Lakes, Wines & Waterfalls

14 Days

Stunning mountain scenery, thundering waterfalls, fine wines and cosmpolitan cities.

Chile and Argentina are lands of extreme contrasts, and this two-week trip highlights their rich and varied landscapes. The placid emerald waters and picture-perfect volcanoes of the Lake District are the polar opposites of the lush subtropical forests which surround the mighty Iguassu Falls, and the rolling vineyards of Mendoza are set against the dramatic jagged peaks of the high Andes. The beautiful and ever-changing landscapes we see on the way are complemented by some of South America's finest cuisine and excellent wines, as well as a taste of the rural and urban cultures of both countries.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Santiago; afternoon tour of city. 2 Fly to Puerto Montt; to lakeside town of Puerto Varas; free afternoon. 3 Morning hike on Osorno Volcano lava fields; afternoon cruise on Lake Todos los Santos. 4 Fly to Santiago; afternoon visit to local vineyard including wine tasting. 5 Visit historic port of Valparaiso. 6 Long drive through Andes to Mendoza. 7 Explore the city and nearby vineyards. 8 Free day for relaxation or optional tours. 9 Fly to Iguassu Falls. 10 Visit both Brazilian and Argentinean side of the falls. 11 Fly to Buenos Aires; free afternoon. 12 Morning tour of city, including colourful La Boca and upmarket Recoleta districts; optional dinner and tango show. 13 Free day for optional excursions. 14 End Buenos Aires.

Mode of travel: Travel by internal flight, private air-conditioned minibus, public bus and boat. One long driving day.
Group size: Min. 8, max. 18, plus leader and appropriate local staff.
Accommodation: 13 nights 3- and 4-star hotels.
Food: 13 breakfasts and 2 lunches included.
Trip Reference: AAD
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.