{"id":2499,"date":"2021-10-21T13:12:43","date_gmt":"2021-10-21T18:12:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/millennialroad.com\/?p=2499"},"modified":"2021-10-21T13:12:43","modified_gmt":"2021-10-21T18:12:43","slug":"santiago-region","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/millennialroad.com\/santiago-region\/","title":{"rendered":"Hot Springs, Vineyards and Beaches near Santiago"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As a cultural and political hub of Chile, Santiago is a popular tourist destination, but the surrounding areas should not be overlooked when considering a visit. From natural volcanic hot springs in the Andes mountains to the stunning vistas throughout wine country to the sandy shores along the Pacific coast, the variety of terrain and activities create the perfect getaway for a diverse range of travelers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visiting Santiago in late November of 2019 was not a choice being made by many at the time. Given the gravity and extent of strikes happening in Chile\u2019s capital, most of the city had shut down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The media coverage made Santiago sound downright scary, and after some pretty wild experiences dealing with strikes and riots in Quito<\/a>, we appreciated the potential impact this could have on a trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With booked flights and long-standing plans to meet with family members, canceling the trip was the last thing we wanted to do. As with any long-term travel, changed plans are unavoidable, and flexibility is vital. So we <\/strong>decided to modify our plans and spend our time outside the city in the nearby areas. And I am so glad we did.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After not seeing a familiar face for months, we were beyond happy to be meeting up with loved ones. A few hugs later, we were renting a car and beginning our Chilean adventure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we ventured from the mountains to wine country to the beach, I was amazed at the amount of beauty and variety that could be found just a short drive away from the bustling city of Santiago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

San Jos\u00e9 de Maipo: Ba\u00f1os Colina<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

About 50 km southeast of Santiago, the charming, historical city of San Jos\u00e9 de Maipo is situated along the Maipo River in a canyon known as Cajon de Maipo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nestled along the towering peaks of the Andean mountain range, natural splendor and opportunities for exploration are abundant. With features like volcanoes, glaciers, and <\/em><\/strong>hot springs, the lack of tourism we encountered in this area is surprising.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our first stop: Termas Valle de Colina<\/a> (or Ba\u00f1os Colina)<\/strong>, natural, volcanic hot springs nestled in the middle of the Andes mountains.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you decide to drive yourself, be prepared for lack of infrastructure, gravel roads, and a spotty cell signal (if any). So go equipped with downloaded maps, a tank full of gas, snacks, drinks, and cash for the entry fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We drove a compact car with front-wheel drive and had no issues. That being said, you may want a better-suited vehicle (or to just take a tour) if you don’t care to sign up for that much adventure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The road to Termas Valle de Colina<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While it requires going off the beaten path, the experience is entirely worth the adventure. As we drove through the Andean mountainside to the hot springs, the views became increasingly more breathtaking.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tranquility of the mountainside in this remote area combined with the fresh mountain air left us with a sense of calm and excitement at the same time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Just before arriving, I laid eyes on one of the most unique mountain peaks I\u2019ve ever seen. With a facade painted in swirls of red, white, yellow, green, and brown, I was yet again amazed by the extraordinary artwork that can be discovered in nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our experience at Ba\u00f1os Colina was lovely, starting from the moment we pulled up to these cascading thermal pools situated amongst terraces along the mountainside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As we soaked in natural hot springs in the middle of the Andes, flurries of snow began falling around us. I felt like it was a scene from a movie, sitting in hot springs with snowflakes in my hair while surrounded by panoramic views of snow-capped mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With several different thermal baths, each of which varies in temperature, everyone can find the perfect spot for the moment. I found myself rotating from one pool to the next, enjoying <\/strong>the exercise of finding that perfect \u201cGoldilocks\u201d balance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The wind was cold and brisk on my face, but the warmth of the springs instantly made any chill melt away from my mind. With only winter white flurries between me and the epic mountain views that surrounded me, I couldn\u2019t help but wonder whether someone should pinch me and wake me from this dream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Banos<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Eventually, it was time to say goodbye to this magical destination. One part of any good trip is making impromptu stops along the way, letting go of planning, and just enjoying what the day has to offer. And this is precisely what we did along our route back from the hot springs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After passing by countless <\/em><\/strong>goats grazing amidst the rocky terrain, we made our first detour at a lovely waterfall we came upon during the drive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n