Portillo & Laguna del Inca: Andes Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Snow peaks, blue lagoon views and a warm meal in Portillo

You’ll wake early in Santiago for a day trip into the Andes with a local guide, stopping at Salto del Soldado for legends and mountain air before reaching Portillo Ski Center. Lunch at Hotel Portillo comes with views of Laguna del Inca’s unreal blue water. It’s not just about scenery — it’s how you’ll feel sitting quietly among giants.

What’s the experience like?

Opened my eyes to the bus window fogged by our breath — outside, the Andes just sort of rose up, all rough edges and snow patches. We’d left Santiago early, still half asleep, but something about winding past Parque Arauco mall (never thought I’d start an adventure next to Ripley’s) felt oddly right. Our guide, Claudia, had this habit of pointing out little things — “see that?” she said as we rolled by a roadside stand selling sopaipillas. The air smelled like cold stone and diesel for a bit, then it thinned out into something sharper as we climbed higher.

The Salto del Soldado Viewpoint was our first real stop — just a slice of rock and river if you’re not paying attention, but Claudia told us the story about the soldier who supposedly jumped across while escaping. I tried to picture it but mostly just stared at the Aconcagua River twisting through those cliffs. There was this moment where everyone got quiet; even the wind seemed to hush for a second. Someone’s thermos hissed open and suddenly it smelled like instant coffee mixed with mountain air. Weirdly comforting.

After that, the road curled up toward Portillo Ski Center. It wasn’t ski season but you could still see old tracks on the slopes — ghost lines in the snow. Lunch at Hotel Portillo was included (thank god because I was starving), and there’s something about eating hot food while staring straight at Laguna del Inca that makes you forget your phone for once. The lake really is that blue — almost fake-looking against all that white. Claudia tried to teach us how to say “Laguna del Inca” with proper Chilean rhythm; Li laughed when I tried it (I probably butchered it). The whole thing felt less like a tour and more like being let in on some local secret people actually care about.

I still think about that view sometimes — how small we looked next to those mountains, how good it felt to just sit there with soup warming my hands and not rush anywhere. On the way back down, someone started humming quietly and I realized nobody wanted to break whatever spell we’d found up there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Portillo and Laguna del Inca

• Meet at Turistik Parking, Parque Arauco
• See Salto del Soldado Viewpoint
• Visit Uspallata border area
• Arrive at Portillo Ski Center
• View Laguna del Inca lagoon
• Return to Mall Parque Arauco

Top questions

How far is Portillo from Santiago?

Portillo is about 164 km from Santiago by road, roughly 2–3 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Is lunch included at Hotel Portillo?

Yes, lunch at Hotel Portillo is included in this day trip experience.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide is bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English during the tour.

Does this tour include pickup in Santiago?

No hotel pickup; departure is from Turistik Parking near Parque Arauco mall in Las Condes.

Can infants join this day trip?

Yes, infants can join; they may ride in a stroller or sit on an adult’s lap as needed.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels as most activities are light walking or sightseeing.

Do we visit Salto del Soldado Viewpoint?

Yes, there is a stop at Salto del Soldado Viewpoint along the route to Portillo.

Will we have time for photos at Laguna del Inca?

Yes, there is time planned to enjoy views and take photos of Laguna del Inca during your visit.

What’s included

Your day includes round trip transfer from Santiago’s Turistik Parking near Parque Arauco mall (exclusive for your group), guidance from a bilingual local expert throughout the journey into the Andes, stops at Salto del Soldado Viewpoint and other key spots along the way, plus lunch served at Hotel Portillo overlooking Laguna del Inca before heading back down in an air-conditioned vehicle.