Drive from Santiago into the high Andes for vineyard tastings, llama encounters and sweeping views of Aconcagua before reaching Laguna Inca and Portillo. This full-day trip blends gentle walking, wine culture and dramatic alpine scenery.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A cold wind from the high Andes meets the bus as it climbs out of the valley and the city falls away. Vine rows blur into rocky slopes; llamas lift their heads and pose as the vehicle pauses on a hairpin. By late morning you stand with a glass beside the In Situ Family Vineyards, the Andes rising like a guarded wall behind the vines. Later the road narrows and the landscape shrinks to scree, slick switchbacks and the green-blue flash of a high mountain lake—Laguna Inca.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
11 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travellers in average condition; walking is short and not technical but expect standing and uneven shorelines.
Wildlife
History
Portillo is known as South America’s first major ski resort and the region has long been a transit corridor between Chile and Argentina, shaped by Andean travel and trade.
Conservation
High-Andean ecosystems are fragile—stay on designated paths, avoid trampling vegetation and respect seasonal shoreline closures intended to protect habitat.
Reserve your spot on the Inca Lagoon in Andes Mountain Range - Visit Local Vineyard with Tasting included today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Prepare for altitude
Laguna Inca and Portillo sit near ~2,800–2,900 m; bring water, move slowly on arrival and avoid heavy alcohol before the ascent.
Layer for wind and sun
High-elevation sun plus chilly winds demand sun protection and a windproof midlayer even on warm days.
Bring cash for lunch
Portillo’s restaurant and on-route stalls accept card intermittently; carry some Chilean pesos for empanadas or souvenirs.
Camera readiness
Stops include Aconcagua viewpoints, winding switchbacks and llamas—keep your camera or phone charged for fast photo opportunities.
Windproof jacket
Blocks cold mountain gusts during stops and at the lakeshore.
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Sunscreen & sunglasses
High-altitude UV is intense even on cool days; protect skin and eyes.
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Sturdy walking shoes
Comfortable, grippy shoes handle uneven paths at viewpoints and the lakeshore.
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Cash (Chilean pesos)
Useful for lunch, snacks and small purchases where card terminals may be limited.
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