Luxury Chile and Argentina: Simply Patagonia
13 days from £12,800
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
Transfer from the airport to your classy boutique hotel in Santiago. It’s in the delightful bohemian quarter of Lastarria. Santiago is set in a broad valley between ranges of the Andes, with majestic snow-capped peaks, and a smaller coastal range with a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Santiago is a huge metropolis, a mix of the old and the contemporary, with quarters of tree-lined avenues and affluent tranquillity and others full of commercial bustle. Poorer districts sprawl on the outskirts.
You’ll have a guided walking tour of historic Santiago narrating the city’s evolution to the present-day metropolis of 5 million. Your guide will identify Santa Lucia Hill where Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia founded the settlement of Santiago de Nueva Extremadura on February 12th, 1541. Explore the Plaza de Armas (main square), nucleus of the city’s earliest urbanisation. Santiago’s cathedral, the main post office, and the city hall are all located around the square.
You’ll have a chance to linger in the Plaza de la Constitución, where the La Moneda government palace was the target of aerial bombardment in the 1973 coup which deposed the Marxist elected President Allende and brought General Pinochet to power. There should also be time for a glimpse of one of the oldest ‘barrios’ (neighbourhoods) of Santiago: Republica and Concha y Toro.
In Santiago’s historic district of Lastarria, this hotel has a French neo-classical exterior and interior decorated with antiques, artwork and idiosyncratic photos, blending the traditional with an innovative feel.
The Singular Santiago’s elegant, spacious rooms are classically furnished with traditional furniture and contemporary marble bathrooms.
There is a comprehensive spa with saunas, hot tubs, massages and a rooftop pool. The smart restaurant also combines different styles, with striking checkerboard flooring diffusing the light from ornate chandeliers.
This is a service-orientated hotel where the management and staff endeavour to create a complete experience for you: it’s not just a place to sleep.
Travel into the heartland of Chile’s wine growing region. Pirque in the Maipo Valley is home to several of the country’s top vineyards, thanks to its favourable climate and varied elevations here in the foothills of the Andes. It’s about an hour’s drive to the Perez Cruz winery, a family-run operation producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and Malbec. You will have a tour around the bodega, the mezzanine floor and cellar followed by a tasting and lunch, usually taken at the atmospheric Tesoros del Chile restaurant situated in a quaint 19th century residence in Pirque .
In Santiago’s historic district of Lastarria, this hotel has a French neo-classical exterior and interior decorated with antiques, artwork and idiosyncratic photos, blending the traditional with an innovative feel.
The Singular Santiago’s elegant, spacious rooms are classically furnished with traditional furniture and contemporary marble bathrooms.
There is a comprehensive spa with saunas, hot tubs, massages and a rooftop pool. The smart restaurant also combines different styles, with striking checkerboard flooring diffusing the light from ornate chandeliers.
This is a service-orientated hotel where the management and staff endeavour to create a complete experience for you: it’s not just a place to sleep.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Punta Arenas (or Puerto Natales) in southern Patagonia. (4hrs). On a clear day you have other-worldly views of the swirling meringue of the southern icecap, its fjords, volcanoes and glaciers. Approaching Punta Arenas you see the rust-brown stain of the Patagonian steppes, pitted with small lagoons stretching out towards the Straits of Magellan. The region’s fortunes were only briefly revived during a short-lived gold rush, and to add to its woes, the sheep-rearing business has never really recovered from the collapse of the price of meat and wool.
From the airport, drive into the awesome Torres del Paine National Park (5 hrs-ish, a wonderful wilderness where you’ll see silvery iceberg-dotted rivers, aquamarine lagoons and savagely wind-carved rocks, cliffs and ice-clad mountains. Guanacos (camelids) graze peacefully while ostriches scamper across the plains and condors soar above. The road takes you across inhospitable plains, battered by perpetual winds. The scenery becomes more dramatic as you approach the towering massif which looms up on the horizon. You’ll be staying at the park’s original luxury property, known for its exceptional setting and views, leisure facilities and sheer choice of excursions and outdoor activities.
