Tour Overview
Argentina, the country boasts a wide variety of cultural attractions, but for many travelers, its natural wonders are the primary draw. From the northern deserts to the southern Andean Cordillera, from Iguazú Falls to the magnificent desolation of Patagonia, Argentina's geography is varied and stunning. The elegant capital, Buenos Aires is a fabulous city renowned for its sophistication, although travelers expecting a more 'South American' experience are sometimes disappointed with its European feel. Argentina is one Latin American country where Europeans and North Americans can feel at ease and travel relatively inconspicuously. Chile's distinctive culture has survived the violence and repression of its recent history and is thriving once again thanks to a people noted for their warmth and resilience. Despite having the most European community in South America, indigenous traditions persist in the Andean foothills and in the southern plains, while some of South America's finest national parks draw trekkers and guanaco spotters alike.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01: Buenos Aires, ArgentinaArrive Buenos Aires Airport. You are met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Buenos Aires continues to be a wonderful combination of sleek skyscrapers, ornate friezes and turn-of-the-last-century grandeur - at once ultrachic and tumbledown, up-to-date and firmly planted in the past. Even before the recent financial troubles, there was always a spirit of malaise in B.A., as it is affectionately known locally, which may help explain the devotion to that bittersweet expression of Argentine popular culture, the tango. Performed in the streets, on stages, in cafes, the sorrowful and romantic nature of the dance is integral to the city.
Meliá Recoleta Plaza Boutique Hotel is located in the exclusive and elegant district of Recoleta and surrounded by all of the best restaurants, bars and leisure venues in the city.
Enjoy an afternoon city tour of Buenos Aires. This tour will take you to all the major sights including a behind-the-scenes visit to the Teatro Colón Opera House, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Government Palace (Casa Rosada), the colorful La Boca district, the tough port barrio and colorful working class heart of Buenos Aires, and San Telmo, home and birthplace of the sultry tango. This evening, enjoy a superb Tango Show and dinner.
Dinner
Meliá Recoleta Plaza Boutique Hotel- Standard Room Day 02: Buenos Aires - Bariloche
Morning transfer to Buenos Aires Airport for your flight (not included) to Bariloche. Arrive Bariloche, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Bariloche. One of the must-see sights in Argentina is the ski resort of Bariloche. This Andean village looks like it belongs in Switzerland. It's easy to see why so many people go - it's in an unbelievably beautiful area. Located on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, in the midst of Nahuel Huapi National Park, Bariloche is surrounded by dense forests, alpine lakes and 12,000-ft mountains.
Since 1970, Edelweiss Hotel is recognized for warmth, comfort and superb service. Set in the heart of downtown, overlooking the footsteps from the Nahuel Huapi Lake combines a relaxing atmosphere and true hospitality in its traditional structure.
Breakfast
Hotel Edelweiss- Standard Room Day 03: Bariloche
Enjoy a morning tour of Bariloche, the Argentina’s “Little Switzerland,” a region with strong ties to Central Europe. Many local families originally immigrated here from Germany, Switzerland and Northern Italy. Your tour will take you up into the surrounding mountains for breathtaking views of the Catedral, Lopez and Otto Mountain peaks, descending to Lake Nahuel Huapi and Lake Moreno. A visit to Cerro Campanario with a chairlift up gives you one of the most spectacular views of the area.
Nahuel Huapí National Park. Originating as a reserve in 1903 with a private donation of 15 sq mi (39 sq km), it became Argentina's first national park in 1934. The park and adjacent nature reserve includes dense forests, rivers, glaciers, and snow-clad peaks, including El Tronador “The Thunderer,” Mount Catedral and Lake Nahuel Huapí.
Breakfast
Hotel Edelweiss- Standard Room Day 04: Bariloche - Puella - Puerto Varas, Chile
Embark on a full-day excursion across the scenic alpine lakes of Frias and Todos Los Santos, to Petrohue.
Without a doubt the "Lake District Crossing" is one of South America's most popular surface crossings. Traverse via a series of (non-exclusive) motor launches and motor coaches through spectacular scenery - snow-capped mountain peaks, gloriously green forests and azul blue lakes.
An unforgettable ride through the Andes ends with a late afternoon arrival at the small town of Petrohue. You are met and transferred to the hotel in Puerto Varas.
Hotel Cabañas del Lago is located in the high part of the city of Puerto Varas, just blocks away from the square and downtown. Its’ great location allows you to enjoy the best view of the city, llanquihue´s lake bay, and Osorno, Calbuco and Tronador volcanoes.
Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel Cabanas del Lago-Superior Room Day 05: Puerto Varas & The Lake District
Enjoy a day of independent exploration in the Lake District and choose such activities (additional cost) as horseback riding, rafting the Petrohué River, hiking Osorno Volcano, or kayaking on Yanquihue Lake. (It is suggested to book your activity in advance to guarantee space.)
Breakfast
Hotel Cabanas del Lago-Superior Room Day 06: Puerto Varas - Torres del Paine National Park
Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport for your flight (not included) to Punta Arenas.
Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, a local guide will transfer you to the bus station where you will continue by regular bus to Puerto Natales. Upon your arrival at the bus station, meet and assistance for your private transfer to Torres del Paine National Park.
Torres del Paine National Park is one of South America’s newest nature reserves, created in 1959 (with the last addition of acreage in the early 1970’s) and declared UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 1978.
The wildlife and scenery, both inside and nearby the park, are spectacular. Glaciers creep down mountainsides, breaking off into fjords; waterfalls tumble over short cliffs; huge Patagonian hares scurry across the dry terrain; and pink flamingos flock alongside icy blue lakes dotted with icebergs. Herds of sheep and guanacos, fields of wildflowers, lush, green forests, fantastic bird life (including rheas and condors) and rapidly flowing rivers round out a spectacular scene.
Arrive at your hotel late afternoon for check-in formalities.
Hostería las Torres is located right in the middle of Torres del Paine National Park. The hotel offers all the comfort you need to make your stay an unforgettable experience. It is the perfect place to enjoy trekking or horseback riding through lakes, glaciers and rivers.
Breakfast
Hosteria Las Torres- Superior Room Day 07 to 09: Torres del Paine National Park
Enjoy three full days of independent exploration in Torres del Paine National Park. You may book any of the following excursions from the hotel.
The Towers (6 to 8 hours, high demand, walking or riding) One of the main attractions of the renowned National Park Torres del Paine, these rock formations impose 1000 meters of naked granite stabbing the heavens with three colossal towers.
Lake Nordenskjold (2 or 3 hours, low demand, walking or riding) The path follows between an emerald green lake and Almirante Nieto, a magnificent mountain. The trail promises a relaxed ride through bewildering landscape.
Full Paine (6 to 8 hours, vehicle) During the drive to get to the Grey Lake, the national park is revealed. Guanacos, foxes, birds and the most comprehensive view of the general mountain structure is sighted along the way.
Los Cuernos (6 to 8 hours, medium demand, walking or riding) On of the most varied sceneries is seen on this path. Along the way there will be iced mountains on one side and an amazing panoramic view edging Lake Nordenskjold on the other.
Salto Grande (4 to 5 hours, vehicle) The inner roads of the park will delight the passenger with its beauties until Salto Grande is reached. A short walk will lead to this waterfall that flows into the turquoise waters of Lake Pehoe.
Laguna Azul (2 to 3 hours, vehicle) This placid trip takes you to a lagoon embedded in a valley of flowers. In the sky, the towers stand out over hills, forests, valleys and rivers.
Laguna Amarga and Lago Sarmiento (7 to 8 hours, low demand, walking and vehicle) A large diversity of birds will be sighted in numerous lagoons that decorate the trip.
Valle Encantado (6 to 8 hrs, low demand, horse or trekking) This is a beautiful trip with panoramic view of rivers, valleys and mountains; ideal for enjoying a horse ride.
Sierra Baguales (6 to 8 hrs, low demand, vehicle) Sierra Baguales is known for its exotic rock formations, its birds and above all for its fossils. The former habitat of hundreds of wild horses provides an interesting and unconventional glimpse of the Patagonia, past and present.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hosteria Las Torres- Superior Room
Day 10: Torres del Paine National Park - Santiago
Morning (non-exclusive) transfer to Punta Arenas Airport. You are met and assisted with check-in for your flight* to Santiago.
Arrive Santiago, you are met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and overnight.
Santiago was founded in 1541 on the slopes of the Andes by the Spanish, and it shows - in the language, the culture and in the richness of the architecture. Stately old buildings advertise a decaying grandeur that has been rescued by one of the world's fastest growing economies. The focal point of the city is Providencia, cosmopolitan and tree-lined, where the new brings out the beauty of the old. Shops, bars and art galleries contrast with museums and theatres.
Hotel Atton Santiago El Bosque. A brand new built property located in the best location and safe area of Santiago. Featuring 240 luxurious rooms with king or queen beds it offers amenities such as air conditioning and a room safe.
Breakfast
Hotel Atton Santiago El Bosque-Standard Room Day 10: Santiago - Departure
Morning tour of the wonderful city of Santiago. This comprehensive tour begins with a visit to the neoclassical La Moneda Palace, home of Chilean presidents until 1958 and today the seat of the government. Also visit the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, one of South America's finest Museums with exhibits of pre-Columbian cultures from Central America to the Andean region.
Stop for a comprehensive visit of one of the most complete collections of ceramics, ancient textiles and relics of the American culture. After this interesting visit, walk with your guide to the heart of Santiago and to the recently remodeled Plaza de Armas, from here view the Cathedral (finished in 1789) and the buildings housing the Central Post Office and City Hall, both national monuments of colonial vintage.
Nearby, housed in an exquisite 19th century wrought iron building, is the Central Market, a colorful conglomeration of seafood, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. A stop for lunch (not included.) End your tour with visit Blue Stone jewellery store, and El Mundo del Vino wine store.
This afternoon, transfer to Santiago International Airport.
Breakfast
Hotel Atton Santiago El Bosque– dayroom
*Flights are not included in land price.
