Chile & Argentina: Wonders of Argentina & Chile - 11 DAYS

buenos Aires - El Calafate - Puerto NAtales - Torres Del Paine National PArk - Santiago

itinerary & prices

Day 1 Saturday: Buenos Aires
Transfer in from airport to hotel in Buenos Aires, with guide. Overnight at hotel - Loi Suites Esmeralda (3 Star) or Hotel NH City (4 Star).
Meals included: None

Day 2 Sunday: Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires City Tour with lunch – Shared basis with bilingual guide (Spanish & English) - Drinks not included
Duration: 4 hrs approx. Hightlights: Recoleta - Palermo - Plaza de Mayo - Puerto Madero - San Telmo - La Boca.
This is the perfect tour to discover the charm of Argentina's capital, from the chic districts of Recoleta and Palermo, to historic Plaza de Mayo, and architectural icons such as the Colon opera house, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the palace of Congress. The program finishes in old town San Telmo, home of the city's aristocracy until the late 19th century; Caminito street, in La Boca, the colorful shelter for Italian immigrants by the Riachuelo, and the young thriving restaurant scene at the Puerto Madero waterfront. Kindly note that the return after the lunch is not included.

Dinner and Tango Show at Aljibe Tango with Round Trip Transfers
2 - 2.30 hours duration - Shared Services. Beverages included.
Famous for its amazing nightlife and for being the land of Carlos Gardel, Buenos Aires countless gastronomic and artistic options. Tango portrays the 'Queen of the River Plate' ('Reina del Plata'). We will enjoy an unforgettable night, surrender to the magic of this city that never sleeps and to the charm of this overwhelming and sanguine music — main protagonist of the night— while enjoying the best of its varied gastronomic offer. This typical early 20th century house is an ideal stage for a unique show: 15 artists, one tango orchestras, a folk music group, dancers, and singer.

Overnight at the hotel.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 3 Monday: Buenos Aires - El Calafate by flight
Transfer out from hotel in downtown to domestic airport with guide.

Flight is not included. Suggested flights:
AR1846 AEP/FTE Departure 0800 – Arrival 1115 – not included
AR1824 AEP/FTE Departure 1500 – Arrival 1815– not included

Transfer in from Calafate airport to hotel with English and Spanish-speaking guide. Overnight at hotel - Rincón del Calafate (3 Star) or Hotel Calafate Parque (4 Star).
Meals included: breakfast

Day 4 Tuesday: El Calafate
Full Day Perito Moreno Glacier Tour (Shared basis) – (minimum 02 passengers) - Fee Included
Duration: 8 hrs approx. - Shared Service with English or Spanish-speaking guide
The Perito Moreno Glacier rises majestically 80 km away from El Calafate. This is one of the largest and the only advancing glacier in the world, as well as the biggest attraction at Los Glaciares National Park, a 600,000-hectare protected area covered by an ice mantle. We will start by penetrating the Patagonian Andean forest and make a first breathtaking stop at "Curva de los Suspiros" (Curve of Sighs), where we will enjoy a first view of this incredible natural wonder. When we approach the glacier, we will walk down the catwalks to approach the glacier and admire from different panoramic points this wonderful creation of Mother Nature. We will be able to contemplate very closely when varied-sized ice blocks loosen and fall into the water with a great thunder becoming beautiful ice floes in the deep waters of the Lago Argentino. This day will be an unforgettable experience, a once in a lifetime delight.

Safari Nautico Navigation Ticket – (minimum 02 passengers) Duration: 1 hr. approx.
This activity is an ideal complement to the Perito Moreno glacier tour. It will allow us to appreciate very closely this wonder of nature. We will sail out of Bajo de las Sombras Bay port, 7 km away from the glacier's catwalks, down to the southern side of the glacier. On our way, we shall contemplate ice blocks falling off until reaching the southern point of Los Témpanos canal, until reaching the standing point 300 m away from the southern wall of the glacier, where we shall stop to admire its greatness. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals included: breakfast

Day 5 Wednesday: El Calafate
Free day for exploring Calafate at your own pace. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals included: breakfast

