Detailed Itinerary
Day 1-5: Buenos Aires
Begin your Argentina and Chile in depth sabbatical. Arrive and relax in style. At your own pace explore and discover the vibrant capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires. From stylish Recoleta, trendy La Boca and vibey San Telmo; see Tango shows, try incredible food (steaks, street-food, fine dining, locals markets and Asados) find hidden bars, amazing wine and speakeasies.
Day 6: Uruguay
A short hop to explore Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. Transfer to the harbour for a short ferry ride where you meet your guide and explore the charming cobbled streets. Discover different sites such as the old city gate, the historical streets of Sighs, and Iglesia Matriz Church. Try some Uruguayan Mate, and spend the night in Colonia.
Day 7: Buenos Aires
After your taster of Uruguay, take the ferry back to Buenos Aires and relax for the day or enjoy some shopping in this buzzing city.
Day 8 – 10: Ibera wetlands, Argentina
In slow travel style, today take the bus from Buenos Airies to the Ibera Wetlands area. Your driver will meet your for the last two hours to continue to your lodge in the heart of the stunning wetlands. Your time here is spent exploring the largest protected area in Argentina. With your guide head out through waterways and forests in search of otters, Pampas deer, caiman, capybara and other amazing wildlife. This is a nature lovers dream.
Day 11 – 13: Iguaza
Say goodbye to the nature haven Wetlands and transfer by road to the mighty Iguazu Falls. Your time here is really special as you will experience the falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. Both offer different and unique perspectives and viewpoints of the falls, with various walking trails to choose from. On the Brazil side you will stop off at the largest remaining stretch of Atlantic forest in Southern Brazil, in search of incredible wildlife and rich biodiversity. Want to add on some time in Brazil? Ask our experts, its all possible.
Day 14-19: Salta, Argentina
Time to get really away from it all. Fly to Salta and explore this historic city with its colonial squares and churches. With your driver, travel the stunning route through to Cafayate; the heart of high-altitude wine country. Here, see canyons, rock formations, vineyards and try delicious food and wine. Over the next 6 days you will stay in simple and comfortable lodges, and witness some of the most spectacular and remote landscapes on earth. Visit charming towns such as Cachi, Puamamarca and Tilcara, all while sampling delicious Argentinian cuisine and locally made wine. Witness Pukara de Tilcara, a national Monument and archaeological wonder. Complete your epic loop of Salta passing the sparkling ‘Salinas Grandes’ vivid salt flats. This is how you do Argentina differently.
Day 20 – 22: Mendoza, Argentina
Back to civilization with a flight to Mendoza, the home of Malbec. Try some of South Americas finest wines, explore multiple vineyards, take bikes between the vines and learn about the growing process. Mendoza itself is a wonderful city to explore with some incredible fine dining restaurants and relaxed bars. Slow down for some luxury pool time in one of our favourite vineyard hotels.
Day 23 – 26: Santiago, Chile
We begin the Chile section of your slow travel adventure with a drive day to, Santiago. This sustainable journey takes around 6 hours, and you can enjoy incredible views of with views of Aconcagua. Your days here are spent exploring markets, cycling, trying street food and soaking up the atmosphere of this colourful and historic city. We’ll ensure some free time to venture around independently as there is so much to do here. Why not add on a cooking class, a street art tour and a history and human rights experience.
Day 27 – 30: Easter Island, Chile
Next stop is the iconic Easter Island. Go in search of the secrets of Rapa Nui’s culture, with a visit to the cave dwellings and moai platforms of Akahanga, on the southern coast of the island. The platforms have been left untouched, with their moai still lying on the ground where they fell, during the destruction of the island’s ceremonial sites. Continue to Rano Raraku, Rano Kau and Orongo during your time here. Your expert guide will be on hand to talk you though the history of this unique site, as well as plenty of free time to enjoy your own pace. Continue your Argentina and Chile in depth sabbatical.
Day 31 – 33: Valparaiso and Zapallar, Chile
A flight via Santiago and a private drive takes you to the historic city of Valparaiso, Chile’s oldest port. The city’s many hills are covered with a multi-coloured panorama of painted houses crowding every nook and cranny, ensuring a spectacular backdrop to your visit. Enjoy a tour of this UNESCO world heritage site, before heading to the nearby coastal delight of Zapallar. A travel differently hidden gem, this beach town is largely unknown outside of Chile and is a great way to relax during your extended holiday.
Day 34 – 39: Lake District, Chile
Your self -drive adventure begins. Fly to Temuco and pick up your hire car to start your independent adventure, getting away from the crowds and experiencing the real Chile. Stay in a a range of charming hotels located to give you the best spread of sights to soak up. During your time in the Lake District you will visit the stunning Conguillo National Park, the Llaima Volcano, witness huge lava fields, iconic forests and unique Monkey puzzle trees. Try rafting, jump in hot springs, and choose from a range of hikes. Boat tours, nature, birds, blue skies and views as far as the eye can see await you.
Day 40-42: Chiloe Island, Chile
Take the car ferry and continue your self drive to Chiloe Island. Explore the town of Castro, famous for its houses on stilts over the water, and a culture different to that of the rest of Chile. Embark on a full day drive around the island, including the National Park. Self guided nature walks are a fantastic way to see the huge array of wildlife here, including the only penguin colony in South America. Be sure to include Petrohue Waterfalls for a really unique addition.
Day 43-45: Torres Del Paine, Chile
Patagonia awaits, the land of ice and beauty. Fly into Puerto Natales for three incredible days exploring Torres Del Paine National Park. A tour through the park offers wonderful views onto the Torres Massif and its jagged peaks, as well as Grey Lake and the Grey Glacier. Several short hikes take you to the most beautiful viewing points in the park and up close to the wealth of flora and fauna found in the area.
Day 46-50: Patagonia expedition cruise, Chile
A truly special adventure awaits you on the five day ‘Fjords of Tierra del Fuego’ Australis cruise. A once in a lifetime chance to explore the far south of Patagonia and the fjords, to Ushuaia. Your time on this epic cruise will take you to the Marinelli Glacier, hike the Antarctic Magellanic Forest, sail the Beagle Channel to the Pia Fjord, and through glacier alley. Every day is about untouched natural beauty and scale like you have never seen before. Explore Wulaia Bay on Cape Horn National Park to viewpoints and through unique flora and forna.
Day 51-53: Ushuaia, Chile
Disembark from your incredible Patagonia wilderness adventure and finish your in deth journey in the worlds southernmost city. Take a day or so here to catch your breathe, relax, and visit Tierra Del Fuego National Park. Avoid the crowds here by exploring hidden gems and trails unsuited to the big tour buses. We start with a trek towards Mirador de Bahia Lapataia, through several forest trails showcasing the flora and fauna of Patagonia. Visit Acigami Lake, Pipo River, and Ensenada Bay, before packing your bags ready for your flight home. Not ready to go home? Why not head to Antarctica, speak to us about the cruise options.
54 days from £18,800 pp
Based on two adults sharing, travelling in low season, subject to availability
Includes
All accommodation, excursions, and transport, including internal airfare
Excludes
International flights, visas, travel insurance and tips