Day 1 Santiago
Arrive in Santiago at any time. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will hold a general briefing in the evening, normally between 7pm and 8pm (a note will be posted in the arrival hotel with details). Santiago is Chile’s largest city and capital, with internationally recognized vineyards and Andean ski resorts very close by. Explore the many museums and parks, and visit the vibrant neighbourhood of Bellavista to see some handicrafts and trendy cafés. Day-trips include a trip to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, Chile’s premier beach resort, and to Isla Negra, Pablo Neruda’s seaside home. Although Santiago covers an immense area, the central core of the city is relatively small. It is a roughly triangular shaped region, bounded in the north by the Río Mapocho, in the west by the Via Norte Sur and in the south by the Avenida del Libertador General Bernardo O\'Higgins (more commonly known as the Alameda). The apex of the triangle is the Plaza Baquedano, where O\'Higgins forms a junction with two of Santiago\'s other main thoroughfares, Avenidas Providencia and Vicuña MacKenna. The centre of this triangle is the Plaza de Armas, the chief plaza of Santiago, bounded on its northern side by the main post office and on the western side by the cathedral. The streets between the Plaza de Armas and O\'Higgins are wall-to-wall shops, restaurants, snack and fast food bars, cinemas, expensive hotels and office blocks. The Presidential Palace, La Moneda, is on Avenida Moneda, facing the Plaza de la Constitución. Near the Plaza de Armas is the National Congress building. One of Santiago\'s main parks, Cerro Santa Lucía, is in the triangle facing O\'Higgins. The other main park is Cerro San Cristobal, or Huelén, in the Mapuche tongue. It is a large hill that rises dramatically from the plain to the north of Avenida Providencia. Between this avenue and the mountain, on either side of the Avenida Pío Nono, is Santiago\'s \'Paris quarter\', the barrio Bella Vista. There are many beautifully landscaped parks and gardens, artists\' colonies, and impressive views over the city, including the snow-capped peaks of the Andes (when the weather and thick smog permit).
Day 2-4 Nightbus / Pucón (D)
After a full day exploring the capital city we will board a night bus bound for Pucón, in the Lake District. This is a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities galore. Some of these include a volcano climb, hiking in one of the many national parks, rafting, mountain biking and skiing/snowboarding (in season). There are few areas in the world that can match the Chilean Lake District for scenic grandeur. South of the Rio Toltén and sprawled across the provinces of Valdivia, Osorno and Llanquihué, you\'ll find everything from snow-capped mountains to deep blue and emerald lakes, smoking volcanoes, forests and glaciers. This is a favourite vacation ground for domestic tourists, visitors from across the Andes, and around the globe. The region’s architecture is unique in that older structures are wooden and resemble central European homes and churches of the 19th Century. This is due to the significant number of immigrants, largely Germany, Switzerland, Austria and some Italian, who settled here over the last half of that century. The regional cuisine also reflects this, with many restaurants specializing in kuchen and other baked delicacies. Seafood dishes abound in this region. Of particular interest to visitors is the curanto Chilote, a hearty seafood stew that’ll leave you ready for a siesta. Villarica is one of the chief resort towns of the Lake District, with impressive views of the active Volcan Villarica. This is a beautiful place to hike, boat, or to sit back and take in the beautiful scenery and reflect on your trip so far. Pucón, the nation’s outdoors and adventure tourism capital, is located on the eastern end of Lago Villarica, opposite the town of Villarica. We spend a couple of days exploring the area, where there are endless options for outdoor pursuits like kayaking, rafting, hiking, mountain biking, wind surfing and horseback riding. Approximate Distance: 789km Estimated Travel Time: 10 hours
Day 5,6 San Martín de los Andes
A trip further south along the Seven Lakes Route brings us to the town of San Martin de los Andes, on the shores of Lake Lacar. Spend the next two days exploring this lake district and its many outdoor attractions. Located on the shores of Lanin National Park, San Martin de los Andes is one of the most northern parts of the southern Argentinean/southern Chilean region known as Patagonia. The most impressive sight in the region has to be the Lanin volcano located within the national park. At 3,768 meters above sea level it isn’t among the largest peaks in South America, but it is one of the youngest of the Andes and considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. You will have a day free to day an optional activity such as hiking, mountain biking, rafting or taking a 4x4 excursion.
Day 7,8 Bariloche
After a beautiful journey through the mountains of upper Patagonia, we will cross over into Argentina and arrive at Bariloche. Situated on the beautiful shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche is a year-round playground for skiers, hikers and outdoors enthusiasts of all types. A popular resort town for Argentines, the spectacular surroundings of Bariloche offer loads of outdoor options, like hiking, biking, paragliding, lake tours, and skiing/snowboarding (in season). Bariloche is also famous for its quality and quantity of chocolate. So wander around the city, enjoy the landscapes and eat chocolate! The urban centre of the Argentine Lake District, San Carlos de Bariloche in many ways resembles alpine resorts of Europe. During winter ski season the town fills to capacity with jovial Argentine and Brazilian vacationers whose favourite pastime seems to be eating and drinking. Their gusto is understandable; Bariloche has some of the best food in the country. Sample a beefy parrillada, or a variety of fresh salmon or lake trout, then work it off during a day hike around Cerro Catedral or while practicing your salsa at one of the town\'s salsotecas. Approximate Distance: 400km Estimated Travel Time: 6-7 hours
Day 9 Buenos Aires
Today we will fly to Buenos Aires, known as the ‘Paris of the Americas,’ Buenos Aires is a vibrant city full of life. Visit the districts of La Boca, Recoleta, and San Telmo or catch a tango show at one of the many famous tanguerías. Wander the pedestrian walkways and see some dancing in the streets. Whatever you do, Buenos Aires is sure to leave lasting memories. The capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires is the ultimate cosmopolitan city. Travellers find that it has more in common with the cities of Europe than the rest of South America. Nearly 40 per cent of Argentina’s 33 million citizens live in Greater Buenos Aires, and the Porteños are justifiably proud of their home. The city is comprised of a number of distinct neighbourhoods, some of which have become top tourist draws. For many, the highlight of their time in the capital is a visit to San Telmo for the weekend antiques market and street artists’ displays. La Boca was originally settled by the successive waves of immigrants that contribute to the capital’s unique character. Its brightly coloured walls and buildings draw Porteños and tourists alike. Posh Recoleta, with its cafés, museums and cemetery, is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon. During colonial days, Buenos Aires was the seat of the Viceroy of La Plata. Almost completely rebuilt since the turn of the century, the heart of the city is the Plaza de Mayo, with the historic Cabildo (Town Hall), where the Independence movement was first planned, the Casa Rosada (Government Palace) and the Cathedral, where San Martín, the father of Argentine independence, is buried. When you are done exploring, settle your weary feet and enjoy a drink in one of the many sidewalk cafés and restaurants, and you will begin to understand the contemplative Argentine way of life. Buenos Aires will be your last chance, while in Argentina, to try the succulent bifé and parrilladas, so dig in and enjoy!
Day 10 Buenos Aires
Depart at any time.

