Ski Resorts

A full day along the international route linking Chile with Argentina, following the Aconcagua river valley toward the Los Libertadores pass.

The road passes through Los Andes and Río Blanco before beginning the climb up the famous caracoles, a succession of hairpin bends that gains height quickly and offers views down the valley.

The destination is Portillo, the oldest ski resort in South America, recognizable by its yellow hotel on the shores of the Laguna del Inca, a glacial lake at over 2,800 meters surrounded by the peaks of the central Andes.

This is a high-mountain route: in winter chains may be required and the pass is subject to closures due to weather conditions.

1. Hotel pick-upEarly departure: the outbound trip takes about three hours.
2. Aconcagua ValleyRoute 57 and Route 60 CH via Los Andes and Río Blanco.
3. The caracolesClimb up the hairpin bends, with stops at the lookouts.
4. PortilloThe oldest ski resort in South America and its yellow hotel.
5. Laguna del IncaFree time on the shores of the glacial lake, at over 2,800 meters.
6. Return to SantiagoDescent along the same route, arriving in the late afternoon.

• Private round-trip transport from the hotel
• Spanish-speaking driver-guide
• Fuel, tolls and parking
• 500 cc bottle of still water

• Lunch and drinks
• Admission to the ski resort and its facilities
• Equipment rental and ski or snowboard lessons
• Lift ticket
• Tips

• Comfortable clothing and shoes suited to the season
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• ID card or passport
• Mobile phone with photo or video camera
• Winter coat: above 2,800 meters the temperature drops sharply
• High-factor sunscreen for the radiation at altitude

• High-mountain route subject to pass closures due to weather: the departure is confirmed the night before

Santiago's Andes in view in a single day, climbing the road to Farellones and its more than 40 numbered bends, one of the best-known mountain roads in Chile.

The first stop is Farellones, the traditional mountain village where Chilean skiing was born, with its wooden lodges and the view over the valley. The tour then reaches El Colorado, one of the country's most important ski resorts.

The final point is Valle Nevado, above 3,000 meters: the most modern ski resort in South America, with free time to walk its terraces and look at the peaks.

In winter, optional activities can be added — admission to the snow park, ski or snowboard lessons — subject to availability. The rest of the year the route is done for the Andean scenery.

1. Hotel pick-upMorning departure from Santiago.
2. Road to FarellonesClimb up the more than 40 numbered bends, with stops at the lookouts.
3. FarellonesThe mountain village where Chilean skiing was born.
4. El ColoradoOne of Chile's most important ski resorts, with views over the valley.
5. Valle NevadoAbove 3,000 meters: free time at the most modern ski resort in South America.
6. Return to Santiago

• Private round-trip transport from the hotel
• Spanish-speaking driver-guide
• Fuel, tolls and parking
• 500 cc bottle of still water

• Lunch and drinks
• Snow park admission
• Ski or snowboard equipment rental
• Ski or snowboard lessons
• Lift ticket
• Tips

• Comfortable clothing and shoes suited to the season
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• ID card or passport
• Mobile phone with photo or video camera
• Winter coat and shoes with good soles
• High-factor sunscreen: above 3,000 meters the radiation is much stronger

• In winter the road may require chains and close due to snow: the departure is confirmed the night before