CAPTIVATING ARGENTINA AND CHILE

Dec. 2nd – 14th

13 Days – 12 Nights

Discover the magic of the Paris of South America, admire the world’s largest waterfalls up close, sail on Glacier Lakes and experience one of the world’s most unspoiled and beautiful natural preserve on Earth on this amazing singles vacation. Throughout its flamboyant history, Buenos Aires has exuded a romantic allure that has proved difficult to resist. Experience the Portenos’ (the people of Buenos Aires), devotion to the passionate music of tango, the rich and varied cuisine and a wealth of art and culture. Spend a full day on the pampas with gauchos and a traditional Argentina BBQ. Travel to Iguazu to walk through the jungle, ride the river and feel the spray of the mighty Iguazu Falls on our safari boat ride. Then we will be off to Patagonia-El Calafate, home to the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the largest in the world. We will then cross into Chile for our all- inclusive stay in the gorgeous Torres Del Paine National Park. Experience the shimmering lakes, cascading waterfalls, roaring rivers, caves, huge ice-blue glaciers and spectacular fauna. We will then fly to the vibrant city of Santiago, bustling with events, markets, theater, parks, plazas and a foodie’s paradise. We will go wine-tasting in the Casablanca Valley and go to the Valparaiso Coast.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires

Welcome to Argentina! Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to the magnificent Palladio Hotel, and have the rest of the day to enjoy at your own pace. We will be staying in the North end of the city in La Recoleta. This is the most elegant neighborhood with its famous cemetery, boutiques, gourmet restaurants and sidewalk cafes. Argentines are usually eager to help visitors; if you walk the streets with a map, someone will surely stop and ask if you need directions. So, for this first day, feel free to wander the cobblestone streets lined with outdoor cafes, enjoy the mouthwatering aroma of prized Argentine beef sizzling on an open “parilla” barbecue, browse the local antique and artisan markets and of course the Cemetery, containing the graves of many Argentina’s emblematic figures, such as Eva Peron. Enjoy exploring the colorful Palermo/Soho neighborhoods as well. Tonight we will meet in the lobby at 7PM to enjoy an included group dinner at our hotel.

Day 2: Buenos Aires

Today we will have a half day city tour of the southern part of Buenos Aires. Guided by a knowledgeable guide, learn about the lifestyle, vibrant culture and music. We will visit important historical monuments on our way to Plaza de Mayo and take a moment to admire significant buildings such as the Casa Rosada or the Congress. We will visit La Boca( the first settlement for Italian immigrants), known for its vibrant colors, architecture and people dancing in the street. Visit the famous “Carminito, a street much like an open-air museum and stop by “La Bomboners”, the world famous soccer stadium at La Boca. We will also visit the Puerto Madero neighborhood, a pioneer project for the rehabilitation of the old docks of the city that was started in the 90’s. The modern feel of the area remains loyal to its maritime merchant past, but all new buildings now host restaurants, bars and luxury apartments. Last we will take time to wander the streets of San Telmo, the neighborhood where the city’s most illustrious families used to live which is also the cradle of tango. Nowadays, the streets are lined with antique stores and secondhand stores. However, since it is a Sunday you are in for a treat. We will be able to stroll the “Feria de San Telmo,”bustling with stalls filled with unique artisans and antiques, tango, excellent food and spectacular architecture.

At the end of our tour, we will be transferred back to our hotel to relax, and enjoy the pool and spa.

In the evening, we will be picked up from our hotel and driven to a Tango night out. Tango is ….Our immigrant origins, the talent of our local artists, the sensuality of the Argentine woman and our way to deal with a broken heart, dancing our way through tragic and yet eternal love stories. While enjoying our 3 course dinner with wine, we will enjoy a professional display of tango and music with a group of local artists on stage immersed in an elegant and alluring place. The manners, ambience, clothes and dance steps which tango lovers used to practice 100 years ago will come to life again and we will travel back in time for the night. At the end of the evening, you will be driven back to your hotel, fully in love with the bohemian spirit of Buenos Aires.

Day 3: Buenos Aires – San Antonio de Areco

Today we will be picked up from our hotel to enjoy a day in the countryside at an exclusive estancia (ranch). Learn about the gaucho culture and traditions, strolling around the beautiful old streets, museums and ancient grocery stores at San Antonio de Areco town. We will then head to El-Ombu, an authentic, colonial style working ranch built in 1880. The gauchos are Argentine Cowboy Once there, enjoy a typical asado (BBQ), before horseback riding or a bike ride. There is also a peaceful swimming pool if you care to take a siesta.

At the end of the day, we will be taken back to our hotel in Buenos Aires.

Day 4: Buenos Aires – Puerto Iguazu

Direct flight (1 hour 50 minutes)

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Iguazu. At the border conjunctions of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, Puerto Iguazu is the entry gate to the imposing falls. Upon arrival, we will be met by our local host and check into the wonderful Hotel Amerian Portal del Iguazu. Don’t forget your passport! We will then transfer across the Brazilian border to start our tour of Iguazu National Park. After we get to the interpretive center, we will board a double-decker bus for a 3 mile bus drive into the rainforest where paths provide excellent views of the falls. While Argentina has 80% of the falls on its side, Brazil has the best panoramic views. As you are strolling the different boardwalks you will really feel the power of the water. Tonight, we will eat dinner at the hotel or go into town

Day 5: Full Day Iguazu Falls – Argentine Side

Today, we will picked up from our hotel and driven to Iguazu Park, on the Argentine side. The surrounding subtropical rainforest hosts over 2,000 species of plants and is home to wildlife such as giant anteaters, monkeys, jaguars, ocelots and caymans, just to name a few. Walk along a series of boardwalks to catch spectacular views of the falls. End with a train ride to Devil’s Throat, the tallest of all the waterfalls with a sheer 260-foot drop. Lunch will be included in a local restaurant.

