Chile and Argentina Explorer
Explore Chile and Argentina’s cultural and natural environments on this exciting 9-day adventure!
Santiago, Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, Bariloche, Buenos Aires
Walking, Hiking, Lakes Crossing, Kayaking
8 Adventure People
9 Days
Explore Chile and Argentina’s cultural and natural environments on this exciting 9-day adventure! From the wineries of Santiago, the Lakes District of Southern Chile, the majestic mountains of the Andes range, to the steamy tango joints in Buenos Aires, this trip offers a lively taste of South America. Explore Chile’s Lakes District and embark on what is considered one of the most scenic ferry cruises in the world to Bariloche. Build up a sweat hiking in Nahuel Huapi National Park and discover off-the-beaten-path places only accessible by water. A paradise for lovers of the outdoors, Chile and Argentina are home to some of the most impressive vistas in South America.
Adventure Highlights
- Discover Santiago, the vivid capital of Chile, and learn about its eventful past then taste the wine which it is most famous.
- Visit the southernmost city on the Chilean continent before the land splits into a maze of islands and fjords.
- Enjoy one of the most scenic ferry cruises in the world and the only water passage through the Andes mountain range.
- Go hiking and kayaking in Nahuel Huapi National Park, an area with glacial lakes surrounded by the Andes Mountains.
- Discover Bariloche, known for its Swiss alpine-style architecture and its chocolate.
- Experience an unforgettable night of dinner and sensuous dance performances at one of the best tango houses in Buenos Aires.
2022 Travel Club Trip Dates
November 19-27, 2022 $3275
Want Your Own Room? Single Supplement is $720
Days Remaining Till This Trip
Please note: Adventure People requires all travelers to provide a negative COVID Test 48 hours before departure for all of our small group trips, regardless of country requirements and vaccination status. In addition, we follow the guidelines put in place by The Adventure Travel Trade Association, developed in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic, using international industry standards, public resources from the CDC, WHO, governments, and tour operators.
About Our Travel Partner
Our travel partner for this tour, Say Hueque, is the first travel company in Argentina to compensate for all the CO2 emissions you’ll make during your trip when traveling by land. They are partnered with South Pole Group, one of the most reputable organizations on Climate Change actions, to make sure that those resources go directly to the projects that are working to reduce our carbon footprints on our planet.
In addition, they are also leading the plant a tree experience, where they invite you to plant a native tree during your trip to Iguazu, Bariloche, and El Calafate, helping to reforest the Iguazu, one of the 200 protected ecoregions in the world, and save the home of their native jaguar. It will also help to save the Bariloche, a unique fusion of two ecosystems (the Patagonian steppe and the forest), and the Bosque Andino in Patagonico in El Calafate.
Other actions they’ve taken to become the most sustainable tour operator in Argentina includes plastic-free tours, helping travelers connect with local businesses, including transportation and accommodations. They are also one of 116 travel organizations, companies, and professionals who have signed the Tourism Declares Climate Emergency and the Guiding Principles of Future of Tourism, which is a group of six NGO’s that work together to promote a new conscious on the change our industry needs.
Is This Trip Right For You?
- The day we cross the lakes from Puerto Varas to San Carlos de Bariloche will include a combination of public and private transportation and will be a very long travel day (approximately 13 hours), but the ferry ride is considered one of the most scenic in the world.
- There are a few days on this tour where you can expect to walk 3-4 hours per day.
- In Bariloche we will be doing day hikes and kayaking as a group. Depending on the energy of the group we can decide which hikes to do together or you can opt to relax if you don’t want to hike.
- You will have the option to choose some activities that are not included as part of the tour. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss that occurs through activities that are booked in your destination.
- It’s a good idea to learn as many Spanish words as you can. Locals are very friendly, but can be shy, so you’ll need to make an effort to break the ice. It’s a great way to show respect and involve yourself in their culture.
Places We'll Visit
Trip Includes
- English, Spanish-Speaking Guides
- All meals indicated in the itinerary
- Comfort Level (3-4 star) accommodations w/ breakfast
- All transfers listed in the itinerary
- Lake crossing ticket – Puerto Varas to Bariloche
- Final Dinner & Tango Show in Buenos Aires
- Half-Day Santiago Walking Tour
- Chilean Wine Experience
- Visit Puerto Montt’s Anglemo Craft Village & Fish Market
- Entrance Fee at Nahuel Huapi National Park
- Kayaking Tour at Lake Guiterrez
Trip Excludes
- International or Domestic Flights (estimated $150 for domestic flights)
- Airport taxes and excess baggage fees
- Travel Insurance
- Beverages & Meals not specified
- Optional Activities
- Gratuities
- Personal Expenses
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.





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