Highlights of Chile and Argentina
with a short visit to Uruguay

Independent pre-planned 23-day Journey
Starts in Santiago on any day

Visiting Santiago, Rosario & Casablanca wine regions, Viña del Mar, Valparaiso,
Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, Peulla, Bariloche, El Calafate, Torres del Paine National Park,
Ushuaia, Colonia and Buenos Aires
including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites

 

Your Trip, Your Way

The trip described below is one which we have previously offered as one of our own Private Journeys. Since we are not offering this trip as a group departure this year, we have made it available as a custom-designed itinerary.

We can start this trip on any date and can accommodate any number of travellers. The itinerary can be followed exactly as shown or we can add or subtract days as required to suit your exact needs.

Along the way we will provide expert guides and private air-conditioned vehicles in all locations. We'll pre-arrange all breakfasts and any other meals that you require. We have suggested meals in the itinerary below, but we can adjust this to suit your tastes.

And while we show recommended hotel names in many of the locations on the itinerary as well, we can also adjust the hotels to suit whatever comfort level you prefer.

In short, we'll start with this itinerary and modify it in any way you like.

We'll take care of the details. Then all you have to do is arrive and enjoy your journey.

 

Introduction

The countries of Chile and Argentina make up almost all of the South American territory situated to the south of the Tropic of Capricorn. Chile, a skinny string-bean stretching north to south and Argentina, a wedge-shaped land tapering toward its southern extremities combine to offer the visitor a huge selection of options for superb travel experiences.

Beautiful cities, spectacular scenery, deserts, seaside towns and beaches, wineries, hot springs, countless lakes, rivers and fjords, immense mountains, comfortable hotels, great restaurants, spectacular food and wine and much more combine to make this a wonderful tourist destination.

In this itinerary you'll travel on modern aircraft, private vehicles, boats and other craft, sample local food and wine, watch the sunset, share special moments and do scores of things you'll love.

Let us share some of our favourite and very special places with you. Come in and talk to us or call us soon.

 

The Journey

Our 23-day journey follows a counter-clockwise route starting in Santiago, Chile and finishing in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

You'll spend the first two days in Santiago where you can take time to rejuvenate after your long journey from Canada and to leisurely explore the beautiful sites of the Chilean capital. From here, head into the Rosario and Casablanca Valleys, the birthplace of some of the world's best Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay wines and to the towns of Isla Negra, Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.

Next fly southward to Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas to explore the interesting history of the German settlements in this area including the storybook town of Frutillar.

Next comes the two-day Lakes Crossing into Argentina, ending at San Carlos de Bariloche.

Next, head south to Patagonia, a magical land of forests and glaciers. Spend time in the town of El Calafate, a day at Perito Moreno Glacier and three fantastic days in Torres del Paine National Park before returning to Argentina and southward to the very tip of South America and the town of Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego.

Complete the journey in the beautiful, cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires and also visit the World Heritage town of Colonia in Uruguay.

And, if this itinerary is not exactly what you need, of course we can adjust it according to your wishes. Longer? Shorter? In different places? In different hotels? Whatever...

 

Pre-tour and Post-tour Extensions

For those wishing to extend their stay in South America either before or after the tour, we can offer custom-designed itineraries to such locations as Atacama desert, Iguassu Falls, Mendoza or many other locations.

For those of you who may be interested in visiting Antarctica we can also discuss possibilities of combining an expedition cruise with this tour.

Let us create a special journey just for you. Come in and talk to us or call us soon. We can be reached at 613-789-1900 in Ottawa or Toll-free at 888-765-7662. Alternately, you can click here to send us e-mail.

The Recommended Itinerary (for a map of this journey click here)

