Essential South America featuring Chile, the Mendoza Wine Region & Buenos Aires

Set out to experience the sights, flavors, and rhythms of Chile and Argentina as you explore two countries, from bustling cities to sprawling ranches, vineyards, and natural landscapes. It all begins in Chile’s cultural hub, Santiago.

Arrive early this morning in Santiago, the vibrant capital city of Chile nestled in a valley of the Andes Mountains. Settle in at your hotel where you’ll enjoy early access to your room to recoup after your flight. This afternoon, meet your fellow travelers and head out on a panoramic tour of Santiago, getting a look at the city’s blend of modern and colonial architecture and learning about its diverse history. Tonight, toast to the beginning of your South American adventure at a local restaurant.

Follow your curiosity about Chilean history and culture to a museum because it’s your choice! Choose between the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, dedicated to the study and display of pre-Columbian artworks and artifacts from Central and South America -OR- the Memory and Human Rights Museum, which commemorates the victims of human rights violations during the last Chilean military dictatorship. After, set out to discover market-fresh Chilean food with a visit to the Mercado Central de Santiago. Joined by an enthusiastic local, walk through the fish market, stopping along the way to learn about the local seafood and pick up a fresh catch. Then make your way to a local restaurant and watch as a chef turns your find into a delicious ceviche before sitting down for lunch. Take the rest of the day to enjoy Santiago as you please.

An early morning flight brings you to the desert region of Mendoza, known for its vineyards and Malbec wine, and the stunning views of the Andes Mountains. Upon arriving enjoy a brief orientation tour of downtown Mendoza and free time to have lunch on your own. This afternoon, travel outside the city to visit a boutique, family winery. Sample wines selected to show the richness of the terroirs and come to appreciate the unique qualities of the Luján de Cuyo wine-producing sub-region with its dry, almost desert-like climate and irrigation from the Mendoza River’s pure Andean meltwater. Later, settle into your hotel in the city of Mendoza for an evening at leisure.*