Arrive and join your private transfer to the Cumbres Lastarria Hotel.
Santiago de Chile is the capital and largest city of Chile, located in the country´s Maipo Valley. The city counts with a colonial and European architecture that features a distinctive style that invites thousands of visitors to explore its street full of museums, stores and world-class restaurants. Santiago is one the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Latin America, a city that offers you an unlimited cultural and leisure activity so you can enjoy the most of it.
We should get to Santiago early in the day so will have a 1/2 day city tour before we can check into our hotel rooms followed by a Welcome Lunch! Afternoon/evening free to get a good nights rest.
The tour begins with a visit to the historic city center, with the central plaza as a highlight (Plaza de Armas), where the construction of Santiago began during the colonial era, with historical buildings, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, a beautiful building that combines Bavarian and neoclassical styles of that time. Later, a magnificent panoramic view from one of our hills in the city, where it is possible to appreciate a part of the mountain-chain slopes that surround the city to, afterward, go to the western area to see the great architectonic contrast. A thriving and contemporary city that proves its best with impressive buildings of daring architectonic styles that represent a seal of modernity to this big city.
MEALS: Welcome Lunch
Today we go to the Casablanca Valley for a Casablanca Wine Tour that will include tastings at 3 different wineries with lunch in one of them!
At barely 80 km away from Santiago and at 41 km away from Valparaíso, Casablanca Valley is one of the transverse valleys that cross the middle of Chile, between the mountain chain and the sea and it owes its name to Santa Bárbara de Casablanca, the King Ferdinand VII of Spain’s wife.
Very peculiar climatic characteristics occur here that make this place one of the most wanted for winemaking plantations. This area has found its way to the international market of white wine vines in its great quality versions of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
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Checkout. Private transfer from selected Hotel to Santiago de Chile Airport (SCL) – English speaking assistance. Mineral water on board
Flight from Santiago de Chile to Punta Arenas - Not included
Arrival at Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) and transfer provided by the lodge.
Torres del Paine is one of the biggest and most important protected parks in Chile. It is located between Punta Arenas y Puerto Natales, at 1,983 kilometers to the south of Santiago. If any of the Chilean destination has a high international profile, it's Torres del Paine National Park; which has been recognized as a Unesco’s World Biosphere Reserve. The slender granite needles that pierce the sky above the grassy steppes are an unforgettable symbol of Patagonian majesty. Torres del Paine gives you the opportunity to enjoy the diversity of this unique landscape with the comfort and luxury that this isolated Chilean destination is able to provide you.
3 overnights accommodations at the beautiful Pampa Lodge - All Inclusive Shared Program - 3 nights with full board
Patagonia Camp is located on the shores of enormous Lake Toro and facing the Paine Massif, at kilometer 74 of the new road connecting Puerto Natales with National Park Torres del Paine. The Camp is only 15 km from the Park’s administration center and close to the the main attractions that have made Torres del Paine world famous.
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Website: http://www.patagoniacamp.com/
Enjoy these incredible sights, its changing climate, its flora and wild fauna, as you immerse yourself in Patagonia. You will have opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, nature walks, or just enjoying the ranch experience the next 2 days. Excursion list attached under downloads.
Mentioning about tours, out local partner can arrange the following excursions in private bases:
- Torres de Paine Main Look-out
- Laguna Azul & Lago Pehoe
- Grey Glacier Ice Hiking
- Kayaking Grey River
- Ranch Experience - Cerro Guido
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option: Free day to enjoy 1/2 day treks or kayaks, or full day excursion treks.
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Breakfast & check out. Transfer provided by the lodge to Cancha Carrera to El Calafate, a small town in the Argentinean Patagonia, situated in the southwest part of the Santa Cruz Province, at 2,083 kilometers from Buenos Aires. It is an important tourist destination as the hub to visit different parts of the Los Glaciares National Park, including the Perito Moreno Glacier (one of the most visited Glaciers in the world), the Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy. Its name is derived from a little bush with yellow flowers and dark blue berries that is very common in Patagonia.
On your arrival to El Calafate, you will be taken to Mirador del Lago Hotel, located on the Argentino Lake, surrounded by 2 acres of greenery lined with poplars, and only 500 meters from downtown El Calafate, Mirador del Lago Hotel is the perfect starting point for unforgettable excursions. This unique four star property counts with 68 elegantly appointed rooms with an insurmountable view of the lake and the Andes mountain range.
