Mountains, Lakes and Malbec
Great Hikes and Wines of Chile and Argentina
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $5195 see pricing |
|---|---|
| Length: | 12 days |
| Arrive: | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Depart: | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Lodging: | 11 nights hotels and inns describe |
| Meals: | All meals included except 5 dinners |
| Activity: | Cultural Adventures, Hiking / Trekking |
| Trip Level: |
Cultural exploration, some long days of road travel, light day hikes, altitudes between 3,000-7,500 feet
|
Highlights
- Savor an insider’s look at wine country in both Chile and Argentina
- Explore, hike, and kayak in the Patagonian Lake District, with its lush forests and spectacular volcanoes
- Visit Buenos Aires and Santiago, two of the most engaging Latin capitals
Great variety of activities and experiences, fantastic food and accommodations. Each day was a different adventure.Brenda H.—Surrey, BC, Canada
Choosing the Right Trip
We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References
We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.
Email Area ManagerResources
Snow-capped peaks along the craggy spine of the Andes, vast sapphire-blue lakes, dense stands of ancient temperate forest, one of the finest wine-growing regions in the world—we’ve put them all together to create a beautiful journey that explores the best of central Chile and Argentina. On our insider’s journey, we hike and kayak the cerulean lakes of the Patagonian Lake District from a lakeside lodge, cross the Andes through Nahuel Huapi National Park to explore the snow-capped Osorno Volcano and charming Puerto Varas, enjoy a traditional barbecue at a Chilean ranch in the countryside near Puerto Montt,
and savor wine tasting and vineyard lunches in Mendoza, Argentina’s prime wine country. Join us for this active, moveable feast in the Andes!
Itinerary at a Glance
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Days 1-4
Buenos Aires, Argentina / Bariloche / Lake Nahuel Huapi
After a day in Buenos Aires to explore the elegant Recoleta district and walk the cobbled streets of San Telmo, we fly to the mountain town of Bariloche. Here we enjoy hikes and lake adventures in Nahuel Huapi National Park, a wild landscape where the snow-capped Andes meet the golden Patagonian steppe. We explore by sea kayak in this deep blue lake, with its fjords and temperate rainforest, and hike trails to spectacular viewpoints overlooking the lake. Our accommodation is a boutique lodge with a tranquil lakeside setting and views stretching out over the waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi.
Days 5-7
Lake District Crossing / Puerto Varas, Chile
The Patagonian Lake District is famed for its forest-ringed mountain lakes in emerald and azure hues. We visit three of them, including enchanting Lago Puyehue, as we cross the mountains of Nahuel Huapi National Park to arrive in Chile and the lakeside town of Puerto Varas, set on Lago Llanquihue, one of the largest natural lakes in South America. Snow-capped Osorno (8,701'), one of the most perfectly cone-shaped volcanoes in the world, dominates the views here and we enjoy a hike on its slopes.
Day 8
Santiago
Flying to Santiago, we explore the bustling lanes of the Mercado Central, a picturesque market full of fruit, fish, and vegetable vendors, then head out to the prestigious Maipo Valley, with its emerald-green vineyards framed by snow-capped mountains. Wine tasting and tours give us an introduction to Chile’s vibrant wine culture. Wine has been cultivated in these beautiful valleys for over 300 years.
Days 9-12
Mendoza Wine Country
A spectacular route brings us over the high Andes into Argentina. Along the way, we pass lofty Portillo, Chile’s stylish ski resort, and descend to Mendoza, Argentina’s wine capital, with its rose gardens and sycamore-shaded streets. Our walks here offer the perfect finale as we immerse ourselves in Argentine wine culture and enjoy charming wine bars and terrace cafes. Outside Mendoza, in serene countryside where dramatic new concept wineries mingle with quaint family wine estates, we tour vineyards and enjoy wine tastings, including lunch at an intimate wine bodega in the town of Lujan de Cuyo. Depart on Day 12.
