Days
16
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Wine and dine on the culture of Chile and Argentina on a journey from Santiago via Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro
There are few better ways to gain insight into a country and its people than with a glass of wine. A sip provides a taste of the earth that has nourished and grown a people; of the natural elements that have both aided and hindered civilisation; and a taste of the hard work, talent, and love of the people themselves. This journey through Chile, Argentina and Brazil visits premier vineyard regions, lively cities and incredible landscapes. Artistic Santiago sets the tone for this trip, which travels through colourful Valparaiso and crosses into Mendoza - the home of Argentinian Malbec. Encounter the rural cowboy traditions on an estancia stay, then a tantalising mix of European and Latin flair in Buenos Aires. At the border with Brazil, we experience the magnificent might of Iguazu Falls, before finally arriving in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Rio de Janeiro.
- Code
- PSCAC
- Physical rating
- Trip rating
- 1 review
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
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Explore the vibrantly colourful port town of Valparaiso, where culture spills out into the streets and puppets come to life
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Enjoy a 2 night 'feature stay' at an estancia ranch in Argentina and experience traditional gaucho life
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Test your palate at a traditional lunch in Argentina’s malbec-producing wine region, Mendoza
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Explore the neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires, a lively, confident city. Watch the intimately fluid movements of a professional tango couple up close. Then try your luck at mastering the techniques and understanding the rhythm of this enthralling music and dance
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Enjoy a 2 night 'feature stay' at the El Pueblito Hotel in Iguazu
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With two days at Iguazu Falls, you can marvel at this beauty from many different angles. The Argentinian side gets you up close and personal, while the Brazillian side unveils sweeping panoramas
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Favelas may sit alongside mansions, but in the heaving metropolis of Rio, everyone’s invited to the party. This is your chance to immerse yourself in Brazilian culture, food and music
Is this trip right for you?
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The heat and humidity can be quite extreme during the summer months, particularly in Buenos Aires. It’s important to always bring plenty of water, wear comfortable walking shoes and ensure you use adequate sun protection. Wearing layers is a good way to tackle the heat.
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During the colder months, usually between April and October, the border crossing between Chile and Argentina may be closed due to snowfalls. In that event, your emergency funds may be needed to purchase a flight between Santiago and Mendoza. Please see the 'Money matters' section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
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This is a faster paced, busy itinerary, covering the main highlights in a short period of time. To cover this distance there are some travel days or half days. Be sure to book extra time before and after your trip if you’d like more time to explore.
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You may also want to consider our trip Rhythms of South America if you have more time to explore South America.
Gallery
Itinerary
Welcome to Santiago, Chile. Set within a circle of snow-capped mountains, Santiago is vibrant, artistic and gourmet. On arrival, take an included transfer to the hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you arrive early into Santiago, perhaps take a short walk to get your bearings of the city, with the Andes serving as a spectacular backdrop to your exploration.
Accommodation
- Ismael Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Today at 10 am get to know Santiago on a walking tour with a local guide (approximately 2.5 hours). You’ll discover more about the city that was founded in 1541 by the Spaniard, Pedro de Valdivia, and has experienced a turbulent history filled with native conflicts, floods and earthquakes. Head to the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city and home to the cathedral, and walk through the central market to try some local specialities. Next, take the cable car to the top of Cerro San Cristobal for the best view of the city. Finishing the tour in the bohemian Bellavista neighbourhood. Tonight, why not take the chance to dine out at one of the city's famous restaurants and sample some local ceviche.
Accommodation
- Ismael Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Santiago - Half-day guided walking tour
- Santiago - Cerro San Cristobal Funicular
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Enjoy a free morning in Santiago. Perhaps visit the Mercado Central (Santiago’s celebrated fish market) to savour some breakfast empanadas with pebre, a delicious Chilean condiment of coriander, garlic, olive oil and peppers. At about 2 pm head west towards the coast. Stop for a wine tasting on the way in the Casablanca Valley, located about 45 minutes outside of Santiago. Sitting on a coastal plain between the capital and Valparaiso, the valley is Chile’s fastest growing wine region, with its rich soil and perfect climate making it a wine lover’s paradise. This visit (approximately one hour) is focused more on the sustainability and organic goals of the vineyard and the characters of biodiversity rather than tasting wine. Nice to know however that this area is known for crisp Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, but also for stunning reds like Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah. Continue (approximately 1.5 hours) through the lush green vineyards to the coast and the colourful city of Valparaiso, notable for its brightly hued houses spread across a series of hills overlooking the ocean. As a creative hub, the city has no shortage of options for a drink, so perhaps find yourself a place to sip some ancho reyes alongside locals for the evening.
