Luxury Andean Crossing Tour Day 1 - Arrive in Buenos Aires Today you arrive in Buenos Aires! You will be met at the airport by your private driver, and transferred to your hotel, the Sofitel Buenos Aires. The rest of the day is free to rest and relax after the long haul flight or take a first glimpse of the city on your own. Day 2 - Everything Buenos Aires Tour This morning our guide will pick you up at your hotel and escort you on a three-hour visit of South America's most elegant capital city. You will tour the most important landmarks in the city including Plaza de Mayo Square, Casa Rosada (Government House), the Cabildo (old City Hall), the monumental Congress building and its square, 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest in the world, and the Colon Theatre, one of the most famous opera houses in the world. Then learn about the traditions and unique character of Buenos Aires and its inhabitants through a visit to the picturesque Italian neighborhood of Boca, Palermo Park, and the historical Recoleta area and its famous cemetery where Evita Peron is buried. In the evening enjoy an exhilarating tango show. The Tango has been defined as the most sensual of all dances. The impressive lyrics, traditional instruments and sensuous moves have catapulted it to one of the most admired genres in the world. The show takes place in a traditional intimate café and includes a delightful dinner featuring traditional dishes and Argentinean wines.
Day 3 - Hanging out with the Gauchos The Pampas is an immense territory that covers most of the central part of the country, somewhat similar to the Midwest prairies. This is the most traditional land in Argentina, a land of small friendly towns, ancestral recipes, prosperous ranches known as haciendas, and proud gauchos (Argentinean cowboys) eager to show you their customs and dexterous riding skills and folklore. Today we decide to leave the city behind, head for the prairies and spend the day out in the company of the gauchos, learning about cattle breeding activities, attending a demonstration of gaucho skills and a folk show, taking rides on carriages or on horseback, and tasting homemade empanadas and the succulent "asado," a sort of barbecue prepared in traditional Gaucho fashion. In the evening we return to the city. Day 4 - Diving in the Bariloche It is hard to describe the beauty and magnificence of the Lake District. Anybody who has visited the region will mumble at finding the right words only to realize that there are no words that can describe it. Let s just say that this is a region of ancient forests of birch and myrtle trees crisscrossed by meandering pristine rivers and interspersed with lakes of myriad hues, so clear that the surrounding snow-capped peaks can t stop staring at their reflection all day long. German pioneers started populating the district in the beginning of the 20th century. They built settlements along rivers and lakes, introducing their characteristic architecture and customs that still prevail to this day. Upon arrival in Bariloche, you will be transferred to your hotel, the Llao Llao Hotel and Resort. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore on your own. Day 5 - Bariloche Enjoy another full day to experience this piece of paradise at your own pace. Trekking, hiking, boating, horseback riding, fishing, rafting and mountain biking are all available here. Or you may just kick back and relax, enjoy the peace and tranquility, admire the magnificent vistas, or indulge with a soothing massage. Day 6 - Puerto Varas The Lake Crossing from Bariloche to Puerto Varas is one of the most incredible day trips in the world. By bus, catamaran and boat, we cross the Andes on a unique itinerary that includes drives along forests, sailing through magnificent lakes of emerald green and clear blue waters, crossing mountain passes and visits to roaring waterfalls, all under the imposing presence of the perpetual snow-capped peaks and volcanoes of the Andes range. At the end of the day, upon arrival in Puerto Varas, a local representative will transfer you to your hotel in the city, the Melia Patagonia. Day 7 - Puerto Varas At Your Own Pace Free day to rest after yesterday's long day or explore the Chilean Lake District. The colonial city of Frutillar and Los Alerces National Park are two popular destinations as is the quaint Angelmo Cove, a traditional fishing village. In the evening, you may want to go for a stroll around the lake and admire the German architecture and savor the delicious sweets made from traditional European recipes.
