Chile and Argentina Untamed

Chile and Argentina Luxury Tour - 16-day escorted tour

Argentina and Chile hold many surprises, and reveal even more delights. The fire of a tango. The ice of vast glaciers. The tranquillity of a hidden estancia. The vivacity of colourful towns. Perhaps most compelling is the charm of feeling like family.

Tour highlights
• Touring the inspiring cities of Santiago, Valparaiso and Buenos Aires
• Sampling local wines in the foothills of the towering Andes
• Sailing the waters of Last Hope Sound, past cascading waterfalls and snow-capped peaks
• Gazing across the crystal blue Balmaceda Glacier and entering the Torres del Paine National Park by boat
• Feeling humbled at the foot of the gigantic granite monoliths in the Torres del Paine National Park
• Cruising on Lake Argentino, past the scattered icebergs of the Upsala Glacier
• Getting a taste of traditional Patagonian life at unchanged estancias
• Listening to the crash of ice blocks fall from Perito Moreno Glacier into the milky blue waters below
• Feeling the captivating passion of a traditional Argentinean tango performance

Extend Your Holiday
There’s one more incredible sight that we just couldn’t cram into the packed Chile and Argentina Untamed itinerary, but we wanted to give you the opportunity to see it, so we’ve arranged a special extension to add to the end of your 19-day tour. The Iguazu Falls, which flanks Brazil and Argentina, is a spectacular series of waterfalls in the mighty Iguazu River, including the famous Devil’s Throat Falls. On this thrilling extension, you’ll see the falls from both the Brazilian and the Argentine sides.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Depart London Heathrow
Meet your Tour Manager in the executive lounge before boarding your flight to Santiago, via Madrid.
Meals: In-flight.

Day 2 Arrive Santiago
Today you arrive in Chile’s capital. Framed by the snow-capped Andes, Santiago combines grand 18th century architecture on wide boulevards with pleasant parks and gleaming modern towers. This evening, join your Tour Manager for welcome drinks and take the opportunity to get to know your fellow adventurers.
Meals: In-flight.
Hotel: Grand Hyatt.

Day 3 Santiago
This morning’s tour to Santiago’s historic centre takes in the grand Presidential Palace and the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art, which has an excellent collection of Latin American artefacts, paintings and textiles. At the National History Museum, you can learn of Chile’s settlement, conquest and turbulent past, before continuing out of the city to the Maipo valley in the foothills of the Andes. At the Trapaca vineyard, one of Chile’s most renowned wineries, you’ll stop for lunch and wine tasting.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Grand Hyatt.

Day 4 Santiago
Today you’ll head to Valparaiso, known locally as Valpo. One of South America’s most important seaports on the Pacific coast, it was once the mandatory stop for all ships sailing into the Atlantic Ocean, before the Panama Canal was opened. Explore the narrow twisting streets of the steep hillside town, past colourful houses. View the many impressive buildings in the historic quarter, home to many influential British settlers, and hop on one of the traditional elevators dating back to the early 20th century.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Grand Hyatt.

Day 5 Santiago to Puerto Natales
Flying south, you’ll arrive in Punta Arenas, the gateway to Chilean Patagonia, on the southern tip of South America. On a clear day, the views of the ocean, mountains, ice fields, lakes and valleys beneath you are extraordinary. A scenic drive stops at Otway Sound to see the large colony of Magellanic penguins that breed and nest during the summer, before continuing onto Puerto Natales, on the shores of Last Hope Sound’s glassy waters.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: CostAustralis.

Day 6 Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine
This morning, an unusual and unforgettable boat ride across Last Hope Sound takes you into the spectacular Torres Del Paine National Park. Past cascading waterfalls, luminous snow-capped peaks and the crystal blue Balmaceda glacier. As you travel into the heart of the park, the towering peaks of the Paine Massif are revealed in all their glory.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Rio Serrano.

Day 7 Torres del Paine
You have another day to absorb the scenic wonders of the Torres del Paine National Park; an incredible terrain of glaciers, icebergs and vast evergreen forests which sprawls across 1,000 square miles. The park was named after three gigantic granite monoliths. Standing over 2,500 metres high, they have a commanding presence against the skyline. Hikers and walkers from around the world flock to the park, and it’s easy to see why. A choice of leisurely walks and treks reveals the dramatic scenery and wildlife of the region, where you may be able to see roaming guanacos, rheas and foxes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Rio Serrano.

