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Chile to Argentina: Santiago, Patagonia & Buenos Aires

with Iguazú Falls extension

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This tour itinerary varies by year.

Duration: 12 or 15 days
Group size: 10-22
Reviews: 46

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Discover the beauty of Patagonia on a journey between two vibrant capitals.

Start this small group adventure tour in the Chilean cultural hub of Santiago before setting out for Buenos Aires by way of South America’s breathtaking Patagonia region. Take it all in as you venture through Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Park, marveling at glittering mountain lakes, craggy peaks, and icy glaciers along the way. Then, cap off your trek in Argentina’s lively capital, the city where tango was born.

Your tour package includes

9 nights in handpicked hotels
9 breakfasts
3 lunches
2 dinners with beer or wine
1 tasting

Included highlights

Santa Lucía Hill
Punta Arenas
Patagonian estancia visit
Torres del Paine National Park
Perito Moreno Glacier

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Santiago today.

Santiago2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Santiago & sightseeing tour

Included meals: Welcome lunch, Tasting

Welcome to Chile! Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome lunch. Then, set out to explore Santiago on a guided sightseeing tour.

Drive through the city’s Barrio Bellavista, known for its bohemian charm
Pass the Barrio Lastarria and the Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts
Walk up Santa Lucía Hill to soak in incredible views from the spot where Santiago was founded in 1541
Try mote con huesillos, a popular drink in Chile known for it’s refreshing peach and cinnamon flavors
Head to Plaza de Armas where you’ll see Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral, the Chilean National History Museum, and the Central Post Office Building

Day 3: Free day in Santiago

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Santiago or add an excursion.

Valparaíso Street Art & Chilean Wine Country

Excursion (additional cost)

Punta Arenas1 night

Day 4: Flight to Punta Arenas & sightseeing tour

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Punta Arenas in southern Patagonia this morning. Then, set off on a guided tour alongside your Tour Director.

Visit Mirador Cerre de la Cruz to soak in beautiful views of the city
Walk around the Cemetery of Punta Arenas
Stroll through Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square
View the beautiful European-style architecture of the Palacio Sara Braun

Torres del Paine Region2 nights

Day 5: Torres del Paine Region via Patagonian estancia

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Spend a free morning in Punta Arenas or add an excursion.

Then, visit a Patagonian estancia, or ranch, as you make your way to the Torres del Paine region.

Learn about work and life on the ranch while watching a sheep-shearing demonstration
Enjoy a barbecue lunch of regional specialties

Isla Magdalena Penguin Colony

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 6: Torres del Paine National Park via Milodon Cave

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Make your way to Torres del Paine National Park, one of the largest of its kind in Chile. En route, stop to enter Milodon Cave to view its wealth of prehistoric fossils. Then, set out to explore the park’s many natural wonders.

View the towering peaks of Los Cuernos del Paine, for which the park was named
Stand on the banks of Lago Pehoé, Lago Nordenskjöld, and Lago Grey, three of the park’s glittering glacial lakes
Enjoy an included lunch at Lago Grey restaurant
Take a short hike to see the churning Salto Grande waterfall
Try to spot guanacos, foxes, rheas, and birds as you go

Sit down for an included dinner in Puerto Natales this evening.

El Calafate2 nights

Day 7: Transfer to El Calafate

Included meal: Breakfast

Cross the border into Argentina as you make your way to the town of El Calafate. Later, enjoy a free evening.

Please note: You’ll depart for Argentina early in the morning.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Los Glaciares National Park

Included meal: Breakfast

Make your way to Los Glaciares National Park today for an up-close look at the growing Perito Moreno Glacier.

Stop at Lago Argentino to take in the surrounding mountain views, keeping an eye out for the flamingos and condors that call the lake their home (seasonal)
Arrive in Los Glaciares National Park and embark on a cruise along the Perito Moreno Glacier face
Enjoy a guided hike along one of the paths near Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park with your Tour Director or opt for free time to hike and explore on your own

Buenos Aires2 nights

Day 9: Flight to Buenos Aires

Included meal: Breakfast

Board your flight to Buenos Aires this morning.

Then, spend free time in the city or add an excursion.

Buenos Aires Tango Lesson, Show & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Buenos Aires

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Embark on a guided tour of the city where tango was born.

Drive through the aristocratic Retiro and Recoleta neighborhoods to visit the grave of Eva Perón, the former First Lady of Argentina
Make your way past the National Museum of Fine Arts and the beautiful parks and gardens of Palermo
Drive along 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest street in the world
Explore Plaza de Mayo, site of the May Revolution in 1810, and enter the neoclassical Metropolitan Cathedral
Enjoy free time in the La Boca neighborhood, where the influence of its Italian settlers can still be felt today

Later, celebrate your trip with your group at a farewell dinner.

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 11: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast

Relax in a dayroom in Buenos Aires before boarding your flight home tonight or early tomorrow morning. If you’re continuing on the tour extension, you’ll fly to the Argentinian side of Iguazú Falls this afternoon.

Arrive Home

Day 12: Arrival at home

Arrive home today.

Extension to Iguazú Falls

Fly to Iguazú to check out its impressive waterfall from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. You'l take a train to Devil's Throat, hop in a Jeep to ride through the rainforest, and visit the Macuco Falls Canyon by power boat.

Iguazú Falls3 nights

Day 11: Flight to the Iguazú Falls Region

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to the Argentinian side of Iguazú Falls this afternoon.

Day 12: Sightseeing tour of Iguazú Falls

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend the day soaking in the natural wonders of Iguazú National Park.

Ride through the park aboard an ecological train
Walk along a pathway to arrive in front of Devil’s Throat where you can take photos of the incredible waterfall
Enjoy another train ride to see the upper section of the park, including the San Martín, Dos Hermanas, and Bozzetti falls
Take a guided walk through the lower section of the park to get up-close to the falls and see the area’s flora and fauna

Please note: Pack rain gear for today’s activities and be prepared to walk on slippery, wet terrain.

Enjoy a free evening in the Iguazú Falls region or add an excursion.

Iguazú Cultural Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 13: Iguazú Falls Jeep & boat ride

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue exploring the wonders of Iguazú Falls today.

Set off on a Jeep ride through the sub-tropical rainforest
Hop aboard an inflatable power boat to ride through the Macuco Falls Canyon
Soak in the panoramic views of the falls from the Iguazú Basin

Please note: Pregnant women and people with heart or back conditions are restricted from taking part in the jeep and boat ride.

Enjoy a free afternoon in the Iguazú Falls region or add an excursion.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Jasy Pora Guaraní Community Visit

Excursion (additional cost)

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 14: Flight to Buenos Aires & departure

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly back to Buenos Aires and relax in a dayroom before boarding your overnight or early morning flight home.

Arrive Home

Day 15: Arrival at home

Arrive home today.

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Reviews

4.8 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Best tour ever!!

02/26/2020 by 2nd-time traveler Elaine

Our South American tour was enlightening, adventurous and fun. What made it so was our fabulous tour director Emiliano and the members of our group. Book as soon as you can to experience Patagonia, glaciers, magnificent waterfalls, good hiking and two sophisticated cities, Santiago and Buenos Aires ...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 03/02/2020

Dear Elaine, It's so pleasing to know that your To...

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So many beautiful things to see!

02/16/2020 by 7th-time traveler Amy

On this tour we saw so many beautiful things, it's almost difficult to remember them all. Iguazu Falls were unbelievable - and seeing them from the Argentina side, the Brazil side, and from the water below were amazing. The boat ride under the falls was an absolute highlight of my life - it was ...

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02/06/2020 by 1st-time traveler Elizabeth

We had an absolutely WONDERFUL trip. Full of great adventures, great food, and great company. Our tour guide, Jorge, was exceptional and I would recommend him to all on any occasions. No one could be more patient or kind-hearted with excellent worldwide knowledge.

Amazing Trip. Maybe my favorite.

