January in Argentina equates to long days and blissful summer weather—a time when locals skip out of town and head for the beach resorts. It’s also high season for tourists in southern Patagonia for glaciers, wildlife, and national parks, so expect peak prices. This monthly guide will tell you what to do and where to go (and how to beat the crowds).
Chile’s capital is located right in the center of this long, thin country, midway between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. Although it doesn’t yet have the glitzy reputation of Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires, Santiago is firmly on the up, with a host of attractions, thriving culinary and creative scenes, and world-class ski resorts within easy reach.
Spread across a multitude of hills carpeted with colorful homes and overlooking a wide, arcing bay, Valparaíso is Chile’s most engaging city. Commonly known as Valpo, it boasts eye-catching architecture, a flourishing creative scene, and a distinct bohemian vibe. This guide will help you plan your trip and find the best that the city has to offer.
In the shadow of one of the most spectacular stretches of the Andes, El Chaltén is the undisputed trekking capital of Argentina. This guide will help you plan your trip and find the best that this Patagonian town has to offer.
Flanked by mountains and facing a shimmering, ice-blue lake, El Calafate is one of the most popular destinations in Patagonia. This small, welcoming city is the gateway to a spectacular section of Los Glaciares National Park. This guide will help you plan your trip and find the best El Calafate has to offer.
Sardinians greet each other by saying, “A kent’annos” — “May you live to be a hundred.” Discover the landscapes that inspire these words on this incredible 12-day itinerary. Eat and drink your way through Sardinia's incredible food and heart-healthy red wine, walk alongside shepherds on rocky hillsides, and haggle for your lunch in bustling marketplaces. From stunning beaches to quiet towns this trip has it all.
This 8-day assisted hike combines the best of the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula, a land that's famous for its beauty, culture, and friendly locals. Hike through a series of spectacular mountains, deep-sea inlets, between ancient archaeological sites and through green sheep pastures. Hike through these wild stretches of uninhabitable coastline, enjoy spectacular views, and stay at night in comfortable village accommodations.
Discover authentic Mexican cuisine, from exotic markets and fine restaurants to street food vendors and Indigenous farms. This culinary itinerary is designed for the traveler passionate about learning the history and culture of Mexcian gastronomy. You will try traditional dishes from different regions of Mexico and participate in cooking workshops, all the while exploring the cultural highlights of Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca.
Explore one of the most spectacular regions on Ireland’s West Coast on this 8-day Dingle Peninsula assisted hike. Hike along this mountainous finger of land, which extends miles into the Wild Atlantic Ocean and is frequently pummeled by storms. Begin in Tralee and follow the southern shores to Dingle Bay, then return along the stunning north coast, with views of the Brandon mountain range and rocky Atlantic cliffs as you hike.
Zagreb can often get short-shrift when up against its southern sisters Split and Dubrovnik, but Croatia's dynamic capital is worth a visit for its history, architecture, refined museums, vibrant street art, and genteel café culture. The hotels here tend toward the cosmopolitan and elegant, with a bit of Austro-Hungarian flare and plenty of amenities.
Discover Tuscany's resplendent art, history, and landscapes on this weeklong jaunt that starts in Florence and ends in charming Lucca. See world-famous works by Michelangelo and da Vinci in the Uffizi Gallery, climb Pisa's iconic Leaning Tower, and relax over aperitivo in Siena's Piazza del Campo. Experience La Dolce Vita with trips to the hilltop towns of Pienza and Montepulciano to sip fine wines and stroll cobbled backstreets before finishing your trip with a pasta masterclass.
This packed eight-day itinerary is perfect for travelers on a time crunch. Begin your trip in Florence to see top Renaissance works by Michelangelo da Vinci, tour the iconic Duomo, and go shopping on the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa and see the 12th-century Monumental Cemetery, then head to the countryside for wine tasting and afternoon coffee in medieval village piazzas. End in Lucca, where you'll tour the 11th-century Duomo di San Martino, then make—and eat!—the perfect bowl of pasta.
