The train makes its way south of Santiago and skirts the Maipo River valley, the heart of Chile's wine country. The setting sun plays magic with gold light on the vineyards and olive groves. To the east and away from the city haze, the great Cordillera of the Andes hoves into view. The volcano Tupungato with its snow fields overlooks the valley. At nine o'clock the dining car opens for business.
Foreigners usually opt for a local wine with their meal.
It's curious that even though Chile produces excellent wines, most of the population would just as soon sip soft drinks. After dinner one may choose to explore the club car. In addition, someone has walled off a quarter of the car into a movie theater. Inside, a Kung Fu video grunts away. Outside behind the bar, the waitress snaps a cassette into a boom box.