Patagonia: Group trip to Chile and Argentina

Included meals: none. Transfer airport/hotel. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, transfer from the airport to the hotel. Buenos Aires – for everything and everyone, the Paris of South America will sooner or later be a stopover. Spread over the flat Pampas, on the banks of the Rio de la Plata, Buenos Aires proudly showcases its European heritage with longing glances. The city is full of creativity, which can sometimes overshadow even a metropolis like New York. In Buenos Aires, value is placed on ceremonies and politeness. The air in Buenos Aires seduced the Spaniards, and I am more and more convinced that they called it ‘the city of good air’ because they were seduced by its scents and illusions. (Ramón Gómez de la Serna). Mid-range: Overnight at Hotel Loi Suites Esmeralda 3* or similar (1 room apartment). Comfort class: Overnight at Hotel Grand Brizo Buenos Aires 4* or similar (Comfort room).

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner. City tour in Buenos Aires with a stop at a historic café (5h). In the evening Tango show including dinner at the Tango house Viejo Almacén – on a group basis in English. Experience the birthplace of Tango up close! During your city tour, you will first visit Avenida de Mayo, which leads to the famous Plaza De Mayo. Here you will see the Casa Rosada (government seat and former fortress), the Metropolitan Cathedral (seat of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires), and the old Town Hall. You enter the Metropolitan Cathedral and admire the impressive Neoclassical architecture of the building, which is one of the most significant Catholic landmarks in the country. The mausoleum of Argentine national hero General San Martín is housed in the cathedral, and Pope Francis held his masses here when he was still Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires has a vibrant café culture that originated from the diversity of immigrants. You will find a café on almost every corner. We will stop at a traditional café, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and snacks. Then proceed to San Telmo, which was a river port until 1888. The old small houses and cobblestone streets give the district a special flair. Every Sunday, there is a very nice flea market here. Continue to the waterfront district La Boca, which has become a famous tourist attraction due to its brightly painted tin houses. Visit the famous street El Caminito. After that, visit the fashionable district Recoleta, where the cemetery of the same name is located with the tomb of Evita. Avenida 9 de Julio is considered the widest boulevard in the world at 140 meters. Here stands the famous Obelisk as well as the opera house, Teatro Colón. In the evening, you will be taken to the tango house Viejo Almacén, because a tango night is a must on any visit to the Argentine capital! The origin of tango dates back to the last century when the entire area of the Río de la Plata was flooded by European immigrants who all brought their own music. At some point, the elements of the various music genres fused together and something new was created: the tango. The first instruments of the musicians and (initially only male) dancers who moved through dance halls and streets were flutes, violins, and guitars. Later, piano and bandoneon (a type of accordion) also became established as tango instruments. At the restaurant Viejo Almacén, you will first be served dinner, and then you will go across the street to the show house, where a tango show is on the program. The artists present various forms of tango and milonga at Viejo Almacén. After the tango show, return transfer to the hotel. Note: The excursion takes place together with other travelers. The transfers from the hotel to the tango house and back are conducted as shared transfers with other travelers and a Spanish-speaking driver. The tango house has English-speaking staff. Mid-range: Overnight at Hotel Loi Suites Esmeralda 3* or similar (1 room apartment). Comfort class: Overnight at Hotel Grand Brizo Buenos Aires 4* or similar (Comfort room).

