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9 Day Argentina & Chile Highlights
Highlights: Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Puerto Varas, Santiago
Trip start: Buenos Aires
Trip end: Santiago
* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

Arrive into Buenos Aires, the colorful capital of Argentina. Once you are settled into your hotel, you will have a guided tour of the city visiting the different neighborhoods. Then enjoy the day at a local ranch with an Argentine barbeque lunch. After a day at leisure, fly to the spectacular Iguassu Falls. Here, you will have guided visits the Argentine side of the falls before making your way south to Bariloche- famous for its scenery and artisan chocolate! A guided tour of the Lake District and Victoria Island is sure to draw you in. Next, is a real treat- the Lake Crossing to Puerto Varas, Chile where you can enjoy a guided tour of both Puerto Montt and Puetro Varas. Finally, fly north to Santiago and enjoy a panoramic tour of this metropolitan city.

With private transfers and a mix of private and shared Guided tours with expert Guides as well as all internal flights and 24/7 local support, you can relax in the knowledge that you will be well cared for from start to finish.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Buenos Aires
  • Meet and Greet
  • Buenos Aires: Transfer - Private - Airport (International) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Reciprocity Tax (Not Included)
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Private - 1/2 d Panoramic City Tour - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Hotel Madero
(Alt: Algodon Mansion) (B)
Day 2
Buenos Aires
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Shared - Day at the Ranch Estancia El Rocio (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Hotel Madero (B)
Day 3
Buenos Aires
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Optional Activities
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Private - Tango Show & Dinner - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
Hotel Madero (B)
Day 4
Bariloche
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Private - Airport (Domestic) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Air - Buenos Aires - Bariloche [Direct (2.5 hr)] - Economy
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Bariloche: Transfer - Private - Airport (Central) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Design Suites Bariloche
(Alt: El Casco Art Hotel) (B)
Day 5
Bariloche
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Private - Lakes and Mountains Tour with Optional Sail - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Continuation of day tour
  • Dinner (not included)
Design Suites Bariloche (B)
Day 6
Puerto Varas
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Shared - Bariloche - Puerto Varas [Andes Lake Crossing (13-14 hrs)] - Ship
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Hotel Cabanas del Lago (B)
Day 7
Santiago
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Private - Puerto Varas - Puerto Montt [30 min] - Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Puerto Montt - Santiago [Direct - LA 060 (2 hrs)] - Economy
  • Santiago: Transfer - Private - Airport - vehicle/driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Hotel Atton El Bosque
(Alt: Ritz Carlton
Day 8
Santiago
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Private - Vina del Mar & Valparaiso (with lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Hotel Atton El Bosque 
Day 9
Santiago
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Private - 1/2 d Panoramic City Tour - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Kensington Cares - 2
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Transfer - Private - Airport - vehicle/driver
Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, located on the southern shore of the Río de la Plata. The city has a spectacular legacy of architecture and parks, and its citizens consider themselves European. It is famous for the tango, superb restaurants, and the best shopping on the continent. The city has numerous museums related to history, and art in its many forms; fine, modern, decorative, popular, sacred and arts and crafts, as well as theatre and popular music. It is also known for its preserved homes of noted art collectors, writers, composers and artists.

Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locating your vehicle.

Enjoy a private airport (International) transfer with professional driver and English speaking Guide.

Upon arrival by air in to Buenos Aires' International Airport (Ezeiza/EZE), Americans and Canadians are required to pay a reciprocity fee of $131 USD for Americans and $70 USD for Canadians. Other nationalities will vary. Upon payment for Americans, cash (Argentine Pesos or American Dollars), credit card or travelers checks, a receipt will be stapled at the back of your passport and is valid for the duration of the passport. Subject to change without notice. For Canadians, the reciprocity tax will be valid for one entry only. Please consult with the Argentine consulate for full details.

