The best of Chile and Argentina

The best of Chile and Argentina
Highlights: Santiago, Atacama, Patagonia, Iguazu Falls, Wine Country, Buenos Aires.

You will begin in Santiago, enjoying the city’s restaurants and museums, and taste some of Chile’s finest wines in the renowned wine country. You’ll hike the trails of Torres del Paine National Park, cross the Andes into Argentina, where you will be awe-struck by the vastness of the glaciers. From bustling city streets to the expansive plains of the Pampas, South America offers something for everyone — whether you’re a nature lover, a shopaholic, a foodie, a gaucho, or a glacier climber. You’ll revel in the smells of Buenos Aires parrillas, the booming sound of Iguazu’s endless falls, and the sight of the sun setting over the Andes. It’s all here, and so much more.

Day 1: Arrival in Chile
Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your luxury boutique hotel, located in the trendy Lastarria neighborhood. In the early afternoon, you’ll go on a private half-day city tour of Santiago. The tour will include visits to the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the city’s premier fine arts museum, and the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, whose remarkable collection includes artefacts from the Mayan, Aztec, Incan, Mapuche, and other major indigenous cultures. You will also explore the Plaza de Armas and the neighborhoods of Providencia, Bellavista, and Las Condes. Santiago is renowned for its sophisticated and diverse dining scene. We will provide an array of restaurant recommendations for you, offering the choice between local, fusion, modern, or traditional cuisine.

Perito Moreno Glacier. Patagonia, Argentina

Day 2: Into the Wine Country
You will head west into the Colchagua Valley for a private tour of some of the finest wineries in the region. The valley is the home to Chile’s signature varietal, the Carmenere, as well as excellent reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The tour includes a wine-pairing lunch at one of the prestigious wineries, giving you the opportunity to savor local flavours alongside carefully selected wines.

Day 3: To the North, to the Desert
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up at the hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Calama. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your all-inclusive luxury hotel, where you can choose from a wide variety of daily activities such as hiking, climbing, bird-watching, biking, or stargazing. All meals, soft drinks, house wines, and spirits are included, as well as the activities of your choice. The Atacama Desert area offers a mix of outdoor adventures and stargazing opportunities, set against one the clearest skies in the world. San Pedro de Atacama, the region’s main town, has an intriguing international vibe that’s also worth experiencing.

Day 4: Highland Lagoons
During your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the highland lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, located at an altitude of 13,860 feet. The panoramic views of the Altiplanic landscape, with its towering mountains, dramatic contrasts and extraordinary colours, are a sight to behold. A traditional lunch is served at a local restaurant in the village of Socaire, providing vital support to the local community.

Day 5: Tatio Geysers
We highly recommend a visit to the Tatio Geysers, located at an altitude of 14,190 feet. The geothermal field is closely tied to the region’s volcanic activity and features huge steam columns that can reach heights of up to 40 feet. Breakfast will be served as dawn breaks over the landscape. On your return journey to the village, you will have the chance to spot vicuñas and, with a bit of luck, foxes, vizcachas and ñandú (Andean ostriches). Before heading back to your hotel, you’ll stop at the picturesque hamlet of Machuca.

Atacama Desert, Chile

Day 6: Death & Moon Valleys
The surreal beauty of the Salt Mountain Range offers unparalleled views, such as the those of Death Valley, Moon Valley and the Andes Mountain range. You’ll enjoy short walks in several areas, where rocky outcrops, and landscapes shaped by winds, rain, and temperature changes in the desert have created a unique environment.
The half day excursion to the Salt Flats starts with a brief visit to Toconao village. Here, you’ll explore the village square and the historic church, as well as meet a local family who lives off the sale of their handmade crafts. Next,  you’ll visit the National Flamingo Reserve in the Atacama Salt Flat, home to three types of flamingos, that feed on the microscopic life in the lagoon. As the sun sets over the Andes, you’ll be treated to views that are nothing short of amazing.

