Things To Do
in Calera de Tango

Baked empanadas filled with seasoned beef (pino), onion, olive and egg; found at bakeries and street vendors across the town.

Must-Try!

Chilean-style barbecue — grilled cuts of beef, pork and chorizo often enjoyed at family meals or local eateries with simple sides like pebre and tomato salad.

A popular summer/spring casserole of ground corn, meat and a sweetcorn topping; served at restaurants and during local festivals.

Carménère and Cabernet Sauvignon are common; smaller boutique vineyards offer tastings and bottle sales.

A typical municipal market selling fresh produce, bread, cheeses and occasional prepared foods — great for buying seasonal fruits, vegetables and empanadas.

Small family-run stalls and roadside grills offer empanadas, sandwiches, roasted chicken and simple sweets — ideal for quick, authentic bites.

Handshakes and a single cheek kiss are common for acquaintances; use formal greetings (Señor/Señora) for elders or first meetings and switch to first names after rapport builds.

Hosts are warm and generous; accept offers of food or drinks when possible and bring a small gift if invited to someone's home (wine, sweets).

Casual dress is fine in rural settings but dress more neatly for urban dining or church visits; be polite and avoid loud or confrontational behavior in public.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in private properties or rural homesteads; many residents are cooperative when asked respectfully.

In restaurants, a 10% service charge is common and sometimes added to the bill; if service is not included, tipping around 10% is appreciated. For taxis, round up fares or add small change; porters and hotel staff appreciate small tips for help with luggage. Cash remains useful in markets and small businesses.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger restaurants, wineries and shops; small vendors often prefer cash (Chilean pesos). ATMs are available in larger towns and Santiago — carry some cash for rural purchases. Chip-and-PIN and contactless payments are common in urban points of sale.

Warm to hot, dry weather (December–February) with clear skies — best for vineyard visits and low-elevation outdoor activities, but bring sun protection and stay hydrated. Afternoon heat can be strong; plan strenuous activities for mornings or late afternoons.

Mild temperatures (March–May) and beautiful fall colors in deciduous trees and vineyards; pleasant for walks, tastings and photography. Cooler evenings mean layers are useful.

Chillier and wetter months (June–August) with occasional rain in lowlands and regular snow higher in the Andes — mountain roads may be impacted, and high-altitude sites can be cold and icy. Not ideal for casual swimming or reservoir visits.

Flowering season (September–November) brings milder weather, blooming fields and good conditions for hiking and outdoor photography; expect variable temperatures and occasional wind.

A gateway canyon to the Andes offering a range of hikes, riverside walks and viewpoints; access varies with season and some sections require a vehicle to reach trailheads.

A dramatic high-Andes reservoir with turquoise waters and sweeping mountain vistas — scenic but weather-dependent and best visited in a full-day trip.

A popular nearby summit for experienced hikers offering panoramic views of Santiago and the surrounding valleys; prepare for exposed terrain and variable weather.

Protected area near Cajón del Maipo with well-marked trails, waterfalls and native flora — excellent for day hikes and nature photography (seasonal access fees may apply).

Santiago’s main international airport located northwest of the city — roughly 30–60 minutes by car depending on traffic; primary gateway for international flights and many domestic connections.

A smaller military and general aviation airfield south of central Santiago used for private flights and flight training — useful for some charter services and regional access.