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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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).