Isla Negra, Neruda Museum & Casablanca Wine Tasting Day Trip

Summary

From Neruda’s Pacific home to Casablanca vines, poetry and wine on Chile’s coast

You’ll walk through Pablo Neruda’s quirky Isla Negra house overlooking the Pacific, wander coastal towns with local crafts, try fresh seafood (lunch not included), then finish with a guided tasting of two reserve wines at Casas del Bosque in Casablanca Valley — all with round-trip transfer from Santiago. Expect poetry, sea air, and maybe a new favorite white wine.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me at Isla Negra was the salt in the air — sharp, almost metallic, mixing with the faint smell of old wood as we stepped into Pablo Neruda’s house. Our guide, Valentina, had this gentle way of pointing out odd little things: a ship in a bottle here, a drawer full of seashells there. She said Neruda believed every object had its own story. I tried to imagine him scribbling poems with the waves crashing outside. There were schoolkids giggling in the garden; made me smile for no reason.

After wandering through the museum (I lost track of time staring at his collection of masks), we walked down to the beach. The Pacific looked wild and gray that day — not exactly swimming weather, but beautiful in its own stubborn way. Then we drove up the coast toward San Alfonso del Mar. I’d heard about this place having the world’s largest swimming pool, but honestly? It just looked surreal — like someone dropped a turquoise lake next to the ocean. Lunch at Los Peces Gordos was noisy and bright; people shouting orders for ceviche and pastel de jaiba. I tried to order in Spanish and got a wink from the waiter for effort.

The last stretch was through Casablanca Valley. The light changed — softer somehow, vineyards rolling out under low clouds. Casas del Bosque felt calm after all that sea air. We tasted two reserve wines (the white one was crisp and cold; I kept swirling it like I knew what I was doing). Our host talked about sustainable winemaking — he seemed proud, but not showy about it. By then my shoes were dusty and my head pleasantly fuzzy from wine and stories both. On the drive back to Santiago I just watched the fields slide by and thought about Neruda’s desk facing the waves. That view sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Coastal culture, sea, and wine tour

• Meet at Turistik Parking, Santiago
• Visit Pablo Neruda’s House Museum, Isla Negra
• Walk around Isla Negra coastal town
• Free time at San Alfonso del Mar resort
• Lunch at Los Peces Gordos restaurant
• Tour and wine tasting at Casas del Bosque Vineyard

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Santiago to Isla Negra?

The tour lasts a full day, including travel time between Santiago, Isla Negra, San Alfonso del Mar, and Casablanca Valley.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch is not included. You’ll have free time to eat at Los Peces Gordos restaurant or another spot in San Alfonso del Mar.

What wines are tasted at Casas del Bosque?

You’ll taste two reserve wines from Casas del Bosque vineyard in Casablanca Valley.

Does this tour include entry to Neruda’s House Museum?

Yes, entrance to Pablo Neruda’s House Museum in Isla Negra is included.

Is pickup included for this day trip?

The tour includes round-trip transfer from Turistik Parking near Parque Arauco mall in Santiago.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and infants can ride in a stroller or sit on an adult's lap.

Are guides bilingual?

Yes, your guide speaks both Spanish and English during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfer from Santiago (meeting at Turistik Parking near Parque Arauco), entrance to Pablo Neruda’s House Museum at Isla Negra with a bilingual guide throughout, plus a tasting of two reserve wines at Casas del Bosque vineyard before heading back home together.