Malbec or Carménère? Torrontés or Sauvignon Blanc? You won't have to choose between varietals on this enviable itinerary: a nine-day schedule taking you to the best wine-growing regions on both sides of the Andes. From the sun-drenched landscapes of Mendoza, Argentina, to the coastal vineyards of Chile's Casablanca Valle, you'll see (and taste) it all.

Highlights

  • Feast on steak and catch a tango show in Buenos Aires
  • Visit several wineries in Argentina's most celebrated wine-growing region
  • Cross the Andes in an exhilarating journey to Chile
  • Explore Santiago, the striking capital of Chile
  • Taste a range of wines on a tour of the Casablanca Valley

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrival in Buenos Aires Buenos Aires
Day 2 City tour, dinner and tango show Buenos Aires
Day 3 Travel from Buenos Aires to Mendoza Mendoza
Day 4 Winery tours and gourmet lunch Mendoza
Day 5 Free day in Mendoza Mendoza
Day 6 Travel from Mendoza to Santiago Santiago
Day 7 Wine tour of Casablanca Valley Santiago
Day 8 Free day in Santiago Santiago
Day 9 Depart from Santiago  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Bienvenidos a Buenos Aires!

Evening view of the harbor in Buenos Aires.
Evening view of the harbor in Buenos Aires.

Welcome to Buenos Aires! Upon arrival in the Argentinian capital, you'll be transported to your hotel. Take some time to rest and recover from the trip (you've got a busy week ahead!) before exploring the city at your own pace. Take a walk around the neighborhood, stopping for a pick-me-up coffee.

After dark (remember, Argentines eat late), sit down at a parrilla (steakhouse) for dinner. Now's a good time to crack open a bottle of Malbec: this is a wine tour, after all.

Day 2: City tour, dinner and tango show

A couple dancing the tango in the streets of Buenos Aires.
A couple dancing the tango in the streets of Buenos Aires.

After a simple breakfast of coffee and medialunas (the Argentinian version of a croissant), enjoy a guided city tour. It's a great chance to get an overview of the city and its attractions and to have a better understanding of Argentina’s history and culture. 

The three-hour tour takes visitors to Retiro, Avenida 9 de Julio (South America’s widest avenue), Teatro Colon, the Obelisco, the historic center, including Plaza de Mayo, Avenida de Mayo, and Casa Rosada, the modern harbor of Puerto Madero, and the oldest neighborhood of the city, San Telmo. The tour stops in Recoleta, with its famous cemetery and Plaza Francia, and in the city’s oldest port and birthplace, La Boca.

At night, indulge in a delicious meal (with free-flowing wine, of course) and catch a tango show. Here, you'll experience the heartbeat of Argentina firsthand.

Day 3: Travel to Mendoza, capital of Argentina's wine industry

View of Mendoza, center of the Argentinian wine industry. 
View of Mendoza, center of the Argentinian wine industry. 

Today's a travel day. After a transfer from your hotel to the airport, you'll board a quick flight from Buenos Aires to Mendoza — also known as the capital of Argentina's wine country.

Mendoza isn't just great for growing Malbec grapes. The region is also known for its beautiful scenery: the Andes loom high above the area's vineyards, creating an idyllic backdrop for wine-tasting and dining, but also offering a range of opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel in private service by one of our representatives.

Day 4: Winery tours and gourmet lunch

Wine production equipment in Luján de Cuyo.
Wine production equipment in Luján de Cuyo.

Today's the day you'll learn all about Argentine wine: which grapes are grown, how the terroir shapes its flavor, how the wine is made, and how the industry is developing. Of course, you'll be tasting wine all day, too, so be sure to begin the day with a substantial breakfast.

The day starts with a pick-up at your hotel and transportation to the region of Luján de Cuyo—known as the cradle of Malbec, with centuries-old vineyards at the base of the imposing Andes. In the course of six, hours you'll visit two different wineries accompanied by a specialized guide. (The exact wineries change according to the season and availability.) 

A memorable five-course lunch will be served midway through the day at one of the winery restaurants. Toast your good fortune while enjoying the views of mountain scenery in the distance. 

Day 5: Mendoza - free day

Malbec grapes on the vine, Mendoza.
Malbec grapes on the vine, Mendoza.
 
In the mood for more wine-tasting? Or perhaps you'd rather go horseback riding in the foothills of the Andes? Or maybe, you'd just like to lounge by the swimming pool and make reservations for dinner at one of Mendoza's best restaurants. Whatever you want to do, enjoy a flexible extra day in Argentina's wine capital.

Day 6: Flight to Santiago de Chile and city exploration

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Contrasting architecture in Santiago de Chile. 
Contrasting architecture in Santiago de Chile. 

Trust us, you'll want a window seat: the flight between Mendoza and Santiago is a thrill. The ride isn't long, but the views are breathtaking as you cross the snow-capped Andes mountain range. Buckle up, and make sure your camera battery is charged!

Upon arrival in Santiago, you'll be transferred to your hotel, where the rest of the day is free. Explore the historic center, and make sure to try a pisco sour: it's Chile's national cocktail.

Day 7: Wine tour in the Casablanca Valley

A winery in the Casablanca Valley, Chile.
A winery in the Casablanca Valley, Chile.

After breakfast, you'll be picked up at your hotel and driven to Casablanca Valley. This is one of Chile's foremost wine regions, and thanks to its coastal climate, it's best-known for white wines like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

The journey will take you past the beach of Santo Domingo and the port of San Antonio, one of the most important in Chile, before arriving in the small village of Lo Abarca. Here, you'll find the boutique winery of Viña Casa Marin. Visit the winery and the vineyards on a guided tour that ends with a tasting of three premium wines. In the afternoon, you'll return to the city.

Day 8: Santiago - free day

Cable cars traveling to the summit of Cerro San Cristóbal.
Cable cars traveling to the summit of Cerro San Cristóbal.
 
Today's a great day to take a city tour of Santiago, have a seafood lunch at Mercado Central and wander around the coffee shops and boutiques of Barrio Lastarria, one of the city's most fashionable neighborhoods. In the afternoon, consider venturing to the top of the towering Cerro San Cristóbal (via the teleférico, an aerial cable car) for sweeping views over the city and the mountains. 

Day 9: Departure from Santiago de Chile

A pile of corks bearing the stamp of Chile's thriving wine industry.
A pile of corks bearing the stamp of Chile's thriving wine industry.
 
It's time to go home. After a transfer from the hotel to Santiago's airport, have a glass of wine before boarding your flight. It's a fitting way to end a week of exploring South America's exciting wine scene.

Map

Map of Exploring the Wine Regions of Argentina & Chile - 9 Days
Map of Exploring the Wine Regions of Argentina & Chile - 9 Days

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