Best of Chile & Argentina | Intrepid Travel AU

Travel from Santiago across the Andes to Buenos Aires

Celebrate the energy and enthusiasm of Chile and Argentina on this journey from Santiago to Buenos Aires. Soak up the cuisine, arts and beauty of dramatic Santiago before adopting a slower pace at a traditional estancia. With ample opportunity to indulge in epicurean delights and local wines, this trip delivers adventure, relaxation and culture in true South American fashion.

Start: Santiago, Chile
Finish: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Destinations: Argentina, Chile
Style: Comfort
Theme: Explorer

Code: GPKG
Physical rating
Ages: Min 15
Group size: Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

Discover the colonial charm, neoclassical plazas and stylish neighbourhoods of Santiago. This city is packed full of history and is a great place to explore on foot
Wind through the country lanes of the Mendoza wine region - the world’s largest producer of Malbec. During this trip you'll have ample opportunity to refine your palate by tasting varietals of one of South America's favourite wines
Take part in the daily routines and duties of a gaucho on a traditional Argentinian estancia, a unique retreat for any traveller
Indulge in the cuisine, culture and nightlife of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. Argentinian produce is some of the best in the world

Is this trip right for you?

There are several orientation walks during this trip so there will be quite a lot of walking. The heat and humidity can also be quite extreme during the summer months, particularly in Buenos Aires. It’s important to always bring plenty of water, wear comfortable walking shoes and ensure you use adequate sun protection. Wearing layers is a good way to tackle the heat.

Gallery

Map of Best of Chile & Argentina including Argentina and Chile

Itinerary
Expand All Collapse All

Day 1: Santiago

Welcome to Santiago, Chile. Once you’ve arrived, transfer from the airport to the hotel (transfer is included). Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If you arrive early into Santiago, perhaps head out on a short walk to get your bearings of the city.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Urban Adventures: Santiago Nightlife Adventure - - USD90

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

AIRPORT TRANSFERS – SANTIAGO (SCL) AIRPORT
If you have booked a transfer with us and have arrived on an international flight, please ensure you go to gate 3 regardless of which gate you exit from.
Our drivers will be waiting at gate 3 with an Intrepid sign displaying your name.
If you are having trouble locating the driver, please call the emergency number listed on your trip notes.

Some departures of this trip are part of a combination trip. As such, some of your fellow travellers may have started their trip 14 days ago in Lima on Peru, Chile & Argentina Explorer (GGCLC) or on Highlights of South America (GGCRC).

Day 2: Santiago

Today at 10am you will get to grips with Santiago on a walking tour with a local leader (approximately 4hrs) – the city centre itself is quite small and simple to get around. You’ll discover more about this city, which was founded in 1541 by the Spaniard Pedro de Valdivia, and has experienced a turbulent history that has included native wars, floods and earthquakes. Head to the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city and home to the cathedral. The cathedral has recently undergone renovations, so now is the ideal time to visit. Walk through the central market to try some local specialities. Next, you'll take the cable car to the top of Cerro San Cristobal for the best view of the city. Finishing the tour in the bohemian Bellavista neighbourhood.
Perhaps continue yourselves to explore the modern parts of Santiago to see elegant residential neighbourhoods, shopping and financial districts. Later, take the chance to dine out at one of the city's famous restaurants.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Santiago - Half-day guided walking tour

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 3: Mendoza

In the morning around 9am, travel through the Andes and across the Argentinean border by local bus to Mendoza (approximately 6 hours on the bus). It’s a good idea to bring plenty of water and snacks, as the trip may incur delays. On a clear day it may be possible to see Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas at 6,962 meters above sea level. Please note that crossing the border can take up to three hours depending on local traffic. Once in Mendoza, get to know the city with a gentle stroll around its tree-lined streets, or visit the local cafes and restaurants for some Argentinean fare.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

SEASONAL WEATHER CONDITIONS:
During the colder months, usually between May and August, the border crossing between Chile and Argentina may be closed due to snowfalls. In that event, your emergency fund may be needed to purchase a flight between Santiago and Mendoza.

