Argentina & Chile

Upon your arrival at Buenos Aires’ international airport, you will be warmly greeted by our local representative. Subsequently, a comfortable private transfer will whisk you to the opulent Alvear Palace Hotel in the heart of the sophisticated Recoleta district. After settling in, the remainder of your day is at leisure. You could perhaps take a gentle stroll to familiarise yourself with the elegant surroundings, admiring the Parisian-style architecture. Alternatively, you might choose to relax at the hotel and acclimatise after your flight, anticipating the exciting days ahead. This first day is all about arriving in comfort and style.

Today, you will immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Buenos Aires with a comprehensive city tour. Your expert guide will lead you through a tapestry of diverse neighbourhoods. First, you will see the political heart of the city at Plaza de Mayo, home to the Casa Rosada. Afterwards, you will explore the colourful, bohemian streets of La Boca and the historic charm of San Telmo. The tour concludes in the elegant Recoleta, where you can visit the famous cemetery. The afternoon is free for you to explore independently, perhaps visiting a local café for a coffee and medialunas.

Spend your day at leisure, perhaps exploring the city’s renowned art galleries or indulging in some shopping along Avenida Santa Fe. You could visit the MALBA (Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires) or wander through the beautiful Palermo parks. In the evening, a truly unforgettable experience awaits. You will be collected for a spectacular dinner and Tango show at one of the city’s most prestigious venues. Witness the passion, drama, and breathtaking skill of this iconic dance, accompanied by sensational live music and a delicious Argentine meal. It is a quintessential Buenos Aires experience.

This morning is free for any last-minute exploration or souvenir shopping. Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight across the Andes to Santiago, the dynamic capital of Chile. Upon arrival, our local representative will meet you for your private transfer to your luxurious hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to relax and settle into your new surroundings. Santiago is a city of fascinating contrasts, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, and you have the evening to begin your discovery.

Embark on a guided tour of Santiago to uncover its rich history and modern vibrancy. You will visit key landmarks including the Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square, and the impressive La Moneda Palace. For a breathtaking perspective, you will ascend San Cristóbal Hill via a funicular railway. From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire city sprawling below, framed by the majestic Andes mountain range. The afternoon is at your leisure. Consequently, you could explore the trendy Lastarria neighbourhood, known for its boutique shops and cafes.

Today’s full-day excursion takes you to the stunning Pacific coast. First, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Valparaiso. This unique port is famous for its labyrinth of steep, winding streets, vibrant street art, and colourful clifftop houses, which you can explore via its historic funicular elevators. Afterwards, you will continue to the nearby resort city of Viña del Mar, often called the ‘Garden City’. Here you can admire its pristine beaches, beautiful parks, and the famous Flower Clock before returning to Santiago in the evening.

After breakfast, you will take a private transfer to Santiago’s airport for your flight south to San Carlos de Bariloche. Nestled on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, this charming town is the gateway to Argentina’s spectacular Lake District. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The alpine architecture and surrounding scenery of forested mountains and crystal-clear lakes will make you feel as though you have stepped into a Swiss village. The rest of the day is yours to relax and soak in the magnificent views.

Discover the stunning natural beauty surrounding Bariloche on a ‘Circuito Chico’ or Small Circuit tour. This famous scenic drive offers a succession of breathtaking viewpoints. You will see landmarks like Cerro Campanario, which offers one of the best panoramic views in the region, and the iconic Llao Llao Hotel. The route winds along the shores of several lakes, through dense forests, and past picturesque landscapes. It is the perfect introduction to the Patagonian Lake District, showcasing why this area is so beloved by travellers and locals alike.

Prepare for one of the most beautiful road trips in the world. Today’s full-day tour takes you along the famous ‘Ruta de los Siete Lagos’ or Seven Lakes Route. This spectacular journey winds through two national parks, connecting Bariloche with the charming village of San Martín de los Andes. As the name suggests, the road passes a series of stunningly beautiful lakes, each with its own unique colour and character. There will be plenty of stops for photographs and to simply admire the majestic Andean scenery of forests, mountains, and pristine water.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Bariloche and its surroundings at your own pace. You could take a boat trip across Lake Nahuel Huapi to Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest. For the more adventurous, there are numerous hiking trails in the surrounding Nahuel Huapi National Park. Alternatively, you can simply relax in the town, browsing its many artisan chocolate shops – a local specialty. This is your day to tailor your Patagonian experience to your own interests.

Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Bariloche airport for your flight even further south to El Calafate. This small town, situated on the shores of Lago Argentino, serves as the primary base for exploring the southern section of Los Glaciares National Park. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The dramatic, arid landscapes of this part of Patagonia provide a stark contrast to the lushness of the Lake District, signalling your arrival into a wilder, more remote region.

An unforgettable day awaits as you visit the world-famous Perito Moreno Glacier. This is one of the most impressive natural wonders on the planet. A guided tour will take you to the national park, where a network of walkways offers incredible, close-up views of the glacier’s towering ice wall. You will hear the thunderous crack as huge shards of ice calve from its face and crash into the lake below. It is a truly awesome display of nature’s power. This experience is consistently a highlight for any visitor to Argentina.

Today is a free day to relax or to explore more of what the El Calafate region has to offer. You might choose to take an optional boat trip on Lago Argentino to see other glaciers, such as the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers. Another popular option is a visit to a traditional Patagonian ‘estancia’ (ranch) to learn about the gaucho lifestyle and enjoy a traditional barbecue lunch. Alternatively, simply relax and reflect on the incredible sights you have witnessed during your Patagonian adventure.

After a final Patagonian breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in El Calafate for your flight back to Buenos Aires. From there, you will connect with your international flight back to the United Kingdom, filled with lasting memories of your incredible journey through the diverse landscapes and cultures of Argentina and Chile.