If spending 9 days seeing top works of art and eating chocolate Foccacia sounds good, then this trip is perfect for you. Start in Florence to see Michelangelo's 'David', tour the Uffizi Gallery, and go shopping on the medieval Pontevecchio Bridge. See the Tuscan countryside from the top of Pisa's leaning tower, then see soaring cathedrals and ancient Piazzas in medieval Siena. Explore food and wine in the Val d’Orcia before ending in romantic Lucca, where quiet courtyards, 12th-century chapels, and the perfect cup of afternoon coffee await.
If you only have 10 days to spend in Italy, this is the tour for you. Start in Florence to see Renaissance works by da Vinci and other artists in the Uffizi Gallery, then head to Pisa to climb the famous leaning tower. Continue to the Tuscan countryside to see the medieval city of Siena, and end in Lucca, where 11th-century churches and the perfect plate of handmade pasta await.
Explore the region that gave birth to the modern Italian language on this packed 11-day trip. Start in Florence to see Michelangelo's 'David' sculpture and other famous Renaissance works, then head to Pisa to climb the leaning tower and try the local gelato. Sample world-famous wine and local pecorino cheese in the Val d'Orcia region and see Tuscany from a hot-air balloon. End in medieval Lucca, where you'll learn how to hand make your own pasta before relaxing in a 12th-century Piazza with a cup of coffee and a good book.
Discover why Tuscany is a favorite second home to many celebrities on this 12-day trip. Check out the iconic Duomo dome and the world-famous Uffizi Gallery in Florence, then climb to the top of the leaning tower in Pisa. Tour the medieval cities of Siena and nearby village of Montepulciano to see 12th-century architecture and the rolling Tuscan countryside. Sample the renowned Brunello di Montalcino wine, then end your trip in Lucca where you will learn the art of pasta making and go horseback riding in the Tuscan hills.
With 7 UNESCO designated sites (as many as Egypt!), Tuscany's rich historic background is matched only by its wine and food traditions. Explore all this and more on this 13-day itinerary, starting in Florence to see world-famous Renaissance art by Michelangelo and Da Vinci. Take in the views from the top of Pisa's leaning tower, explore Siena's 13th-century streets, and discover the rambling country roads of the Val d'Orcia region. End your trip with a pasta-making class and a full-day hike connecting historic fishing villages on the Mediterranean coast.
Discover why Pisa's famous tower leans so much (and why it's not the only one!), plus much more on this exploration of Tuscany. Start in Florence to see Da Vinci's 'The Annunciation' and other famous Renaissance works in the Uffizi Gallery. Look for treasures in the San Lorenzo market, browse shops on the medieval Ponte Vecchio, and explore history in the medieval cities of Siena and Lucca. End your trip with sweeping ocean views on the Cinque Terre hiking trail.
Explore the birthplace of Pinnochio on this packed 15-day itinerary of the Tuscany region. Begin in Florence to see Michelangelo's 'David' sculpture and works by Da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Donatello. Hunt for flavorful truffles in the countryside, climb the leaning tower of Pisa and take a vintage Vespa out for a ride on rolling country roads. Visit the pretty medieval cities of Montepulciano and Siena, tour Tuscany's top vineyards, and handmake your own Italian pasta. Round out your trip with a hike on the historic Cinque Terre trail, which hugs the stunning Mediterranean coast.
Experience the rich culture and natural beauty of Guatemala on this 10-day, action-packed itinerary. Stroll the cobbled streets of historic Antigua, tour Lake Atitlán by boat, and hike around Indigenous villages and towering volcanoes. Finally, experience living history as you explore ancient Maya ruins at Iximché and Tikal.
Head from Kigali into a UNESCO Natural World Heritage park to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat with this itinerary. You'll follow a ranger into the jungle of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to meet these endangered animals in their home along the western Rift Valley.
There may not be that many roads in Alaska, but the ones that run through the south-central region are spectacular. Spend almost two weeks driving from North America's tallest peak to the icy fjords of the Alaskan coast, from the immense glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park to the bear habitats on the southwest coast. Go glacier hiking, sea kayaking, and jet boat cruising through these expansive natural landscapes.