TUESDAY	SANTIAGO, CHILE Arrive at Santiago airport in the early afternoon. Meet the TrailFinders representative and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Free for dinner at whatever time suits you best. Overnight at Hotel Santiago Park Plaza.
Wednesday	SANTIAGO (B, D) Breakfast at the hotel. Today you'll tour the most interesting parts of Santiago. 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, 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 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, cross the Mapocho River to reach the bohemian Bella Vista district on the way to the San Cristóbal Hill where you have the best views of Santiago and the Andes Mountains. Afterwards you'll have some free time to get organized and do a bit of exploring before dinner. Dinner at Como Agua Para Chocolate. Overnight at Hotel Santiago Park Plaza.
Thursday	SANTIAGO – ISLA NEGRA – ROSARIO VALLEY - VINA DEL MAR (B, L) Breakfast at the hotel. Today, leave Santiago and head westward toward the coast, arriving at the seaside village of Isla Negra well before noon. This small town is a place of pilgrimage in literature because Chile’s poet Pablo Neruda’s house is located here. You can inspect the Nobel Prize winner’s bizarre collection of treasures from his numerous voyages. In the garden, Neruda and his last wife Matilde Urrutia are buried. Next, move on to Matetic vineyards in a glorious setting in Rosario Valley, a stretch of land blessed with a promising climate and equally favourable 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. Upon arrival, tour the winery and have a wonderful lunch at their restaurant. After lunch, drive to the seaside resort of Viña del Mar and check in to your hotel. Viña del Mar is one of Chile's most fashionable beach resorts. The town, part of the greater Valparaiso area, was founded in 1874 as a weekend retreat and garden residence for the wealthy elite from Valparaíso and Santiago and it has remained a top beach destination ever since. The sight of “Viña’s” attractive homes, manicured lawns, and golden beaches dotted with colourful surfboards is a contrast to the ramshackle streets of Valparaíso. Free for dinner. Overnight at Hotel del Mar.
Friday	VIÑA DEL MAR - VALPARAISO - CASABLANCA VALLEY - SANTIAGO (B, L) Breakfast at the hotel.  This morning begin by driving about 15 Km north to take a look at some of the coastal scenery and some of the beach resorts in the area. Near Concon, turn back toward the south and drive to the World Heritage port city of Valparaiso. Built upon dozens of steep hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the city boasts a labyrinth of streets and cobblestone alleyways embodying a rich architectural and cultural legacy. Immortalized in the words of Pablo Neruda as the city that ‘goes to Paradise’ ("Va al paraíso") it is one of Chile’s most charismatic and historic ports with its charming funiculars and colorful hillside houses. Explore the most interesting parts of the town on foot. At an appropriate time, stop for lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the city. Then begin your drive back to Santiago. Stop along the way at the Casablanca Valley, an important wine-producing region which combines all the necessary conditions to create the best white wine varieties of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Here you'll visit one of the region’s best-known wineries, “William Cole”, with 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-Carmenère. Sample some excellent wines before returning to Santiago. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Free for dinner. Overnight at Santiago Park Plaza.
Saturday	SANTIAGO – PUERTO VARAS (B) Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, drive to Santiago airport for the noon flight to Puerto Montt. After arriving in Puerto Montt, enjoy a tour of the town en-route to Puerto Varas, your 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. You'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, pass through the town center and main square and also visit Angelmó, the traditional fish and seafood market in the port. While walking through the market you can grab an informal lunch of empanadas or other local snacks. Afterwards, drive to Puerto Varas and check in for a two-night stay. Free for dinner. Overnight at Hotel Puelche.
Sunday	PUERTO VARAS (B) Breakfast at the hotel. Your day begins with a drive along Llanquihue Lake to the village of Frutillar. Here, you'll see historical German settlements where houses and beautiful gardens have been built similar to those of the German Black Forest region. Pass by the Lutheran and Catholic Churches and visit the Edmundo Winkler forest reserve. Here you'll see the Valdivian Rainforest, typical of Southern Chile. A trekking path will lead you through the forest of native trees such as Arrayan, Coligüe, Coigüe, Araucarias and ferns. Also visit the wonderful outdoor Settler's Museum in Frutillar. Free for lunch. There are many small restaurants and cafes. After lunch, head back towards Puerto Varas enjoying views of the lake and the volcanoes Osorno, Calbuco and Puntiagudo in the background. Free for dinner. Overnight at Hotel Puelche.
Monday	THE LAKES CROSSING – DAY 1 PUERTO VARAS – PEULLA (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel. Today, begin the two day Lakes Crossing into Argentina. Start this extraordinary journey with a beautiful scenic drive through the lush green countryside, past weather beaten clap-board barns and churches surrounding Lake Llanquihue. Proceed to little Ensenada village to reach the Petrohué Rapids, a gleaming succession of azure blue cascades against a backdrop of majestic mountains. Then enter the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, which has been a Chilean natural reserve since its foundation in 1926. Then reach Petrohué, the eastern port of spectacular Lake Todos los Santos, also called "Emerald" for its vivid green color. Here, take a boat-trip on a catamaran enjoying breathtaking views of the majestic volcanoes in the background. At the end of the lake you'll disembark and take a short walk to the little village of Peulla where you check in for an overnight stay. Lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon you'll have the opportunity to do some optional hiking to a waterfall or walking along the lake and to learn more about the native flora and fauna. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Natura.