This hotel is extraordinary in every sense, from its eye-popping location surrounded by granite massifs on Lake Pehoé to the experience-driven explora ethos, which places nature and adventure at the forefront of its uniquely unpretentious brand of luxury.
Explora Torres del Paine is a sumptuously comfortable base from which to enjoy the jagged mountains, wildflower meadows, meandering rivers and glaciers that define this windswept wilderness of breathtaking beauty. You can explore Torres del Paine National Park on foot or horseback, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery from the hotel, where the simplicity of the design stands in dramatic contrast to the stunning vistas framed by panoramic windows.
Although there’s an emphasis on the great outdoors, Explora Torres del Paine is a family-friendly place that welcomes guests of all ages and fitness levels, and the included activity programme is tailored to each individual. Excursions led by expert guides include hikes to Lago Grey Glacier and the spectacular trek to the peaks of Las Torres, while the hotel also has daily riding options for equestrians of all levels.
On arrival at Punta Arenas airport, you will be met and driven to the hotel, a 4-5 hour journey through rugged, remote and eerily beautiful scenery. The hotel is just a 90-minutes drive from Puerto Natales.
Explora has conservation reserves in both the Atacama Desert and Torres del Paine to preserve endemic flora and fauna, and is planning further reserves in Chile.
The hotel has a superb location at Salto Chico (little waterfall) inside the national park with magnificent views. The exclusive and ground-breaking hotel introduced a new concept to wilderness exploration and accommodation – comfort, grace, a range of professionally-run excursions, sophisticated cuisine and even wine are all included in the price.
The hotel’s contemporary design, with light beech-wood flooring, wicker furniture and enormous picture windows overlooking the towering ice-mantled massif just outside, adds to the feeling of intimacy with the natural world, enjoyed from a vantage-point of warmth and friendliness. There’s an indoor swimming pool and several open-air hot tubs for the use of all guests. Other facilities include a spa, sauna, gym and TV room. A comprehensive programme offers guests up to five different options a day – either on foot, by van, horseback and launch. Each excursion is classified according to duration and fitness requirements and includes English-speaking guide, food and equipment.
This hotel is extraordinary in every sense, from its eye-popping location surrounded by granite massifs on Lake Pehoé to the experience-driven explora ethos, which places nature and adventure at the forefront of its uniquely unpretentious brand of luxury.
Explora Torres del Paine is a sumptuously comfortable base from which to enjoy the jagged mountains, wildflower meadows, meandering rivers and glaciers that define this windswept wilderness of breathtaking beauty. You can explore Torres del Paine National Park on foot or horseback, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery from the hotel, where the simplicity of the design stands in dramatic contrast to the stunning vistas framed by panoramic windows.
Although there’s an emphasis on the great outdoors, Explora Torres del Paine is a family-friendly place that welcomes guests of all ages and fitness levels, and the included activity programme is tailored to each individual. Excursions led by expert guides include hikes to Lago Grey Glacier and the spectacular trek to the peaks of Las Torres, while the hotel also has daily riding options for equestrians of all levels.
On arrival at Punta Arenas airport, you will be met and driven to the hotel, a 4-5 hour journey through rugged, remote and eerily beautiful scenery. The hotel is just a 90-minutes drive from Puerto Natales.
Explora has conservation reserves in both the Atacama Desert and Torres del Paine to preserve endemic flora and fauna, and is planning further reserves in Chile.
It’s an all-day drive towards and over the frontier to Argentina across the bleak and scantily-populated Patagonian steppe, but the beauty of the mountainous scenery is staggering. In the afternoon you reach the shores of the milky turquoise Lago Argentino, and the little town of El Calafate. Tourism in the last 20 years has transformed it into a bustling entrepôt for access to the nearby scenery of glaciers, lakes and impossibly steep peaks.
Eolo is set on working farmland with a rugged, remote feel in keeping with the spirit of the surrounding wild landscape. Designed like a large ranch house from the outside, it combines the trappings of an estancia with the comforts and modern interior design of a first-class hotel. The property is listed in the prestigious Relais & Chateaux portfolio.
