Overview
This itinerary offers the perfect blend of urban excitement and spectacular nature, which Argentina and Chile have in spades. Buenos Aires is bursting with galleries, artisan markets, top-notch restaurants, and tireless nightlife—and though smaller in scale, Santiago isn’t short on dynamic sights or fine food and wine. Feel the intense rush of Iguazú Falls, hike and ride in the mountains of the Lake District, sip wine in Mendoza, and experience the hills and history of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.
Days: 15
Best time to visit: March-May, September-November
Ideal for: Active Couples and Families
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Argentina
Arriving in Buenos Aires, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in the upscale Recoleta neighborhood for a 3-night stay.
Day 2 – Four Balconies of Buenos Aires
Get acquainted with Buenos Aires’ diverse history and distinctive style on a private, half-day tour featuring a few of the city’s dynamic neighborhoods. Visit Plaza de Mayo outside of the presidential Casa Rosada, San Telmo’s Parque Lezama, the colorful La Boca area, Plaza San Martín, and the stylish Recoleta neighborhood and its famous cemetery. This tour is a great introduction to the many different sides of this bustling metropolis.
Day 3 – Explore Buenos Aires
Spend today exploring on your own. Take a stroll from Plaza de Mayo down the pedestrian shopping streets of Avenida Florida and Lavalle, relax in the Palermo rose garden, visit the Museo de Bellas Artes, and browse the book stalls in Plaza Italia. If you want to cover more ground, consider a half-day bicycle tour. In the evening, enjoy a traditional asado dinner and an unforgettable tango performance.
Day 4 – Fly to Iguazú & Visit the Brazilian Side
Transfer to the Aeroparque National Airport in Buenos Aires for your flight to Iguazú, where you will check into your hotel before embarking on a half-day tour of the Brazilian side of the mighty Iguazú Falls. Transfer to the visitor center and then proceed on foot along a catwalk leading to an up-close overlook of the Devil’s Throat. Enjoy a number of panoramic viewpoints as you make your way to the upper part of the falls.
Day 5 – Iguazú Falls Tour
Set off this morning on a half-day tour of the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls. Explore the falls from different vantages, first by taking the short train ride to the Devil’s Throat, more spectacular each time you see it. From there you will walk the trails to the upper and lower falls, and then down to San Martin Island from the lower circuit. The Iguazú National Park boasts incredible biodiversity, so keep your eyes open for colorful birds and wildlife.
Day 6 – Iguazú to BA, BA to Bariloche
Transfer to Puerto Iguazu Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires and then onward to Bariloche. You will be met on arrival and brought to your elegant hotel just outside of town, perched overlooking beautiful Lake Nahuel Huapi. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon walking around town or taking advantage of the hotel’s amenities.
Day 7 – Bariloche Hiking
After breakfast, set off with your guide for a half-day hiking tour of the region, exploring mountain trails and riding a chairlift to the top of the 3,600-foot Cerro Campanaria for a breathtaking view of the Lake District.
Day 8 – Enjoy the Lake District
Today is yours to enjoy the splendid scenery of the Lake District. There is no shortage of incredible outdoor activities around Bariloche; go horseback riding, trekking, cycling, fly-fishing, or boating on Lake Nahuel Huapi. There is plenty to keep you busy right in town too—Bariloche is known for its Swiss-style architecture, specialty chocolate shops, and top-notch dining.
Day 9 – Bariloche to Mendoza
Transfer to Bariloche Airport for your flight northward to Mendoza, where you will be met on arrival and brought to your hotel for a 3-night stay in the heart of Argentina’s famed wine country. The city’s leafy boulevards stay cool even in the summer heat, so settle in and then start exploring Mendoza’s plazas and architecture.
Day 10 – Mendoza Winery Tours
You will be picked up this morning for a private, full-day tour of the countryside, including visits to three wineries. This region is the country’s leading producer of wine, best-known for its Malbecs—you will learn about the history of wine production in the area, enjoy tastings, and a delicious lunch served at one of the vineyards. End the day back in Mendoza.
Day 11 – Mendoza Outdoors Excursions
Today is yours to explore Mendoza. Visit museums around town, shop, and enjoy a relaxing meal al fresco along one of the pedestrian corridors. The area around Mendoza also offers a bounty of outdoor activities—go rafting on the Mendoza River, head into the Andes for a day of hiking, or go horseback riding in the Potrerillos area.
Day 12 – Mendoza to Santiago de Chile
Transfer to the Mendoza Airport for the short international flight to Santiago de Chile. You will be met at the airport and brought to your centrally located hotel for a 3-night stay. Santiago has great museums, tranquil parks, hilltop overlooks, and a vibrant food scene, so settle in and then start your discovery of Chile’s cosmopolitan capital.
Day 13 – Santiago City Tour
Get to know Santiago on a private, full-day City Tour. Start the day with views over the city from Santa Lucía Hill and then descend to the Lastarria neighborhood, which is full of cozy cafés and several museums worth a quick visit. You will see the La Moneda Palace and stroll along the Paseo Ahumada to the Plaza de Armas, home to the oldest buildings in Santiago. Explore the artistic Bellavista neighborhood on your way up San Cristóbal Hill. End the day with a visit to Los Dominicos artisan village in Las Condes.
Day 14 – Valparaíso & Viña del Mar
Today, you’ll head to the coast for a full-day excursion to Isla Negra, Viña del Mar, and Valparaíso. Start your coastal adventure in Isla Negra visiting Pablo Neruda’s favorite home, which has been preserved as a museum. From there, you’ll drive north to Viña del Mar, also called the Garden City, and see the city’s historic homes and palaces that line its main avenues—enjoy some time on the beach up the coast in Reñaca. Next you’ll explore the steep, winding streets of World Heritage-listed Valparaíso, known for its colorful homes, street art, and funiculars. End the day back in Santiago.
Day 15 – Departure
Transfer to Santiago International Airport for your flight home.
Remarkable Journeys has partnered with Lost World Adventures to create this journey. We partnered with Lost World due to their well-mannered relationships with tour guides, hotellers, airlines, and ground management services in the region. In our opinion, they offer the best value and experience in the region.
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