

Banos Colina is a natural hot spring in the Chilean Andes at the head of the Maipo valley, a short drive from Santiago. The water emerges from the rock and cascades down a series of pools, each slightly less hot than the previous one, so that you can find the temperature that suits you. There are simple changing huts, car parking, and at weekends and holidays, a masseuse is available. After a walk in the mountains towards the snowline, and a long, therapeutic wallow in the milky-blue water, what better way to end a day than a half-hour massage while you gaze up at the snowy peaks. You can also stop at a farm on the way up into the mountains, to buy freshly-baked bread and home-made cheese to keep you going all day. A memorable and totally refreshing day out in the mountains.
About 40 minutes by car from central Santiago.
Google map: bit.ly/hhirhz
Traveling with my husband in Chile, we wanted to have a nice break in Santiago after trekking for a few days in Torres del Paine. We took ages to find a nice boutique hotel in a good area- most of them are well situated but lack a certain charm. Nonetheless, we found L'Ambassade Petit Hotel Santiago in Providencia and it was just what we wanted- intimate and with a swimming pool. Picture this: delicious breakfast on our own private terrace, lunch by the swimming pool, private city tour (a must!) and the young and dynamic Franco-Chilean owners are charming and very helpful. A definite must in Santiago.
www.ambassade.cl/lambassade-ingles
Suiza 2084, Providencia, Santiago, Chile.
Metro Pedro de Valdivia
Google map: tinyurl.com/y9ka428
This tour guide offers you the best tours related to Chilean wine, food, culture and nature. Far away from the main-stream tourism you can explore country and people interactively.
Tailor made and special interest tours.
www.slowtravel.cl
(0056) 2 4177 039
In the middle of March every year is the Celebration of the Chilean Grape. This traditional celebration takes place in Buin which is a great venue for crafts, gastronomy, culture and folklore. Also the most prestigious vines of the country participate every year. It is a great opportunity to be in contact with the magic of wine and to enjoy activities, services and tourist circuits in one of the best rural boroughs of Santiago.
Avda. Parque O`Higgins de Buin, Santiago, CHILE.
MARIO GAVILÁN JIMÉNEZ
turisbuin@gmail.com
56 (02) 8218482
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