The inviting guestrooms have enormous windows, and the russet, taupe and olive tones of the luxuriant yet rustic antique furnishings echo the colours of the natural world outside. There is a restaurant, an English-style bar, a small library and a comfortable sitting room with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows to take in surrounding views. The relaxation area includes a sauna and outdoor hot tub.
Eolo is a 20-minute drive from El Calafate airport on the road to the area’s main attraction – the stunning Perito Moreno glacier, yet there is little sign of human influence in any direction. Perched on a hillside with magnificent, sweeping views across tawny steppes to the mountains on the horizon and Lago Argentino, the hotel is surrounded by a sprawl of endless plains, granite mountain peaks, turquoise lakes and glaciers.
Horse-riding, and hiking are recommended in the surrounding area or borrow one of the complimentary mountain bikes. Also available at extra cost are excursions to Perito Moreno glacier, boat trips on Lago Argentino and farm visits.
Guided excursion to Perito Moreno glacier. It’s an early morning departure from El Calafate to Los Glaciares national park, a 90 min drive to the walkways and viewing platform overlooking the glacier. The thundering shards of falling ice are a breathtaking spectacle as you pass at a safe distance along the walkway in front of the Canal de los Tempanos, which separates Brazo Rico from the main part of the lake. The glacier is 5km wide and stands 60m above the surface of the lake. Its ice masses are fed by the southern continental ice field from the west, and from other smaller surrounding glaciers.
Later, board the Safari Nautico or Moreno Fiesta launch for an hour-long cruise on the lake beneath the glacier, with a commentary. Alternatively, you can just walk and contemplate, away from the other visitors.
Eolo is set on working farmland with a rugged, remote feel in keeping with the spirit of the surrounding wild landscape. Designed like a large ranch house from the outside, it combines the trappings of an estancia with the comforts and modern interior design of a first-class hotel. The property is listed in the prestigious Relais & Chateaux portfolio.
The inviting guestrooms have enormous windows, and the russet, taupe and olive tones of the luxuriant yet rustic antique furnishings echo the colours of the natural world outside. There is a restaurant, an English-style bar, a small library and a comfortable sitting room with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows to take in surrounding views. The relaxation area includes a sauna and outdoor hot tub.
Eolo is a 20-minute drive from El Calafate airport on the road to the area’s main attraction – the stunning Perito Moreno glacier, yet there is little sign of human influence in any direction. Perched on a hillside with magnificent, sweeping views across tawny steppes to the mountains on the horizon and Lago Argentino, the hotel is surrounded by a sprawl of endless plains, granite mountain peaks, turquoise lakes and glaciers.
Horse-riding, and hiking are recommended in the surrounding area or borrow one of the complimentary mountain bikes. Also available at extra cost are excursions to Perito Moreno glacier, boat trips on Lago Argentino and farm visits.
Transfer to El Calafate airport and fly to San Carlos de Bariloche, the main town in Argentina’s lake district, a popular yet unspoilt region of sleeping snow-stifled volcanoes, dark sapphire lakes fringed by dense forests, small Alpine-style towns and scenic drives. Its multitude of national parks offer outdoor activities from hiking to fishing and cycling to horse riding.
There’s a European-style cuisine of fondues, creamy cakes and cool blond Bavarian-inspired beers. Just over an hour from the city is Villa La Angostura, a small, appealing town on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. It’s a chic little place with a selection of gourmet restaurants and smart hotels. The town is a centre for skiing in winter (July and August), and walking in summer – set against a stunning backdrop of glacial green-blue lakes framed by the mountains of the Andes.
This striking luxury lodge, constructed in local wood with slate roofs and huge windows, sits close to Villa la Angostura in the heart of the Argentine lake district. The grounds stretch over the slopes of forested hills, down to the northern shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi.
The guest rooms are individually designed and most have attractive lake views. There is a bar and restaurant overlooking the lake offering enticing dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredients such as freshwater fish and vegetables from the hotel garden.
In addition to soaking up the rugged mountain scenery, relax in the sumptuous spa with its outdoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and massage room. In the surrounding countryside, go hiking and biking through the trails of the Nahuel Huapi National Park.