Accommodation
- Hotel Casa Galos or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Casablanca region - Tour of an organic & biodynamic vineyard including wine tasting
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Listed as a World Heritage centre in 2003, Valparaiso used to be South America’s busiest port before the opening of the Panama Canal. It has since transformed itself into Chile’s most creative city which you'll learn more about on the walking tour today at 9.30 am with a local guide (approximately 3.5 hours). The ramshackle streets have long been home to artists, writers and musicians so there is no shortage on visual inspiration to prompt some questions about its background. The hills of Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Alegre are dotted with kaleidoscopically coloured houses, with cobbled streets weaving sharply uphill and concealing all manner of galleries, restaurants and shops. Later on, visit the Lukas Museum which houses the collection of original works by the cartoonist, illustrator and chronicler Renzo Pecchenino, Lukas.
Accommodation
- Hotel Casa Galos or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Valparaiso - Guided City tour
- Valparaiso - Pisco Sour workshop & Sunset
- Valparaiso - Lukas Museum
Meals Included
- Breakfast
At 9 am in the morning, travel through the Andes and across the Argentinean border by local bus to Mendoza (approximately 6 hours on the bus). Please note that crossing the border can take up to three hours depending on local traffic so it’s a good idea to bring plenty of water and snacks, as the trip may incur delays. On a clear day it may be possible to see Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas at 6962 meters above sea level. Once in Mendoza, get to know the city with a gentle stroll around its tree-lined streets, or visit the local cafes and restaurants for some Argentinean fare.
Accommodation
- Hotel Villagio or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
During the colder months, usually between April and October, the border crossing between Chile and Argentina may be closed due to snowfalls. In that event, your emergency funds may be needed to purchase a flight between Santiago and Mendoza. Please see the 'Money matters' section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
Mendoza is Argentina's most prolific and significant grape-growing region, producing nearly three-quarters of the country's wine. The climate produces an excellent variety of grapes, with the region's signature being Malbec. Expect an 8.45 am pickup today, visit several wineries and cellar doors to see and taste the quality for yourself. Afterwards about 1 pm, stop at a closed door restaurant for an exclusive included lunch. Sit back and enjoy being served delicious food in this unique private eatery. Return to the centre around 3.30 pm. In the evening, perhaps test your palate by attempting to pair the perfect wine with an authentic Argentine asado (barbecue-style food). A visit to Aristides Villanueva Street after dark is a must if you enjoy a bit of nightlife. If you're feeling adventurous, try one of the most popular drinks in town: fernet with coke – an acquired taste and not for the faint-hearted!
Accommodation
- Hotel Villagio or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Mendoza - Full-day winery tour - Includes lunch
- Mendoza - Closed-door restaurant lunch
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
This afternoon fly from Mendoza to Buenos Aires, which only takes around one and a half hours. This domestic flight has a strict luggage allowance of 15kg (one piece) for check in luggage. On arrival about 6 pm, travel in a minivan for just over an hour to a traditional estancia (ranch). This is where the group will be staying for the next couple of days. During your time here, you could go horse riding, take a cooking class or simply read a book. Estancias are ideal for relaxation and provide a great base for activities. Please remember that activities vary depending on the days that you are there. If in doubt, ask your trip leader for more information.
Accommodation
- Estancia La Eloisa or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- 2-night stay at a traditional estancia
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Today, your leader can assist the ranch staff to brief you about the sport Polo. This nail biting game will enthral and impress you; combining skill, endurance, elegance and danger! Meet the horses up close and get a feel for the equipment and gear used. Later, head into the kitchen to take part in an mmpanada workshop! Empanada's are an Argentinean staple that resemble a small pie. They can be sweet but are most commonly savoury. During the workshop you will learn how to make the dough and a traditional filling from scratch. At some point today a local gaucho (cowboy) will pop in to the ranch for a chat.