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Optional: During the afternoon you can take a self-guided tour to Calafate’s Glaciarium Museum and Ice Bar. The Glaciarium is a modern research center devoted to the Patagonian Icefield and its glaciers. It is one of the only glaciological research centers of its kind in the world. From there, you can visit the ‘GlacioBar’, which is constructed entirely of ice, and taste the chill of glacier ice cubes swimming
around in your favorite drink.
Located 80km away from El Calafate, The “Perito Moreno” is "Los Glaciares" National Park’s host, where visiting its catwalks is actually a unique experience. From the beginning, the trip holds pleasant surprises. On the village outskirts, it is possible to see the Argentino Lake on the right and its shallowest part, Redonda Bay (Rounded Bay), populated by a large variety of birds like black-necked swans, flamingos, steamer ducks, coots and Magellan gooses surrounded by yellow fields, due to the “coirones”, typical grass of Patagonian steppe.
The first 40km on the trip runs through Patagonian steppe until getting to the National Park access gate. Over the next 26km, it is possible to appreciate the timberline formed by “high deciduous beech” trees, white oak trees, “low deciduous beech” trees and some cinnamon trees. Flowers of several colors can be appreciated too, being the “fire bush” the one that stands out the most due to its deep red color. All of them are typical Andean-Patagonian forest species.
Facing the glacier every aspect is majestic. The catwalks are divided into 3 circuits: Central Balconies: 600mts (1.968 feet, including 1st balcony, 2nd balcony and Northern balcony); Lower Balcony: 1.100mts (3.609 feet, including Lower balcony) and Coast’s Balcony: 1.117mst (3.665 feet, from parking area up to the Northern Balcony), all of them alternating with resting and panoramic balconies. The route of the visit will be closely related to weather conditions and participants’ willingness and physical conditions; the available time to walk through and visit the catwalks is 1 to 3 hours.
There is an elevator available for disabled persons that leads to the First balcony, the point where the Accessible Pathway begins, extending to 565mts (1.854 feet).
The excursion is usually organized as a full-day program. The visit makes it possible to have different viewpoints of the glacier and enough time for lunch and for optional navigation to approach to the glacier’s southern front.
Safari Boat - Sailing Rico Branch (Los Glaciares National Park Visit's Supplement)
Supplement to National Park Visit | Shared navigation | Guided Tour in Spanish & English | Duration: 1 hour. Departures: 10:00 AM,11:30 AM, 2:30 PM (Ask for more departures)
The tour is a voyage of one (1) hour by the Rico branch of Argentino Lake in order to appreciate the majestic south wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier. This glacier ice wall is about 60m high and 100m below lake level.
The boat comes about 200m from where the glacier touches the Magallanes Peninsula and then goes at length (about 3km) south wall allowing you to enjoy the landslides that occur daily and the magical beauty of its seracs, cracks and intense blue. This service is carried out with the boat Yagan, with capacity for 110 passengers. Boarding takes place at the port on the Bay "Under the Shadow", about 7 km before the glacier viewpoint. It is highly recommended to complete the visit to the glacier with this navigation.
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Alternative Option (Not included - In addition): Minitrekking Adventure, Walking on the Perito Moreno Glacier -Available all year except June & July
Regular Service (Shared) | Guided tour in Spanish & English | Duration: Full Day (10 Hours) | National Park Tickets included |Box lunch not included | Age restriction: between 8 and 65 years old.
Supplement net rate per person, from USD 344.00
The Perito Moreno Glacier is a glacier located in the Los Glaciares National Park in the southwest of Santa Cruz province, Argentina. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in the Argentine Patagonia. The 250 km2 (97 sq mi) ice formation, and 30 km (19 mi) in length is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located in the Andes system shared with Chile. The Perito Moreno glacier, located 78 kilometers (48 mi) from El Calafate.
The excursion begins in the embarking pier located in “Bajo de las Sombras” port, about 6 km before the glacier Balconies- where you embark for 20 minutes navigation across the Rico Arm, enjoying breathtaking views of the Perito Moreno glacier’s front wall. You disembark on the opposite shore, where specialized bilingual mountain guides welcome you and lead you to a small shelter. After checking the last details, groups of not more than 20, follow their guides along the lake’s shore towards the edge of the glacier. Once on the ice, the guides put each participant a pair of crampons on, and explain how to use them.