Next is the thrilling Great Adventure Boat Ride. We will enter the jungle with trucks specially designed for this environment. Then get ready for a fun filled adventure by taking our boat up under the waterfalls, getting stunning views and a dose of adrenaline! Be prepared to get soaked and feel exhilarated! At the end of this action packed day we will be driven back to our hotel.

Day 6: Puerto Iguazu – El Calafate

After breakfast we will take a domestic flight from Iguazu to Buenos Aires (1 hour, 50 minutes) and another flight to El Calafate (3 hours, 20 minutes). We will be picked up on arrival and driven to the modern Esplendor El Calafate Hotel, which is centrally located in town with a pool and spa.

The town of El Calafate is located in the Patagonia region, an extreme and deserted place with an amazing landscape. This is the gateway to visit the world-renowned Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the only glaciers in the world that is still advancing.

Day 7: El Calafate – Full Day Perito Moreno Glacier

We will be picked up early in the morning to go to Los Glaciers National Park located 50 miles from El Calafate. This park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981 when its almost 200 glaciers were discovered. Half of the park is occupied by the ice field, the second largest icefield after Antarctica. Our guide will show us the different walkways where we can see the glacier and if we get lucky, perhaps see some landslides. Get your cameras ready as shards of ice snap off the glacier in a tremendous roar. When the ice breaks and falls, the world holds its breath–all other sounds stop at the earth’s surface.

You will then get an included box lunch and go on the Safari Nautico, sailing in front of the south wall of the glacier. When the boat reaches the Icebergs Channel, the boat will stop at a safe distance from the glacier, continuing to sail down the front, allowing for a spectacular view of the high wall of ice. After another action-packed day, our driver will return us to our hotel.

Days 8 – 11: El Calafate – Torres Del Paine National Park

Today we will take a bus ride to the Park and check into the magnificent all-inclusive Rio Serrano Hotel and Spa for the next 3 days. Our hotel is surrounded by moving nature and has spectacular views from wherever you are. The spacious areas emphasize elegance and quality, ensuring a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The decoration of the hotel is cozy and warm. Did I mention the unbelievable pool, spa, food and staff? There is a wide range of activities offered each day for every level–walks, hikes, kayaking, boat rides to see other glaciers and horseback riding. This is an amazing 5-star experience in the middle of nowhere.

Day 11: Torres Del Paine – Pueurto Natales – Santiago

Today is a long travel day. We will take the bus in the morning to Punta Arenas to catch our flight to go to Santiago, Chile. Santiago is framed by the snowcapped Andes mountains. This vibrant city is bustling with history, events, markets, theater, parks and is a foodie’s paradise! Upon arrival, we will be driven to the superb Renaissance Santiago Hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Day 12: Santiago – Casablanca Valley and Valparaiso Tour

Chile produces many of the world’s finest wines: Reds, Whites and everything in between. Today we will enjoy a full -day excursion (about one hour) with our private guide, driving to Casablanca Valley. We will leave our hotel at 9:30 AM and arrive at Veramonte winery for a brief tasting, before continuing our tour to Casa Del Bosque winery, American wine lovers’ favorite establishment in Chile. After lunch we will continue driving (about 45 minutes) to the coastline to the multi-colored Valparaiso, the oldest and most important port in Chile. Valparaiso is built in a dramatic location with amazing views all around. A place that was the main port in the Pacific during most of the 19th century, it is famous for its steeped and crooked roads and street art, notably graffiti. Here, you will have the chance to roam the city’s winding streets and even have a go on one of the 19th century funiculars. We will continue our drive to Vina del Mar, which is modern and has a completely different vibe. This city is famous for its beautiful gardens and flower clock.

Day 13: Santiago City Tour – Depart Home

Today, we will be met again by our private guide, who will show us around Santiago. Santiago is a city of interesting contrasts, for example you will find Colonial era buildings along with modern skyscrapers. We will begin our Santiago excursion strolling through Bicentenario Park, a green area located in upper town. It was inaugurated in 2010 as part of the celebration of 200 years of independence from Spain. In our route to the park, we will be passing parts of the new districts, notably the financial one. We will visit Pueblito los Dominicos for varied handicrafts and souvenirs. After that we will head to the downtown area, where most of the heritage landmarks are. We will see Plaza de Armas (the original first square of the town), walk through the old quarters to La Moneda Palace (the former Congress) and other interesting traditional buildings. Among them is the San Francisco Church, the oldest Spanish-made construction in the city.

After lunch, we will drive to the cultural and bohemian neighborhoods of Bellavista and Lastarria and the Fine Arts Museum, a fantastic French-style palace from 1910. We will explore the streets of this cultural district before heading to San Cristobal Hill. Drive up the hill or take the cable car for a wonderful day view of the city. If we have time, we will also continue to Santa Lucia Hill, which is the historic site where the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541. We will then pick up our luggage at the hotel and say goodbye to this wonderful country and depart for the airport for an evening flight home.

Captivating Argentina and Chile

Double Occupancy: $3659.00
Single Supplement: $1800.00
Deposit: $500.00
Balance Due: October 1st

INCLUDED

12 Nights Accommodations
Breakfast Daily – 6 Lunches – 5 Dinners
Dedicated Tour Leader (English-Speaking)
All Private Tours, Tour Fees and Extra Taxes
Admissions per Itinerary
Airport/Hotel Transfers on Tour Dates

NOT INCLUDED

International Airfare
4 Connecting Domestic Flights: $600-$1000 Estimated
(Airfare Subject to Change Until Booked)
Rio Serrano Activities
Travel Insurance
Gratuities