Accommodation
- Estancia La Eloisa or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Estancia - Polo workshop
- Estancia - Empanada Making Workshop
- Polo workshop
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
After breakfast travel back to cosmopolitan Buenos Aires (approximately 1.5 hours) to experience its old charm and cosmopolitan streets. Soak up the Argentinean capital’s irrepressible mix of European and Latin culture on an orientation walk with your leader. Visit Florida street, National Congress and the presidential palace of the Casa Rosada (Pink House) in the Plaza de Mayo. If there is time, your group may get to visit the Obelisk and possibly either La Boca or Recoleta. During the free afternoon, perhaps visit the elaborate tombs on display in the famous Recoleta Cemetery, be seduced by the world's most passionate dance at a tango bar, attend a raucous football match, or gorge yourself on the city's sophisticated culture and food.
Accommodation
- Tango de Mayo Hotel or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Buenos Aires - Orientation walk
Optional Activities
- Buenos Aires - Tango show (prices from) - USD60
- Buenos Aires - Football game (subject to availability) ticket prices from - USD80
- Buenos Aires - Polo day - USD185
Meals Included
- Breakfast
There’s a lot to see today at your leisure. Explore the antique markets of San Telmo or browse the museums in the well-to-do neighbourhood of Recoleta. If you’re a foodie or a wine connoisseur, take part in the Malbec Trail of Palermo or Gourmet Buenos Aires Food Urban Adventure day tour. See urbanadventures.com/destination/Buenos-Aires-tours for more information. Your adventure continues with another meeting for the entire group so you can all get acquainted at 6 pm. Afterwards, perhaps head out tonight and be swept away by the dance of love at an optional tango show.
Accommodation
- Tango de Mayo Hotel or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. It’s important that you attend the welcome meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Enjoy a morning exploring some of Buenos Aires’ most iconic sites with your leader on a walking tour. First stop is the Plaza de Mayo to visit the original town hall, as well as the presidential palace known as the Pink House. Walk around La Boca and its ‘Caminito’ district, before moving on to the lesser-known Barracas neighbourhood and stop in at a local NGO to learn about their agroecological model of food production and community collaboration. Help prepare a meal – much of the ingredients for which are grown in the co-op garden – and then dine on the results, including alfajores (classic South American cookies) for dessert. Your leader-guided tour continues after lunch in Recoleta Cemetery, a labyrinth of ornate mausoleums. After a stop at the grave of Eva Peron, head to Palermo to see beautiful parks and the unique Floralis Generica – a huge metal flower. Enjoy a few hours of free time in the afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a professional tango performance, followed by an hour-long beginner’s class. The dancers will explain the origin of the style and its rich history.
Accommodation
- Tango de Mayo Hotel or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Buenos Aires - Full-day guided tour
- Buenos Aires - Tango demonstration by professional dancers
- Buenos Aires - Tango dance lesson
Optional Activities
- Buenos Aires - Football game (subject to availability) ticket prices from - USD80
- Buenos Aires - Tango show (prices from) - USD60
- Buenos Aires - Malbec Trail of Palermo Urban Adventure - USD113
- Buenos Aires - Polo day - USD185
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
This morning, transfer to the airport and board your flight to Puerto Iguazu in Argentina (2 hours). While you are flying into Argentina, today will actually be spent exploring the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, so please be sure you have any necessary visas. At over two-kilometres in length, and are made up of 275 waterfalls in total, Iguazu is higher than Niagara Falls and wider than Victoria Falls. The Brazilian side of the falls offers great panoramic views, which you’ll get to spend time taking in today. Return to your hotel in Argentina for the evening.
Accommodation
- Hotel El Pueblito or Similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Iguazu Falls - Entrance & tour of the Brazilian side of the falls
Optional Activities
- Iguazu Falls - Bird park - BRL60
- Iguazu Falls - Helicopter ride (min 3 people) - BRL430
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
You will be visiting the Brazilian side of the falls today and the Argentinean side of the falls tomorrow. However, your accommodation tonight is in Argentina.The flight from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu has a strict luggage allowance of 15 kilograms (one piece) for checked luggage.
