Tours South America Tours Argentina, Atacama Desert & Chile Delights

Argentina, Atacama Desert & Chile Delights

Countries: 2 Days: 13 Per Day: US$ 168
Start Point:Buenos Aires
End Point:Santiago de Chile
Transport:Air-conditioned vehicles & planes
Accommodation:Hotel
Ages:10 - 75+
WasUS$ 2,630
From US$ 2,195
check-greenFlexible booking: 30-day money-back guarantee

Price per person in twin share room

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More reasons to book with us

  •  Flexible bookings: 30-day money-back guarantee & free date changes
  • Low 10% deposit
  • Services of your Expat Explore tour leader
  • Pay the remaining balance off in instalments
  • FREE Wi-Fi in hotels

Summary

Expat Explore’s Chile and Argentina tours combine vibrant cultures, buzzing capital cities, historic sights, hidden gems and unmatched natural beauty! This 13-day Argentina, Atacama Desert & Chile Delights tour is jam-packed with adventure. Explore Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, and Santiago, capital of Chile on insightful guided tours. Explore Tigre, the “Venice of Argentina” and Mendoza, the capital of Malbec wine. Travel along the scenic Carretera de los Caracoles. Spend two nights soaking up otherworldly scenery on an Atacama desert tour. This unforgettable journey will take your breath away!

Highlights

  • Discover Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, and Santiago, capital of Chile
  • Visit Mendoza and El Tigre
  • Travel along the Carretera de los Caracoles, one of the most beautiful roads in Latin America
  • Spend two nights in the Atacama desert

Start Point

Hotel in Buenos Aires | Welcome meeting at 06:00 PM

End Point

Hotel in Santiago de Chile | 10:00 AM (after breakfast)
DAY 1: Start of tour in Buenos Aires

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!

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: Start of tour in Buenos Aires

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!

Experiences

Welcome dinner in Buenos Aires: Get to know your tour leader and fellow travellers over a delicious Argentinian meal at a local restaurant in Buenos Aires. Get your first taste of Argentinian cuisine with a two-course meal. Taste authentic empanadas (half-moon-shaped pastries with savoury fillings), choose between an Argentinian beef dish or vegetarian main course and indulge in dulce de leche for dessert. Argentina is world-renowned for its exceptional, high-quality beef.

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation
Hotel

DAY 2: Buenos Aires

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!

Experiences

Buenos Aires city tour: Join an expert local guide in uncovering the history of this fascinating city and discover some of the top sights on a Buenos Aires sightseeing walking and driving tour. Top sights include the Plaza Del Mayo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Casa Rosada (the Presidential Palace), Recoleta Cemetery (where Eva Peron is buried) and the colourful El Caminito.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions

DAY 3: Buenos Aires: Free Day

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.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions

DAY 4: Buenos Aires - Tigre

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.

Experiences

Orientation tour of Tigre: Join your tour leader on an orientation tour of this city which lives on the waters of the Tigre River Delta. Learn about the local, riverside lifestyle and discover some of the city’s most important cultural and historic sights including the Tigre Train Station, Parque de la Costa and the grand Museo de Arte tigre. Wander along the Paseo Victorica and end the tour with free time at the renowned Puerto Frutos (Fruit Market). This is the perfect spot to grab some lunch!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions

DAY 5: Tigre - Flight to Mendoza

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!

Experiences

Mendoza orientation tour: Join your tour leader in discovering the key sights of this stunning city which is best known for its surrounding vineyards and mountains. Explore the Plaza Independencia, the main square, which acts as a green oasis in the city and admire the imposing Aconcagua mountain in the distance.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation
Hotel

DAY 6: Mendoza - Night Bus

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.

Experiences

Night bus to Santiago: Travel overnight from Mendoza to Santiago on an unforgettable journey through the Andes. The bus is very comfortable and equipped with “bus beds”. Enjoy an included meal and a drink while admiring the views as the bus travels along the Carretera de los Caracoles - one of the most beautiful roads in all of Latin America!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation
Night bus
On Tour Excursions

DAY 7: Night Bus - Santiago

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!