Buenos Aires is where it all happens, and we want you to immerse yourself in its beauty, history, and sheer radiance. Enjoy a private guided, half-day panoramic tour, discovering the rich parks and open spaces of the Northern Neighborhood and the eye-catching buildings and grounds of Palermo and Recoleta, in the comfort of a private vehicle. After being picked up from your hotel, you'll be driven to the Obelisk; a distinct symbol of the city. After that, you will visit different squares such as Plaza de Mayo, Plaza San Martín, Plaza del Congreso and some of the main avenues such as Corrientes, de Mayo, and 9 de Julio. Enjoy views in the historical neighborhoods of La Boca, San Telmo, Montserrat and the elegant neighborhoods of Palermo, Recoleta, and the modern Puerto Madero. Breathe in the fresh air as you pass through parks such as Lezama, Tres de Febrero and the Ecological Reserve. En route you will also get to visit financial and commercial areas and Soccer Stadiums. At the end of your tour you will be dropped back at your hotel.

Hotel Madero is placed in the wistful and scenic Puerto Madero area, and is a beautiful hotel to stay in while getting to know the fiery city of Buenos Aires. The 197 rooms offer a vast space in which one can relax and unwind, with great views. The culinary skills of the French chef at Madero's Red Resto & Lounge, are showcased via French specialties fused with international. Spend time at the bars, sipping on cocktails, or drop by the pool for a refreshing swim.

Overnight at Hotel Madero.


Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
La Boca
La Boca
Sofitel Madero, Buenos Aires
Sofitel Madero, Buenos Aires
Day 2 Buenos Aires

Enjoy a full day excursion to learn about the habits of Argentines as you visit a local ranch on a shared, guided tour. Estancia El Rocio is today's destination - Transfer by private car to this traditional “estancia” (ranch) where you will get to taste the traditional “asado” (barbecue), and enjoy the gaucho’s way of life. Whether it's polo lovers or people who just like outdoor activities, Estancia El Rocio becomes the perfect setting to enjoy nature, practice sports, or just lay back and relax before the return journey to Buneos Aires.

Overnight at Hotel Madero.


Horseback Riding at Estancia El Rocio
Horseback Riding at Estancia El Rocio
Day 3 Buenos Aires

There are so many things to see and do in the city of Buenos Aires that you will be spoiled for choice. Consider a half day coastal train ride from Buenos Aires, taking in some of the sights of the city before arriving to the city of Tigre which is situated on the Lower Delta of the Paraná River, where a group of islands and streams open up like a fan. Enjoy a sail through this area and see how the complex river branches have formed attractive natural scenery and environmental landscape frequented by local wildlife. Alternatively, avail of one of the great golf courses in the suburbs of the city. Enjoy a shared tour to a traditional Argentine ranch where you can enjoy a bbq meal and see some local dances and watch the gaucho countryman perform riding, taming, and lasso tricks. Or spend the day in nearby Uruguay visiting Colonia and/or Montevideo - both historical towns worth visiting, each of which include a sailing trip from Buenos Aires. If you are interested in art, tango, cooking or exploring the cafe culture of Buenos Aires, consider a themed private tour. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in any of these tour options.

A visit to Buenos Aires would be incomplete without a tango show. Watch as professional tango dancers take the room by storm, whipping feet, hair, dresses and heels along the floor and enchanting the audience with the romance and heat of this dance. The Argentine Tango has drawn its influences from all regions and settings, and is famous for its intermingling of styles and fusions of world dance techniques. Embrace this authentic dance in the place where it originated, as you enjoy dinner and drinks.

Enjoy the unique sexual magnetism of the Tango performed by some of the best tango dancers and singers. Its origins are traced back to the 1880’s, and its birthplace is the suburbs: which accounts for its deep malevolent, sexual, passionate and troublemaker contents. Tango is – since its origins – a vital expression mixed up with a particular form of breathing, dressing, talking, and loving of the “porteños” that creates a new type of style: the Tango Style. Taste the most delightful typical Argentine and international dishes, the specialty are prime beef, with the best local wines in a charming atmosphere with excellent service. A superb orchestra will help you discover the secret of the music of Buenos Aires while you watch. At the end of the evening, you will be returned to your hotel.

Overnight at Hotel Madero.


Sailing Buenos Aires
Sailing Buenos Aires
Tango Dancers
Tango Dancers
Day 4 Bariloche

San Carlos de Bariloche is a city in the province of Río Negro, Argentina, situated on the foothills of the Andes, surrounded by lakes (Nahuel Huapi, Gutiérrez Lake, Moreno Lake and Mascardi Lake) and mountains (Tronador, Cerro Catedral, Cerro López). It is famous for skiing but also known for sight-seeing, water sports, trekking and climbing. Cerro Catedral is one of the most important ski centers in South America.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver and English speaking Guide.

