Santiago: Inca Lagoon Tour with Local Vineyard and Tasting

Exploring the Santiago: Inca Lagoon Tour with Local Vineyard and Tasting

This full-day adventure from Santiago takes you through some of the most captivating scenery of the Valparaiso Region. For $99 per person, you’ll spend around 10 hours exploring the turquoise Inca Lagoon perched high in the Andes at 9,360 feet, visit a charming family-owned vineyard with a delicious wine tasting, and enjoy panoramic views along the famous Panamericana highway. The tour is designed for small groups—max 15 people—and features comfortable, air-conditioned mini-buses driven by professional guides and drivers.

Two things we love about this trip are the personalized attention that comes with a small group, which keeps things intimate, and the quality of the guides, who are knowledgeable and eager to share insights about the region, the wines, and the landscape. The inclusion of a local vineyard stop adds an authentic touch that many similar tours lack.

A possible consideration is the early start and long hours, which might be tiring for some travelers. Also, if you’re visiting on a Sunday or holiday, the winery stop might be replaced with an alternative activity, so plan accordingly.

This adventure suits travelers who want a combination of natural beauty, local culture, and small-group intimacy. It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy scenic drives, learning about Chilean wines, and having plenty of opportunities for photos and sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• High-altitude scenery: Experience the breathtaking Inca Lagoon and views of the Andes.
• Small group: Max 15 people for personalized attention.
• Authentic winery visit: Family-owned vineyard with wine tasting included.
• Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned mini-buses and professional guides.
• Flexible itinerary: Stops at Portillo, Laguna del Inca, and more.
• Inclusive features: Hotel pickup, lagoon entry, wine tasting, restroom breaks.

In-Depth Review of the Santiago: Inca Lagoon Tour

An Early Start with Comfort and Convenience

The day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Santiago, with options in Providencia, Vitacura, Las Condes, or other central locations. We appreciated the hotel pickup, which saves the hassle of figuring out how to reach a meeting point, especially if you’re staying in a less central area. If you’re outside the immediate downtown zone, expect to be assigned a nearby meeting point, which the tour provider confirms the night before—this flexibility is helpful.

Once on board the air-conditioned mini-bus, the journey kicks off with a stop for restroom use, snacks, coffee, ATM access, and a chance to stretch your legs. This quick break sets the tone for a day focused on comfort and smooth travel, despite the long hours on the road.

The Route: From Santiago to the Andes

We traveled along the famous Los Libertadores road, a route that offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Chile. The first highlight is seeing Aconcagua, the tallest peak in the Americas at an awe-inspiring 22,837 feet. It’s a striking sight and a reminder of the raw power of the Andes.

Next, we made a short stop in San Esteban, a quaint village where we visited a family-run vineyard. This stop is a real highlight: walking among the vines with the Andes in the background, tasting wines directly from the source, and chatting with the winemakers—something many travelers find authentic and memorable. A reviewer described it as a “very knowledgeable guide who understood the wines and had good information to share about the vineyard,” which speaks to the quality of this experience.

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The Scenic Ascent and Portillo

The drive continues along the Panamericana, climbing higher into the mountains. We enjoyed the awe-inspiring vistas of the Andes Range—a landscape that looks like a painting, with jagged peaks and glaciers. The ascent includes the famous Los Caracoles switchbacks, a dramatic series of 29 hairpin turns that are as fun to watch as they are to drive.

Arriving at Portillo, South America’s oldest ski resort, is the main event. Sitting by the turquoise Inca Lagoon, it’s easy to see why this spot is so beloved. The lagoon’s vivid color is surreal, especially against the snow-capped peaks. We appreciated the free time to explore the shores, take photos, and soak in the scenery. The tour includes a lunch at the Portillo hotel, which many travelers find convenient and enjoyable, especially since the restaurant offers hearty options and spectacular mountain views.

In winter (June to October), lunch options behind the scenes are adjusted, but during our visit, the restaurant was open and welcoming. The lagoon itself is accessible for photos, but note that in winter, access may be restricted for safety reasons.

The Return Journey and Llama Encounter

On the way back, we stopped at a local business for a restroom break, and this was also a chance to see and interact with Llamas—a fun and authentic experience that adds to the sense of local culture. The stop is brief but charming, and reviews mention it as a highlight, especially for animal lovers.

The return trip is smooth, with the bus dropping each guest off at their hotel or designated meeting point. It’s a long day, but the well-paced stops and comfortable transport make it manageable.

