San Felipe

San Felipe is a city of approximately 65,000 in the Valparaíso Region, 80 km east of Valparaíso in the Aconcagua Valley. Founded in 1740, it is the capital of the San Felipe de Aconcagua Province and a centre for fruit farming (table grapes, nectarines, avocados). The city has a notable neoclassical cathedral and a well-preserved historic centre.

By Plane

Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCL) in Santiago is 80 km south. Buses from Valparaíso run hourly (1.5 hr, CLP 3,000).

By Car / Road

From Valparaíso, take Route 60 east via Quillota (80 km, 1.25 hr). Paved road.

The town centre is compact and walkable. Local taxis and colectivos cover the residential areas.

• Catedral de San Felipe: a 19th-century neoclassical cathedral.

• Plaza de Armas: the main square with gardens and a bandstand.

• Museo de San Felipe: a regional museum with archaeological and historical exhibits.

• Wine tours: the Aconcagua Valley is an important wine region.

• Hiking: Cerro El Roble, 20 km south, has trails through native forest.

• Restaurante El Valle (mid-range): Chilean food. Mains CLP 6,000–12,000.
• Cocinería La Plaza (budget): empanadas. Mains CLP 3,000–5,000.

Tap water is safe to drink. There are a few simple bars and cafés on the main square.

• Budget: Hostal San Felipe (shared CLP 10,000).
• Mid-range: Hotel Aconcagua (private CLP 35,000–50,000).

• Mercado local: a small market selling fresh produce and basic goods.
• Almacenes de la plaza: grocery stores for daily needs.

• Valparaíso (80 km west, 1.25 hr): historic port.
• Los Andes (15 km south, 15 min): border-crossing town.
• Santiago (80 km south, 1.25 hr): national capital.
• Portillo ski centre (80 km east, 1.5 hr): world-class ski resort.