Day 8 - The Island of Chiloe The island of Chiloe is a world apart when compared to its German-influenced neighbors. Isolated during long periods of time, the island is shredded in an aura of mystery intensified by its rich mythology, superstitions and unique folklore. Locals still live in wooden stilt houses and moss-covered churches dating from the 17th century can be seen everywhere (the oldest one was built with wooden pegs instead of nails). A pleasant 30-minute ride on the local ferry will take you to the island of Chiloe. Once on the island, amble along the ancient streets of the fishing village of Dalcahue, visit the unique cathedral, the original palafitos and the handicraft market in Castro and finally check out the colonial fortresses in Ancud. Lunch is a savory array of fresh seafood and Chilean specialties. Day 9 - Off to Santiago Today we leave the incomparable Lake District and head for Santiago, the Chilean capital. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel followed by a free day that you can devote to walking around Santiago's colonial downtown area, do some shopping in some of South Americas best malls, and have dinner in the trendy restaurants of Las Condes district. Accommodations in Santiago are at the Ritz Carlton. Day 10 - Chilean Wines in Santiago We leave Santiago and start heading south towards the beautiful Maipo Valley, where the famous Concha y Toro winery is located. Founded in 1883 it sits amidst a beautiful park next to the old family mansion La Chascona, which dates back to the 19th century. Escorted by a local guide we tour the vineyards and then continue with a comprehensive presentation of the wine-making process. At the end of the tour we will enjoy a wine tasting of the different wines offered by Concha y Toro. Return to Santiago in the late afternoon. Day 11 - Santiago At Your Own Pace You have a final day to explore the city at your own pace. Visit the elegant galleries and boutiques, have coffee at the chic cafes, or visit Pablo Neruda s house in the Bellavista neighborhood. In the evening you will be transferred to the airport in time for your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant trip back home and hope to enjoy your company in another exciting adventure very soon.
Accommodations: Buenos Aires Sofitel Buenos Aires In an impressive building, Sofitel Buenos Aires is a designer hotel offering plush accommodations in Retiro, the traditional art district. Facilities include a sauna and an indoor pool. Recoleta Cemetery is one mile away.
Fully carpeted, rooms at Sofitel Buenos Aires feature stylish décor. All of them have minibar, air conditioning and work desks. Free Wi-Fi is available. Le Sud Restaurant combines French cuisine with local flavors. Cofee and tea from Café Arroyo can be enjoyed in the library lounge, which features a fireplace. Massage sessions can be requested. Sofitel Buenos Aires is half a mile from Galerías Pacífico Mall, and half a mile from Teatro Colón Opera House. Ezeiza Airport is 22 miles away. Accommodations: Bariloche Llao Llao Hotel and Resort Surrounded by Cerro Lopez and Tronador Mountain peaks and the Moreno and Nahuel Huapi Lakes, this hotel features a spa and health club, a golf course and in and outdoor swimming pools.
Accommodations at Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Golf-Spa comes equipped with free Wi-Fi, a TV and a minibar. All rooms offer views, either of the lake or the surrounding mountains. Room service is available 24/7. Llao Llao Hotel features an 18-hole golf course and offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, like trekking, mountain biking and skiing. Different spa therapies are available, such as hydro and relaxation. Massage treatments are provided and guests can use the sauna facilities. Dining options include different types of cuisine. From regional Patagonian lamb to international cuisine. The hotel has special tea and evening happy hours. Accommodations: Puerto Varas Melia Patagonia Hotel
Hotel Patagónico is located at Lake Llanquihue with spectacular views of the Osorno Volcano. It features a spa and a heated indoor swimming pool. Free parking on site. The rooms at Patagónico have a modern interior, decorated with handmade, natural materials. They have lake or city views. All are equipped with free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. Room service is available 24/7. Guests can relax at the Spa Kalül. It features a fitness center, sauna, jacuzzi, and massage services. The lakefront restaurant, serves authentic Chilean Cuisine and a large variety of Chilean wines. Guests can enjoy their drinks while sitting on the terrace or in front of fire place. Accommodations: Santiago Ritz Carlton Ritz Carlton Santiago features a luxurious rooftop Spa with a view of the mountains and the city. Facilities include a heated indoor pool and a hot tub. There are 4 restaurants. The rooms at Santiago Ritz Carlton have classic, stylish décor. They feature spacious sitting and dining areas. Splendid views of the city can be enjoyed from the rooms.
Guests can savor tapas by the renowned chef Sergi Arola at Arola Restaurant and carefully designed specialties prepared using local ingredients at Estro Restaurant. Cocktails and a wide variety of wines can be enjoyed in the modern atmosphere of the exclusive Bar 100. Guest can relax in the rooftop hot tub as they stare at the stars through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the spa. They can also use the fitness center facilities. Kids can play Nintendo Wii in the rooms upon request. The cost of the above tour is $2,499 per person based on double occupancy. It includes all of the above. This does not include travel insurance and flight. Please visit our website at http://www.maupintour.com/resources/terms/index.asp to refer to the terms and conditions attached to this quote. Please note that this is only a quote and it is therefore subject to availability at the time of booking. To book this tour or if you have any additional questions, contact Maupintour at 1-800-255-4266.