Andes: Inca Lagoon Day Trip & InSitu Winery Tasting

Summary

Andes mountains, emerald lagoon views, wine tasting and winding roads

You’ll ride from Santiago into the heart of the Andes with a local guide, tasting high-altitude wines at InSitu Winery and winding up Caracoles road to reach the emerald waters of Inca Lagoon. Expect warm empanadas, snowy peaks, and stories that linger longer than your photos.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how the city faded behind us as we headed out from Santiago—one minute it was all morning traffic and sleepy faces, then suddenly the mountains just took over. The air got thinner, sharper. Our guide, Francisco, kept pointing out things I’d never have noticed—like how the light on Aconcagua’s peak changes every few minutes if you watch it long enough. He told us stories about the Caracoles road before we even got there (honestly, my stomach was a bit nervous for those 30 switchbacks). But first there was coffee and a quick stop for snacks—everyone grabbing water like we were about to climb Everest.

The Andes really do feel endless up close. We stopped at InSitu Winery before climbing higher—a vineyard tucked right into the foothills. I’m not much of a wine person but their Malbec tasted different up there; maybe it was just the air or that view of the vines with snowy peaks behind them. Francisco introduced us to Daniela from the winery who poured with this easy confidence—she laughed when I asked how grapes survive winter here (“They’re tougher than me,” she said). After that, we hit Caracoles road. The curves are wild—felt like being inside a snake’s dream—and then suddenly you’re above everything.

The Inca Lagoon is way greener than any photo shows, almost glassy in places. There’s this old story about an Inca princess whose eyes turned the water emerald—I tried to imagine her standing there, wind in her hair, while I ate my empanada (which was honestly still warm and kind of perfect). Lunch at Portillo Hotel felt like something out of an old movie—waiters in crisp shirts, skiers drifting by outside even though it was nearly silent indoors. On the way back we stopped at a llama farm—one of them stared me down like he knew I’d never seen snow until today.

I didn’t expect to feel so small or so calm up there. It’s not just about seeing things—it’s more like letting all that mountain space get into your head for a while. Even now when I hear traffic outside my window back home, sometimes I think about that silence by the lagoon and wonder if Francisco is telling someone else that same story right now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Andes tour with lagoon and winery visit

• Pick up from hotel at 7:30am
• Technical stop for water and snacks
• Stop to view Aconcagua mountain peak
• Visit In Situ winery for wine tasting
• Drive Caracoles highway and take photos
• Explore Inca Lagoon and have lunch
• Visit oldest South American ski resort
• Snack stop with Chilean empanadas and llamas farm
• View canyon and hear soldier story
• Drop off at hotel in Santiago by 6:00pm

Top questions

How long does the Andes Inca Lagoon day trip take?

The tour lasts around 10 hours including hotel pickup in Santiago and drop-off in late afternoon or early evening.

Is lunch included on this day trip to Inca Lagoon?

The tour includes an empanada snack; lunch at Portillo Hotel is available but not included in the base price.

Do you visit a winery on this Andes tour?

Yes, you stop at InSitu Winery for wine tasting with views of the Andes mountains.

What is Caracoles road?

Caracoles is a mountain highway with 30 sharp curves leading up to 3,000 meters altitude on the way to Argentina.

Are hotel pickups included for this tour?

Yes, hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off in Santiago are included in your booking.

Can children join this day trip from Santiago?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and infants can ride in strollers; families are welcome.

Is there a minimum number of people required?

A minimum of four participants is needed; if not met you’ll be offered another date or refund.

What happens if the winery is closed?

If InSitu Winery is closed (Sundays/holidays), wine tasting will be arranged at another location nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Santiago, guided transport through the Andes with stories along the way, entry to InSitu Winery with tastings (or alternative location if closed), an empanada snack stop (plus time for lunch at Portillo Hotel if you want), all led by a professional local guide before returning to your hotel in the evening.