Argentina & Chile: Patagonia, Lakes & Andes

Day by day

The itinerary

1. Day 1 · Buenos Aires

   Arrive Buenos Aires

   Welcome to Ezeiza airport. After customs and immigration, and baggage collection, walk to the arrival hall where our private transfer representative awaits transferring you to your hotel. Check in then spend the afternoon at leisure.

   Dazzler Recoleta / Amerian Park or similar

2. Day 2 · Buenos Aires

   Buenos Aires City Tour & Tango Show

   Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then join your guide for a private half day Buenos Aires city tour. We will discover the magic of Buenos Aires on a city tour in which you will visit the outstanding buildings of the ancient Council, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Capitol (better known as "Pink House"). The buildings that surround the "Mayo Square" consist of the above-mentioned spots. We will visit San Telmo area, one of the most antique districts of the city, as well as the Boca district, with its "caminito"- a picturesque pedestrian street, where you will find its colorful metal sheet tenements. Finally, the tour will lead us to the recently recycled district of Puerto Madero, old area of the Buenos Aires port. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. This evening you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to La Ventana or similar for dinner and a tango show - shared transfers The various Tango Houses, located in San Telmo, offer the possibility of admiring all qualities of tango in its different expressions. First category of tango dancers and singers as well as a tango orchestra will let you enjoy and feel this particular Buenos Aires music at its utmost while having a drink or a wonderful dinner. Andean music, as well as typical Argentine folk music, will also be performed to fulfill your expectations. Born around 1880, the tango was the vulgar dance and music of the capital’s "arrabales" or lower-class neighborhoods, blending gaucho verse with Spanish and Italian music. Carlos Gardel, the best representative of Tango music and singers, created the "tango-cancion" (tango song), taking it out from the brothels and tenements and into the salons of Buenos Aires. In the late 19th century, the "Great Village of Buenos Aires" was becoming an immigrant city, where frustrated and melancholic Europeans displaced gaucho rustics, who retreated gradually to the ever more distant countryside. The children of those immigrants would become the first generation of “porteños”, and the tango-song summarized the new urban style. Permeated with nostalgia over a disappearing way of life, the tango-show expressed the apprehensions and anxieties of individuals, ranging from mundane pastimes like horse racing and other popular diversions to more profound feelings towards the changing landscape of neighborhood and community, the figure of the mother, betrayal by women, and friendship or other important personal concerns. Return to the hotel at midnight.

   Dazzler Recoleta / Amerian Park or similar
   Breakfast, Dinner

3. Day 3 · Buenos Aires

   Buenos Aires: Full Day Shared Gaucho Party

   After breakfast, escape the city and travel back in time with this Gaucho Party tour at Santa Susana Estancia (operates on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays). Let us pick you up and transport you to an “estancia” or ranch for a fun-filled day. Once we arrive at Estancia Santa Susana, we’ll have some time to get better acquainted with one another while indulging on unlimited handmade empanadas (turnovers), accompanied by wines and soft drinks. After the reception, you will have some free time to take in the sights, explore the area, go horseback riding, etc. The grounds are literally at your disposal. We would suggest a visit to the small chapel, then the small but very interesting museum, then a horse ride or cart rides and, of course, a visit to the gift shop where you can purchase traditional gaucho knives, boots, pants, scarves, hats and leather goods. You won’t go hungry on this tour. After our free time we will be invited to partake in an “asado” (BBQ), which is a traditional Argentinean barbeque that includes – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and dessert with coffee or tea. The fun doesn’t stop there; after lunch we will be treated to both a folk dance and a tango show. The cultural experience doesn’t end there. The real show will start when the gauchos come out to show you, their skills. They will demonstrate ring-races and horse mildness, among many other skills. This part of the day is also interactive, so you better have your boots on and ready to go. We return to Buenos Aires and due to traffic, you will be dropped off at a strategic point within walking distance to your hotel.

