Chile, Andes & Buenos Aires

Sunday: Arrive this morning in Santiago de Chile, the gateway to the Andes and the capital of Chile. Situated between the stunning mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean, Santiago is a vibrant and photogenic city. Your Chile & Argentina tour guide will greet you upon arrival and escort you to your Santiago hotel. Enjoy a Santiago city tour, visiting the historic district as well as the modern center, and take a trip to San Cristobal for an excellent panorama of the metropolis. A welcome dinner is included.

Monday:Enjoy an afternoon excursion to the Concha y Toro Winery, one of the most famous vineyards around the world. Located in the Maipo River Canyon, this renowned Chile winery is planted with grapevines of the most noble French stock such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Pinot Noir and others.

Tuesday: Visit to Valparaíso, the oldest port city in Chile. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, It's historical significance alone is worth the visit, not to mention its beautiful architecture and coastline. Also visit Viña del Mar, well-known for its beaches and parks.

Wednesday: Fly from Santiago de Chile to Puerto Montt, the capital of Lake District, founded in 1853 by German colonists on the site of an indigenous Mapuche community. Continue on to your hotel in neighboring Puerto Varas: Hotel Cabanas del Lago**** on the shores of Lago Llanquihue. "Puerto Varas" gets its nickname from the tremendous variety of roses all over town.
The hotel has a beautiful lakeview restaurant, or you may want to stroll through the town and choose another restaurant, such as the excellent seafood establishment, El Merlin.

Thursday: Set out this morning on a Lago Llanquihue cruise, passing the gorgeous landscapes of Chile and Argentina's Lake District along the way. Enjoy views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, as well as the snow-capped Andes mountains, alpine lakes, and stunning meadows. Stop at Petrohué Falls to see these spectacular waterfalls. Lunch and overnight in Puerto Peulla at the Hotel Natura Patagonia ****.

Friday: Continue your Chile and Argentina tour over the Andes pass to Lago Frio on the Argentina side of the mountains. Take a combination of boat and coach rides to Puerto Blest across Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Panuelo, the port neighboring Bariloche, the capital of Argentina's Lake District and a popular ski resort destination. Continue to your Hotel Cacique Inacayal **** Bariloche and check in to your superior room where you will stay for 2 nights. The hotel is only a few steps away from Bariloche's many restaurants.

Saturday: Enjoy a full-day excursion to Mt Tronador and Alerces Falls. From Bariloche, head along Lago Mascardi with its lush surrounding forests. Then cross over the calm River Manso, continuing towards Laguna Los Moscos and Lake Hess where you will see a tremendous waterfall: La Cascada los Alerces. Onwards in the direction of Tronador, a large mountain with three peaks thrusts forth: Argentino (11,253ft/ 3.410m), International (11,728ft /3.554m) and Chileno (11,319ft/ 3.430m). Argentina and Chile share these mountain peaks directly on the border of the two countries. Return to your Bariloche hotel in the evening.

Sunday: Navigate a beautiful circuit today around the lake shore of the spectacular Lago Nahuel Huapi. From Cerro Campanario, enjoy a 360 degree view of the surrounding lakes, islands and mountains. Descend and continue on to the peninsula San Pedro. In Llao-Llao, stop for a brief walk to see the Chapel of San Eduardo.
Fly this afternoon to the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, an Argentina tour guide will greet you and transfer you to your Buenos Aires hotel. Opt to browse the wares in the San Telmo Market (open on Sundays only) before heading to the hotel.
In the evening, enjoy one of the highlights of Buenos Aires: a delicious steak dinner and tango show (included).

Monday: Today's Buenos Aires city tour starts with a visit to the district of San Telmo. This barrio was the main residential district during the colonial era, and now it is full of antique shops and is famous for the San Telmo Antique Market (open on Sundays only). Also visit the district of La Boca, the colonial port district pioneered by Italian immigrants who built homes out of corrugated iron sheets and painted them with cheery primary colors. El Caminitio is the most famous of the streets in the district. You'll also see the Casa Rosada and the most important historic monuments of the city.

Tuesday: Enjoy a free day in Buenos Aires, perhaps opting to see more of the city, take a half-day tour along the river delta of El Tigre, or experience the life of a Patagonia gaucho on an estancia. The Estancia Santa Susana offers an excellent introduction to Argentina's colonial era: enjoy authentic empanadas and a glass of wine, then take a stroll around the estancia's grounds, or enjoy a horse carriage ride. Feast on a delicious 'asado criollo' (BBQ), prepared by Gauchos over large open fires, served with salads, white and red wine, mineral water and beer. Along with dessert, enjoy a show of folklore music and dances of the Pampas. Finally, enjoy a Sortija and Cuadrera race. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Continue to another of South America's wonders! Fly to Iguassu Falls:

2 nights Iguassu Falls including flight

6 nights Iguassu Falls & Atlantic Rainforest

8 nights Iguassu Falls, Atlantic Rainforest & Rio