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DATES
Agentina & Chile
November 3-15, 2008
Post Trip Exetension to IguazuFalls
November 15-18, 2008
COSTS
$5,995 land only; $995 approximate for international air from LAX
$1,490 Iguazu Falls Extension
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Active
TRIP SUMMARY
ITINERARY PDF
HIGHLIGHTS
Santiago • Winery Visit • Puerto Montt Peruto Varas • Lake Llanquihue • Frutillar Argentina • Petrohue Falls • Todos Los Santos Lake • Peulla • Nahuel Huapi Lake Bariloche • Buenos Aires • Pama Estancia
ACCOMMODATIONS
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Itinerary

Day 1: Monday, November 3 - Departure Day
Depart from Los Angeles for a flight to Santiago, the capital of Chile.  Overnight flight  (Meals aloft)

Day 2: Tuesday, November 4 - Arrival in Santiago
Early morning arrival in Santiago.  An afternoon city tour introduces us to this city at the foot of the Andes.  Our visits include San Cristóbal Hill and the excellent Pre-Columbian Museum that chronicles 4,500 years of pre-Columbian civilization in the Americas.  This evening we will gather for an orientation and welcome dinner.  San Cristóbal Tower Hotel (D)

Day 3: Wednesday, November 5- Santiago
Morning visit to La Chascona, once the residence of Pablo Neruda, Chile’s poet laureate who won the Nobel Prize for Literature.  Then we depart for the nearby winery, Viña Santa Rita, whose wines are exported throughout the world.  A special lunch has been arranged for us in the colonial house of the winery surrounded by gardens.  Return to Santiago.  San Cristóbal Tower Hotel  (B,L)

Day 4: Thursday, November 6 - Santiago/Puerto Montt
Fly to Puerto Montt, an important fishing port and gateway to the Lake District.  We’ll tour the vibrant, bustling fish and handicraft market and have lunch at the German Club.  Then we’ll transfer to nearby Puerto Varas, a charming German-style town known for the beautiful roses lining its streets.  From Puerto Varas, which faces Lake Llanquihue, breathtaking views of the snow-capped Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes reflect in the lake’s clear waters.  After settling into our hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is unscheduled.  Hotel Cabañas del Lago  (B,L)

Day 5: Friday, November 7 - Lake District
Today we’ll explore the heartland of the Lake District by traveling along the shore of Lake Llanquihue, the fourth largest lake in South America, to Frutillar, distinguished by its beautiful lakeside setting and colorful Victorian and Bavarian style houses, churches and teahouses.  We’ll visit the interesting Museum of German Colonization.  We continue to Puerto Octay and the Peninsula of Centinela, where views of the lake and the volcanoes are spectacular.  Hotel Cabañas del Lago  (B,L,D)

Day 6: Saturday, November 8 - Lake Crossing into Argentina
Today we embark on a fascinating adventure as we “sail the Andes” by crossing three beautiful lakes.  This unique crossing is one of South America’s most impressive experiences.  First we’ll visit Petrohué Falls, with its capricious forms of volcanic rocks bathed by emerald-color waterfalls.  Then we’ll board a modern, enclosed catamaran and sail across Todos Los Santos Lake, which is universally acclaimed as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.  We disembark for lunch at the forested small town of Peulla.  After lunch we’ll sail across Lake Frías and Nahuel Huapi Lake.  You’ll be amazed by the beauty and color of the water, the Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes, the Thunder Mountain, the Puntiagudo volcano and the Cathedral hill.  All are representative of the ecological wonders of the national parks of southern Chile and Argentina.  We arrive at Puerto Pañuelo and our beautiful hotel on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, where the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains are marvelous.  Hotel Llao Llao  (B,L)

Day 7: Sunday, November 9 - Bariloche
Located at the foot of the Andes on the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi, amidst some of the most breathtaking scenery in South America, sits Bariloche, a Swiss-style resort town, gateway to Patagonia and heartland of the Argentinean Lake District.  Explore Nahuel Huapi National Park as we drive past forests of southern beech, cedar and bamboo. Take a chair lift to the top of Cerro Campanario for a superb view of the lovely fjords and lakes of this area.  We’ll lunch at a restaurant overlooking Lake Gutierrez.  For the remainder of the afternoon, enjoy the lovely hotel grounds and its amenities, including its heated swimming pool and golf course.  Hotel Llao Llao  (B,L)

