Getting to Casablanca on your own!
By Al Ramirez Chile
Belive it or not, I am not a very good tourist when I am out and about on my own.
I like to rent a car, drive to point B and C at my own pace; read about the place on the way there and forget about offering me a tour, I am not interested... and that's all fine, unless you're in a place I like to refer to as a "C Destination". To clarify:
- An "A Destination" is a place the whole world goes to and talks about constantly (i.e. Paris, Barcelona, London, Dublin, Buenos Aires, Rome, etc).
- A "B Destination" would be a place people hear about a lot, but it requires a bit more planning; However, once you're there, navigating through is fairly easy (i.e. Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Santiago, Belfast, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Chicago, etc.)
- "C Destinations" are for Globetrotters. This takes a little more of the old "Adventure Spirit". Patagonia, Valparaiso, Arequipa, Medellin, Baja California, Bourdeaux, Podravska, etc.
The fact that you already made it to our neck of the woods, means you're an experienced traveler.
So, I wanted to leave this following set of instructions to make your wandering and exploring an easier endeavor... and if it's too much of a hassle, write us and we'll gladly help you out with one of our tours, or some free info.
I like to rent a car, drive to point B and C at my own pace; read about the place on the way there and forget about offering me a tour, I am not interested... and that's all fine, unless you're in a place I like to refer to as a "C Destination". To clarify:
- An "A Destination" is a place the whole world goes to and talks about constantly (i.e. Paris, Barcelona, London, Dublin, Buenos Aires, Rome, etc).
- A "B Destination" would be a place people hear about a lot, but it requires a bit more planning; However, once you're there, navigating through is fairly easy (i.e. Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Santiago, Belfast, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Chicago, etc.)
- "C Destinations" are for Globetrotters. This takes a little more of the old "Adventure Spirit". Patagonia, Valparaiso, Arequipa, Medellin, Baja California, Bourdeaux, Podravska, etc.
The fact that you already made it to our neck of the woods, means you're an experienced traveler.
So, I wanted to leave this following set of instructions to make your wandering and exploring an easier endeavor... and if it's too much of a hassle, write us and we'll gladly help you out with one of our tours, or some free info.
Step 1 - Leaving from what city?
SANTIAGO
The first thing you must understand about Departure from Santiago, is that there is no direct bus from Santiago to Casablanca, only to Valparaiso.
In fact the people that live in Casablanca and commute by bus to Santiago, normally wait at bus stops on the side of the highway, which we don't really recommend you try to do, since walking from these bus stops on the opposite side of the town is a really dangerous thing to do as there are no set sidewalks from those bus stops into town.
Take a bus to Valparaiso and then depart from Valparaiso.
In fact the people that live in Casablanca and commute by bus to Santiago, normally wait at bus stops on the side of the highway, which we don't really recommend you try to do, since walking from these bus stops on the opposite side of the town is a really dangerous thing to do as there are no set sidewalks from those bus stops into town.
Take a bus to Valparaiso and then depart from Valparaiso.
VALPARAISO
Here you have two options for public transportation:
|
BUSES CASABLANCA
Leaving from the Valparaiso Bus Terminal 
Buses Casablanca is a family owned business and they are very friendly.
The seat costs about $2.50 USD, with a maximum of 30 seats. |
TAXI COLECTIVO RURAL VALPARAISO CASABLANCA
Leaving from Av Argentina 
Each Cab is shared with others or "Collective".
They charge about 3 USD per seat, with a max of 4 seats. You can also "Charter" the cab if you purchase all 4 seats. |
Step 2 - Arriving to Casablanca
Whichever method you choose to get to Casablanca, they're both going to leave you at the plaza de armas, which is the main square of the town.
Here you have a few options on how to get around in Casablanca.
1. In the main Square you have black and yellow taxis. We suggest you take down this person's number so they can later bring you back to the Main Square after you are finished with your visit to the winery you chose to go to.