Tuesday	THE LAKES CROSSING – DAY 2 PEULLA – SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE, ARGENTINA (B, L) Breakfast at the hotel. The Lakes Crossing continues by bus across the border into Argentina over the Perez Rosales path and into Puerto Frias. Once Argentine immigration and customs formalities are over, cross Lake Frias up to Puerto Alegre and proceed by bus for a short ride to Puerto Blest where you can have lunch. Afterwards you'll have an opportunity to do a forest walk before boarding a catamaran to cross beautiful Nahuel Huapi Lake for about an hour and a half, ending at Puerto Pañuelo. From here, continue by bus to San Carlos de Bariloche, where you arrive about 7 pm. Overnight at Edelweiss Hotel.
Wednesday	SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE (B) Breakfast at the hotel. This morning is all about spectacular scenery as you drive among the forests, lakes and mountains which surround Bariloche. Your expert guide will accompany you through this amazing area. At one point you'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, as well as the city of Bariloche. After coming down, carry on to Llao Llao Peninsula where we'll see the small and delicate St Edwards Chapel. Then move on to Angostura Bridge crossing the river of the same name which joins Lakes Moreno, Nahuel Huapi and Lopez Bay at the foot of Lopez Mountain. Continue to El Trebol and three miles ahead Ezequiel Bustillo Avenue will take you back to the city. Here, visit a local chocolate factory to see why Bariloche is the chocolate capital of South America. Rest of the afternoon free to explore the town on your own. Overnight at Edelweiss Hotel.
Thursday	SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE – EL CALAFATE (B) Breakfast at the hotel. Free time this morning until you transfer to the airport for the two-hour flight to El Calafate, where you'll arrive in the late afternoon. El Calafate is a small city with about 8000 inhabitants and a significant tourist population. It is the entrance to Southern Patagonia and Los Glaciers National Park. With easy access to the Perito Moreno glacier and within driving distance to Chile's beautiful Torres del Paine National Park, there is no better place to hang your hat for a few nights. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. Free for dinner. Overnight at Hotel Kosten Aike.
Friday	EL CALAFATE – PERITO MORENO GLACIER – EL CALAFATE (B, L) Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a full-day tour to the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier in the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Imagine a fifteen story tall wall of ice looming over a turquoise backdrop of snow-capped mountain peaks and you'll begin to understand the majesty that is the Perito Moreno Glacier. This formation, which is one of the largest in the region, is still growing in size every day. Upon arrival, enjoy a simple box-lunch and then spend a few hours walking on the glacier. Afterwards, drive over to the famous balconies, one of the best places to view the entire glacier. Return to El Calafate in time for dinner. Evening free. Overnight at Hotel Kosten Aike.
Saturday	EL CALAFATE – TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, begin the long drive to the Chilean border and onward to the famous Torres del Paine National Park. You'll have lunch en-route at Estancia Chali Aike where you have a chance to witness life on a real working farm. In the late afternoon, arrive at the park and check in to the hotel. While you are in the park all meals are included. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at Hosteria Rio Serrano.
Sunday	TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel. Over the next two days you will 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. Your itinerary will be unstructured in order to adjust for weather and local conditions. It is not unusual to have four seasons in one day in this part of the world. You'll see cascading waterfalls, roaring creeks, shimmering lakes and jagged spires of mountains. You'll glimpse herds of guanacos as well as foxes, swans and several species of birds. You'll visit the waterfall called “Salto Grande” and enjoy a walk in the area of Nordenskjold, Pehoe Lake and Laguna Amarga - the “bitter lagoon”. There is also free time both days if you wish to walk or hike in the central part of the park near the hotel. Lunch today at an appropriate place and time. Afterwards, return to the hotel. Rest of afternoon free to explore the area surrounding the hotel. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at Hosteria Rio Serrano.
Monday	TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel. Your itinerary today continues to be flexible, but you'll likely enjoy a morning walk and a visit to the Lago Grey area with lunch at Hosteria Lago Grey. In the afternoon, return to the hotel. The afternoon is free to enjoy as you wish. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at Hosteria Rio Serrano.
Tuesday	TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK - EL CALAFATE (B) Breakfast at the hotel. Depart about 10 am and return to the border, cross back into Argentina and return to El Calafate in time for dinner. There will be a chance for you to pick up a snack along the way at the cafe and gift shop near the border. Free for dinner. Overnight at Hotel Kosten Aike.
