Highlights
- Enjoy incredible views of Santiago from Santa Lucia Hill
- Stroll through bohemian neighborhoods in Valparaíso
- Unwind at Viña del Mar, a jet-set resort on the coast
- Savour a mouthwatering Argentine steak in Buenos Aires
- Enjoy a traditional Argentine dinner-tango show
- Experience the gaucho lifestyle in rural Argentina
Overview
Buenos Aires and Santiago are two of the most cosmopolitan and sophisticated cities in South America. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to get a taste of both in just over a week. The journey begins in Santiago, where you can visit this city's wonderful gardens and museums, see its historic buildings and try some delicious seafood, before a visit to historic Valparaiso and some beaches along the coast.
Next, you'll fly to Buenos Aires to experience the energy of the Argentine capital. After a city tour, you can hit the city's boutique shops, dine on a delicious Argentinian steak and enjoy a tango-dance show. The trip also includes a day out of the city at a traditional ranch where you can experience Gaucho culture.
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Santiago, free day | Santiago de Chile |
| Day 2 | Tour Santiago's historic sites on a half day city tour | Santiago de Chile |
| Day 3 | Full Day Viña del Mar & Valparaíso Tour | Santiago de Chile |
| Day 4 | Free day in Santiago | Santiago de Chile |
| Day 5 | Explore the historic neighborhoods of Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires |
| Day 6 | Half Day City Tour & Half Day Dinner & Tango Show | Buenos Aires |
| Day 7 | Experience the Gaucho lifestyle at an estancia. | Buenos Aires |
| Day 8 | Explore the cobbled, tree-lined streets of Palermo Soho | Buenos Aires |
| Day 9 | Goodbye Buenos Aires |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Santiago de Chile
Welcome to Santiago, capital of Chile! Santiago is the home of the pisco sour cocktail, a range of excellent seafood restaurants and marvelous Cavernet Souvignon. This is one of the safest cities in South America and is the perfect base to explore the country, or just enjoy a few days between the mountains and the ocean.
Upon arrival, you will be taken to the hotel (private service). You will have the rest of the day free, to relax and enjoy the first glances of this beautiful city.
Day 2: Go on a half-day city tour of Santiago de Chile
Today you can explore all the sights and sounds of Santiago and learn about its eventful history and historic sights. Places to enjoy as you tour the town include:
- Santa Lucia Hill and Hidalgo castle for incredible views of the city.
- Constitution Square and the palace 'La Moneda', the current seat of the government.
- San Cristobal Hill for an amazing panoramic view.
- Central Market to see the great variety of Chilean seafood.
- 'Plaza de Armas', the main square, surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the palace of the Royal High Court, the Main Post Office and other buildings of historical interest.
Day 3: Full-day tour to Viña del Mar Resort & Valparaiso
From Santiago, you'll be driven to Valparaíso, a quirky town of bohemian neighborhoods and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. This is one of Latin America's most unusual cities, a place that has long attracted artists, writers and poets: a place that often draws comparisons to San Francisco (oddly enough, both cities suffered a catastrophic earthquake in 1906). Spend a few hours here viewing the beautiful buildings and museums, and riding the historic funiculars of this Unesco World Heritage site. After a day of sightseeing, you'll can unwind at Viña del Mar, a jet-set resort of yesteryear, visiting the pier and the coastline with some of its beaches.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Leisure day to explore Santiago De Chile
Today you will have the day at leisure, to explore Santiago de Chile on your own.
Day 5: Goodbye Santiago de Chile / Hello Buenos Aires
At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport (private service) for your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, you'll have the rest of the day to enjoy this vibrant city, explore the historic neighborhoods and enjoy its cafe culture.
Buenos Aires is well-known for its traditional European architecture — there's cobblestone streets, outdoor cafes and local markets where you can purchase clothing, jewelry and art and bargain prices. In the shops around the city, you can pick up excellent leather products, including jackets, boots and handbags.
All that shopping and sightseeing is bound to make you hungry, at which time you can go for a mouthwatering Argentine steak, grilled to perfection on a parrilla (barbeque). Above all the highlights, Buenos Aires is known as the home of the tango, which you can experience at a traditional dinner-tango show in a historic dance hall.
Day 6: Half-day city tour, dinner & tango show
Your half-day itinerary starts out with historic monuments at Plaza de Mayo and nearby significant buildings such as the Colon Theater and Casa Rosada. You'll then visit some of BA's eclectic neighborhoods, including the working class La Boca and the chic Recoleta. You'll have a chance to look around San Telmo, the oldest neighborhood in BA, which today features art galleries, bars, antique shops and steakhouses.
Tango is on tap for tonight. You'll have a night of dinner and sensuous dance performances in a traditional tango house that still retains the charms of a bygone era and the best music and dance in Buenos Aires.
Day 7: Spend a day on a ranch to experience gaucho culture
Today you'll be driven out of BA to an estancia (ranch) near the quaint village of San Antonio de Areco. After a tour of the village, you can enjoy a traditional picada (barbeque) at the ranch. Here you can experience some of the classic gaucho (cowboy) for which Argentina is well-known.
While on the ranch, there will be opportunities to ride horses or go on a cart ride. Horseriding shows and a traditional performance showcasing gaucho song and dance can also be seen. If you visit in summer, we recommend bringing a bathing suit as you'll be able to use the pool on the grounds.
Day 8: Visit the historic Palermo Soho neighborhood of Buenos Aires
This is a day at leisure to explore Palermo Soho, a neighborhood of tree-lined streets and cobblestone alleys. You can search for a fashionable outfit, enjoy an aged glass of Malbec wine as the world passes by. Don't miss a visit to Parque Tres de Febrero (aka Palermo Bosques), a wonderful urban park with opportunities for boating and biking.
Day 9: Goodbye Buenos Aires
At the appropriate time, you will have a private transfer to the international airport for your next flight.
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