Chile/Argentina

Wonders of Chile and Argentina: Patagonia, Iguazu Falls and Splendid Cities

Program No. 20789RJ
Experience the volcanoes, lakes and glacier-carved peaks of Patagonia and explore Santiago and Buenos Aires as you discover what connects these two countries and what makes them unique.

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At a Glance

Uncover treasures built by man and forged by nature on this journey in Chile and Argentina. Explore the cosmopolitan capitals of Santiago and Buenos Aires. Experience the otherworldly natural environment of Patagonia, where snowcapped volcanoes rise above glacial lakes. And hear the roar of Iguazu Falls, a spectacle of water surrounded by jungle.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles per day; some uneven terrain. Long (approximately 9-12 hours) ferry and coach transport to Bariloche.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Discover both Chilean and Argentine Patagonia, crossing from one to the other by boat like the early settlers.
  • Learn about the world-class Chilean and Argentinean wine industry and visit a vineyard.
  • Feel the mist from Iguazu Falls as you explore the waterfall from the Argentinean side.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Melina Gavira
Melina “Meli” Gavira is an Argentinean expedition leader and an expert on Patagonian flora, fauna, and birds. She moved to Ushuaia in 2004, drawn to its scenic landscapes and outdoor style of living. When she is not leading groups, Melina likes to spend time with her family, practice yoga, go bird watching, and take photographs. She also has an interest in Italian films and her favorite is “Life is Beautiful.”

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Melina Gavira
Melina Gavira View biography
Melina “Meli” Gavira is an Argentinean expedition leader and an expert on Patagonian flora, fauna, and birds. She moved to Ushuaia in 2004, drawn to its scenic landscapes and outdoor style of living. When she is not leading groups, Melina likes to spend time with her family, practice yoga, go bird watching, and take photographs. She also has an interest in Italian films and her favorite is “Life is Beautiful.”
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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14 days
13 nights
29 meals
11 B 11 L 7 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Early Check-in, Orientation, Downtown Santiago
Santiago
L,D
Pullman Santiago Vitacura Hotel (ex Atton)

Activity note: Early check in starts at 9:30 a.m. See your program’s "Getting There" information regarding transfers. Getting on/off a bus; city driving. Walking up to 2 miles and standing during field trip; mostly flat, paved surfaces.

Morning: After check-in to the hotel, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. 12:00 p.m. Orientation at the hotel. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Travel and transfers will be via air-conditioned bus (with several steps) unless specified otherwise. The bus does not have a restroom on board; however, there will be stops at least every two hours for program activities, meals, and/or basic rest stops to break up longer travel times. Meals will feature local cuisine. Beverages will typically include coffee, tea, water; other beverages are usually available for purchase. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: We will be joined by a local expert who will give us an overview of Chile. We’ll then board our bus and ride to downtown Santiago where we’ll set out on a walking field trip to view local architecture, shops, and neighborhoods. A local expert will provide significant historical and cultural information throughout our explorations. The capital of Chile is a city where residents have traditionally looked to Europe as a model for architecture and culture. This influence can readily be seen in its stately palaces, plazas, parks, and churches. Santiago is the country’s colonial center, surrounded by 31 comunas or communities with their own municipal administration.

Dinner: At a café in the Las Tarrias neighborhood of Santiago.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
3
Valparaiso Field Trip, Wines of the Casablanca Valley,
Santiago
B,L
Pullman Santiago Vitacura Hotel (ex Atton)

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 144 miles throughout the day, approximately 3 hours riding time. Walking up to 2 miles; cobbled stone streets; some stairs and steep inclines, flat ground and intermittent standing at winery.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We'll board the bus and begin our journey to Valparaiso. Upon arrival, our Group Leader will take us on an exploratory walk, including a funicular ride, for views of the harbor and city. Valparaiso is the country’s most important seaport and the alleged cultural capital of Chile. Built upon dozens of steep hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Valparaíso boasts a labyrinth of streets and cobblestone alleyways, embodying a rich architectural and cultural legacy. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is also host to the National Congress of Chile.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will leave the coast and head back to Santiago via the Casablanca Valley. In the Valley, we’ll stop at a local winery to view its vineyards and learn about the winemaking process. Chile’s Casablanca Valley has developed an international reputation among wine connoisseurs for turning out deliciously crisp white wines. The Valley is located just 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean and less than 50 miles northwest of Santiago. As the nutrient-rich Humboldt Current makes its journey northwards from Antarctica, it moves up along the coast of Chile bringing cool ocean breezes. The area’s Mediterranean-like climate is perfect for producing high quality Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling wines. Late afternoon arrival at the hotel.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out.

