Wine Tours, Coastal Cities & Waterfalls in Argentina & Chile - 14 Days

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

Welcome to Buenos Aires, Argentina's vibrant capital! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and relax until this evening's dinner and show. When it's time, head to Gala Tango, housed in a beautifully restored Beaux-Arts-style building. If you want to immerse yourself in the experience, participate in a tango lesson, allowing you to appreciate the dance on a deeper level when you watch the expert performers later in the evening. Then, sit down for a gourmet meal featuring Argentine cuisine, including succulent steaks and fine wines from the country's renowned vineyards. 

After dinner, the lights will dim for the tango show to begin. Watch as the dancers, dressed in elegant and vibrant costumes, glide across the stage, showcasing the skill, precision, and emotion that define tango. Each movement is a blend of grace and drama, telling stories of love, longing, and desire. Accompanied by live musicians playing traditional instruments, such as the bandoneón, and powerful vocalists, the performance brings to life both the traditional and contemporary styles of tango.

Day 2: Buenos Aires Neighborhood Tour, Food Walking Tour in Palermo

Join your guide on a tour of the city's lively neighborhoods, starting in one of the oldest, Monserrat. Head to Plaza de Mayo, a bustling square surrounded by landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa Rosada, the presidential palace. Then, stroll the cobblestone lanes of San Telmo, surrounded by tango venues, lively markets, and antique shops. Continue to La Boca along the waterfront to admire the colorful houses lining Caminito and the famous La Bombonera stadium. Nearby is Puerto Madero, a revitalized port area featuring sleek skyscrapers, upscale restaurants, and trendy bars.

Stroll the beautifully landscaped parks and vibrant plazas before ending in Recoleta to visit Recoleta Cemetery, a labyrinthine necropolis that serves as the final resting place for many of Argentina's most notable figures, including the former First Lady, Eva Perón. In the evening, you'll discover one more neighborhood on a food walking tour. Follow your guide to four amazing restaurants in Palermo, where you can partake in a wine tasting and try over 10 dishes and drinks, showcasing the best of Argentine cuisine.

Day 3: Day Trip to Estancia Santa Susana

Leave the city behind for the day as you transfer to Estancia Santa Susana, a traditional farm located just one hour away in the Pampas, a fertile lowland region spanning Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. When you arrive, you'll be greeted by the farm's gaúchos, the legendary cowboys of Argentina who embody the spirit of the Pampas. Look out at the vast open fields dotted with grazing cattle and horses as you decide what activities to partake in throughout the day. You may want to feel the thrill of galloping across the rolling plains on horseback or discover the area from the comfort of a carriage.

Then, sit down to try asado, a traditional Argentine barbecue where various cuts of meat are cooked slowly over an open flame or parrilla (grill). Enjoy the perfectly seasoned meats with empanadas (savory pastries filled with ingredients like minced beef, cheese, or vegetables) and local wine. End the night with traditional gaúcho music, characterized by its heartfelt melodies and rhythmic guitar strumming, and infectious dancing, before returning to Buenos Aires. 

Day 4: Free Morning in Buenos Aires, Argentine Cooking Class

Spend your final morning in Buenos Aires exploring the city at your own pace. Consider a walk along Avenida 9 de Julio, one of the widest avenues in the world, adorned with iconic landmarks like the Obelisco, which stands proudly at its center. Pop in and out of the shops in search of souvenirs before stopping for a drink at one of the many cafés. Then, visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes to peruse the vast collection of art spanning centuries. Admire work by renowned Argentine artists like Eduardo Sívori and Quinquela Martín, as well as European greats such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Monet. 

End the day with a cooking class to learn how to create some of Argentina's signature dishes and flavors. Start with empanadas as you roll out the dough, fill it with ingredients of your choosing, and learn the reupulge (folding) technique to seal the pastry. As they bake, prepare an authentic chimichurri, a flavorful sauce consisting of parsley, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, oregano, and red pepper flakes, to go with them. Round out your culinary adventure by tasting malbec wine or baking alfajores, two soft biscuits filled with dulce de leche, a rich caramel-like spread made from sweetened condensed milk.

Day 5: Fly to Puerto Iguazú, Sunset Catamaran Ride

This morning, it's time to say adiós to Buenos Aires as you transfer to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to the charming town of Puerto Iguazú, known as the gateway to the iconic Iguazú Falls. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in. Enjoy some free time to relax before this evening's sunset catamaran ride. When it's time, head to the local port, jump on board, and sail along the shimmering waters of Río Paraná toward the Triple Frontier, the geographical point where the borders of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet.

At the confluence of the Paraná and Iguazú rivers, you'll see a triangular obelisk displaying the flags of all three countries. Continue upstream, passing under Ponte Tancredo Neves and along the banks of the Iryapú Jungle to reach the height of El Santuario, the limit of Iguazú National Park, about 7.4 miles (12 km) from the falls. From there, you'll return downstream to the port. Throughout the journey, you can enjoy live music, food, and panoramic views of the sunset from the catamaran's open decks and terrace.

Day 6: Guided Tour of Iguaçu National Park & Parque das Aves

The UNESCO-listed Iguazú Falls is the largest waterfall system in the world, spanning Brazil and Argentina in two national parks. Today, you'll cross the border to discover the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls, as it's spelled in Portuguese. Head to the visitor center, where you can board an eco-friendly bus to get to the beginning of the trail that meanders through the park. Disembark and follow your guide into the rainforest, keeping an eye out for wildlife like toucans, capuchin monkeys, and even jaguars. Stop at different viewpoints offering panoramic views of the 275 falls that make up the waterfall system.

The trail culminates at the impressive Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), the largest and most powerful section of the falls. Watch the horseshoe-shaped cascade plunge dramatically into the abyss and feel the cool mist on your skin. When you're done admiring the waterfalls, continue to the on-site Parque das Aves, an aviary sanctuary housing more than 140 species of colorful birds. Learn about the sanctuary's conservation efforts and meet the array of over 1,000 avians, from parrots to toucans to macaws, before transferring back to Argentina.

Day 7: Explore Iguazú National Park, Gran Aventura Boat Tour

Get another look at Iguazú Falls today, this time from the Argentine side. Start on the Lower Circuit, which takes you through the lush rainforest and provides intimate views of the waterfalls from below. From this vantage point, you'll hear the thunderous roar of the water and feel the spray, so you may want to put on your rain gear. Continue to the Upper Circuit's elevated walkways, leading you to the top of the falls. The trail ends at the top of Devil's Throat, which you glimpsed from afar yesterday. 

Feel the spray of the park's most powerful waterfall, then don't worry about drying off, as your next activity is a boat tour to the base of the falls. Start with a 5-mile (8 km) drive on the Yacaratiá Trail to get to Puerto Macuco. Put your belongings in a dry bag, board the boat, and set sail along the Lower Iguazú River. Traverse the 1.25 miles (2 km) of rapids until you reach the entrance of Devil's Throat Canyon, where you'll immediately be soaked by the cascade's misty spray. After the boat tour, change into your dry clothing and transfer back to the hotel.

Day 8: Fly to Mendoza, Wine Walking Tour

Trade Argentina's most iconic natural wonder for its premier wine region as you transfer to the airport for a two-hour flight to Mendoza, nestled at the foothills of the Andes. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in before joining your guide on a wine-walking tour of different wineries and bars. Learn about the unique terroir of the region and the history of Mendoza's wine culture as you sip local varietals, including the famous malbec. Indulge in local cheeses and charcuterie that pair well with each wine, then try a signature cocktail to cleanse your palate.

After the three-hour tour, enjoy a free evening in the Centro Histórico (Historic Center). Discover the charming plazas, historic buildings, and local boutiques lining the cobblestone streets. When you get hungry, visit a local restaurant for authentic dishes like milanesa (breaded and fried meat cutlet served in a sandwich or with mashed potatoes) paired with more wine. 

