Santiago Travel Forum

We will be in Santiago in late March and unexpectedly (we planned to go to Bariloche but airline canceled their service) find ourselves with 3 extra nights and would like suggestions on where to go. We could rent a car or travel by bus or train - would like to go somewhere interesting and hopefully scenic with good places to stay and restaurants. How long would it take to get to Mendoza? Or are there other choices that would be better?
Any recommendations appreciated!
Mibby

It is about a 7 hour bus ride to Mendoza, but there are many flights as well. I think Mendoza is great, especially if you like wines :))) Actually taking the bus from Santiago to Mendoza would be pretty nice since you would cross over the high Andes.

The Hyatt in Mendoza is spectacular, I know when I first heard Hyatt I turned up my nose too but it is unlike any Hyatt you will ever visit. If that is too rich for your blood a Hotel that has become my favorite there is just around the corner from the Hyatt. It is the Argentino, great little hotel, great service and really well priced. As for dining, Francis Mallman 1884 was named as one of the top restaurants in the world by the Times of London and it is. You can check my travel pages for more information on Mendoza. You might consider staying outside Mendoza the Finca Adalgisa is a wonderful spot about 5 miles outside of town located in a vineyard. www.fincaadalgisa.com.ar. is the web site

Hope this helps
suerte
SAM

Hmm. Mendoza is very nice, but it is a full-ish day just getting there and another coming back. The bus ride is indeed very scenic but tiring because of the change in altitude. If you do choose this option, you need your passports to book the tickets.
In Chile, you could rent a car and drive to the Colchagua valley for vineyards, stay in Santa Cruz. Or get a bus down to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar on the coast. Both scenic and good restaurants. It only takes 1.5 hours and buses go every 15 mins or so.

You might like to check out the website for Cascada de las Animas . We have reservations there for a brief period, but have not yet been there. http://www.cascada.net/2007/index_ing/historia.php

Why wouldn't you want to see something of Santiago. It is a very attractive city, see www.allsantiago.com/ for some ideas. Winereies are a good alternative, but there are lots much closer than Colchagua, Concha y Toro, the largest, has its facilities in the suburbs and the Casablanca Valley is only 40 minutes by car. You could also go to Valparaiso, a wonderful eccentric place.