Arrive Valparaiso Sunday morning, depart Santiago Monday night, have hotel, need to

[Jiminkcmo]

fill up my schedule.

 

I'm a solo, senior traveler and would like to see the area but don't want to do (or pay for) a "private" tour.

 

Anybody have any concrete ideas regarding who to contact for help in booking a tour from Valparaiso to Santiago, drop off at hotel, tour the following day with drop off at the airport?

 

I've done lots of searching but find mostly private tours or tours for groups of people already assembled.

 

Many thanks.

 

Jim

[helpmesailaway]

Look at ChileAbout tours. They have positive reviews here on CC.

 

Have fun.:)

[greatam]

fill up my schedule.

 

I'm a solo, senior traveler and would like to see the area but don't want to do (or pay for) a "private" tour.

 

Anybody have any concrete ideas regarding who to contact for help in booking a tour from Valparaiso to Santiago, drop off at hotel, tour the following day with drop off at the airport?

 

I've done lots of searching but find mostly private tours or tours for groups of people already assembled.

 

Many thanks.

 

Jim

 

Would you consider "out of the ordinary"? Would you or can you cancel your Santiago hotel???

 

If so, I have a few suggestions:

 

Spend the night in Vina instead of Santiago. More to do (outside of looking at cathedrals), better hotels for less money. My favorites: Cap Ducal and Oceania.

 

I frequently use these people to book hotels in Chile. Their prices are fair, they have a wide range of various services and are actually based in Florida. I have never used their tour or transportation services, as I generally rent a car and drive myself around Chile. Very easy-almost like driving in California, except for the toll roads (you MUST have Chilean pesos). One way rentals available from Advantage Rent a car-bookable on their USA website.

 

 

http://chile-hotels.com/vinadelm.htm

 

Don't want to stay in the Vina area????

 

There are daily tours SOUTH of Santiago to the Santa Cruz wine country (where I do a lot of business). It is about 100 miles South of Santiago. It is also easily drivable from Valpo. The Colchagua Museum in Santa Cruz is one of the best in Chile. There are also buses that run from Santiago to San Fernando/Santa Cruz.

 

There is also a super special luxury inn (only in amenities-the prices are RIGHT!!!) in San Fernando in the Colchagua wine region. Vina Casa Silva-really, really special for a night. http://www.casasilvahotel.cl/

 

 

There are hot air balloon rides out of Santiago, the Andes are not far, there is a tour to see condors, but the walk uphill is pretty steep. Just way to many things to do. What do you WANT to do??????

[Jiminkcmo]

Hi greatam:

 

Many thanks for responding.

 

You must have a wealth of information in that you travel there frequently.

 

What I don't want to do is drive myself around. I can't sightsee and watch an unfamiliar road at the same time.

<G>

 

And I'm not big on looking at cathedrals

 

What I enjoy most is just walking around an unfamiliar place, watch people, see what the locals do, sit in an outdoor table with a cold beer and enjoy the sights.

 

My ideal couple of days, post cruise, would be to stay in a quiet village with nice scenery, possibly beach-type, stroll around and find good small cafe's with good food and drink, and then have a late day ride to the airport in Santiago the second day for a 10PM flight back to the States.

 

And yes, I can cancel my reservation at the Grand Hyatt in Santiago.

 

I'm sure there are lots of activities that could fit what I am looking for but they aren't the kinds of things that are heavily advertised.

 

Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

 

Jim

[mscno]

If you want to stroll around, sit outside, people watch, take a horse drawn carriage ride,etc... try Hotel Monterilla in Vina Del Mar.

Then have a car with guide pick you up at the hotel and tour you to whatever you want going to and in Santiago.... dropping you off at the airport.

Contact Arianna Matteucci arianna@netline.cl

She works at the Sheraton in Santiago and will arrange whatever you desire and get you to the airport.

[greatam]

Hi greatam:

 

Many thanks for responding.

 

You must have a wealth of information in that you travel there frequently.

 

What I don't want to do is drive myself around. I can't sightsee and watch an unfamiliar road at the same time.

<G>

 

And I'm not big on looking at cathedrals

 

What I enjoy most is just walking around an unfamiliar place, watch people, see what the locals do, sit in an outdoor table with a cold beer and enjoy the sights.

