Patagonia, Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls

Day 1 - Albuquerque to Santiago

We depart from Albuquerque on our overnight flight to Santiago, Chile.

Day 2 - Arrival in Chile

Meals included: (L OR D)* Pending

Day 3 - A Bite of Santiago

Immerse yourself in the pulsating heart of Chile’s capital with “A Bite of Santiago,” a full-day walking tour. Santiago, a city where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with the rush of modern life, invites you to discover its soul through its streets, plazas, and, most importantly, its culinary delights. Santiago is located in Chile’s central valley at an altitude of 520 meters (1,706 feet). It’s surrounded by the Andes mountains to the east and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west. Founded in 1541 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia, Santiago has been the capital of Chile since colonial times.

Meals included: (B, L)

Day 4 - Chilean Patagonia

Begin the next chapter of your journey with a transfer from your Santiago hotel to the airport.

Upon your arrival in Punta Arenas, the southernmost city on the mainland of the Americas, you’ll be greeted by the stark beauty of Chilean Patagonia. This region, known for its rugged terrain, pristine landscapes, and the whisper of adventure in the crisp air, offers a dramatic contrast to the urban vibrancy of Santiago. From the airport, enjoy scenic ride from Punta Arenas to your hotel in Torres del Paine, one of the most spectacular national parks in the world.

Meals included: (B, D)

Day 5 - Torres Del Paine

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of Torres del Paine National Park with a full-day private tour that promises light hiking through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a symphony of nature’s finest work, with its iconic granite towers, turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and sprawling glaciers.

Wander along gently winding trails that meander through emerald forests, home to an array of Patagonian wildlife, including the elusive puma, majestic Andean condors, and curious guanacos. Pause at serene lakeshores to marvel at the reflections of the towering peaks, and feel the mist of waterfalls that adorn the landscape like jewels.

Meals included: (B, L)

Day 6 - El Calafate

Embark on a journey from the rugged terrains of Torres del Paine to the enchanting landscapes of El Calafate, a gem nestled in the heart of Continental Patagonia. Your journey by bus through this cold desert region is a scenic adventure, where rivers carved from the ancient ice of the Andes meander through the stark, yet stunning, landscape.

El Calafate, perched on the shores of the expansive Lago Argentino, serves as your gateway to some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders on the planet. Upon your arrival, visit the Glaciarium, a state-of-the-art ice museum. This modern facility offers a deep dive into the icy realms that define the region, providing invaluable insights into the glaciers, the vast Southern Continental Ice Fields, and their profound impact on the global ecosystem. Through interactive exhibits and captivating visual displays, the Glaciarium sets the stage for your upcoming encounters with the Perito Moreno and Upsala glaciers, two of Patagonia’s most iconic frozen giants.

After enriching your understanding of these icy landscapes, you’ll retreat to the comfort of your carefully selected hotel in El Calafate.

Meals included: (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Frozen Giants of El Calafate

Begin your day with a nourishing breakfast before embarking on a journey to the West, where an unforgettable voyage across the pristine waters of Argentino Lake awaits. Set off towards the awe-inspiring Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers. These towering masses of ice, born from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field—the largest of its kind outside the polar regions—offer a spectacular display of nature’s power and beauty. As you glide through the glacial waters, the vistas of these immense ice formations calving into the lake are nothing short of mesmerizing, a testament to the dynamic forces that sculpt our planet.

The journey continues as you return through the heart of Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to witness the Perito Moreno Glacier. Unlike most of its counterparts, this glacier is renowned for its advancing front, a rare phenomenon that presents a dramatic natural spectacle. As the glacier advances, it dams the Rico Arm of Argentino Lake every few years or so, leading to a gradual build-up of water pressure. This natural cyclical event culminates in the dramatic rupture of the ice dam, a powerful display as massive icebergs calve into the lake, creating thunderous echoes and waves. We will have time to walk the different walkways in front of the glacier.

Your adventure-filled day concludes with a return to the serenity of El Calafate, but not before a second visit to the Glaciarium and Ice Museum. After, return to the hotel for the night.

Meals included: (B, L)

Day 8 - Patagonian Way of Life

Dedicate a full day to experiencing the authentic Patagonian way of life at Estancia Nibepo Aike, a hidden gem far removed from the well-trodden paths of mass tourism, yet conveniently located within reach from El Calafate. Estancia Nibepo Aike, originally known as La Jerónima, sprawls over 12,000 hectares of pristine Patagonian landscape, cradled between the southern reaches of Lago Argentino and the rugged frontier with Chile, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Andes mountain range.

As you step onto the estancia, you are transported back in time to the era when Patagonian ranches were the epicenters of rural life, deeply connected to the land and its cycles. Nibepo Aike retains the soul of these bygone days, with its commitment to cattle rearing, featuring a proud herd of Hereford cattle, and echoes of its past prominence in sheep farming still palpable throughout the property.