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Optional Extensions
If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extension:
- Iguazu Falls Extension (3 days)
What the Trip is Like
This trip is Level 3, Moderate. It features sightseeing with day walks and hikes and some long drives on rough, unpaved roads. Appropriate time for rest and acclimatization is included in the itinerary, but for your own enjoyment of the trip, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Throughout the trip, we enjoy hotel and lodge accommodations.
Departures & Leaders
Feb 14-25, 2012 Bernardita De Negri
Dec 22, 2012-Jan 2, 2013
Jan 27-Feb 7, 2013
Feb 17-28, 2013
Tour Costs
Prices valid through Spring 2012
$5195 (10-12 members)
$5495 (7-9 members)
Single supplement: $1390
Forced single supplement: $1150
Internal airfare: $540 (subject to change)
Argentina & Chile Reciprocity Fee (pay in BA): $140
Extension Costs
Iguazu Falls Extension
from: $845
Tour Cost Includes:
- Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
- Accommodations in hotels and inns
- All meals included except 5 dinners
- Land transportation, airport transfers, and guided explorations as noted
Tour Cost Does Not Include:
International airfare, internal airfare, transfers for independent arrival or departure, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leader or local guides, hotels en route and any additional hotel nights that may be necessitated by airline schedule changes or other factors, expenses such as medical immunizations (if any), U.S. citizen “reciprocity” visitor fee for Argentina, travel insurance, or passports and visas, and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).Hotel Madero
Day 1 (1 night), Buenos Aires, Argentina
Set in the Puerto Madero District overlooking the marinas and canals of the Rio de la Plata, the stylish Hotel Madero is within walking distance of ...
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El Casco Art Hotel
Days 2 to 4 (3 nights), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
The El Casco Art Hotel is a boutique lodge with a tranquil lakeside setting and views stretching out over the waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi, best ...
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Hotel Solace
Days 5 to 6 (2 nights), Puerto Varas, Chile
The Hotel Solace, set in a quiet location on a hill close to the town center and just steps from Lake Llanquihue, is a relatively new hotel with ...
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Plaza El Bosque Park & Suites
Days 7 to 8 (2 nights), Santiago, Chile
This hotel’s prime location on a tree-lined street in the heart of the city makes it a perfect base, with many restaurants and great shopping ...
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Park Hyatt Mendoza
Days 9 to 11 (3 nights), Mendoza, Argentina
The Park Hyatt Mendoza, with its restored 19th century Spanish colonial facade, has a prominent position on Mendoza’s main Plaza de la ...
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Extension Accommodations
If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions option:
- Iguazu Falls Extension (3 days)
Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Bernardita De Negri
Bernardita de Negri, born in Buenos Aires, grew up in a family that had immigrated from Europe to Argentina. Her family loved travel, books, and languages, and her international background, combined with living in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, helped her develop a lust for world travel and a curiosity about other cultures. Bernardita studied Hotel & Tourism Management, lived for a while abroad, and then built a career as a travel consultant. Having always loved being close to nature, she found ways to experience the great Argentine outdoors despite living in a city. After multiple Patagonian adventures in camping, trekking, and sailing, she decided to dedicate her life to natural history studies and began a career as a professional guide. "My life as a Trip Leader lets me indulge my passion for travel and the outdoors, and at the same time I can share my knowledge of Patagonia and contribute to the development of nature tourism in my country." Bernadita lives in Buenos Aires and speaks fluent English.
Upcoming Trips:
Mountains, Lakes and Malbec, February 14-25, 2012
Argentina: El Norte, April 10-21, 2012
Client Testimonials:
Bernie was a great trip leader, always up, and with a great smile and attitude.Charles C., Lebanon TN
In Patagonia
Bernie was always ready to help and answer questions with a smile. She understands group dynamics very well and is extremely dedicated to the success of the trip.Marie-Claire T., Danville CA
In Patagonia
Optional Extensions
If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extension:
Argentina
Iguazu Falls Extension
One of the World’s Spectacular Natural Wonders
Wildlife & Natural History
3 days
-
Level 1



