a Patagonia adventure of glaciers & glaciers – santiago, maipo, torres del paine, EL calafate, buenos aires

Day 1 Arrive Santiago
Upon arrival in Santiago, be met and transferred to your hotel for your next 2 nights' accommodations. This evening, experience your first Chilean Cuisine at a local restaurant. 

Day 2 Santiago
Today, enjoy a full day sightseeing around Santiago. Described by the international media as a surprising destination, Santiago stands out for being a cosmopolitan and modern city that perfectly combines its traditions with a modern outlook. Your introduction to the Chilean capital starts with a visit to Mercado Central. Enjoy a stroll through his colorful market lined with fresh seafood, local produce and delicious street food. Continue to La Vega Central, the popular fruit and vegetable market and the perfect place to discover new flavors. After enjoying a typical Chilean lunch, visit the heart of the city and its emblematic sites such as the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and Central Postal Office. Visit the city's historical city center and traditional neighborhoods before returning to your hotel. (B,L)

Day 3 Santiago (Maipo Valley)
Today, travel outside the city to the famed Maipo Valley Wine Region. We'll visit two wineries for tastings of locally-produced bottles. Stroll through the vineyards and get a behind-the-scenes look at Chilean wine-making and its heritage. Lunch is served at one of the wineries. Return to Santiago in the afternoon and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. (B,L) 

Day 4 Santiago / Paragonia (Torres del Paine)
Transfer to Santiago Airport for your morning flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, be met and transferred (approx. 3 hours) to your resort in Torres del Paines. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner is served at the resort this evening. (B,D)

**Note: airport transfers provided by hotel vehicle with other staying guests (8 max)

Day 5 Patagonia (Torres del Paine)
Today, explore the wonders of Torres del Paine National Park choosing from an inspiring of 20 excursions ranging from scenic drives to half or full day treks, to horseback riding to boat trip to the Grey Glaciers. Your guide will work with you to choose the perfect excursion based on your interest. Please refer to Rio Serrano's menu of expeditions for details. (B,L,D)

**Note: excursion provided by hotel's own vehicle & guide, but tour may be joined by other staying guests (8 max)

Day 6 Patagonia (Torres del Paine)
Further explore Torres del Paine National Park by choosing from the menu of excursions outlined on Day 10. (B,L,D)

**Note: excursion provided by hotel's own vehicle & guide, but tour may be joined by other staying guests (8 max)

Day 7 Torres del Paine / Punta Arenas/ El Calafate 
This morning, transfer by resort vehicle (shared) to El Calafate, Argentina. Upon arrival, visit the Glaciarium. The museum was created with the purpose of promoting knowledge of glaciers and exalting the senses. Exhibits make up of panels about the formation of ice, the origin of the glaciers, and the effects of global warming on the planet. Afterward, head down to the Glaciobar Branca for an ice-cold beverage (drinks at passengers' own expense). GlacioBar Branca is designed with walls of ice and glacier ice for furniture. The glasses, bars, tables and armchairs are entirely made of ice. The room temperature is -10º, the entrance fee includes an array of white drinks, snacks, liqueurs, and non-alcoholic beverages. Check-in at your hotel in El Calafate for your next 3 nights' accommodations. (B) 

Day 8 El Calafate (Upsala Glacier / Estancia Cristina)
Today's excursion is a feast for the eyes boasting jaw-dropping scenery of the Patagonian wilderness.  Your expedition begins with a 3-hour boat on Lake Argentino up the Cristina Channel amid giant icebergs and stunning landscapes for a close-up look at Upsala Glacier, South America's largest glacier. After getting off the ship, embark on an invigorating hike through the valley surrounding Cristina Country Estate passing Rios de Los Perros Waterfall, panoramic vistas and Caterina River along the way. Enjoy time at the Estancia to relax, and learn about the history of the farm and Masters family by which the estate was founded. Return to your hotel by boat and by car. Arriving in the evening at around 8:30pm. (B)

**Note: optional excursion by 4x4 can be arranged for those who do not wish to hike. Requires supplement. 

Day 9 El Calafate (Perito Moreno)
Morning drive to the western end of the Peninsula de Magallanes for the famous glaciers at Perito Moreno. Here, enjoy different vantage points of the glacier along its network of walkways spanning 2 kms. Afterward, enjoy a 1-hour boat cruise to get an up close look at ruptured icebergs crashing down into Lake Argentino - a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Overnight in El Calafate. (B) 

Day 10 El Calafate / Buenos Aires 
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the city that includes attractions such as 9 de Julio Avenue, the Obelisk and Corrientes Street; we will see the Plaza de Mayo, the Cathedral and the Cabildo (Old City Hall). Continue towards the most traditional neighborhood of Buenos Aires, San Telmo, characterized by its old colonial houses and the cobblestoned streets. We'll visit one of the subterranean tunnels that is part of a huge labyrinthine network that hides under the streets of San Telmo. 

Later on, proceed to La Boca Neighborhood located in the south of the city famed for the colorful zinc houses that used to be the refuge for the first immigrants. Continue to Puerto Madero – the old port of the city now one of the most exclusive gastronomic and residential areas in Buenos Aires. We end the tour in Recoleta, which is one of the most selected neighborhoods lined with bars, cafes and fancy restaurants. (B) 

Day 11 Buenos Aires 
Today enjoy a "Parilla" foodies tour around the city. Parrillas are Argentine restaurants offering the most traditional cuisine. As most visitors in Buenos Aires only dine at the most touristy parrillas published in guidebooks, they inevitably miss out on some of the city’s most delicious gems. On this walking tour, we discover hole-in-the wall restaurants where the locals go, learn about Argentina’s culture and cuisine, and meet others during the relaxed and social tour. The tour includes sampling local cuisine and wine-tasting at 3 different authentic parillas and a visit to one of the best artisanal “heladerias” (ice cream shops) in the city. Afternoon free at leisure to relax and explore the city on your own. Later this evening, enjoy a Tango Show and Dinner at La Ventana located in the heart of the Old City, San Telmo. Overnight in Buenos Aires. (B,D) 

***Note: Foodies tour includes private transfers - walking food tour itself will be joined by other like-minded foodies (6 passengers max). 

Day 12 Depart Buenos Aires 
Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport for your departure flight onward. (B) 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
• Price includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotels taxes & service charges
• Price excludes international airfares, personal expenses, beverages during included lunches/dinners, gratuities to guides and drivers.
• Blackout dates, minimum stays and/or holiday surcharges apply for the following periods:
  • X-Mas Holidays (Dec. 15 - Jan. 10)
  • Holy Week (Easter Holiday)
• All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation