After an early morning arrival, transfer to your hotel. Discover the
city's many contrasts in architecture and meet its people on this
afternoon's sightseeing excursion. Explore the administrative and
governmental heart of the city, beginning with the Palacio de La
Moneda Presidential Palace, originally a colonial mint. Continue
to the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral and central post office
that surround this square. Just off the bustling Alameda - the
city's main thoroughfare - is the delightful Concha y Toro
neighborhood, with its charming plaza and colonial architecture.
Stop at San Cristobal Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the
omnipresent Andes. Head uptown to see the dazzling glass high rise
buildings, embassies, mansions and deluxe hotels that present
a striking contrast to the traditional buildings seen earlier. Tonight,
gather for a welcome dinner.
Grand Hyatt B D
Day 1: USA or Canada/Santiago, Chile
Today visit the Pre-Columbian Art Museum on a tour led by one
of its curators. With one of the world's finest collections of pre-
Hispanic relics, the museum goes beyond a simple chronological
presentation to present exhibits based around a common aesthetic
and anthropological theme (i.e., masks, music, medicine). Then
travel to the Maipo Valley, birthplace of Chile's now legendary red
wines, and visit two of the most exclusive vineyards and sample
fine local wines. This evening, dine ? la carte from your choice of
restaurants along Borderio Boulevard.
B L D
Day 2: Santiago
Fly to Puerto Montt for views of majestic volcanoes in the heart
of Chile's southlands and visit its colorful market. Continue to a
traditional Chilean ranch where lunch is accompanied by a folklore
presentation. Learn about the traditions and horse-related activities
in the southern Chilean countryside. Visit the stables and learn
the correct method of saddling a horse and how to use the reigns,
stirrups and spurs. Then observe horse and rider in action during a
typical Chilean rodeo.
Meli? Patagonia B L
Day 3: Santiago/Maipo Valley/Santiago
Journey by land and water across the Andes through a wilderness
of natural beauty. Begin with a drive along the shores of Lake
Llanquihue, visiting several villages along the way. After lunch,
cross into Argentina at Puyehue National Park. Drive to Villa La
Angostura, a beautiful city by the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi,
where you board a private boat and cruise to Puerto Tunquelen,
arriving in Bariloche this evening. Transfer to the elegant Llao Llao
Hotel, with its spectacular lake and mountain views, its own golf
course, tennis courts and opportunities for horseback riding.
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort B L D
Day 4: Santiago/Chilean Lake District
Explore Bariloche, known as "Little Switzerland" for its stunning
Alpine-like scenery. Photographers and hikers of all skill levels find
this landscape of conifers, crystalline lakes and wooded,
mist-shrouded peaks particularly beguiling. Visit the Llao Llao
Peninsula and Lopez Bay, and take the Cerro Campanario chairlift
for a bird's-eye perspective of the picturesque valley.
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort B L
Day 5: Chilean Lake District/Bariloche, Argentina
The morning is at leisure to use the many facilities at your hotel or
explore Bariloche's European ambience. Stroll through the town
that resembles a Swiss or German village, with stone and wood
houses and buildings lining the streets. Shop the boutiques and
sample some of the famous chocolate before your flight to Buenos
Aires.
Sofitel Buenos Aires B
Day 6: Bariloche
Explore elegant Buenos Aires with visits to the Metropolitan
Cathedral; the colorful La Boca district, the tough port barrio and
working class heart of the city; and Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva
Per?n is buried. Visit San Telmo, birthplace of the tango, a once depressed
neighborhood that now houses a bustling collection of
artists' studios, ethnic restaurants, antique shops and boutiques.
In the afternoon, join renowned dancers at the oldest caf? in
Argentina, Caf? Tortoni. Tonight, dine at one of the best tango
venues in Buenos Aires and watch an invigorating performance of
the dance that made the city famous.
Sofitel Buenos Aires B L D
Day 7: Bariloche/Buenos Aires
The day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the sights of Buenos Aires,
perhaps doing some last-minute shopping. Walk the cobbled
streets, dip into a sidewalk caf? and admire the mix of architecture
in this city of European flair and old world South American charm
before transferring to the airport for your international departure
flight.
B
Day 8: Buenos Aires
Arrive in the USA or Canada and connect to your homebound flight.
Day 9: Buenos Aires
Day 10: USA or Canada