Mountain, wine and coast in a journey designed at a local pace.
This journey is a gateway to Chile for those who want to go beyond a quick visit to Santiago.
We begin in the Andes foothills, exploring trails close to the city that reveal the close relationship between the mountains and urban life.
From there, we continue to the Cajón del Maipo, a mountain valley with small villages and open landscapes that reflect the natural character of central Chile.
Later, we head toward the ocean. We walk along the coast and spend the night in Valparaíso, staying in one of its historic hillside neighborhoods.
It’s a thoughtful and unhurried way to explore the region, combining nature, local culture and gastronomy without long distances or mass tourism.
Just a few minutes from Santiago, the Andes begin to shape the landscape.
This first day is designed to offer direct contact with the Andean environment that defines central Chile.
We explore the foothills in a natural setting, an ideal way to begin the journey in motion and gain a sense of place before continuing on to other regions.
A simple start that allows you to leave the travel behind and begin exploring with perspective.
A short drive will take us to a private ranch in the Andean foothills. After a safety briefing, we will enjoy a two-hour ride along mountain trails with open views and native landscapes. The sunset ends with a relaxed picnic of Chilean wine and local products.
A sustainable haven for those who seek to rest well and travel better.
Located in Vitacura, Hotel Bidasoa is a boutique eco-hotel recognized among Latin America’s most sustainable. With bioclimatic design, renewable energy, plant-forward cuisine, and bright rooms with a pool terrace, it offers comfort, environmental commitment, and quick access to the Andes, an ideal Santiago base for Ecordua travelers.
The Maipo Mountain Valley lies south of Santiago and is one of the main mountain valleys in central Chile. The Maipo River runs through it, serving as one of the most important water sources for the city.
We spend the day exploring the valley, walking in the mountains and moving through rocky formations, riverbanks and small villages. It is a broad, open landscape, more expansive than the foothills of the previous day, where the presence of the river and the Andes is felt more strongly.
Southeast of Santiago, Cajón del Maipo offers dramatic Andean landscapes and cultural depth. This flexible full-day tour adapts to your pace: hike to Laguna Morales or Valle de la Engorda, enjoy a scenic drive with short walks, visit Embalse El Yeso, or visit the hot springs. A personalized mountain day built around nature, conversation, and genuine connection.
We dedicate the morning to exploring some of Santiago’s most historic neighborhoods, gaining insight into how urban life is organized in this part of the country.
In the afternoon, we leave the city behind and head into the Maipo Valley, where vineyards are part of the everyday landscape.
A contrast between urban life and agricultural scenery within a single day.
Explore the historic center on foot, including La Moneda Palace, the former Congress, Supreme Court, and Plaza de Armas. Optional visit to the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. Climb Cerro Santa Lucía, where the city was founded, and finish in Lastarria and Parque Forestal for a well-paced introduction to Chile’s capital.
Discover Chile’s wine heritage in the Maipo Valley, home to some of the country’s most historic estates and just minutes from Santiago. Visit renowned wineries where tradition and modern winemaking meet, with guided tastings and a relaxed pace.
The day takes us north to Zapallar, a stretch of coastline where the sea and architecture come together in a calm and harmonious way.
We walk along the shore and spend time taking in the ocean landscape before continuing on to Valparaíso, where we spend the night in one of its traditional hillside neighborhoods.
After the mountains and the valley, the ocean introduces a new dimension to the journey.
About two hours from Santiago, Zapallar offers quiet beaches, coastal trails, and traditional seaside architecture. Walk along scenic cliffs overlooking the Pacific, observe seabirds, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon can include time at the beach, a hike in Parque El Boldo, or a boat excursion toward the Humboldt Penguin area, a relaxed and refreshing ocean escape.
Chic Nostalgia
Casa Higueras is a warm and sophisticated boutique hotel of more than 1600 m2, located in the heritage area of Cerro Alegre in Valparaiso. It is placed in a manor house of the 20s that went through a respectful restoration work, combining modern comfort and the warmth and elegance of a historical past. It has five levels, with 20 rooms designed tastefully and with attention to detail.
We spend the morning exploring Valparaíso on foot, walking through some of its traditional hillside neighborhoods and learning about its port history and architecture.
Later, we return to Santiago, crossing the Casablanca Valley to conclude the journey.
A calm ending to a trip that has taken us through mountains, valleys and the ocean in just a few days.
Valparaíso offers a layered mix of history, architecture, and everyday port life. A UNESCO World Heritage city, it combines 19th-century European influences with colorful hills, street art, and working harbor views.
Ride historic funiculars, walk mural-filled alleys, and enjoy fresh seafood by the Pacific, with the option to include Concón’s coastline or a Casablanca Valley wine tasting at your own pace.
Program Flexibility
This program reflects how we recommend exploring Central Chile in five days. Every journey we organize is adapted according to availability, season, and personal preferences.
We can adjust accommodations, activity pace, specific experiences, and overall activity level.
The goal is not to replicate this itinerary exactly, but to design an experience that makes sense for you.
Is this a private or group trip?
All of our programs are organized privately. We design each experience according to the dates, interests, and preferred pace of the travelers.
This allows for greater flexibility and a more personalized experience.
Can the itinerary be modified?
Yes. This program serves as a recommended foundation for exploring Central Chile in five days.
We can adjust accommodations, modify activities, add specific experiences, or extend the journey to other destinations such as Patagonia, the Atacama Desert, Easter Island, and beyond.
What time of year is best for this trip?
This journey can be enjoyed year-round.
Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and fewer visitors. Summer tends to be drier, while winter can bring snow to the mountains.
Each departure is adapted to seasonal conditions.
What type of accommodations are included?
We work with carefully selected hotels chosen for their location, character, and level of service.
The final proposal will depend on availability and the standard preferred by each traveler.
Is this a good option as a first experience in Chile?
Yes. It is an excellent introduction to the country and works very well as a standalone program or as an extension before or after exploring other regions.
Many travelers combine it as a pre- or post-Antarctica experience, or as a complement to visits to Patagonia, the Atacama Desert, or other more remote areas.
It brings together nature, culture, wine, and coastline within short travel distances, offering a clear understanding of the territory either before or after exploring other parts of Chile.
Next steps
The estimated starting price for a program like this is USD 2,500 per person (based on two travelers in a private arrangement).
This includes private excursions, private transportation, four nights in carefully selected 4-star hotels, and selected meals during full-day outdoor experiences.
If this proposal reflects the kind of experience you’re looking for, we can design a personalized version tailored to your dates, preferred pace, and interests.
Ecordua was founded in 2018 with a simple purpose: to share Chile through authentic, well-designed outdoor experiences.
We believe travel should be thoughtful, responsible, and deeply connected to the places and communities it touches. Our programs are privately organized and carefully curated to balance nature, culture, and comfort.
We are proud members of 1% for the Planet and the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), reflecting our commitment to responsible tourism and industry best practices.
Every journey we design is shaped with intention, combining local knowledge, professional guiding, and a genuine respect for the landscapes that define Chile.