The best of Chile and Argentina

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

You will visit Santiago and enjoy the capital city’s restaurants and museums, taste some of Chile’s finest wines in the wine country, hike the trails of Torres del Paine National Park and cross the Andes to Argentina, where you will be stunned by the immensity of the glaciers. From city streets to the high plains of the Pampas, South America is a region for everyone, from nature lovers to shopaholics, from gourmands to gauchos to glacier climbers. You’ll revel in the smells of a Buenos Aires parilla, the sounds of Iguazu’s ceaseless falls, the sight of the sun over the Andes. It’s all here: this, and so much more.

Day 1: Arrival in Chile
You will be met upon arrival at the Santiago airport and transferred to your luxury boutique hotel located in the trendy Lastarria neighborhood. In the early afternoon, you will be picked up at the hotel for a private half-day city tour of Santiago. The tour includes the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the city’s premier fine arts museum, and the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, whose remarkable collection includes the Mayan, Aztec, Incan, Mapuche, and other major indigenous cultures. The tour also visits the Plaza de Armas and the neighborhoods of Providencia, Bellavista, and Las Condes. Santiago offers an extensive range of sophisticated dining options. We will provide a wide variety of restaurant recommendations for you to decide between local, fusion, modern, or traditional cuisine.

Perito Moreno Glacier. Patagonia, Argentina

Day 2: Into the Wine Country
You will head west into Colchagua Valley for a private tour of the finest wineries. This is the home of Chile’s most acclaimed varietal, the Carmenere, and some really nice reds as the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Syrah. The day-tour includes a wine-pairing lunch at one of the wineries.

Day 3: To the North, to the Desert
You will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Calama. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your all-inclusive luxury hotel, where you will be able to choose your daily activities between hiking, climbing, bird-watching, biking, stargazing, etc. All your meals, soft drinks, house wines and spirits are included, as well as the activities of your choice. The Atacama area is both fascinating for its hiking and riding options as it is for its stargazing opportunities in one of the most pristine skies in the world. San Pedro de Atacama, the main town in the region has an interesting international atmosphere that is also worth experiencing.

Day 4: Highland Lagoons
During your stay you will be able to explore the highland lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, which are located at an altitude of 13,860 feet. The scenery is ideal to contemplate the beauty of the Altiplanic landscape, with its mountains, many contrasts and extraordinary colors. Lunch is served at a local restaurant in the village of Socaire, a simple way to give much needed support to the local community.

Day 5: Tatio Geysers
We also suggest visiting the Tatio Geysers, located at an altitude of 14,190ft. The geothermal field has a close link to the volcanic activity in the zone and consists of huge steam columns which reach heights of almost 40ft. Breakfast is served as dawn breaks; on the way back to the village, you will have the opportunity of spotting vicuñas and, if lucky, foxes, vizcachas and Ñandú (Andean ostrich). You will stop at the hamlet of Machuca before returning to the hotel by vehicle.

Atacama Desert, Chile

Day 6: Death & Moon Valleys
The surreal beauty of the landscape from many viewpoints in the Salt Mountain Range, such as the scenery of Death Valley, Moon Valley and the Andes mountain range is also unique. The activity includes short walks in several areas with rocky outcrops, a landscape formed by the wind the rain and the temperature changes of the desert.
The half day excursion to the Salt Flats starts with a brief visit to Toconao village where the square and the historic church are the main attractions along with a visit to a local family who lives off the sales of their handcrafts. Later on you will reach the National Flamingo Reserve in the Atacama salt flat. There are three types of flamingo to be found here, living off the microscopic lagoon life. The views of the Andes as the sun sets are truly amazing.

Day 7: Head South into the Patagonian Wilderness
You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred back to the Calama Airport for your flight to Torres del Paine. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your all-inclusive luxury camp, where you will spend the next 4 nights immersed in the breathtaking Patagonian landscape, opting between hiking, biking, horse-back riding, etc. All meals are included in the camp as well as the activities. Torres del Paine National Park is arguably one of the top adventure travel destinations in the world and offers countless options for the adventure enthusiast.

Day 8: World-class Hiking
During your time in the park, we suggest you sign up for some of the full day hikes, such as the Lakal Sarmiento, where you will follow a winding trail that runs through lenga forests and provides views of the pristine Laguna Lakal. The excursion ends on the Sarmiento Peninsula providing a stunning view of the Paine massif. Another option would be to take a challenging yet rewarding trek that provides an up close experience to Base Las Torres. The trail winds through lenga forests, the breathtaking Ascencio Valley and finishes right beneath Las Torres. This hike is part of the famous W circuit of Torres del Paine National Park.

