Argentina, Chile & Atacama Highlights - 13 Days

Welcome to the start of your unforgettable journey through Argentina and Chile! Today, you arrive in Buenos Aires, the lively capital of Argentina. This evening, you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel for a briefing on the itinerary for the next 13 days.

Afterwards, we venture out for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll savour authentic Argentinian dishes. Look forward to trying traditional empanadas and delicious Argentinian beef, with vegetarian options also available. Enjoy this opportunity to get acquainted with your travel companions.

After dinner, you are free to relax and rest up for tomorrow's adventures.

Today, we dedicate an entire day to exploring the highlights of Buenos Aires, a city renowned for its impressive architecture, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine. This morning, join us for a guided driving and walking tour led by a local expert to discover some of the city's most famous landmarks. We will visit Plaza de Mayo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Casa Rosada, Recoleta Cemetery, and El Caminito, gaining insights into the rich history of each site.

Following the tour, you will have free time to delve deeper into the city's attractions at your leisure. This evening, we highly recommend an optional excursion to experience authentic Argentinian culture. Enjoy a captivating Tango show accompanied by a sumptuous meal.

Today, you have a full day to discover Buenos Aires at your leisure. Revisit locations from yesterday's tour for a deeper understanding, or delve into the city's vibrant culture by exploring its intriguing museums and picturesque neighbourhoods such as Palermo and San Telmo.

Alternatively, expand your adventure with an optional excursion to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. Crossing the Rio de la Plata by ferry, you'll arrive in one of Uruguay's oldest towns. Here, we will embark on an orientation tour, savour an included lunch, and visit a 19th-century lighthouse for panoramic views.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Buenos Aires and board the coach for Tigre. Known as the "Venice of Argentina", Tigre’s picturesque rivers and vibrant activities await us. Upon arrival, our tour leader will guide us through an orientation tour, showcasing key attractions such as the Tigre Train Station, Parque de la Costa, Paseo Victorica, the Museum of Art, and the famous Puerto Frutos.

You may choose to enhance your experience with an optional river cruise, which offers stunning views and an onboard audio guide to enrich your understanding of the area's history and culture. Afterwards, we will check into our hotel and relax for the evening.

After breakfast, we head to the airport for an included flight to Mendoza, a picturesque city famed for its wine and mountain vistas. Upon arrival in the afternoon, we check into the hotel before embarking on an orientation tour.

We will explore Plaza Independencia, the city’s central square, and enjoy its landscaped gardens and distant views of Aconcagua mountain, the highest peak in the Americas. You have the rest of the day free to explore Mendoza at your leisure. For recommendations on where to sample local cuisine and wine, feel free to consult your tour leader.

Today presents a fantastic opportunity to indulge in the renowned wines of Mendoza, a region synonymous with Argentina's viticulture. Opt for an optional excursion to explore two prestigious wineries in the Mendoza wine region. Accompanied by an expert sommelier, we'll delve into Argentina's esteemed varietals, including the celebrated Malbec, known for its smooth and fruity notes.

Afterwards, enjoy a day at your leisure. You might consider exploring the city's vibrant culture, savouring a local meal, or experiencing Mendoza's lively nightlife.

After breakfast, we embark on a memorable bus journey to Chile. Our route takes us along the remarkable Carretera de los Caracoles, or Road of the Snails, nestled within the Andes. This is one of Latin America's most stunning roads, offering spectacular views at every twist and turn. You can relax in comfort on our semi-reclining bus seats as the scenic landscape unfolds.

We'll arrive in Santiago, the vibrant capital of Chile, by this afternoon. After settling into our hotel, where we will spend the next two nights, you can enjoy an included buffet dinner featuring a mix of Chilean, South American, and international cuisines.

Good morning, Santiago! As we start the day in Chile's lively capital, we'll set off on a guided city tour. Our first stop is the Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of Santiago since 1541. Here, we will marvel at the remarkable architecture encircling the square, including the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Post Office Building.

Next, we'll take a funicular to the summit of San Cristóbal Hill, offering sweeping views of the cityscape below. Following this, we'll visit La Chascona museum, once the home of the renowned Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda.

This evening, you're free to explore Santiago's vibrant nightlife scene. Alternatively, you might choose to join the optional Chile Heritage Wine Pairing excursion to experience the country's rich wine culture.

This morning, we travel to the airport for our flight to Calama. Upon arrival, we'll head to the charming town of San Pedro de Atacama, nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of the Atacama Desert, where we will stay for two nights. Our tour leader will guide us on an orientation tour, pointing out the distinctive Adobe architecture and the bustling Caracoles Street, offering a glimpse into the town’s unique setting on an Andean plateau.

This evening, enjoy a family-style dinner at a local restaurant, featuring Chilean specialities like ceviche and chimichurri.

This free day in the desert offers optional excursions to make your experience memorable. Start by opting for a visit to Laguna Cejar, where you can enjoy a swim in the lake's crystal-clear waters, with high salt levels that make it easy to float while taking in views of the surrounding mountains.

Later, consider an excursion to Valle de la Luna. This valley, with landscapes reminiscent of the moon, is formed by saline rocks shaped by wind and rain over the ages. Visit at sunset for an enchanting and awe-inspiring scene.

After two days exploring the stunning desert landscape, we return to Santiago via Calama. Arriving in Santiago in the afternoon, we'll check into our hotel for the last two nights of our tour. This evening, you have some free time to relax and unwind after our busy itinerary.

However, if you're feeling energetic, Santiago’s vibrant nightlife awaits. Choose to dine at a local restaurant, enjoy a cocktail at a charming bar, or dance the night away at a lively nightclub. The decision is entirely yours.

As our tour nears its end, enjoy a day at your own pace in Santiago to explore any overlooked attractions. Alternatively, consider joining our optional excursion to Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vibrant hillside neighbourhoods and stunning street art.

This bohemian city has long been a muse for artists and poets. The excursion includes a visit to La Sebastiana, the former residence of renowned poet Pablo Neruda, now a museum. Stroll through streets adorned with art and relish the coastal views before returning to Santiago. In the evening, we will gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate our journey.

Our guided tour of Argentina and Chile concludes this morning, rounding off 13 days of unforgettable experiences. Enjoy one last breakfast with the group, sharing memories and swapping contact details with newfound friends.