Argentina, Atacama Desert & Chile Delights

Bienvenidos a Buenos Aires! Welcome to the capital of Argentina and the start of this 13-day tour through Argentina and Chile. Meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel this evening. After an overview of the exciting upcoming itinerary, head to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner. Get your first taste of Argentinian cuisine including irresistible empanadas (crispy pie-like pastries) and the country’s world-famous beef (vegetarian dishes are available) while getting to know the rest of the group. Rest up tonight as the adventures begin tomorrow!

Buen día Buenos Aires! Look forward to a full day of Buenos Aires tours today. Delve deep into this captivating capital city which is renowned the world over for its rich culture, architectural delights, delicious cuisine and buzzing nightlife. This morning, join a local guide on a driving and walking tour. Learn more about Buenos Aires’ history and discover some of the city’s top sights including the Plaza Del Mayo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Casa Rosada, Recoleta Cemetery and El Caminito. This evening is free to spend as you wish. Tonight’s Tango Dinner & Show optional excursion is highly recommended for an authentic meal (featuring Argentina’s famous steak) along with a dazzling showcase of Argentina’s most famous dance form!

Make the most of this free day in Buenos Aires! Take time to explore some of the spots seen on yesterday’s tour in more detail, visit a museum or wander around one of the city’s many charming neighbourhoods such as Palermo or San Telmo. Alternatively, add another country to your list and join today’s optional excursion to Colonia del Sacramento, one of the oldest towns in Uruguay! This unmissable day trip will take you on a ferry ride across the Rio de la Plata to Colonia del Sacramento where you’ll enjoy an orientation tour, an included lunch and a visit to the 19th-century lighthouse for panoramic views! Later, join back up with the group for an included dinner.

Bid farewell to Buenos Aires this morning as the tour makes its way to the next destination, the quaint city of Tigre. Known as the “Venice of Argentina”, Tigre is located on the Tigre River Delta and boasts many gorgeous riverside sights and entertaining activities. Arrive and set off on an orientation tour. See top cultural and historic sights including the Tigre Train Station, Parque de la Costa, Paseo Victorica, Museo de Arte and the famous Puerto Frutos (Fruit Market). Here, enjoy some free time to grab lunch. After, experience the majestic river on an optional boat tour! Marvel at the panoramic delta views and learn more about the region’s history and local lifestyle with an onboard audio guide.

After breakfast, the tour makes its way to the airport for an included flight to Mendoza. Arrive in the afternoon and check into the hotel. Then, embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader. Mendoza is best known for its wine (don’t miss out on tomorrow’s optional tasting experience!) as well as its spectacular mountain scenery. Visit the beautiful Plaza Independencia, the city’s main square, which bursts with bright greenery and admire the Aconcagua mountain in the distance. The rest of the day is free to explore Mendoza at your own pace. Ask your tour leader for recommendations on how to spend this evening and be sure to try some local wine and cuisine!

Take the opportunity this morning to taste some of the world-class Argentine wine that Mendoza is known for! Join today’s optional excursion and indulge in a tasting of local wines and a tour of two notable wineries in the region. An expert sommelier will guide you through this tasting of Argentina’s most celebrated varietals, including the famous Malbec. Tonight, prepare to set off on the journey of a lifetime as the tour travels via night bus towards the next country - Chile! Travel through the Andes overnight in a comfortable bus equipped with “bus beds” and an included meal with drinks! Keep an eye out for exceptional views as the bus traverses the incredible Carretera de los Caracoles.

Arrive in Santiago this morning and drop your luggage at the hotel for the next two nights. Delve deeper into Chile’s capital city on an insightful guided tour. Visit the historic Plaza de Armas. Founded in 1541, this square is home to many picturesque architectural sights such as the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral and Central Post Office Building. Then, take in the sweeping city views from San Cristóbal Hill. Ride the funicular to the top and marvel at the panoramic views. Finally, enjoy included entrance to the La Chascona museum, formerly the home of beloved Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. This evening, look forward to a hearty buffet dinner included at the hotel. Indulge in a variety of Chilean, South American and international dishes!

Enjoy a full day to explore Santiago at your own pace. As the capital and largest city of Chile, Santiago is abuzz with plenty of things to see and do. With historic buildings, modern skyscrapers, peaceful green spaces, fascinating museums, diverse restaurants and the towering snow-capped Andes in the background, Santiago offers a little something for every type of traveller. Make the most of your free evening as Santiago is renowned for its vibrant nightlife! Or, join tonight’s optional excursion for a tasting journey through Chile’s rich wine heritage.

Head to the airport this morning and board a flight to the city of Calama. Upon arrival, travel to a true highlight of Chile and Argentina tours. Arrive in San Pedro de Atacama this afternoon and explore one of the most beautiful deserts in South America! Located on a high plateau in the Andes mountains, the town of San Pedro seems to be frozen in time with its otherworldly nature and ancient archaeological sites. Join your tour leader on an orientation tour and bask in the desert surroundings. Admire the adobe architecture and wander along the lively Caracoles Street. Tonight, visit a vibrant local restaurant for an included, family-style dinner featuring authentic Chilean dishes such as ceviche and chimichurri!

Look forward to a full free day in the Atacama desert! Today’s optional excursions are highly recommended. The first excursion offers the unique opportunity to swim in the desert. Join a local guide and head to Laguna Cejar. This crystal clear lake is Atacama’s very own Dead Sea! With its high salt levels, you can easily float atop Laguna Cejar while admiring the mountainous scenery. Another bucket-list sight awaits on tonight’s optional excursion to Valle de la Luna. This spellbinding valley gets its name from the lunar-like landscape with saline rocks which have formed over time from wind and rain. Don’t miss the chance to explore the most iconic.Atacama desert sight at sunset!

Say "adios" to the dreamy desert and travel back to Santiago today. Head to the Calama airport after breakfast and arrive back in the Chilean capital this afternoon. After checking into the hotel, take this evening to rest up after a busy few days of adventures. Alternatively, if you’ve still got energy, enjoy the Santiago nightlife. Grab dinner at one of the city’s many excellent restaurants, sit down for a drink at a cocktail bar or dance the night away at a nightclub.

Make the most of this last day in Chile. Today is free to explore more top sights in Santiago or to join the Valparaiso Half Day Trip. This is an exciting opportunity to add another must-see Chile destination to your list! Valparaiso is a colourful, UNESCO-listed port city known for its bohemian hillside neighbourhoods which have inspired many artists and poets. Here, visit the hilltop La Sebastiana museum which was previously a house owned by Pablo Neruda. After soaking up the seaside views and street-art-lined streets of Valparaiso, head back to Santiago where the group will enjoy one last dinner together.

After 13 days of Argentina adventures and Chile guided tours, this life-enriching journey through some of South America’s most spectacular sights comes to an end this morning. Enjoy one last breakfast with the group and don’t forget to swap contact details with your newfound travel friends! Expat Explore wishes you a pleasant journey home or onward to your next destination.