Nestled in the stunning Aconcagua Valley, the Santiago: Laguna Del Inca and Portillo Small Group Tour promises an unforgettable day of exploration and alpine wonder. Travelers will venture to the renowned Portillo ski resort, where they’ll have the chance to interact with the resort’s beloved St. Bernard mascot and soak in the breathtaking vistas of the Inca Lagoon. With a maximum of 14 participants and knowledgeable guides, this personalized journey ensures a truly memorable experience. But the true allure lies in what awaits beyond the stunning landscapes – a deeper understanding of the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Key Points
- A 9-hour small-group tour (maximum 14 participants) that visits the Portillo ski resort and the Inca Lagoon, with hotel pickup and drop-off.
- The tour is offered in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, with prices starting at €44.87 per person and a "reserve now, pay later" option.
- Highlights include a historical monument, crossing the Chacabuco Tunnel, visiting the Portillo Ski Center, and interacting with the resort’s St. Bernard mascot.
- Participants can enjoy free time to explore the ski resort and Inca Lagoon, with options to use the ski lift and purchase lunch.
- The tour includes knowledgeable guides, air-conditioned transportation, and flexible cancellation and payment policies to cater to diverse traveler needs.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Cancellation and Payment Policies
- Inclusions
- Customer Reviews and Ratings
- Important Information
- Pickup and Transportation
- Ski Resort and Inca Lagoon
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Bring Children on the Tour?
- Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
- What Kind of Food Is Available for Purchase?
- Are There Any Restrictions on Photography?
- Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Locations?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Santiago
- More Tours in Santiago
- More Tour Reviews in Santiago
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Santiago we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
The Santiago: Laguna del Inca and Portillo Small Group Tour is a comprehensive 9-hour excursion that typically includes hotel pickup from select locations in the city.
With a maximum group size of 14 participants, the tour is offered in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. The price starts at €44.87 per person, and travelers can opt for a flexible reserve now and pay later option.
The tour takes guests north along the Los Libertadores highway to the Portillo ski resort, where they’ll have the opportunity to explore the Inca Lagoon, meet the resort’s St. Bernard mascot, and enjoy free time to make the most of the stunning alpine setting.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Santiago.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a hotel pickup in an air-conditioned van, transporting guests north to Portillo via the Los Libertadores highway. The first stop is at a significant historical monument, after which the group crosses the Chacabuco Tunnel to enter the Aconcagua Valley, home to the tallest summit in the western and southern hemisphere. At Portillo Ski Center, guests have the opportunity to meet the famous St. Bernard, the resort’s official pet. Thereafter, free time is allotted to explore the ski resort and the nearby Inca Lagoon, with options to use the ski lift and enjoy lunch with scenic lagoon views.
| Key Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Historical Monument | Aconcagua Valley |
| St. Bernard | Inca Lagoon |
Cancellation and Payment Policies
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund on this tour. This provides flexibility for travelers who may need to adjust their plans.
Alternatively, customers can take advantage of the "Reserve now & pay later" option, which allows them to secure their spot without immediate payment. This can be beneficial for those who want to maintain flexibility in their travel arrangements.
The cancellation and payment policies cater to the needs of different travelers, ensuring a hassle-free booking experience.
Inclusions
As part of the Santiago: Laguna del Inca and Portillo Small Group Tour, travelers can expect a range of included amenities and services.
The tour features a small-group format, ensuring a personalized experience. Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, allowing for convenient transportation. A knowledgeable tour guide accompanies the group, sharing insights and information throughout the journey.
The tour includes air-conditioned minivan transportation, ensuring a comfortable ride. While lunch is available for purchase, the tour doesn’t include the cost of the meal.
Travelers have the option to leave gratuities for the guide and driver, though this isn’t required.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews and Ratings
Scrutinizing the customer reviews and ratings for the Santiago: Laguna del Inca and Portillo Small Group Tour reveals an overall positive impression, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 60 reviews.
