Nov 12

Wednesday

SANTIAGO, CHILE

Arrive at Aeropuerto de Santiago in the early afternoon. Meet the TrailFinders representative and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Orientation session with the tour leader and happy hour at the bar in the hotel.

Free for dinner at whatever time suits you best. Your tour leader will have suggestions.

Overnight at Hotel Santiago Park Plaza.

Nov 13

Thursday

SANTIAGO (B, D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today we tour the most interesting parts of Santiago. We begin by heading south through the downtown area, passing the Club Hípico and proceeding alongside the Parque O’Higgins and the Cousiño Palace, built between 1870 and 1878 for the wealthy Cousiño family. From here we head along the famous Alameda, Santiago’s colorful main avenue, to the heart of the city, seeing the Chilean University, San Francisco Church and the Santa Lucia Hill, site of Santiago’s start in 1541. Then we visit the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral as well as the Pre-Colombian Art Museum housing a collection of ceramics, ancient textiles and relics. Very nearby is the famous Central Market, an interesting building which dates back to the end of the 19th century, made of metal, built in London and brought by ship to Chile. Afterwards, we cross the Mapocho River to reach the bohemian Bella Vista district on the way to the San Cristóbal Hill where we have the best views of Santiago and the Andes Mountains.

Afterwards we'll have some free time to get organized and do a bit of exploring before happy hour at one of our favourite bars.

Dinner and show at Como Agua Para Chocolate.

Overnight at Hotel Santiago Park Plaza.

Nov 14

Friday

SANTIAGO  - VIÑA DEL MAR (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today we depart for Viña del Mar via the Casablanca Valley which combines all the necessary conditions to create the best white wine varieties of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

First we visit one of the region’s best-known wineries, “William Cole” and its 7200 m²

cellar containing Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as well as varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenére.

Next we move on to Matetic vineyards in a glorious setting in Rosario Valley, a stretch of land blessed with a promising climate and equally favorable soils. In contrast to the huge companies of the famous Casablanca Valley, the family Matetic is specialized in cultivating wines in accordance with organic production principles. After a tour through the winery we'll taste some of their best wines followed by a barbecue lunch.

Overnight at Hotel Del Mar.

Nov 15

Saturday

VIÑA DEL MAR/VALPARAíSO (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Full-day excursion to Isla Negra and Valparaíso plus a detailed look at Viña del Mar itself. We travel along a beautiful coastal road surrounded by summer resorts and reach the seaside village of Isla Negra. This small town is a place of pilgrimage in literature because Chile’s poet Pablo Neruda’s house is located here. The Nobel Prize winner’s bizarre collection of treasures from his numerous voyages can be seen here. In the garden, Neruda and his last wife Matilde Urrutia were buried. We then return to Valparaiso, where we pass by the main square and continue to the southern side of the city for a view of the bay, Valparaiso’s downtown district and its adjoining hills. We then proceed to the lower level of the city through the commercial heart of the port  and on to the resort city of Viña del Mar where we share a seafood lunch. We then drive to the famous beaches of Salinas, Reñaca, Los Lilenes and Concón and pass through rough scenic rocky areas where the sea crashes fiercely against the coast.

Happy hour. Free for dinner.

Overnight at Hotel Del Mar.

Nov 16

Sunday

VIÑA DEL MAR – SANTIAGO – PUERTO VARAS (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning we drive from Vina del Mar back to Santiago airport for our noon flight to Puerto Montt. After arriving in Puerto Montt we'll enjoy a tour of the town en-route to Puerto Varas, our base for the next few days.

Puerto Montt was founded by German settlers in 1852 and their influence still remains in the style of the wooden houses. We'll pass along the "Costanera“ Avenue and continue to the observation point for a view of the city, Reloncavi Bay, Tenglo Island and channels. Afterwards, we'll pass through the town center and main square. We'll also visit Angelmó, the traditional fish and seafood market in the port.

Happy hour. Free for dinner.

Overnight at Hotel Puelche.

