Andes to Atlantic

Welcome to Chile! After arriving at the Santiago Airport you will be transferred to your hotel in the city. A pre-tour briefing with your guide and the rest of your group awaits you in the hotel this evening; you'll want to confirm the exact time and place by checking the hotel's notice board or by asking the tour leader. Afterwards, you may enjoy an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant. 

Meals: None

Taste some of the best wine in Chilé today at the Concha y Toro Winery. You'll drive south of Santiago to scenic Pirque, a little town hidden in a picturesque valley in Maipo Canyon. Stroll around the beautiful estate, then explore the winery's cellars, located almost twenty feet underground to maintain the ideal temperature needed for storing fine wines. You'll learn about the different stages of the local wine-making process and sample the exquisite wine it produces before returning to Santiago. Spend the rest of the day exploring the capital of Chile, starting with a walking tour of the city's outstanding attractions. You will be driven through the main avenues of the old districts, across the Bohemian neighbourhood of Bellavista and up San Cristobal Hill for a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the Andes Mountain Range. You'll also visit the modern parts of Santiago, which has elegant residential neighborhoods as well as shopping and financial districts. The tour ends at the artisan village of Los Graneros Del Alba, where you can watch the local craftsmen work on their trade. You will have time at the end of the day to walk around the village and do some shopping before returning to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to Santiago airport this morning and fly to Puerto Montt, then travel to the city of Puerto Varas, "the city of the roses." Nestled on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, one of the largest natural lakes in South America, the city is well known for its German traditions, its delicious seafood, and its superb natural environment. The perfect cone of Osorno volcano and the snowcapped peaks of Mt. Calbuco and Mt. Tronador are clearly visible from the lakefront.

Meals: Breakfast

Your second day in Puerto Varas is free for you to spend as you wish. There are several optional activities available, including a visit to the so-called Valdivian Rainforest, a unique ecological system with lush and seemingly impenetrable foliage. If you're feeling adventurous, a trek to the Osorno Volcano may be of interest. Alternatively, you may just want to sit back, relax, and take in Puerto Varas's stunning views.

Meals: Breakfast

Have your camera ready and capture the gorgeous scenery of the Andes as you travel east to Argentina today. You'll take the Cruce Andino boat and bus crossing service, cruising the Todos Los Santos, Frias, and Nahuel Huapi Lakes on the way to the Argentinean city of Bariloche.

Meals: Breakfast

Bariloche has a distinctly alpine feel to it. The city is set on the shores of the Nahuel Huapi Lake, and it's only 10 miles from the popular ski center of Cerro Catedral. You will have time in the morning for some optional excursions such as exploring the town, visiting the Patagonian Museum, or riding a cable car to the top of Cerro Otto, a mountain located just five miles from town. Viewing the gorgeous city and Nahuel Huapi Lake from 4,608 feet will take your breath away. If you have a sweet tooth then you'll definitely want to sample Bariloche's famous chocolate as well. In the late afternoon you'll fly to Buenos Aires for the final leg of your trip.

Meals: Breakfast

Buenos Aires is Argentina’s capital and home to 13 million "portenos" (inhabitants). The country's history is riddled with conflicts and struggles, and even the achievement of independence in 1816 failed to resolve ongoing disputes between local residents and conservative provincial landowners. Following a succession of military juntas, Argentina now has a stable, democratic government. You'll tour the city on a bus and on foot, visiting the district of Recoleta first. This area is notable for its famous cemetery, which is so large that it is often referred to as a miniature city-within-a-city. Other stops on your tour include Palermo, Plaza San Martin, Plaza De Mayo and the colorful neighborhood of La Boca. You may also have to the opportunity to visit the Costanera Sur Bird Sanctuary, Tigre Delta, or Madero Harbour (at an additional cost).

Meals: Breakfast

Your adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight home.

Meals: Breakfasts