How to get to Santa Cruz, Colchagua Valley, Chile.

Arriving in Chile: The nearest international airport to Santa Cruz is the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, Chile.

From Santiago to Santa Cruz: 

1. Shuttles from the airport: The LOC is arranging a set of shuttles to pick people from the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport at specific times on the Sunday before the start of the conference (17th of November, 2024). The details of these will be announced soon.

2. Shuttle from ESO-Vitacura: The LOC is arranging a single shuttle to leave from ESO-Vitacura (address: Alonso de Cordova 3107, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile) at a specific time that will be announced soon. Detailed instructions on how to get to ESO-Vitacura from the International Airport can be found here: https://www.eso.org/public/about-eso/travel/vitacura/ 

3. By car (on your own): If you prefer to travel by land on your own (or in case you missed the shuttles), you can rent a car in the Santiago airport and drive South on the Panamerican Highway (Route 5). The journey will take you around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The easiest way to get to Santa Cruz is to follow the directions in Google Maps or Waze. Specifically, you should:

   1. Take Route 5 (Panamerican Highway) South: From Santiago, head south on Route 5 (Autopista Central), which is also known as the Panamerican Highway. This highway is well-maintained and the main route connecting Santiago to the rest of Chile.

   2. Pass Rancagua and Rengo: As you continue south on Route 5, you'll pass by the city of Rancagua, which is a major urban center in the O'Higgins Region. After Rancagua, you’ll pass by another city called Rengo.

   3. Pass San Fernando: After Rancagua and Rengo continue south, you’ll pass through the city of San Fernando and you will cross the Tinguiririca river (right outside San Fernando).

   4. Exit onto Route 90 towards Santa Cruz: After passing the Tinguiririca river, take the exit onto Route 90 towards Santa Cruz (south-west). This exit is well-marked (Ruta del Vino), and Route 90 will take you directly into the Colchagua Valley.

   5. Continue on Route 90 to Santa Cruz: Stay on Route 90 and follow the signs directing you to Santa Cruz. The road will take you through picturesque countryside, vineyards, and small towns typical of the Colchagua Valley.

   6. Arrive in Santa Cruz: After driving for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from Santiago (depending on traffic and road conditions), you'll arrive in Santa Cruz.
      
      

4. By bus (on your own): In case you prefer (or you missed the shuttles), another option is to take a bus from Santiago to Santa Cruz. There are several bus companies that offer regular services from the Santiago Bus Terminal to Santa Cruz. The bus journey usually takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on stops and traffic. Specifically:

   1. From Santiago Airport to Santiago Bus Terminal (Terminal de Autobuses):

      1. Upon arrival at Santiago Airport (Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport), you can take a taxi or transfer service to Santiago's main bus terminal, known as Terminal de Autobuses Santiago (also known as Terminal Alameda).

      2. The taxi or transfer service can be easily found outside the airport terminals, and the journey to the bus terminal typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

   2. From Santiago Bus Terminal to Santa Cruz:

      1. At the Santiago Bus Terminal, you'll find several bus companies offering services to various destinations across Chile, including Santa Cruz.

      2. Look for bus companies that have routes to Santa Cruz. Some popular bus companies operating this route include TurBus, Pullman Bus, and Cóndor Bus, among others.

      3. Check the bus schedules and purchase your ticket for a bus heading to Santa Cruz. It is advisable to book your ticket in advance, if possible.     

      4. The bus journey from Santiago to Santa Cruz typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on factors such as traffic, stops, and the specific bus route.

      5. Enjoy the scenic ride as you travel south from Santiago through the beautiful landscapes of central Chile, eventually arriving in Santa Cruz in the heart of the Colchagua Valley.

      6. Upon arrival in Santa Cruz, the bus will likely drop you off at the local bus terminal or a central location in the town.

Once you arrive in Santa Cruz, you'll find yourself immersed in a charming town surrounded by vineyards and mountains. The hotel of the workshop is located in the main square of Santa Cruz and it should be easy to find (the address is: Plaza de Armas 286, Santa Cruz, Chile).