Day 9: French Valley
A more strenuous choice would be 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. The trail moves along Almirante Nieto into the French Valley where you will see the Hanging Glacier, Lake Nordenskjold and the French Glacier. This hike has 2 extensions, up to the Plateau (ranked as very difficult) and the British Camp (difficult) that will lead you to the heart of the granite massif.

Estancia Cristina, Patagonia, Argentina

Day 10: Riding in Patagonia
If you would like to try one of the rides, for those who have some previous experience with horses, Puesto Segunda Barranca is a great opportunity to explore the Patagonian Pampa. In general the path is over straight, flat land with views of Torres del Paine. The excursion is a perfect medium length ride with many opportunities to gallop for those who want to.

Day 11: Deep in the Heart of Patagonia
You will cross the border to Argentine Patagonia, named by Magellan on his circumnavigations after the mythical giants who supposedly made the mountains their domain. While you won’t see any monsters or creatures of legend, you will have the chance to experience the fantastic allure of El Calafate, originally built to shelter wool traders. Now it’s the metropolitan hub of Patagonia exploration, located near Los Glaciares National Park as well as the imposing and teeth-like massifs of Cerro Torre and Cerro Chalten, two of the most difficult climbs on Earth. Your luxurious and sophisticated lodge awaits you after a long flight south, and you’ll revel in the incredible comfort of your accommodations and the staggering stateliness of the scenery surrounding you.

Day 12: Walking on Ice at Perito Moreno
Today is one you’ll never forget, as your travels take you deep into Patagonia’s national parks and astride the Perito Moreno Glacier, a stunning slab of frozen water more nearly 100 miles square that serves as one of the centerpieces of this part of Los Glaciares National Park. You’ll get the chance to walk along this phenomenal expanse, taking in the shores of blue faces leading to the rippling surface of ice, the glacier caves that form on the edge of the sea, and the climbing panorama of the Andes beyond. Board a boat that will take you across the narrow channel leading up to the glacier, then slip on some crampons to take a jaunt across Perito Moreno, marveling in the slow power of this geographic formation and in the serene and stupendous scenery it cut over thousands of years, creating the region all around you with its mass and movement, the indelible changes of gravity and time.

Day 13: A Visit to an Argentine Estancia
Voyage to the grounds of a Patagonian estancia, where the scenery and history of this magnificent land will inspire you like nowhere else on Earth. Set amongst climbing cliffs of timeless granite, the sapphire depths of mountain lakes and the pale vibrant blue of nearby glaciers, you will be captivated by the people who live in this gorgeous but unforgiving country, practicing the customs and culture of those who have lived here for generations. You’ll find a small museum here, as well as a number of outdoor activities, from hiking to horseback riding and more. Your final day in the untamed wilderness of southern Argentina will be one of your favorite of the entire trip, as you’re left to your own devices to discover the best of this unforgettable landscape.

Day 14: Turning North to the Border
Board a plane back in El Calafate to head back north to the border. After an unforgettable time in Patagonia, today sees you flying north where Argentina meets Paraguay and mighty Brazil, and where you can find one of the most dazzling natural sites on the entire planet: Iguazu Falls. After reaching this isolated and incredible outpost, you’ll be taken to your elegant and comfortable hotel located mere minutes for the gates of Iguazu National Park. Take the rest of the day to relax and soak up the unbelievable scenery that fills your vision at every turn. You can take a walk around this spectacular area or enjoy the services offered by the hotel’s chic and soothing spa before setting down to enjoy the fantastic fare at the excellent on-site restaurant.

Day 15: Incomparable Iguazu
Set out to uncover the majesty of Iguazu Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World and perhaps the greatest collection of waterfalls on the planet. You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable and experienced ornithologist, who will help point out what to look for and where to find it as you tour this extraordinary formation. You’ll come across any number of smaller cascades before boarding a train to get an unencumbered view of the Devil’s Throat, a long and narrow chasm more than 80 meters high where nearly half of the water flow is diverted, making it perhaps the premier cataract of Iguazu. Those who might wish to avoid the heights of the major falls can enjoy the lower reaches on the Great Adventure boat ride, offering a unique viewpoint from which to experience this unmatched geographic structure, as well as bird-watching tours and hiking trails along the jungle floor.

Day 16: Welcome to Wine Country
Set out west from Iguazu and land in Mendoza, one of the Great Capitals of Wine and the center of the largest wine producing area in Latin America. It’s home to scenic parks, stirring statues, and some of the most delectable culinary creations in the country. A rapidly emerging destination within the wine tourism industry, the city of Mendoza is often under-appreciated and is home to several museums, a number of attractive city parks, and the Casa de Fader. This historic house museum 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 sites that prompted National Geographic to name Mendoza one of the top ten historic travel destinations in the world in 2008. After landing in Mendoza you’ll be shuttled to your cozy and comfortable luxury hotel deep in the pulsing heart of wine country, complete with a posh spa and a highly regarded restaurant.

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 of 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 enjoy some of the finest wines in the hemisphere, as well as learn more about the specifics that make Argentina’s wine-growing regions, and the product they produce, truly one-of-a-kind. Sample some of the premium varietals and blends while you nosh on a specially prepared wine pairing lunch and listen to some of the regions top oenologists as they discuss the various characteristics of the grapes, how they’re grown and when they’re harvested, what makes a good wine, and how to best know which wines are worth their price tag. And, of course, the incredible setting rivals even the world’s best-known wine regions, from Burgundy to Napa, with friendly and helpful locals who are there to help you enjoy the environs surrounding Mendoza to the fullest.

Day 18: Trekking Through the Spine of the Americas
Head out to the rising crags and sharp ridges of the Andes, one of the longest mountain chains in the world, stretching virtually unbroken up the entire eastern side of South America and trailing up into Canada, where the naming conventions change and the Andes become the Rockies. Your destination today is one of the majestic Seven Summits: the towering peak of Aconcagua, tallest mountain in the Americas and the highest point in the world outside of Asia. The Stone Sentinel 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 mean to reach the mountain’s summit while you try to spot some of the more elusive species of Andean wildlife. You will then 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
You touch down in beautiful bountiful Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina and one of the great cities of the Western Hemisphere. After 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 gorgeous neighborhood, or relax at one of the local cafes before hitting one of the area’s famous dinner spots, where the beef is fresh, the wine delectable, and the atmosphere filled with the boisterous joy of life in Argentina.

Day 20: Tour of Brilliant Buenos Aires
Spend your first day in Argentina getting accustomed to the multitudinous cultural offerings of this unparalleled world city, where the charismatic passion of Latin America meets the refined sophistication of the capitals of Europe, where brightly colored bodegas meet the polished granite of high-end apartments towering above wide and hurried streets, and where romance is always easy to find.

Explore the Old World trappings of Retiro and Recoleta, where the city’s Parisian past is tastefully and graciously celebrated and remembered. They harken back to the unpredictable days and fervid nights during the turn of the 20th century, when Buenos Aires experienced a population boom that brought all manners of culture to its alleyways and avenues. You’ll also get a chance to walk by some of the most important and noteworthy spots of Buenos Aires’s grand and glorious past, from the Plaza de Mayo and the nation’s political heart to the winding cobblestone paths of San Telmo, where Buenos Aires’s colonial past mixes with her thriving nightlife to produce one of the most unique neighborhoods 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.
This is a 2-hour tour so you’ll have time to rest up or you can explore the more of the city at your leisure.

Day 21: From City Lights to the Plains of the Pampas
Today, escape the urban rigors and the pressures of big city life and turn to the countryside, where you’ll get a chance to see how Argentina’s gauchos have lived for centuries on the fertile South American lowlands, leading cattle and keeping alive the culture and traditions of this fascinating profession. Visit a local estancia, a large livestock estate that might best be explained as an Argentinian ranch, and experience a day in the life of a cattle driver, from leading the cattle by horseback to enjoying the fruits of your labor at a delicious asado. As evening falls, take in a performance of song and dance by these famous Pampas cattle hands, living up the folklore of a unique and adventurous people, bold in spirit and action but warm and welcoming to even complete strangers. This is a side of Argentina that very few people know of and even fewer get to experience.

Floralis Generica, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Day 22: Learning the Art of the Argentine Tango
After a delicious breakfast at your Recoleta hotel, head to the private studio of one of the city’s top dance instructors as you set out to learn one of the most famous partner dances in the world: the tango. Forged in the fiery world of the lower-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires by combing European and Argentinian musical traditions, the tango has been intimately tied to the image of Argentina since at least the 1950s, when it first became an item of fierce national pride. You’ll experience the powerful and colorful history of this singular dance as your instructor fills you in on the subtle cues, the deep emotion and the irrepressible desire that fills the tango’s steps, all while preparing you for an incredible evening show in the bowels of a Buenos Aires tango club, where a delicious and authentic meal accompanies the movements of some of the finest dancers in the country.

Day 23: Heading Home
Today you leave the passionate charm and ceaseless beauty of Argentina, 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. By the time you touch down back home, you’ll be sure to be testing your Spanish for your next trip down South America’s way.