Santiago: Inca Lagoon and Vineyard Visit With Wine Tasting

Nestled in the heart of Chile’s stunning Andes Mountains lies a captivating full-day excursion that blends the country’s natural wonders with its renowned winemaking tradition. Set out on a journey from Santiago to the picturesque In Situ vineyard in San Esteban, where you’ll explore the iridescent waters of the Portillo Inca Lagoon and indulge in a guided tour and tasting of exquisite Chilean varietals. This small-group experience promises personalized attention and ample opportunities for breathtaking photographs, all while immersing you in the rich cultural tapestry that makes this region a true gem. But the real question is, what secrets might this excursion unveil?

Key Points

• This full-day excursion from Santiago takes visitors to the scenic Portillo Inca Lagoon and the In Situ vineyard for a guided tour and wine tasting.
• The tour provides a combination of stunning Andean landscapes, a visit to a local winery, and the opportunity to sample a variety of Chilean wines.
• Participants will have the chance to capture breathtaking photographs at the lagoon, the 29-curve road, and the nearby ski resort.
• A typical Chilean brunch of empanada and a beverage is included, enhancing the local culinary experience.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback on the tour guide, transportation, and overall value.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This full-day excursion from Santiago takes guests on a scenic journey to the In Situ vineyard in San Esteban.

The 10-hour tour is likely to sell out, with a starting price of €89.82 per person. Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The small group is limited to 15 participants and led by a live guide available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

The tour provides a convenient hotel pickup in Santiago, with an optional airport hotel pickup for an additional fee. Guests can expect a comfortable air-conditioned minivan transportation throughout the day.

Itinerary Highlights

Traversing the winding roads through the Andes Mountains, the tour takes guests on a scenic journey to the captivating Portillo Inca Lagoon.

With its iridescent turquoise waters, the lagoon offers a breathtaking natural wonder.

The tour then continues to the In Situ vineyard, where guests will enjoy a guided tour and wine tasting experience.

To complement the wine, a typical Chilean brunch of empanada and a beverage is included.

The excursion also features stops at a nearby ski resort and the renowned 29-curve road, providing ample opportunities for memorable photographs against the stunning mountain backdrops.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour provides convenient pickup options for participants, with pickup available from most centrally-located hotels and Airbnbs in Santiago.

If your accommodation is outside the pickup area, a nearest meeting point will be provided. For those staying at the airport hotel, airport pickup is available for an additional fee of USD $15 each way.

The transportation for the day will be by air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a comfortable journey through the scenic Andes Mountains.

Some key details about the transportation include:

• Pickup available from most centrally-located hotels and Airbnbs in Santiago.
• Nearest meeting point provided if accommodation is outside pickup area.
• Airport hotel pickup available for an extra fee (USD $15 each way).
• Transportation by air-conditioned minivan.

What to Expect

Visitors on this tour can expect a well-rounded experience that combines stunning natural landscapes, an immersive winery visit, and local culinary delights.

The scenic journey through the Andes Mountains offers breathtaking views of the iridescent Portillo Inca Lagoon. At the San Esteban Vineyard, guests will enjoy a guided tour and wine tasting, learning about the region’s winemaking traditions.

A typical Chilean brunch of empanada and a beverage is included, providing a taste of the local cuisine. Along the way, there will be opportunities to stop at a ski resort and the famous 29-curve road to capture memorable photos.

With a small group size and knowledgeable guides, this tour promises an intimate and enriching day exploring the natural and cultural wonders around Santiago.

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Wine Tasting Experience

At the San Esteban Vineyard, guests embark on a guided tour that provides an in-depth look into the region’s winemaking heritage.

The tour culminates in a wine tasting experience, where visitors sample a selection of the vineyard’s finest offerings. The tasting includes:

1. A crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, which showcases the unique terroir of the Andes foothills.
2. A bold, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, aged to perfection in oak barrels.
3. A delicate, aromatic Malbec, known for its elegant floral notes.
4. A sweet, dessert-style Moscatel, a perfect pairing for the included Chilean empanada.

Throughout the tasting, the knowledgeable guide shares insights into the winemaking process and the distinctive characteristics of each varietal, allowing guests to deepen their appreciation for Chile’s renowned wine culture.

Photo Opportunities

Along With the wine tasting, the tour offers ample opportunities for capturing breathtaking photographs.

Along the scenic journey through the Andes Mountains, participants can snap pictures of the Portillo Inca Lagoon, its iridescent turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding peaks.

Another must-see photo stop is the 29-curve road, a winding mountain pass that provides panoramic vistas of the rugged landscape.

The tour also includes a visit to a ski resort, allowing guests to immortalize the contrast between the snowy slopes and the lush vineyard.

With the small group size and live guide, travelers can ensure they don’t miss any of the photogenic highlights during this comprehensive day trip from Santiago.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

The tour has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants, with an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on over 100 customer evaluations.

The tour guide received a 4.3/5 rating for their excellent service and expertise, while the transportation was praised with a 4.8/5 rating.

Customers have highlighted several key aspects of the experience:

1. Stunning scenic views of the Andes Mountains and Inca Lagoon.
2. Enjoyable and informative wine tasting at the in-situ vineyard.
3. Delicious Chilean brunch of empanadas and a beverage.
4. Overall excellent value for money at 4.4/5 rating.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking and reservation for this full-day Andes and vineyard tour can be easily secured online, with convenient free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure.

The tour departs from central hotels and Airbnbs in Santiago, with a nearby meeting point provided if accommodation is outside the pickup area.

For those arriving by plane, airport hotel pickup is offered for an additional fee of $15 each way.

With a small group size capped at 15 participants, visitors can look forward to a personalized and intimate experience exploring the stunning Andes scenery and sampling local wines at the In Situ vineyard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is not ideal for children, as it is focused on an adult wine tasting experience. The itinerary includes stops at a vineyard and ski resort that may not be as engaging for younger participants.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, but the tour includes a typical Chilean brunch. Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted during the wine tasting at the vineyard.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?

The tour accommodates various dietary restrictions. Guests with vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free needs can be catered for. Advance notice is required so the tour provider can ensure the provided brunch meets the individual’s dietary requirements.

Can I Purchase Wine at the Vineyard?

Yes, visitors can purchase wine at the In Situ vineyard during the tour. The tour includes a wine tasting, and afterwards, guests are welcome to buy additional bottles of the wines they sampled to take home.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, it’s possible to extend the tour duration. Participants can choose to add more time at the vineyard or make additional stops along the way. However, this will incur an extra fee and requires prior arrangement with the tour operator.

The Sum Up

This captivating excursion from Santiago offers a chance to explore the stunning Andes Mountains, discover the iridescent Inca Lagoon, and indulge in a guided wine tasting at the picturesque In Situ vineyard. With a small group size and personalized attention, guests can revel in breathtaking photo opportunities and savor a delicious brunch of empanada and beverage, creating an unforgettable day amidst Chile’s natural beauty and renowned winemaking.

You can check if your dates are available here: