Cities & Wineries in Chile & Argentina: Santiago, Valparaíso, Mendoza & Buenos Aires – 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Valparaíso (Chile)

Welcome to Chile! Touch down in Santiago, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you to the coastal city of Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the country's most romantic and artistic city. Settle in and then head out to explore this historical hub packed with stately architecture, street art, and trendy eateries. The seaport is a throwback to the turn of the 20th century when electric trolleys coasted along the waterfront, and funicular elevators carried passengers to the city's highest points. Travel by trolley between Plaza Sotomayor and Plaza Aníbal Pinto, then board the Reina Victoria funicular for aerial views.

You can spend hours rambling through hilltop neighborhoods like Cerro Alegre, Cerro Concepción, and Cerro Florida, with their brightly-painted houses, old churches, and cobbled squares. To finish, you can dine on some of the best seafood in South America.

Day 2: Valparaíso Walking Tour, Wine Tasting in the Casablanca Valley

This morning you'll explore Valparaíso further on a half-day guided walking tour. Begin in the city's historic center, where you'll visit Plaza Echaurren, followed by Valparaíso's original port and banking area, as well as the Concepción and Alegre hills, where most of the city's artisan workshops and galleries are concentrated. You'll travel via elevators and trolleys, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way.

Spend the afternoon as you please, or take an optional trip to two popular wineries in the Casablanca Valley. This region is known worldwide for its stellar white wines, from Chardonnays to sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, and syrah varieties. Stop at two of the most iconic wineries in the region: Bodegas Re and Casa del Bosque. Take cellar and vineyard tours, followed by tasting sessions and gourmet snacks.

Day 3: Bus to Santiago, Explore

Today starts with a bus trip back to Santiago, where you'll check into your hotel and explore the city independently. Chile's lively capital has a rich cultural heritage and is surrounded by the epic Andes mountains. Start by wandering the aisles of Santiago's labyrinthine 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 fresh produce.

Have lunch at the Mercado Central or amble around the coffee shops and boutiques of Barrio Lastarria, one of the city's most fashionable neighborhoods. For aerial views of Santiago, scale Cerro San Cristóbal, a hill topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary, or soak up some culture at the National Museum of Fine Arts. The Museum of Memory and Human Rights offers a stirring glimpse into the country's past and commemorates the victims of Pinochet's regime.

Day 4: Panoramic Santiago Tour

Tour Santiago with an expert guide this morning, who'll take you to the city's top landmarks and local haunts. Begin in downtown's main avenue Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins and visit Palacio de la Moneda, the neoclassical presidential palace, which takes up an entire block in downtown Santiago. If you're lucky, you may catch the changing of the guard.

Experience the commercial buzz of Santiago as you wander the streets of Huerfanos and Ahumada en route to Plaza de Armas. Founded in 1541, it's home to the impressive Catedral Metropolitana, a neoclassical church whose twin bell towers dominate the plaza's north side.

Next, you'll enjoy panoramic vistas from the hills of Santa Lucía or San Cristóbal. Take in the urban sprawl and spot landmarks like the Gran Torre Costanera, the tallest building in Latin America. You'll then cross the Río Mapocho to the arty Bellavista neighborhood before ending in the new city center, whose highlights include Providencia and Bicentennial Park.

Day 5: Fly to Mendoza (Argentina), Sample Argentine Cuisine & Wine

Say goodbye to Chile today and fly east into Argentina. Touch down in Mendoza, where a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. The city lies in the foothills of the Andes and is loved for its scenery, outdoor activities, and nearby wineries. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or getting to know the city.

Stroll around the Plaza Independencia, the main city square, which is surrounded by celebrated buildings like the Casa de Gobierno (Government House) and the Teatro Independencia, a grand performing arts venue. Visit peaceful Aconcagua Provincial Park for views of the highest peak in the Americas, Mount Aconcagua, or learn about the city's history at the Museo del Pasado Cuyano.

In the evening, delve into Mendoza's unique culinary scene at a local eatery, tasting everything from empanadas (fried savory pastries) to locro (a hearty stew) and asado (barbecue). As an optional extra, book a wine-tasting tour for the evening, where you'll sample various Argentine wines alongside traditional dishes.

Day 6: Free Day in Mendoza's Wine Country

Spend a free day in Mendoza, perhaps heading out of the city to tackle biking and hiking trails or soaking at the Termas de Cacheuta hot springs resort. Wine lovers should take a cycling tour of the Luján de Cuyo region's superb vineyards. Cycle through idyllic vineyards with views of the Andes, stopping at three different wineries for tasting sessions and tours. You'll enjoy a gourmet meal at the final winery, paired with exquisite wines.

Day 7: Visit Aconcagua Provincial Park

Today, explore the landscape around Mendoza and the Western Hemisphere's highest mountain: Aconcagua. Your guide will take you southwest along National Route 7 to Poterillos, where you'll enjoy views of the Cordón del Plata and the Poterillos Dam. Drive through tunnels and bridges to Uspallata, a town known for its mountain desert and Inca petroglyphs, before exploring the beauty of Aconcagua Provincial Park.

Next, you'll marvel at the natural arch of nearby Puente de Inca (Inca Bridge). Glaciers and hot springs around the Cordilleras formed this eye-catching landmark, which stretches over the Río Cuevas. It's a popular spot for bathing in thermal pools and the starting point for hikes in Aconcagua. Before returning to your Mendoza hotel, there might be time to take a dip in one of the steaming pools.

Day 8: Fly to Buenos Aires

Today, fly to the east coast, landing in Argentina's thriving capital, Buenos Aires. Meet your driver, who'll take you to your hotel, then the rest of the day is yours to relax and explore. Discover the city's mix of European and Latin American architecture, including the neoclassical Teatro Colón, one of South America's premier opera houses, and the Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace).

Next, stroll along Puerto Madero, an upscale waterfront neighborhood outside the city center. Soccer fans will love visiting River Plate's Monumental stadium and the home of Boca Juniors, La Bombonera. When evening falls, dine as the locals do on thick, juicy steak drizzled with chimichurri (garlic, herb, and vinegar sauce) at a parrilla (steakhouse). Finish the night at a milonga, a traditional Argentine tango social dance.

Day 9: Buenos Aires Bike Tour & Argentine Culinary Experience

Explore Buenos Aires's history by bike today with a cycling tour of the city's southern region. Accompanied by a guide, you'll cycle through the San Telmo, La Boca, Puerto Madero, and Monserrat neighborhoods. Along the way, pass traditional houses, meet local residents, and feel the atmosphere of the city's original barrios (neighborhoods).

Finish the day with a consummate Argentine culinary experience. Join a chef to learn how to make the country's signature dishes, from empanadas to maté (the national tea). During the class, you'll master the repulgue (folding) technique to seal an empanada and discover which spices and herbs make an authentic chimichurri sauce. Round out your culinary adventure by tasting malbec wine and alfajores, the dulce de leche-filled cookie that's a sweet end to an Argentine feast.

Day 10: Depart Buenos Aires

Today your adventure in Chile and Argentina comes to an end. After breakfast, your driver will take you to the airport in time to catch your homebound flight. Safe travels!