The two hours circuit that follows introduces you to the fascinating landscape of the glaciers: streams, small lagoons, gullies, crevasses and plenty of ice formations of the most incredible blues. The trekking is moderate. The ice surface over which you walk is irregular but firm and safe. You will receive explanations about flora, fauna and general glaciology of the region and also about the particular phenomenon that happens in the Perito Moreno Glacier and eventually produces its rupture.
After the walk, a stroll through the forest brings you back to the shelter. Finally, the program includes 45 minutes free to enjoy Glacier’s catwalks.
Observations: WHAT TO BRING? Outfit: Warm clothes, raincoat jacket, waterproof trousers, hiking boots, sunglasses, sun screen, gloves, hat, backpack (40lts).
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Restrictions: due to the degree of effort and difficulty that this excursion presents, is NOT allowed for; pregnant women, people with overweight, some type of disability, or health problem. Age: Between 8 and 65 years old.
We will take a flight from El Calafate to Mendoza where we will be picked up by private transfer and take to our classic Argentinian Hotel. Mendoza is the capital city of the homonymous Province, in Argentina. It is located 1,037 kilometers away from Buenos Aires, in a region of foothills and high plains, on the eastern side of the Andes. This beautiful city is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the country and it is surrounded by the largest wine producing area in Latin America. As one of nine cities worldwide in the network of Great Capitals of Wine, Mendoza offers the perfect destination to enjoy the best Argentinean wine while exploring a few of the hundred wineries and dazzling landscapes of this region.
We will spend 3 nights in Posada Verde Oliva, located in an olive grove in Coquimbito, only 16 kilometer (10 miles) from downtown. It has a wide garden, swimming pool and modern rural accommodation. Built in the 19th century, the land has vineyards and olive trees from which we make our own wine and olive oil. Rooms at Posada Verde Oliva are elegant and have floor-to-ceiling windows with garden views. All rooms have air conditioning, heating and satellite TV. A buffet breakfast is served each morning. Welcome drinks are also provided. Guests can relax on the sun loungers by the pool or in the garden, which has a shaded veranda. We offer wine and olive tastings upon request.
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Lares de Chacras Boutique Hotel is on request
Ujan de Cuyo Wine Tour, Exclusive: Viña Cobos, Catena Zapata & Ruca Malen Wineries - Available from Monday to Friday
Private Service (Personalized) | Vehicle and English speaking guide at disposal | Duration: Full day (8 hours approx.) | Visits and tastings at Viña Cobos and Catena Zapata Wineries, and 3-course lunch at Ruca Malen Winery Restaurant, with soft drinks and wine, are included | Mineral water on board.
Today explore the different microclimates in the district of Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo.
Your first visit will be to Viña Cobos Winery. The wines of Viña Cobos are the result of a shared dream inspired by the passion of Paul Hobbs, one of the world’s most famous winemakers and two partners from a wine-producing culture deeply rooted in European traditions. The inaugural 1999 vintage of Cobos Malbec received the highest score at the time for any Argentinean wine upon release from Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator.
Then we will leave for Nicolás Catena's winery, Catena Zapata. You’ll be surprised to discover a pristine Mayan temple tucked away in the vineyards of Mendoza. The impressive, cream-stoned pyramid is the showcase winery for Catena Zapata, one of Argentina’s most prestigious winemakers. They were the first to bring these high-quality wines into the international market, and it is Catena Zapata that deserves the credit for alerting the world to the potential of Argentina. The winery is now top of the Argentine wine pyramid. The label demands high prices and has attracted gushing reviews. In fact, it’s hard to get your hands on a bottle here as most are exported. What remains is for a privileged few. Now does that sound aristocratic?...
We continue to Ruca Malén Winery where we´ll enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience. From the foothills of the Andes Mountains, the focus of Ruca Malen is producing wines that speak of the land and their commitment to the environment. There, you will taste their entire wine list, including their famous and iconic "Kinien". The dining room is located inside a glass room in the vineyards with a view of the Andes. The menu is amazing and the courses are universally excellent, with clever taste combinations, great presentation, and appropriate wine matching.
