5 weekend plans in and around Linares

Linares has more options for a good weekend than it seems at first glance, especially if you're willing to venture a little outside downtown.

1. An afternoon by the river: the Ancoa area is the classic summer getaway, with cabins and direct river access for a family day out.

2. The southern Maule wine route: several local vineyards offer visits and tastings by reservation, a good excuse to get to know the countryside around Linares.

3. A picnic and a bike ride around the Plaza de Armas and the Estadio Fiscal area, which also has a heated pool open to the public in season.

4. Eat something different: try a local bar with regional wines and craft beers, or a traditional Maule eatery (picada) you haven't tried before.

5. Mountain tourism: if you have the whole day, Vilches and Altos de Lircay are just over an hour away and ideal for easy family trekking.

Any of these options can be done on a tight budget, and you can arrange several of them directly with local businesses already listed in the directory.