Optional with extra cost: $239 per person
Half Day Nativo Experience with lunch or dinner (minimum 02 passengers). Duration 3 hours 4x4 tour 20 km. Shared service with English or Spanish speaking guide An adventure that will transport you through the natural beauty and captivating history of the Lake Argentino region. For three hours, you'll explore breathtaking landscapes and immerse yourself in the rich culture of this area, operating year-round for your convenience. On board a 20 km 4x4 tour along the lake shores, each stop will be a new experience: First, you'll be greeted at the shores of Lake Argentino, where experts will guide you through a detailed interpretation of the local flora and landscape, along with fascinating explanations about the glaciology and geology of the region. Next, you'll arrive at the impressive Punta Bonita Cliffs, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the majestic Andes Mountains, a scene that will leave you breathless. The third stop will take you to an Archaeological Zone, where you'll marvel at the rock art and immerse yourself in the ancient history of the region, adding a unique dimension to your journey. But the experience doesn't end there; an unforgettable meal awaits you in a cave, an unexpected yet perfectly fitting location to complement this unique gastronomic experience.

Optional with extra cost: $445 per person
All Glaciers Navigation - Fee included (Minimum 02 passengers). Duration: 8 hs approx. Shared service with English or Spanish-speaking guide. From the Port of Punta Bandera, located 47 km from El Calafate, we start sailing through the North Arm of Lake Argentino. A few minutes after leaving, we crossed a natural funnel known as the Devil's Mouth to the Upsala Canal. There we will navigate around large icebergs that emerge from the front of the Upsala Glacier. Then, we enter the sector of the lake known as Canal Spegazzini and in which we can enjoy observing the impressive Dry Glacier. From there we continue sailing to the front of the Spegazzini Glacier where we will also see the Heim Sur and Peineta glaciers. It is at this time that we prepare to disembark at the Spegazzini base and begin the visit to the area by walking through a beautiful path in the forest, until we arrive at the Spegazzini Refuge. This 300-meter path is accessible and when we go through it, we stop at stations and viewpoints with views of the entire Los Glaciares Bay. In this refuge, one of a kind, we can have lunch, visit the shop, or contemplate the landscape. Those who like to walk. they can choose to take the mountain trail. This route is a trek of medium difficulty through a wooded path with natural viewpoints and full of incredible views. It ends at the disembarkation point.

Day 6 Thursday: El Calafate - Puerto Natales
One Way transfer out from hotel to Calafate bus station with guide. Regular bus tickets from El Calafate (Argentina) to Puerto Natales (Chile). Upon your arrival you will be meet and transferred to the selected hotel in Puerto Natales (Private service without guide). Overnight at Hotel - Vendaval or Similar (3 Star) or Weskar Patagonia or Similar (4 Star).
Meals included: breakfast.

Day 7 Friday: Puerto Natales
Full day Torres del Paine and Milodon. Today is a whole day to enjoy the two greatest natural attractions of Magallanes. Starting from Puerto Natales we will have the opportunity see forests, glacial valleys, mountain ranges, lakes and, if the weather is in our favor, condors along the way. A stop at the Sarmiento Lake viewpoint is the perfect opportunity to capture panoramic photos of the Torres del Paine mountain range, the southern extension of the Andes mountain range and Sarmiento Lake. Another impressive view is the one from the viewpoint of Laguna Amarga, flamingo|s favorite place. Once in Torres del Paine National Park, we will visit the viewpoints of Lake Nordenskjöld, Salto Grande, Pehoé, Puente Weber and Río Paine. At Lago Gray we will have time to explore the area on foot. Leaving the park is the Gray viewpoint, from where we can capture the majesty of the mountains, the immensity of Lake Toro and, if the weather permits, a section of the Gray glacier. The day continues with the arrival at the Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument, where we will not only be surprised by its fauna and flora, but also by its prehistoric past. Torres del Paine Entrance included. Overnight at the hotel. Meals included: breakfast & lunch.

