These destinations make great day trips from Santiago. Most of them have accommodations where you can stay the night if you'd like. You can take a bus to any of these destinations, but a short-term car rental gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Pomaire
This small town is known for its large pottery. Skilled potters in this artisan village have perfected their clay-tossing skills at the potter's wheel for centuries, and the quality of their craftsmanship is evident in their work. The ceramics are an excellent value, as they are relatively inexpensive. Take home a tic-tac-toe set, a vase, or punch bowl and set of cups. Enjoy a sumptuous Chilean mid-day meal here at one of the town's restaurants before heading back to the big city. Busses run a few times daily and the trip takes about an hour.

Cajon del Maipo
This stunningly beautiful canyon is one of the more popular weekend spots for Santiago's natives. Stop at any of the quaint villages along the way, or head to the hot springs for a dip in the thermal baths. Busses head from Santiago to Cajon del Maipo every 30 minutes.

Ski Resorts
The Andes Mountains beckon Santiago's snow sports enthusiasts from merely miles away with its tantalizing snow-capped peaks. Three distinct ski resorts, Valle Nevado, La Parva, and Farrellones cater to snowriders of varying abilitie-- if you can handle the 40 consecutive hairpin turns on the access roads. Take a lesson, charter a helicopter, or warm your toes by the fire in the lodge at one of these resorts.

Vineyards
Take a half or full-day tour of some of the region's finest vineyards, or drive yourself and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you head into the Valle de Maipo region south of Santiago. At Vina Undurraga, founded in 1885, you can tour the mansion and gardens before enjoying a tasting. Vina Santa Rita's dungeon-like cellars have been named a national monument. Some of the barrels in Santa Rita's cellars are over 120 years old, though they are no longer in use. Vina Concha y Toro's hour-long tour includes an introductory video, a stroll though the vineyard and the 130 year old gardens, as well as a tasting.

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