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Chile has earned a place on the world stage thanks to the quality of its wines, and the Casablanca Valley is one of its greatest protagonists. Nestled between the Coastal Range and the Andes, this valley is characterized by constant humidity and mineral-rich clay soils—ideal conditions for growing high-quality white grape varieties. In this privileged setting we find one of Chile’s most outstanding wineries: Casas del Bosque. Founded in 1993 by the Cúneo family, this family-owned vineyard has been recognized among the Top 50 Vineyards in the World to Visit. With 134 hectares dedicated to cool-climate varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah—and a strong commitment to sustainability and vegan wine production—Casas del Bosque offers a complete experience that connects terroir, culture, and gastronomy. The vineyard welcomes visitors with guided tours, immaculate gardens, and first-class restaurants. At Bello Chile, we decided to experience it as true tourists. Our day began with lunch at Tanino Restaurant, ranked among the Top 20 Winery Restaurants in the World, and we can confirm the title is well deserved. We tried dishes such as slow-cooked short ribs, the endemic vidriola from Juan Fernández, exotic eggplant ravioli, and without a doubt our favorite: the crispy tuna. All of it paired with a Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon that elevated each flavor and texture to perfection.
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At Bello Chile, we believe that tourism is not just about showing destinations, it’s about experiencing them fully. As tour guides, we spend our days showcasing the best of our country to visitors from around the world. At the same time, we make it a priority to rediscover these places with the same curiosity that our travelers have. With this in mind, and as part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we decided to explore Santiago as tourists for a day. The goal of the day was to experience the city firsthand and see it from a visitor’s perspective. Although our original plan included visiting 11 tourist spots in a single day, we quickly realized that Santiago has much more to offer than we imagined, and that every place deserves its own time. Itinerary of the Day MUT (Mercado Urbano Tobalaba) We began our day at MUT, a space that combines traditional markets with a modern approach to sustainability and urban planning. We were pleasantly surprised by its design, innovative concept, and clear influence of European and North American trends. Recommendation: Ideal for those looking for unique gastronomic experiences and a contemporary view of the city. Pueblito Los Dominicos From MUT, we took Metro Line 1 to Los Dominicos. Upon arrival, we discovered one of the city’s most charming corners: a space where over 150 local artisans and artists bring their creations to life in front of the public. Walking among the stalls, smelling the aromas, and seeing the artisans at work is an experience that transports you to a more authentic and rural Chile. Recommendation: A must-visit for those seeking souvenirs with real cultural value. Parque Araucano and Luxury District After taking Line 1 of the metro again from Los Dominicos to Manquehue and walking about 15 minutes, we arrived at Parque Araucano, a true green lung in the middle of the city’s chaos. We were surprised by how lively it was, even on a weekday: children playing, adults exercising, and executives strolling during lunch. Near Parque Araucano, we also discovered the modern Parque Arauco shopping center and its exclusive Luxury District, reminiscent of destinations like Dubai or Shanghai. Although it wasn’t our main focus, we couldn’t resist exploring it. Recommendation: For those who enjoy shopping and contemporary design, it’s a great urban complement to traditional attractions. Cerro San Cristóbal and Cable Car Our next stop was the classic Cerro San Cristóbal. To get there, we used electric scooters, which allowed us to move quickly and experience the city differently. From the entrance at ParqueMet, we accessed the cable car, purchased tickets, and began the ascent. Riding the cable car was one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. The view from above reminded us that Santiago always has something new to show. At the summit, we walked to the base of the Inmaculada Concepción, popularly known as the Virgin of the Hill. Standing 14 meters tall, it dominates San Cristóbal and impresses all visitors who reach it. We took photos and enjoyed the atmosphere; the only thing missing was the traditional mote con huesillo. Recommendation: Bring water and sun protection, especially in summer, and take the time to walk some of the trails or simply relax at the summit with a refreshing mote con huesillo. Visiting in the late afternoon? The sunset from above is unmissable. Sky Costanera We descended the hill and retraced our steps to reach the Costanera Center, dominated by the imposing Sky