Day 7: Head South into the Patagonian Wilderness
You’ll be picked up at your hotel and taken to the Calama Airport for your flight to Torres del Paine. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to your all-inclusive luxury camp, where you’ll spend the next 4 nights immersed in the awe-inspiring Patagonian landscape. Activities such as hiking, biking, horse-back riding are available, and all meals are included, as well as the activities of your choice. Torres del Paine National Park is one of the world’s premier adventure travel destinations, offering countless options for  adventure enthusiasts.

Day 8: World-class Hiking
While in the park, we recommend signing up for one of the full-day hikes. A popular choice is the Lakal Sarmiento trail, which winds through lenga forests and offers stunning views of the pristine Laguna Lakal. The excursion ends on the Sarmiento Peninsula, providing a panoramic view of the Paine massif. Another great option is the challenging yet rewarding trek to Base Las Torres,  part of the famous W circuit of the Torres del Paine National Park. The trail takes you through lenga forests and the breathtaking Ascencio Valley and finishes right beneath the towering Las Torres.

Day 9: French Valley
For a more strenuous adventure, consider the French Valley, a challenging hike through one of the most well-known sectors of Torres del Paine National Park. The hike begins near Hostería Las Torres, and follows the trail along Almirante Nieto and into the French Valley. Along the way you’ll see the Hanging Glacier, Lake Nordenskjold, and the French Glacier. There are two extensions to this hike: the Plateau (rated very difficult) and the British Camp (difficult), both of which lead you to the heart of the dramatic granite massif.

Estancia Cristina, Patagonia, Argentina

Day 10: Riding in Patagonia
For those with some previous experience riding horses we recommend an excursion to Puesto Segunda Barranca, which is a great way to explore the Patagonian Pampa. The path mainly runs over straight, flat land with the iconic views of Torres del Paine as a backdrop. This medium-length ride offers many opportunities to gallop for those looking for a bit more adventure and excitement.

Day 11: Deep in the Heart of Patagonia
Today, you will cross the border into Argentine Patagonia, the region named by Magellan on his travels after the mythical giants he believed made the mountains their domain. While you won’t encounter any mythical monsters or creatures, you will have the chance to experience the allure of El Calafate, originally established as a shelter for wool traders. Now a vibrant hub for Patagonia exploration, El Calafate is located near Los Glaciares National Park and the imposing and jagged massifs of Cerro Torre and Cerro Chalten, — two of the most challenging climbs on Earth. After your flight south, our luxurious and sophisticated lodge awaits you, where you can unwind in the splendid comfort of your accommodation, all the while soaking up the truly remarkable the scenery that surrounds you.

Day 12: Walking on Ice at Perito Moreno
Today promises to be unforgettable as your travels take you deeper into Patagonia’s national parks to explore the Perito Moreno Glacier – a stunning sheet of ice of more than 100 square miles in size, and one of the centerpieces of Los Glaciares National Park. You’ll have the chance to walk along this magnificent glacier, marveling at the striking blue surfaces of ice that give way to the rippling surface below, the glacier caves that form on the edge of the lake, and the climbing panorama of the Andes beyond. Your adventure continues with a boat ride across the narrow channel leading to the glacier, where you’ll slip on some crampons for a jaunt across Perito Moreno’s icy expanse. You’ll marvel at the slow power of this natural wonder, shaped over thousands of years by the relentless forces of nature and time. The serene and dramatic scenery all around you is a testament to the glacier’s profound impact on the region.

Day 13: A Visit to an Argentine Estancia
Next, you’ll travel to a traditional Patagonian estancia, where the striking scenery and rich history of this magnificent land will leave you inspired. Set against a backdrop of towering granite cliffs that appear timeless, crystal clear sapphire mountain lakes, and the vibrant blue of nearby glaciers, the estancia offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the people who have called this harsh and unforgiving yet beautiful region home for generations.

You’ll find a small museum here showcasing the area’s cultural heritage, and have the opportunity to hike or go on a horseback ride. Your final day in the untamed wilderness of southern Argentina promises to be one of the most memorable of your trip, as you’re left to your own devices to discover and immerse yourself in the rugged splendor of this unforgettable landscape.