Some of the wineries that are relatively close to the downtown area are Bodegas RE, Casas Del Bosque and Kingston. You can also venture out to Emiliana, William Cole, Viña Mar Sparkling House, and Indomita Vineyards.
(Please see our Wineries section in order to see if they require a reservation or if you can just show up).
2, You can use an Uber to get around there aren't many so don't be surprised if you're waiting for a good 15 minutes until one accepts the trip.
3. During summertime there is a bike rental company not too far from the main Square. We have never used their services but Casablanca is a very bikeable town.
We unfortunately do not have their contact information; However, the tourism information office is in the main square of Casablanca and they could definitely point you in the right direction.
Now if you went to Casablanca with the purpose of writing a bicycle and could not find this business, Casas del Bosque Winery rents bicycles from their tourism office and also offer bike tours
Here you have a few options on how to get around in Casablanca.
1. In the main Square you have black and yellow taxis. We suggest you take down this person's number so they can later bring you back to the Main Square after you are finished with your visit to the winery you chose to go to.
Some of the wineries that are relatively close to the downtown area are Bodegas RE, Casas Del Bosque and Kingston. You can also venture out to Emiliana, William Cole, Viña Mar Sparkling House, and Indomita Vineyards.
(Please see our Wineries section in order to see if they require a reservation or if you can just show up).
2, You can use an Uber to get around there aren't many so don't be surprised if you're waiting for a good 15 minutes until one accepts the trip.
3. During summertime there is a bike rental company not too far from the main Square. We have never used their services but Casablanca is a very bikeable town.
We unfortunately do not have their contact information; However, the tourism information office is in the main square of Casablanca and they could definitely point you in the right direction.
Now if you went to Casablanca with the purpose of writing a bicycle and could not find this business, Casas del Bosque Winery rents bicycles from their tourism office and also offer bike tours
Some Tips
Go Early.
Don't get caught there too late; It is a very safe town, but there is no good public transportation.
If you leave too late, you'll be forced to pay for a Taxi or uber and this can cost about 30 USD to Valparaiso or Viña del Mar.
Leave Valparaiso between 09:00am and 12:00pm.
Reserve
Even if it is not required. You may get caught on cruise day, or an event day, and the winery may be closed to general public or will not be able to get to you for hours.
Bring Cash
For taxis. They do not take cards.
Phone Numbers
If you take a taxi, and you drop something of value, you may get it back is you have the driver's number.
Don't get caught there too late; It is a very safe town, but there is no good public transportation.
If you leave too late, you'll be forced to pay for a Taxi or uber and this can cost about 30 USD to Valparaiso or Viña del Mar.
Leave Valparaiso between 09:00am and 12:00pm.
Reserve
Even if it is not required. You may get caught on cruise day, or an event day, and the winery may be closed to general public or will not be able to get to you for hours.
Bring Cash
For taxis. They do not take cards.
Phone Numbers
If you take a taxi, and you drop something of value, you may get it back is you have the driver's number.
And finally... don't underestimate travel costs.
From the main sqare to Casas del Bosque, the cab may charge you about 7-9 USD
Then another 7-9 USD to get you back to the main square.
Then to other wineries such as Emiliana or Viña Mar, you pay another 15-20 USD from the main square.
Another 15-20 back to the main square.
If you add all of this up, you may be better off taking our CASABLANCA WINE BUS (It's a service for very independent travelers).
Cheers!
Al Ramirez S.
Sommelier and Pro Tour Director
GM of Valparaiso Wine Tours
+569 3248 5231
[email protected]
Then another 7-9 USD to get you back to the main square.
Then to other wineries such as Emiliana or Viña Mar, you pay another 15-20 USD from the main square.
Another 15-20 back to the main square.
If you add all of this up, you may be better off taking our CASABLANCA WINE BUS (It's a service for very independent travelers).
Cheers!
Al Ramirez S.
Sommelier and Pro Tour Director
GM of Valparaiso Wine Tours
+569 3248 5231
[email protected]