Included meals: Breakfast. Day at leisure. The day is at your leisure. The following excursions can be booked optionally on site: Optional: Excursion to Tigre and the Delta of the Paraná River (4h). Group basis with English-speaking guide. The Tigre Delta is known for its characteristic rivers, currents, and numerous green islands. The deposits of the Paraná River, which give the water its distinctive brown-red color, shape the islands of the delta. You leave the city heading north and first arrive at San Isidro, an aristocratic neighborhood on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. The journey then takes you further into the Tigre Delta, a popular recreational area for the Porteños (inhabitants of Buenos Aires) featuring spacious summer residences, yacht clubs, and rowing clubs. During a boat tour lasting about an hour, you will explore the Tigre Delta with its rivers and countless densely vegetated islands. Note: Transfer and boat ride are conducted on a group basis together with international travelers and an English-speaking guide. For an additional fee, transfers can also be booked on a private basis with a German-speaking guide. The tour does not end at the hotel but optionally at one of the following places: Puerto Madero/Women’s Bridge, Galerías Pacífico (shopping center), Santa Fé & 9 de Julio street, Juncal & Cerrito, Obelisk, Colon Theater, Irigoyen & Lima street. Optional: San Telmo Antiques Market (3h 30min). Every Sunday, the cityscape of San Telmo transforms into one of Buenos Aires's most important sights. At over 270 stalls, dealers around Plaza Dorrego offer their unique goods, including gramophones, antique jewelry, old postcards, books, and armor. The antiques market is a traditional event in historic San Telmo and a must-see for any visitor to Buenos Aires. Note: This excursion only takes place on Sundays. Optional: Excursion to San Antonio de Areco “Encounter with Argentine Pioneers” with lunch (approx. 9h). In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Buenos Aires to explore San Antonio de Areco, a historic village in the heart of the Argentine Pampas. Founded more than 280 years ago, San Antonio de Areco preserves the traditions and lifestyle of the gauchos. The colonial town captivates with its cobblestone streets, old pulperías (bars), and estancias (farms). Over 30 silversmiths have settled here, making it the center of Argentine silver jewelry craftsmanship. In San Antonio de Areco, you will enjoy a light breakfast in an old “gaucho bar,” while learning more about the history and customs of the town. You will also visit a social center where people with disabilities produce handmade “alpargatas” (typical work shoes of the gauchos). You will enjoy lunch, consisting of empanadas, a main dish with fries or salad, and dessert at an old local restaurant. Note: The excursion takes place on a private basis with a German-speaking guide. Optional: Bicycle tour of Northern Buenos Aires: Palermo and Recoleta (4h). Today, you will explore the capital of Argentina in a slightly different way – by bike. On this bike tour, you will visit various sights away from the bustling crowds, including the Recoleta Cemetery, the parks of Palermo, and Plaza San Martin. The excursion starts at Plaza San Martin (on a private basis optionally at the hotel). Notes: Difficulty level: low. The tour takes place with bilingual tour guide (English/Spanish). Bicycles, helmets, and a bottle of water are provided. SIB excursion (together with other travelers): daily departures at 9:30 AM and 2:00 PM. Private tours from a minimum of 2 paying participants. Mid-range: Overnight at Hotel Loi Suites Esmeralda 3* or similar (1 room apartment). Comfort class: Overnight at Hotel Grand Brizo Buenos Aires 4* or similar (Comfort room).

Included meals: Breakfast. Transfer hotel – Buenos Aires airport. Flight Buenos Aires – Trelew (not included). Transfer airport Trelew – hotel in Puerto Madryn including Punta Tombo penguin colony. Today we go to the national airport in Buenos Aires for the flight to Trelew. Upon arrival, you will first drive to the largest breeding ground of Magellanic penguins in Punta Tombo. Even before you reach the beach, you hear them, and suddenly they are everywhere: hundreds of thousands of penguins on the hills, on the road, and in the sea. From September to April, you can experience all life stages of a penguin: from courtship to nesting and rearing of chicks, until the grown penguins swim back to the cold south. Afterward, transfer to the hotel in Puerto Madryn, which is located right on the Atlantic Ocean. Mid-range: Overnight at Hotel Piren or similar (Standard room). Comfort class: Overnight at Hotel Dazzler Puerto Madryn or similar (Standard room).

Included meals: Breakfast. Full-day excursion to Valdés Peninsula (10h) – in groups. Today, a full-day excursion to Valdés Peninsula is planned. The drive takes you first along the Golfo Nuevo to Golfo San José, where you will see 'Bird Island' from a short distance. Throughout the year, you can observe marine life both on land and in the protected bays north and south of Valdés Peninsula. This peninsula is a natural park that provides shelter to countless species of birds as well as sea lions and elephant seals, which roar with the ocean on the beaches and cliffs. From May, whales come close to this coast to mate and remain until mid-December. Note: The excursion takes place together with international travelers and is accompanied by a German-speaking guide. In the season from May to mid-December, you can optionally book a boat tour for whale watching through our local office. Note: The excursion takes place with other international travelers and an English-speaking guide. Mid-range: Overnight at Hotel Piren 3-4* or similar (Standard room). Comfort class: Overnight at Hotel Dazzler Puerto Madryn 4* or similar (Standard room).