The Experience: What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews reflect consistent praise for the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the wine tasting. One reviewer shared, “Héctor and the team were fantastic. My wife and I learned a lot about the region,” which underscores how well the guides bring the landscape and local culture to life.

Another guest mentioned, “Benjamin was a great tour guide! You can easily approach him to take your pictures,” highlighting the friendly, approachable atmosphere. The small group size seems to make all the difference—more personalized, less rushed, and more engaging.

The visual aspect of the lagoon and the mountains is a highlight for many, with the vivid turquoise lake and panoramic vistas providing perfect photo opportunities. Many also appreciated the authentic feel of visiting a family-run vineyard, where they learned about local wine traditions directly from the producers.

What to Expect at Each Stop

• Vineyard in San Esteban: This private, family-owned vineyard offers a more intimate look at Chilean winemaking. Tasting wines amid the vines, with the Andes as a backdrop, makes this stop genuinely special. If you visit on a Sunday or holiday, the winery might be closed, but the tour switches to an alternative location with tastings still included.

• Laguna del Inca: A short but stunning stop at this pristine lake, which reflects the surrounding peaks. In summer, you might be able to walk along the shore, but in winter, access could be limited.

• Portillo Ski Center: Sitting beside the turquoise lagoon, the ski resort is a perfect photo stop and a symbol of Chile’s winter sports fame. The lunch here offers a convenient and scenic meal option.

• Paso Internacional Los Libertadores: The border crossing and scenic drive through the Andes are part of the thrill, with spectacular mountain views and switchbacks that thrill even non-drivers.

• Ventisquero Guardia Vieja: This glacier viewpoint provides another impressive landscape experience, with opportunities for photos of ice formations and snow.

Analyzing the Cost and Value

At $99, this tour offers a lot. The inclusion of hotel pickup, entry to the lagoon, wine tasting, and lunch at Portillo provides good value, especially considering the high-quality guides and small group setting. The long day allows you to see diverse scenery—from vineyards and lakes to mountain peaks and glaciers—without the hassle of organizing transport or entry fees.

While it’s not a cheap day trip, it’s well-priced for the exclusivity and depth of experience. For travelers eager to combine natural beauty, local culture, and scenic drives in one day, this tour hits just the right notes.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who appreciate small-group travel and want a personalized, informative day out. It suits travelers who are comfortable with a long day on the road and want to see a variety of sights—mountains, lakes, vineyards—in one trip. It’s also perfect if you enjoy learning about wine from local producers and are looking for authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

The Sum Up

The Santiago: Inca Lagoon Tour with Local Vineyard and Tasting offers a well-rounded and memorable day in the Andes. It combines stunning scenery, a taste of local Chilean wine culture, and friendly guidance—all packed into a manageable 10-hour outing. While it demands an early start and some long travel hours, the comfort of small groups and the quality of the experiences make it worthwhile.

This tour is best suited for those who want a mix of adventure and culture, who enjoy scenic drives, and who appreciate expert guides sharing their knowledge. If you’re seeking a balanced day that combines natural beauty with authentic local flavor, this trip is a solid choice.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if your accommodation is centrally located in Santiago, pickup is included. If outside the area, you’ll be assigned a nearby meeting point, which is confirmed the night before.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 10 hours, with specific starting times depending on availability.

What are the main stops during the day?
Stops include the vineyard in San Esteban, Laguna del Inca, Portillo Ski Center, Paso Internacional Los Libertadores, and Ventisquero Guardia Vieja.

Is the wine tasting available every day?
Wine tasting is included at the local vineyard. However, on Sundays and holidays, the vineyard may be closed, and the tasting will be at an alternative location.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing for mountain weather, camera, sunscreen, and a hat. There are restroom stops and snacks provided, but it’s good to have some cash or cards for extras.

Is lunch included?
Lunch at Portillo is included, typically at the hotel restaurant, offering scenic mountain views and hearty options.

Can children participate?
Yes, but younger children should be comfortable with long hours in the vehicle. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 15 people, ensuring a more personal and relaxed experience.

This tour balances scenic beauty, cultural authenticity, and comfort—an excellent way to see some of Chile’s most iconic sights in one day. Whether you’re a nature lover, a wine enthusiast, or just craving a memorable adventure, it provides ample opportunities for genuine experiences away from the crowds.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby