Central Chile Vital – The Heart of the Country on a Round Trip with a Rental Car in 2 Weeks

Overview

Discover the multiple facets of central Chile traveling with a rental car. You visit the vibrant capital Santiago with its many faces, historical places and great city panoramas. The countryside around Talca enchants with its large vineyards and wonderful hiking trails in unspoiled nature. Explore the concealed Rainbow Falls and travel back in time on a train ride on the Buscarril along the winding Maule River. In the quiet coastal village of Quintay, chill out on the secluded beach and enjoy local fish. In the port city of Valparaíso, colorful hills, jolting elevators and outstanding street art are waiting for you. During an entertaining cooking class, you get introduced into Chilean cuisine. And trek along the rocky coastline of hidden Los Molles and hark to the gushing fountains of the sea.

Highlights

Vibrant capital at the foot of the Andes

Train ride along the winding Río Maule

Colorful hills of Valparaíso

Traditional cuisine of Chile

Harmony of the coastal village of Los Molles

Itinerary

Day 1-3: Santiago de Chile

Welcome to Chile! Here in Santiago beats the heart of Chile. And at the same time, at the foot of the snow-covered mountains and not far from the mighty ocean, you feel what gave this country its name according to a legend: Chilli - where the world ends. Glorious buildings and busy commerce on the streets, flourishing parks and modern high-rise complexes come together in Santiago. Here, Chile's past, present and future collide directly.

Day 3-6: Talca

Hilly, sprawling vineyards embed you on your route to Talca. Sink into the rural idyll and leisureliness of the small town. Discover the untouched mountain landscape in the surrounding countryside and hike to the remarkable Rainbow Waterfalls. And on a train ride with the Buscarril, you rumble at an unhurried pace along the north bank of the lovely Maule River to Constitución.

Day 6-8: Quintay

Apart from tourist crowds, you indulge in a moment of deceleration, contemplation and unfiltered connection with your environment in Quintay. The boundless Pacific Ocean shimmers on the horizon in front of you. Small restaurants offer maritime gastronomy in the bay of the secluded fishing village. And during a leisurely walk along the sandy beach, you can listen to the harmonious sound of the sea and the singing of the seagulls.

Day 8-11: Valparaíso

Valparaíso is known for its colorful tin-clad houses, historic elevators and street art full of politics and irony. Meander attentively through the winding sidewalks on the hills of this freedom-loving coastal metropolis. Go up the myriad, exhilaratingly designed stairways of the port city. An entertaining cooking class gives you a taste of Chilean food culture. And on a hike in the charming Cerro La Campana National Park, you cross green palm forests.

Day 11-13: Los Molles

The pleasant coastal village of Los Molles is marginally noticed by tourism, although its beauty is peculiar. The sea crashes vigorously against the rocks, patient anglers fish in the bay, rustic cottages line unpaved roads and blend into an engaging harmony. On easily accessible trails you can individually walk the beguiling coastal landscape in the mediterranean Puquén Bioreserve.

Day 13-14: Santiago de Chile

You return to the capital of Chile. Take a breath and stroll through historic streets and new hip neighborhoods. Spotlight the delicate work of creative potters, painters and jewelry designers at original market stalls. And sum up the past days on one of the many viewpoints overlooking the restless metropolis and the five- and six-thousand-meter peaks of the snow-covered Andes.

What our Travel Packages Include

Travel service:

Basic package Full package

Individual advice before and during your journey
Tailor-made travel planning and organization

Accommodation:

Basic package Full package

13 nights in standard, comfort or premium accommodation
Double room usually with private bathroom and breakfast

Rental car:

Basic package Full package

Rental car for 14 days (compact class)
Car type: Hyundai Accent or similar
Pick up: Santiago (Airport)
Drop off: Santiago (Airport)
Kilometers: free
2nd driver: incl.
Border crossing: excl.
Insurance: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) with basic protection against damage and theft without deductible (via refund)

Half and full day tours:

Basic package Full package

City tour Santiago (private)
Hike to Rainbow Falls near Talca (shared)
Train ride along the Río Maule (shared)
Cooking class in Valparaíso (shared)
City tour Valparaíso (private)
Hike in Cerro La Campana National Park (private)

Additional travel services:

Basic package Full package

Intercontinental flights
Travel insurance
Language course
Other travel services

Our Prices for your Journey through Chile

Included:

Travel service
Accommodation
Rental car

Total price per person:

From €1,175.00

Excluded:

Arrival and departure, half and full day tours, entrance fees, travel insurance, short rides, meals not mentioned

Included:

Travel service
Accommodation
Rental car
Half and full day tours

Total price per person:

From €1,845.00

Excluded:

Arrival and departure, entrance fees (partly with exceptions), travel insurance, short rides, meals not mentioned

Add individual travel services to your journey. For example:

Intercontinental flights from €970.00 per person
Family motorhome from €226.00 per day
Free adjustment of destinations and order of your journey through Chile

Chile Central promotes sustainable and solidarity tourism. By booking your trip, you support CO₂ offset as well as a social project for disadvantaged children in Santiago.

Decided in advance? We offer attractive special rates for early bookers.