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Before you go
Your trip to Santa Cruz.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Santa Cruz – Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins Destination Wineries of the Vale Central
How to get there
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Aeropuerto Internacional Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Santiago · 195 km
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Terminal de Buses Santa Cruz 1 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
By car, leaving Santiago, follow Ruta 5 Sur to San Fernando and take Ruta 90, known as the Carretera del Vino; it's about three hours. By bus, there are frequent departures from Terminal Sur at Santiago's Estación Central to the Santa Cruz terminal, a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas. From the airport you need to go first to the bus terminal or arrange a transfer.
How many days
Two days are enough to explore the square and the Museo de Colchagua at a relaxed pace, visit a winery near town and reserve the other day for Apalta, the Carretera del Vino or Lolol. With three days you can add an afternoon relaxing in the countryside or a trip to the coast.
When to go
March is the month of the Fiesta de la Vendimia, with winery stalls and typical food in the Plaza de Armas. April and May have mild afternoons and colorful vineyards. Summer is hot and dry, with afternoons above 30 °C. In winter, from June to August, mornings can have frost and afternoons are cool; bring a jacket.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
The center is walkable, and Laura Hartwig is close enough to reach on foot. For Montes, Viu Manent, MontGras and Viña Santa Cruz you need a car, taxi, transfer or organized tour. If you’re driving, leave the tasting to someone who isn’t behind the wheel: Chile has zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Santa Cruz
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Morning
Museo de Colchagua
Start at the Museo de Colchagua, one block from the square. The rooms follow a chronological order, from fossils to artifacts from the Independence and the Republic, and there are pavilions on huasos, carriages and the rescue of the 33 miners. Allow at least an hour and a half.
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Afternoon
Lunch in town and visit to Laura Hartwig
Have lunch near the Plaza de Armas. Afterwards, head to Viña Laura Hartwig on the western exit of town for the tour with a tasting booked in advance.
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Late afternoon
Plaza de Armas and carillon
Return to the Plaza de Armas when the heat eases. See the carillon tower, which also serves as a tourist information point, and the parish church beside it. It’s the time when families fill the benches in the square.
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Evening
Dinner with wine from the valley
Dine at one of the downtown restaurants and try Chilean dishes such as pastel de choclo (a corn pie filled with meat), accompanied by a glass of Carménère from the valley.
2 days in Santa Cruz
Day 1
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Morning
Museo de Colchagua at a relaxed pace
Spend the morning at the Museo de Colchagua, including the themed pavilions such as the Andean jewelry one and the Colchagua railway pavilion.
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Afternoon
Viu Manent, on the Carretera del Vino
Follow Ruta 90 to Viu Manent, about 12 km from town, where there is a horse-drawn carriage ride among the vines and a restaurant on the estate.
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Evening
Plaza and dinner
Return to Santa Cruz, walk around the Plaza de Armas and have dinner nearby.
Day 2
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Morning
Viña Montes, in Apalta
Cross the Tinguiririca River into the Apalta valley for a visit to Viña Montes, whose barrel room is accompanied by Gregorian chant.
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Afternoon
Viña Santa Cruz and Cerro Chamán
Head to Lolol, about half an hour from Santa Cruz. At Viña Santa Cruz take the cable car up Cerro Chamán and visit the wine and automobile museums.
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Late afternoon
Return through the countryside
Return to Santa Cruz along the road between vineyards and fields, with the low light falling on the hills of the Cordillera de la Costa.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Santiago to Santa Cruz?
By car it's about three hours via Ruta 5 Sur and Ruta 90. By bus the time is similar or slightly longer depending on stops. Buses depart from Terminal Sur next to Santiago's Estación Central.
Can you visit Santa Cruz without a car?
The center, the Museo de Colchagua and Viña Laura Hartwig are within walking distance of each other. The other wineries require a taxi, transfer or an organized tour, which is the usual choice for visitors who want to taste wine.
When is the Fiesta de la Vendimia de Colchagua?
It takes place in March in the Plaza de Armas, with stalls from the valley's wineries, typical food and music. It draws many people from Santiago; book accommodation early and confirm the dates before you go.
What wines are typical of Colchagua?
The valley is warm and dry, irrigated by the Tinguiririca River, and is known for its red wines: Carménère, a grape Chile adopted as a symbol, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Malbec.
What is the climate like in Santa Cruz?
Mediterranean: hot, dry summers and cool winters with some rain and frost on cold mornings. Use sunscreen and a hat in summer and dress in layers the rest of the year.