From Buenos Aires to Santiago in Luxury: Landscapes, Culture & Wine- 14 Days

Highlights

• Watch live tango in Buenos Aires and visit a traditional working estancia (ranch)
• Meet colorful toucans and macaws as you marvel at the massive falls at Iguazú
• Take a guided road trip through the rugged landscapes around Salta
• Go on a tasting across Argentina's premier wine regions: Cafayate and Mendoza
• Snack your way through the Chilean capital's largest indoor markets

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires (Argentina), City Tour & Tango Show

Welcome to Argentina! South America's second-largest nation is famous for many things, not least of which is its massive metropolitan capital of Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up at the airport for the ride to your hotel. Then, meet a local guide and discover the spirit of Buenos Aires on a half-day tour of its famous barrios (neighborhoods). Starting downtown, visit landmarks like Plaza de Mayo, home to the Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace). Its famous balcony is where dictator Juan Perón once galvanized the public, helped in no small part by the radiant charm of his wife, Evita.

Continue to San Telmo and La Boca—the two oldest neighborhoods in the city—and walk down colorful Caminito Street, lined with 1920s cafés and milongas (tango clubs). Also here is La Bombonera, the most famous futból (soccer) stadium in the country. It's home to the Boca Juniors, the team where Diego Maradona became a star. Later, pass through the upscale waterfront neighborhood of Puerto Madero, with its gleaming office towers and repurposed waterfront factories. Then head west to Palermo, an uber-trendy district known for its bars, boutiques, and well-manicured parks.

In the evening, you'll transfer by private car back to Puerto Madero and Tango Rojo. Here, you'll enjoy a three-hour, three-course "dinner and a show" experience with live tango performances. This musical/dance style originated in the ports of La Boca, merging the country dances of rural Spain with other influences from newly arriving immigrants. By the early 20th century, it had become famous worldwide. Experience the passion and artistry of this iconic genre in a cabaret-style atmosphere. 

Day 2: Day Trip to a Traditional Estancia 

Rise and shine! Meet your driver this morning and leave the urban sprawl of Buenos Aires on a day trip to the vast pampas (prairies) of the countryside. Your destination is a 250-acre (101 ha) working estancia (ranch) with grassy hills, meadows, and forests. Your hosts will welcome you with a light snack of empanadas accompanied by a glass of wine or a soft drink.

Then take your pick between spending the morning on a guided hike or hopping in the saddle for a horseback ride around the ranch. Either way, you'll work up an appetite, which is a good thing, as lunch will be a generous asado (barbecue) of meat, vegetables, salads, and desserts.

The fun doesn't stop there: after lunch, you'll be treated to a folk music performance and an exciting horseback demonstration. You'll learn about gaúcho culture and history and can chat with the ranchers. Sit back and enjoy the customary tea and pastries as you savor your foray into a different world. At the end of the afternoon, your guide will drive you back into the city for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Day 3: Fly to Iguazú, Waterfall Tour (Brazilian Side) & Bird Park

This morning, you're off to Argentina's tropical north. It's a two-hour flight from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú in Misiones Province. This city is primarily a hub for excursions to nearby Iguazú Falls, located at the tri-borders of Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. Apart from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, this is the largest waterfall system in the world. Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will transfer you to your luxury hotel located near the falls.

After dropping off your bags, you'll meet a guide and head to the Brazilian side of the falls (known as Iguaçu in Portuguese). Upon arrival at the Visitors Center, you'll board a double-decker bus leading to a viewpoint that offers panoramic vistas of the massive cascades on the Argentine side of the falls. From there, hike a few hundred meters along the Río Iguazú until you reach the falls on the Brazilian side. The walkway passes near the massive Salto Floriano (Floriano Falls), a magnificent wall of plunging water.

Later, you'll visit another highlight in the area: Parque das Aves. This 40-acre (16 ha) bird sanctuary is on the Brazilian side of the falls. Its immersive aviaries allow you to admire the more than 1,000 birds comprised of 143 species, including toucans and the vibrant scarlet macaw. There are also habitats for caimans, anacondas, and butterflies.

Day 4: Day Trip to Iguazú Falls (Argentine Side)

After breakfast, a driver will pick you up for the ride into Iguazú National Park, on the Argentine side of the falls. Here, you'll begin your full-day tour in the subtropical forest, home to many wildlife species. Your bilingual guide will point out some animals that live here, including coatis, capuchin monkeys, and various birds like antbirds, toucans, manakins, and parrots.

Continue the hike along both lower and upper walkways that weave around the cascades (prepare to get wet!). One highlight is traversing the boardwalk at the top of Iguazú to the famous Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), one of the largest of Igauzu's falls. From a viewing area, you can peer over the edge and see the thundering falls plunge 262 feet (89 m) to the river below (an experience not for the faint of heart). At the end of the tour, a driver will pick you up and take you back to your hotel in Puerto Iguazú.

