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Rancagua

The city of Rancagua, about an hour south of Santiago by car, bus or train, played an important role in Chile's struggle for independence and was the site of a major victory by Spanish Royalists in their losing attempt to keep the country a colony. Region of Rancagua

Currently it is the capital of the Sixth Region and has an economy based on agriculture and mining. In fact, the huge El Teniente copper mine casts a haze over the Andes east of the city for tens of kilometers. With a population of over 160,000, Rancagua is also the capital of Chilean rodeo and hosts the national championship every year during the South American autumn (March/April). The beautiful forested valleys and rugged peaks of the 37,000 hectare Reserva Nacional Rio de los Cipreses (Cypress River Reserve) are a popular destination only 50 km south-east of Rancagua.

Hotels


		Hacienda Los Lingues

	General Info Los Lingues is an elite 9,000 acre estate that has been in the same family for over 400 years and offers a tradition of thoroughbred horsebreeding, fly fishing and simply enjoying colonial-style luxury. Special attention has been paid in restoring the grounds to offer the visitor a glimpse into the high-class life of Chile in the 1700's mixed with the most modern and tasteful aspects of accommodation today. Perfect for a weekend getaway or executive meetings.

	Accomodation Service TV, horse riding, fishing, games room, 2 swimming pools, 6 meetings rooms (from 18 to 100 people), 3 bars, 2 restaurants, 2 tennis courts, a chapel, a horsering and 45 stables, a game room for kids and a lagoon.

	Prices Single US$198 Double US$198 Suite US$420


		Hotel Camino del Rey

	General Info Attractively remodeled older hotel located one block from the Plaza de Armas and five minutes from the Panamericana Highway.

	Accomodation Service Restaurant, bar, laundry, TV, parking.

	Prices Single US$67, Double US$99, Triple US$128, Quadruple$150, Suite US$168 Rates valid until October 30 2005


		Hotel Turismo Santiago

	General Info A luxury hotel.

	Accomodation Service Restaurant, bar, laundry, TV, money exchange, parking.

	Prices Single US$63 Double US$87 Rates valid until December 1 2005


		Santa Cruz Plaza Hotel (in Colchagua)

	General Info Located in the city of Santa Cruz, Colchagua's region. This zone is mainly characterized by its wine industry. The Hotel is located across the main square of Santa Cruz, sharing the park with the Convention Center and the Colchagua Museum. It is near to the vineyards that represent the Wine Route of the Colchagua Valley, main tourist attraction in this region. Its surroundings are an example of the varied geography found in the Region, the typical Chilean countryside, lakes, rivers and beaches.

	Accomodation Service Bar, cafe, restaurant, TV, gym, sauna, laundry, games room, parking.

	Prices Single US$110, Double US$125, Suite US$165

Activities


		Culture, Historic Buildings

	Campeonato Nacional de Rodeo (National Rodeo Championships): Rancagua annually hosts this patriotic event in late March. Reservations for accommodation during this time is advised. Casa del Pilar de Esquina: Estado at Ibieta; (56-72/221-254.Tues-Fri, 9am -1pm and 2:30pm-6:30 p.m., Weekends and holidays 9am -1pm. Admission US$1) Late colonial and early independence museum. Hacienda Los Lingues: About 30 km south of Rancagua. Hacienda Los Lingues is probably the best-preserved of any of Chile's traditional large landed estates, and one of very few open to the public for both tours and accommodation. It belongs to the Relais & Chateaux network of international resorts. Day trips from Santiago cost around US$50, including a sumptuous buffet lunch and a demonstration of traditional Chilean horsemanship. Transportation is extra.