Advice ?santiago?valaraiso?vina del mar for 3 days precruise

[Minoushka]

Hi

 

Need advice for 3 days precruise to SA in Jan on Star Princess out of Chile

Where to stay?

What to see?

What not to miss >>>>What to shop and where ?

Language not an issue ..am fluent in Spanish

Any advice or warnings appreciated

 

Also same for Buenos Aires

 

CC cruisers always helpful .Thanks again

 

Michele

[marazul]

Hola,

 

for pre-cruise. One day to see Santiago, one day to go to the Maipo valley wineries (Santa Rita and Concha y Toro) and part of the Cajón del Maipo. Third day go to Viña del Mar with sightseeing along the way, maybe a vineyard, Isla Negra and Valparaiso.

 

The fourth morning, before you embark in the afternoon, tour Viña. Since Spanish is not a problem, hire a horse-drawn carriage in front of the Casino for a tour of the town including the Palacio Vergara. It lasts a couple of hours. Then take a taxi to the pier (about 15-20 minutes).

 

We stayed at the Four Points Sheraton in Santiago (great location) and had the concierge arrange for pickup at the airport, private tours to the City, Maipo and transfer to Viña with sightseeing. Much less than group tours or other quotes from independent operators.

 

In Viña, we got a great deal at the Sheraton through Asiarooms.com. For the sightseeing, we just took a taxi to the casino and hired the carriage. Then another taxi to the ship.

 

When you get to BA, try to go to Iguazu. There are many previous posts with info on doing it yourself.

 

Also, if you have time, take the ferry to Colonia. Go on the Spanish website for Buquebus to get the ticket with de luxe excursion. They are not very clear on the website about where to get the tours, but as you disembark in Colonia there will be a Buquebus tour desk. The guides and tour buses are waiting at the ferry terminal. When you disembark they ask you if you want the English, Spanish, German, etc. tour - all available every day. Again, search previous posts.

 

Buen viaje.