Other options include summer water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and rafting on the cobalt waters of the lake and rivers that feed it. The hotel has its own private beach, pier and dock. It comes as no surprise that this gorgeous property is listed in the prestigious Relais & Chateaux portfolio.
At leisure to enjoy the hotel’s facilities, excursions and activities. You’re truly immersed in the lake district here, and with its idyllic setting, gourmet restaurant and superb spa, you may not feel any need to wander far. Slightly further afield, you may choose to explore Los Arrayanes national park, and its boardwalks through a magical centenary myrtle forest.
This striking luxury lodge, constructed in local wood with slate roofs and huge windows, sits close to Villa la Angostura in the heart of the Argentine lake district. The grounds stretch over the slopes of forested hills, down to the northern shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi.
The guest rooms are individually designed and most have attractive lake views. There is a bar and restaurant overlooking the lake offering enticing dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredients such as freshwater fish and vegetables from the hotel garden.
In addition to soaking up the rugged mountain scenery, relax in the sumptuous spa with its outdoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and massage room. In the surrounding countryside, go hiking and biking through the trails of the Nahuel Huapi National Park.
Other options include summer water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and rafting on the cobalt waters of the lake and rivers that feed it. The hotel has its own private beach, pier and dock. It comes as no surprise that this gorgeous property is listed in the prestigious Relais & Chateaux portfolio.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Buenos Aires. The Argentine capital is an elegant, cultured and cosmopolitan city famed for its interesting museums and the fascinating port district of La Boca, with its cobbled streets and brightly painted houses. It was here that the tango was born, and Diego Maradona honed his footballing skills.
The centre of town is home to the colonial heartland, government buildings and churches, as well as chic shopping districts, which have a nostalgic Parisian feel. The bohemian quarter of San Telmo is full of quaint old houses interspersed with antiques shops, tango bars and classy restaurants. Slightly further out of the centre is the Recoleta district, even more evocative of the French influence, where Evita Perón was laid to rest.
Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt is an oasis of relaxation in the heart of Buenos Aires’ classy Recoleta district.
The hotel has two distinct sections, the elegant and beautifully restored Palacio Duhau which has most facilities, and the modern Edificio Posadas with most of the guest rooms. This successfully combines contemporary interior design with classical architectural elegance.
The hotel has a choice of restaurants, a cheese wine cellar and a convivial, wood-pannelled bar and a 25m indoor pool.
Your guided city overview takes you along Avenida 9 de Julio, one of the widest boulevards in the world and studded by the Obelisk, an emblematic symbol of the city. Along this majestic highway is the 19th century Teatro Colón (guided tour included) which, in terms of its architecture and design, as well as its excellent acoustics, is considered one of world’s best.
On to the Plaza de Mayo, enclosed on three sides by the Metropolitan cathedral, the Town Hall and the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace. The tour continues to bohemian, arty La Boca, which was settled and built by Italian immigrants and has streets lined with brightly painted corrugated iron-clad houses. Visit the district of Recoleta.
Evening guided visit to a tango show with dinner. The passage of time has given respectability to a dance once confined to the seedy underworld bars of the red-light La Boca district. Nowadays, a number of ‘tango houses’ offer a dinner and show as an evening out – prior to the performance you can even try out a few steps yourself as an informal group tango lesson is included. Rojo is among the most prestigious venues in Buenos Aires, with a burlesque twist to its interpretation of this inimitable art form of which Portenos are justifiably proud.
Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt is an oasis of relaxation in the heart of Buenos Aires’ classy Recoleta district.
The hotel has two distinct sections, the elegant and beautifully restored Palacio Duhau which has most facilities, and the modern Edificio Posadas with most of the guest rooms. This successfully combines contemporary interior design with classical architectural elegance.
The hotel has a choice of restaurants, a cheese wine cellar and a convivial, wood-pannelled bar and a 25m indoor pool.
Transfer to the international airport.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Chile - Santiago and the vineyards
Snow-capped Andean peaks overlook cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, historic plazas and sun-drenched vineyards in Santiago Chile – the country’s sophisticated capital and its surrounding wine country. Combining urban culture with world-class wineries, Santiago and vineyards nearby give you the perfect introduction to Chile.
