Congratulations,you have found a hidden gem!

Chile is a great country and is full of unexplored and off the beaten track locations to visit.
The rural areas of the Central Valley coastal mountains are very popular holiday desinations with Chileans, mmmn.....?, but rarely discovered by foreign tourists! And without the huge crowds in the resorts. The coastal towns are busy in the summer months and the Lago Vichuquen lakeside homes are either full of family holiday homes(mansions!) or being rented out at exorbitant rates! And we're right in the middle of it. Far enough ,but not too far from Santiago. Beaches, lakes, vineyards and grrreat seafood, locally caught . Tempted?

Llico,and the coastal route

Llico , a small seaside town is 5 minutes from the farm. One thousand residents live here and most of the houses follow the river from Laguna Torca and the larger Lago Vichuquen , ending up in the broad expanse of Llico beach, about four kilometers long of pure sand. Most stay close to the restaurants,but if you start to walk along the sand, you quickly end up on your own .You can walk as far as you like accompanied by throngs of seabirds, many seagulls and pelicans to name a few.

There are several small Supermarkets, Ferreteria's, Butcher's Baker's and Artisan shops to cater for your local shopping needs. The local fishing fleet has a large area, next to the rocks where all the colorful boats are kept, a tractor hauls the boats ashore at the end of the days fishing . Restaurants line the beach front road and the remains of an old pier bears testament to the ferocity of the winter storms! While the summer temperatures are deliciously warm , there is nearly always a cooling breeze. The beach walks are as long as you can manage, as the beach ends , rocky outcrops make interesting viewpoints and then the beach continues. Watch out for the bird life .

Windsurfing competition in Llico

There is a long term goverment project to make a road which closely follows the coastline from north to south of Chile. It has made considerable progress locally and ongoing projects are still being constructed. The newly opened bridge in Llico is an example of the governments commitment to this project. Llico itself has also received a new asphalt road and has transformed the quality of life for many Llicanos!

There is a series of small towns on this coastal stretch ,starting with surf city Pichilemu, Bucalemu , Boyeruca to the north of us and Lipimavida, Pichibudi, Duao and Iloca to the south of us, each with its own style ,and being a fishing area lots of great seafood restaurants. We now have an Asphalted road link to Santiago, via Santa Cruz and Paredones, bar the last 5 k, but that is due to be finished within the year.

Vichuquen

Originally one of the most southerly Inca settlements in Chile, and not actually on the famous lake named after it. It is one of the best preserved villages in the Central valley, narrow streets lined with brightly painted adobe houses , and with the Plaza de Armas as the center. The Museo Colonial, with many relics and artifacts of the Inca life, is well worth a visit. Artesanal shops, carvers (usually working in the street) and other small trades featured.

For a taste and look at some local Artesanal craft work.

Arte Vichuquen

Featuring the work of Roberto Calquin.

Lago Vichuquen

A long twisting serpentine lake, lined with expensive villas of Santiago's wealthy . Immaculately maintained gardens, leading to private beaches are the norm here! Access to the lake is very limited ! However the drive round the lake starts at Llico and follows through to Aqelarre, a small town with some nice restaurants and some shops, following the road will bring you to Vichuquen. There are some spectacular view points above the lake, giving a wonderful vista of the lake.

The Coastal Towns

Pichilemu

Pichilemu was brought to prominence by Agustín Ross Edwards. He planned a European style seaside resort on the Chilean coast. With a train direct from Santiago he constructed a Monte Carlo style casino and large hotel .The balustrade promenades and carefully manicured parks are well maintained. The casino has just been exstensively restored and is now used as a tourist office, but is filled with fascinating local objects and art.The friendly staff are proud to show you the gracious building and tell you some of the hidden history of the building.

Times change and the main reason for Pichilemu´s regeneration, is down to natures great gift of a world class surf break. The town is expanding rapidly with new construction blossoming and spreading along the beaches to Punta Lobo, the next great surf stop. Rightly called Chile's Surf Capital, many National and International competitions happen right here, a 45 minute drive from the farm on the new coastal road.

Bucalemu

Boyeruca

Lipimavida

Duao

Iloca

Curico and Maule valleys.

Curicó was founded in 1743 by Jose Manso de Velasco during the Spanish reign in Chile. It is one of the more cultured and progressive provincial towns in Chile.

The best known attraction of the city is the Plaza de Armas. centered around ornamental sculptured water fountains, and surrounded by 60 massive palm trees creating a wonderfully cool area in the summer heat. It is renown for its wrought iron work and the ornate bandstand created early in the last century is a classic example. A fine carving cut into the trunk of a tree by the famous craftsman of Vichuquén, Heraclio "Kako" Calquín of "Toqui Lautaro", the Mapuche war chief responsible for defeating and killing Pedro de Valdivia at The Battle of Tucapel , is also featured. 

An interesting feature of the city is its wine culture. It is reflected in a number of ways, such as the Fiesta de la Vendimia (Wine Harvest Festival) and is celebrated in the third week of March. Initiated by Miguel Torres, the event has grown each year and the town square is awash with wine, mixing Iberian and Creole customs. Tastings from the many local wineries are the main feature, however the town enters into the spirit of the occasion , many local artesanals display their wares, local restaurants run special events and menus.The wine Queen is weighed in bottles, and of course the blessing of the first wine batch. Furthermore, the region has its own tourist circuit, La Ruta del Vino (The Wine Route), in Curicó Valley.

Wine route for Curico Area with Ruta del Vino Valles de Curico

A few blocks from the plaza, the Alameda Antonio Manso de Velasco avenue crosses the city with its gardens and leafy trees. There is also the Condell hill, which offers a panoramic view of the city . The San Francisco church, a declared national monument, is situated at the foot of the hill.

To the east lies Radal Siete Tazas National Reserve ,home to the 'Siete Tazas' waterfalls, the 'Seven Cups' translation doesn't have quite the same ring but does not detract from the wonderful sight. In fact there are twenty two different waterfalls in this park, along the Claro river .  

Potrero Grande is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. It is a mountainous area with large forests and waterfalls, located about 30 km from Curicó. The rivers around Curicó are excellent for exploring.

Officially we are in the Maule , Region 7. However we are right on the border of the Colchagua valley. The main town is Santa Cruz, about an hour's drive from the farm and provides another extensive wine area to explore. There are many vineyards on the way . You will also pass many new olive groves which seem to be increasing in number in this area.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is bustling country town serving the local farming community, if you want your tractor serviced this is the place to go, and it is located centrally in the Colchagua valley . Plenty to do here, and the Colchagua Museum is well worth a visit. Many vineyards close by including Viu Manent a favorite of mine .

If you like a good steak, my favorite restaurant is El Candil, a family run restaurant in a beautiful brand new Chilean Farm style hacienda . It´'s actually 5 minutes east of Santa Cruz on the Lolol road . The specialist chef at the barbeque, knows his stuff and not stupid prices! You will pass it if you are driving to the farm following our route guide.

El Candil web page

Local Santa Cruz Web Page

The Museo de Colchagua was planned with the concept to go through the past of the planet and the Universal man’s History, from our American reality

Wine Train

Ruta Cruz has tour operators based in Santiago and Santa Cruz city who are specialized in wine tourism, outdoor excursions, adventure tourism and expeditions for various geographic locations in Chile

http://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/Pichilemu.shtml