Tower, which we also wanted to visit. To access the observation deck, you enter from the mall’s ground floor, purchase tickets, and pass a strict security check. Then, one of South America’s fastest elevators takes you to the 61st floor, 300 meters above ground. The view from up there is simply incomparable. We walked around a few times, reluctant to leave that little Olympus suspended over Santiago, until we finally returned to the “underworld,” where the city’s noise and chaos felt familiar once again. Tired but happy, we concluded our day as tourists. What began as a training experience turned into a transformative journey. We rediscovered the city we see every day, but with a fresh perspective, and confirmed that Santiago has much more to offer than we usually show in our tours. Although we didn’t manage to visit all 11 planned destinations, we learned something important: every place deserves its own time and space to be fully explored and enjoyed. Tips for Future Visitors Plan your route but stay flexible and allow yourself to be surprised, because Santiago always has something unexpected to show. Use the metro, scooters, bikes, or just walk—moving this way lets you truly experience the city. And finally, enjoy both worlds: the traditional and the modern complement each other and showcase Santiago’s diversity. Just as we explored Santiago as tourists for a day, we invite you—whether you’re a local or a visitor—to be surprised and enjoy everything this great capital has to offer, because Santiago has much more to show than we can imagine. Sometimes, the best tourist destination… is right where we are. Less than two hours from Santiago lies La Campana National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1985 and home to one of the most iconic hikes in central Chile: The Andinista Trail. This demanding route takes you all the way to the summit of Cerro La Campana, at 1,880 meters above sea level, offering both a physical challenge and unforgettable views. At Bello Chile, we believe that guiding is about more than just leading the way—it’s about sharing knowledge, inspiring curiosity, and creating meaningful experiences in nature. La Campana is the perfect place to live out that philosophy: a trail that combines natural history, biodiversity, and the spirit of adventure in a single journey. The hike begins among native trees such as boldos, quillayes, litres, and peumos, typical of Chile’s Mediterranean forests. At first, the path is shaded and relatively gentle, but it soon becomes steeper and more demanding. Covering over 7 kilometers with nearly 1,500 meters of elevation gain, the Andinista Trail requires endurance, good preparation, and plenty of water. As the forest gives way to rocky slopes, the landscape opens up. Step by step, the views expand: first over the valleys of Olmué, and later over the vast Andes rising in the distance and the Quillota Valley. The final section is the toughest—loose terrain and steep inclines require focus and determination—but every bit of effort is rewarded at the summit. From the top, the panorama is simply breathtaking. On clear days, you can see both the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Andes Mountains to the east, just as Charles Darwin described when he hiked here in 1834. It’s a view that makes the entire climb worthwhile. The Andinista Trail is not for everyone—it demands stamina and commitment—but for those who reach the summit, it’s an experience that blends challenge, discovery, and the unique satisfaction of conquering one of central Chile’s most iconic peaks. Granizo – Mina Trail The journey begins in the Granizo area, where the trail gently ascends through boldo, quillay, litre, and peumo trees. The native vegetation and fresh air invite you to connect with nature as you make your way toward the summit. Each section of the trail has been carefully selected to balance challenge and enjoyment of the landscape. Mid-Section: The Physical Challenge As we progress, the slope becomes more demanding, with dirt and rocky terrain requiring focus and endurance. This section offers partial views of the valley and the Andes, a reward for those who appreciate nature at its purest. Our team guides and supports visitors throughout the ascent, ensuring everyone can enjoy the trek safely. The Summit (1,880 MASL) Reaching the summit of La Campana reveals an astonishing panorama: on one side, the Pacific Ocean, and on the other, the Andes Mountains. The panoramic view rewards all effort and provides unique opportunities for photography, contemplation, and connection with nature. The summit experience is one of the most memorable moments of any guided trekking adventure we offer. Trekking to the summit of La Campana combines challenge, nature, and beauty in a single route, and it is one of the highlights of our experiences at Bello Chile. Every step allows visitors to appreciate the richness of central Chile’s forest, take in unparalleled landscapes, and experience the mountain with professional guidance and safety. |


