Nearly everybody who visits Chile passes by necessity through the capital city of Santiago en route to destinations farther norther or south, or to visit the city itself and its surroundings. Santiago is conveniently located in the center of the country, half-way between Arica and Punta Arenas and with easy access to the Andes and Pacific Coast. Valparaiso, Viña del Mar and Santa Cruz are easy drives from Santiago, as are a number of national parks, reserves and Chile's famous wine-producing region.

In order to get a feel for Central Chile, 4 or 5 days can be spent exploring its diversity. A winery visit is a must, and though there are a number of popular wineries in the greater metropolitan region, we prefer to visit smaller towns for a more "hands-on" experience. For those interested in nature, Santiago's location between high mountain and coastal wetlands and oceanic habitats allows for a diverse sampling in a short period of time. There are a number of day-hiking opportunities in the Central Valley, ranging from urban walking tours (self-guided or otherwise) to treks in the Andes or coastal mountain ranges. There are unique museums and historical sites (Pablo Neruda's homes and the Colchagua Museum, for example), cultural activities and, of course, the nightlife, eating and arts that make cities what they are.

The best time of year to program a trip to the Central Valley is between December and March, when things are in bloom and the wine season is entering its annual harvest. Many small towns hold harvest festivals and these should not be missed if you are in the area.

December through March is generally the nicest time to visit the Central Valley