“We had the most amazing trip [to South America]; thank you! We are so appreciative of your guidance and expertise. It was so memorable and we sincerely loved every moment. Getting back to reality today is particularly challenging!” – Loren and Heath
The Ward’s explored the bustling city streets of Buenos Aires, trekked across Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate, explored the Patagonian mountainside in both Argentina and Chile, stayed in the infamous and vibrant Valparaiso, and rounded their trip out with a stop at a boutique winery in the Casablanca Valley. What an incredible adventure! We are so glad you had an amazing trip to South America.
The Ward’s Amazing Trip to South America: Chile & Argentina
Day 1 USA – Buenos Aires
You will fly on an overnight flight from the U.S. arriving to Buenos Aires early the following day.
Day 2 Buenos Aires
After arriving early morning into Buenos Aires (Ezeiza International Airport) you will be met at the airport by a Knowad Adventures representative and transferred to your independently arranged hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure independently enjoying the sights and sounds of the city as you see fit.
- Park Hyatt, service not provided by Knowmad
Day 3 Buenos Aires
Enjoy the day at leisure exploring Buenos Aires. Suggested neighborhoods to explore: San Telmo, Lo Boca, Puerto Madero and La Recoleta.
- Park Hyatt, service not provided by Knowmad
Day 4 Buenos Aires – El Calafate
You will be picked up from your hotel at 4:00 a.m. (please be waiting and in the hotel lobby 10 minutes prior) and taken to the airport for your flight to El Calafate before being transferred to ‘Bajo Las Sombras’ pier to board the ferry for your mini-trekking excursion. The ferry embarks across the Rico Arm while enjoying stunning views of the glaciers front walls and iceberg channels. Once you arrive at the glacier, mountain guides will lead you on a two-hour circuit hike (groups of 20) exploring the picturesque landscape of streams, small lagoons, gullies, and giant ice formations. After the hike, a short stroll through the forest will bring you back to solid ground.
Enjoy a delicious box lunch before spending the afternoon visiting the various scenic overlooks and viewpoint areas of the massive Perito Moreno Glacier. It descends to Argentino Lake and its 35- kilometer long and 70-meter (230 ft.) high wall above water level can be admired. During the short walks, you will be able to witness the ice detachment phenomena, with the hollow sounds of ice falling and becoming smaller floating glaciers. Following the day you will be taken to your hotel.
- B, box L, D – Esplendor
Day 5 El Calafate – Torres del Paine
You will be picked up from your Calafate hotel around 8-9 a.m. by a Tierra Patagonia representative (pick-up time will be confirmed the night before with hotel reception, please be waiting and in the hotel lobby 10 minutes prior to pick-up time) and transferred to Cerro Castillo (Chilean/Argentinean border) while driving through rolling grasslands and classic Patagonian landscapes. After continuing into Chilean Patagonia you will arrive to Tierra Patagonia in Torres del Paine National Park. While at Tierra Patagonia you will be able to choose from a wide range of adventurous excursions, as well as enjoying gourmet food and a range of wines and alcohol as part of their adventure inclusive package. For more information on excursions see the supplementary information from the lodge.
- B, box L, D – Tierra Patagonia
Day 6 Torres del Paine
Continue enjoying your stay at Tierra Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park.
- B, L, D –Tierra Patagonia
Day 7 Torres del Paine
Continue enjoying your stay at Tierra Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park.
- B, L, D – Tierra Patagonia
Day 8 Torres del Paine
Continue enjoying your stay at Tierra Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park.
- B, L, D – Tierra Patagonia
Day 9 Torres del Paine – Santiago
After enjoying your morning at Tierra Patagonia you will be taken to the airport in accordance with your onward flight to Santiago. Upon arrival in Santiago you will be met by a Knowmad representative in front of Le Fournil Restaurant inside the airport and taken to your hotel.
- B – Ritz Carlton, service not provided by Knowmad
Day 10 San Antonio Valley
After breakfast you will be picked up at 8:30 a.m. (please be waiting in the hotel lobby 10 minutes prior) and taken on a discovery of the San Antonio Valley and its wineries. First, Casa Marín, which has been described as one of the “most daring and innovative” vineyards in the country. Its outstanding wines have received many awards including Best Sauvignon Blanc in the World (2010) and Winery of the Year (2010) by industry association Wines of Chile. Most recently, it was named among the Top 100 Wineries in the World (2012) by Wine & Spirits magazine. Two of its top wines – Miramar Vineyard Syrah 2010 and Cipreses Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011 – were named the “best in Chile” by the country’s most prestigious wine publication Descorchados. You’ll enjoy a private tour and tasting of their premium wines. Next, you will head the short distance to Matetic Winery. A state-of-the-art winemaking facility, Matetic is designed to complement its beautiful natural surroundings. The winery incorporates organic and biodynamic agricultural practices and an architecture, which optimizes vinification. Wine & Spirits magazine has selected Matetic among its 100 Top Wineries in the World on more than one occasion, and the winery has been called a “great ambassador” for Chilean wine on the world stage. You will enjoy a tour and tasting of their distinctive wines followed by lunch in their chic Equilibrio Restaurant.
- B, L – Hotel Acontraluz
Day 11 Valparaíso
Enjoy the day at your leisure to relax and explore Valparaiso independently.
- B – Hotel Acontraluz
Day 12 Valparaíso
Today you will be picked up at 11 a.m. (please be in the hotel lobby 10 minutes prior) to enjoy a full- day excursion of Valparaíso, a must see for any visitor to Chile. A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the first Chilean cities founded by the Spanish, Valparaíso was the most important Pacific South American seaport for centuries until the inauguration of the Panama Canal. In its Golden Age, the city was a thriving hub of high society, culture, and European influence. Today, those historic elements are mixed with quirky, bohemian cafes, artists’ workshops, and street art to create a city full of character and with surprises at every turn. You will explore the historic downtown sector, and then century-old hillside ascensores (elevators) will transport you up into the city’s steep hills, where a labyrinthine maze of streets reveals brightly colored buildings, hidden cafes and elegant restaurants, and spectacular views of the harbor below. Your exploration also includes a stop in the resort city of Viña del Mar, known as “the garden city” for its lush gardens and palm-lined boulevards. Following your day, you’ll be taken to the airport at 9 p.m. for your onward flight home.
- B, L
Day 13 USA Arrive home.
Hasta Pronto, Knowmad Adventurers
Knowmad Adventures works closely with independent-minded travelers creating innovative trips to South America. Our specialists in Patagonia, Chile, Machu Picchu, Peru, Argentina, the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador and Antarctica are eager to collaborate and create a trip as unique and authentic as you are, and our experienced South American operations team guarantees you get an insider’s perspective, superior values, and a flawlessly operated trip.