 

My ideal couple of days, post cruise, would be to stay in a quiet village with nice scenery, possibly beach-type, stroll around and find good small cafe's with good food and drink, and then have a late day ride to the airport in Santiago the second day for a 10PM flight back to the States.

 

And yes, I can cancel my reservation at the Grand Hyatt in Santiago.

 

I'm sure there are lots of activities that could fit what I am looking for but they aren't the kinds of things that are heavily advertised.

 

Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

 

Jim

 

Jim,

 

Again, I feel you are my type of traveler and will have a MUCH better experience staying the first night in Vina. There is a casino, little street cafes and everyone walks around. The hotels I always recommend-Cap Ducal and Oceania-are quite a distance from walking around areas. But there are buses and taxis readily available from the front desk of both hotels. I don't think twice about getting in a cab (usually $10.00 or less) to go into "downtown" Vina. The hotels are simply spectacular for their setting. And the price is right. There are horse drawn carriage rides around Vina. You can bargain with the drivers. I have never paid more than $15.00 for an hour trip. Their English is generally not the best, but they will point out the highlights. Wonderful, leisurely way to travel the area.

 

The next day-there are buses (TUR-bus) to Santiago if you don't want to drive. Other than a winery tour, you get the same ride as a tour. And they are only $4-8.00 depending on your age and which bus. The bus station is centrally located in Santiago. There is luggage storage at the bus terminal. Open 6AM-11PM, so you can free yourself of luggage. Look for the sign "Custodia". There are day tours available pretty cheap-$30.00 and up. But you can also negotiate the metro (subway) or bus and go to the market. It is where I spend my time almost every trip BEFORE I head to the airport.

 

Please feel free to ask any more questions. Google is your friend-both TUR Bus and the metro have schedules and maps online.

[Jiminkcmo]

Many thanks greatam:

 

Did more thinking/checking.

 

Looked at both Oceania and Cap Ducal on Google Earth and it appears as though Cap Ducal is much closer to "civilization" although I don't know how old Google's data base is.

 

Apparently Cap doesn't have their own web site so I have a reservation request in to LatinTrip for a 1 night stay there. LatinTrip said they don't have Cap Ducal's January rates yet but will let me know when they do get them.

 

The pictures of Cap Ducal and it's views I found are spectacular.

 

Looks like my kind of place.

 

And Tur Bus to Santiago on Monday will do perfectly. Is the bus station anywhere near Cap Ducal? Or is it a cab ride away?

 

I was thinking about going right to the airport to stow my luggage and then backtrack to town for sightseeing but if there is luggage storage at the bus station, that will work fine.

 

Also, it appears as though the bus station at Parajitos is the first bus stop FROM the airport going into town. Does the bus FROM Vina go to that station? That would be TOO perfect. <G>

 

Would all of the bus stations have luggage storage?

 

Which way is the market? That sounds like a good place to wonder around.

 

With your help, this is turning out to be a super plan.

 

Thanks and any more ideas/suggestions are most welcome.

 

Jim

[casakey]

Hi Jim...Joyce and Craig here...just took a look at this section and I think we will look into this area to stay. Did you find transport from the ship? Did I over look that? and Santiago appears to be close enough for a tour? I was thinking about moving on to Santiago the last night to be closer to the airport? Also are you bringing a lap top on this trip? I have a small amount of work to do on the internet and will be bringing one...appears connections are all over. Question for you or anyone...what is the voltage/plugin for recharging batteries. I have not been out of the country in a while and need to refresh my memory on this. Could I buy something at Radio Shack? Thanks!! Any other help from anyone..thanks!!!! casakey from Key West Florida

[Jiminkcmo]

Hi Joyce:

 

Have not looked into transportation from the ship to Vina Del Mar.

 

I do understand that taxis are very inexpensive so I am planning to probably go that route. We could look into sharing if the logistics are right.

 

As to voltage/converters, I don't take anything out of the country that isn't dual voltage because of that issue so I'm no help to you in that.

 

There are converters but they used to be fairly heavy. Maybe technology has fixed that.

 

"Trip time" is not too far away.