Included meals: Breakfast. Transfer hotel – Trelew airport. Flight Trelew – Ushuaia (not included). Transfer Ushuaia airport – hotel including a short orientation city tour – with English-speaking guide. Transfer to Trelew airport for the flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world on Tierra del Fuego. Notes: Depending on the date, the route Trelew – Ushuaia may not be directly flown but may require a stopover in Buenos Aires, as there is no direct connection. Upon arrival at the Ushuaia airport, transfer to the hotel (with English-speaking guide). On the way, you will make a short orientation city tour with a photo stop at one of the panoramic viewpoints of Ushuaia. Ushuaia is the capital of Tierra del Fuego and is considered the southernmost city in the world. The museum at the end of the world and the old prison are sights you should not miss. Enjoy the pleasant restaurants with excellent cuisine and stroll along the harbor, where you can see some old boats. Ushuaia and its beautiful surroundings have already inspired explorers and writers such as Jules Verne, Fitz Roy, Charles Darwin, and Emilio Salgari. Notes: Services in Ushuaia are exclusively offered and confirmed in English. A German-speaking guide can only be confirmed a few days before arrival and is dependent on availability. Mid-range: Overnight at Hotel Patagonia Jarke 3* or similar (Standard room). Comfort class: Overnight at Hotel Cilene del Faro 4* or similar (Garden view room).

Included meals: Breakfast. Half-day excursion in Tierra del Fuego National Park (4h) – with English-speaking guide. The long, stormy, and cold winters have shaped a very simple and modest lifestyle here. The national park impresses mainly with the unique vegetation of Tierra del Fuego, consisting of Lenga forests, ferns, and mosses. It is located in the southwest of the province of Tierra del Fuego, only 11 km from Ushuaia, and borders almost on Chile. During the excursion, you can admire the majestic Andes, the Ensenada Bay, and the Beagle Channel. The park, which covers 63,000 ha, is located 3202 km from the capital Buenos Aires. Note: The excursion takes place with English-speaking guide. Optional: Excursion with the catamaran on the Beagle Channel and to Los Lobos Island. In the afternoon, you can book an optional excursion with the catamaran on the Beagle Channel and to Los Lobos Island through our local office. The Beagle Channel was named after the ship that Charles Darwin sailed on this route. Passing the lighthouse at the end of the world, you come to the offshore islands of Casco, where primarily seabirds nest, and to Isla Los Lobos, where you can observe sea lions. Note: Transfers hotel/pier/hotel on a private basis with an English-speaking guide, including port taxes. The boat ride takes place with other travelers, bilingual English/Spanish. Mid-range: Overnight at Hotel Patagonia Jarke 3* or similar (Standard room). Comfort class: Overnight at Hotel Cilene del Faro 4* or similar (Garden view room).

Included meals: Breakfast. Transfer hotel – Ushuaia airport – with English-speaking guide. Flight Ushuaia – El Calafate (not included). Transfer airport El Calafate – hotel. Transfer to the airport (with English-speaking guide) and flight to El Calafate. Reception by our local German-speaking guide and transfer to the hotel. El Calafate, the small town on the southern shore of Lago Argentino, is the southern access to Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and thus the starting point for visits to the breathtaking natural spectacles in the glacier park. In the town center, the chapel Santa Teresa invites you to visit. Perito Moreno Street leads up to a high hill south of the city, from which you can see the silhouette of the southern foothills of the Andes as well as Lake Redonda and the island Soledad in Lago Argentino. The surrounding area is ideal for mountain hiking. If flight times permit, an optional excursion to the Glaciarium Museum can be booked in the afternoon (2h 30min). The Glaciarium Ice Museum in Calafate is one of the few interpretation centers for ice and the first museum of its kind in South America. The interactive museum provides an overview of current research and latest findings, all presented with various light effects, multimedia programs, and audiovisual objects. During this tour, you will learn exciting details about glaciers and ice in Patagonia as well as about climate change and resulting environmental issues. The museum is only about 20 minutes from the city center, directly on the way to Los Glaciares National Park. Note: The excursion takes place in groups with other international travelers. Transfers to/from the hotel are not included, only to/from the meeting point in the city center with a Spanish-speaking driver. English audio guides are available in the museum. Mid-range: Overnight at Hotel Sierra Nevada 3* or similar (Standard room). Comfort class: Overnight at Hotel Kosten Aike 4* or similar (Standard room).

