This long narrow country exports tons of fresh fruits and vegetables to the northern hemisphere between November and June. The intensively cultivated and irrigated central valley boasts high yields, top quality products and modern management. Diseases and pests are kept at bay with strict border controls and intense monitoring in the fields. The towering Andes to the east provide abundant irrigation water while the coastal mountains tot he west modify the ocean breezes to provide a unique climate for a wide variety of fruits.

This tour combines ten days of farm visits, grower/manager interviews, processing and packing plant visits, agricultural workshops and professional experienced guides. Cultural entertainment, beach resorts, country fairs and exquisite Chilean cuisine supplement the technical aspects of this tour.

Sunday, Day 1
We arrive at Santiago’s International airport and are met by Anglatin’s representatives. The to our hotel located in the upscale Providencia district includes an introduction to Santiago and Chile. In the afternoon we visit an exhibition of special Chilean crafts and a wine museum. Wine and pisco tasting precedes dinner overlooking the city and the sun setting on the snowcapped Andes mountains. Overnight Santiago

Monday, Day 2
Following our buffet breakfast we visit the largest farmers market in the metropolitan area. Our workshop with the managers includes information on business structure, changes in agricultural marketing and quality control. Our walking tour of the market reveals free enterprise in action as distributors and retailers negotiate with producers and market vendors for everything from poultry to potatoes to pears. Lunch is famous parrillada with all kinds of meats sizzling on our table, and platters full of salads being passed around. Our next stop is a suburban orchard producing peaches, apricots, plums and cherries for the export market. Here we seen the most modern tree management and a small packing shed. Following our return to our hotel we savor classic Chilean cuisine, enjoy the folk music and dancing show, and then show off our own dance skills into the late hours. Overnight, Santiago

Tuesday, Day 3
Following breakfast we depart Santiago heading south through the Central Valley. In the Valley of San Vicente de Tagua Tagua we tour orange groves, onion fields, melon fields, and a vegetable packing plant. Lunch is at a 400 year old colonial Spanish estate and includes a tour of the antique filled house and chapel. Horse trails and the olympic size swimming pool is available following lunch. We also see a typical Chilean rodeo. Overnight Curicó

Wednesday, Day 4
Curicó is the cherry capital of Chile. We tour the largest packing plant in the area under the guidance of the plant manager and quality control director. Following lunch we interview two cherry growers and the director of field services for the packing plant. While walking through the orchards learn about new varieties, tree management, integrated pest control, labor management and the impact of global markets. In the evening we enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of our hotel garden while we sit around the pool sipping pisco sours. Overnight, Curicó

Thursday, Day 5
Our first stop today is the San Pedro winery, one of the largest and most modern in Chile. From our vantage point on a small mountain, we learn how San Pedro manages their 2200 hectare vineyard for maximum efficiency and wine quality. The brand new winery and bottling plant stands next to traditional caves and wooden tanks that are still used for very special wines. Lunch is at Echeverría, a more intimate and traditional family owned winery. We continue south on Route 5 to the hot springs resort of Quinamávida where the best regional cuisine is awaiting us. Overnight Termas de Quinamávida

Friday, Day 6
Following a hearty country breakfast in our hotel we visit a modern farm specializing in raspberries, kiwis, pears, apples and other fruits. This progressive farmer packs and processes much of his own product and exports to the rest of South America. Lunch is at our hot springs resort. The afternoon sun invites us to relax in the thermal pools, take a mud bath, ride the mountain trails on Chilean horses or take a siesta in a shaded hammock. In the evening we have an excursion to Yerbas Buenas, a local village that hasn’t been spoiled by McDonalds. We visit with the residents in the central square, visit the small historical museum and stroll the shaded veranda lined streets. Overnight Termas de Quinamávida

Saturday, Day 7
Another hearty country breakfast sends us on our way north. We pass through the Lo Prado tunnel and enter the Curacaví valley where we see oranges growing next to peaches, beans and alfalfa. Lunch is at a very traditional restaurant featuring the best regional dishes. We then pass through the Zapata tunnel and enter the Casablanca valley. This valley has been filled with vineyards in only the past 15 years and boasts the best Chardonnay wine in Chile. Our arrival at Viña del Mar is spectacular as we break out of the woods to a panorama of the South Pacific and the port city of Valparaiso spread out in front of us. Our hotel is on the most famous beach and a short walk from hundreds of restaurants, a shopping center, the casino and more beaches. Overnight Viña del Mar

Sunday, Day 8
Today is a day of rest and relaxation. Included are visits to one of the many local fishing villages, beaches, shopping centers, restaurants, museums, gardens and other attractions. Overnight Viña del Mar

Monday, Day 9
Following breakfast in our hotel we depart to the Aconcagua valley. We tour greenhouses where early tomatoes, flowers and ornamental plants are produced. This is also the center of avocado and citrus production and our interviews with owners/managers reveal the production and export challenges they face. We return to Viña del Mar in time for a delicious seafood lunch and then a comprehensive tour of Valparaiso. This is Chile’s largest port and is built on 14 hills covered with charming Victorian style homes. The evening if free to try your luck at the casino or enjoy Viña del Mar’s exciting nightlife. Overnight Viña del Mar

Tuesday, Day 10
After a sendoff breakfast in our hotel we depart to Santiago’s international airport and connect to flights home.