You will be picked up at your hotel at the break of dawn for an early departure. We do this so that we get a head start before all the other tour companies and crowds that enter the canyon. This provides a more tranquil experience and for better photos. Sit back and enjoy the hour-long ride to the entrance of the canyon.
Then begin to witness the natural beauty as we follow the Maipo River snuggled between the Andes Mountains on both sides. Your guide will fill you in on the history and geography of the canyon.
The canyon ends almost at the border with Argentina, where it is surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the region, including San José, Maipo, and Marmolejo, the most southerly mountain taller than 6,000 meters (20,000 feet) in the world. Several of the mountains are active volcanoes; San Jose was the most recent to erupt, in 1960.
It is here, on the side of San Jose Volcano, we will make our first stop at Valle de Colina Natural Hot Springs. After soaking in the springs, your tour continues to the quaint Andean town of San José de Maipo, which dates back to 1792 and played a key role in Chile’s fight for independence.
We will then have lunch (not included) at a quaint restaurant nearby, followed by a visit to the Concha y Toro Wine Vineyard in the picturesque town of Pirque for a tour and wine tasting.
Internationally-renowned Concha y Toro Vineyard dates back to 1883. The founder was Don Melchor Concha y Toro who brought the first vines from the Bordeaux region in France to Chile that grew prosperously in the Maipo River basin. Walk around the gardens of the summer residence of the Concha y Toro family, discover the variety garden, visit their cellars, and taste a selection of three of their fine wines.
Please note:
(1) The order of sites visited may vary.
(2) Please bring a bathing suit, towel, and sunscreen for the hot springs.
(3) If you are prone to motion or altitude sickness, we recommend that you take preventive medication for these ailments prior to departing on this tour.
(4) Although this is a private tour with your own vehicle and guide, there may be other visitors at the hot springs and at the vineyard joining you on the winery tour and tasting, which is beyond our control.