Valle Nevado (Chile)

Valle Nevado is conveniently located only 41 miles (66 km) from the Santiago International Airport. The drive up is scenic and the number of 180 degree switchbacks puts your Mario Cart training to use. The drive starts with the very typical airport highway exit through the outskirts of Santiago with a brief drive through the suburb of Farellones, followed by a drive through the countryside to a gentle ascent up the Andes to a weavey road of 54, 180 degree switchbacks (the first set is 39 turns followed later by a set of 15 turns), which zig-zag back and forth till you arrive at your destination, the Valle Nevado ski resort.

Camino A Farellones on the way from Santiago to Valle Nevado

The roads are paved and in good condition. Portions of the highway are covered in avalanche prone areas.

Tire chains may be a necessity which can not be determined until one approaches the resort at the higher elevations. Some, but not all rental car agencies will rent chains with the car as an option. Our 4x4 Suzuki from Chilean Rent a Car had a small daily fee of $5.00 USD for chains. GPS is also an option (same price). The vehicle rental fee included a toll tag which essential if you want to drive around Santiago and check out the city and certainly helpful on the drive to Valle Nevado. If you want to venture over the mountain range to Argentina, there will be more paper work and applications to fill out. Unfortunately the approval is not immediate and you will have to report back to the rental car company 24 hours after filling out the application. It also can not be done in advance.

Pro Tip: FM reception is limited to non-existent for most of the drive. Bring some tunes.

For those who forgot to rent chains or they were not available from your rental agency, there are multiple road-side options. Look for the roadside signs for "Cadenas Arriendo" which directly translates to chain rental.

Google Map of the trip to the Valle Nevado Chile ski area

Valle Nevado, Chile

Latitude: -33.353354
Longitude: -70.249497

• Portillo Chile

Directions:

• From Santiago Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL): located 41 miles (66 km) East of SCL, about a 1.5 hr drive.
  • Head South and follow airport exit signs to Highway 70 North (Autopista Vespucio Norte)
  • Exit Av Americo Vespucio
  • Take Av Americo Vespucio to Costanera Nte. along the Mapocho River to Camino A Farellones
  • Take Camino A Farellones East to Valle Nevado. Once past the switchbacks you will see forks in the road with clearly stated signs pointing you to the various resorts of La Parva, El Colorado and Valle Nevado
  Note that there are tolls and a toll tag is your best and most convenient option.

Parking:

Free parking for day visits is encouraged at the base of the gondola where there is a large parking lot with lots of space. Higher up the mountain road at the hotel area, parking becomes sparse and is generally reserved for hotel guests.

Bus from Santiago International Airport to Valle Nevado:

• Round trip: shuttle bus
• Delfos Transfer:
• Turbus:
• KL Adventure:
• Chile Taxi: more expensive but a flexible option

Helicopter from Santiago to Valle Nevado:

• Albatros Transporte Aero:

Air Travel:

• International Airports:
  • Santiago International Airport: (SCL)

Next: Valle Nevado Lodging and Accommodations