Argentina + Chile Adventure 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

Argentina + Chile Adventure is an extensive Patagonia trip marrying two of South America’s most fascinating countries. This tour is a combination of luxurious leisure and outdoor adventure featuring time in both sides of Patagonia including visits to Perito Moreno Glacier and Torres del Paine National Park, as well as Buenos Aires, wine country, eclectic Valparaiso, and Santiago; there is a lot to love about this two-week South American dream trip.

Chile and Argentina Adventure Trip

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.

Serena Boutique Hotel

DAY 3 • Buenos Aires

Enjoy your morning at leisure independently before a dynamic guided exploration of Buenos Aires highlighting various aspects of the city’s 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.

B – Esplendor de Calafate

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 wonder.

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 world’s 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.

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.

Have questions? Talk to an expert: 612-315-2894

Important Info

Chile and Argentina Adventure Travel

Costs

Listed prices are approximations. All Knowmad trips are custom and exact pricing is provided in your trip proposal.

  • From $8,000

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

Air Travel

INTERNATIONALAirfare is not included in the land cost of our trips. You may arrange your international airfare independently, or we are happy to offer our feedback and assistance in helping you book it.

REGIONALIf booked by Knowmad Adventures, internal airfare for this trip averages $800 (Buenos Aires/Calafate, Punta Arenas/Santiago), however this is an approximation and the airfare is subject to change upon booking. If you would like to arrange your own regional flights, please consult us prior so we can verify the departure and arrival times.

What's Next?

Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Signing up is easy. Call us at 612-315-2894 or email [email protected] and reserve your spot. Or simply download our registration form, fill it out, and send it back to us along with your trip deposit. Please refer to registration form for terms & conditions.

Weather & When to Go to Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

The dry summer season in Patagonia is November through March, but it can rain any time of year and can also get windy. Layerable, non-cotton clothing designed for hiking and athletics with a rain shell is the recommended outfit for a day in the Patagonia. Daytime temperatures during this season are typically in the 50s and 60s  F (10-16 C).

Weather in Patagonia

Central Chile and Argentina has a Mediterranean climate similar to the middle parts of California, however the seasons are opposite those in North America and Europe. Expect daytime temps between 70-90 °F (21-32 °C) between November and March, and between 45-65 °F (7-18 °C) other times in the year factoring in coastal breezes if in Valparaiso, Vina del Mar or Cassablanca Valley. In other words this region is comfortable year-round however if you’re not going for skiing it is cloudier and cooler between May and October.

Weather in Central Chile

Prior to your departure, you are provided a detailed pre-trip information packet including a recommended pack list, information about the regions you’ll be visiting, suggested readings, up-to-date health information including any recommended vaccinations and more.

Accommodations

Our trips feature comfortable accommodations that complement their surroundings. We seek out intimacy and character, but never sacrifice cleanliness and security. We also find the best value for quality. In general, our physically moderate to vigorous trips feature hotels classified as 3+ to 4 stars, while less physically demanding trips feature 4+ to 5 star hotels.

As South American travel specialists, we’re experts and have inspected hundreds of properties. Knowmad is happy to suggest upgrades and alternative hotels based on your preferences to ensure your trip is perfect for you. Photos below are from this itinerary’s preferred accommodations. For more specifics, call or write to request more info.

Best Places to Stay in Argentina

Featured Accommodations:

Extend Your Adventure

Easter Island

A tropical paradise with history, culture and mystery at every beautiful turn, a visit to Easter Island – the world’s most isolated speck of land – will captivate any traveler. Meander through the picturesque countryside dotted with volcanoes, and learn about the mysterious Moai statues erected by the original Polynesian tribes who inhabited the island. Still today little is known about the statues or their creators. While circumnavigating the island on visits to the diverse Moai sites, you’ll have opportunities to relax on deserted, white-sand beaches, explore volcanic caves with petroglyphs and walk the rim of a seaside volcano. 

Atacama Desert

Looking for unique? Earth’s closest thing to Mars, Atacama will not disappoint. Your trip to this surreal landscape offers countless cultural and adventure excursions to choose from during the day, while spending nights in a true oasis, the Tierra Atacama boutique hotel and spa. Return for a dip in the pool and enjoy a local cabernet with gourmet cuisine. Don’t forget to take advantage of the world’s best moonscape and stargazing. 

Let The Journey Begin

Let the Journey Begin - Knowmad Adventures

Planning a trip to South America might seem a little overwhelming at first. Knowmad offers door-to-door trip planning: first, we listen, and then we help you navigate the seasonal differences and itinerary options, resulting in a holistic, seamless, and custom-crafted experience, all at a guaranteed best value.

The simplest way to get started is to give us a call at 612-315-2894or to fill out this short form so we can learn more about your travel preferences.