Day 5: Fly to Salta, City Tour & Peña Dinner

Transfer to the airport this morning and board a two-hour flight to Salta. Founded in 1582, this Spanish colonial city is packed with historic streets, ornate cathedrals, and fascinating museums. After checking into your hotel, you'll see many of its most famous sites on a guided tour. It starts at the Main Square, which is lined with historic buildings, like the San Bernardo Convent and the 19th-century Cathedral. Then, visit the Tomb of General Martín Miguel de Güemes, a local hero in the struggle for independence. Nearby you'll find the beautiful Baroque and neoclassical church of San Francisco. 

Next, head to the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology, most famous for its collection of three mummified Inca children, offered in sacrifice more than 500 years ago. Only one is on display at any given time in order to preserve them, but the museum offers an extensive tour and exhibitions of ancient objects from the same period. From here, continue to the picturesque village of San Lorenzo, a favorite destination for summer holidays. On your way back, stop off at the Salta Crafts Market, the country's oldest handcraft market, housed in an 18th-century building. 

In the evening, you're in for a very special dining experience when you head over to La Casona del Molino, a traditional northern Argentine peña (saloon). Located in a well-preserved 19th-century colonial house, this establishment harkens back to a time when cowboys would ride up and relax with a few drinks while being serandaded by local folk music. The live music is still here, which you'll enjoy as you sit at communal tables and feast on local favorites like empanadas, locro (corn stew), and grilled meats—all washed down with a cold beer or glass of fine Argentine wine.

Day 6: Guided Road Trip to Cafayate, Dinner at Bad Brothers

Meet your driver after breakfast and leave Salta, heading south on Route 68 for 3-4 hours (121 mi/ 196 km) to Cafayate. This tourist town is nestled in the Calchaquí Valley of Salta province and is renowned for its vineyards. In fact, this is the premier wine-growing region of northern Argentina, famous for producing the torrontés varietal, an aromatic white wine.

Upon arrival, you'll check into a luxury hotel nestled amid sprawling vineyards. You should arrive in time for lunch, which you can enjoy at a renowned vineyard paired with fine wines. Then, take the rest of the day to stroll around town and browse the local handicraft markets.

In the evening, you'll sit down for dinner at Bad Brothers. More than a restaurant, this is the full Cafayate experience. Take a seat in the central courtyard of a historic colonial building and enjoy a variety of gourmet, tapas-style small plates paired with a selection of stellar wines from the Calchaquí Valley.

Day 7: Cafayate Full-Day Wine Tour

Hit the wine trail today as you continue discovering the limitless joys of Cafayate's terroir. A local guide will meet you at your hotel in the late morning, and from there, you'll embark on a private, full-day tour to visit some of the most renowned wineries in the Calchaquí Valley.

First, you'll stop at Yacochuya, a vineyard whose soil is characterized by the valley's high-altitude microclimate and a great place to try the famous torrontés. Next up is Piatelli, a vineyard owned by US expats that produces fine blends (like malbec-tannat), among other varietals. Finally, you'll visit Los Cardones, where, during a tasting, you'll see how the intense sunlight and cold mountain nights produce thick-skinned and more robust malbec wines. At each of these wineries, you'll stroll the vineyards and learn about their histories and production processes. At the end of the day, your driver will transfer you back to the hotel.

Day 8: Scenic Transfer to Salta, Walking Tour

Depart Cafayate on a four-hour drive back to Salta. One highlight you'll pass on this scenic ride is the Quebrada de las Conchas, a deep valley of red canyons characterized by intense colors and unique rock formations. The names of these geological wonders reflect their characteristics, like the Devil's Throat, the Amphitheater, the Frog, and the Obelisk. With your private driver, you can stop wherever and whenever you like to take a walk around and snap photos.

Upon returning to Salta, you'll check back into your hotel and then stretch your legs on a brisk two-hour walk around the city. During this jaunt, your guide will lead you around the Main Square, taking you to highlights you might have missed the first time around. These include the 18th-century Cabildo de Salta government building and the 17th-century San Francisco Church, with its iconic bell tower.

Day 9: Fly to Mendoza, Cooking Class

Leave early on a transfer to the airport, where you'll catch a two-hour flight to Mendoza. This western part of the country and its famous Maipo Valley is ground zero for the country's booming wine industry. Mendoza also features breathtaking scenery and opportunities for outdoor adventures. With the Andes looming high above the area's vineyards, there's a wide range of opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting. Upon arrival at the terminal, a driver will pick you up for the ride to your hotel.