Day 14: Turning North to the Border
Today, you’ll flight for El Calafate and head north, leaving the majesty of Patagonia behind as you make your way to the border where Argentina meets Paraguay and Brazil. This is the gateway to one of the most dazzling natural wonders in the whole wide world: Iguazu Falls. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your elegant and comfortable hotel, located mere minutes from the entrance to Iguazu National Park. Take the rest of the day to relax and take in the unbelievable scenery that fills your vision at every turn. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll around this spectacular area or indulge in the spa services offered by the hotel before setting down to enjoy the fantastic fare at the exquisite on-site restaurant.

Day 15: Incomparable Iguazu
Prepare to be awe-struck by the majesty of Iguazu Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and arguably the greatest waterfall system on the planet. Accompanied by a knowledgeable and experienced ornithologist, you’ll explore this extraordinary national formation, learning about the diverse wildlife and ecosystems that thrive here. You’ll come across any number of smaller cascades before boarding a train to get an unobstructed view of the Devil’s Throat – a long and narrow chasm more than 80 meters high, where nearly half of the falls’ water flow is concentrated, making it the most dramatic and splendid cataract of Iguazu. For those who might want to avoid the heights of the major falls, you can explore the lower reaches on the Great Adventure boat ride, offering a unique perspective of the falls, or enjoy bird-watching and hiking trails along the jungle floor.

Day 16: Welcome to Wine Country
Today, you’ll fly south-west from Iguazu to Mendoza, one of the great capitals of wine and the heart of Latin America’s largest wine-producing region. It’s home to scenic parks, impressive statues, world-class cuisine culinary, and has rapidly gained recognition as a top destination for wine tourism. While often under appreciated, Mendoza is a wonderful city and is home to several museums, a number of attractive city parks, and the Casa de Fader. This historic house was once the domicile of artist Fernando Fader and now houses the majority of the artist’s oeuvre, as well as a myriad of historical artefacts. In 2008, National Geographic named Mendoza one of the top ten historic travel destinations in the world. Upon landing in Mendoza, you’ll be shuttled to your cozy and comfortable luxury hotel, nestled deep in the pulsing heart of wine country. Complete with a posh spa and a highly regarded restaurant, if is the perfect base for your travels to the region’s rich wine heritage.

Food & Wine in Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina

Day 17: A Guided Excursion Through Malbec Country
Today is your chance to live like a true bon vivant, with a private, full-day tour to one of Argentina’s most renowned wine regions. Whether you venture out into the world-famous Primera Zona—one of the finest viticulture areas in all of Argentina—or the up-and-coming Valle de Uco, you’ll sample some of the finest wines in the hemisphere. Along the way, you’ll learn more about the unique qualities that make Argentina’s wine-growing regions and their products exceptional. Sample some of the premium varietals and blends while enjoying a specially prepared wine pairing lunch. During this experience, you’ll have the chance to listen to some of the regions top oenologists as they explain the various characteristics of the grapes, their cultivation, harvest timing, and what defines a truly exceptional wine, both in taste and price. The setting, of course, rivals the world’s best-known wine regions, such as Burgundy and Napa, with friendly and helpful locals eager to share the beauty and charm of the area surrounding Mendoza.

Day 18: Trekking Through the Spine of the Americas
Today, head out to the rising crags and sharp ridges of the Andes, one of the longest mountain chains in the world. Stretching virtually unbroken along the  eastern side of South America and trailing up into Canada, the Andes ultimately merge into the Rockies. Your destination today is one of the majestic Seven Summits: the towering peak of Aconcagua, that is not only the tallest mountain in the Americas but also the highest point in the world outside of Asia.

Known as the “Stone Sentinel,” Aconcagua looms large and will watch your every move in her sky-bound domain, daring even the boldest mountaineers with a gently sloping north face and a frightening south face that is among the most dangerous climbing routes on the planet. Content to watch, you can gaze upon those souls who aim to reach the mountain’s summit, and keep an eye out for some of the more elusive species of Andean wildlife.

