Argentina, Atacama Desert & Chile Delights

Today offers a full day to experience some of the many highlights of Buenos Aires. This incredible city is home to stunning architecture, lively local culture and mouthwatering cuisine. Embark on a guided driving and walking tour this morning and follow a local guide to tick off some of the city’s top sights. Learn all about local history as you admire attractions such as the Plaza Del Mayo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Casa Rosada, Recoleta Cemetery and El Caminito. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore on your own. Tonight’s optional excursion is highly recommended. Savour Argentinian culture with a Tango show and indulge in a delicious meal!

• Join a local guide on a Buenos Aires city tour

Enjoy a full free day to explore Buenos Aires at your own pace today. Why not visit some of the spots seen on yesterday’s tour to see them in more detail? The city is also home to some fascinating museums as well as charming neighbourhoods like Palermo and San Telmo. Or, join today’s optional excursion and add another country to this tour with a visit to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay! Take a ferry across the Rio de la Plata to arrive in one of the oldest towns in Uruguay. Embark on an orientation tour, enjoy an included lunch and visit a 19th-century lighthouse for sweeping views.

Wave goodbye to Buenos Aires after breakfast this morning and hop aboard the coach to the next destination - Tigre. This charming city on the Tigre River Delta is known as the “Venice of Argentina” thanks to its dreamy riverside scenery and activities. Upon arrival, join your tour leader on an orientation tour. Spot some of the city’s important sights such as the Tigre Train Station, Parque de la Costa, Paseo Victorica, Museo de Arte and the famous Puerto Frutos (Fruit Market). Then, soak up the riverside sights on an optional river cruise. While admiring the views, learn more about the region’s history and culture with an onboard audio guide. Later, check into the hotel and settle in for the evening.

• Explore the city of Tigre on the Tigre River Delta

Head to the airport after breakfast and hop on an included flight to Mendoza, an incredibly scenic city known for its wine and mountainous landscapes. After arriving in the afternoon and checking into the hotel, set off on an orientation tour. Discover the stunning Plaza Independencia, the main city square, and admire its lush landscaped gardens as well as views of the Aconcagua mountain in the distance. Take the rest of the day to experience Mendoza as you wish. Ask your tour leader for recommendations on where to try local food and wine.

• Soak up the mountain scenery in Mendoza

Today offers the unmissable opportunity to sample the exquisite wine that Mendoza, and Argentina, is celebrated for. Join the optional excursion to visit two world-class wineries in the Mendoza wine region. Be guided by an expert sommelier who will showcase some of Argentina’s most sought-after varietals such as Malbec, renowned for its smooth, fruity flavours. Enjoy a free day thereafter. Why not explore the city, enjoy a delicious local meal or discover Mendoza’s nightlife?

After breakfast, get ready for a spectacular journey aboard an unforgettable bus trip to Chile. Travel along the astoundingCarretera de los Caracoles(Road of the Snails), in the Andes, one of the most breathtaking roads in all of Latin America. Look forward to relaxing onboard in a comfortable semi-bus bed as the scenery delights you at every turn. Arrive in Santiago, Chile’s capital city, this afternoon. After dropping your luggage at the hotel for the next two evenings, dig into an included buffet dinner at the hotel and enjoy a delectable combination of Chilean, South American and international delights.

• Journey from Mendoza to Santiago with breathtaking views

¡Buenos días!Santiago! Wake up in Chile’s bustling capital, and largest city. Embark on a guided city tour this morning. Head to the Plaza de Armas, Santiago’s historic main square which was founded in 1541. Discover the awe-inspiring architecture surrounding the square. Admire the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Post Office Building. Take a funicular ride to the top of San Cristóbal Hill to soak up the panoramic city views. Back at ground level, visit the La Chascona museum, former home of Pablo Neruda, a famous Chilean poet. Santiago is a buzzing nightlife destination which can be explored with tonight’s free evening. Alternatively, join the Chile Heritage Wine Pairing optional excursion and get a taste of Chilean wine culture.

• Discover Santiago, capital of Chile, on a guided tour

Travel back to the airport this morning and take a flight to Calama. Arrive and travel to the enchanting town of San Pedro de Atacama in the mesmerising Atacama desert. Look forward to spending two nights in this quaint town surrounded by otherworldly desert scenery! Embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader and learn more about this town located on a high plateau in the Andes mountains. Discover the town’s unique Adobe architecture and walk along the inviting Caracoles Street. Enjoy an included, family-style dinner at a local restaurant tonight and taste Chilean dishes like ceviche and chimichurri!

• Spend two nights in the Atacama desert

• Explore the quaint town of San Pedro de Atacama

Make the most of this free day in the desert with today’s highly recommended optional excursions. First, choose to join the Laguna Cejar excursion for a chance to swim in a crystal clear lake with high salt levels, allowing you to float and admire the surrounding mountains! Later, choose to join the excursion to Valle de la Luna. Named as such due to its lunar-esque landscapes, this magical valley is covered with saline rocks formed over time from wind and rain. Visit at sunset and prepare to be amazed by these spellbinding sights!

After two days in the dazzling desert, head back to Santiago via Calama today. Arrive in Santiago in the afternoon and check into the hotel for the final two nights of the tour. The evening is free to take some much-needed rest after a jam-packed few days. Or, if your energy allows, why not make the most of Santiago’s nightlife? Head to a local restaurant for dinner, grab a cocktail at a cosy bar or dance at a nightclub. The choice is yours!

As the tour starts winding down, take this free day to tick off some of the Santiago sights you may not have had a chance to see yet. Alternatively, join the optional excursion to visit another Chilean city. Travel to the UNESCO-protected port city of Valparaiso. Known for its hilltop neighbourhoods and colourful buildings, this bohemian city has inspired countless artists and poets. This excursion includes entrance to La Sebastiana museum which was previously Pablo Neruda’s house. Explore the streets lined with artworks and take in the seaside views before heading back to Santiago for a farewell group dinner.

• Enjoy a farewell dinner in Santiago

This Argentina and Chile guided tour may come to an end this morning but after 13 days of bucket-list adventures, you’re sure to leave with memories to last a lifetime! After one more breakfast with the group, bid farewell to your fellow travellers and be sure to swap contact details. Expat Explore can’t wait to see you on tour with us again soon!