Fly from Buenos Aires to Bariloche. Note flights are subject to changes based on availability. The flight duration is approximately 2.5 hour.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with your own private vehicle and English speaking driver/guide. 

Design Suites Bariloche hotel combines great style and nature. The functional decoration of this boutique hotel is inspired by the colors of the environment, and it adds to the sense of tranquility and peaceful sensation of the place. With design as the conceptual priority, the property provides a high level of comfort, guaranteeing an unforgettable stay. The hotel offers exceptional panoramic views of Nahuel Huapi's Lake and facilities include an art gallery, resto-bar, and wine-bar, health center, Spa, heated swimming pool and a playroom for children.

Overnight at Design Suites Bariloche.


Design Suites Bariloche
Design Suites Bariloche
Day 5 Bariloche

Enjoy a full day private tour with your own vehicle, driver and English speaking Guide as you experience the natural magnificence of this area. After being picked up at your hotel, you will cross the outlet of Nahuel Huapi Lake and the spring of Limay river, geographical limit between the provinces of Río Negro and Neuquén. Following Limay river, you pass by the Amphitheater and then go on towards the Valle Encantado (enchanted valley) and Confluencia Traful, a region of transition between the Patagonian steppe and the Patagonian Andean forest. From here, your driver and Guide will take you westwards towards Villa Traful bordering Traful river until you reach a natural balcony overlooking Traful Lake. The road continues bordering the lake, passes through Villa Traful and heads towards Arrayanes Port. After driving through a shady forest, you will arrive at El Portezuelo (940 m) where you meet the Seven Lakes Road going southwards and which borders lakes Correntoso, Bailey Willis, and Espejo before heading towards Villa La Angostura. From here, there is an optional sail to Arrayanes Wood (not included). Enjoy lunch en route (not included) before being returned to your hotel in Bariloche. (Please note that the National Park fee and optional sail to Arrayanes wood are not included).

Overnight at Design Suites Bariloche.


Bariloche
Bariloche
Day 6 Puerto Varas

Puerto Varas is a city and commune located in the southern Chilean province of Llanquihue, in the Los Lagos Region. The city is well known for its German traditions, its food, its fish and seafood, the natural environment, its casino and 4 star hotels. Only 20 km from Puerto Montt, it is located on the shore of the Lake Llanquihue, one of the largest natural lakes in South America. The perfect cone of Osorno volcano and the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Calbuco and Mt. Tronador are clearly visible from the lakefront. On the western shore of Llanquihue Lake are the tourist localities of Puerto Octay, Frutillar and Llanquihue.

The Cruce de Lagos programme operates the route over the Andes from Chile to Argentina or vice versa through the Nahuel Huapi (Argentina) and National Parks of Vicente Pérez Rosales (Chile). The circuit departs daily* in summer and winter from Bariloche. 

*An overnight in Peulla is required during the Fall and winter months

Itinerary:

At approximately 07.00AM, travel by bus from Bariloche to Puerto Pañuelo. Upon arrival, board El Condor Catamaran and sail the Blest Branch of Nahuel Huapi lake.

Enjoy lunch (optional, not included) in a cozy restaurant of the Blest Hostal with a magnificent view of the lake. After a lunch break, start a bus trip to Puerto Alegre, which borders the Frías river for about 3 km. On board the Caleuche or the Dalca motorship, sail Frías Lake for 15 minutes. From here, you have the opportunity to see the Tronador Hill. Upon arrival at Puerto Frías we clear Argentine customs and proceed on a bus through lush Andean vegetation to the Vicente Pérez Rosales pass and then 29 kms. to the Chilean customs at Peulla.

We then continue aboard the Lagos Andinos Catamaran and set out to cross the waters of the Todos Los Santos lake. On our trip we will be able to view Mount Puntiagudo and the impressive Osorno volcano. We will arrive to Petrohué and during our trip to Puerto Varas we will do a stop for visiting the magnificent Petrohué waterfalls.

