DAY 1: 
Arrival in Santiago

Welcome to Santiago! Home of the Pisco Sour, a variety of seafood and marvelous Cabernet Sauvignon. Chile’s capital city is a sophisticated, sprawling metropolis wedged between the Andes and mountainous coastal range, which plays home to 6 million people, one-third of Chile’s population. It is considered the safest city in South America. Today is arrival day and there are no planned activities. Upon arrival, you will be taken to the hotel via a private transfer and you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax and explore this vibrant city.

INCLUDED:

— Airport Transfer

Overnight in Santiago

Day 2: Santiago

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of this historical city. The Spanish conqueror and founder of Santiago, Pedro de Valdivia, arrived here on February 12, 1540. We’ll visit Constitution Square and the palace “La Moneda”, the government’s current seat. We will walk to “Plaza de Armas”, the main square, surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Royal High Court’s palace, the Main Post Office, and other buildings of historical interest such as the Central Market. Before returning to our hotel, we’ll visit San Cristobal hill from where you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the city and the Andes.

This afternoon, we’ll visit one of the world’s most important wineries, Concha y Toro, located in the picturesque rural setting of Pirque, only 31 miles south of Santiago. The tour begins with a walk through the winery’s ancient park where you will learn about the growth and development of the vines. Next, you’ll visit the ancient cellars which include the Casillero del Diablo (Devil’s Cellar). Learn about the famous legend that has made Chilean wine known worldwide. Chilean wine is top-notch, with only France and Italy selling more wine worldwide. During the tour, you’ll taste a variety of wines produced at the winery.

INCLUDED:

— Meals: Breakfast

— Morning walking Tour of Santiago (Duration:3-4 hours)

— Chilean Wine Experience

Overnight in Santiago

Day 3: Santiago/ Puerto Montt/ Puerto Varas

At the appropriate time, we’ll be transferred to the airport for our flight to Puerto Montt, the southernmost city on the Chilean continent before the land splits into a maze of islands and fjords. Located in the stunning Chilean Lake District, there are few areas in the world that can match this area for its scenic grandeur.

Puerto Montt is a colorful port city built on a series of hills and an unmissable Anglemo craft village and fish market, popular with the locals for its dozens of fresh fish eateries located in Palacios (stilted houses) over the water. After a visit to the fish market for lunch (not included), we’ll transfer to Puerto Varas, also known as “La Ciudad de las Rosas” (The City of Roses). Puerto Varas is located just 23km from Puerto Montt but worlds apart in charm and scenery. Two menacing, snowcapped volcanoes, Osorno and Calbuco, stand sentinel over the picturesque city.

Once getting settled into our hotel, you’ll have the evening free or you can choose to take an unforgettable cooking class. Using local ingredients, you’ll prepare your dinner and it will be served with Chilean wine, local beer, pisco sour, and soft drinks.

INCLUDED:

— Meals: Breakfast

— Visit Puerto Montt’s Angelmo craft village and fish market

— Transfer to Puerto Varas (30 minutes)

OPTIONAL:

— Cooking Class

Overnight in Puerto Varas

Day 4: Puerto Varas

Today will be a free day in Puerto Varas, one of the most beautiful cities in Chile. With a clear German influence, it sits on the southwest banks of Lake Llanquihue, which offers commanding views of snow-capped Osorno Volcano and Calbuco Volcano, both still active. This is also a city full of adventure! Choose your poison… canyoning, whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, or maybe choose to do a full day tour to Frutillar or the Peulla Mountain town.

INCLUDED:

— Meals: Breakfast

OPTIONAL:

— Canyoning
— Whitewater Rafting
— Kayaking

Overnight in Puerto Varas

Day 5: Puerto Varas/ Bariloche – Lakes Crossing

After breakfast, we’ll leave Puerto Varas on what is known as the Lakes Crossing. It is the only water passage through the Andes Mountains Range and the scenery is unique and breathtaking. Originally used as a trade route by the indigenous people of the region and later established by German settlers, nowadays many travelers cross from Chile to Argentina this way, via a combination of buses and boats which take you through national parkland and across three lakes.

Enjoy impressive views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes which dominate the landscape as we drive along the border of Lake Llanquihue to the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park to visit the Saltos del Petrohue waterfalls, where whimsical shapes of volcanic rock, bathed by green waterfalls make the perfect picture. Enjoy the sights from the “Cruce de Los Lagos,” considered one of the most scenic ferry cruises in the world.

We’ll cross the placid Lago Todos Los Santos aboard a catamaran and marvel at the vast mountainscapes and stunning views of Osomo, Puntiagudo, and Mount Tronador volcanoes. Enjoy the breeze and beautiful scenery until arriving in Peulla by midday, just in time for lunch. Peulla is an ecological village and a paradise for nature lovers.

Afterward, we’ll board a bus toward the Chile/ Argentina border to Puerto Frias. After performing the customs formalities at Puerto Frias, we’ll cross the Andes Mountain range at 3,202ft above sea level. We will descend by a windy road along Felix Frias Lake toward Puerto Alegre, where we’ll then take our third bus to Puerto Blest. From here, we’ll begin our final sail across Nahuel Huapi Lake to Puerto Panuelo and then on to San Carlos de Bariloche, or Bariloche for short.