As the afternoon wanes and you make your way back to El Calafate, the serene beauty and rugged charm of Estancia Nibepo Aike linger in your memory, a poignant reminder of Patagonia’s enduring spirit and the timeless appeal of its vast, untouched landscapes.

Meals included: (B, L, D)

Day 9 - Argentina's Vibrant Dancing

Transfer to the airport, ready to embrace the vibrant rhythms of Buenos Aires, Argentina’s pulsating capital. This metropolis, home to approximately 14 million people within its greater metropolitan area, stands as one of the world’s most populous cities, encapsulating a third of the nation’s population. The sheer scale of Buenos Aires is a testament to its cultural, economic, and political significance, not just within Argentina but across South America.

We check into our downtown area hotel. As the evening arrives, your journey takes a turn towards the enchanting world of Tango at Señor Tango. Enjoy a meal while you take in this quintessential Argentinian entertainment. Tango was born in the port areas’ cobblestone streets and is a poignant expression of longing, passion, and nostalgia, blending European and African influences into a dance that captivates the heart. The evening also unfolds the vibrant music of Northern Argentina’s Highlands, an area steeped in Inca heritage, offering a melodious contrast to the sultry strains of Tango.

Meals included: (B, D)

Day 10 - Pampas & Gaucho Culture

Embark on a captivating excursion from the urban heartbeat of Buenos Aires to the sprawling Pampas, the heartland of Argentina’s agricultural prowess and the cradle of the Gaucho culture. These vast, fertile plains have been the backdrop for the development of the country’s storied cattle ranching heritage, a legacy that began in the colonial era when the earliest herds roamed free after indigenous uprisings.

Your journey into the Pampas offers a vivid glimpse into the life and traditions of the Gauchos, Argentina’s iconic horsemen and ranchers, who are the embodiment of the country’s rural soul. Visiting a traditional Estancia, you’ll step into a world where Gaucho customs are alive and celebrated. Experience the sounds and sights of authentic Gaucho music and dance.

A highlight of your visit will be an Argentine barbecue, or “asado.” As the day wanes and you return to Buenos Aires.

Meals included: (B, L)

Day 11 - Iguazú National Park

We take a flight to the north and arrive at Iguazú National Park. Transfer to a haven of natural wonder and serenity at the Melia Hotel, a retreat nestled within the lush confines of the Iguazú National Park. This exceptional accommodation stands out not only for its unmatched proximity to the majestic Iguazú Falls but also for its immersion in a vibrant subtropical rainforest, a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife including pumas, jaguars, alligators, and a kaleidoscope of bird species.

Meals included: (B, L)

Day 12 - Iguazú Falls

Your exploration of the Iguazú Falls from the Argentine side promises an adventure that delves deep into the heart of this natural marvel, renowned for its sheer scale and breathtaking beauty. The journey begins with a visit to the Garganta del Diablo, or Devil’s Throat, the most spectacular and towering waterfall within the Iguazú complex. Here, you’ll stand at the precipice of the falls’ highest point. Embark on an exhilarating boat ride that takes you to the very base of the cascades.

Your return to the hotel is aboard a 4WD truck, a journey that takes you through the dense tapestry of the surrounding jungle. Take this opportunity to spot some of the diverse wildlife that calls this lush habitat home including the elusive tapir, vibrant toucans, majestic vultures, amiable capybaras, and playful monkeys.

The afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore the trails that weave through the national park. This is your chance to absorb the tranquility of the rainforest at your own pace, to listen to the symphony of birdcalls, and to perhaps catch glimpses of wildlife in their natural environment.

Meals included: (B)

Day 13 - Tour of Buenos Aires

Hop on your flight back to Buenos Aires. Then, enjoy a captivating journey, starting with the historic Plaza de Mayo, where the iconic pink Casa Rosada stands as a symbol of Argentina’s political heart. Nearby, the Metropolitan Cathedral showcases the city’s religious heritage with its grand architecture. Wander through San Telmo’s charming streets, alive with bohemian spirit and colonial beauty, before diving into the colorful vibrancy of La Boca. Here, “Caminito” offers a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural tapestry, marked by its lively street art and tango dancers.

Transition to the modernity of Puerto Madero, where sleek developments line the revitalized waterfront, featuring landmarks like the elegant Puente de la Mujer. If time allows, explore the upscale district of La Recoleta, known for its sophisticated ambiance and it’s famed cemetary. Conclude your tour with a delightful lunch at one of Buenos Aires’ restaurants.

Meals included: (B, L, D)

Day 14 - Farewell

Depending on your flight schedule, you may continue exploring Buenos Aires with a city tour or enjoy some free time. This flexibility allows for a leisurely stroll, last-minute shopping, or a final café visit to soak in the city’s atmosphere. Today, you’ll head to the international airport, carrying memories of Argentina’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture as you journey back home.

Meals included: (B)

Itinerary subject to change

**PASSPORT REQUIRED**