Central Chile concentrates Santiago between the Andes and Coast Range, with the Maipo and Casablanca wine valleys an hour out, Valparaíso's painted hill houses on UNESCO 42 cerros, and the Cajón del Maipo mountain canyon to the east.
Highlights
Santiago
Valparaíso
Casablanca Valley
Cajón del Maipo
When to Visit
Mar-May
Vendimia wine harvest March-April across Maipo, Casablanca, and Colchagua valleys, autumn colours in the Cajón del Maipo, and Santiago smog clearing as rains return.
Sep-Nov
Spring shoulder with wildflowers in the Andes, Fiestas Patrias September 18 with cueca dance and asados across the country, and Valparaíso pleasant for the cerro walks.
Dec-Feb
Hot dry summer with Santiago hitting 32°C and locals decamping to the coast, but the Valle Nevado and Portillo mountain hotels stay 12°C cooler at altitude.
Jun-Aug
Andean ski season at Valle Nevado, Portillo, and Farellones an hour from Santiago, and Valparaíso atmospheric in winter mist along the cerros.
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