Chile - Torres del Paine National Park
Spiralling granite towers, serrated massifs and turquoise lakes define one of the most spectacular national parks, where grasslands give way to glacial valleys, rivers and glassy lagoons. Torres del Paine is Chile’s flagship natural destination, and Torres del Paine holidays remain one of South America’s finest options for hiking, wildlife watching and immersive wilderness experiences.
Argentina - El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park
Stand on the boardwalks as house-sized blocks of ice crack from the Perito Moreno glacier, strap on crampons to walk on the ice itself, and cruise Lago Argentino past floating bergs to the glaciers beyond. Gateway to Argentina’s greatest ice fields, El Calafate is where Patagonia turns blue and white.
Argentina - Argentinian lake district
Hike through southern beech forest to a mountain refuge, drive the Seven Lakes Road between snow-topped peaks and end the day with hot chocolate in an alpine town. Set around Bariloche and Argentina’s oldest national park, the Lake District is northern Patagonia at its most beautiful, and its most active.
Argentina - Buenos Aires
Discover Argentina’s elegant and energetic capital, where grand European-style architecture, vibrant neighbourhoods, world-class cuisine and the passion of tango come together to create one of South America’s most captivating cities. Dynamic, stylish and nostalgic in equal measure, Buenos Aires is a destination worthy of a trip in its own right.
Recent years have seen the creation of luxury accommodation right in the heart of Patagonia’s savagely glaciated countryside. You stay at three of these properties in Torres del Paine National Park, the Los Glaciares National Park and the volcano–dotted Patagonian lake district.
The holiday plunges into the Patagonia of Chile and Argentina, an area of outstanding natural beauty which still has a remote wilderness feel. Fly south to the ice caps, glaciated jagged mountains and lakes at the tip of the Andes. Visit the minty blue, cathedral-high Perito Moreno glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina, and the ice-clad towers of Torres del Paine National Park, Chile’s large and well-established reserve. The south has just a few rough roads cutting through a frost-bitten landscape of glaciers, luminous lagoons, snow-tipped pinnacles and wind-strafed steppe, but it is nevertheless readily accessible to visitors.
Travel north to explore the indigo lakes, ancient woodland and snow-capped volcanoes of the lake district in northern Patagonia where, amidst its lakeside resorts and summer visitors, is a land of fairyland forests and lonely roads carving their way through a virgin landscape.
Mary Anne Nelson
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Transport
3 flights (longest 3.5hrs); 3 scenic road journeys.
- Accommodation
This holiday offers first class accommodation in fine locations throughout – from boutique-style properties in Santiago and the lake district to some of the best upcountry lodges in southern Patagonia with staggering views, and the renowned Park Hyatt in Buenos Aires.
- Meals
Breakfast daily, lunch day 2, full board days 3-8, dinner days 9, 10 and 12.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
- Summary Of Nights
13 days, 12 nights: Santiago 2; Torres del Paine 4; El Calafate 2; Lake District 2; Buenos Aires 2
- How To Take It
Cash machines are available in all major cities and towns, and so taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip, and in most shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, ATMs can be temperamental and you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds. We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency. Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can take sterling, but the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available, restricting the number of places where you can change money.
For our latest currency advice for Argentina please see our FAQs section.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Chile is the Chilean peso; Argentina has the Argentine peso.
- Daily Spend
Some meals are already included in the cost of your stay. For additional expenses but a budget of around US$35-50 per person per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir.
- Tipping
Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential.
Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Trip Suitability
In Torres del Paine National Park all walks are optional. Hikes vary in length (between 2 and 8 hours) and difficulty (most are easily followed and relatively flat). Riding and biking is suitable for fit beginners. If you find time to walk in the lake district, trails are undulating but not strenuous.
Be prepared for some early mornings, and for extreme weather conditions in the south.
- Climate
Winter in the Southern Hemisphere is between May and September. In Santiago and Buenos Aires, temperatures can be cool (5°C – to 15°C). While sunshine is possible, so is rain. Spring temperatures, October to November and March to April are between 15 and 25°C and there is a good deal of pleasant sunshine. January and February are hot, around 30°C.