02/03/2020 by 6th-time traveler Linda

What a wonderful trip.. From the beginning, Valparaiso, Chile to the Glaciers of Patagonia and to Buenos Aries.. Amazing itinerary... Outstanding Tour Director.. Jorge Monferini.. Great group of people from all over the US and Canada.. I'd do it again tomorrow... Thank You GAT for another great tour...

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A nature-lover's dream trip

02/02/2020 by 10th-time traveler Sunny

From the penguin colony to the glacier field to Iguazu Falls, this was a unique experience. You know that you are seeing some spectacular sights when your tour director starts taking photos with his personal camera! Though we had to pack for diverse climates and had some challenging days, this trip...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Pullman Santiago Vitacura

This modern hotel is located in the Vitacura neighborhood. Guests enjoy a bar, restaurant, and lounge. Nearby you’ll find Bicentenario Park, Sky Costa...

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Grand Brizo

This modern hotel is located on 9 de Julio Avenue. Guests enjoy a bar, restaurant, and fitness center. Nearby you’ll find Plaza de Mayo, Mercado San T...

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Hotel Costaustralis

This modern hotel is located in downtown Puerto Natales. Guests enjoy a lounge, business center, and laundry services. Nearby you’ll find Plaza de Arm...

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Cabo de Hornos Hotel

This contemporary hotel is located in Punta Arenas. Guests enjoy a library, Wi-Fi, and laundry service. Nearby, you'll find Plaza de Armas, Magallanes...

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Kosten Aike Hotel

Kosten Aike Hotel offers an unsurpassable location in El Calafate, at only 2 blocks from downtown and just a few minutes away from the International A...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

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Passport & visa requirements

This tour visits Chile and Argentina. In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
Upon arrival in Chile, you will receive a Chilean tourist card that you must keep in your passport for the duration of your visit.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens to enter any of the countries visited on this tour.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 3 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including rocky ground and unpaved trails.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of ferries and trains. You should also feel comfortable getting in and out of Jeeps and small boats on the tour extension.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Santiago and depart from Buenos Aires. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
Flights from Santiago to Punta Arenas and El Calafate to Buenos Aires are included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes round-trip flights from Buenos Aires to Iguazú Falls, as well as a train ride, Jeep ride, and boat ride in Iguazú National Park.)
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket.
In the fall and winter, weather in Patagonia is prone to extreme variance. Snow and strong winds are not uncommon.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
A sun hat, sunglasses, and raingear will help you stay comfortable in all types of weather. You may also wish to pack a swimsuit.
Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and insect repellent are recommended for certain activities.
Binoculars are handy for a closer look at local wildlife and scenery.
A small bottle of hand sanitizer may be helpful when other facilities are not readily available while on the road.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
Drink bottled water only. Refrain from ingesting tap water, including when brushing your teeth.
Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they’re cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

With its lengthy Pacific coastline, it’s no surprise that Chile is one of the world’s seafood capitals. Ceviche, mussels with salsa verde, and seafood empanadas are all not to be missed.
While in Patagonia, be sure to try Patagonian lamb, a regional specialty.
In Argentina, perhaps the most common dish is the asado, a series of salt-rubbed meats, ribs, and chorizo sausages cooked over a fire pit on metal grills and crosses. For dessert, try dulce de leche, a sweet, honey-and-milk paste in pastries.

Electricity & air conditioning

Chile operates on 220 volts and uses Types C or L plugs with two round pins or three round pins, respectively.
Argentina operates on 220 volts and uses Types C or I plugs with two round pins or three flat pins, respectively.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in some hotels in this region may not be as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply. In more remote locations, internet access may be limited and is not guaranteed.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Argentina and mainland Chile are three hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and two hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET). Argentina does not currently observe Daylight Saving Time, though the country decides on a year-by-year basis. Chile stopped observing Daylight Saving Time in 2015.
From the end of March through mid-October, when it’s noon in New York City, it’s 2pm in Chile and Argentina. From the end of October through early March, when it’s noon in New York City, it’s 1pm in Chile and Argentina.

Currency

You will use the Chilean peso in Chile and the Argentine peso in Argentina.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

Dates & prices

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202020212022

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