Essential South America

Arrive early this morning in Santiago, the vibrant capital city of Chile nestled in a valley of the Andes Mountains. Settle in at your hotel where you'll enjoy early access to your room to recoup after your flight.

This afternoon, meet your fellow travelers and head out on a panoramic tour of Santiago, getting a look at the city's blend of modern and colonial architecture and learning about its diverse history.

Tonight, toast to the beginning of your South American adventure at a local restaurant. (D) Stay: Renaissance Santiago Hotel (2 Nights)

Follow your curiosity about Chilean history and culture to a museum because it's your choice! Choose between the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, dedicated to the study and display of pre-Columbian artworks and artifacts from Central and South America -OR- the Memory and Human Rights Museum, which commemorates the victims of human rights violations during the last Chilean military dictatorship.

After, set out to discover market-fresh Chilean food with a visit to the Mercado Central de Santiago. Joined by a local chef, walk through the fish market, stopping along the way to learn about the local seafood and pick up some ingredients. Then join a hands-on cooking experience at the chef's restaurant and sit down to a fresh feast for lunch. Take the rest of the day to enjoy Santiago as you please. (B/L)

An early morning flight brings you to the desert region of Mendoza, known for its vineyards and Malbec wine, and the stunning views of the Andes Mountains. Upon arriving to a vineyard, a pick-me-up comes with a taste of yerba mate tea, a traditional South American caffeinated drink. As your guide demonstrates how to make a cup, learn about the cultural significance of this beverage that brings many Argentinean families together for daily “mate breaks.” Enjoy a tour of the vineyard followed by a wine tasting and chef-prepared lunch.

Later, settle into your hotel in the city of Mendoza for an evening at leisure. (B/L) Stay: Diplomatic Hotel (2 Nights)

Enjoy a leisurely morning before continuing your taste of the region's renowned wines with a visit to a family winery. Sample wines selected to show the richness of the terroirs and come to appreciate the unique qualities of the Luján de Cuyo wine-producing sub-region with its dry, almost desert-like climate and irrigation from the Mendoza River's pure Andean meltwater. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the laid-back city of Mendoza with its inviting restaurants and atmospheric plazas. (B)

Say so long to Mendoza as you fly to Buenos Aires, a city that radiates Latin-infused rhythm mixed with European heritage. Set out on a guided tour of Buenos Aires, sampling the local eats along the way and exploring the fusion of flavors that comes with the city's Spanish, Italian, and Jewish influences. During a panoramic tour, discover the San Telmo, Puerto Madero, La Boca, and Recoleta neighborhoods. Then settle in at your hotel in the elegant Recoleta neighborhood, full of historical and architectural charm.

This evening, come together for dinner and indulge in savory Argentine flavors. (B/D) Stay: Palladio Hotel Buenos Aires MGallery (4 Nights)

Today begins with an Impact Moment focused on the work of the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, a human rights organization that has helped to restore the identities of children taken during Argentina's military coup from 1976 to 1983. Meet with someone who was personally impacted and learn about los desaparecidos (“the disappeared”) and this time in Argentina's history.

This afternoon, it's your choice how you see more of the city. Choose between two walking tours, either exploring the captivating Recoleta Cemetery -OR- discovering the colorful murals of the Palermo neighborhood.

This evening, it's time to live like the locals! Take a lesson from a professional tango dancer, and then take your moves to the dance floor at a local milongas social club. (B)

Today is yours to explore Buenos Aires as you wish, taking your time to wander through neighborhoods, savor Argentine cuisine, or maybe visit the city's fantastic opera house. Consider a full day optional excursion to Uruguay. Take an early morning ferry across the Rio de Plata to Colonia del Sacramento. Travel into the Uruguayan countryside to a family-run cheese farm for a tour and lunch, followed by free time to explore the city's charming Historic Quarter before returning to Buenos Aires by ferry.

Tonight, perhaps you'll decide to join an optional tango show and dinner at a popular tango house. (B)

Set out into the countryside to explore Argentina's Pampas region. In San Antonio de Areco, discover the small town's strong connection with silversmithing and gaucho culture. A visit to Museo Draghi offers the chance to see silversmiths at work and admire a private collection of silverware.

Then it's on to experience a true taste of gaucho life by spending the rest of the day on a traditional estancia, following a bumpy, unpaved road to the gates of the ranch's sprawling land and inviting, rustic house. You may decide to explore the property by horse drawn carriage or head inside the main house to relax and take in views from the porch. Gather for a traditional asado lunch, with flame-cooked meats served at the table along with sides and wine.

Later, sit back and enjoy a folk performance of gaucho traditions with singing, dancing, and displays of horsemanship – topping off an unforgettable encounter with this South American way of life.

This evening back in Buenos Aires, gather for dinner at a local restaurant and toast to the end of a grand adventure. (B/L/D)

Your tour comes to an end today. Transfer to the airport for your flight home later today. (B)