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Bike & Wine in Uco Valley with Gourmet Lunch - Gimenez Riili & DiamAndes Wineries
This is the ideal tour when you're looking for an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. The wide dirt roads between the vineyard tracks are not technical and the pace is easy-going and fun. Traveling south from Mendoza city, we journey into the countryside covered in patchwork fields, swaying Alamos, and the jagged peaks of the Andes Mountains. The destination is the Uco Valley. Well inside the first mountainsides of the Andes´ foothills, this valley presents the highest altitudes at which wines are produced in Mendoza.
Our first ride will be to Gimenez Rilli winery. Founded in 1945, it is a winery that has represented excellence in winemaking for many years, combining Argentine passion with its family traditions. This cozy winery is run by two generations, father and children, one of whom are Pablo Giménez Riili, co-founder of The Vines of Mendoza. Here you will enjoy a day full of memorable experiences. We continue the tour through picturesque streets that will take us to another of the great wineries that stand out in the region: DiamAndes. This project began in 2005 when Bonnie family, highly recognized in France, acquired the 130-hectare property in the Uco Valley. A special company was born that owes its name to a combination of the words "Diamante" and "Andes" and since the 2007 harvest produces wines in exceptional conditions. Here you will have the pleasure of experiencing six steps harmonized with wines and enjoying the special landscape that characterizes the Uco Valley.
Biking activity: Trekking bikes with suspension, helmets, mineral water, snacks, and local assistance. You´ll pedal an average of 10 kilometers total, or as much if you wish | Personal Insurance coverage.
Website: http://www.gimenezriili.com/ | https://www.diamandes.com/es/
Have a chance for a little hike in the area, time at the hotel before checking out, or we will have an option for a "Typical Argentine Asado BBQ or Asado Cooking Experience" for lunch this day!
Private transfer from Lares de Chacras to Mendoza Airport (MDZ) –
Flight from Mendoza to Santiago de Chile LA 437 departure 1913 arrival 2013
Private transfer from Santiago de Chile Airport (SCL) – TO Cumbres Lastarria Hotel. English speaking assistance. Mineral water on board.
We will get to Santiago late and check back in to the Cumbres Lastarria Hotel for 2 more nights.
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An Argentine Asado is a traditional Argentine barbecue that is deeply rooted in the country’s culture and history. It is a social gathering where friends and family come together to cook and share a meal, typically featuring a variety of meats, including beef, pork, chorizo, and morcilla (blood sausage). The asado is not just about the food, but also about the ritual and tradition surrounding it.
The word “asado” comes from the Spanish verb “asar,” which means “to roast.” In Argentina, an asado is a slow-cooked meal that is typically cooked over an open flame, using a parrilla (grill) or a chiminea (a clay oven). The meats are cooked for several hours, allowing them to absorb the smoky flavors of the grill and the aromas of the surrounding environment.
An Argentine asado is often associated with the gauchos (Argentine cowboys) who would cook their meals over an open flame while on the range. The asado is a symbol of Argentine culture and is often seen as a way to bring people together and create lasting memories.
Viña del Mar & Valparaiso - Full Day Tour
Private Service (Personalized) | Vehicle and English speaking guide-driver at disposal | Duration: Full day (9 hours approx.) | Lunch is not included | Mineral water on board
Departure from your hotel in Santiago.
After a journey of 120 km towards the coast of the Pacific Ocean, we will arrive at the port city of Valparaíso, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003, due to its unusual architecture, display of alleyways, colorful passages and stairs that they reach the top of the hills. We will visit its main attractions such as Plaza Sotomayor, the monument to the naval heroes, Paseo 21 de Mayo and we will go up the elevators to insert ourselves in the hills of the city. Later, we will visit the city of Viña del Mar, known as "The Garden City", where you can enjoy its most emblematic places such as its beautiful beaches, gardens and pedestrian paths. Stop for lunch (lunch not included) and later we will relax contemplating the ocean and then return to Santiago.
We will arrange either a farewell lunch or farewell dinner this day.
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Today our trip must end, or ask about extension! After breakfast we will be transferred to the airport for our flight home.
Go North to Atacama Desert if you have time or fly to Easter Island for a special experience. Alternate arrangements could also be made to fly from Mendoza on Feb.16th to Buenos Aires instead of going back to Santiago, Chile.