 

Jim

[casakey]

Greetings I am so glad I read your post... I think Vina del Mar is for us. We have 1 week after our cruise. We like walking, swimming in the Ocean, wine almost everything. Question.. Is the public beach a nice beach to go to. Looking at hotels on the beach and maybe we should just walk to the beach? We will not rent a car and are big walkers. Thanks for all your suggestions!!! Joyce and Craig from Key West, FL PS also any help on the clothes we should pack for this area. We are ust to hot and casual and need to feel blended with the locals, how ever they dress.....

[Jiminkcmo]

Hi again Joyce:

 

You guys sound to be interested in similar things as I am, nothing fixed, plenty casual, and just go with the flow.

 

Amen to all that.

 

Do you have your pre-cruise hotel in BA reserved yet?

 

I'm booked at the Design Suites which looks to be a modern type hotel in a nice area. Arriving Sat. morning in BA for a 1 night stay.

 

Things are starting to fit into place for this trip.

 

I just started to really pull it all together as I just returned from a 14-day Med cruise on the Jade so that was occupying my time earlier this year.

 

Wish I could help with local stuff like beaches, clothes, etc. but this is my first time there also.

 

And no car rentals for me either. It's hard to sightsee while driving when you don't know where you're going.

 

Are you flying down on Delta from ATL? I'm flying them from MCI via ATL.

 

This will be a fun trip.

 

Jim

[casakey]

Hi Jim I do not have any hotel yet..I have friends that work on AA and fly there all the time...waiting on their suggestions. I did have a friend that went down a few years ago and stayed at the Marriot..he said it was close to the Ferry, and good walking street but it did look a bit higher on our budget. We spent all our budget on our Suite on board...ha just kidding. We did get a free flight with miles on AA. Key West to Miami to BA and the return from Santiago. I was really excited about that big savings. We also will be going to Uruguay to visit friends ...Arriving in BA on Christmas Day. Long journey and just felt it was worth staying as long as possible. Will look at the designer suites. Did you enjoy the Med trip...? That is what we want to do before we spend all our money....ha Joyce and Craig too

[greatam]

I did have a friend that went down a few years ago and stayed at the Marriot..he said it was close to the Ferry, and good walking street but it did look a bit higher on our budget.

 

I'm curious-what ferry, what Marriott???? And what you are going to do for one week around Santiago/Vina is beyond me???? There really ISN'T much more than 3 days worth of sightseeing in both areas unless you just want to chill on the beach.

 

Since you have come so far, how about a trip to Machu Pichu???? Easily doable in 4 days from Santiago.

[casakey]

I'm curious-what ferry, what Marriott???? And what you are going to do for one week around Santiago/Vina is beyond me???? There really ISN'T much more than 3 days worth of sightseeing in both areas unless you just want to chill on the beach.

 

Since you have come so far, how about a trip to Machu Pichu???? Easily doable in 4 days from Santiago.

 

Greatam! Sorry I was on that message talking about our Buenos Aires stay.. We are taking the Ferry to visit with our friends in Uruguay over the New Years week. We are staying a week I believe in Vina....One day or 2 Santiago, One day Wine, couple days just walk and look, eat drink....Does not take much to entertain us... We have airmiles and that was the date to come back..and being so far away, I do not think we will return. We will Chill...on the beach just to watch..so all that said do you have any recommendations for us? Like to walk everywhere...some public transport good, taxi when we get tired!!! Thanks Joyce and Craig from Key West

[greatam]

Greatam! Sorry I was on that message talking about our Buenos Aires stay.. We are taking the Ferry to visit with our friends in Uruguay over the New Years week. We are staying a week I believe in Vina....One day or 2 Santiago, One day Wine, couple days just walk and look, eat drink....Does not take much to entertain us... We have airmiles and that was the date to come back..and being so far away, I do not think we will return. We will Chill...on the beach just to watch..so all that said do you have any recommendations for us? Like to walk everywhere...some public transport good, taxi when we get tired!!! Thanks Joyce and Craig from Key West

 

Again, if you have the time and inclination, I would take a trip to MP or Easter Island, ESPECIALLY since you are not planning on going back and it IS a long distance. Three days is about all the sightseeing there is in the Santiago/Vina area. The beaches will be fairly crowded as Vina is the beach hideaway for Chilean locals and you will be there during the holidays.

[Jiminkcmo]

Well, not all plans work out.

 

Cap Ducal is not available for my night in Vina Del Mar so LatinTrip was able to get me into Hotel San Martin which they said is right on the beach (GoogleEarth confirms) and close to activity.

 

Have you stayed there? Any recommendations for dining/drinking?

 

Is the TurBus station nearby or is it a cab ride?

 

Does the TurBus go from Vina to the Parajitos station in Santiago and is there luggage storage at that bus station?

 

Where is the market area you mentioned previously and how do I get there from the Parajitoa bus station?

 

Darn, Cap Ducal looked so good. :-(

 

Things are looking good though.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Jim

[greatam]

Well, not all plans work out.

 

Cap Ducal is not available for my night in Vina Del Mar so LatinTrip was able to get me into Hotel San Martin which they said is right on the beach (GoogleEarth confirms) and close to activity.

 

What night??? I have sent email to my business associates about your bus question. They have a lot of connections in the area, so if you tell me the night, they may be able to get you into Cap Ducal. And Chile-hotels.com has most nights STILL available. I called the office in Florida and other than certain nights in February (Festival) they have rooms available.

http://www.chile-hotels.com/

 

Have you stayed there? Any recommendations for dining/drinking?

 

No-another one of the Americanized hotels. Not my cup of tea

 

Is the TurBus station nearby or is it a cab ride?

 

I am waiting for a return email with specifics. I have only taken the bus twice and both times took a cab to the main bus station in Vina and went to the metro station in Santiago. A couple of times, the LAN shuttle, but usually drive myself, as I have to go to a lot of places for business other than sightseeing.

 

Does the TurBus go from Vina to the Parajitos station in Santiago and is there luggage storage at that bus station

 

Yes, but I don't know about luggage storage in Parajitos. It is the bus stop closest to the airport. I drive or take a cab/shuttle from downtown Santiago to the airport. I will ask my business associates about luggage storage.

 

 

Where is the market area you mentioned previously a

nd how do I get there from the Parajitoa bus station?

 

Metro into Santiago-look at the Metro maps so you know where you are going. That is why I recommended the stop just before the main bus station.

 

There are three markets-Mercado el Centro-by the Plaza de Armas-mostly veggies, meats and oh, the flowers.

 

Santa Lucia-I think it is too touristy but the prices are better than Dolminicos. Metro station-Santa Lucia-IIRC, it is Line 1. They shoot off a cannon every day at noon and the views are incredible.

 

http://www.southamerica.cl/Chile/Santiago/Santa_Lucia_Craft_Market.htm

 

Dolminicos market-The bus will get you there from Av Providecia. Or a taxi. It is at the north end of Av Apoquindo. This is the market I like-there are some true off the wall things in this market. And since I shop not for me, but for export, this is where I go.

 

Darn, Cap Ducal looked so good. :-(

 

Please let me know what date. I will do my darndest to call in a couple favors so you can stay there.

[Jiminkcmo]

Hi greatam:

 

Many thanks for your offer to "arm twist" on my behalf for the Cap Ducal but I'm going to respectfully decline.

 

I don't want you using up your markers for me and I think there is more tourist activity around the San Martin and I'll be without a car and not as mobile so that might be the best bet.

 

If there is no luggage storage at Parajitos, I can just go to the airport and there is luggage storage there. I'm guessing the airport and Parajitos must be fairly close as they are only 1 bus stop apart.

 

Then I can just backtrack into town and get to the various market areas and who knows what else.

 

The Dolminicos market sounds like a good bet. Out of the ordinary things are for me. <G>

 

But I will try to get to the others also.

 

As far as getting around in the Metro, it should be easy as when I lived in New York City that is how I got around there.

 

I appreciate all of your calls and emails trying to help me out but please don't do too much. You have more important things to do.

 

I'm looking forward to another new adventure and it'll be here in no time.

 

Jim

[greatam]

Hi greatam:

 

Many thanks for your offer to "arm twist" on my behalf for the Cap Ducal but I'm going to respectfully decline.

 

I don't want you using up your markers for me and I think there is more tourist activity around the San Martin and I'll be without a car and not as mobile so that might be the best bet.