Included meals: Breakfast. Full-day excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier (8h) – on a group basis. Today, embark on an exciting exploration of Perito Moreno Glacier. After a picturesque drive through Los Glaciares National Park, you will reach Lago Argentino, into which this impressive glacier extends. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the few glaciers that is still actively growing. Daily, ice chunks crack and break off the glacier wall and plunge with a thunderous noise into the water. The imposing glacier front extends over 5 km and rises 70 m high. You will have ample opportunity to witness the fascinating calving of the glacier before returning to Calafate. Note: The excursion takes place in the company of other travelers and is accompanied by a private German-speaking guide. Mid-range: Overnight at Hotel Sierra Nevada 3* or similar (Standard room). Comfort class: Overnight at Hotel Kosten Aike 4* or similar (Standard room).

Included meals: Breakfast. Transfer hotel – El Calafate bus terminal. Transfer El Calafate – Puerto Natales - public bus without a guide. Transfer Puerto Natales bus terminal to the hotel - with English-speaking guide. In the morning, transfer to the bus terminal. From there, take the public bus (without a guide) to Puerto Natales. After your arrival, you will be picked up at the bus terminal and taken to the hotel. Note: The transfer will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide. A German-speaking guide is dependent on availability. Mid-range: Overnight at Hotel Costaustralis 4* or similar (City view room). Comfort class: Overnight at Hotel Costaustralis 4* or similar (Sea view room).

Included meals: Breakfast. Full-day excursion to Paine National Park (8h) – on a group basis, English-speaking. After breakfast, make your way on an exciting full-day tour through the breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park, located 150 km northwest of Puerto Natales. This natural paradise is one of the most impressive destinations in southern Chile. During your journey, you will traverse a spectacular landscape of glittering lakes, fascinating mountain formations, and snow-capped peaks. You will visit, among others, the Milodon Cave and the majestic Salto Grande waterfall. Note: The excursion takes place in the company of international travelers and is accompanied by an English-speaking guide. In the late afternoon, you will return to the hotel. Mid-range: Overnight at Hotel Costaustralis 4* or similar (City view room). Comfort class: Overnight at Hotel Costaustralis 4* or similar (Sea view room).

Included meals: Breakfast. Transfer from the hotel in Puerto Natales to the airport in Punta Arenas - with a Spanish-speaking driver. Reception at the airport - English-speaking guide. Flight Punta Arenas - Puerto Montt (not included). Transfer Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas. In the morning, transfer (with a Spanish-speaking driver without a guide) over the picturesque Patagonian steppe to Punta Arenas airport. There, you will be met by an English-speaking guide who will assist you with any questions at the airport. After your onward flight to Puerto Montt, you will be welcomed by your local guide. Then it’s off to the hotel in Puerto Varas. Puerto Varas is located right on the beautiful Lago Llanquihue and offers a spectacular view of the majestic Osorno Volcano. Mid-range: Overnight at Hotel Cabaña del Lago 4* or similar (Standard room). Comfort class: Overnight at Hotel Cabaña del Lago 4* or similar (Superior room).