   Dazzler Recoleta / Amerian Park or similar
   Breakfast, Dinner

4. Day 4 · Puerto Iguazú

   Buenos Aires – Iguazú

   IGUAZU – IGUASSU - IGUAZU Check out of the hotel after breakfast and you are privately transferred to Aeropaque airport to check in then board the flight to Iguazu. On arrival and after baggage collection walk to the arrival hall where another of our representatives welcomes then you are transferred (shared) to the hotel. This afternoon you will be transferred to the Argentina-Brazil border where after clearing customs and immigration continue to Iguassu Park and start your half day shared Brazilian Falls Tour. Walk to the giant balcony from where the waterfalls in all their extent can be viewed, having also the choice of observing them from more distant and wider angles. The area to be covered is made of only a circuit of footbridges that is located in front of the falls and offers a panoramic view which is really astonishing. The tour offers a wide route from which all the splendor of the landscape falls and waterfalls can be observed. The most spectacular panoramic views of the Iguazu Falls are from the Brazilian side, as it is said that 'Argentina puts on the show and Brazil enjoys the view'. Stop off at magnificent vantage points with your private guide on this half-day exploration. Arrive at the Visitors Center, located at the National Park Do Iguaçu entrance. This center offers excellent infrastructure, with photographs of the Iguaçu Falls and panels with maps of the National Park. At the entrance you can also buy souvenirs, refreshments and use the restrooms. Start your tour walking to the magnificent Iguaçu Falls. Once there, you will start an easy walking tour on an approximately 1 km-hanging catwalk, which offers wonderful views of the Falls, and a fantastic closeness to the waterfalls. This tour is completely different from the one on the Argentine side. The tour ends in the upper part of the falls, where you can access by stairs or a panoramic lift, while seeing the falls. From there, go along the hanging catwalk until you reach the panoramic view of the higher part of the Iguaçu River. After the tour, return to Iguazu (Argentinean side) and your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

   O2 Hotel/ Panoramic Grand 4* or similar
   Breakfast

5. Day 5 · Puerto Iguazú

   Iguazu

   Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and depart on a Scheduled full day Argentinean side of the falls tour. The Argentinean side of the falls provides a more intimate contact with the whole Iguaçu Falls experience. A free train carries visitors from the gate to the falls, themselves. The small open train has three different stations and travels through the tropical forest. There are also many paved walking trails throughout the reserve; you may choose to walk the 1/3 mile to the falls on a trail through the subtropical vegetation, perhaps catching glimpses of wildlife and certainly multitudes of butterflies. You are then presented with the choice of the upper or lower circuits. UPPER CIRCUIT: The upper circuit (Circuito Superior) consists of trails and bridges that run along the top of the falls. The views are FANTASTIC! This circuit is a bit less than 1/2 mile and has six lookouts and viewing areas. The catwalks present spectacular views of "Devil's Throat”, the premier collection of fourteen of the highest, most powerful of the falls. LOWER CIRCUIT: The lower circuit "Circuit Inferior) leads to the base of the falls, where undoubtedly, you will be moistened by the spray of the might falls. The entire loop is about one mile long. During the circuit, you will find yourself immersed in scenic nature full of sight, sounds, and aromas to entertain your senses. There are eight lookout points to gather in the majesty of the largest of the falls.

   O2 Hotel/ Panoramic Grand 4* or similar
   Breakfast

6. Day 6 · El Calafate

   Iguazú – El Calafate

   Check out of the hotel after breakfast and you are transferred (shared) to Iguassu airport to check in then board the flight to El Calafate. Calafate On arrival and after baggage collection walk to the arrival hall where another of our representatives welcomes you then enjoy a shared transfer to the hotel.

   Kosten Aike/ Mirador del Lago 4 * or similar
   Breakfast

7. Day 7 · El Calafate

   El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier

   This morning enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing on a shared full day Perito Moreno Glacier tour. This park has been declared as a Mankind Heritage site by UNESCO. Those glaciers that named it (about 47) show us a 10-thousand-year-old world: cold and wild. The most famous one is Perito Moreno Glacier located at the southwestern end of Argentino Lake, 80 km away from El Calafate. This glacier is so-called due to a great Argentinian explorer from last century and is one of the few glaciers that is still moving in the world. That is why it has become one of the most spectacular natural shows in South America. From time to time its 60-m-high snout releases some ice walls as huge as buildings that fall into Rico Bend or Canal de los Témpanos (Ice floes Channel) and then they continue sailing along the channel to the main area of the lake. However, that is not all. The glacier, while moving forward, comes closer to the Magallanes Peninsula, in the opposite lake bank as well as footbridge and viewpoint area. This cycle takes from 4 to 6 years, and it eventually separates the lake into two areas. Rico Bend is dammed up, and it increases about 35 m over its average level. Its water slowly pierces its way through the glacier snout until it makes it fall. This show is breathtaking. Water morphs into terrific waves so the whole process restarts. Return to the hotel after the tour.