Spend eight days in two of Bali's most popular spots with this itinerary. You'll start off in Seminyak, visiting surfing beaches and watching the sun set. Then head to Ubud to take in the temples and wildlife and learn to cook in the Balinese style before you depart.
Step back in time on this two-week itinerary highlighting ancient Aztec and Maya ruins. Along the way, you'll explore Mexico City, the colonial towns of Valladolid and Mérida, and the turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya. Other adventures include snorkeling in freshwater cenotes, hiking up pre-Hispanic pyramids, and meeting with Indigenous locals to learn about Maya history and culture.
Spend two weeks exploring both the deep fjords and fishing towns of southeast Alaska along with the natural parks and scenic drives of the south-central region. Go bear viewing, glacier hiking, sea kayaking and more, as you see some of the highest peaks in North America along with wildlife, glaciers, and stretches of true wilderness.
In just over a week it's possible to see all the highlights of southeastern France's most stunning region: Provence. This is a whirlwind tour that includes visits to its most beautiful cities, hill-top villages, national parks, and vineyards. You'll spend time in the oldest city in France, travel between the towns of the UNESCO-listed Luberon, and more.
Come for the whale-watching and national parks, stay for the charming Welsh towns, little-known hot springs, and far-flung marble caves. Patagonia is huge, and while the classic attractions shouldn't be missed, there's plenty to see and do off the beaten path, from hiking to ancient cave art to sleeping beside a glacier.
With over 3,000 miles of coastline, geography that ranges from mountains to beaches, culturally rich cities to tucked-away villages, and multiple languages and identities, Croatia can feel like ten countries in one. If you’re planning a trip to this multi-layered destination, read on to have all your questions answered—including how to get around, what to eat, how much to tip, and more.
There's so much to see and do in Chile. Getting off the beaten path—and away from the crowds—is a great way to experience the country's natural beauty and cultural character. Go whale-watching from a little-visited island, check out a ghost town, drive hairpin roads in Patagonia, and star-gaze in a quiet valley with this list of ideas.
November is a gorgeous month to visit Chile. Patagonia finally blooms into spring, while the north moves into even warmer, drier weather. It's an excellent time to visit the coastal towns and desert in the north, as well as Torres del Paine while the crowds and high prices are still a month away.
October is a great time to travel in Chile, with spring wildflowers blooming in both northern and central Chile, surf waves in the north, and Patagonia starting to come out of hibernation. You can also join in the fun with Oktoberfest taking place in the Lake District. Read on to learn more.
September brings early spring weather to central Chile, with warm, sunny days in Santiago, as well as great surfing waves in the north. Though it's just the start of shoulder season, the country is full of life during this month for locals. Case in point: loads of festivities for Chile's Independence Day.
August signifies the last month of Chile's ski season with lower prices than July. In the south, winter rains begin to taper off making this a good time to head to Patagonia with days starting to get longer for more outdoor adventures. Read this monthly guide to learn more.
July is peak winter season in Chile, and that means ski resorts are open for business in the central Andes and Lake District. This is also a great time of year to visit Santiago, the wine valleys, and northern Argentina for desert landscapes, coastal towns, salt flats, and starry skies. Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in Chile this month.
With the onset of winter, Chile's famous Andes become snow-capped and ready for visitors in June. This is a great month to experience the ski resorts, cities, and desert, especially while parts of Southern Chilean Patagonia empty out for the season. Let this monthly guide show you the best sightseeing, nightlife, and culture during the shortest days of the year.
May is a great month to enjoy this diverse, far-flung country. Crowds are long gone with summer, and it's still too early for skiing. Autumn, then, is the time to head to the country's great outdoors to enjoy the foliage and observe spectacular landscapes in peace. Read on to learn more.
Chile's autumn is in full swing in April with cooling temperatures and bright colors. Crowds thin out in Patagonia making this a great time to visit, while Santiago, the central wine valley, and Atacama Desert offer plenty of scenic road trips and Easter celebrations. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.
March is a great month to travel to Chile as the country transitions from summer to autumn. This is when high season crowds begin to thin out making popular destinations more peaceful, like Torres del Paine. Visitors will also catch glimpses of changing leaves and can take part in grape harvesting in the wine valleys. Read on to learn more.
