This wonderful holiday takes in the highlights of the southern region of South America and the contrasts of the Chilean Lakes, the wilds of Patagonia, the vibrancy of Buenos Aires and Rio and the majestic wonder of the Iguassu Falls! You will be visiting the some of the real final frontiers on earth mixed with the magic of huge fun filled Latin American cities.
Itinerary Highlights
Explore the little visited Chilean Lake District
Party like no tomorrow in Rio and tango in BA
Wonder at the magnificence of Iguassu Falls
Discover one of the worlds last true wildernesses in Patagonia
Cruise through the Patagonian fjords
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
28
Nights
Price Guide
$19,875 – $25,500 pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Santiago
Day 2
Santiago – the cosmopolitan Chilean capital
Arrive into Chile’s cosmopolitan capital and spend a couple of days exploring Santiago perhaps with a wine tour or a visit to the mountains of the Cajon del Maipo, a wonderful way to get over the jetlag before the real adventure starts!
Day 3-4
Chile’s best kept secret – The Lake District
Fly south and head into the picture-postcard volcanoes, old growth forests and huge glacier-fed lakes of Chile’s Lake District. Based around the pretty town of Puerto Varas, your days are spent exploring the region’s natural wonders and national parks. You can hike, bike, raft or take photo-safaris to the dramatic Petrohue Rapids framed against the towering Osorno Volcano or enjoy scenic drive around Lake Llanquihue under the shadow of the Osorno, Calbuco and Puntiagudo Volcanoes. Further afield, you might like to visit the fascinating culture and booming coastline of Chiloe, home to the unique Puñihuil Penguin Reserve where both Humboldt and Magellanic Penguins live and breed side by side.
Day 5-7
Bariloche and northern Patagonia
Cross the border into Argentina via the full day lake crossing, a heady journey through the heart of the Andes travelling by boat and vehicle through a succession of turquoise lakes and mountain passes to reach . Sitting at the northern edge of Patagonia, Bariloche is a bustling swiss-Alpine style tourist centre surrounded by soaring peaks and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Here, you can walk, ride, paddle and take boat trips to hidden waterfalls. The 7 Lakes Drive to San Martin de los Andes is one of South America’s classic road-trips or you make like to head into Patagonian’s desolate steppe or venture into the eerie caves and rock formations of the “Enchanted Valley”.
Day 8-10
El Chalten and Mount Fitzroy
Fly south to Calafate and head around the lake to el Chalten, perched at the foot of the spectacular Mount Fitzroy massif, Argentina’s iconic peak. Mount Fitzroy offers some of the finest day-hikes in Patagonia and for walkers, the “Laguna de Los Tres” and “Cerro Torre” trails are unmissable, glacial lakes framed by towering granite peaks. Vehicle safaris open up lonely lakes, traditional estancias and rick local wildlife all dotted with magnificent viewpoints.
Day 11-12
Calafate and the Perito Moreno Glacier
Return to Calafate and spend a day visiting the awesome Perito Moreno Glacier, the world largest (and only advancing glacier) outside of the poles. Walkways overlook the ice or you may prefer a boat-trip across the face of the glacier or a walking or ice-hiking experience to bring you up, close and personal to the Perito Moreno.
Day 13-16
Chile and the Torres del Paine National Park
Head back across the border into the Torres del Paine, South America’s most impressive national park. This is a wild and remote area of soaring jagged peaks, booming waterfalls and giant glaciers that descend from the continent’s vast “Campo de Hielo Sur” icefield. Based at an all-inclusive mountain lodge, you will have the option of jeep safaris, boat-trips, daily walks and horse-rides to take in the magnificent landscapes, traditional gaucho culture and unique flora and fauna of the Torres del Paine – all under the shadow of soaring condors!
Day 17-20
5 Day Cruise through the Patagonian fjords
You will be driven out of the park to Punta Arenas to board your vessel for a 5 day cruise through the picturesque Patagonian islands, inlets and fjords that make up the southern tip of South America. Accompanied by expert local guides, you will enjoy daily excursions to experience the region’s resident glaciers, mountains and wildlife. You will follow in the footsteps of the explorers travelling through the Straits of Magellan to reach the Beagle Channel and even pay a visit, weather allowing, to the rocky outcrop of Cape Horn, for centuries the scourge of the shipping world.
Day 21-23
Discover Buenos Aires, a true world city
Disembarking in Ushuaia, you fly north to the vibrant Argentine capital, Buenos Aires – the “Paris of the Americas” as it has been dubbed. Many of the city’s most famous attractions need little introduction – the regenerated docklands of La Boca, the Pink Palace, San Telmo’s antique market, Recoleta Cemetery, final resting place of the country’s most famous daughter Evita. Further afield, you may like to visit a traditional estancia or take a relaxing cruise through the Tigre Delta or even a ferry across the River Plate to the colonial gem of Colonia del Sacramento at the southern tip of Uruguay. Whatever you choose, what better way to round off your stay than with a traditional Tango Show and Dinner?
Day 24-25
Iguazu Falls – will literally leave you breathless!
