Argentina & Chile: Buenos Aires, the Lake District & Santiago

Avanti Destinations - The Leader for Independent Travel

This popular multi-country independent travel package includes the sophisticated capital cities of Buenos Aires and Santiago. Visit the cosmopolitan Buenos Aires to experience the vibrancy of it's old world charm, with it's bustling streets, grand avenues, markets, cafes and stylish restaurants. Then it's off to Bariloche - the "Switzerland of Argentina"-where its crystal clear waters, soaring mountains, stunning glaciers will enchant you. After Bariloche, travel to nearby Puerto Vara, Chile's gateway to the Lake district. In the Lake District, you will see spectacular mountain scenery and the beautiful lakes of southern Argentina and Chile. After the Lake District, travel to Santiago, a modern metropolis, where you will find its thriving culinary and artistic communities teeming in abundance along with opportunities to taste the complexities of Chilean wines and to experience the variety of Santiago's neighborhoods.

Travel Package Includes:

Complete Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Buenos Aires: Transfer to hotel. Rest of day at leisure to explore this cosmopolitan city. Overnight at your selected hotel.

Day 2: Buenos Aires: Morning city tour of Buenos Aires. A perfect introduction to South America’s most elegant capital city, this half-day city tour will show you the highlights of Buenos Aires. The tour first takes you to the city’s historic center, to the Plaza de Mayo, a lovely plaza with flower gardens and tall palm trees; the scene of many of the city’s historic political events. Surrounding the plaza are colonial buildings of interest: the Casa Rosado (Pink House), the seat of the executive branch of the government; the Cabildo (Town Council) with its historic museum; the Metropolitan Cathedral, which holds the tomb of General Jose de San Martin, the father of Argentine independence. The tour continues down the Avenida de Mayo to the National Congress. This beautiful avenue was constructed to connect the Executive branch of the government to the Congress. (It is an interesting 15-block walk for those who like to explore the city on foot.) Continue along Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world to the Obelisk, built in 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the city. Another landmark is the famous Colon Opera House, which brings in the world’s most notable singers and musicians. No tour would be complete without a visit to the picturesque La Boca district, the old port area that reflects its Italian heritage. Continue through Palermo with its parks and gardens, to Barrio Norte passing the famous Recoleta Cemetery with its ornate memorials, including the tomb of Eva Peron. The tour finishes at your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at selected hotel.

Day 3: Buenos Aires: Day at leisure to further explore the city. In the evening enjoy a tango show with dinner. Overnight.

Day 4: Bariloche: Transfer to the airport for a 2 ˝ hour flight to the mountain resort town of Bariloche in Argentina’s Lake District. Located on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, this is a region of blue lakes, deep green forests, and soaring peaks, often compared to the Swiss Alps. The city itself has a strong European influence. The early settlers were from Germany, Switzerland and northern Italy. This influence is reflected in the popular Swiss chalet architectural style and the abundance of chocolate shops in the city. An all-season resort, Bariloche offers skiing in winter and a full range of outdoor activities in the summer. It is also the gateway for the Lake Crossing into Chile. Airport greeting and transfer to your selected hotel. Overnight.

Day 5: Bariloche: Morning panoramic tour of the area. Departure from your hotel at 8:30 a.m. The tour takes you through Bariloche’s residential areas along the lake and continues to the base of Campanario Mountain. Here you will take the chairlift to the summit where there are breathtaking views of the area. After coming down, continue the tour to Llao Llao Peninsula for a visit to St Edward’s Chapel and the Llao Llao Resort. You will see Puerto Panuelo, the starting point for the lake crossing into Chile. Cross over the Angostura River, which joins Lakes Moreno, Nahuel Huapi and Lopez, at the foot of Lopez Mountain. Continue to Panoramic Point for a view of Moreno Lake and the Llao Llao Peninsula. Return to the city and your hotel. Rest of day at leisure. Overnight.

