The Wonders of Chile & Argentina

Overnight flight from the U.S to Santiago, Chile

Arrive in Santiago, the capital city of Chile. Afternoon city tour. Welcome dinner and briefing. (2 Nights)

Explore Santiago including the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio de La Moneda, the seat of the President of the Republic, and the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. Next, depart for the local wine district to visit an acclaimed winery for a private sampling, and to learn about Chilean cuisine.

Fly to Puerto Montt, starting point for the Chilean Lakes District. Journey overland to Frutillar, a charming village established by German settlers. Next, transfer to Puerto Varas, a town that also exemplifies the German influence with architecture reminiscent of the Back Forest. Continue to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park to visit Petrohué Falls and view its aquamarine rapids plunging over black volcanic rocks. (2 Nights)

Travel to Pargua Bay, by ferry boat to San Antonio de Chacao, a colorful village on Chiloé Island, settled by the Spanish in 1565. Next, drive along rural roads to the town of Caulin for a tasting of its exceptional local oysters. Proceed to Puñihuil, a fishing village with a beautiful beach for watching Magellan and Humboldt penguins as well as a wide variety of sea birds and marine mammals, such as dolphins and sea otters.

Begin your full-day journey through the Lake District to Bariloche, Argentina rewarded by panoramic views of deep blue mountain lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, and ancient forests. Sail through its captivating scenery. Stop at Victoria Island, part of Nahuel Huapi National Park, for a walk in a Patagonian paradise. Arrive in picturesque Bariloche. (2 Nights)

Tour this postcard-perfect Alpine region many call “Little Switzerland.” Hike the surrounding scenic woodlands, and then visit a local brewery. This afternoon, drive to Playa Serena to toast the sunset.

Fly to Iguazú Falls and visit the Argentine side. Bordering Brazil and Argentina, the falls are one of the most impressive sights in the world, with a breathtaking 275 cascades spread across a gulf of nearly two miles. (2 Nights)

Today, explore the Brazilian side of the falls, walking with your guide through the National Park of Iguazú to experience its incredible power from different angles.

Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s remarkable capital, and check in to your hotel. This afternoon embark on a walking tour of this European-style city. Later enjoy a private tango demonstration and lesson from professional dancers. (2 Nights)

This morning, explore cosmopolitan Buenos Aires on a city tour that includes Palermo, the old quarters of San Telmo, the colorful La Boca district, the stadium, the fascinating Recoleta Cemetery, the grave site of Eva Perón, Argentina’s beloved and controversial former first lady farewell dinner.

Morning visit to the beautiful Teatro Colón, opera house, world- renowned for its acoustics. Farewell lunch, and late checkout before your evening airport transfer and flight home.

Arrive in the U.S. and transfer to flights home.

After overnighting in Santiago, depart the next morning for Easter Island (Rapa Nui). Located 2,600 miles west of Santiago in the South Pacific Ocean, this mysterious island has a visual impact few places in the world can equal. The island’s history is as intriguing as its natural beauty, for here is a remarkable, barely understood outdoor museum that has gripped the world’s imagination for centuries. Hundreds of moai, tight-lipped basalt statues unique in the whole of Oceania, are scattered throughout the island. (3 Nights)