Experiences

Santiago Guided Tour: Get to know Chile’s enigmatic capital city on a guided tour. Visit the historic Plaza de Armas which dates back to 1541 and is home to top sights including the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral and Central Post Office Building. Take the funicular to the top of San Cristóbal Hill for panoramic city views and enjoy the included entrance to the La Chascona museum, the former home of Pablo Neruda.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation
Hotel

DAY 8: Santiago: Free Day

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.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions

DAY 9: Santiago - Flight to Calama - San Pedro de Atacama

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!

Experiences

Spend two nights in the Atacama desert: Experience the otherworldly beauty of the Atacama desert with a two-night stay in the town of San Pedro de Atacama. Uncover the ancient history in this region, bask in the natural beauty of the desert and learn about local life.

San Pedro de Atacama Orientation Tour: Set off on an orientation walk with your tour leader and discover the quaint desert town of San Pedro. Starting at the Plaza de Armas, admire the Iglesia de San Pedro - a fascinating example of the adobe architecture which is characteristic of this region. Then, stroll along Caracoles Street which is lined with souvenir shops as well as cafés, bars and restaurants offering local cuisine. 

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation
Hotel

DAY 10: San Pedro de Atacama: Free Day

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!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions

DAY 11: San Pedro de Atacama - Calama - Flight to Santiago

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.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation
Hotel

DAY 12: Santiago: Free Day

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.

Experiences

Farewell dinner in Santiago: Enjoy one last group dinner together and bid farewell to this unforgettable tour.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions

DAY 13: End of tour in Santiago

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.

Meals

Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 12 nights in 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
    Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
  • 1 night on a sleeper bus equipped with a comfortable bus bed

Meals

  • 12 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

  • Modern air conditioned coach
  • 3 Internal flights from Tigre to Mendoza, Santiago to Calama and Calama to Santiago
  • 1 overnight sleeper bus

Tour Leader

  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

9 Experiences!

  • Enjoy a welcome dinner in Buenos Aires
  • Join a local guide on a Buenos Aires city tour
  • Explore the city of Tigre on the Tigre River Delta
  • Soak up the mountain scenery in Mendoza
  • Take a scenic night bus journey from Mendoza to Santiago
  • Discover Santiago, capital of Chile, on a guided tour
  • Spend two nights in the Atacama desert
  • Explore the quaint town of San Pedro de Atacama
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner in Santiago

Accommodation

We partner with a range of hand-picked hotels in each destination. The hotels listed below are those we stay at most frequently. However, you may stay at different hotels of a similar standard. 

A confirmed list of hotels is emailed to all travellers prior to their tour departure. To extend your stay in Buenos Aires and Santiago, book pre and post-tour accommodation through our partner Booking.com.

Buenos Aires

Photos of the tour

Optional Excursions

Unless marked as “Pre-Book”, all optional excursions can be booked on tour and paid for in cash (in the stated currency) to your tour leader. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Dates & Rates

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Our pricing model: Whether you book early or take advantage of our special promotions, you’ll always get fantastic value when you choose to travel with us.
Years
Start Date / End DateFlexible BookingStatusPrice Per Person
27 May 2025 - 08 Jun 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-05-27Book now with low depositUS$2,630 US$2,195
23 Sep 2025 - 05 Oct 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-09-23SOLD OUT!
04 Nov 2025 - 16 Nov 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-11-04Book now with low depositUS$2,630 US$2,195
26 Nov 2025 - 08 Dec 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-11-26SOLD OUT!
28 Feb 2026 - 12 Mar 2026Flexible booking date for 2026-02-28Book now with low depositUS$2,635 US$2,345
14 Apr 2026 - 26 Apr 2026Flexible booking date for 2026-04-14Book now with low depositUS$2,635 US$2,345

Number of travellers

Payment option

Flexible booking: flexible booking

Additional Information

For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre .

Additional Information Help Centre

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