The rugged and green Maipo Valley southeast of Santiago is considered by many experts to be the best wine-producing area in Chile and provides an easy escape from the bustle of the capital. Precipitous mountains line the valley and the snows of the high Andes can easily be seen. Several vineyards in the area, including such well-known names as Cousino-Macul, Concha y Toro, Santa Ines and Undurraga can be visited by arrangement, and can make an excellent day or even overnight excursion.
Hotel Casa Real lies 25 miles south of Santiago located in the vineyard of Viña Santa Rita. Within the property is 100 acres of private park, designed in 1870 by the famous french designer Guillermo Renner.
Situated directly on the main square in Santa Cruz itself, the charming Hotel Santa Cruz Plaza justly deserves its reputation for being the best hotel in town.
Vina Tarapaca is a charming country house set in the middle of the Tarapaca Vineyard, which produces mostly red Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon under the Tarapaca label.
