Tall wooded mountains meet white sand beaches at Zapallar, a coastal fishing village turned chic beach resort. Zapallar is less than a 2 hour drive from Santiago, and is up the coast from the more developed Valparaiso. Join us for this 8-day excursion full of swimming and adventure.

Day 1 - Saturday

Pick up from hotel in Santiago at noon. Travel to Zapallar, which is a little under 2 hours drive through the central valley.

Arrive in Zapallar in time for lunch.

After lunch we rest for a while (siesta), then go for our first swim around the bay. This swim is just intended to get us acquainted with the water temperature, the different routes we can swim and the distance of each route.

Back home after the swim for a good cup of tea or coffee, and we are off to watch the sunset at Mar Bravo.

Dinner is at one of the local restaurants – Chiringuito might be the best choice for the first day.

Talk about tomorrow’s swim.

Day 2 - Sunday

Breakfast between 8 and 9 a.m.

Short walk in the hills of town and visit local vendors. Walk back to the house and change into swimming gear.

This time we will motor into the ocean and do a 2-mile swim, weather permitting. (If we have high winds we swim in the bay) Each individual can choose how much to swim and at what time they want to return to the boat.

After the swim we come back to the house for lunch & siesta, then back to the bay.

Each individual can decide between kayaking and swimming. Ideally we can match kayakers with swimmers.

Return to our house for “tea time.”

Before dinner we walk to Isla Seca to watch the sunset. Dinner at one of the local restaurants, perhaps Hotel Isla Seca.

Talk about tomorrow’s swim.

Day 3 - Monday

Breakfast between 8 and 9 a.m.

After breakfast we walk to Cachagua via the Rambla. The Rambla is a narrow stone path bordering the rocky shoreline and affording many breathtaking views of the ocean and its force. Waves are 10-15 feet tall in this area.

Lunch in Cachagua by the beach.

Van picks us up and brings us back to the house.

Following a short siesta we congregate for an afternoon swim in the bay.

After the swim we go to the house to enjoy “tea time.”

Hike and explore the hill Cerro de La Cruz, a perfect place to enjoy the sunset.

Dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Talk about tomorrow’s swim.

Day 4 - Tuesday

Breakfast between 8 and 9 a.m.

After breakfast we go to the dock and board a boat for another 2-mile swim in the open ocean. Each individual can decide how much they want to swim and at what point they would like to get back on the boat.

After the swim the boat takes us back to the dock.

Lunch at the house. Siesta.

1-hour walk to the cemetery, enjoying a scenic tea and cake picnic from our vantage point overlooking the sea.

Van picks us up at the cemetery and takes us to a restaurant in nearby Papudo for dinner. Papudo is 6 miles from Zapallar, heading North.

Day 5- Wednesday

Breakfast between 8 and 9 a.m.

After breakfast we take a walk through town and admire the residential architecture and colorful gardens.

Then we go to the dock and swim in the bay.

Lunch at the house.

After lunch, a little siesta.

Upon rising from siesta we get prettied up and take the van to Valparaiso for a dinner in Chile’s oldest port. This drive follows the scenic coastline from Zapallar, through Viña del Mar and into Valparaiso.

Dinner in Valparaiso.

Ride home.

Day 6 - Thursday

Breakfast between 8 and 9 a.m.

After breakfast we take the van to Cachagua and walk the entire beach. Anyone who wishes to do so can take a dip. Beach not fit for swimming.

Lunch at a local restaurant in Cachagua. Then back home for a well-deserved siesta.

After our rest we go to the bay and have a swim.

Return to our house for “tea time.”

Dinner in Maitencillo, a nearby town with excellent sea food.

Talk about tomorrow’s swim.

Day 7 - Friday

Breakfast between 8 and 9 a.m.

Morning open for individual choice: swim, kayak, horse back ride, walk.

Lunch at the house.

After lunch we take our final swim in the bay.

Return to our house for “tea time.”

Dinner at the Chiringuito – our last supper together.

Day 8 - Saturday

Breakfast between 8 and 9 a.m.

Be ready to leave by 10 a.m.

Van takes us back to Santiago.

Drop off at our hotel around noon.

What's included?