Wednesday	EL CALAFATE (B) Breakfast at the hotel. After several days of long drives and the hikes in the park, you deserve a day off. So, today is an entirely free day in El Calafate to do whatever you wish. Have fun! Overnight at Hotel Kosten Aike.
Thursday	EL CALAFATE – USHUAIA (B, D) Breakfast at the hotel. Morning flight to Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego. From here, spend part 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. You'll have some free time to explore the downtown on your own as well. Afterwards, check in to the hotel for a two-night stay. Dinner in the dining room at the hotel. Overnight at Los Cauquenes.
Friday	USHUAIA (B, L) Breakfast at the hotel. Morning free. At midday, enjoy a typical barbecue lunch and then head out by boat to explore the Beagle Channel for about five hours. Pass Isla de los Pajaros, Isla de los Lobos and Les Eclaireurs lighthouse – a silent witness to the wreck of the Monte Cervantes in 1930. Ahead, in front of the Estancia Remolino, lies the half-sunk hull of the ship Sarmiento, wrecked in 1912. Visit the main house of the estancia which contains articles recovered from this ship. Further on, the trip will take you to Port Almanza, the Mackinlay Pass and Isla Martillo. At this point you'll come upon a colony of Magellan penguins. Return to Ushuaia in the afternoon. Free for dinner. Overnight at Los Cauquenes.
Saturday	USHUAIA – BUENOS AIRES (B, D) Breakfast at the hotel. Today you'll spend much of the day flying to the capital, Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel - well-located within walking distance of downtown attractions including Plaza San Martin, Florida Street, Avenida 9 de Julio. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Emperador
Sunday	BUENOS AIRES (B, L) Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, enjoy a brief visit to Avenida de Mayo, Plaza de Mayo and the surrounding Casa Rosada (Government House), the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo. Then move on to San Telmo to enjoy the antiques market and the lively Sunday morning atmosphere. Afterwards, drive out of town to the famous Estancia Santa Susana, where you spend the afternoon. The estancia covers an area of 1200 hectares and is a popular attraction for visitors to Buenos Aires. While the site is certainly "touristy" in character, we still believe it's well worth a visit. Here, enjoy a typical and substantial  “criollas” meal and a show of tango and folk dances as well as a visit to the Spanish-colonial style “casco” which is now an authentic museum for that period. You'll also witness the amazing riding skills of the gauchos - something that is now difficult to see elsewhere. After returning to the hotel there is time to relax before you depart later in the evening for El Viejo Almacen, the most famous location in Buenos Aires for performances of the Tango and Argentinian classical songs. Overnight at Hotel Emperador.
Monday	BUENOS AIRES - COLONIA, URUGUAY - BUENOS AIRES (B) Breakfast at the hotel. Today, take the morning ferry across the Rio de la Plata to Uruguay and land at the historic city of Colonia del Sacramento. Founded by the Portuguese in 1680, the city was of strategic importance in resisting the Spanish. After being disputed for a century, it was finally lost by its founders and served as a port for contraband for a number of years. Now Colonia is a quiet resort town of narrow cobblestoned streets and colonial buildings. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. It has a good selection of excellent restaurants, art and craft shops and museums as well as a lighthouse, El Faro, which was constructed in 1857 and the local museum on Plaza Mayor which contains Portuguese architecture, furnishings and military uniforms and other items from the period. Later in the day, return to Buenos Aires. Free for dinner. Overnight at Hotel Emperador.
Tuesday	BUENOS AIRES (B) Breakfast at the hotel. Today you'll spend a full day exploring other parts of the town where the Tango was born! The first stop is La Boca, the oldest and most colourful neighborhood in Buenos Aires - a working-class enclave and artist colony. The area was settled and built by Italian immigrants that worked in the surrounding warehouses and meatpacking plants. The most famous street in La Boca is called Caminito (little path) and is the center of activity in the area. The street is commonly included on postcards for its multi-colored houses. Many artists show off their work along the street. Around lunch time today you'll arrive in 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). Here, take time for a leisurely walk through the cemetery and if you wish you can also catch a quick lunch or snack at one of the surrounding restaurants. Later we drive through other parts of the city, 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. Return to the hotel. Free for dinner. Overnight at Hotel Emperador.
Wednesday	BUENOS AIRES - HOME (B) Breakfast at the hotel. Today is entirely free to allow you to prepare for the trip home. You may wish to do some last-minute shopping, explore other parts of town on your own or visit museums or galleries. You may instead simply wish to relax at the hotel. In the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

 

Price

The price will be determined after the trip is designed the way you want it. We can change any aspect of the trip to meet your needs.

 

Accommodation

The accommodation recommended in the itinerary has been selected to meet the needs of the experienced Canadian traveller. Of course, we can adjust specific properties according to your wishes.

We have suggested hotels with high standards for cleanliness and comfort. At the same time we have attempted to make use of several styles of properties including modern city hotels, resort properties and more rustic forest hotels and inns.

We would estimate that our accommodation is in the 4 star category on average.