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THINGS TO DO WINE LOVERS PARADISE
Wine Lovers come and explore the beautiful wine valleys of Chile, many of which produce some of the world’s most exceptional wines. Visit the vintner’s tasting rooms, sample delicious wines, enjoy a tour of the winemaking process followed by a lunch in the most magical settings and gather stories to take back home. Chile’s wine regions are mostly concentrated in the Central Valley of the country 1.5 to 2 hours drive from Santiago. For your pleasure and comfort we can organise full or half day tours to any of the wine producing valleys, Casablanca renowned for its white wine, Colchagua for it´s amazing red wines. The tours are all with a private bilingual guide in air conditioned vehicles. The guide will meet you at the hotel around 8:30 am and will take you to two or three different vineyards of your choice while teaching you the differences in the culture of the vineyards as well as wine tasting techniques and styles, all this done at your leisure and for your pleasure.
Casablanca Valley (White Wines)
Casablanca Valley, situated on the coastal plain between Santiago and Valparaiso, is Chile’s fastest growing wine region. The Casablanca Valley is relatively new to the wine industry with wine production beginning as late as the mid1980s. As a young valley of premium wines, Casablanca Valley boasts a large number of modern cellars with the highest winemaking technology, many of them boutiques wineries. Despite its late start wine production in the Casablanca Valley has gained recognition in particular for the white wine production of splendid crisp Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, but also for some stunning reds such as Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah. Casablanca Valley is one of the cooler wine regions in Chile. It has a Mediterranean climate similar to California’s Los Carneros AVA, which includes parts of Sonoma and Napa counties. Soil and climate favours the production of top quality Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Cool misty nights and hot days provides excellent growing conditions. If you are fond of wine tastings framed by spectacular nature backdrops, look no further - Casablanca’s vineyards are the perfect place, bordering the Pacific Ocean to the West and the Andes mountains to the East.Veramonte is Casablanca’s bestknown winery. Others include the Boutique Casas del Bosque winery, and Boutique Matetic winery (both have great restaurant for lunch), Emiliana (producer of organic wines) House of Morande, Vina Mar, and William Cole Vineyards.
Colchagua Valley (Red Wines)
The Colchagua Valley is one of the world’s premier tourist destinations. Known for its beautiful vineyardcovered hills, hundred-year-old vines, enchanting colonial estate houses, and modern high tech wineries, all of which enhance the beauty of the landscape. The valley has always had an agriculturally based economy. Its superb climate, the use of leading edge technology, and tireless human creativity have led to the outstanding development of its winegrowing and winemaking industry, which has produced wines that are among the best in the world. The zone’s climatic and geographic features combine to create a unique microclimate that is ideal for the production of different varieties—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere, Malbec, and Syrah, just to name a few—and this is reflected today in the high quality of its wines, which have received major international awards and been recognized in key wine industry magazines and other publications. Based in the city of Santa Cruz, approximately 2 and a half hours from Santiago, the wine route of the Colchagua Valley includes 18 different wineries, among them internationally respected producers such as Montes and Lapostolle, Montgras, Viu Manent, Casa Silva.
Maipo Valley
Maipo Valley is one of Chile’s most important wine-producing regions. Located just south of the capital, Santiago, Maipo Valley is home to some of the country’s most prestigious wines. It is often described as the ‘Bordeaux of South America’, and rich, fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon is undoubtedly its most celebrated wine style.
AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLE BILINGUAL GUIDE PICK UP AT THE AUBREY ..................................... OPTIONAL LUNCH
Maipo is at the very northern end of Chile’s extensive Central Valley, running from just north of the Rapel Valley up to where the countryside begins to give way to houses and roads in the southern suburbs of Santiago. The Coastal Range separates the area from the Pacific coast, and on the eastern side, the Andes Mountains rise suddenly and dramatically, separating Maipo from the Argentinean region of Mendoza. The Maipo Valley is the home of viticulture in Chile. The first vines were planted around Santiago at the city’s birth in the 1540s, but it wasn’t until the 1800s that viticulture began to expand significantly, as an indirect result of entrepreneurial Chileans growing rich from the mineral wealth found in the Atacama Desert to the north. It became fashionable for these wealthy individuals to travel to France, and they inevitably returned home with vines to plant in their new, French-influenced wine estates. The vineyards of Cousino Macul, Concha Y Toro and Santa Rita were developed during this period, and they remain today important names in the Chilean wine industry.