DAY
4
Agriculture, La Vega, Mercado Central, Fly to Puerto Montt
Puerto Varas
B,L,D
Hotel Cabaña del Lago

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 35 miles, approximately 1.5 - 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 1 mile; flat, paved terrain. Flight Puerto Montt approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. NOTE: Airlines in Chile and Argentina are notorious for changing flight routes and schedules without notice. In the event of flight delays or airline schedule changes, it could be necessary to adjust the timing of some program activities. The Group Leader will keep everyone updated on any changes to the schedule.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll take a look at the history of agriculture and winemaking in Chile during a presentation at the hotel. We’ll then check out, board the bus, and ride to La Vega for a walking field trip. This large, covered produce market in downtown Santiago is a treat to the senses. La Vega houses hundreds of vendors selling fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, meats and all nature of products for the household. Next, we’ll take a short ride to the city’s original Mercado Central, arriving in time for lunch. The site has a small collection of restaurants where it’s possible to sample local fare while watching merchants and shoppers going about their business.

Lunch: At a Mercado Central restaurant.

Afternoon: We’ll ride to the airport and board our flight to Puerto Montt. Founded by German settlers in the mid-19th century, Puerto Montt still retains a distinctive middle-European face, with Nordic and alpine architecture. The city is best known as a gateway to the southern lakes of Chile, Chiloé Island, and Chilean Patagonia. Upon arrival, we will board a bus and ride to a farmhouse restaurant to learn about indigenous culture as we enjoy a typical meal called Curanto a la Olla (Curanto in a Pot). In its original form, the dish is steamed and baked in a pit lined with hot rocks and covered with wild rhubarb leaves. A modern interpretation of the dish uses large pots to cook the assortment of seafood, meats, potatoes and vegetables.

Dinner: At the farmhouse restaurant, we'll enjoy a traditional meal.

Evening: Next, we’ll ride to the hotel in Puerto Varas for check-in and room assignments. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.

DAY
5
Puerto Varas History, German Museum, Free Time
Puerto Varas
B,L
Hotel Cabaña del Lago

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 45 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking up to 2 miles day total; mostly flat, paved grounds, some steps.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: A ride around scenic Lake Llanquille will pave the way for our field trip to the town of Frutillar. Once there, we'll get an in-depth look at the challenging lifestyle of the area's early immigrants during an expert led visit to the German Colonial Museum before enjoying a walk through the town and its impressive performing arts theater. Then we'll return to the bus and drive to a historic home, featuring typical Tyrolean-style architecture, that has been converted into a small restaurant. We'll round out today's explorations with a presentation on the history of German immigration to Chile given by our Group Leader.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy the local fare of your choice.

Evening: At leisure. You might like to join other Road Scholars and visit one of the local Puerto Varas establishments for drinks and musical entertainment or enjoy a relaxing evening on the hotel terrace admiring the twinkling lights reflected off the waters of Lake Llanquihue. Prepare for check out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
6
Petrohue Falls, Lake Crossing to Bariloche, Andean Highlands
Bariloche
B,L,D
Villa Huinid Hotel Bustillo

Activity note: Getting on/off a series of buses and lake ferries; approximately 9-12 hours total travel time. Walking up to 1 mile; mostly flat, paved paths, some steps. Before leaving Chile we will stop at a border control point to show our passports/travel documents and clear immigration; we'll undergo separate immigration procedures once we cross the border and arrive to Argentina.

Breakfast: Early, at the hotel.

Morning: After an early morning check out, we'll board the bus and ride to Petrohué. There, we will set out on a walking field trip on a boardwalk that will take us past the black rock waterfalls of Petrohué at the edge of Todos los Santos Lake. Petrohué Falls lies in the threshold of the mighty Osorno Volcano, and the unique falls are comprised of a series of oddly twisting chutes among crystallized black volcanic rock. The rock is particularly resistant to erosion, lending the falls a peculiar shape. Before leaving Chile we will stop at a border control point to show our passports/travel documents and clear immigration; we’ll undergo separate immigration procedures once we cross the border and arrive to Argentina. We’ll ride to the nearby dock and board a ferry to begin our lake crossing journey to Argentina.

Lunch: At a restaurant en route.

