Inca Lagoon and Andes Vineyards: A Journey of Scenic Beauty and Local Wine Tasting

I arrived in Santiago during Chile’s Independence Day celebrations—a festive and vibrant long holiday. With my trip planned for Saturday, just a day before heading back home, I wasn’t sure if it would actually happen.

Thankfully, the travel agent called me the evening before to confirm, and my excitement grew. Early the next morning, at around 6:00 AM, our tour guide, Benjamín, greeted me warmly in my hotel lobby. I was the first pick-up, and soon we were on our way to collect the other travelers.

Our first stop was a winery. The drive from Santiago offered stunning springtime views of Chile’s lush, green agricultural landscapes—rolling fields and vibrant colors that perfectly captured the season’s beauty.

We arrived at In Situ Family Vineyards, famous for their high-altitude wines. Located northeast of Santiago at the mountainous edge of the Aconcagua Valley, this vineyard is part of a rare terroir that produces some of the world’s finest wines.

Benjamín and our driver prepared a charming table with snacks to accompany a delightful tasting of three wines: two Signature and one Reserva.

Signature Wines are limited-production, handcrafted blends from the diverse terroir of Upper Aconcagua, showcasing individually selected vineyard plots and grape varieties for a truly unique experience.

Reserva Wines are crafted from the finest grapes to highlight their most distinctive aromas. Known for their soft, elegant tannins, these wines are aged in a harmonious blend of French and American oak.

After savoring the wines, we continued our journey to the enchanting Laguna del Inca. The drive took us along the Paso Internacional Los Libertadores (Route 60), a scenic road crossing the Andes. This iconic route includes a dramatic tunnel, steep switchbacks, and even passes by the Christ the Redeemer statue. It connects Chile and Argentina and is part of the Pan-American Highway, the world’s longest motorable road.

We stopped for lunch at Portillo Ski Resort, South America’s first ski resort, which attracts visitors from around the world to enjoy the Andes. The resort overlooks the breathtaking Laguna del Inca (Lake of the Incas), a turquoise gem nestled in the Andes, just miles from Argentina.

This stunning lake carries a mystical aura, steeped in an ancient Incan legend. It’s said that Illi Yupanqui, an Incan prince, was deeply in love with the beautiful Princess Kora-Illé. On their wedding day, tragedy struck when Kora-Illé fell to her death in the mountains. Devastated, Illi Yupanqui placed her body in the lake’s turquoise waters so her spirit could live on eternally.

The lake’s mesmerizing blue-green hue is said to reflect the prince’s tears. On quiet days, locals claim you can still hear his heartbroken cries echoing through the Andes, a poignant reminder of this timeless love story.

After lunch, we had some time to explore and soak in the incredible views. It was amazing to see people skiing while surrounded by such majestic scenery. On our way back to Santiago, we made a quick stop at a farm café, where I got up close to some adorable llamas. This one-day trip was an unforgettable experience, and I hope to explore even more of Chile next time!