineyards of Colchagua Valley, every corner of this diverse country offers a unique slice of adventure.

Join Becki as she recounts her journey from the steep hills of Valparaiso to the serene oases of the Atacama Desert. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a lover of urban art, or simply seeking new horizons, Chile promises all that and more!

Santiago – The Gateway to Chile

I flew Delta Premium Economy to Santiago, and wow—what an upgrade from Iberian coach last year! It wasn’t business class, but I was comfortable, the service was good, and we arrived on time.

Santiago’s airport is massive, and getting from the gate to immigration was a marathon—made longer by the US ski team sharing my flight and immigration line. Thankfully, our guide Francisco met me outside with a warm smile. He was an absolute gem—fluent in English, full of knowledge (especially about Valparaiso, his hometown), and a great sense of humor!

After meeting two other ladies from our group, we headed to the Cumbres Lastarria Hotel, about 40 minutes from the airport. The location in Santiago’s historic district was lively, with street vendors and restaurants! After dropping our bags, we set off on a half-day city tour, including a spot with views of Santiago and the Andes. The city’s valley location often means smoggy skies, so the Andes weren’t as dramatic as in the photos. We wrapped up with a big dinner to recharge our weary traveler spirits!

Valparaiso and Vina del Mar – A Tale of Two Cities

On our second day, we headed toward Valparaiso, a city in the Casablanca Valley famous for its steep hills—steeper even than San Francisco, according to one of our group members! Navigating the city is no joke; walking tours here are tough for those not in shape. For lunch, we were dropped at the bottom of a street and had to hike up—a real challenge, especially for a lovely lady in her 70s who wisely skipped the post-lunch walking tour with our guide, Francisco.

Valparaiso is all about street art and quirky architecture, though as a shipping port, it has a gritty, industrial vibe. After exploring, we drove 15 minutes to Vina del Mar—a more refined, resort-like area with sandy beaches. We even popped into the Pullman Hotel for a quick tour before heading back to Casa Higueras, our charming hotel in Valparaiso. It’s a converted historic home with stunning ocean views; my room had a veranda that was perfect for soaking it all in. Though we missed dinner due to a packed schedule, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast overlooking the ocean before continuing our adventure!

Wine Tasting in Colchagua Valley and Serenity in Elqui Valley

To reach the Colchagua Valley, we flew from Santiago and arrived in Santa Cruz for dinner. The next day we had a morning visit to Matetic Vineyard. The vineyard had a charming boutique hotel and peaceful, expansive grounds where we enjoyed our first Chilean wine tasting. Fun fact: they use sheep to keep the vineyard tidy!

The next day, we were thrilled to leave Hotel Santa Cruz and head to one of my favorite hotels ever: Casa Molle in the Elqui Valley, about an hour and 40 minutes from La Serena’s airport. This intimate, five-star gem feels like staying at a friend’s luxurious home. My room had a large patio overlooking an orchard, and the property was pure casual elegance.

The food, service, and ambiance were incredible. There are two pools—one large and another more secluded—an outdoor dining area, and a cozy fire pit for evenings. One night, we visited an observatory and even saw a shooting star. Despite some clouds, the experience was magical.

Discovering the Atacama Desert

For our last two nights, we stayed at the Alto Atacama hotel. The setting among the red rocks is stunning, and the rooms are nice, but it didn’t quite feel like a five-star experience. The public spaces and restaurant felt a bit tired, and the service was just okay.

One highlight was astronomy night. After climbing 72 steep steps to a platform with lounge chairs, we lay back under the stars as the astronomer used an incredible laser pointer to map the night sky.

The Atacama Desert was not what I expected—no sand, just moon-like landscapes and red rocks. The Salt Flats were especially striking. After a long day of exploring, our drivers surprised us with a little happy hour to wind down.

Conclusion and Reflections

And so, Wonderous Travelers, that’s a wrap on Becki Holt’s amazing journey through the captivating landscapes and cultures of Chile. From the vibrant hustle of Santiago’s historic district to the colorful streets of Valparaiso, from indulging in exquisite wines in Colchagua Valley to marveling at the celestial wonders of the Atacama Desert—Chile truly offered an eclectic mix of experiences that left an indelible mark on the soul.

Get your bags packed, travelers, because Chile’s calling—and it’s a call you won’t want to miss!