Nov 17

Monday

PUERTO VARAS (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Our day begins with a drive along the Llanquihue Lake to the village of Frutillar. Here, we'll see historical German settlements where houses and beautiful gardens have been built similar to those of the German Black Forest region. We'll pass by the Lutheran and Catholic Churches and visit the Edmundo Winkler forest reserve. Here we'll see the Valdivian Rainforest, typical of Southern Chile. A trekking path will lead us through the forest of native trees such as Arrayan, Coligüe, Coigüe, Araucarias and ferns. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

We continue via the coastal road along Llanquihue Lake to the little village of Puerto Octay which was also founded by German immigrants. On the way we'll enjoy spectacular views of Llanquihue Lake and the volcanoes Osorno, Calbuco and Puntiagudo in the background. Upon arrival, we visit the viewpoint of the Peninsula Centinela, the main square with its beautiful houses and the local church.

Lunch at a local restaurant at an appropriate time.

Free for dinner.

Overnight at Hotel Puelche.

Nov 18

Tuesday

PUERTO VARAS – PEULLA (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Full day Lake Crossing via the Todos los Santos Lake to Peulla. We start this extraordinary excursion with a beautiful scenic trip through the soft lush green countryside, past oxen and tractor-ploughed fields, weather beaten clap-board barns and churches surrounding Lake Llanquihue.  We proceed to little Ensenada village to reach the Petrohué Rapids, a gleaming succession of azure blue cascades against a backdrop of majestic mountains. We then enter the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, which had been a Chilean natural reserve since its foundation in 1926. Then we reach Petrohué, the eastern port of spectacular Lake Todos los Santos, also called "Emerald" for its vivid green color. Here we take a boat-trip on a catamaran enjoying breathtaking views of the majestic volcanoes in the background. At the end of the lake we reach the little village of Peulla where we have the opportunity to do some hiking to a waterfall or along the lake and learn more about the native flora and fauna. 

Happy hour and dinner at the hotel.

Overnight at Hotel Natura.

Nov 19

Wednesday

PEULLA – SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE, ARGENTINA (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

The Lake Crossing continues by bus across the border into Argentina over the Perez Rosales path and reaching Puerto Frias. Once Argentine immigration and customs formalities are over, we cross Lake Frias up to Puerto Alegre and proceed by bus for a short ride to Puerto Blest. Upon arrival, we'll board a catamaran and cross beautiful Nahuel Huapi Lake. From Puerto Pañuelo we continue by bus, arriving in San Carlos de Bariloche around 7pm.

Overnight at Villa Huinid.

Nov 20

Thursday

SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning we drive among the forests, lakes and mountains which surround Bariloche treating ourselves to spectacular views. Our guide, a botany major, will accompany us through this amazing area. At one point we'll have an opportunity to take a chair-lift to the summit of Campanario mountain - 3400 feet (1050 meters) where we can see lakes Nahuel Huapi and Moreno, the Trebol pond, St Peter’s Peninsula, Llao Llao, Victoria Island and Otto, Lopez, Goye and Catedral Mountains, apart from the whole city of Bariloche. After coming down, we'll carry on to Llao Llao Peninsula, where we'll see the small and delicate St Edwards Chapel and Llao Llao Hotel, two architectural jewels. We carry on to Angostura Bridge crossing the Angostura River, which joins Lakes Moreno, Nahuel Huapi and Lopez Bay at the foot of Lopez Mountain. We continue to El Trebol and three miles ahead, Ezequiel Bustillo Avenue will take us back to the city.

Rest of afternoon free to explore on your own.

Overnight at Villa Huinid.

Nov 21

Friday

SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE – EL CALAFATE (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free time this morning until we transfer to airport for our flight to El Calafate, where we arrive in the late afternoon.

Rest of day free.

Happy hour at the hotel. Free for dinner. Tour leader will have suggestions.

Overnight at Hotel Esplendor del Calafate.

Nov 22

Saturday

 EL CALAFATE (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Full day at leisure to explore the town on your own.

Overnight at Hotel Esplendor del Calafate. 

Nov 23

Sunday

EL CALAFATE – TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning we drive to the border, cross back into Chile and continue on to the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park.

We'll have lunch en-route at Estancia Chali Aike.

Happy hour and dinner at the hotel.

Overnight at Hosteria Rio Serrano.

Nov 24

Monday

TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today we discover one of the most spectacular scenic regions anywhere in the world, the Torres del Paine National Park which covers an area of 113,000 hectares and has been named a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Here we'll see cascading waterfalls, roaring creeks, shimmering lakes and jagged spires of mountains. We'll glimpse herds of guanacos as well as foxes, swans and several species of birds. We'll also visit the waterfall called “Salto Grande” and will have time for a short trek past Nordenskjold and Pehoe Lake and Laguna Amarga, the “bitter lagoon”. From here we'll be able to see the “Torres” (towers) of the park. Lunch at an appropriate place and time.

