“If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? That’s what we asked our followers on Facebook and Twitter and the frequent travelers we interviewed on the streets of New York. Their answers spanned the globe, from an overwater bungalow in Bora-Bora to a South African safari to the beaches of Brazil. Here, our advice on how to make these dream getaways a reality—plus, the trips that are on T+L editors’ bucket lists.”
– Travel + Leisure Magazine, 50 Dream Trips Edition | Edited by Jacqueline Gifford and Brooke Porter Katz
One of those traveler’s questioned was Rosemari Herrero, a 30 year old investment banker. She answered “I would love to see penguins, go horseback riding, and meet gauchos in Patagonia. The mountains there are so beautiful.” Travel & Leisure Magazine naturally chose Knowmad Adventures to put together the logistics for this Patagonia Dream Trip, as they recently named co-founder Jordan Harvey for the second year in a row as a T+L A-List winner, expert in Chile and Argentina. This adventure includes explorations of both Argentina and Chile with activities like ice-climbing on the massive Perito Moreno Glacier or horseback riding in the infamous Torres del Paine National Park. We also added stops in both countries’ intriguing capital cities, tastings at off-the-beaten path boutique vineyards and more. Look for the journey in the South America section of the October 2014 Issue of Travel + Leisure Magazine, 50 Dream Trips and get the full details below!
Argentina & Chile Adventure TRIP
A perfect pair, this Argentina and Chile adventure trip marries two of South America’s most fascinating countries. This tour is a combination of luxurious leisure and outdoor adventure featuring time in Buenos Aires, wine country, eclectic Valparaiso, and Santiago; there is a lot to love about this two-week South American dream trip.
Trip Highlights
- Cross through the Andes Mountains while combining diverse adventures in both Argentine and Chilean Patagonia
- Experience one of the world’s largest active glaciers where you can even strap on crampons and try introductory ice trekking
- Enjoy Chilean Patagonia’s most privileged location and unprecedented flexibility while staying at Explora – one of the world’s top adventure lodges.
- Explore cosmopolitan Buenos Aires and thriving Santiago
- Tastings and tours at off-the-beaten path boutique vineyards in lesser-known Chilean wine valleys
- Discover the eclectic charm of vibrant Valparaiso on the Chilean coast
Itinerary Overview
DAY 1 • ARRIVAL IN 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 your early morning arrival to Buenos Aires you will be met and taken to your centrally located hotel. Spend the rest of your afternoon experiencing an incredible guided exploration of Buenos Aires. Dive deep into its culturally rich neighborhoods: San Telmo, Lo Boca, Puerto Madero and La Recoleta.
DAY 3 • BUENOS AIRES
Enjoy your morning at leisure independently before a dynamic guided exploration of the Buenos Aires highlighting various aspects of the cities history and culture while bringing to life one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
B – Serena Boutique Hotel
DAY 4 • BUENOS AIRES – PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA
You will be picked up in the morning and taken to the airport for your flight to El Calafate and taken to your hotel.
DAY 5 • PERITO MORENO GLACIER
Travel by private transfer to ‘Bajo Las Sombras’ pier to board the ferry for an exciting morning of introductory ice walking atop this massive glacier. 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 introductory glacier hike exploring the picturesque landscape of streams, small lagoons, gullies, and giant ice formations (more demanding ice-hike options available upon request). After the hike, a short stroll through the forest will bring you back to solid ground. In the afternoon a leisurely walk takes you from viewpoint to viewpoint as you marvel at this natural marvel.
B, box L – Esplendor de Calafate
DAYS 6-9 • PATAGONIA, CHILE – EXPLORA SALTO CHICO LODGE
Awake in the morning to embark on a scenic overland transfer into Torres del Paine National Park, crown jewel of Patagonia. After settling in to Explora Salto Chico Lodge with its unrivaled location and views, you will discuss with your guide Explora’s wide range of excursions in Patagonia and chart out your time in this remote and beautiful land at the bottom of the Earth. From this wide range of excursions choose more casual driving safaris to demanding full-day hikes near glaciers, glacier boat expeditions to private catamarans on turquoise lakes, cantors through vast grasslands with gauchos or more introductory horseback rides in striking scenery.
