Baháí Temple, Winery & Tasting, Lapis Lazuli + Private Transport

A Full Day of Santiago Secrets: Temples, Wines, and Unique Souvenirs

Imagine spending about 7 to 8 hours exploring Santiago in a private van, just with your group—no crowded buses or confusing meeting points. For $159 per person, you’ll visit the Baháí Temple of South America, tour a historic winery, and hunt for one-of-a-kind souvenirs made from lapis lazuli, all with hotel pickup included.

What we love most about this tour is its seamless mix of cultural, spiritual, and sensory experiences. First, the Baháí Temple offers stunning architecture and peaceful views of the Andes—it’s a highlight not just for its beauty but for what it represents. Then, the winery tour lets you sample four different wines, tasting tradition and modern practices side by side. Lastly, the lapis lazuli shop provides a chance to bring home a piece of Chile’s unique geology, with jewelry and crafts made from this rare blue stone.

A possible consideration is that the schedule can feel a bit tight, especially if you want to linger longer at each stop. Also, if mobility is a concern, keep in mind this tour might not be ideal, as some activities involve walking and standing.

This experience suits travelers who want a balanced glimpse of Santiago’s spiritual sites, local flavors, and handmade crafts—all in a well-organized day. It’s perfect for those who appreciate learning through guided tours and enjoy sampling local wines and buying authentic souvenirs.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private transport means no crowded buses, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
• Cultural and Spiritual Highlights: The Baháí Temple offers architecture and tranquility, providing insight into a lesser-known faith.
• Wine and Food: The winery tasting includes four wines and a guide explaining local wine traditions.
• Unique Souvenirs: The lapis lazuli shop offers crafts made from Chile’s rare blue stone, perfect for special keepsakes.
• Flexible Finish: You can choose to end the day at a lively nightlife district or return to your hotel.
• Value for Money: The tour combines multiple authentic experiences at a reasonable price, with all transportation and tastings included.

Exploring the Santiago Tour in Detail

Meeting and First Stop: The Baháí Temple

The day begins with a pickup from your hotel, setting the tone for a hassle-free adventure. The Baháí Temple is a truly striking structure, with its organic, flower-like design standing out against the city’s skyline. As the only Baháí Temple in South America, it offers more than just visual appeal—it’s a place for reflection and understanding of a faith emphasizing unity and peace.

Once inside, you’ll find a serene environment that invites quiet contemplation. The tour guide will explain the beliefs behind the structure’s design and the principles of the Baháí faith, adding depth to your visit. Expect panoramic views of Santiago from the temple grounds, making it a fantastic photo opportunity. With about 1 hour and 15 minutes allocated, you’ll have ample time to appreciate its architecture and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Winery Experience at Concha y Toro

Next, you’ll head to the Vina Cousino Macul, a renowned urban winery with over a century of history. We loved the chance to walk through the historic cellars, which have been producing wine since the late 19th century. The guide shares stories about the Cousiño family and explains how the vineyard balances tradition with modern, sustainable practices—a point that wine enthusiasts will appreciate.

The tasting includes four carefully selected wines, offering a taste of Chile’s diverse wine regions and styles. As one reviewer noted, the wines are “excellent,” and the experience is a great value, especially since a complimentary wine glass is included. The guided aspect means you’ll learn not just about the wines but about how climate, soil, and craftsmanship shape each bottle. Expect about 1 hour and 30 minutes here.

The Lapis Lazuli Shop: A Rare Treasure

After the vineyard, the tour moves to the BlueStone shop, where you’ll discover lapis lazuli, a semi-precious blue stone found only in Chile and Afghanistan. This visit is a delightful break from wine tasting, giving you a chance to browse handcrafted jewelry and crafts made from this striking stone, alongside other materials like copper and silver.

The shop offers a sampling of Chilean pisco sour, adding a flavorful local touch. Visitors frequently comment on the craftsmanship and the uniqueness of the souvenirs, perfect for those seeking authentic, meaningful keepsakes. The visit here is brief, about 30 minutes, but it offers a tangible connection to Chile’s geology and artisan skills.

Optional Nightlife or Return to Hotel

The tour’s flexibility in the late afternoon is a plus. Around 5:30 pm, you can choose to be driven back to your hotel or be dropped at Patio Bellavista, a lively district filled with restaurants, bars, and live music. If you’re interested in experiencing Santiago’s vibrant nightlife, this is an ideal spot, with international cuisine and lively atmospheres until late into the night. It’s a smart way to wind down the day, especially if you’re keen to explore more or enjoy some casual dining.

Why This Tour Works

We found this tour to be a well-rounded introduction to Santiago. Its private format means you won’t be crammed into a bus with strangers—perfect if you prefer a more intimate experience. The combination of spiritual, cultural, and sensory stops offers variety without spreading the day too thin.

The guided tours inside the winery and explanations at the temple add educational value, making it more than just sightseeing. Plus, the inclusion of tastings and souvenirs makes the price feel justified, especially given the convenience of transportation and the small group size.

What Could Be Better?

Some reviewers noted that the schedule can feel a bit tight, especially if you like to explore each location at your own pace. If you’re a slow mover or want to spend more time at the wine cellar or temple, you might find this tour a little rushed. Also, it’s not suited for travelers with mobility issues, given the walking involved.

Who Is This Tour Ideal For?

This experience is perfect for visitors to Santiago who want a comprehensive yet manageable day trip. It’s suited to those interested in architecture, spirituality, wine, and local crafts. If you enjoy guided insights and sampling local flavors, you’ll find this tour offers excellent value. It’s also a good choice for travelers who prefer private transport and dislike the hassle of navigating public transit or crowded groups.

Final thoughts

This tour combines the visual appeal of Santiago’s most notable sites with authentic local experiences, making it a smart choice for a one-day adventure. The private transport and focused itinerary allow you to see important cultural landmarks comfortably and efficiently.

You’ll return with a deeper understanding of Chile’s spiritual diversity, a few bottles of memorable wine, and unique jewelry crafted from lapis lazuli—items that bring a piece of Santiago home. Whether you’re a curious traveler eager to learn or simply looking for a day of varied experiences, this tour offers a balanced and engaging way to explore the city’s hidden gems.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup, making the day smooth and hassle-free.

How long is the overall tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, including all stops and transportation.

Can children participate?
Most travelers can participate, but children under 9 are not transported due to legal requirements for special seats. Ages 9-17 receive juice instead of wine.

What is included in the price?
The price covers private transportation, WiFi on board, four wine tastings, a pisco sour sample, bottled water, and a carved wine glass gift.

Is there a meal included?
No, lunch is not included, but the tour includes a midday stop at a food court where you can purchase various options at your own expense.

Can I extend my visit at any stop?
The schedule is somewhat fixed, so if you want more time at a particular site, it’s best to discuss this with your guide beforehand.

This well-balanced tour offers a rewarding taste of Santiago’s spiritual, vinicultural, and artisanal sides, tailored for travelers eager to experience more than just the surface. With knowledgeable guides and carefully curated stops, it’s a memorable way to spend a day in Chile’s vibrant capital.