Afternoon: Our lake crossing will continue throughout the afternoon with a series of boat and bus transfers. We expect to arrive in Bariloche in the early evening. Then we will drive to the hotel for check in. Bariloche is the primary city in the Argentinean Lake District and is a hub for accessing alpine resorts in the area as well as the Nahuel Huapi National Park.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
Cerro Campanario, Arrayanes Forest, Rio Limay Float
Bariloche
B,L
Villa Huinid Hotel Bustillo

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 140 miles, approximately 4.5 hours riding time. Getting on/off a chair lift rising to 3,400 feet elevation, approximately 7 minutes each way. Getting on/off rafts; approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking 1.5 - 2 miles; paved and unpaved paths and getting in and out of rafts.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board our bus and ride to the Cerro Campanario chairlift and ride up to the look-out point high above Bariloche. At the top (3,400 feet), we will thrill to the stunning 360° views of the city and its surrounding pine forests, lakes, and Andean peaks. A local expert will enhance our experience by pointing out landmarks and providing background information on Bariloche’s economy and agricultural activities. It can get chilly up here, so those who wish to warm up with a strong “café chico” or some of the region’s famed hot chocolate will have an opportunity to purchase some at the on-site restaurant. After riding back down, we’ll ride to a forested area about 15-20 minutes away in order to learn about “llao llao” mushrooms. This yellowish-orange fungi is native to Southern Chile and Argentina and is often called “pan de indio” (Indian’s bread) as it was commonly consumed by indigenous peoples. During a leisurely walk, we also hope to see some arrayan trees (Luma apiculata), known for their cinnamon colored bark and attractively twisted trunks. Next, we’ll ride to a local brewpub owned by an immigrant family. During our visit, we’ll learn about the family’s experience settling in Bariloche and also gain some insights into the art of crafting beer.

Lunch: At the brewpub.

Afternoon: We’ll ride back to the hotel to change clothes, then set out on our next field trip, driving approximately one hour outside of Bariloche to a boat drop-off site on the Rio Limay. After receiving instructions and donning life-jackets we will board inflatable rafts in preparation for a leisurely “float” down the river. Our journey will take us past interesting volcanic landscapes and areas with rich bird life. Once back on terra firma, we’ll wrap-up our river expedition with afternoon tea. Enjoy a cup of coffee, tea or water with some local pastries, fruit, bread and assorted jams before returning to the hotel.

Dinner: On your own to sample local fare.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out and our flight to Buenos Aires tomorrow.

DAY
8
Bariloche's First Settlers, Fly to Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
B,L
725 Continental Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 20 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Flight from Bariloche to Buenos Aires usually takes just over 1 hour. NOTE: Airlines in Argentina are notorious for changing flight routes and schedules without notice. In the event of flight delays or airline schedule changes, it could be necessary to adjust the timing of some program activities. The Group Leader will keep everyone updated on any changes to the schedule.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll be joined by a local expert for an introductory presentation to learn about the Mapuche Indians and the founding of Bariloche. We’ll then set out on a walking field trip through the town. Our exploration will include stops at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Nahuel Huapi — also known as San Carlos de Bariloche Cathedral — the civic center, main square, and the downtown museum. We’ll then ride to the Bariloche airport for our flight to Buenos Aires.

Lunch: During the flight, we’ll have bag lunches.

Afternoon: Once we arrive in Buenos Aires, we will board a bus, ride to the hotel, and check in with some time to freshen up and relax.

Dinner: On your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
9
La Boca, San Telmo, Teatro Colon, Tango Show
Buenos Aires
B,L,D
725 Continental Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; city driving about 40 miles, approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Walking 1.5 miles; flat, paved terrain and some steps. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll learn about current social, economic, and political issues in Argentina during an expert presentation at the hotel. We’ll then ride to La Boca and San Telmo neighborhoods and set out on a walking field trip into Buenos Aires’ colorful multicultural neighborhoods. The Group Leader will explain the history of these communities as we explore bustling streets and analyze differences in architecture and cultural influences. La Boca was founded by European immigrants, many from Italy, and is known for its vibrantly colored houses, artsy shops, and restaurants. At Caminito Street be on the lookout for street performers dancing to the sensuous music of Carlos Gardel and other famous tango crooners. San Telmo, the city’s oldest barrio, emerged from its working class roots to become an artsy, multicultural hub. Colonial buildings and cobbled stone streets stand in contrast to boutiques, hip restaurants, and bars.

Lunch: In San Telmo, enjoy a light meal.

