In late February and early March 2020, the world with buzzing with news of COVID-19. Asia had shut down and Europe was well on its way, but the virus and shutdowns hadn’t really reached the Americas yet. We wrestled with the decision on whether or not to travel to Chile the first week of March. We had planned this trip months in advance, before we knew COVID-19 existed. This was to be our last international family trip as a family of 3, with a little lady due to join us in June. There were no restrictions and no travel warnings at this point. And no way to tell if/when these restrictions were coming.
Ultimately, we decided to go for it. And I’m so glad we did. While traveling, we kept an eye on COVID numbers, news reports, travel guidance, etc and were ready to head to the airport at a moment’s notice if we needed to get back to the USA quickly. We did not have to alter our plans. We were home in Philadelphia less than a week before flights from Santiago to the USA completely stopped and we went into lockdown. Our timing was very lucky.
In the locked-down weeks/months that followed, I was so grateful for the memories we made on this adventure. We did a little bit of everything: toured the city, visited vineyards and wineries in three different wine regions (yes, I was 25 weeks pregnant–I only had small tastes), and even got to enjoy some beautiful Pacific ocean views. We did a little bit of everything before being able to do nothing. And Chile is beautiful.
I am so looking forward to the world opening up again and traveling as a family of 4!
Boarding the plane for our adventure! 
It was a red eye to Santiago and our boy was exhausted! While he slept, we enjoyed a yummy breakfast with a beautiful view! 
Conrad wanted to swim but the water was “too cold” for him. It was very important to him that Dad continued to swim. 
View of the Andes Mountains from our hotel room… 
South American history is not something I know a ton about. This museum was very enlightening–and very sad. 
Lunch at Fuente Mardoqueo. The sandwiches were insane. 
Conrad was a little under the weather. Nothing a few goldfish and a walk around the park won’t fix! 
Some of the most beautiful vineyards are actually in Santiago. This is our first stop Viña Aquitania 
Fresh air and green grass! 
He brought Mama a flower. So sweet! 
Cheers! 
Conrad enjoyed finding rocks at every vineyard we visited. This one from Viña Cousiño Macul was the largest of his collection. 
Wine tours with a two-year-old 
Exploring the cellars! 
The next day, we explored downtown Santiago. First stop, San Lucia Hill! Such pretty architecture. 
Up we go!!! (Very carefully, of course!) 
Next up a stop for ice cream! Heladeria Emporio La Rosa did not disappoint! 
We ended the day with a visit to the tallest building in South America: Torre Constanera. We spent an hour on the observation deck 300 meters in the air! 
It’s actually open air. Very cool. 
Next stop: Kingston Family Vineyards. Here we are checking on the layers of soil and learning what this means for the grapes and the wine. 
Room to run. One happy boy. 
Wine (just a taste!), food, and this view? Yes please. 
Playing “wine corks”. His new favorite game. 
The Casablanca Valley is stunning! 
Handsome little guy! 
25 weeks pregnant! 
Next stop: Viña del Mar! 
Trying out the local empanadas! 
Finishing the day with toes in the sand watching the sun set over the Pacific! 
The cellars at Bodegas RE include these clay vessels. 
Smelling the wine. And, of course, eating the cheese. 
Lunch at Viña Indómita 
Can’t get over these beautiful views 
Happy boys! 
Conrad had been such a trooper at all of the vineyards…so we treated him to a little Ice Cream room service. Mama may have wanted some as well 😉 
Swimming in the beautiful indoor pool! 
Checking out the Concón Dunes. This magnificent place is across the street from a supermarket. 
Looks like a mountainous desert meets the sea. Truly stunning. 
So proud of the fact that he walked all the down to the water and back up. It was a hard trek! 
And he found a coin. 
A little ice cream at the beach. 
Our final night in Chile, we had dinner by the ocean. 
One last vineyard on the way to the airport: Viña El Escorial 
We had a lovely picnic! 
And this guy could get all of his energy out before our journey! 
It worked! 
I think we tired him out. Little does he know he will have a TON of time at home to rest and recover.
John and CB's Most Excellent Adventure 