Remarkable Journey: Argentina & Chile

Let this trip inspire you, so together we can design your own Remarkable Journey.

Full of sophistication, majesty, romance, and adventure, South America is a world of its own, waiting to be explored. Begin and end in the dynamic and cosmopolitan cities of Buenos Aires and Santiago. Sprinkle in a vineyard tour in Mendoza, the spectacular waterfalls of Iguazu, the Alpine lakes of northern Patagonia or hikes to the base of the glaciers in Tierra del Fuego. Tucked away in the far south, Argentina and Chile are intriguing frontiers that are well worth the flight!

One of the world’s greatest cities, Buenos Aires is full of cultural richness – sprawling with sidewalk cafes, excellent cuisine, leafy boulevards, and the home of the sensuous tango.
Hike the trails surrounding the spectacular Iguazu Falls, the world’s most impressive waterfall set amidst an exotic jungle.
Tour the regional vineyards and sip the Malbecs of Mendoza and the Cabernets of the Maipo.
Hike, sail, and navigate the national parks, lakes, and mountain towns of Patagonia’s Lakes District surrounding the San Carlos de Bariloche.
Gaze upon the enormous Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate or take a boat trip in the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city.
Discover the nightlife and history of Santiago with accessible day trips to the bohemian town of Valparaiso.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Buenos Aires, Argentina

On arrival in Buenos Aires airport, you will be met by your local guide and taken to your hotel for a three-night stay in this remarkable city. For the rest of the afternoon, take a stroll through the “Paris of South America” and soak up the ambience of a city that seems to exist in a world all of its own.

Day 2

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Depart on a half-day, privately-guided tour that will feature four “barrios”, or neighborhoods, of Buenos Aires: Plaza de Mayo, Parque Lezama and La Boca, Plaza San Martin, and Recoleta. This tour will introduce you to Argentina: its history, culture and peculiar psychology of its inhabitants. This is a great way to familiarize you with the colorful districts of Buenos Aires and determine where you want to return the following day.

In the evening, dine in the neighborhood of La Boca, the birthplace of tango, where the main street, Caminito, illustrates the history of this beautiful and original rhythm.

Day 3

Buenos Aires, Argentina

This morning explore San Telmo, the oldest “barrio” of Buenos Aires, where the city was founded for the first time in 1536. Discover the antique fairs of Defensa Street, or stop for lunch at a local haunt called El Curatito and taste fugazzeta and other Argentinian staples.

Tonight make a reservation at El Querandi, a famous Argentinian restaurant, known for its classical and lively tango shows.

Day 4

Iguazu, Argentina

Eat a quick breakfast then depart for Aeroparque National Airport for your flight to Iguazu located along the border of Brazil and Argentina. Along with the Victoria and Niagara Falls, Iguazu Falls are one of the mightiest curtains of falling water anywhere on earth.

Upon your arrival, enjoy a half-day hike in the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. After your hike, dine at Espaço Porto Canoas (The Port Canoas Space), where you will find a spectacular lookout point with a view of the upper Iguazu River.

Day 5

Iguazu, Argentina

Today explore the Argentine side of the Iguazu Falls. Take the train and then a short nature-hike to the Devil’s Throat observation point for a panoramic view of the waterfalls. From here you have access to San Martin Island and the magnificent San Martin Waterfall just down the river.

If you prefer, Remarkable Journeys can arrange alternative tours such as a half-day Yacaratia safari that cuts deep into the jungle.

Day 6

San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

Today is a long travel day, so get ready. Fly from Iguazu Falls to Buenos Aires, and catch your connecting flight to San Carlos de Bariloche, a quintessential Argentinian mountain town. Spend the evening having dinner and relaxing. We recommend trying “Curanto”, a traditional dish made of seafood with vegetables, usually cooked on hot stones on the ground.

Day 7

San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

San Carlos de Bariloche is situated in the province of Río Negro in the foothills of the Andes and surrounded by the renowned Lake District. It is famous for skiing but also known for sight-seeing, water sports, trekking and climbing.

Acquaint yourself with this area with a private morning tour which includes a chairlift ride to the top of the 3,600 foot Cerro Campanaria for breathtaking views of the surrounding Lake District.

Day 8

San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

Take today at your own pace. The Lake District, situated between the towering Andes and the plains of Patagonia, is a paradise for walkers. And Bariloche is a paradise for chocoholics! The alpine atmosphere attracted Swiss, German and Austrian settlers at the end of the 19th century and this still influences the town today. Take a stroll around the small town, visiting the beautiful church, the lakeside and the countless chocolate shops.

Day 9

Puerto Veras, Chile

In the morning set off on one of South America’s most spectacular journeys—a lake excursion into Chile. At Puerto Pañuelo, you’ll board your ship for a crossing of Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Blest.

You’ll board another boat to cross this narrow lake over to Puerto Frias and along the way you’ll marvel at the astonishing scenery of forest-clad mountains and crystal clear lakes. Keep your eyes out for birds and other wildlife in this pristine region.

Arriving in Puerto Frias, you’ll overland by private transfer on a picturesque ride into Chile all the way to Puerto Varas and its volcanic terrain.

Day 10

Puerto Varas, Chile

Puerto Varas possesses many incredible sights, and today you’ll visit the Osorno Volcano.

You’ll depart for Osorno Volcano and the Petrohué Falls by entering the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. After a light walk along woodlands, continue on to the imposing Osorno Volcano, a symbol of the local landscape. Walk through a forest of coigües and other native tree species, making a stop at an altitude of 1,000 meters to observe La Burbuja Crater. From here you can view the Petrohué Falls River Valley and the Calbuco Volcano in the Andes Mountain Range.

Day 11

Valparaiso, Chile

Travel further north by plane and arrive at the Santiago Airport and meet your private guide for a drive to the town of Valparaiso. Valparaiso is located on the Pacific coast and is widely known for its bohemian culture, brightly colored houses, and beautiful seaside views. It is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and proclaimed “Chile’s Cultural Capital”, home to a dynamic nightlife and many arts-related events.

Spend the evening taking a night boat tour to get an introductory perspective of the city. Given Valparaiso’s natural amphitheater layout, this is the only way to get a full view of the city. In our opinion, it’s especially nice to see it at nighttime with all the lights shimmering on its hills.

Day 12

Valparaiso, Chile

Spend the day wandering through Valparaiso at your leisure. To get around, be sure to try out the funicular elevators spread across the city’s many hills and enjoy the views from this very unusual way of transportation. If you enjoy street art, murals and flowers, you could easily spend your entire trip in Valparaíso just walking up and down the streets soaking in the beauty around you.

Day 13

Valparaiso, Chile

Today you will set off on a private tour that includes visits to two wineries, Vina Emiliana and Casas del Bosque. Vina Emiliana is an organic and biodynamic producer of top-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In the afternoon, move a bit further west to Casas del Bosque, one of Chile’s best makers of crisp, pungent Sauvignon Blanc. Here, you can tour the vineyards and the winery, but the highlight is lunch at Tanino, the winery’s on premise restaurant.

Day 14

Santiago de Chile

With a private transfer, drive back to Santiago and spend your final day at your own pace. Visit the historic old quarter of the capital, and walk through La Moneda Presidential Palace, the former Congress building, the Supreme Court, the Cathedral, and the recently restored Plaza de Armas Square.

In the evening if you like sports (or even if you don’t) go see a local Chilean fútbol match. It’s an experience worth having and an excellent way to end your South American adventure.