Day trips outside Santiago Valparaíso and Viña del Mar - We can organise private tours to the port city of Valparasio and the neighbouring coastal town of Viña del Mar with a billingual guide in an air conditioned vehicle with the option of visiting 1 or 2 wineries on the way
Valparaíso
Viña del Mar
Valparaiso was declared World Heritage Site in 2003 and is one of the most historically and culturally important cities in Chile and was the main port used before the opening of the Panama canal., The city is spread out over 45 hills with some breathtaking views. Visiting Valparaíso adds a very unique and beautiful experience to your time in Chile.
The Andes
We can organize different tours in The Andes Range. The tours feature a range of
activities including:
Embalse el Yeso
With the best views of the Andes in Cajon del Maipo, you can connect with nature in an environment of peace and fresh mountain air. Discover the Embalse El Yeso and let yourself be surprised by the landscape. The tour includes stops in historical landmarks and in the small town of San Jose de Maipo.
Rafting
Enjoy an unforgettable raft trip adventure on the exciting Maipo River - central Chile’s best and most famous whitewater river, with rafting guides who have a passion for rivers. No experience is necessary.
Horseback Riding
Live a unique experience in the Andes mountain range and let yourself be guided by traditional mountain herders or “Arrieros” through majestic landscapes on horseback. During the excursion, get a sense of life in the Andes from guides who make their home there.
Baños Colina Hot Springs: A remote, majestic about 104 km from up to 50°C and are rapeutic hot springs
and quiet place at the foot of the Andes Mountains, Baños Colina is located Santiago and at 2.500 meters. These natural pools have temperatures reaching arranged as outdoor terraces, by calcareous deposits. Enjoy a relaxing and thebath in the Andes after a 3 km hike to the view point of the San Jose Volcano.
City tours Private Guided Tours
We can organise half day city tours with a private bilingual guide who will show you all the culturally and historically important landmarks of this wonderful city.
Hop On / Hop off
Also known as Turistik, gives you a great overview of our city, from the historical city center to the newly developed metropolitan districts. You can buy tickets at the Aubrey reception at any time and use it all day long on the day of your choice. There is a stop just outside the hotel and no prior reservations needed.
Bicicleta Verde Tour
This tour is full of culture and more culture. You have to be sure to bring your camera for the most photogenic side of Santiago. Make sure to ask your guide for their favorite lunch special in the area, their favorite street art or to make you a reservation for a tour at the Pablo Neruda Museum, La Chascona in the afternoon. There are two half day tours every day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon (Includes: Billingual tour guide; bike and a bottle of water), prior reservations needed.
Cuisine Cooking Classes
There is no better way to get to the heart of any city than through its cuisine. And that means not just eating, but shopping for it at the Mercado Central, Santiago’s celebrated fresh fish market which was listed by the National Geographic as one of the Top 10 Food Markets in the world; then continue to La Vega, the popular fruit and vegetable market and the perfect place to discover new flavors. You will then be guided through the preparation of authentic Chilean dishes in an informal and friendly environment where you will learn the passion of the Chilean cuisine. All cooking classes are hands-on, using the freshest of local ingredients. At the end of the class you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor paired with a selection of Chilean wines
Mercado Central
Considered one of the most beautiful public buildings of its time, the Central Market of Santiago is located at the edge of the Mapocho River and is recognized internationally as one of the best markets in the world. It is known for offering traditional Chilean dishes and fresh seafood of the highest quality. People from all different walks of life converge on the market and it is definitely worth visiting whether for everyday shopping, learning more about the Chileanculture and gastronomy, or just to walk around.
Vega Chica and Vega Central
From fruit to furniture, meat to machinery, these lively markets stock just about anything you can name. Alongside the ordinary items you can find delicacies like piñones, giant pine nuts found on monkey puzzle trees. If you’re undaunted by crowds, try a typical Chilean meal in a closet-size eatery, or picada. Chow down with the locals on pastel de choclo, a pie filled with ground beef, chicken, olives, and a boiled egg and topped with mashed corn.
