Santiago is a good base from where it is possible to take a great many interesting tours. Half and full day tours to visit wineries are a good wine to enjoy the countryside and enjoy its produce.
The Colchagua Valley considered by many to produce some of Chiles wine lies just 120 miles to the north while wineries belonging to Concha y Toro and the better Undurraga brands are easier to access.
Walking tours in the foothills of the Andes can start less than an hour after leaving the city by car
The port city of Valparaiso and its adjacent seaside resorts are just 90 minutes away by car along a 70 mile highway.
Typically the city is a tourist stopping point on route to Patagonia or Antartica or as we are doing setting off to round Cape Horn but those who are tempted to bypass the city are the poorer for it. It has a great deal to offer and it pays to linger in the city for at least for a day or so.