   Kosten Aike/ Mirador del Lago 4 * or similar
   Breakfast

8. Day 8 · Bariloche

   El Calafate – Bariloche

   Check out of the hotel after breakfast and you are transferred (shared) to El Calafate airport to check in then board the flight to Bariloche. On arrival at Bariloche airport pick up your checked luggage then walk to the arrival hall where you will be welcomed by our representative, holding a paging board with your name on it. You are then assisted with your luggage thereafter being transferred (shared) to the hotel for check-in. This afternoon you will be taken on a private small Circuit with Campanario Hill Duration: Half day The tour starts in the city of San Carlos de Bariloche along the Ezequiel Bustillo Avenue, a winding and asphalted road that skirts the Nahuel Huapi Lake; we enjoy different landscapes to end up reaching the foot of the Campanario hill. There is a cable chair that transfers the visitor to the peak (1050 metres). It is an ideal balcony to appreciate one of the most beautiful and fascinating views of the region. The Nahuel Huapi and Perito Moreno lakes, the Shamrock small lake, the San Pedro and Llao Llao peninsula, Victoria Island, the hills and the city of Bariloche can be viewed. Continuing with our trip, still moved by so much beauty, and after passing the San Pedro peninsula, we reach the Llao Llao one. Over there you can find the recently renewed big international hotel of the same name and the San Eduardo chapel, some architectural gems of the region and above the Nahuel Huapi Lake it is also found Puerto Pañuelo, starting point of many tours to lakes. Later on, we reach the panoramic point, a natural balcony that allows us to please ourselves with a spectacular view of the Moreno Lake and the Llao Llao Peninsula. Then we cross the bridge over the before mentioned Moreno Lake in its narrowness, skirt the Shamrock small lake to finally find again– 1,25 miles ahead – the Ezequiel Bustillo Avenue, at the 18th kilometre, point we use to come back to the city and close the circuit.

   Cacique Inacayal Hotel 4 * or similar
   Breakfast

9. Day 9 · Bariloche

   Bariloche

   This morning enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for a shared full day Tronador tour. Cerro Tronador is the highest height in the Nahuel Huapi National Park. With its eternal snow and hanging glaciers, you will not want to miss visiting it to also see for yourself the reason for its name. The tour starts from Bariloche, taking National Route 40 South, about 45 km, to cross the Pampa de Huenuleo and border Lake Gutiérrez, to cross the Pilmayen and Melgarejo streams. After passing through the “watershed”, we will travel along the banks of Lake Mascardi until we reach the detour where the road to Tronador (gravel) emerges. During this route, you will once again border Lake Mascardi along its west coast, until you reach the viewpoint of Isla Corazón. Later you will pass in front of Cerro Los Emparedados and border the upper Manso River until you reach Pampa Linda, from where you have one of the best views of Cerro Tronador. Then you cross part of the Vuriloches valley and finally, passing through a shady forest, you arrive at the Ventisquero Negro. The route ends a little further on at the foot of Cerro Tronador. The hill, with its 3,454 meters above sea level, is the most important height of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, and has three peaks (International, Argentine and Chilean).

   Cacique Inacayal Hotel 4 * or similar
   Breakfast

10. Day 10 · Puerto Varas

    Bariloche – Puerto Varas: Andean Lake Crossing

    Check out of the hotel you are transferred (shared) by a driver only to the Andean Crossing office to check in for the full day Andean crossing to Puerto Varas – shared service. A unique crossing, sailing through The Andes Mountains across three beautiful lakes that are connected by four overland legs, from San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina to Puerto Varas in Chile. A journey that can be enjoyed on any day of the year, exploring the beauty of mountainous landscapes that take you through the most colorful region of the Patagonia. Arriving to Chile in just one day, you have the option of extending your trip to two days or more with accommodation at the midway point in Puella and/or Puerto Blest. Travel itinerary (referential) → BARILOCHE TO PUERTO VARAS IN 1 DAY MITRE OFFICE 8:00 Departure by bus from the Bariloche Office to Puerto Pañuelo, passing by Lake Nahuel Huapi. BARILOCHE - PUERTO PAÑUELO 8:00 - 10:00 En route, you'll be marvelled by the beautiful Swiss-style architecture that characterizes the constructions of the area. Beautiful gardens and flowers colour the landscapes all the way to Puerto Pañuelo. PUERTO PAÑUELO - BLEST 10:00 - 11:00 We’ll sail from Puerto Pañuelo to Puerto Blest aboard the Gran Victoria, navigating across Lake Nahuel Huapi. You'll observe the grandeur of the landscapes, the green tones of the forests, the birds that fly close and you'll learn more about the destination's fascinating history. (Boarding tax is not included. BLEST - FRÍAS 11:00 - 12:00 Arrival to Puerto Blest. We travel by bus along River Frías to Puerto Alegre, and then continue the sailing trip across Lake Frías, aboard the Victoria del Sur. Along this stretch of the lake, we'll experience beautiful views of Cerro Tronador. After a short sail, we'll arrive to Puerto Frías where we will complete the necessary steps at the border. FRÍAS - PEULLA 12:00 - 14:00 We’ll continue by bus to Peulla with beautiful views of the Andes Mountains. PEULLA 14:00 - 15:30 Arrival to Peulla, an ecological lodge and a paradise for nature lovers. PEULLA - PETROHUE 15:30 - 17:30 We’ll sail to Petrohué, navigating across Lake Todos los Santos. If the weather permits, different and breathtaking views of the Osorno and Puntiagudo volcanoes and Cerro Tronador can be seen. PETROHUE - PTO. VARAS 17:30 - 20:00 We’ll continue to Puerto Varas, passing by Lake Llanquihue. Impressive views of Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes dominate the landscape. Arrival to Puerto Varas. Private transfer by a driver only (Spanish speaking) from the Cruce Andino office to the hotel in Puerto Varas. Check in and the evening is at leisure.