Museums Museum of Memory and Human Rights
Dedicated to commemorate the victims of human rights violations during the civic-military regime led by Augusto Pinochet between 1973 and 1990. Located in Matucana Ave 501 (Quinta Normal Subway, Green Line); Opening from Tuesday trough Sunday - 10 AM to 6 PM.
Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
This fine collection of artifacts of the region’s indigenous peoples, much of it donated by the collector Sergio Larraín García-Moreno, is displayed in the beautifully restored Royal Customs House that dates from 1807. The permanent collection, on the upper floor, showcases ceramics and textiles from Mexico to Pata-
gonia. Unlike many of the city’s museums, the displays here are well labeled in Spanish and English. Guided tours in English are available at no extra cost, but booking in advance is required. Located in Bandera Street 361 (Plaza de Armas Subway, Green Line); Opening from Tuestady through Sunday - 10 AM to 6 PM.
National Fine Arts Museum
Chile’s main art museum now has only a small part of its excellent collection of Chilean painting on display, confining it to just six small rooms on the second floor. The rest of the museum is given over to temporary exhibitions of varying interest. The elegant, neoclassical building, which was originally intended to house the city’s school of fine arts, has an impressive glass-domed ceiling that illuminates the main hall. Guided tours in English are available in January and February. Located in Jose Miguel de la Barra and Ismael Valdés (Lastarria); Opening from Tuesday trough Sunday - 10 AM to 7 PM.
La Chascona
This house designed by the Nobel Prize–winning poet Pablo Neruda was dubbed the “Woman with the Tousled Hair” after Matilde Urrutia, the poet’s third wife. The audioguided tours allow you to step into the extraordinary mind of the poet whose eclectic designs earned him the label “organic architect.” Winding garden paths, stairs, and bridges lead to the house and its library stuffed with books, a bedroom in a tower, and a secret passageway. The house is on a little side street leading off Constitución, three minutes walking distance from the Aubrey. Located in Fernando Márquez de la Plata 0192, Bellavista. Opening from Tuesday to Sunday 10 am - 6 pm. (Audio guides are available in Spanish, French, German and English).
Historical and Cultural Sites San Cristobal Hill
St. Christopher’s Hill, within the Parque Metropolitano, is one of the most popular attractions in Santiago. From the western entrance at Plaza Caupolicán you can walk—it’s a steep but enjoyable one-hour climb—or take the funicular. (The funicular, which opened in 1925, is a historic monument.) Either route leads you to the summit, which is crowned by a gleaming white statue of the Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción. From either entrance you can drive up by car. Open daily 8:30 am–9 pm. Funicular Mon. 1–8, Tues.–Sun. 10–8
Santa Lucía Hill
The mazelike park of Santa Lucía is a hangout for park-bench smoochers and photo-snapping tourists. Walking uphill along the labyrinth of interconnected paths and plazas takes about 30 minutes, or you can take an elevator two blocks north of the park’s main entrance. The crow’s nest affords an excellent 360-degree view of the entire city; two stairways lead up from the Plaza Caupolicán esplanade; those on the south side are newer and less slippery.. Located in Santa Lucía at La Alameda. Park daily 9 am – 8 pm.
Palacio de la Moneda
Originally the royal mint, this sober neoclassical edifice designed by Joaquín Toesca in the 1780s and completed in 1805 became the presidential palace in 1846 and served that purpose for more than a century. It was bombarded by the military in the 1973 coup, when Salvador Allende defended his presidency against the assault of General Augusto Pinochet before committing suicide there. Tours can be arranged by e-mail with at least two days’ notice. Located in Plaza de la Constitución, Moneda between Teatinos and Morandé).
Pueblito Los Dominicos
At the end of metro line in Las Condes, at the foothills of the los Andes Mountain and surrounded by a simple country style atmosphere, the historical colonial site of Los Dominicos is found. Located next to the beautiful San Vincente Ferrer church, a national monument, the village is a ‘must stop’ for tourist. The shops built with mud and straw, are home for more than 180 artisans, representing the best and most complete showing of Chilean handicraft.
Estación Mapocho
This mighty edifice, with its trio of two-story arches framed by intricate terra-cotta detailing, is as elegant as any train station in the world. The station was inaugurated in 1913 as a terminus for trains arriving from Valparaíso and points north, but steam engines no longer pull in here. A major conversion transformed the structure into one of the city’s principal arts and conference centers. The Centro Cultural Estación Mapocho houses two restaurants, a café, and a large exhibition hall and arts space. The cavernous space that once sheltered steam engines now hosts musical performances and other events.
