Guide for a perfect day in the Colchagua Valley
LANDSCAPES:
VALLEYS AND TOWNS
Updated on 26 de November, 2025
Vineyards, culture, and history
1 DAY
The Colchagua Valley, in the O’Higgins Region, is an unmissable destination for wine lovers. Its privileged climate gives life to some of the best red wines in Chile, recognized worldwide. This itinerary invites you to explore Santa Cruz, the heart of the valley, combining history, local cuisine, and wine tastings in a beautiful rural setting.
TEMPORADA RECOMENDADA
ATRACTIVOS
ACTIVIDADES
Inicio del itinerario
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Colchagua Museum and vineyards
Getting to the heart of the Colchagua Valley is easy. From Santiago, a car trip of approximately two and a half hours will take you directly to Santa Cruz. From the city’s main square, your first stop will be the Colchagua Museum, which houses an important collection that ranges from paleontology to the history of Chile.
At noon, enjoy the local cuisine in one of the restaurants near the square, pairing your dishes with local wines. And in the afternoon, get ready for a wine tour in one of the valley’s prestigious vineyards, where you can walk among the vines and learn about the winemaking process of emblematic grape varieties.
Culminate your experience with a guided tasting, where you can appreciate the quality of the Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Syrah, and Malbec that have given Colchagua worldwide fame. To end the day, we recommend staying in the city of Santa Cruz, which offers excellent hotel options to rest and recharge.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Colchagua Museum and vineyards
Getting to the heart of the Colchagua Valley is easy. From Santiago, a car trip of approximately two and a half hours will take you directly to Santa Cruz. From the city’s main square, your first stop will be the Colchagua Museum, which houses an important collection that ranges from paleontology to the history of Chile.
At noon, enjoy the local cuisine in one of the restaurants near the square, pairing your dishes with local wines. And in the afternoon, get ready for a wine tour in one of the valley’s prestigious vineyards, where you can walk among the vines and learn about the winemaking process of emblematic grape varieties.
Culminate your experience with a guided tasting, where you can appreciate the quality of the Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Syrah, and Malbec that have given Colchagua worldwide fame. To end the day, we recommend staying in the city of Santa Cruz, which offers excellent hotel options to rest and recharge.
What you should know
How to get there by air
To arrive, fly to Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago. From there, you will need to continue your journey by land south to Santa Cruz, the starting point of this itinerary in the heart of the Colchagua Valley.
How to get there by land
Santa Cruz is located 180 kilometers south of Santiago, approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive along Route 5 South. You can also take a bus from the Terminal Sur in Santiago. To get around the valley, it is ideal to have a private vehicle or a tour.
Climate and clothing
The Colchagua Valley has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Light clothing is recommended in summer, along with sunscreen and a hat. Dress in layers the rest of the year and always wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Must-Know Tips
Book tours and tastings in advance. Chile has a Zero Tolerance law, which prohibits driving after drinking alcohol. To enjoy yourself without worries, hire a designated driver or a tour and travel safely.