At Explora Salto Chico the focus is adventure and an expedition tailored to your interests, while returning to a centrally located lodge of understated elegance. Choose from a range of Patagonia adventure excursions to create your perfect, custom experience.
Explora may be substituted in this program for a custom, private adventure in Torres del Paine, or any of our other recommended lodges in the park such as Awasi Patagonia, Tierra Patagonia, EcoCamp Patagonia, etc.
B, L, D – Explora Salto Chico
DAY 10 • PATAGONIA – SANTIAGO – WINE COUNTRY
Depart in the morning in accordance with your flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago. Have the day at your leisure to enjoy the grounds and facilities at La Casona. Time dependent, you may choose to take a tour of the Matetic Winery as part of your stay at La Casona.
B, D – La Casona at Matetic
DAY 11 • CASABLANCA VALLEY
You will be met at your hotel and taken to the renowned Casablanca Valley. The valley is world famous for its commitment to producing some of Chile’s best white wines and cool-climate reds. Your first visit will be to Loma Larga, named “Winery of the Year 2011,” where you will enjoy private tasting of their most distinctive wines. Next stop is HOUSE Casa del Vino, for a special food and wine pairing lunch. After lunch you will visit Viñedos Organicos Emiliana, on the forefront of organic winemaking.
*Optional biking tour highlighting the serene countryside and vineyards of one of the worlds most distinguished wine regions.
B, L, D – La Casona at Matetic
DAY 12 • VALPARAISO & VINA DEL MAR
Discover the eclectic charm of Valparaiso. The first Chilean city founded by the Spanish, ‘Valpo’ was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ride the century old ascencores (hillside elevators), walk lyrical streets, and visit poet Pablo Neruda’s home. 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.
B, L, D – La Casona at Matetic
DAY 13 • SANTIAGO – ONWARD
Enjoy a relaxing morning on La Casona’s beautiful grounds before heading with your guide the short distance to Santiago where you will explore this thriving capital city and get to know Chilean life and customs. Following your Santiago exploration you will be taken to the airport and bid farewell before flying home (generally evening departures on overnight flights).
B
DAY 14 • ARRIVE HOME
Arrive home.
Important Info
2014 COSTS
Based on Salto Chico Room at Explora Lodge
- From $5,985 / 4 or more travelers
- From $6,585 / 2 travelers
Based on Cordillera Paine Room at Explora Lodge
- From $6,385 / 4 or more travelers
- From $6,985 / 2 travelers
TYPE Flexible Date Private Departures with entry dates available every five days for Explora Lodge. You choose the date, your travel companions and one of our adventures.
LIGHT – MODERATE TRIP Activities are flexible and can include hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, photography, horseback riding, cultural opportunities, and spa.
DEPARTURES October through April.
LENGTH 13 days – 12 nights luxury hotels and lodges
BEGIN | END Buenos Aires, Argentina / Santiago, Chile
Is It For Me
This extensive Argentina and Chile combination itinerary is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive, dynamic, and flexible Patagonia tour that also features the best of greater Argentina and Chile. A striking juxtaposition of landscapes and settings from the urbane to the end of the world, the trip wows at every turn.
Knowmad has vast knowledge and operating capacities in Argentina and Chile: this is a private trip and we are happy to modify excursions, accommodations, and the flow of the itinerary to perfectly suit your travel style and interests. Give us a call at 612-315-2894 or e-mail Jordan at [email protected], let’s make this dream trip your reality!
Big Views, Jordan Harvey
Jordan is a Co-Founder of Knowmad Adventures, a company dedicated to creating unique, private and custom trips in South America. He was recently honored by Travel & Leisure as an A-List Top Travel Specialist for South America.
“Travel brings me incredible experiences and challenges, highlighting the world’s natural beauty while connecting me with inspiring people. I am convinced that travel makes us better people, and better people make a better planet.” Read Jordan’s biography and more about the Knowmad team.
