“Stephanie and I love Knowmad’s attention to detail, that we never feel pushed in one direction or another during our decision-making process, and that the trips always are comfortable, authentic, and culturally immersive.
Our two-week itinerary was a great combination of exploring the culture of Buenos Aires; Los Glaciares National Park and nearby estancias; the beauty and adventure of Torres del Paine; the Chilean seaside port city of Valparaíso; and a wind-down at a luxury vineyard residence in the Apalta Valley. The trip had a great flow.
Starting off in Buenos Aires, we thought Palermo was a great area to stay with easy walkability to many shops, bars, and restaurants, and also a couple of open-air markets.
Jessica took us to a few out-of-the-way locations on the Jewish Heritage tour and even included a home visit to one of her friends who was an artist and a survivor of the AMIA bombing in 1994. We were invited in for a coffee break which was a very special experience. We saw a Tango show at El Querandi in San Telmo and had dinner beforehand at Mishiguene, a Michelin top 50 restaurant in South America. It was a nice change of pace and an excellent dining experience.
Because of airline schedule changes, our pick-up time was adjusted one day. We were contacted by Cami, the local Knowmad rep, and it all worked out. It was nice to know that Knowmad was there for us when needed!
When l saw the deep blue Lago Argentina on our final approach, I felt more excited than ever in all our travels to actually be arriving at our long-awaited destination. We had planned this trip based on the Patagonia experience as its core, and here we were, after years of having this on our radar! The day at Perito Moreno Glacier was spectacular.
On to Explora Salto Chico in Torres del Paine, where it was fairly blustery during our stay, but the weather came in waves, so we were able to get the true Patagonia experience. The views were unreal! We did some amazing hikes. Horseback riding to Laguna Negri was awesome: the gauchos were excellent, the horses beautiful and well-trained, and it was nice cross-country riding, even for a novice.
We then headed to Valparaiso in central Chile, a very colorful hillside port city and the place to go for amazing seafood with beautiful views. Casa Higueras was a fine choice; upscale, a nice restaurant for dinner, breakfast on the terrace overlooking the port, and easy to walk to shops, restaurants and the cultural center. The streets and alleyways were covered in beautiful street art.
After 10 days of adventure, it was time to relax in wine country. The villa at Apalta Residence was over-the-top spectacular, and the experience was out of this world. What a privilege to finish our trip there!”
– Dan and Stephanie, traveling with friends on a two-week trip through Patagonia, Argentina, and Chile; their 3rd Knowmad trip.
For this trip with Knowmad, Dan and Stephanie were looking to have the main focus be Patagonia. They were active travelers who liked some flexibility and downtime with moderate pacing and small but very nice, higher-end, boutique-style accommodations. Working with Knowmad Specialist Renee, here’s the two-week itinerary they came up with.
If Patagonia and wine country are on your list, feel free to reach out to our team at 612-315-2894 or [email protected].
ARGENTINA & CHILE ADVENTURE: PATAGONIA & BEYOND
DAY 1 USA – Buenos Aires
Take an overnight flight, arriving in Buenos Aires the following morning.
DAY 2 Buenos Aires
In Buenos Aires, you will be taken to your accommodations by your Knowmad guide.
- No meals – Legado Mitico, Deluxe Room
DAY 3 Buenos Aires
Enjoy a guided half-day exploration of Buenos Aires, visiting neighborhoods such as San Telmo and La Boca. You will also explore the Recoleta district which includes South America’s most opulent cemetery. Included will be a guided walk through Teatro Colón, rated one of the best opera houses in the world.
- B – Legado Mitico
DAY 4 Buenos Aires
Learn about Buenos Aires’ Jewish heritage on today’s guided, half-day historical and cultural discovery of the city’s Jewish communities. While visiting the most important Jewish sites and monuments, such as Plaza de la Memoria, the AMIA Jewish federation and local synagogues, your guide will explain the history and evolution of the Jewish porteños and their influence in the city. Later, take part in an asado experience: an open fire cooking class where you’ll enjoy premium meat and wine as you discover this local Argentine tradition.
- B, D – Legado Mitico
DAY 5 Buenos Aires – El Calafate
Transfer with your Spanish-speaking driver to the airport. In Calafate, transfer to your accommodations with a Knowmad guide.
- B – Esplendor, Lake View Room
DAY 6 Perito Moreno Glacier
Visit a remote estancia to experience ranch life and enjoy a traditional asado (today in a shared group). Then board a small vessel, stopping for a short hike before boating to the face of the glacier. Exploring the walkways and various viewpoints to witness the thundering of ice carvings.
- B, L – Esplendor, Lake View Room
Joined by companion travelers Day 7 & onward
DAY 7 El Calafate, Argentina – Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Take the shared-guest transfer across the border to Torres del Paine. Due to customs and border crossing, total travel time may be around 4-6 hours. While at your lodge, enjoy a range of small group excursions, gourmet food and a variety of alcoholic beverages. Guides will explain the excursion options each night to plan your activities for the next day.
- B, L (*dependent on arrival time), D – Explora Torres del Paine, Cordillera Paine Room
DaYs 8,9,10 Torres del Paine National Park
Continue enjoying your adventures at the lodge and throughout Torres del Paine.
- B, L, D – Explora Torres del Paine, Cordillera Paine Room
Day 11 Torres del Paine National Park – Puerto Natales – Santiago – Valparaíso
Transfer by shared-guest transfer to Puerto Natales airport (2-hours). In Santiago, transfer with your guide ~90 minutes to your accommodations in the coastal city of Valparaíso.
- B – Casa Higueras, Premium Superior Room
Day 12 Valparaíso
Enjoy a walking exploration of Valparaíso and its hills. Visit Echaurren Square, the origins of the Port, the old banking area, and Concepción and Alegre Hills, home to handicraft and artist workshops.
- B – Casa Higueras
DAY 13 Valparaíso – Colchagua Valley
Transfer with your guide around 3 ½ hours to the Fuegos de Apalta restaurant for lunch (to be paid directly by travelers). Then, continue in the same transfer to your nearby accommodations nestled in the hills of the Colchagua Valley. While at Clos Apalta, enjoy the activities and gourmet meals included in your stay.
- B, D – Clos Apalta Residence, Villa
DAY 14 Colchagua Valley
Enjoy the on-site facilities, visit the cellar in a private tour and tasting, and walk/bike through the vineyard during your day at leisure.
- B, L, D – Clos Apalta Residence, Villa
DAY 15 Colchagua Valley – Santiago – USA
Enjoy the day at Clos Apalta. Transfer ~2.5 hours with your Spanish-speaking driver to the airport for your international flight home.
- B, L
DAY 16 USA
Arrive home.
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.