In the afternoon, we'll hike along Grey Lake with spectacular views of the Grey Glacier in the background. 

Happy hour and dinner.

Overnight at Hosteria Rio Serrano.

Nov 25

Tuesday

TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK  - EL CALAFATE (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning cruise on Lago Grey and a visit to Grey Glacier. In the afternoon we return to the border and cross into Argentina.

From here we return to El Calafate.

Happy hour. Free for dinner.

Overnight at Hotel Esplendor del Calafate.

Nov 26

Wednesday

EL CALAFATE (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today we enjoy a full-day tour to the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier in the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. The glacier is five Km wide and 80 metres high and we'll spend the day exploring it and the Patagonian Andes from several vantage points. We'll also take time for a walk in the magnificent Magellan forest.

Lunch at an appropriate time and place.

Free for dinner.

Overnight at Hotel Esplendor del Calafate.

Nov 27

Thursday

EL CALAFATE – USHUAIA (B, D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free morning until we transfer to the airport for our flight to Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego, where we arrive in mid-afternoon. From here we'll spend the rest of the day exploring the town and surroundings including La Mission neighbourhood, the Brown and Solier, the old houses, the Provincial Legislature and the End of the World Museum.

Happy hour and dinner at the hotel.

Overnight at Los Cauquenes.

Nov 28

Friday

USHUAIA (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Full day excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park and the Beagle Channel including Ensenada Bay, the Roca Sea, a walk alongside Lake Lapataia and its natural estuary and the Green Lagoon. Later we'll have the opportunity to carry out one or two optional walks. The first one to Black Lagoon and the second to the Beavers Dike. Afterwards we continue aboard a catamaran and navigate the Beagle Channel, arriving at Bridges Islands and reaching Les Eclaireurs lighthouse.

Lunch will be served at an appropriate time en-route.

Happy hour. Free for dinner.

Overnight at Los Cauquenes.

Nov 29

Saturday

USHUAIA – BUENOS AIRES (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning free to explore on your own. **

Afternoon flight to Buenos Aires.

Upon arrival we'll transfer to our hotel.

Happy hour. Free for dinner.

Overnight at Hotel Emperador 

** Note: There is a special opportunity to break the journey here to cruise to Antarctica (separate from our tour). There is a cruise available which dovetails exactly with this date. Cabins are very limited - if you are interested please discuss this with us as soon as possible. Clients taking advantage of this option will be able to continue with the last few days of the tour at the end of the cruise. Please call us for more information.

Nov 30

Sunday

BUENOS AIRES (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

After leaving the hotel this morning, we'll stop at San Telmo to enjoy the antiques market then continue on to spend a full day at the pampas at Estancia Santa Susana. The estancia covers an area of 1200 hectares. Here we'll enjoy typical “criollas” meals, a show of tango and folk dances, modern melodies and a visit to the Spanish-colonial style “casco”, which holds an authentic museum of that period. 

Happy hour. Group dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at Hotel Emperador. 

Dec 01

Monday

BUENOS AIRES (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today we spend a full day exploring the town where the Tango was born! We visit Avenida de Mayo, Plaza De Mayo and the surrounding Casa Rosada (Government House), the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo. Next stop is La Boca, a most colorful part of town. Passing Colon Theatre, one of the world's best known opera houses and the cultural pride of the "porteños" (as the inhabitants of Buenos Aires are commonly called), we continue to Palermo with its beautiful parks, artificial lakes, the City Zoo, Botanical Garden, Argentine Horse Track and National Polo Fields. Finally, we visit Recoleta, the quarter of the rich with its famous cemetery where famous politicians, explorers, priests, leaders, writers and poets are buried including Eva Perón (Evita).

Half way through the day we'll stop for a delicious lunch at Morena Restaurant.

Free for dinner.

Overnight at Hotel Emperador.

Dec 02

Tuesday

BUENOS AIRES (B, D)

Free day to do your last minute shopping and have a chance to enjoy the city on your own.

Happy hour.

Farewell dinner together. Afterwards we enjoy a show at El Viejo Almacen.

Overnight at Hotel Emperador. 

Dec 03

Wednesday

BUENOS AIRES – HOME (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Remainder of the day free. Transfer to the airport for our evening flight home.