Afternoon: Next, we will reboard the bus and ride to the iconic Teatro Colón. Since 1908 visitors have marveled at the imposing seven-story Teatro Colón, a truly world-class center for opera, ballet and classical music. We’ll learn from a theater representative about the history, architecture, and artwork of this beloved cultural landmark while exploring the main areas of the building. Returning to the hotel, we’ll have an opportunity to freshen up and relax before gathering for an expert presentation on the history and culture of the Tango. The dance has its origins in the brothels and tenements of late 19th-century Buenos Aires. With the popularization of the music by legendary performers such as Carlos Gardel, the dance began to slowly make its way into the elegant salons of Buenos Aires.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a tango show during dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out and flight to Iguazu Falls tomorrow.

DAY
10
Recoleta, Fly to Iguazu Falls, About the Falls
Iguazu Falls
B,L,D
Amerian Portal del Iguazu

Activity note: The flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls usually takes just under 2 hours. Activities at Iguazu will focus primarily on the Argentinean side of the falls; however, we will cross into the Brazilian side for a brief visit. **In the event of flight delays or airline schedule changes, it might be necessary to adjust the timing of some program activities. Your group leader will keep you updated on any changes to your itinerary.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Hotel check out. Before heading to the domestic airport for our flight to Puerto Iguazu, we'll accompany our local expert on a walking exploration of Recoleta to view some of the neighborhood’s stylish architecture and visit its famous cemetery. Recoleta’s attractive plazas, parks, tree-lined avenues, and elegant turn-of-the-century architecture helped Buenos Aires earn the moniker “Paris of South America.” Expensive shops, elegant restaurants, and luxurious mansions and apartments cater to the country’s elite. Even its large cemetery, the historic Cementerio de la Recoleta, caters to Buenos Aires' rich and famous. It is the final resting place of Eva Peron. Then we’ll drive to Buenos Aires' domestic airport to check in for our flight to Puerto Iguazu.

Lunch: En route, we’ll have boxed lunches.

Afternoon: We will board a bus at the Puerto Iguazu airport and ride to our hotel that is situated between Puerto Iguazu and the Falls. After checking in to our rooms with some time to freshen up and relax, we will gather for an expert presentation on the geology and significance of Iguazu Falls.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
11
Iguazu Falls National Park
Iguazu Falls
B,L,D
Amerian Portal del Iguazu

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 24 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 3 miles; catwalks, paved paths, some steps. Bring a lightweight rain poncho and take measures to protect camera equipment from getting wet since the walkways get hit with water spray and mist from the Falls.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board a bus and ride to Iguazu National Park for a full day of explorations on the Argentinean side of the falls. We’ll explore on foot, traversing upper and lower trails of the park for a closer look at some of the 275 falls that drop from the Iguazu River amid the jungle that surrounds it. Keep eyes open for wildlife! Seasonal increases in rainfall can sometimes cause the falls to swell and spill as much as 3.8 million gallons of water per second!

Lunch: At a restaurant at the Falls.

Afternoon: We will continue our explorations at the Falls then board the bus and ride back to our hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Have luggage packed and ready for a morning check out.

DAY
12
Fly to Buenos Aires, Free Time
Buenos Aires
B,D
725 Continental Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 40 miles, approximately 1.5 - 2 hours total riding time. The flight from Iguazu to Buenos Aires usually takes just under 2 hours.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After check out, we will board a bus and ride to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires.

Lunch: On your own. There will be an opportunity to purchase snacks at the airport.

Afternoon: Upon arrival to Buenos Aires, we will board a bus and ride to our hotel for check in followed by free time. Take this opportunity to relax at the hotel, work on your packing, or do some independent explorations in Buenos Aires. We'll regroup at the hotel then ride to a family home in preparation for dinner.

Dinner: At a family home we’ll help prepare some of the typical Argentinean dishes we’ll be eating.

Evening: We’ll return to the hotel followed by time at leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure tomorrow.

DAY
13
Museum Visit, Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
In Flight
B,L

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 23 miles, approximately 1 hour. Hotel day room, check out by 6:00 p.m. See your program’s "Getting There" information regarding transfers.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll board our bus and ride to the Retiro neighborhood for a field trip to the Fernandez Blanco Museum of Hispano-American Art. A local expert will lead our exploration through the various exhibits representing the art being produced throughout the viceroyalties of Peru and the Río de la Plata. The collection represents an important record of the craftsmanship and styles of furniture, clothing, engravings, jewelry, and silver housewares that were produced during the colonial period. The museum is housed in a small palace built in 1922 and designed by architect Martín Noel.

Lunch: At the museum restaurant. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our last meal as a group.

Afternoon: We will ride back to the hotel and have some “down time” before our check out at 6:00 p.m. This concludes the program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

DAY
14
Arrive to North America
In Flight





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