Food, Wine & Culture in Chile & Argentina - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Explore the City & Tango Show with Dinner

Welcome to Argentina! Touch down in the thriving capital, Buenos Aires, where a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. 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 just outside the city center, or shop at the famous San Telmo Market. Soccer fans will love visiting River Plate's Monumental stadium and the home of Boca Juniors, the Bombonera. If the sun's shining, take advantage of the city's beautiful parks, including its largest, Bosques de Palermo.

End the day with a tango show and Argentine meal in the barrios (neighborhoods) around Río de la Plata, known as the birthplace of tango. The dance form is a vital part of Argentina's cultural heritage. As you dine, over 30 skilled tango dancers will entertain you; afterward, you can take a tango dance lesson or enjoy a wine-tasting session.

Day 2: Buenos Aires City Tour & Argentine Culinary Experience

Discover more of Buenos Aires' charms today on a city tour. A local guide will take you to the city's most important attractions, including the Obelisk monument and iconic Corrientes Street. Visit the Plaza de Mayo, home to the stately Cabildo (City Hall) and 16th-century Metropolitan Cathedral. Continue to the San Telmo neighborhood, which is characterized by colonial houses and cobblestoned streets.

You'll also tour the La Boca neighborhood in the south to see colorful zinc houses once home to the city's first immigrants and famous artists. Stop at a panoramic viewpoint in Puerto Madero, the old city port developed into one of the city's most exclusive areas. The tour ends in swanky Recoleta to visit the cemetery where famous figures like Eva Perón and former presidents have been laid to rest.

Finish the day with an Argentine culinary experience. Join a chef to learn how to make the country's signature dishes, from empanadas (fried savory pastries) to maté (the national tea). During the class, you'll master the repulgue (folding) technique to seal an empanada and learn 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 a traditional Argentine feast.

Day 3: San Antonio de Areco Cowboy Town Visit

Today, you'll transfer 72 miles (117 km) northwest to the tranquil town of San Antonio de Areco. Set on the Río Areco, this famous 18th-century gaúcho (skilled horseman) town maintains its fine saddlery and silversmith traditions. The town celebrates the work of renowned writer Ricardo Güiraldes Gaucho at a museum named after him in Criollo Park.

You'll visit a traditional estancia (farm) in the pampas (grasslands) to learn about gaúcho life. Ride a horse or take a trip in one of the carriages, then try some typical Argentine asado (barbecue), accompanied by empanadas, local wine, and gaúcho music and dance. At the end of the tour, return to Buenos Aires for a final night in the city.

Day 4: Fly to Mendoza, Explore the City

This morning, fly east to 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, surrounded by notable 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 to locro (a hearty stew) and asado. As an optional extra, book a wine-tasting tour for the evening, where you'll sample various Argentine wines alongside traditional dishes.

Day 5: Free Day in Mendoza

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 6: 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 7: Fly to Santiago, City Tour

Say goodbye to Argentina and fly to Chile's lively capital, Santiago. The city has a rich cultural heritage and is shadowed by the epic Andes. Head out on a city tour with an expert guide, 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.

Next, experience the commercial buzz of Santiago as you wander the streets of Huerfanos and Ahumada en route to the historic 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.

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

Day 8: Day Trip to Valparaíso & Viña del Mar

This morning, you'll head to the Chilean coastal city of Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the country's most romantic and artistic city. This well-preserved 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.

Your travels continue to the neighboring sea town of Viña del Mar, known for its gardens and working flower clock, which was created to mark the 1962 World Cup. Admire the opulent architecture of Casino de Juegos, Avenida Perú, and Avenida San Martín before stopping at Playa Reñaca, a popular beach destination for both tourists and locals. Here, you'll have a chance to visit one of the nearby restaurants for lunch before returning to your hotel in Santiago.

Day 9: Concha y Toro Winery Visit

Celebrate the penultimate day of your trip with a visit to the Concha y Toro winery, one of Argentina's most renowned vineyards. Tour their cellars to learn about winemaking, then head to the salon for a tasting session. You'll get to sample four premium wines of the El Marqués line, accompanied by fine cheeses. Afterward, you'll receive a souvenir wine glass and have time to purchase your favorite bottles to take home before returning to the city for a final night in Santiago.

Day 10: Depart Santiago

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!