What to do for a week (with a baby) in the Santiago area?

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luxxnatura12
luxxnatura12

I will be taking my family to Santiago when I go there in June to speak at a conference. I will be bringing my 10-month old baby. Outside of the conference, we have about a week of free time, and I'm wondering what to check out. While I typically like adventure travel, with a baby in tow I'm not so comfortable with that. I was thinking of maipo valley, a trip to Valparaiso (how many days would you recommend?), and my husband was interested to "head to the mountains" via car rental, but I'm not sure what the roads are like for just cruising around. Any thoughts? Also, how are the roads between Santiago and Maipo Valley, and Santiago and Valparaiso?

Thanks all!

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femby
femby

There can be a lot of smog in Santiago in winter, though other cities in Chile are worse due to wood burning for heating and cooking. Try to stay somewhere on the eastern side of the city in Las Condes, which has the best of the air quality. Try not to stay in the center of town.

You can easily take a bus to Valparaiso. It is a toll highway if you drive, though parking can be difficult.

The weather might not be great but, if you are hiring a car, you might consider driving to Santa Cruz in the Colchagua valley. It will take about 2.5 hrs and get you right out of the city. It is a major wine region but also a very nice area to explore. You can even drive to Pichilemu on the coast from there.

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fieldgate
fieldgate

I'd consider a trip to Mendoza, Argentina for a couple of days. It's about 8 hrs on bus. But, since it's winter, you'd have to look at weather forecast before you buy bus tickets. There are stunning views of the mountains along the way.
The reamining day or two I'd spend in Valparaiso.

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femby
femby

Although the trip over the Andes is spectacular, I'm not sure I would take such a small child to that altitude, especially in winter. There is also the matter of the reciprocity fee for Canadians going to Argentina.

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willemspie
willemspie

It will be winter, so are you interested in the ski resorts ? Otherwise better to go North around La Serana where the weather is milder.

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