Later, you'll head over to the Villa Mansa Wine Hotel. Set amid vineyards and olive groves, this upscale hotel is famous for its fine food and wine. Here, you'll meet Villa Mansa's head chef and spend the next three hours in a cooking workshop learning the secrets to preparing Argentine cuisine. As you learn to cook steaks and fold traditional empanadas, you'll enjoy views looking out past the vineyards to the Andean peaks beyond.

Day 10: Lujan de Cuyo Wine Tour

It's time to get out and explore Mendoza's vineyards and wineries. On this tour, you'll visit the most famous wine destinations around Mendoza, from the prized vineyards near the adjacent town of Luján de Cuyo to the fertile soil of the Maipú region. Throughout the tour, you'll learn about Mendoza's history, beginning with Jesuit priests and European immigrants. They settled here and combined their winemaking knowledge with irrigation techniques passed down from the native Huarpe people, transforming a vast desert into a productive oasis.

Over the course of the day, you'll visit a handful of wineries that still rely on traditional irrigation methods as well as some that use the latest technology in the winemaking process. On tours of the facilities, you'll learn about the cultivation of grapes, the harvest, and the bottling and labeling process. Of course, you'll also taste the wines! Sample several varietals alongside locally grown olives and artisanal cheeses at each winery. The experience also includes a full gourmet lunch. At the end of the afternoon, you'll return to Mendoza and your hotel. 

Day 11: Uco Valley Wine Country Discovery

Continue to taste the fruits of Mendoza's world-famous terroir on a full-day wine tour of the Uco Valley. This renowned wine region is nestled in the Andes foothills just south of Mendoza and is known for producing some of the world's finest malbecs. On today's tour, you'll stop at several wineries as you learn about the different grapes that thrive in this climate.

Sip bottled, tank, and barrel wines at Corazon del Sol's 17 acres (6.7 ha) of vineyards planted at the base of the Andes. Next up is Andeluna, which opened in 2003 in Tupungato Valley at the foot of Tupungato volcano. Enzo Bianchi's family-run winery is known for its malbecs, petit verdots, and cabernet sauvignons. Here, you can take a cooking class while learning about its malbecs, cabernet francs, and cuatro cepas. Upon returning to Mendoza in the evening, ask your expert local guide about the best restaurant recommendations and wine pairings.

Day 12: Fly to Santiago (Chile), Free Time to Explore

This morning, you'll board a one-hour flight and soar across the rugged spine of the Andes, touching down in Santiago, Chile's dynamic capital. At the airport, a driver will meet you for the transfer to your luxury hotel in the city. After checking in, you can stretch your legs on a self-guided tour.

One can't-miss landmark is the Palacio de la Moneda. Chile's opulent presidential palace is a short stroll from the Plaza de Armas, the city's main square. It's home to the Palacio de la Real Audiencia (Palace of the Royal Court), built in 1808, which houses the National History Museum of Chile. Also on the plaza is the Catedral Metropolitana, an impressive neoclassical building that dates back to 1753.

Day 13: Casablanca Wine Tour with Lunch

After breakfast, meet your driver for the trip one hour west of Santiago to the Casablanca Valley. This fertile valley near the Pacific coast is ideal for growing grapes, as the sea breezes come in from offshore and provide the perfect weather conditions for them to thrive. It's also an area famous for producing organic, all-natural wine grapes.

The first stop on this outing is the organic Veramonte Winery, where you'll enjoy a tour and tasting session. Try four different wines paired with Chilean cheeses and chocolates. Afterward, continue to Casas del Bosque, one of the most prestigious vineyards in the Casablanca Valley. Like at Veramonte, you'll tour the vineyards as an expert guide reveals insight into the terroir and the secrets to growing the ideal grapes. Of course, capping the experience is another tasting. Your driver will transfer you back to Santiago at the end of the afternoon.

Day 14: Santiago Markets & Food Tour, Depart

For your last experience in Santiago, meet your guide at your hotel and set off on a half-day tour of the city's main attractions. It starts near the historic center, where you'll visit any landmarks you might have missed during your first day in Santiago.

Around midday, the tour changes to a culinary adventure as you visit one of Santiago's finest markets, like Mercado Central or Mercado La Vega. These markets are the beating heart of the city, overflowing with vendors and locals eager to get their hands on the day's produce. You'll have the opportunity to try home-style dishes like porotos (beans), enjoy a refreshing mote con huesillo (a traditional sweet drink made with dried peaches), and sample some fresh seafood paired with a glass of crisp Chilean white wine. 

Later, continue to Parque Forestal, one of the city's finest urban parks, and the Lastarria neighborhood, a lively hipster area filled with cool cafés and vintage shops. After a stop at Cerro Santa Lucía (site of the founding of Santiago), continue to the bohemian neighborhood of Barrio Italia, which is famous for its restaurants, bars, and cafés. Here, you’ll visit a gourmet chocolatier and an artisan ice cream shop to enjoy some sweet treats before transferring to the airport for your flight home. See you next time!

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