Santiago Snow Tour Review: Is Farellones Worth It?
Considering a trip to the mountains when you are kicking around Santiago? So, too it’s almost as if Farellones pops up, beckoning with its promise of snowy fun. Basically, the Santiago Panoramic Snow Tour is a super favored option for those who really want a little taste of the Andes. Still, is that tour seriously all it’s cracked up to be? Anyway, I went to go experience it and get the scoop. So, keep reading for what I discovered!
Booking and Initial Impressions
The booking of my tour felt easy, you know? I booked online with a local outfit that offered pickup straight from my hotel. The tour was said to include transport, and access to the Farellones park facilities, but not grub or any special activities inside the park. Alright, so this meant budgeting separately for eats and chairlift rides. I was told that the pickup time was crazy early, somewhere close to 7 a.m., to beat the Santiago traffic and make it to the snow with time to enjoy, which seemed fine. Frankly, the initial communications were actually professional, if maybe a little generic.
The Ride Up: Santiago to Farellones
As a matter of fact, that early morning wake-up call definitely came too early. Still, once on the mini-bus, I could get the excitement as Santiago vanished behind us and the Andes got much closer. You see, the ride itself could be rather scenic, like winding through curvy mountain roads with glimpses of unbelievable valleys. I remember that the driver was skilled, that, navigating the tight bends with confidence. As I was saying, there’s one downside – some passengers did kind of experience altitude sickness. The driver actually had coca leaves available. So, those might assist!
Farellones Park: Activities and Atmosphere
First, Farellones Park. As a matter of fact, it’s very aimed at families and people who want to sample snow minus skiing. As a matter of fact, there were zip lines, tubing runs, and chairlifts providing okayish views. Basically, the atmosphere felt kinda like a snow playground. Clearly, a little chaotic but joyful. I wanted more serious snowboarding, yet this place wasn’t really it. Even though the snow stuff was actually kind of fun, the lines for that stuff were super long, which ate into my time. So, it’s almost like consider visiting off-peak to save you from the crowds!
Lunch and Amenities
Lunch at Farellones comes with a little sticker shock, if I do say. There actually weren’t many choices that were lighter on the wallet. As a matter of fact, I selected a pretty normal sandwich from one of those small eateries. Anyway, the costs were, like, very high. In fact, the facilities felt kinda alright. Even though I went on a really busy day, I found those bathrooms in okay condition. Instead, many people chose to bring some picnic things for eating at those tables all over the park so that they wouldn’t buy the pricy stuff!
The Panoramic Views
Arguably, the name says it all; the view does rock, like! We were talking unbelievably big mountains all coated in thick white powder as a result of a lot of recent snowfall. Alright, I purchased a chairlift pass that went way up past the park, where, basically, the scenery turned truly great. Basically, make certain you get a cam so you don’t miss out on this stuff. By the way, it seriously is a winter dream world.
Value for Money and Overall Experience
Here’s my thing: the Santiago Panoramic Snow Tour is rather okay. But it depends what’s important to someone in particular, you know? You see, if we’re talking only seeing some mountains and snow without dealing with expert-only ski slopes, you might find the trip fine. Though it looks expensive considering add-ons at Farellones. Naturally, skiers/snowboarders may well enjoy considering options at El Colorado/La Parva where there are better hills at resorts just down the road!