The lake district has weather not dissimilar to our own, but a bit sunnier in summer and rather rainier in the winter months.
The weather in the far south is notoriously unpredictable throughout the year. During the southern hemisphere summer (October to March) there can be blizzards or heat waves. The adage “four seasons in a day” is very apt here. In winter days are short and snow is not uncommon but it is rarely much below freezing, because of the moderating influence of the sea.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
A day pack is essential for carrying rainwear, snacks, books and a water bottle. Outside summer, those who feel the cold might take thermals. To ensure your comfort while walking in Patagonia, you should bring a good waterproof, walking boots (tried and tested so you don’t get blisters!) as well as a good waterproof top, trousers and a warm hat and a scarf.
That said the sun in summer can be strong so take a hat with a visor, sunglasses and sun block. Some walkers find hiking poles helpful and binoculars are useful for bird spotting.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in South America.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following: polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. You should consult your GP for specific requirements.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
- Do I need a visa to visit Argentina?
British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip. If you’re routing through the US, you’ll need an ESTA in advance. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
- How do I get to Argentina from the UK?
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires in about 13.5 hours. There are also connecting routes via Madrid, São Paulo and other hubs, taking roughly 16 to 17 hours depending on the routing. We arrange all flights and transfers, and can quote them separately based on your dates.
- What’s the best way to travel around Argentina?
The country’s size makes domestic flights the most practical way to cover long distances, and most routes connect through Buenos Aires. Within regions, we arrange private transfers and guided excursions, while self-driving works well in the Lake District, Mendoza and parts of Patagonia, where the roads are good, and the scenery is spectacular.
- What currency does Argentina use?
The official currency is the Argentine peso. US dollars are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and it’s worth carrying some. ATMs are available in cities and larger towns but can have low withdrawal limits, and credit cards are taken in hotels and restaurants in the main destinations. We’ll advise on the latest currency situation before you travel.
- How long should I spend in Argentina?
Two weeks works well for a first trip, pairing Buenos Aires with Iguazú and Patagonia, or with Mendoza and the lake district. To go further and add the northwest, Península Valdés or an estancia stay, allow three weeks or more. We’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
- What language is spoken in Argentina?
Spanish is the official language, spoken with a distinctive Argentine accent and plenty of Italian influence. English is widely spoken in hotels and tourist areas, less so beyond them, so a few basic Spanish phrases go a long way.
- Is Argentina safe for travellers?
Argentina is generally safe for visitors, especially in the main tourist areas. As in any large city, take sensible precautions in Buenos Aires: keep an eye on your surroundings, avoid flashy valuables, and use licensed taxis or ride apps. Our Travel Experts will advise on anything specific to the regions you’re visiting.
- What can I combine with Argentina?
Argentina pairs naturally with Chile, crossing the Andes from Mendoza, taking the lake crossing from Bariloche or linking a Patagonia trip across both countries. Brazil is a popular add-on to Iguazú Falls; Uruguay is a short ferry ride from Buenos Aires; and Peru pairs well with a broader South America itinerary. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country trip around you.
- Do I need a visa to visit Chile?
British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist visits. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip. If you’re routing through the US, you’ll need an ESTA in advance. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
- How do I get to Chile from the UK?
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to Santiago, taking around 14.5 hours. There are also connecting routes via Madrid, Paris and other European hubs. We arrange all flights and transfers, and can quote them separately based on your dates.
- What's the best way to travel around Chile?
The country’s length makes domestic flights the most practical way to cover long distances, with most routes connecting through Santiago. Within regions, we arrange private transfers and guided excursions. For scenic stretches like the Lake District or the Carretera Austral, overland travel is part of the experience.
- What currency does Chile use?
The official currency is the Chilean peso. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and ATMs are available in most towns. Carry some cash for tips, smaller purchases and rural areas. We’ll advise on the latest currency situation before you travel.
- What's the altitude like in Chile?
Most of Chile sits at low to moderate altitude, but parts of the Atacama, including Lauca National Park and areas around San Pedro, reach over 3,000m. Altitude can cause headaches, dizziness and breathlessness, so it’s important to acclimatise gradually, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol on arrival. We plan all itineraries with altitude in mind.