Day 8 Torres del Paine to El Calafate
Venturing into the wild expanses of the Patagonian steppe, you’ll visit a traditional estancia. Little has changed in this natural environment and the ranch operates much as it did 100 years ago, with a huge herd of sheep and expert horsemen. After a lunch of traditional Patagonian roasted lamb, you’ll continue your journey across the steppe and into Argentina, to stay in the small town of El Calafate on the southern shores of Lake Argentino; the gateway to the amazing Los Glaciares National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Alto Calafate.

Day 9 Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier is often thought to be the highlight of the whole trip. Over 30 kilometres long, with imposing ice towers that soar above the viewing platforms and walkways, this is one of the world’s few advancing glaciers. Hearing the creaks and groans, and the rumbling crash of an iceberg calving from the glacier and crashing into the lake, is quite an experience. Later on, there’s time to explore El Calafate at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Alto Calafate.

Day 10 Los Glaciares National Park
Today’s full day tour heads deep into the Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. You’ll cruise Lago Argentino, past vivid blue icebergs carved from the Upsala Glacier, to Estancia Cristina. Founded by a family of British settlers in 1914, this ranch has been lovingly restored to offer a glimpse of their lives. You can choose to relax at the estancia, go for a walk in the beautiful, remote valleys, or ride in a 4x4 to a viewpoint with an extraordinary panorama of the huge Upsala Glacier, the mountains and the ancient Patagonian ice shelf beyond. After cruising back to El Calafate, you’ll return to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Alto Calafate.

Day 11 El Calafate to Buenos Aires
A flight north takes you to the exciting capital city of Buenos Aires, where you’ll transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Sofitel Arroyo.

Day 12 Buenos Aires
Your first stop on this morning’s city tour is outside the Casa Rosada, to see the famous balcony from which Eva Perón addressed adoring crowds. This official government building sits at the eastern side of the main square, the Plaza de Mayo, which is also home to the imposing cathedral. You’ll then pass through the bohemian San Telmo neighbourhood before venturing out into the old port district of La Boca. This area, home to the famous Boca Juniors football club, retains a rough and ready atmosphere mixed with an artistic streak. You’ll stroll down Caminito Street, past colourful buildings and street performers, including tango dancers, then pass through the modern dockland of Puerto Madero and Recoleta; Buenos Aires’ most elegant and upmarket district. The last visit of the morning is to the ornate Recoleta cemetery, considered to be the most famous in the world, where many important former presidents, writers and artists are buried, including Eva Perón. In the afternoon, you’re free to explore further, or simply enjoy the city’s café culture.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Sofitel Arroyo.

Day 13 Buenos Aires
Today you’ll visit the artisan silversmith workshop and museum at San Antonio, run by the internationally renowned Draghi family, en route to El Rosario de Areco. This beautifully restored ranch lies in the fertile lowlands, known as Pampas, where herds of sheep, cattle and horses graze. The estancias play an important part in Argentina’s culture, history and economy. Most are centuries old and retain distinct family traditions. Today you can experience the unique gaucho culture, including an amazing demonstration of horse skills. After a traditional Argentinean asado (barbecue) lunch, with fine, slow roasted steaks, there’s time to relax in the beautiful surroundings before returning to the capital.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Sofitel Arroyo.

Day 14 Buenos Aires
Today you’re free to explore the distinctive districts of Buenos Aires. Your Tour Manager can give you plenty of ideas, such as a trip to the nearby town of Tigre and a boat trip on the River Plate, or maybe a tango lesson at a small neighbourhood dance school to get a true feel for the local culture. This evening’s farewell get together includes fine Argentinean cuisine in beautifully refined surroundings and a professional tango show, for a dramatic and exciting end to your adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Sofitel Arroyo.

Day 15 Depart Buenos Aires
There’s time for some last minute shopping before your flight back to London, via Madrid.
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 16 Arrive London Heathrow
We’re always sad to say goodbye to new friends, but we’d love to know about all your holiday highlights.
Meals: In-flight

Any questions? Chat to your Personal Travel Advisor on 0161 491 7616