Summits & Wines of the Central Andes
Region Metropolitana de Santiago, Chile
Itinerary
Arrive in Santiago & Visit a Casablanca Valley Winery
Arrive in Santiago and transfer to the beautiful Casablanca Valley — a must-visit destination for wine-lovers! Feel the cool oceanic breeze that makes the terroir perfect for producing some of the best Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays in the country. Check in at the colonial country home of La Casona de Viña Matetic, a typical Chilean hacienda, followed by lunch and a visit to the winery. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon before a welcome dinner at the lodge.
Explore Scenic Valparaiso
Take a morning drive to the UNESCO-listed coastal city of Valparaiso. Historically the main port of Chile, Valparaiso's colorful buildings are nestled into the steep surrounding hills. Enjoy a walk through the upper hills, board the funicular railway, and admire the colorful profusion of street art while wandering through town. Return to the lodge for some mid-afternoon relaxation, then settle in for the evening's dinner and wine.
Visit Pablo Neruda’s Home
After breakfast, head southwest towards Pablo Neruda's seaside house at Isla Negra, and tour the museum that shows the poet's endless appetite for life. Enjoy a seafood lunch, then go for a scenic drive along the coast. Check in at a beach lodge and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure before rejoining the group for Pisco Sours on the beach followed by dinner.
Discover Matanzas Surf Town
Take a morning hike through rolling hills, pine tree plantations, and dunes. Have lunch back in town and spend the afternoon at your leisure. The beach at Matanzas is known for its fine grey sand and year-round windy weather, making it an ideal destination for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Matanzas is also known for its rich fauna, with nearby islets providing nesting ground for several bird species. At sunset, take an easy walk and taste some of Chile's most iconic wines.
See the Sights of Santiago de Chile
In the morning, transfer to Santiago de Chile, the country's bustling capital. Check in to your hotel, then stop at El Galindo for delicious corn pie and other traditional dishes. After lunch, walk through the city's main historic and cultural landmarks, including the incredible Mercado Central where Chilean chefs go for fresh seafood, the colonial Plaza de Armas, the impressive Cathedral, the Mint, Chile's current government house, and Santa Lucia Hill for great views of the city. Return to the hotel and enjoy the evening on your own.
Take a Scenic Andean Drive into Argentina
Depart early for one of the world's most scenic roads, crossing the Andes into Argentina. Take an easy hike with astonishing views of Mount Aconcagua (22,844') — the Summit of the Americas. After a picnic lunch, transfer to Mendoza and check in at the hotel. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at a local venue.
Sip Delicious Wines in Mendoza
Enjoy a morning visit to two wineries that have helped earn Mendoza a place among the world's great winemaking regions. Begin by sampling premium wines at Catena Zapata, the pioneer of quality wine-making in Argentina, whose winery was built in the style of a Mayan temple. We'll relax over lunch at Finca Decero, producer of premium Malbecs. Afterwards, transfer to the heart of Mendoza for an historic overview of the city and walk through Mendoza's extensive green areas.
Hike at Farm Ranch
Start the day with a scenic drive to the foothills of the impressive Cordon del Plata mountain range, where a narrow road leads us into Estancia Quebrada de los Condores. From the Estancia's stables and mountain hut, set out for an easy to moderate trek with amazing views of the entire Uco Valley and surrounding peaks. Later on, descend back to the cozy mountain hut for a true Argentine gaucho-style barbecue before returning to the lodge in the late afternoon, stopping along the way to visit the traditional Sunday Fair at Chacras de Coria.
Discover Vibrant Buenos Aires
Take a morning flight to Argentina's cosmopolitan capital and transfer to your hotel, located in the elegant Recoleta neighborhood. Later in the day, gather for a walking tour of the city's traditional neighborhoods. At Plaza de Mayo square, learn about the country's recent history and Evita's favorite balcony before walking the few blocks to San Telmo art district. Evening farewell dinner.
Depart from Buenos Aires
See the sights of Buenos Aires' northern neighborhoods on an early walking tour, including Recoleta Cemetery and Palermo. Midday is free to explore the city's museums and parks by yourself. In the afternoon, transfer to Ezeiza's international airport to board evening flights back home.
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