For Chileans, it doesn't get better than February (it's their favorite month to vacation). With temperatures reaching their peak and lots of summer events, people flock to the country's beaches and lakes, as well as Patagonia and Easter Island. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.
January is prime summer season in Chile with great weather, longer days for enjoying outdoor activities, and, yes, more tourists—especially in Patagonia. Locals, meanwhile, head to the beaches while fun celebrations take place all over the country. This monthly guide will tell you what to do and where to go (and how to beat the crowds).
This is the magical month in Chile when spring transitions to the summer season making for some stunning weather all the way from north to south. The first half of the month is still quiet—ideal for outdoor activities in the Lake District and Patagonia—and then things start bustling around the holidays, especially Valparaiso, which puts on a big New Years Bash. Find out what to do and where to go with this December guide.
Mendoza, Argentina is renowned throughout the world for its wine. But there's more to this beautiful region, located at the edge of the Andes, than sipping and swirling. Go sightseeing in the city, soak in thermal pools, bike through the vineyards, or venture to Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the western hemisphere.
Spend 10 days in Chile, and you'll be glad you did: it's enough to experience some of the famously long coastlines, go wine tasting, and even venture down to the wilds of Patagonia. Or, choose to dive deep into a region—spend your entire trip in the Atacama Desert or tackle a multi-day trek in Torres del Paine. Add a week to do it all, but if you're short on time, don't worry—a few days is all you need to check out the colorful capital city and its surrounds.
With 10 to 14 days in Argentina, you can spend time getting to know two main regions, plus Buenos Aires, one of the world's great cities. Hear the mammoth Iguazú Falls roar in the north, or visit the western city of Mendoza—ground zero for wine lovers. Those with more time should consider spending much of it in the wilds of Patagonia, and those with less than a week should stick to the capital and surrounds.
Iguazú National Park is the home of Argentina's greatest natural attraction: the spectacular series of cascades known as Iguazú Falls. Among the largest waterfall systems on the planet, they're a highlight of any visit to South America. Travelers can experience Iguazú many ways, from jungle trekking and bird-watching to photography and boating adventures on the river. Read on for more information and expert advice.
This festive eight-day itinerary offers visitors an intimate look into one of Mexico's biggest holidays, the Day of the Dead. You'll begin your tour at the end of October in Mexico City, discovering the history behind the tradition before exploring the canals of Xochimilco and the ruins of Teotihuacán. You'll end your stay in Oaxaca, where you will celebrate like a local: join in processions, visit cemeteries, and marvel at elaborately decorated altars in honor of the deceased.
This family-friendly itinerary of southern Mexico combines cultural activities with plenty of natural exploration. The first half of your trip will see you exploring Chiapas' Sumidero Canyon, el Chiflón and Misol-Ha waterfalls, and the impressive ruins of Palenque. From there, you will head to colonial-era Campeche where you will pick up your rental car and tour the Yucatán: from modern Mayan communities to ancient ruins, from refreshing cenotes to the white sands of Holbox Island.
Step out of modern life and onto a cruise around the Lesser Sunda Islands. You'll spend two weeks lounging on deserted beaches, visiting wooden stilt-house villages, hiking volcanoes, and more. The best part? You'll be traveling from Lombok to Flores via Sumbawa and the Komodo Archipelago in style, aboard a traditional Indonesian boat.
This two-week itinerary will take you from East Java to Bali with stops at sites both famous and less-frequented. Tour multiple Javanese temples, including Borobodur and Prambanan; trek up to the tops of Bromo, Kawah Ijen, and Batur volcanoes; and stroll through terraced rice fields and coffee plantations as you explore these two lush islands.
Explore the southwestern corner of Ireland on this 8-day guided hike of the Beara Peninsula, one of Ireland's "toes". Few roads cross this massive landscape, and those which do wind in hairpin turns through the rocky mountains. Follow trails between historic and natural landmarks, notably Bere Island, Dursey Sound, and Gleninchaquin Valley. Learn about local lore, from the prehistoric stone circles to the ancient tales of the Hag of Beara and Four Children of Lír.
Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.
Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.
Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.
You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.