Barrio Italia
Much like Palermo Soho in Buenos Aires or the trendiest TriBeca in New York, this new neighbourhood has all types of antiques, furniture, paintings and petit coffee places in which you can stop by and spend your afternoon as a local, this is one of the newest areas in town and some of the coolest artists in Chile are running their own stores. Located between Italia Ave and Condell Street. (20 minutes walking from The Aubrey)
For Art Lovers Galeria de Arte Isabel Aninat
It is difficult to talk about contemporary Chilean art without mentioning Isabel Aninat. Her gallery is known for its pioneering work in the 1980s, when Aninat achieved something that was very new to Chile at that point: bringing together the artist, the work, and the visitor. In addition to this,, Aninat is also one of Chile’s most famous representatives at international art fairs. Its bright and open structure suits the gallery’s mission by providing it with a minimalist elegance of its very own. The gallery constantly tries to expand the frontiers of contemporary art without resting on its laurels, making it a sparkling and exciting place to discover. Located in Espoz Street 3100, Vitacura District / Opening Monday to Friday 10 am - 8 pm and Saturdar 11 am to 2 pm.
Galeria Animal
Our main task is to introduce a wider public to our contemporary art’: this is the mission Galeria Animal has followed since its launch in 2000. Its former building had been designed to host four exhibitions simultaneously, but due to a lack of storage room, Animal moved to its current location in the fashionable Vitacura commune in 2012. Although most of the exhibitions programmed by the gallery could be categorised as experimental art, visitors will also find a good dose of ‘the classics’: Animal contains a space dedicated especially to Chagall and Picasso. In addition to picking out fascinating artistic talent, Animal is also one of Chile’s most important publishers of graphic art books. Located in Nueva Costanera Ave 3731, Vitacura District. Opening Monday to Friday 10 am - 8 pm and Saturdar 11 am to 2 pm.
PLOP!
Founded in 2010, PLOP! is the first Chilean gallery dedicated to illustration and comics. In addition to temporary exhibitions, the gallery functions as a meeting place for medias all those interested in the art of drawing. PLOP! regularly organises workshops, conferences, and book presentations as proof of its dedication to its original mission: to give illustrators and comic artists the spotlight they deserve in the world of contemporary creation. Situated in the hip neighbourhood of Barrio Lastarria, a quick pop to PLOP! can easily be combined with visits to other galleries or a night out. Located in Merced 349, Lastarria / Opening from Monday to Sunday 11 am to 8:30 pm.
Artespacio
Specialising in sculpture, Artespacio is home to Chile’s most important sculpting symposia, and showcases works by important international sculptors on a regular basis. As the name suggests, the use of space and dimension is the gallery’s main and central concern. Its two directors have gathered the necessary contacts and expertise in the art field to elevate Artespacio to the status of a gallery that cannot be overlooked when talking about contemporary sculpture. Located in Alonso de Cordova 2600 / Opening from Monday to Friday 10 am to 8 pm and Saturday 11 am to 2 pm.
Shopping Costanera Center
This six story mall is housed in the tallest building in Latin America and includes luxury and international fashion stores such as Armani Exchange, Topshop, H&M, Hugo Boss, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Swarovski, Zara, Guess and G-Star Raw, and more than 100 shops including the three largest Chilean department stores, Paris, Falabella and Ripley. It also includes restaurants ranging from fast food to fine dining, a gym on the sixth floor, a cinema, and the first Hard Rock Cafe in the country. The recently opened Sky costanera has panoramic views of the city at a height of 300 meters.
Parque Arauco
Parque Arauco offers a lovely “Boulevard” shopping area with hip shops, a hundred or so national brands and well-known international chains, fast-food courts, multiscreen theaters, a bowling center, ice skating rink and some of the best restaurants in Santiago.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Paragliding Skydiving Thermal Baths Forest Treking Glacier Treking
Here is a list of any additional tours or services not included in our booklet that we can help to organise for you. Please let us know if you have questions involving these tours to check for availability and pricing
Volcano Trek Snowshoeing Tubing Bike and Wine Tour Pablo Neruda tour to Isla Negra and coastal route
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