Day 9: Full-Day Tour of Vineyards & Olive Groves

Spend another day indulging in local wines in Luján de Cuyo and Maipú, both in the heart of Mendoza's wine country. Visit a traditional winery, stroll through the vineyard, and learn about the entire winemaking process, from grape harvest to fermentation and aging in oak barrels. Tour the facility, where you can see traditional equipment used for crushing and fermenting grapes, as well as the cellars where wines mature. Your knowledgeable guide will also teach you about the region's climate, soil, irrigation techniques, plant and tree training methods, and weather protection systems.

Continue with a visit to a local olive oil producer, where you can observe the production process, from harvesting the olives to pressing and bottling the oil. Discover the various olive varieties and the factors that influence the oil's flavor, aroma, and quality. End with a tasting session to savor different types of olive oils, pastes, creams, and olive derivatives. Then, conclude this exploration of regional flavors on a high note with a four-course lunch paired with local wines at a renowned winery before returning to your hotel in Mendoza. 

Day 10: Spa Day at Termas de Cacheuta

Day 11: Fly to Santiago (Chile), Explore the Capital at Leisure

Bid farewell to Mendoza and Argentina this morning as you transfer to the airport for a one-hour flight to Santiago, Chile's lively capital. When you arrive, the day is free for you to spend as you wish, so if you want to go sightseeing, a good place to start is Furnicular de Santiago for a ride up Cerro San Cristóbal. Ride the historic funicular from the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista up the hill, passing lush greenery and scenic vistas along the way. At the top, enjoy panoramic views of the sprawling cityscape framed by the towering Andes in the distance. 

When you're ready, ride the funicular back down the hill and wander through Bellavista to admire the colorful street art and La Chascona, one of Pablo Neruda's houses. Step inside to learn more about Chile's Nobel Prize-winning poet as you peruse his eclectic collection of art, books, and maritime artifacts. As darkness falls, make your way to Pío Nono, a bustling street lined with restaurants, bars, and food stands. Sit down at a local restaurant or grab a Chilean empanada to see how it compares to Argentine ones before returning to your hotel.

Day 12: Bike Tour of Bellavista & Santiago's Markets

If you didn't get a chance to visit Bellavista yesterday, you can discover the bohemian neighborhood on today's bike tour instead. Pedal along the cobbled streets surrounded by colorful murals as you discover how the neighborhood's past led to its artistic transformation. Pause at La Chascona to appreciate the architecture and learn about Neruda's three houses, one of which was designed to resemble a boat as he loved the ocean. Continue to Vega Central de Santiago, the largest market in the city, where you can find everything from fresh produce and flowers to freshly made empanadas and artisanal products. 

Then, cross the Río Mapocho to get to Mercado Central, a bustling seafood market housed in a 19th-century iron and glass structure. Try local specialties like ceviche or paila marina (seafood stew) before making your way back to your starting point. Follow a different route through the picturesque Parque Forestal, an expansive park lined with towering trees, colorful flower beds, and art installations. Then, end the bicycle tour around 12:30 pm and enjoy a free afternoon.

Day 13: Full-Day Tour of Valparaíso & Casablanca Valley

Your penultimate day in Chile takes you on an action-packed tour of the Casablanca Valley and Valparaíso. Start with a 45-minute transfer to the valley, renowned for its rolling hills, temperate climate, and fertile soil, perfect for producing delicious wine. Head straight to a carefully selected winery, where you can taste an array of varietals and learn about the traditional winemaking process. Then, visit Matetic Vineyards to sample more high-quality wines, like the chardonnay and pinot noir the winery is famous for. 

Day 14: Depart Santiago

After two weeks of exploring Argentina and Chile, it's time to head home. If you have a later flight, you can discover more of the capital on your own. Head to Plaza de Armas to visit landmarks like the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Post Office. You'll also find plenty of vendors around the square selling traditional crafts, which make the perfect souvenir. When it's time, return to your hotel to grab your bags, meet your driver, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!