    Cabañas del Lago Hotel 4* or similar
    Breakfast

11. Day 11 · Santiago

    Puerto Varas – Santiago de Chile

    Check out of the hotel after breakfast and you are privately transferred from the hotel in Puerto Varas to the airport in Puerto Montt (Spanish speaking driver) to check in then board the flight to Santiago. On arrival at Santiago airport pick up your checked luggage then walk to the arrival hall where you will be welcomed by our representative, holding a paging board with your name on it. You are then assisted with your luggage thereafter transferred (Salta) to the hotel for check-in.

    Pullman Santiago El Bosque Hotel 4* or similar
    Breakfast

12. Day 12 · Santiago

    Santiago De Chile

    Private full day excursion to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar with museum La Sebastiana Your guide will welcome you at your hotel and accompany you during this full day tour to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. The historic city of Valparaíso is Chile’s oldest port. It is also home to the country’s Senate and Chamber of Deputies, which moved here from the capital in 1989, when Chilean democratic governance was re-established. The city’s many hills are covered with a multi-coloured panorama of painted houses crowding every nook and cranny, ensuring a spectacular backdrop to your visit. During your tour, you will see the historic city centre, whose fine 19th-Century architecture provides good reason for its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list. You will also visit the parliamentary building and Plaza Sotomayor’s memorial to the heroes of the War of the Pacific. From Valparaíso you will continue along the coast to the beautiful beaches of Viña del Mar, the Garden city, named for its many parks and green spaces. Viña del Mar is a lively city with attractive beaches, modern hotels, high-end restaurants and fashionable bars. The casino, built in 1932 and set amidst beautiful gardens, is a well-kept Chilean. tradition of elegance. After your visit to Viña del Mar you will return Santiago.

    Pullman Santiago El Bosque Hotel 4* or similar
    Breakfast

13. Day 13 · Santiago

    Santiago De Chile

    After breakfast at the hotel, depart on a private half day city tour of Santiago (Including old style elevator and cable car) In Santiago de Chile, the best features of a vibrant, modern metropolis are paired with the old-world charm of a former colonial capital, and this private tour will introduce you to both sides of the city. You will begin with a visit the presidential palace, named La Moneda because the splendid building once housed the national mint. Many other sights in the historic centre are clustered around the always-bustling Plaza de Armas: the impressive cathedral; the beautiful old post office; the Palacio de la Real Audiencia, now home to the National History Museum; and the Casa Colorada, once the Spanish governor’s residence. Leaving the centre, you’ll travel west toward the soaring Andes, past the Cerro San Cristóbal, an outpost of the mountains which towers over the city with a great white statue of the Virgin Mary crowning its summit. Your bus will leave you at the foot of the hill and traveling up the hill you will go up and back down by an old-style elevator and cable car with lovely views along the way of the city from above. Your bus will be waiting for you at the bottom of the hill to pick you up. Your tour will conclude with a visit to the fashionable business districts of Providencia and Las Condes, with their broad boulevards lined with modern high-rises, and shady side-streets flanked by fine restaurants and trendy boutiques. This half-day excursion forms the perfect initiation to the charms of one of South America’s most exciting cities. Note: The cable car is closed on Mondays. Return to the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure.

    Pullman Santiago El Bosque Hotel 4* or similar
    Breakfast

14. Day 14 · Santiago

    Depart Santiago De Chile

    Check out of the hotel after breakfast and you are privately transferred to the airport to check in then start your homebound journey.

    Breakfast