Day 4: Mendoza

This morning around 8:45am head out on a winery tour. Mendoza is Argentina's most prolific and significant grape-growing region, producing nearly three-quarters of the country's wine. The climate produces an excellent variety of grapes, with the region's signature being Malbec. Visit several wineries and cellar doors, tasting Malbec, Torrontes and other local varietals along the way. Lunch around 1pm and return to the city by 3:30pm.
In the evening, perhaps test how refined your palate is by attempting to pair the perfect wine with an authentic Argentine asado (barbecue-style food).

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Mendoza - Full-day winery tour - Includes lunch

Meals Included

Breakfast
Lunch

Day 5: Estancia Stay

This afternoon fly from Mendoza to Buenos Aires, which only takes around one and a half hours. On arrival, travel in a minivan for just over an hour to a traditional estancia (ranch). This is where the group will be staying for the next couple of days. Upon arrival, freshen up after a long day and get ready for dinner.

Accommodation

Estancia (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast
Dinner

Day 6: Estancia Stay

During your time on the estancia you can do as much or as little as you desire. Activities may also vary depending on the day. You could go horse riding, take a cooking class or learn more about the sport of polo. Alternatively you could laze by the pool and read or have a barbecue. Estancias are ideal for relaxation and provide a great base for activities. Please remember that activities vary depending on the days that you are there. If in doubt, ask your trip leader for more information.

Accommodation

Estancia (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 7: Buenos Aires

After breakfast head back to the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires (approximately 2.5 hours). The Portenos (local residents) are justifiably proud of their city, which is comprised of distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own style. After checking in to the hotel enjoy an orientation walk of the city. Visit the antique markets and artist displays of San Telmo, and the presidential palace of the Casa Rosada (Pink House) in the Plaza de Mayo.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Buenos Aires - Orientation walk

Optional Activities

Buenos Aires - Tango show (ticket price depends on the location and inclusions) - USD90
Buenos Aires - Football game (ticket price depends on the game. Price range USD$120 - USD$250 pp) - USD120
Buenos Aires - Polo Day - USD170

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 8: Buenos Aires

After breakfast your 'Best of Chile and Argentina' adventure comes to an end. Check out from the hotel is at noon, but you can arrange to store your luggage with the front desk.

Meals Included

Breakfast

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Plane, Private vehicle, Local bus

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Estancia (2 nights)

Included activities

Santiago - Half-day guided walking tour
Mendoza - Full-day winery tour - Includes lunch
Buenos Aires - Orientation walk

Meals

7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Plane, Private vehicle, Local bus

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Estancia (2 nights)

Included activities

Santiago - Half-day guided walking tour
Mendoza - Full-day winery tour - Includes lunch
Buenos Aires - Orientation walk

Dates & availability

Trip search is unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Best of Chile & Argentina trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may change, so secure your trip today!

Latest Departures
Dates list

Next trip departures

Jump to a departure month

Earn Qantas Points on trips over $1000* Find out more

Important notes

ARRIVAL TRANSFER:
An airport arrival transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at time of booking.

PASSPORT DETAILS REQUIRED
Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase Entrance fees to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS:
This trip includes a domestic flight. Argentina is particularly strict on excess baggage and usually enforces a maximum allowance of 15Kg for check in luggage.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
A Single Supplement to have your own room is available on this trip.

CHILE VISA:
If you are entering Chile at Santiago International Airport as a tourist, some nationalities are required to pay a reciprocity fee (Australians US$117). The fee does not apply to travellers arriving at other airports or entering the country via land borders.

FAKE TAXIS/SCAM:
Please be aware that if you have pre-booked your arrival transfer into Santiago through us that there are many fake taxi's at Santiago airport and recently many have been advising passengers who have not located their driver yet that they will call the emergency hotline number for them and will take them to their hotel. These drivers do not call the number and have no affiliation with us. Do not get into a car unless the driver is Holding a Peregrine sign with your name on it or the trip code for your tour on it. If you cannot locate your transfer please dial the emergency number listed in the Essential Trip Information and await instructions from the operator as often the driver is there or is a few minutes away held up in traffic.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information