Day 8 Saturday: Puerto Natales
Full day Balmaceda & Serrano - Duration: 9 hrs - Lunch and transfers included. The navigation begins by entering the Señoret channel, heading towards Guanaco Island, where it is sometimes possible to see the small and sometimes it is possible to see the small and marvellous Magellanic Dolphins (Toninas). We sail to the block of the Estancia la Peninsula to access the rocky walls where an important population of Cormorants lives, continuing the trip to Punta de Lobos where we find some specimens of this mammal. Then we visit the waterfall and cliffs where we can see condors. At each point of interest, the boat will stop for the travellers to enjoy the scenery and attractions. The trip continues to Mount Balmaceda (2035 meters of altitude) where we can appreciate the glacier of the same name and then disembark at Puerto Toro to begin the one hour round trip hike along the shore of the Témpanos Lagoon, accompanied by our bilingual guide. Through a native forest of coihues, ñirres and ciruelillos, towards the Serrano glacier, we will enjoy the fascinating vegetation, the contrast between the clear sky and the ice of the imposing Serrano glacier. Our return begins with a visit to an estancia, where we will enjoy a typical Creole lunch. After having witnessed a unique, wild and untouched landscape, we finish our excursion in Puerto Natales. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals included: breakfast & lunch

Day 9 Sunday: Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas - Santiago by flight
Transfer hotel Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas airport - Only driver. At the scheduled time you will be transferred from your hotel in Puerto Natales to the airport in Punta Arena (Bus ticket puerto natales to punta arenas included).

Flight Punta Arenas – Santiago – not included.
Note: If the flight to Santiago is from Puerto Natales the transfer Puerto Natales hotel - Puerto Natales airport (only driver) is included.
Private | Transfer from airport to hotel - Bilingual guide included. Arrival at Santiago airport. Reception and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel - Capital Bellet Hotel or Similar (3 Star) or Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Santiago (4 Star).
Meals included: breakfast.

Day 10 Monday: Santiago
Half day walking Santiago like a native tour. Fall in love with Santiago's charms discovering it as a local: walking. We will start the tour by boarding the subway and seeing some of the most picturesque stations. For example, the “Universidad de Chile” station is adorned by a mural created by a local artist, and it was chosen as one of the most beautiful in the world. We will a local market to appreciate Chile's coastal bounty, reflected in its fish and shellfish, and its diversity of fruits and vegetables. We will continue walking through Santiago's downtown to the Main Square (Plaza de Armas), a sample of the fantastic architecture that shines in every corner. Chilean flavors will not be absent, and we will make a stop to try local snacks such as empanadas and drinks made with local fruits. Finally, if energy and time allow it, we will arrive at the Bellavista neighborhood, one of the most representative full of charming streets. From there, you can explore the city on your own (we recommend ascending Cerro San Cristobal) or return to the hotel after a day of unforgettable experiences. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals included: breakfast & lunch

Optional with extra cost: $209 per person
Half Day Cousiño Macul. With a legendary history that dates back to 1856, Cousiño Macul is the only vineyard in the Chilean capital. Combining tradition and modernity, Cousiño Macul wines capture region's essence. Located in the beautiful Pirque Valley, just 45 minutes from Santiago, the vineyard has a fascinating history. The Macul winery was commissioned from a firm of French architects by Luis Cousiño in 1870 and built with bricks and limestone. Sitting right in the middle of the estate, the main cellar is 7 meters deep with double walls that allow airflow, creating a passive ventilation system that guarantees a constant temperature of 14°C and a humidity of 75 %. An expert guide will take us through the vineyard's old cellars, we will learn about the winemaking process, and we will see the contrast between the techniques used in the 19th century and the sustainable practices nowadays. Of course, we will have the opportunity to taste three red wines: Varietal, Reserva and Gran Reserva. At the end of our visit, we will have some time to visit the vineyard store.

Day 11 Tuesday: Depart Santiago
At proper time you will be transferred to Airport in Santiago to take your international flight.
Meals included: breakfast.

Using 3 Star Hotels

Using 4 Star Hotels

INCLUSIONS

• Shared arrival transfer with guide. 

• Shared departure transfer without guide.

• Meals as indicated on the itinerary.

• Hotel accommodation as listed or similar.

• Entrance fee to all the destinations mentioned on the itinerary.

• Lake crossing between Argentina and Chile.
  
  EXCLUSIONS
  • Personal expenses, International & internal airfare, Visa fees
  • Customary gratitude to your guide and driver.