- How long should I spend in Chile?
Two weeks works well for a single focus, such as the Atacama with a few days in Santiago, or Torres del Paine with time in the lake district. To cover Chile’s full range, from desert to Patagonia, allow three weeks or more. We’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
- Do I need vaccinations for Chile?
There are currently no mandatory vaccines for UK travellers visiting Chile, but we always recommend checking the most up-to-date requirements well before travelling. You can do this by visiting TravelHealthPro and FCDO travel pages. Alternatively, you can contact us and speak to one of our experts who can advise on any current considerations for the areas you’re visiting.
- What countries can I combine with Chile?
Chile pairs naturally with Argentina, crossing the Andes from Santiago to Mendoza, or the lakes from Puerto Varas to Bariloche. Bolivia is an easy add-on from the Atacama, with routes through the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country trip around you.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Visit prestigious wineries just an hour’s drive from Santiago for a guided tour and tasting.
Breathe in the majesty of Patagonia on foot on a choice of rewarding hikes to natural beauty spots.
See one of the key highlights of Torres del Paine National Park from the water.
Admire a true marvel of nature from panoramic viewing platforms and up close on a short lake cruise.
Don’t miss the chance to see the passionate tango performed live in Buenos Aires’ most atmospheric quarter.
Take a boat ride on Lake Nahuel Huapi in the lake district to discover the fairy-tale Los Arrayanes myrtle forest and Victoria Island with its engaging bird life.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
This exceptional experience-driven hotel in one of South America’s most spellbinding locations has its own brand of adventurous, unpretentious luxury.
A stylish, first class hotel close to central Santiago combining a luxurious classical style with contemporary features.
If there’s somewhere you particularly want to go that isn’t included in this tour, we can add on an extension to take you there.
Winery
The Chilean Central Valley, with its rich soils and sunny Mediterranean climate, is Chile’s breadbasket. Orchards flourish, and the slopes of the Andean foothills support vineyards producing world class wines. Several now welcome visitors: here you visit one of the most attractive and luxurious. Day 1: By road to the Casablanca valley (1.5hrs), celebrated among…
Iguazu from Buenos Aires
One of the continent’s most awe-inspiring attractions, the Iguazú Falls – which straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil – is a vast basalt amphitheatre veiled by a curtain of foaming water which crashes through tangled sub-tropical jungle. This is one of the great must-see highlights of Latin America, indeed the world. Day 1: Fly…
Iguazu and Rio de Janeiro
One of the continent’s most awe-inspiring attractions, the Iguazú Falls – which straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil – is composed of a vast basalt amphitheatre veiled by a curtain of foaming water which crashes through tangled sub-tropical jungle. Continue to Brazil and Rio de Janeiro, the continent’s most vibrant and colourful city. Day…
Estancia
Throughout Argentina prestigious rural estates have been adapted to accommodate visitors. La Bamba is a colonial-style property oozing with atmosphere and history, restored to its former elegance in parkland, with a good-sized pool. A few days here will allow you to relax and savour life on the pampa prairies, while feasting off delicious food and…
Atacama
The Atacama’s inhospitable desert landscape is harsh and rugged, but it echoes the legacy of its pre-Columbian inhabitants, while the volcanoes and geysers hiss into life. Oases splash the tawny landscape with vigorous vegetation. A few days here will give you a surprisingly varied experience of desert life. Day 1: Fly from Santiago to Calama…
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Papagaio
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
Featured Articles
To round the corner of a mountain and see the lost citadel of Machu Picchu unfold beneath you remains one of the most awe-inspiring experiences in Latin America, one of those dreamlike experiences that makes travelling here truly extraordinary.
The Pantanal wetlands cover an area almost the size of the British Isles and offers better wildlife opportunities than the Amazon. Writer and photographer Alex Bellos discovers them.
Small, breathtakingly beautiful Costa Rica is a treasure trove for the nature lover. Trees laden with orchids are home to quetzals and hummingbirds, while the Caribbean shore hosts volcanic beaches and palm-sheltered coves.
