Cabañas y Hostelling Carilafquen

Tempting as it might be to hover by Playa Grande for the entirety of your hols, you’d definitely be doing yourself a disservice as there’s plenty round here worthy of an explore. Start with the UNESCO World Heritage City of Valparaíso a little over half an hour’s drive from base – the colourfully scenic and hilly city is crying out to be photographed, full of fab street art, vibrant culture and loads of ‘elevators’ (funiculars) to get you from A to B with ease. You could spend days here, but if you only have time for a few stops, make an early-morning trip to the Caleta Portales market for fish fresh from the boat, then wander to the naval and maritime museum, poet Pablo Neruda’s house (Sebastiana) and the cultural quarter of Cerro Alegre. Further up the coast, you’ll come to the cities of Viña del Mar and Concón, which have plenty of museums, galleries and restaurants (plus some castles and palaces), but they’re also top destinations for paragliding, skydiving and horseback riding, so active types should make a beeline. Fans of the vino are less than an hour from the many vineyards (tours and tastings ahoy) of Casablanca, so pour yourself into the car and get a sober companion on side.