The vineyards of central Chile 140 Chile Casa Real was so wonderful we stayed an additional night. HJ, RyeThe Central Valley, with rich soils and a sunny Mediterranean climate, is Chile's breadbasket. Orchards flourish, and the sunny slopes of the Andean foothills support vineyards producing world class wines. There are now several boutique-style wineries welcoming overnight guests where you can sit back and enjoy the views or indulge in some gentle outdoor activities. South from Santiago lies the fertile Colchagua Valley, dedicated to fruit and wine production. At Santa Cruz on the Colchagua Wine Route you can view the wine-making process and taste the end result. We can hire a car for you to explore this region at your own pace: all the scenic, rural roads are paved and generally well marked.The Maipo and Casablanca Valleys, a couple of hours from Santiago, are celebrated among the world's wine cognoscenti: shiraz and pinot noir grapes thrive among orchards and woodland of cedar, chestnut and almond. Here you'll be able to enjoy a relaxing country stay in classy surroundings. La Casona at Matetic (left) offers intimate accommodation (7 rooms) in a 100 year-old estancia refurbished in colonial style. Casa Real (below) is a stately country mansion on the Santa Rita Vineyard, with leisure facilities including a pool, stables and a tennis court.The wine region is well-placed for access to the Andean crossing to Mendoza in Argentina's wine region, with frequent flights to Buenos Aires. It's also a short drive to the port of Valparaíso, famous for the wooden funicular railways that scale the cliffs to brightly painted houses above the harbour. Further afield, you might head on to Easter Island (p147) or the Brazilian beaches of Rio de Janeiro (pp78-79).david nicholsistockphoto.comdavid nichols

how about?» Self-driving through Argentina's lake district or far-flung north-western canyons (pp162-163). Quincho Country Home had absolutely superb accommodation, food and service. JM, InvernessCHILEARGENTINA......PucónColchagua ValleySantiagoPunta ArenasPuerto MonttPuerto VarasLake districtTorres del Paine National ParkIt seems that each of the royal blue lakes in this region of chocolate-box prettiness is overlooked by its own snow-dipped volcano. You can visit traditional villages of neat wooden cottages and stay at good quality hotels in lively waterside resorts such as Pucón and Puerto Varas, with guided excursions. But there are other ways to enjoy these serene landscapes.You can have a more active holiday with guided hikes along country trails, taking you up close to the volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco, through a fairyland of mossy, ancient alerce forests, and to the shores of hidden lakes. Or explore at the pace of your choice. Drive your own hire car along scenic paved and gravel roads; you'll have more independence and flexibility but also the security of pre-booked hotels.Cross into Argentina through one of the few chinks in the Andean wall from Puerto Varas to Bariloche?three lake crossings interlaced with four separate road journeys. Glacial lakes are flanked by sheer rock faces, monkey-puzzled piedmonts, and steep snow-capped peaks. Freedom of the road 18 days, 15 nightsSantiago 1 night, Colchagua Valley vineyards 3n, Santiago 1n, lake district self-drive hotels 6n, Torres del Paine 3n, Santiago 1n.Day 1 Fly from the UK. Day 2 Arrive Santiago, rest of the day at leisure. Days 3-5 Exploring the Colchagua Valley vineyards by hire car. We arrange a transfer from Santiago: collect your vehicle close to your first night's accommodation at Casa Silva on a 19th century estate. Beyond, peaceful Viña la Playa is set amid lawns and surrounded by vineyards. You have 2 full days at leisure to visit exquisite wine cellars, drop in on rustic local restaurants and stretch your legs in sleepy colonial towns. Day 6 We transfer you back to Santiago. Days 7-12 Fly to Temuco in the lake district for 6 days' exploration by hire car. There are 2 nights in Pucón (black sand beach, water sports, river-rafting, volcano climbing), 1 in Huife (thermal baths), 2 in Huilo Huilo and 1 in the Bavarian-style resort of Puerto Varas. There are about 700km of driving, so you have plenty of time to pull up and enjoy panoramic views. Days 13-15 Transfer to Puerto Montt airport and fly to Punta Arenas in Patagonia (2hrs). Transfer to Eco Camp in Torres del Paine National Park (p144) for 3 nights. Based in an en-suite dome, explore the national park with a choice of guided excursions. Day 16 Transfer to Punta Arenas airport for flight to Santiago (4½hrs). Day 17 Fly to the UK, arriving day 18. Prices from £3,166pp based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Regular departures from the UK quincho country home This is the perfect environment in which to relax in a real 'home from home'. The imposing house, overlooking two volcanoes close to Puerto Varas, has just 4 large, luxurious suites and a cosy living room with open log fire. Choose from a menu of excursions to nearby beauty spots, from easy sightseeing tours to hiking, horse-riding and white water rafting; or just enjoy a bottle of wine in the tranquillity of the extensive grounds. 020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information 141The Chilean lake district Below The volcanoes of Osorno and Calbuco, near Puerto Varas.istockphoto.com