Day 8: Monday, November 10 - Bariloche/Buenos Aires
Morning is unscheduled.  Later, we’ll fly to Buenos Aires.  Upon arrival we’ll have an introductory tour of this vast metropolis.  We’ll travel through Palermo Park, continuing to the upscale neighborhood of Recoleta, which includes the Recoleta Cemetery, the much-revered resting place of patriarchs, presidents, poets and the much loved Eva Perón.  Hotel Sofitel Madero (B,D)

Day 9: Tuesday, November 11 - Buenos Aires
Today we’ll feel the European influence of this capital as we tour its major sights.  Highlights include Plaza de Mayo, Plaza San Martín, the National Cathedral and Casa Rosada, the pink house with the balconies from which Eva and Juan Domingo Perón addressed the masses.  Next we’ll see La Boca section, an area of colorfully painted houses where many artists display their wares, and tour the Museum of Quinquela Martin to see local paintings of strong character — pure Buenos Aires.  This afternoon we visit the MALBA (Buenos Aires Museum of Latin American Art) and the Museum of Belle Arts.  In the evening we depart for dinner at a restaurant in the newly renovated section of the Old Port of Buenos Aires—Puerto Madero.  The evening culminates with a tango show.  Hotel Sofitel Madero  (B,D)

Day 10: Wednesday, November 12 - Pampa Estancia
Today we visit an authentic private working ranch, or estancia, in the pampas plains, located in an area populated with many true gauchos (local cowboys).  These are the pampas of the cattle herders, where myths and legend become reality.  As guests of this private estancia, you will be served a traditional asado lunch, or Argentine barbecue, including empanadas (meat pies) and wine.  While enjoying your asado, you will be entertained with typical music and dancing.  This is a day of relaxation in the country.  Hotel Sofitel Madero  (B,L)

Day 11: Thursday, November 13 - Buenos Aires
Visit the Argentine Museum of Natural Science and learn about South American dinosaurs from a paleontologist.  Thereafter, learn about the restoration work that is taking place at the Colón Opera House, known throughout the world for its acoustics.  The afternoon is unscheduled.  Gather in the evening for dinner at a popular restaurant.  Hotel Sofitel Madero (B,D)

Day 12: Friday, November 14 - Buenos Aires/USA
This morning we’ll browse through the antique shops of the San Telmo district, a bohemian and picturesque part of Old Buenos Aires.  Later we will gather for a farewell lunch.  The remainder of the afternoon is open.  In the evening we’ll transfer to the international airport for our flight home. Those participating in the post-trip extension to Iguazu Falls will remain in Buenos Aires. (B,L)

Day 13: Saturday, November 15 - Miami/Home
Arrive in Miami this morning and connect with your flight home.

Please note:
We will do our best to adhere to our printed itinerary. Occasionally, though, unexpected obstacles, and opportunities, may arise that will force us to deviate from the itinerary as written.  We would ask you to be open-minded and flexible should we vary the itinerary slightly.  In addition, please note that airline schedules are subject to change.  We will provide you with updated flight information closer to your departure.

Iguazú Falls Optional Post-Trip Extension – November 14-18
Spend an extra night in Buenos Aires before flying next morning to Iguazú.  Roaring out of the jungle and hurdling over cliffs between Brazil and Argentina, the Iguazú Falls are one of the natural wonders of the world.  The two nights at this extraordinary place offer ample time to relax and see these tremendous cataracts surrounded by luxuriant rain forest, beautiful exotic birds (toucans, caracaras and parrots) and intriguing bromeliads and butterflies.  Walk along the upper and lower trails for impressive close-up views of the many different falls.  Exploration from the Brazilian side is thrilling.  We also take a Zodiac boat to see the falls from the lower river, approaching the base of the falls.  Also included is a visit to the superb Brazilian aviary, the largest in the world. 

Extension includes roundtrip airfare from Buenos Aires, three-nights’ accommodations with taxes, buffet breakfast every day, entrance fees, transfers and leadership.