Afterward, you will continue to the headwaters of the Rio de La Plata and the gleaming buildings and smooth streets of Buenos Aires.

Day 19: Arrival in Buenos Aires
Welcome to Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital of Argentina and one of the great cities of the Western Hemisphere. Upon landing and collecting your bags, a private car will meet you and drop you at the door of your elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Recoleta, a barrio of Buenos Aires famed for its elegant French-style edifices, expansive swaths of public parks, delicious restaurants, and the incredible homes of Argentina’s elite.

Spend some time perambulating around this lovely neighborhood or relax at one of the local cafes. As evening descends, head to one of the area’s famous dinner spots, where the beef is fresh, the wine delectable, and soak in the atmosphere filled with the boisterous joy of Argentinian life.

Day 20: Tour of Brilliant Buenos Aires
Spend your first day in Argentina getting accustomed to the numerous cultural offerings of this unparalleled city, where Latin America’s charismatic passion meets the refined sophistication of Europe, where brightly colored bodegas coexist with the polished granite of high-end apartments towering above wide and hurried streets, and where romance seems to linger in the air at every turn.

Explore the Old World trappings of Retiro and Recoleta, where the city’s Parisian influence is tastefully and graciously celebrated and remembered. These neighbourhoods hark back to the unpredictable days and fervid nights at the turn of the 20th Century, when Buenos Aires experienced a population boom that brought a rich cultural fusion to its streets and avenues. You’ll also get a chance to walk by some of the most important and noteworthy landmarks of Buenos Aires’s grand and glorious past, from Plaza de Mayo and the nation’s political heart, to the cobblestone streets of San Telmo, where Buenos Aires’s colonial past mixes with her thriving nightlife to produce one of the most unique neighbourhoods in this fascinating metropolis. From the rich and varied past to the fast-paced, exhilarating present, Buenos Aires is truly a city that is always on the move and always ready to take you along for the ride.
After your 2-hour guided tour, so you’ll have time to rest or continue exploring the city at your own pace.

Day 21: From City Lights to the Plains of the Pampas
Today, step away from big city life and embrace the tranquility of the countryside. You’ll get the chance to see how Argentina’s gauchos have lived for centuries on the fertile lowlands, herding cattle and maintaining the culture and traditions of this fascinating profession, which has shaped much of the country’s identity.

Visit a local estancia — an expansive livestock estate, akin to an Argentinian ranch, and experience a day in the life of a gaucho. Experience the thrill of  leading cattle on horseback and savor the fruits of your labor with a delicious asado. As evening falls, enjoy a lively performance of song and dance, showcasing the folklore of this unique and adventurous people, bold in spirit and action, and warm and welcoming to even complete strangers. This is a side of Argentina that few get to experience, offering a rare glimpse into the heart of the country’s culture and traditions.

Floralis Generica, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Day 22: Learning the Art of the Argentine Tango
After a delicious breakfast at your Recoleta hotel, you’ll head to the private studio of one of the city’s top dance instructors for a lesson on one of the world’s most famous partner dances: the tango. Forged in the fiery atmosphere of the lower-class neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires, the tango blends European and Argentinian musical traditions, and has become an integral part of Argentina’s identity since the 1950s, when it first became a source of fierce national pride. You’ll experience the powerful and colourful history of this captivating dance as your instructor fills you in on its subtle cues, deep emotions, and the irrepressible desire that drives its steps. This will prepare you well for an incredible evening show at a Buenos Aires tango club, where you’ll enjoy a tasty, authentic meal while watching the movements of some of the country’s finest dancers.

Day 23: Heading Home
Today, you’ll bid farewell to the passionate charm and ceaseless beauty of Argentina. You’ll leave filled with stories and songs, the sights of Patagonia, the sounds of Iguazu, the smells of Mendoza, and the feelings of warmth and welcome from all over this incredible country — memories that you’ll cherish for life. By the time you return home, you’ll no doubt be brushing up on your Spanish ready for your next trip down South America way.