Peru Tours
Brazil Tours
Argentina Tours
Chile Tours
Ecuador/Galapagos Tours
Venezuela Tours
Bolivia Tours
Costa Rica Tours
Panama Tours
Guatemala Tours
Uruguay Tours
Africa Tours
Australia Tours
New Zealand Tours
Activities in Other Countries

Phone: 800-232-5658 or
1-512-443-5393
email

Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Argentina Tours and Travel

Best of Patagonia / Hiking the Patagonia Classics / More Patagonia Treks / More Patagonia / Firecrowns & Penguins
Buenos Aires / Calafate / Iguazu Falls / Bariloche / Ushuaia / Salta / Mendoza / Ibera / Valdes Peninsula / Hidden Argentina
Antarctic Cruises / Expedition Cruises / Best of Northwest / Bike Tours / Wine Tours / Uruguay Escapes / Tango, Candombe & Samba

Lakes & Wines of the Southern Andes
Argentina & Chile, 10 days Food & Wine Adventure

Highlights:
Travel through the astonishing landscape of North Patagonia
Sail in Argentina's lake district
Regional cuisines & Wines
Explore the Wine roads at Casablanca Valley- Chile
Stay at Luxurious retreats

Dates: Mid October to April 30th

Day 1: Arrival to Buenos Aires
We will be waiting for you at Buenos Aires Airport. Transfer to your centric hotel, and brief orientation meeting with your guide to review your itinerary. In the late afternoon we depart for one of the city's finest Wine-Bars, where we will get introduced to the Malbecs and Torrontes, Argentina's most distinctive wines. Welcome Dinner at "La Caballeriza" steak house, by the bustling waterfront.
Lodging options: Superior or Luxury
(Dinner Included)

Day 2: Buenos Aires
A day full of contrasts throughout Buenos Aires streets. Morning visit to the Historic Neighborhood of San Telmo, the art district with its Artisan & antiques fair at Dorrego Square. From there we head for Plaza de Mayo ( Main Square), and the exclusive Barrio of Recoleta , famous both for its cafés and its fancy, elaborated cemetery of the Argentine aristocracy. Time for lunch at the square, and afternoon leisure. Early evening stop at La Cava del Querandí, -Wine Club to sample some of outstanding wines of Argentina's different wine regions (*). Later on, we will go for an Evening Gala of Tango, to enjoy the art of superb musicians & dancers .
Lodging options: Superior or Luxury
(Breakfast & Dinner Included )
(*)Cava del Querandí, only on weekdays

Day 3: Buenos Aires - Bariloche
Morning transfer to Buenos Aires domestic airport to board flight to Bariloche. Reception and transfer to your lodge on the shore of the Nahuel Huapi Lake, a few miles away from town. Afternoon sightseeing through Bariloche's magnificent surroundings. Take a chairlift ride atop Mt. Campanario for outstanding views of the area. Transfer back to your hotel.
Lodging options: Superior or Luxury - Lago Nahuel Huapi / Bariloche- Argentina
(Breakfast & Dinner Included )

Day 4: Bariloche - Villa La Angostura
Morning transfer along the shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake to Villa La Angostura, a small village within superb scenery. We board the "Velero Impaciente" a 35 ft. wooden sail boat. Lunch on board as we sample some Patagonian wines. Check in at the lodge and afternoon leisure
Lodging options: Superior or Luxury - Villa la Angostura / Argentina
( Breakfast & Lunch included)

Day 5: Villa La Angostura
Today , endless options for your choice of soft outdoor activites, walking, cycling, or fly fishing, ( all of them need to be planned in advance ), or just sightseeing throughout the astonishing scenery of the Seven Lakes road. Gourmet Picnic Lunch.
Lodging options: Superior or Luxury - Villa la Angostura / Argentina
( Breakfast included)

Day 6: San Martín de los Andes
Morning shuttle through a contrasting, almost deserted area…later on, a zigzag ascend will take us atop the Córdoba Pass. Gourmet Picnic lunch by the Caleufú river and afternoon check in at our hotel in the charming town of San Martín de los Andes. Evening wine tasting , after walking around town, we head to the cozy restaurant where we will get into the fascinating world of the Argentine wines.
Lodging options: Superior or Luxury - San Martín de los Andes-Argentina
(All Meals included)

Day 7: Across the Andes - Pucón, Chile
Morning shuttle across the Andes ( 4 hrs). We pass at the foot of the Lanin Volcano (12,386'). And through a millenary forest of araucarias (monkey puzzle trees). Once in Chile, we make our way to the town of Pucón through a valley surrounded by several Volcanoes, among them the still active Villarrica. With its wooden architecture and colorful markets and shops, Pucon possesses the typical flavor of Chile's southern towns. Tonight Pisco Sours are at the hidden local gem " La Maga", perhaps one of the country's best steak houses.
Lodging options: Superior or Luxury - (Pucón - Chile)
(Breakfast & Dinner included)

Day 8: Pucón
Morning leisure . Afternoon rafting in the lower segment of Trancura river ( level 3, moderate, no previous experience needed), or your choice of an evening visit to one of the outstanding natural hot springs around the area of Pucón
Lodging options: Superior or Luxury - Pucón - Chile
(Breakfast included)

Day 9: Pucon - Santiago
Morning transfer to the Temuco Airport to board connecting flights to Santiago. Reception and transfer to your hotel. One of the country's hidden treasures are its Mariscos ( sea food) and we head for Mercado Central , the historic building where chilean Chefs go for fresh sea food. This afternoon we will get immerse on Chilean History through a walking tour of downtown Santiago's main historic sites.
Lodging options: Superior or Luxury - Santiago - Chile
( Breakfast & Lunch Included )

Day 10: Santiago - Wine roads at Casa Blanca Valley - Transfer out
Morning, transfer one hour west, to the wine region of Casa Blanca Valley. This region combines the perfect soil with cool breezes from the sea to produce world class whites. Visit to Matetic Vineyards where we will sample their wines y the bodega's guesthouse, a , century-old building that has been completely restructured and redesigned to express the typical colonial style. Lunch at the winery and afternoon transfer to Santiago Airport to board flights home.
( Breakfast and Lunch Included )

Trip price per person in US$: (valid until April 30th 2010 )
2-3 people / per person
Superior Blend: per person USD 3893
Single supplement: USD 977
Luxury Blend: per person USD 4822
Single supplement: USD 1966

4 + people/ per person
Superior Blend: per person USD 3413
Single supplement: USD 977
Luxury Blend: per person USD 4391
Single supplement: USD 1966

Estimated airfares: USD 380.- (approx)
(Two domestic flights: Buenos Aires - Bariloche,, and Temuco - Santiago)

Included :
Lodging:
in double occupancy, in hotels & Inns
Superior - Esplendor, Aldebarán, La Escondida, Le Chatelet, Malalhue, Fundador
Luxury - Palacio Duhau Hyatt, El Casco Art Hotel, Correntoso Hotel, Rio Hermoso, Antumalal, Ritz Carlton
( All lodges are subject to availability )
Meals: as described on the itinerary
Activities: as described on the itinerary
Land transportation: in private vehicles
Guides: Expert local guides (English- Spanish)
Miscellaneous: Maps and itineraries; National Park fees; Beverages during activities.

Not included:
Alcoholic beverages; tips; Medical immunizations; Nor insurance of any kind.
Domestic flights