Exclusive Highlights
  • City Tour of Santiago
  • Visit to La Chascona, once the residence of Pablo Neruda, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature
  • Visit to Vina Santa Rita Winery for lunch and wine tasting
  • Explore Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, Lake Llanquihue
  • Excursions of the Lake District
  • Lake Crossing into Argentina by crossing three lakes, with visit to Petrohue Falls.
  • Stay at Hotel Llao Llao on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi
  • Explore Huapi National Park and chairlift ride to Cerro Campanario
  • Introductory tour of Buenos Aires
  • City tour of Buenos Aires
  • Visit to MALBA, Museum of Belle Art, Museum of Natural Science
  • Tour of Colon Opera House and disucssion on its restoration work
  • Tango Show
  • Visit to a working ranch or estancia accompanied by a traditional Argentine BBQ, music and dance
  • Time for exploration on your own
Included Features
  • The services of a Tour Director throughout the tour
  • Deluxe, first class or best available hotels
  • All breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners (main itinerary)
  • Transportation by private motorcoach
  • Guided field trips, excursions and tours
  • Enrichment discussions
  • Baggage handling
  • Professional English speaking Argentinean and Chilean guides at all locations.
  • World class Llao Llao Hotel & Resort (rooms are Mountain View); Lake view rooms $150 more
  • All tips, service charges and taxes
  • Entrance fees
  • All domestic airport departure taxes
  • Pre-trip notes including a Travel Guide and Reading List
  • Final mailing sent via overnight courier service
Optional post-trip extension to Iguazú Falls includes:
  • 3 nights hotel accommodations (1 night Buenos Aires, 2 nights Iguazú)
  • Airfare to Iguazú from Buenos Aires and back
  • Buffet breakfast throughout
  • Cross over to Brazilian side to see Aviary and falls
  • Excursion by Zodiac boats to see the falls from the lower river
  • Guided tours and transfer
  • Tour Manager with 12 paying passengers
  • Assistance in obtaining a Brazilian visa
Accommodations

San Cristobal Tower Hotel
The San Cristobal Tower is a reflection of the world’s finest service at a sumptuous resort. Situated minutes away from the Providencia business district, it is a short distance from the city’s popular shopping centers and attractions. With marvelous modern amenities, San Cristobal Tower was named one of the “Top 10 Hotels in South America,” offering unique service and quality. Enjoy the outside beauty of our gardens. Traditional American Breakfast and tea services are offered, including a fine selection of aromatic teas. At night, enjoy international cocktails and the most awarded Chilean wines with a fine selection of seafood, fresh fish from the Pacific, lamb from the Patagonia among other diehes, with a magnificent view of Santiago in a romantic ambience, live music.

Hotel Cabañas del Lago
With its panoramic and calm Vista to the lake, city and volcanos hales imposing Hotel Cabins of the Lake. Hotel Cabañas del Lago is located in the high part of the city of Puerto Varas, just 5 blocks away from the casino, square and downtown. It´s great location allows you to enjoy the best view of the city , llanquihue´s lake bay, and Osorno, Calbuco, Tronador volcanoes.

Hotel Llao Llao
The resort is located in the spectacular natural landscapes of Patagonia, in Nahuel Huapi National Park. Llao Llao is surrounded by majestic Andean mountain peaks, crystalline lakes, rivers, and colorful larch and cypress forests. Elegant and charming Los Césares features fine international and regional cuisine. Patagonia Coffee Shop for salads, snacks and coffee. The recently opened grill offers the possibility to enjoy an Argentine typical barbecue. The afternoon tea and the happy-hour are two great moments to spend in our lobby, while tango & melodies are played in the piano. The Winter Garden for drinks and regional cakes, with a superb view of the Nahuel Huapi Lake and Puerto Pañuelo. On premises 18-hole golf course. State-of-the art spa, proud member of Leading Spas. Modern fitness center. Heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool, sauna. Mountain Bikes, walks, fishing, rafting, horse-back riding, nautical sports.

Hotel Sofitel Madero
The Hotel Madero by Sofitel offers 193 rooms and suites and is located in Puerto Madero. It is close to restaurants, bars, the casino, Reserva Ecologica Park and just 5 minutes from Microcentro and not far from San Telmo. The hotel features international cuisine, lounge bar, 10 meeting rooms, health club, gym, sauna, relaxation area and a heated indoor pool.

Hotel Sheraton International Iguazú

or

Hotel das Cataratas