A short flight north takes you to the tropical rainforest of Misiones Province, home to the mighty Iguazu Falls, one of South America’s greatest natural sights. Tour the waterfalls from both the Argentine and Brazilian side of the border. For thrill-seekers, you may like to take the Macuco Safari boat trip right under the raging water itself or a scenic helicopter overflight over the incredible gorge. A highlight is the “Devil’s throat” viewpoint, a dramatic 150m wide section through which flows some 200,000 gallons of water per second.
Day 26-19
Rio de Janeiro, the Americas most exciting city
Disembarking in Ushuaia, you fly north to the vibrant Argentine capital, Buenos Aires – the “Paris of the Americas” as it has been dubbed. Many of the city’s most famous attractions need little introduction – the regenerated docklands of La Boca, the Pink Palace, San Telmo’s antique market, Recoleta Cemetery, final resting place of the country’s most famous daughter Evita. Further afield, you may like to visit a traditional estancia or take a relaxing cruise through the Tigre Delta or even a ferry across the River Plate to the colonial gem of Colonia del Sacramento at the southern tip of Uruguay. Whatever you choose, what better way to round off your stay than with a traditional Tango Show and Dinner?
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide From $19,875 – $25,500 per person
When to travel
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Argentina’s weather is as diverse as the country’s landscapes. In the far south, temperatures reach the high teens during the spring and summer months of November to March (best time to visit) though can drop close to zero at night. Due to its latitude, days are long – 16 hours of light in December which contrasts with around 8 hours in mid-winter when temperatures run close to zero during the day and sub-zero at night. Heading north, the Lake District follows a similar pattern though is warmer over 20° in the summer and wettest in March/April though with beautiful autumnal colours. Buenos Aires and central Argentina enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with annual highs of 30° while the subtropical north is very hot and sticky with tempestuous downpours during the summer months – Iguazu Falls are particularly impressive in January in February though often the sheer volume of water and surrounding mist shroud the view.
In Argentina, January is usually one of the hottest months of the year with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. It can be quite humid, especially in Buenos Aires, so it's important to stay hydrated and wear light clothing. If you're planning to explore the country during this time, be prepared for some intense heat and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day.
February in Argentina is usually warm with temperatures ranging from 22 to 32 degrees Celsius. While it may not be as hot as January, it's still important to stay hydrated and wear light clothing. The weather is generally pleasant and sunny, making it a great time to explore the country.
In March, Argentina experiences an autumn climate with temperatures ranging between 16 and 27 degrees Celsius. It is generally sunny with occasional cooler days, making it a good time to explore the country without worrying about the scorching heat. It is recommended to wear layers as the temperature can drop at night.
In April, Argentina experiences a mild autumn climate with temperatures ranging between 14 and 23 degrees Celsius. It is generally sunny with occasional cooler days, making it a good time to explore the country without worrying about extreme heat or cold. It is recommended to wear layers as the temperature can still drop at night.
May in Argentina is the beginning of winter, with temperatures ranging from 9 to 18 degrees Celsius. It can be quite chilly, especially at night, so it's recommended to pack warm clothes and layers. Despite the cooler weather, it's still a good time to visit Argentina as there are fewer crowds and the scenery can be quite stunning.
In June, Argentina experiences the heart of winter with temperatures ranging from 6 to 14 degrees Celsius. It can be quite cold, especially at night, so it's important to pack warm clothes and layers to stay comfortable. Despite the cooler temperatures, June is still a great time to visit Argentina as there are fewer crowds and the scenery is still breathtaking.
In July, Argentina experiences winter with temperatures ranging from 5 to 13 degrees Celsius. It can be quite chilly, particularly in the evenings, so it's important to bring warm clothing and layers to stay comfortable. Despite the cooler temperatures, July is still a great time to visit Argentina as there are fewer tourists and the scenery is still stunning.
In August, Argentina experiences a milder winter with temperatures ranging from 6 to 16 degrees Celsius. While still cool, it's not as chilly as July and visitors can still enjoy the beautiful scenery without having to worry too much about the cold. It's still recommended to bring layers for the evenings, but overall, August is a great time to visit Argentina.
In September, Argentina experiences a gradual increase in temperature with highs ranging from 14 to 20 degrees Celsius. The evenings can still be cool, so it's best to bring layers, but overall, the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
During October, Argentina experiences a slight increase in temperature with highs ranging from 16 to 22 degrees Celsius. The evenings can still be cool, so it's best to bring layers, but overall, the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
In November, Argentina's temperature starts to rise again with highs ranging from 20 to 27 degrees Celsius. The weather is generally warm and sunny, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities. However, it's still advisable to bring some layers for cooler evenings.
In December, the weather in Argentina is generally warm with temperatures ranging from 21 to 30 degrees Celsius. It's a great time to explore the outdoors and enjoy the sunshine, but it's also a good idea to bring some layers for cooler evenings.
Add on’s
There are plenty of add on options if you have the time, enjoy a cruise to Antarctica, tag on a Galapagos Cruise, explore Colombia or take in the wonders of the Incas in Peru.
Chile is also easily accessed from either Sydney or Melbourne with direct flights to Santiago.
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