INCLUDED:

— Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
— Lakes Crossing from Puerto Varas to San Carlos de Bariloche (combo public and private transportation)

Travel time: Approximately 13 hours (Departs Puerto Varas 8 am/ Arrives Bariloche 9 pm)

Overnight in Bariloche

Day 6: Bariloche

Bariloche is one of the most beautiful destinations in Argentina, if not the world. Surrounded by several glacial lakes, incredible mountains, and never-ending patches of woodland, this area offers excellent opportunities for hiking and kayaking. Located within the Nahuel Huapi National Park, there are innumerable hikes and trails to explore, ranging from easy to very difficult. Depending on the energy of the group, we’ll choose one to suit us. From Cerro Campanario, cited as one of the top 5 best views in the world or the ever popular, Refugio Frey, which will have you hiking through beautiful forests, across rivers and streams and up mountains, there are many options to choose from.

INCLUDED:

— Private Transportation

— Entrance Fee to Nahuel Huapi National Park

— Meals: Breakfast & Box Lunch

Overnight in Bariloche

Day 7: Bariloche

The lakes of the Nahuel Huapi National Park provide the ideal scenario for kayaking. Its pristine waters make this one of the few places on earth where you can drink from the lake while paddling. A short distance from Bariloche you will find Lake Gutierrez, one of the most popular attractions in the area. Formed by glacial runoff water dammed in the valley, Lake Gutierrez is known for its extremely cold temperatures. However, this doesn’t hinder its reputation as a premier spot for kayaking and fishing. With gorgeous views and a serene setting, this lake is a perfect attraction for an enjoyable and relaxing day in Bariloche.

INCLUDED:

— Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch & Snack

— Private Transportation

— Kayaking Tour at Lake Gutierrez

Overnight in Bariloche

Day 8: Bariloche/ Buenos Aires

At the appropriate time, we’ll be picked up at our hotel and driven to the domestic airport for our flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, we’ll be transferred to our hotel for a bit of free time.

Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina and has been described as the “Paris of South America, ” which is a title it proudly embraces in addition to showing how unique its own culture is. Explore the traditional European architecture, the cobbled streets lined with rustic outdoor cafes, the local antique and artisanal markets that offer plenty of bargain shopping and savor the mouthwatering aroma of prized Argentine beef sizzling on an open Parrilla (barbecue).

This evening experience an unforgettable night of dinner and sensuous dance performances in one of the best tango houses in Buenos Aires, where tradition is preserved and the ambiance exudes the charms of the bygone era and the best of Buenos Aires tango music, history, and dance.

INCLUDED: 

— Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

— Private Transportation 

Overnight in Buenos Aires

Day 9: Buenos Aires/ Departure

Today is departure day and there are no planned activities. At the appropriate time, you will be taken to the airport for your flight home or possibly to Iguazu Falls!

INCLUDED: 

–Meals: Breakfast 

–Airport Transfer

Easy to Moderate

This itinerary is rated Easy to Moderate. Your Chile and Argentina Explorer trip will be not have any crazy hikes or other extrenuous activites, but there will be options for those things should you want that kind of adventure. This trip is suitable for anyone being moderately active 2-4 hours a day. We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety, but please use your own good judgment. Participating in adventurous activities is always at your own risk.

We require a minimum of 5 Adventure People for this trip. Please confirm your trip is guaranteed before booking your airfare.

Arrival Airport: Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL)

Departure Airport: Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE)

Your arrival and departure airport transfers in your arrival and departure cities are included with your package.

Adventure People who wish to arrive early or stay beyond their departure day have the option to add Pre and Post Hotel stays conveniently located at our Rendezvous Hotels (based on availability). Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like this option. The advantage of booking a Pre or Post-Tour Hotel stay is to allow for extra time to explore on your own.

You will receive a travel guide attached to your booking confirmation with all the information you’ll need to prepare for your epic trip!

Do I need a passport?

All visitors to Mexico need a valid passport with six-month validity, upon presentation of which entering the country you’ll be granted a tourist visa valid 180 days. To find your regional passport office, check the U.S. State Department website (travel.state.gov/passport) or call the National Passport Information Center (tel 877-487-2778) for automated information.

Is it safe?

The US government recommends “increased caution” when traveling to Baja California Sur, but it should be noted that most forms of “criminal activity and violence” are related to the drug war, so there is a very low crime rate involving tourists. Like anywhere, being safe means heading warnings and being aware of potential dangers.

What is the currency and exchange rate?

The currency in Mexico is the peso. Paper currency comes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 pesos, color-coded to make it easy to tell one from the other. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, and 10 pesos, two-tone coins of different sizes, and 20 and 50 centavos, which are either gold-colored and ridged or silver-colored, tiny, and very light.

As currency exchange rates do fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for the most up to date daily exchange rates, http://www.xe.com/.

What should I bring?

Our advice is to pack as light as possible as you are expected to carry your own luggage and many hotels do not have elevators. Most travelers carry their luggage in a backpack, although a small to medium suitcase with wheels is ok too. We recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30lb. A full packing list will be sent upon booking.

Do I need to bring a power adapter or voltage converter?

Mexico uses the same Type A and Type B plug types that we use in the US and they operate on the same 110-volt current, so electrical adapters are not needed. Sometimes you may need 3 prong adapters, as many plugs only have space for the two-prong plugs.