With a panoramic overview of Lake Llanquihue, the volcanoes: Osorno & Calbuco, & the city, this hotel is 35 km. From the airport, 5 blocks from downtown and casino, a block away from the Phillippi Hill, & within walking distance to the coastal street. The hotel has grown as a family company, still preserving the typical German background of the region. It has 130 finely decorated rooms, 3 of the Master Suites and 14 fully equipped cabins for up to 5 people and surrounded by large gardens

Overnight at Hotel Cabanas del Lago.


Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas
Entrance to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
Entrance to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
Hotel Cabanas del Lago
Hotel Cabanas del Lago
Day 7 Santiago

Santiago is the capital of Chile, and its largest city. Two decades of uninterrupted economic growth have transformed Santiago into one of Latin America's most modern metropolitan areas, with extensive suburban development, dozens of shopping malls, and impressive high-rise architecture. Santiago has an excellently preserved city square that is very pleasant for a leisurely walk. It also boasts numerous museums, parks, churches and fine restaurants for dining. For a taste of world renown Chilean wines, visit some of the nearby vineyards for day excursions.

Transfer from Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt in a private vehicle with a driver guide. Approximate transfer time is 30 minutes.

Fly direct from Puerto Montt to Santiago. Fights are subject to availability. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours.

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Santiago with a private guide and driver.

Situated in the exclusive area of Las Condes, in Santiago, the Atton El Bosque is perfectly placed for those who want easy access to the city. Clean and well-maintained, the 240 rooms are decorated in neutral colors with modern effects. Each room includes air conditioning and heating systems, mini bar, and internet. Dine on authentic Chilean fare, and choose from a range of international dishes. Friendly service and hospitality are one of the highlights of this hotel. Visit the business center for internet use, and try out the gym and swimming pool for a bit of a workout.

Overnight at Hotel Atton El Bosque.


Santiago
Santiago
Atton el Bosque
Atton el Bosque
Day 8 Santiago

Enjoy a private full day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Valparaiso and the pretty coastal town of Vina del Mar. Take in the great coastal views as you head along the Pacific coast and soak in the panoramic view of the port, before visiting the home of Nobel Laureate Pablo Neruda, whose house is a true hideaway located on the upper part of town overlooking the port. The house is modeled on shipbuilding (Neruda's love for all things maritime is famous) and the gardens have many exotic plants, which make for a restful spot. Continue to the Prat Wharf before going to Vina del Mar where you can enjoy lunch facing the sea. At day's end you will be brought back to your hotel in Santiago.

Situated in the exclusive area of Las Condes, in Santiago, the Atton El Bosque is perfectly placed for those who want easy access to the city. Clean and well-maintained, the 240 rooms are decorated in neutral colors with modern effects. Each room includes air conditioning and heating systems, mini bar, and internet. Dine on authentic Chilean fare, and choose from a range of international dishes. Friendly service and hospitality are one of the highlights of this hotel. Visit the business center for internet use, and try out the gym and swimming pool for a bit of a workout.

Overnight at Hotel Atton El Bosque.


Colourful Homes of Valparaiso
Colourful Homes of Valparaiso
Day 9 Santiago

Enjoy a private half day panoramic city tour with your own private vehicle, professional driver and English speaking Guide taking in the main avenues of the city’s civic center as well as the main sites of interest. Visit La Moneda Palace, the current seat of the government formerly the home of Chilean presidents until 1958. Then continue along the streets of the downtown area to the Main Square surrounded by the Cathedral Metropolitana of the XVIII century, the National Historical Museum, and the Central Post Office. Visit the Forestal Park passing in front of the Fine Arts Museum towards Bellavista, the bohemian quarter of Santiago. Continue to San Cristóbal Hill, a beautiful public park dominated by the monumental sculpture of Virgin Mary (36 meter high). From this site, enjoy a panoramic view of the city before continuing toward the modern residential neighborhoods of Pedro de Valdivia Norte, Las Condes, and Vitacura. At the end of the tour you will be dropped back at your hotel allowing you some time for some independent exploring or some relaxation time at your hotel. San Cristobal hill fee included.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Santiago with a private guide and driver.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).


Virgin Mary Statue
Virgin Mary Statue
Kensington Cares
Kensington Cares

Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.