 

If there is no luggage storage at Parajitos, I can just go to the airport and there is luggage storage there. I'm guessing the airport and Parajitos must be fairly close as they are only 1 bus stop apart.

 

Then I can just backtrack into town and get to the various market areas and who knows what else.

 

The Dolminicos market sounds like a good bet. Out of the ordinary things are for me. <G>

 

But I will try to get to the others also.

 

As far as getting around in the Metro, it should be easy as when I lived in New York City that is how I got around there.

 

I appreciate all of your calls and emails trying to help me out but please don't do too much. You have more important things to do.

 

I'm looking forward to another new adventure and it'll be here in no time.

 

Jim

 

Jim,

 

No problem using up markers. I move over 5 million pounds of freight for some of my South American business associates yearly (all those Thompson grapes in the winter). I book hotel rooms for them all the time in the USA. And ease their stays in the US. You just don't know how many times I have gotten a call about a Broadway show or restaurant reservation in NYC for a sold out place. I perform in NYC, they perform on their home turf. Please do not feel guilty using my contacts. I sure don't.

 

So no problem if you want to stay at Cap Ducal and they can make it happen. I still would fill out the form for Chile-hotels.com. Can't hurt and unless you made a non refundable reservation at the Hotel San Martin, you MAY be able to get the Cap Ducal easily with NO interference from my contacts.

 

All in all, it sounds like you will have a wonderful trip. Let me know if I can help. It is not only my business (logistics planning) but it is my nature.

[Jiminkcmo]

Hi greatam:

 

Many thanks again for your very helpful tips.

 

No wonder you have such a vast amount of knowledge of the area with your business contacts and travel in the area on business.

 

I think for my purposes, only there for 1 night with no car and wanting to walk around the "touristy" area, I'm probably better off at the San Martin.

 

Also, I don't speak Spanish so that is a factor.

 

I'll be using your information regarding Tur Bus, luggage checking, markets, etc.

 

I have never used a luggage storage facility before and never even thought about it until you mentioned it. I was trying to figure out how I was going to do any sightseeing pre-flight while hauling around this big suitcase.

I had this mental picture of the old kid's story about "the tar baby". <G>

 

I'm sure to have some more questions before leaving in early January and will be calling on your expertise at that time.

 

Thanks and happy trips.

 

Jim

[Jiminkcmo]

Good morning, afternoon or evening. Please take one.

 

My plans are pretty well firmed up.

 

Solid reservation at San Martin in Vina on a Sunday, Jan. 18th.

 

Flight out of SCL on Monday night on DL at 10:30.

 

I plan to take TurBus on Monday from Vina to Santiago's Parajitos station.

 

Is that a non-stop? Does it originate in Vina and go through Valparaiso for more passengers? Or vice-versa?

 

Have you heard anything back from your associates regarding luggage storage at the Parajitos station?

 

If there is no storage there, I will continue on to the airport and either check my luggage with DL or their agent (if they have one) or put it in storage there and then go back into the downtown area and check out Dolminicos market and just wonder around people watching.

 

Maybe I can find a place with a cold blue bottle of Quilmes. Yes, I've been researching. <G>

 

Do my plans appear doable or are there snags?

 

I appreciate any and all suggestions.

 

And many thanks for them.

 

Jim

[jake165]

Hi Greatam, After reading this thread and your recommendations we cnx our Santiago hotels res(post cruise) and reserved Cap Ducal. Thanks again Jake

[Inishmoor]

We are arriving in port on April 12th and want to rent a car and drive to wine county in Santa Cruz, any idea of car rental agencies in port? Is it hard to find Santa Cruz from the port?

[32807]

jiminkcmo: Hadn't seen this post when I offered to share van from Valpo port to Santiago. Sounds like you have everything under control. Santiago is a very wonderful city, sorry you're not spending some time there. Arianna (Alunsa Royal) is excellent ground operator. Used her before, using her again. See you onboard! j

[owl61]

Have perused this thread...

While in Valparaiso be sure to visit the museum/former home of Pablo Neruda. It's very interesting and you will learn something about an important Chilean figure.

Inexpensive public buses run between Val and Vina every few minutes. They are only about 6/8 km apart.