Rise and shine for a 7.30 am departure to the Argentinean side of the falls today, where you will be able to get up close to this incredible feat of nature. There is a system of boardwalks on the Argentinian side of the falls that allow you to access some incredible viewing points, or you could choose to take an optional Zodiac (panga) ride beneath them for an even more exhilarating approach (chat to your leader for details). At about 3 pm, you'll have to chance to accompany your leader on a visit to a Guarani community or, if you wish, you can continue admiring Iguazu Falls. Return to the hotel at approximately 5 pm and enjoy a free evening.
Accommodation
- Hotel El Pueblito or Similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Iguazu Falls - Entrance & tour of the Argentinian side of the falls
- Iguazu Falls - Guarani community visit
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Cross the border into Brazil this morning and take an included flight (2 hours) from Foz do Iguacu to Rio de Janeiro. Once you have transferred to your hotel and settled in, you are free to explore lively Rio at your own pace. Maybe head to the white sands of Cobacapana and Ipanema beaches for an interesting snapshot of local life. If you’re interested in listening to some live music, maybe head to Lapa and join the locals for some dancing.
Accommodation
- Hotel Arena Copacabana or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Embrace an early start this morning and embark on a full-day guided tour of Rio. Start with a visit to Corcovado Mountain for sweeping views over the city from the base of the Christ the Reedemer statue. Next, head to Santa Teresa and discover the eclectic architecture, restaurants and art galleries. Continue to the famous Selaron Steps to see Chilean artist Jorge Selaron’s famous artwork. Give your feet a break during a lunch stop at an incredible NGO called Gastromotiva, where dishes are made by marginalised members of the community who receive free culinary training. The meals are even made using donated produce. Finish the day with a walking tour of the Port area, which is recognized for its historical significance to the African slave trade in Brazil. You’ll be joined by a local guide from the Pretos Novos Institute (Institute of Research and New Black Memory) during your walk who will illuminate the history of slavery and resistance in the area. When your tour ends at approximately 4 pm you are free to use the rest of your day however you please.
Accommodation
- Hotel Arena Copacabana or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Rio de Janeiro - Total Rio Tour Combo 1: Santa Teresa, Corcovado, Christ & Copacabana
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning.
Optional Activities
- Rio de Janeiro - Total Rio Bike Tour: Beaches, Bays & Carioca Sunset Urban Adventure - USD119
- Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain - BRL110
- Rio de Janeiro - Football game (tickets from) - USD50
- Rio de Janeiro - Carnival rehearsal (June to Carnival only) - BRL90
- Rio de Janeiro - Samba show - BRL200
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinnersTransport
Plane, Private vehicle, Local bus, BoatAccommodation
Hotel (11 nights), Hotel Feature Stay (2 nights) Estancia Feature Stay (2 nights)Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
- Santiago - Half-day guided walking tour
- Santiago - Cerro San Cristobal Funicular
- Casablanca region - Tour of an organic & biodynamic vineyard including wine tasting
- Valparaiso - Guided City tour
- Valparaiso - Pisco Sour workshop & Sunset
- Valparaiso - Lukas Museum
- Mendoza - Full-day winery tour - Includes lunch
- Mendoza - Closed-door restaurant lunch
- 2-night stay at a traditional estancia
- Estancia - Polo workshop
- Estancia - Empanada Making Workshop
- Polo workshop
- Buenos Aires - Orientation walk
- Buenos Aires - Full-day guided tour
- Buenos Aires - Tango demonstration by professional dancers
- Buenos Aires - Tango dance lesson
- Iguazu Falls - Entrance & tour of the Brazilian side of the falls
- Iguazu Falls - Entrance & tour of the Argentinian side of the falls
- Iguazu Falls - Guarani community visit
- Rio de Janeiro - Total Rio Tour Combo 1: Santa Teresa, Corcovado, Christ & Copacabana
Important notes
1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. This trip includes domestic flights. The luggage allowance is 15kg for check in luggage and 5kg for carry on.
4. Full name exactly as per passport is required at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on the passport), for activity and transport bookings. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
Essential trip information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information