Included meals: Breakfast. Full-day excursion to Lake “Todos los Santos”, to the Petrohué waterfalls and to Peulla (8h) – on a group basis. Leave Puerto Varas and discover the volcanic sandy beaches at the emerald green “Todos los Santos” lake while admiring the picturesque mountain landscapes. Afterwards, visit the impressive Petrohué waterfalls and marvel at the turquoise waters that flow into a river running through breathtaking rock formations. Then you can enjoy a two-hour boat ride on the “Todos los Santos” lake, where stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes Osorno, Puntiagudo, and Tronador await you. Upon arriving in Peulla, a small ecological village with only 120 inhabitants, you can continue your adventure and choose an activity (not included): canopy, horseback riding, or a 4x4 safari – all of which offer you breathtaking backdrops that will take your breath away. Note: The excursion takes place together with international travelers and a German-speaking guide. In case of bad weather in spring or autumn, cancellations may occur; in this case, an alternative excursion will be offered. Mid-range: Overnight at Hotel Cabaña del Lago 4* or similar (Standard room). Comfort class: Overnight at Hotel Cabaña del Lago 4* or similar (Superior room).

Included meals: Breakfast. Transfer from the hotel to the airport Puerto Montt including a city tour of Puerto Montt (4h). Flight from Puerto Montt to Santiago (not included). Transfer from Santiago airport to hotel. Before you say goodbye to the lake region and the impressive volcanoes, you will explore Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt. Puerto Varas, also known as the “City of Roses”, combines German traditions with Chilean culture. Particularly noteworthy are the charming wooden architecture, the culinary delights, and the city's diverse handicrafts. You will visit the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús church with its panoramic view and Avenida Vicente Pérez Rosales, which runs along the picturesque waterfront. The tour then leads you to Puerto Montt, where the significant port, salmon farming, and forestry shape the economy. The Cathedral of Puerto Montt is considered the oldest building in the region. Note: Shops in the city are generally open from around 9:30 AM to around 6:00 PM. Depending on flight connections, the city tour may take place on the 12th day of the tour. After that, the transfer to Puerto Montt airport for your flight to Santiago takes place. Upon your arrival in Santiago, you will be taken to the hotel. Santiago de Chile is a city of contrasts, distinguished by both colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers. This exciting combination makes it one of the most interesting capitals in all of South America. Mid-range: Overnight at Hotel Providencia 3* or similar (Standard room). Comfort class: Overnight at Hotel Marina Las Condes 4* or similar (Standard room).

Included meals: Breakfast. Half-day city tour (4h). Your city tour begins in the heart of Santiago, on the main street Alameda, where significant historical buildings await you. Here you will see the imposing presidential palace La Moneda, the University of Chile, the San Francisco Church, the National Library, and the Santa Lucia Hill, which represents the cradle of the city, founded in 1541. In the city center, you will also visit the main square with its impressive cathedral and the old post office. Your exploration continues to the Mercado Central, the main market for fresh fish and seafood. You follow the Alameda, crossing the Río Mapocho, to discover the lively arts and entertainment district Bellavista. The highlight of your tour is the viewpoint Cerro San Cristóbal, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Santiago’s seemingly endless sea of houses and the majestic Andes. Finally, you will visit the modern residential areas of Vitacura, Las Condes, and the bustling shopping district of Providencia, which perfectly rounds off your visit to the Chilean capital. Optional: Wine experience in Vinolia (3h). Immerse yourself in the world of Chilean wine without leaving Santiago! You will be picked up directly from your hotel and taken to Vinolia, where you will learn about one of the famous wine valleys (Maipo, Casablanca, or Colchagua). After a warm welcome and a short introduction to the valley, you will visit the “Room of Aromas” to discover the variety of flavors of Chilean wines. Afterwards, a virtual panoramic flight over the valley awaits you in a cinema room. Five winery owners will present their finest wines and tell you the unique stories behind each wine while you taste them. Each wine tasting will be accompanied by a delicious 3-course menu. After the experience, you will be returned to your hotel. Note: Transfers to and from Vinolia are private with a German-speaking guide who will accompany you to the “Room of Aromas.” The visit takes place together with other international travelers. The film shown during the tasting is in Spanish with English subtitles. The winery owners speak exclusively Spanish. Mid-range: Overnight at Hotel Providencia 3* or similar (Standard room). Comfort class: Overnight at Hotel Marina Las Condes 4* or similar (Standard room).

Transfer to the airport and return flight to Europe. Included meals: Breakfast. Transfer hotel – Santiago airport.