Duration - 10 days

Physical Rating - 2

Prices are updated frequently and are subject to change. Please call 1866 940 0214 for most up to date pricing.

Tour Departure Dates	Pricing
Sat Aug 04 2012 to Mon Aug 13 2012	$1599** per Adult
Sat Sep 01 2012 to Mon Sep 10 2012	$1599** per Adult
Sat Oct 13 2012 to Mon Oct 22 2012	$1599** per Adult
Sat Nov 10 2012 to Mon Nov 19 2012	$1599** per Adult
Sat Dec 08 2012 to Mon Dec 17 2012	$1599** per Adult
Sat Jan 05 2013 to Mon Jan 14 2013	$1599** per Adult
Sat Feb 02 2013 to Mon Feb 11 2013	$1599** per Adult
Sat Mar 02 2013 to Mon Mar 11 2013	$1599** per Adult
Sat Apr 13 2013 to Mon Apr 22 2013	$1599** per Adult
Sat May 11 2013 to Mon May 20 2013	$1599** per Adult
Sat Jun 08 2013 to Mon Jun 17 2013	$1599** per Adult
Sat Jul 06 2013 to Mon Jul 15 2013	$1599** per Adult
Sat Aug 03 2013 to Mon Aug 12 2013	$1599** per Adult
Sat Aug 31 2013 to Mon Sep 09 2013	$1599** per Adult
Sat Oct 12 2013 to Mon Oct 21 2013	$1599** per Adult
Sat Nov 09 2013 to Mon Nov 18 2013	$1599** per Adult
Sat Dec 07 2013 to Mon Dec 16 2013	$1599** per Adult

** Taxes and fees included. Airfare not included.