Day 6: Lake Crossing to Chile (Bariloche to Puerto Varas): 6:45 A.M. transfer by motor coach from Bariloche to Puerto Panuelo (30 minutes) where you will board the “El Condor” Catamaran and sail on Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Blest (one hour). Continue by bus to Puerto Alegre bordering the Frias River for 2 miles (15 minutes). At Puerto Alegre board the Dalca ship and sail 15 minutes to Lake Frias. Upon arrival at Puerto Frias you will clear Argentine customs and proceed by bus through lush Andean vegetation to the Vincente Rosales Pass, and then continue 18 miles to the Chilean customs at Peulla. After customs, it is a short ride to Hotel Peulla (from Puerto Frias to Peulla it is 2 hours). After lunch, board the “Lagos Andinos” Catamaran and sail the emerald waters of Lake Todos los Santos. Along the way, you will see Mount Puntiagudo and the spectacular Osorno Volcano. Arriving at Petrohue (one hour and 40 minutes) you will make a stop to look at the beautiful Petrohue Falls. Continue by motor coach 2 hours to Puerto Varas. Transfer to your selected Puerto Varas hotel for overnight.

Day 7: Puerto Varas: After breakfast, morning at leisure. In the afternoon, begin with a city tour of Puerto Varas, a lakeside town on shore Lake Llanquihue, founded by the German settlers during the 19th century. Many of the town’s best-preserved buildings reflect its European heritage. Visit Philippi Hill for a view of the city. Continue to Calvario Hill for another panoramic view, and then proceed to Puerto Montt driving along the banks of Lake Llanquihue with the stately view of Osorno Volcano in the background. Puerto Montt, the capital of the region, was also settled by German colonists in the mid-19th century, and still retains European ambiance. The city tour includes the picturesque port of Angelmo with its seafood market, and the Plaza de Armas with its impressive cathedral, the town’s oldest building. From Puerto Montt enjoy the views of the bay, and Pelluco and Chinquhue, two summer beach resorts along the Tenglo Channel. Return to your hotel to overnight.

Day 8: Santiago: Transfer to the airport for your one and a half hour flight to Santiago. Fronting the snow capped Andes, the Chilean capital is a blend of colonial and modern architecture. Historic buildings and high-rise skyscrapers share Santiago’s wide boulevards. There are lovely parks and gardens, excellent museums, fine restaurants and great shopping. The city has an efficient public transportation system, the metro. And if you feel like getting out into the countryside, in less than two hours you can reach the ocean, the ski slopes, and the vineyards producing the fine Chilean wine. Arrival greeting and transfer to your selected hotel. Overnight.

Day 9: Santiago: Morning at leisure. Departing at 2:00 pm, your tour will begin with a visit to historic Santa Lucia Hill, the foundation site of Santiago in 1541. This is an urban sanctuary with its beautiful gardens, footpaths and fountains. Your guide will talk about the history of Santiago as you enjoy a panoramic view of the city. From here you can see the Main Square, the Cathedral, the Government Palace and the Horse Club. Next the tour will take you through the modern sector of the city to the Faba jewelry store. Here you will see beautiful lapis-lazuli jewelry. This precious stone is only found in Chile and Afghanistan. After the tour you will return to your hotel.

Day 10: Santiago: Day at leisure to arrange an optional excursion. Consider a tour to one of the wineries in the area to sample some great Chilean wine. Or another great option is a day tour to Vińa del Mar and Valparaiso. Overnight.

Day 11: Santiago: Day at leisure for exploring the city until time to transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Hand-Picked Accommodations

Moderate Hotels - Americas Tower in Buenos Aires; Edelweiss in Bariloche; Orly in Santiago

First Class Hotels - Melia in Buenos Aires; Llao Llao in Bariloche; Plaza San Francisco in Santiago

Package includes all transfers including hotel taxes and service charges - Land Only, Air not included; ten nights' lodging; guided excursions with English-speaking local guides; meals as per itinerary. Valid for bookings made through January 2009; price excludes travel during holiday weeks. Savings of $50 per person on adults only, regular child rates apply. Minimum 2 passengers, single rates on request.

www.avantidestinations.com