Highlights of Chile & Argentina

Transfer today to the airport for the overnight flight to Santiago, Chile.

Upon arrival in Santiago this morning, we transfer to our hotel with an orientation tour en-route.  After some time to relax and freshen-up, we embark on our city tour and visit Santa Lucia Hill. After, we’ll enjoy a Welcome Dinner. Santiago is historically cosmopolitan with very exhaustive arts and museum scene. Eclectic restaurants, beautiful hillside parks and accessible, pedestrianized neighborhoods make Santiago great to explore and will help us get underneath what is making this worldly city sit atop traveler radar. 

After breakfast, we journey to two of the most emblematic cities in Chile: Viña del Mar and Valparaiso. Known as “The Garden City”, in Viña del Mar we will visit the Quinta Vergara, Carrasco Palace and the Flower Clock. Later, it is off to Valparaiso which is characterized by the presence of beautiful multi-colored houses. We tour the Plaza Sotomayor and then embark on a sailing across the bay with its incredible views.

Transfer to the airport this morning for the flight to Mendoza, Argentina. Upon arrival, we transfer to our centrally located hotel. The evening is at leisure for you to explore the capital of Argentine wines. Mendoza is an ideal place to spend a few days! It’s leafy boulevards, sidewalk cafes and airy plaza means Mendoza is more than just synonymous with wine. It’s surreal location in the desert with the Andes as backdrop make for never-ending selfies and are a great base to delve deep into the local tradition and customs, and, of course, let’s not forget the abundance of world-class wineries.

We start our day exploring the region of Lujan de Cuyo & Maipú accompanied by a Local Guide who will explain the origin of the wine industry in Mendoza. During our tour, we visit our first winery and learn about the winemaking process and conduct a wine-tasting. Continuing on, we visit other selected vineyards where we have lunch at one and experience traditional wines from the local cellar. 

After breakfast, we travel to the Old and New City of Mendoza to learn about its architectural layout, trees and water conveyance system and gain insights into the unique culture of people that transformed this town into a thriving desert oasis. We end our discovery of Mendoza at the sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes with spectacular views of the foothills of Mendoza. 

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our flight to Iquazu. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel and have an Iguazu orientation meeting. The evening is at leisure and your Tour Director can provide ideas for dinning options. Iguazu and her Falls are awe-inspiring and will astound anyone who comes into contact. The Falls lie split between Brazil and Argentina and the National Park which is a lush rainforest with an abundance of flora and fauna that paints an idyllic setting to witness hundreds of thundering cascades. Each side of the Falls offers a very different perspective in which to view and it is vital to experience both to capture the true magnitude of Iguazu Falls.

Today, we tour the Argentinian side of the magical Falls. Via a mini train with our Local Guide, we travel to the Garganta del Diablo which is one the most beautiful sightseeing spots at the Falls. Later, we transfer to our boat for a ride on the Rio Iguazu and get up-close-and-personal with the Falls from the perspective of the Rio Iguazu.  Known as the biggest water system in the world, Iguazu Falls will not disappoint!

Today, it is Brazil’s turn as we tour the Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls. On arriving to the Visitors center, we get on panoramic buses and begin our tour. Easy walking paths descend to balconies with panoramic views of the Argentinean falls. Don’t forget your poncho! We then follow along Floriano Fall where a refreshing reception (with gorgeous views of the lower Rio Iguazu and the Devil’s Gorge Canyon) is offered. After, we transfer out of the Park and head back to our hotel.

This morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, we have an orientation tour of the ‘Paris of South America.’ Buenos Aires sits at the crossroads of historical European culture and Latin America’s vibrancy. There is so much to explore: San Telmo - where the Tango was invented, Avenida Florida - a central and pedestrianized shopping are, the monumental Teatro Colon and the list goes on. With a delightful culinary scene, there are plenty of dining options that represent cuisines from around the world. For a true, local experience, do not forget to leave Buenos Aires without dining at an Asado. Your Tour Director can provide some great, insider options!

After breakfast, we begin our Buenos Aires city tour and our journey through this unique city will highlight its passion, history, culture and magic through its neighborhoods. As a special treat, we visit the neighborhood of La Boca - home to the famous stadium for the Boca Juniors. Football is a serious Argentinian pastime! Tonight, it is time to Tango. We venture to La Ventana for our Dinner & Tango Show. La Ventana is a historic tenement house that has been restored and is located in San the Telmo district which is the heart of the Tango. We have an evening of excellent cuisine, Argentine wines and an unforgettable Tango and Folklore Show consisting of 32 artists on the stage. La Ventana also offers the opportunity to request a tango lesson or a wine-tasting prior to dinner.

We head out into Argentina’s pampas for a fun day at Santa Susana Ranch. The ranch is a great place for us to experience the authentic “Gaucho” lifestyle. Some of the activities related to local customs are: riding horses, participating in a traditional folklore show or enjoying a demonstration of the fantastic riding skills of the famous Argentine Gauchos. A typical Asado (Barbecue) lunch is prepared with some fine wine then followed with traditional sweets.

Today is a free day in Buenos Aires. The shopping (and prices) are fantastic in Buenos Aires and today is a great day to wander, bargain and get something you cannot find anywhere else. Or, experience some traditional maté at a café with some locals. Later, we transfer to the airport for our overnight flight back to the USA.

Arrive this morning and transfer home filled with great South American memories.