Participants praised the knowledgeable guides, who brought the scenic beauty of the region to life, with a 4.5/5 rating.
However, there were some concerns about the quality of the included transportation and service, which received slightly lower ratings of 4.1/5 and 3.7/5, respectively.
Organization of the tour also garnered a 3.5/5 rating, with a few comments about communication issues.
Important Information
The tour’s important information highlights what participants should plan to bring and what items are not allowed. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves some walking. Larger luggage and bags are not permitted on the tour, as space in the air-conditioned minivan is limited. This helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.
| What to Bring | Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Comfortable Shoes | Luggage |
| Sunscreen | Large Bags |
| Water Bottle | – |
| Camera | – |
| Light Jacket | – |
Pickup and Transportation
Where does the tour begin? The tour starts with hotel pickup in an air-conditioned van from select locations in Providencia, Las Condes, Downtown, and Vitacura.
Alternatively, guests can choose to meet at a private apartment or outside of the designated pickup zones. The transportation for this small-group tour is provided by a comfortable minivan, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.
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The tour travels north to Portillo via the scenic Los Libertadores highway.
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Guests will cross the Chacabuco Tunnel to reach the Aconcagua Valley, home to the tallest summit in the western and southern hemisphere.
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At the Portillo Ski Center, travelers will have the opportunity to meet the St. Bernard, the official pet of the resort.
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Free time is allotted to explore the ski resort and the stunning Inca Lagoon, with optional activities such as taking the ski lift.
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Lunch with breathtaking lagoon views can be purchased independently.
Ski Resort and Inca Lagoon
Upon reaching the Portillo Ski Center, travelers can explore the resort and the stunning Inca Lagoon. They’ll have the opportunity to meet the St. Bernard, the official pet of the ski center, and enjoy free time to take in the breathtaking scenery. Visitors can opt to ride the ski lift for panoramic views of the lagoon, or enjoy a leisurely lunch with a view of the water.
| Experience | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ski Lift | Offers panoramic views of the Inca Lagoon | 4.7 |
| Inca Lagoon | Stunning glacial lake surrounded by mountains | 4.9 |
| St. Bernard | Friendly resort mascot, great for photos | 4.6 |
| Lunch | Scenic lakeside dining options available | 3.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring Children on the Tour?
Yes, children are welcome on the tour, but the group size is limited to 14 participants. Families should consider the 9-hour duration and ensure children can comfortably participate in the activities and transportation provided.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is generally not wheelchair accessible. It involves hiking and navigating uneven terrain, which may pose challenges for those with mobility limitations. Detailed accessibility information is not provided, so checking with the tour operator is recommended.
What Kind of Food Is Available for Purchase?
The tour provides the option to purchase lunch during the free time at the Portillo Ski Center. Specific details about the lunch menu and pricing are not provided, but visitors can likely choose from casual dining options at the resort.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography?
There are no specific restrictions on photography during the tour. Participants are free to take photos of the scenic landscapes, historical sites, and ski resort as they explore the itinerary. However, guests should be mindful of any policies or restrictions at the various stops along the way.
Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Locations?
The tour’s itinerary is fixed, but customers can inquire about extending the tour to visit additional locations. This would likely come at an extra cost and require advance coordination with the tour operator.
Santiago: Laguna Del Inca and Portillo Small Group Tour
“La atención del guía fue muy buena, experiencia recomendada, la laguna esta ubicada en un centro de Ski, hay mucha gente y en realidad no puedes …”
Recap
The Santiago: Laguna Del Inca and Portillo Small Group Tour promises an unforgettable experience in the Aconcagua Valley. Travelers will explore the stunning Portillo ski resort and the breathtaking Inca Lagoon, with opportunities to interact with the resort’s beloved St. Bernard mascot. With knowledgeable guides and ample free time to soak in the alpine scenery, this tour ensures a truly memorable day in the majestic Andes.
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