Casablanca Valley: Day Trips and Tours from Santiago

The Casablanca Valley is well-known as one of the wine capitals of the world, producing flawless Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays from pristine vineyards overflowing with white grapes.

On top of its fruity wines, this region is one of the most striking corners of Chile, featuring endless tumbling hills and deep verdant valleys.

Whether you’re a wine expert or a total novice, you’ll enjoy learning about the production process and sampling sweet wines on a day trip to Casablanca Valley from Santiago.

Here's all you need to know about Casablanca Valley, one of the most exciting day trips from Santiago.

How to get to Casablanca Valley from Santiago?

Casablanca Valley is situated between the buzzing cities of Santiago and Valparaíso in central Chile. The wine region stretches for approximately 30 kilometers and is located around 80 kilometers from Santiago.

From Santiago to Casablanca Valley by car

The journey to Casablanca Valley from Santiago is an easy drive. You’ll simply head west out of the city and follow Route 68 the entire way, which takes just over an hour.

From Santiago to Casablanca Valley by public transport

If you wish to use public transportation to make the jaunt to Casablanca Valley, you’ll first board a bus at Terminal Sur. This direct route will connect you to Casablanca city in just under 1.5 hours. From there, you can take a short taxi ride out of the city and into the wine region.

Guided tour to Casablanca Valley from Santiago

Alternatively, book a guided excursion to Casablanca Valley from Santiago. You’ll usually benefit from a convenient hotel pickup service between 8 AM and 9 AM, and day tours last 8 to 10 hours in total.

What is the typical itinerary?

While the itinerary of each excursion differs, most Casablanca Valley day trips revolve around wine tasting. After being picked up from your accommodation in the morning, you’ll usually make the short drive straight to the valley.

Reaching your first destination, you’ll step into a world-class vineyard where you’ll participate in a tour of the facility, as well as a wine-tasting session. You’ll repeat this process throughout the day, at three or four vineyards in total.

During the middle of the day, you’ll break for lunch, and have the option to choose between several restaurants serving delicious local fare.

Alternatively, some combination tours drive straight from Santiago to Valparaíso, where you’ll take part in a guided tour of the coastal city. You’ll discover its myriad of monuments and historic funiculars before moving on to Viña del Mar.

You’ll then travel back toward the capital city, making a stop in the Casablanca Valley first. Here, you’ll visit one of the best vineyards in the region to enjoy a tasting session.

Either way, you’ll return to Santiago in the mid to late afternoon, where your Casablanca Valley day tour ends.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Casablanca Valley?

Whether you wish to spend the day roaming the hills of the wine region or discovering some of Chile’s most striking towns, you’ll find a Casablanca Valley day tour to suit you.

Guided tour to Casablanca Valley from Santiago

On this Casablanca Valley day trip, you’ll travel from the lively city of Santiago to the peaceful wine region, learning about the valley as you go.

The area is famed for its Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc varieties of wine, which you can sample from different estates as you make your way around four vineyards.

You’ll have an expert to guide you through each tasting and you’ll discover the lengthy process of winemaking — from grape to bottle.

Private tour to Casablanca Valley from Santiago

Alternatively, you can opt for a private day tour to Casablanca Valley and benefit from greater flexibility, and a personal touch. With the one-on-one attention of your guide, you’ll make a stop at Curacavi Valley — one of Chile’s most established wine regions on the edge of Casablanca Valley.

You’ll meet a local farmer who will fill you in on the propagation process of different crops, before journeying on to explore several vineyards.

Day tour to Casablanca Valley plus Valparaíso and Viña del Mar from Santiago

Another way to explore the region is to book a combination trip that visits several destinations in this area of Chile. Travel to the coastal city of Valparaíso, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site and is surrounded by picturesque hills that provide panoramic views.

From there, you’ll make your way to Viña del Mar to discover the delights of the “Garden City.” End your tour by visiting a renowned vineyard deep in the heart of the Casablanca Valley and sampling its tasty wines.

How much does a day trip to Casablanca Valley from Santiago cost?

Day trips to the Casablanca Valley from Santiago that focus on wine tasting cost approximately US$150 per person. You’ll enjoy guided tasting sessions at three vineyards and you’ll have a guide on hand to talk you through each variety of wine.

If you wish to book a private day tour of the Casablanca Valley, you’ll each pay US$230.

The most budget-friendly, day trip to Casablanca Valley that visits to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar costs US$100 per person, which includes one wine tasting and a tour guide.

What will you see and do?

Casablanca Valley is Chile’s prime wine region, nestled in between the mountains and coastline of central Chile. It is home to 11 vineyards, each producing its own unique blend of the tipple.

Chile produces over 4% of the world’s wine, a large proportion of which comes from this relatively small valley between Santiago and Valparaíso.

Casablanca Valley rose to fame after several large investments from wine experts based in other corners of Chile and its grapes began to be cultivated in the 1980s. While the region is famous for its sparkling whites, pinot noir is also grown in the valley in smaller quantities.

When is the best time to visit Casablanca Valley?

You can plan a day trip to Casablanca Valley at any time that suits you. The vineyards are open year-round for you to explore and participate in a tasting session. However, the landscape is the most scenic between September and June, when there’s a low chance of rain.

What are the other day trips from Santiago?

• Cajón del Maipo day trips from Santiago
• Concha y Toro Winery day tours from Santiago
• Day trips to Valle Nevado and Farellones from Santiago
• El Yeso Dam day trips from Santiago
• Day tours to Portillo and Inca Lagoon from Santiago

Travel tips

• Take a form of identification with you on your Casablanca Valley day tour as many excursions require you to be at least 18 years old.
• Buy a bottle of your favorite tipple from one of the wineries you visit in order to be flooded with vacation memories once you’re back home.
• If you’re a wine connoisseur, opt for the tour that includes the most vineyards and tasting sessions.