Aconcagua Valley: vineyards, alpacas and Colonial times

Leaving Valparaíso cruise terminal, we go via the international link road towards the Aconcagua valley. En route you will see the intense horticultural production of the area producing fruit, vegetables and flowers for export including table grapes and avocados. Once in Llay-llay we will visit a world class fine breeding Alpaca farm, where there is also an opportunity to see and purchase fine crafts. Continuing our journey through the country landscapes we reach San Felipe and the “RUTA DEL VINO”. This route is made up of wonderful vineyards which are open to the public to show their individual production methods and “secrets” of the trade as well as sharing their history and traditions. We are able to explore their gardens, vineyards and production centres as well as trying different examples of the locally produced wines. Viña Sánchez de Loria was founded in 1890 and still produces wines and “Chicha” (scrumpy) in the same way and using some of the same equipment from those far off times. A working museum, ideal for experiencing the history of the Aconcagua Valley. We continue for lunch at a local restaurant.

Afterwards we head further up into the foothills of the Andes to “ruta del Cariño Botado” where we will visit the museum of Casa e Campo as well as a local pottery centre featuring fine pottery made in an Italian porcelain style and a visit is also made to a local “chicha” production centre. Finally we visit the  vineyard of San Esteban where the excellent soils and drainage produce many benefits for wine production. We are able to visit their production centre and also try examples of their wine. Coninue to Santiago Airport or hotel.