Chile Packages: Capitals & Patagonia

You will be met at the Santiago Airport by a Chile For Less representative and transferred to your comfortable hotel in Santiago. Check out our selection of great value Santiago Hotels.

Today, you will head out on a half day historical tour of Santiago to visit some of the most interesting sites in Santiago and learn about the fascinating history of Chile and its capital.

You will start the tour driving up the Santa Lucia hill where Santiago was founded. You will then continue on to the historic downtown, Plaza de Armas (Main Square), where stands some of Santiago’s historic buildings. You will see the Cathedral, City Hall, Central Post Office, and National Historical Museum.

You will then drive to the civic area to see the Moneda Presidential Palace, current seat of the Chilean government. The tour will continue through charming streets lined with 19th century buildings, passing the statue of Typical Zone, the Cousiño Palace, and the Basilica de los Sacramentinos (inspired by the Montmartre church in Paris).

The tour will end on the Alameda Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago’s main avenue where you will visit the San Francisco church and its beautiful colonial museum and monastery. The church boasts a peaceful garden and an important religious art collection.

You will have the remainder of the afternoon and evening to explore Santiago at your leisure. Try some delicious traditional Chilean cuisine in one of the restaurants, discover some of its exciting barrios and take advantage of the lively nightlife!

After a delicious breakfast at your Santiago hotel, you will head out on a tour of Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, two charming coastal cities located only an hour from Santiago. Look around you as you travel across the beautiful valleys of Curacavi and Casablanca on your way to Valparaiso.

With its bohemian atmosphere, chaotic and colorful architecture, and lovely port, Valparaiso is one of the most attractive cities in Chile and unlike any other. You will start your tour at the Mirador 21 de Mayo from where you will enjoy spectacular views of the entire city and bay.

Next, you will visit the fascinating house-museum of the poet and winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, Pablo Neruda. One of the most important figures of Chilean culture, Pablo Neruda, tired of the tumultuous life of Santiago, decided to retire to Valparaiso in a house on Mount Florida. Learn all about the writer’s eccentric tastes as well as his most glorious and absurd moments as you wander through the charming rooms that inspired the artist.

Descend to Valparaiso’s Prat Dock, where sailors embark and men scramble to load the enormous ships. Filled with swarms of people and fervent activity, there is no better place to get a sense of the lively port life. Don’t miss the handicraft markets displaying local products from all around Chile.

After lunch, you will head out to Viña del Mar where you will enjoy a relaxing stroll down the quiet streets and picturesque beaches of this lovely coastal town.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Santiago and have the evening free to explore more of the city’s exciting spots.

You will be picked up at the Punta Arenas airport by a Chile For Less representative who will take you to your confirmed Punta Arenas hotel. You will enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure exploring the lively city on your own.

After a filling breakfast in your hotel, you will meet your transfer to the bus station for your journey to Puerto Natales. One of our representatives will meet you at the station in Puerto Natales and take you to your comfortable Puerto Natales hotel.

You will have the rest of the day to rest at your hotel and start exploring the quainttown on your own.

Begin your full day excursion to the strikingly beautiful Torres del Paine National Park. Along the way you will stop at Milodon Cave, an enormous cavern that is almost 100 feet high and 230 feet deep. This cave is the site where Captain Hermann Eberhard discovered the remains of a prehistoric giant ground sloth called a Milodon.

The tour continues from here through the hills and extended plains of the Chilean Patagonia, before reaching Torres del Paine National Park. This World Biosphere Reserve is home to pumas, foxes, Guanacos, and rheas that coexist in the forests of Lenga, Coigues, and Magellan barberry beneath the awesome jagged peaks of Torres del Paine.
You will admire Lake Nordeskjold draining into Lake Pehoe at Salto Grande and the granite massifs of Cuernos del Paine which dominate the skyline.  Eat lunch along the shores of Lake Grey, enjoying the views of Grey glacier. 

After lunch you will continue on to Amarga Lagoon which has some of the best views in Torres del Paine before returning to your comfortable hotel in Puerto Natales

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be brought to Puerto Natales to continue by bus to El Calafate.  Upon arrival a Chile For Less Representative will take you to your comfortable El Calafate hotel. Enjoy the evening at your leisure, strolling the streets lined with restaurants, bars, and handicraft markets. Along Libertador street, you’ll find restaurants serving the popular dish cordero patagónico, or Patagonia lamb, as well as empanadas, asado sandwiches, and brochettes. Make sure to save room for a glass of wine, as Argentina has some of the finest vintners. Visit the Nimes Lagoon at sunset to watch the birds preparing for the night.  

Enjoy an early breakfast in your hotel before departing for the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. You will see the southern bank of the glistening blue Lago Argentino, populated by colorful flamingoes, black-necked swans, and coots. You’ll pass nearby berry farms and estancias en route to Los Glaciares National Park. At the Curva de los Suspiros, you’ll catch your first sight of the nearly 200 ft tall glacier wall.

At the foot of the glacier, you will be free to spend a few hours walking along the trails and footpaths of the glacier, appreciating its beauty and immensity from several angles. You may catch sight of a plethora of wildlife, such as condors and eagles, armadillos, and gray foxes. For lunch you can dine in view of the glacier at the restaurant in the park (not included).

After lunch, you will enjoy a boat tour along Lago Rico to appreciate the grandeur of the glacier from its most imposing edge. In the late afternoon or evening, you will return to your comfortable El Calafate hotel. For dinner, there are many excellent options in El Calafate, but make sure to order the delicious dish cordero al asador, barbeque lamb. 

After breakfast, you will be transported to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, you will be picked up at the airport by one of our Argentina For Less travel representatives and transferred to your comfortable Buenos Aires hotel. See our recommended Buenos Aires hotels and read our Buenos Aires Travel Guide for ideas on what to see, where to eat, and what to do in Buenos Aires.

The Buenos Aires tour is recommended to every traveler arriving in Buenos Aires to catch the highlights of this romantic city. You will first pass by the impressive National Congress (The Parliament), the civic center including the Plaza de Mayo (May Square) surrounded by the Government House (Casa Rosada), the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo (City Hall during the Spanish colonial period). Along 9th of July Avenue, you will see the famous Colon Theatre, considered one of the best opera houses in the world.

You will then head to the traditional San Telmo neighborhood in which you will be taken back in history (on Sunday visits there’s some free time to visit the Flea Market). A bit further south is one of the oldest neighborhoods, La Boca, the settlement for the first Italian immigrants, where you will have time to enjoy the colorful and unique architecture. The Buenos Aires tour will continue through Puerto Madero and Retiro on the way to Palermo, the largest residential area of the city where you will find the enjoyable Palermo Parks, City Zoo and Planetarium. Your last spot is the elegant Recoleta, famous for its cemetery, boutiques, gourmet restaurants and sidewalk cafes under ficus and jacaranda trees.

In the evening you will be taken to enjoy a “porteña” in one of the most exclusive Buenos Aires tango houses, Tango Porteño. The theater is located on Corrientes Ave, just a few steps from the famous Obelisk. The setting is in a luxurious and legendary Porteño Theatre. Tango Porteño recreates the golden age of the forties, which is known as the reign of tango. During dinner, the Orchestra will play a tango repertoire while several couples dance this amazing and sensual dance. Our recommended dinner and tango show was selected for having the best quality, gourmet meals and truly exceptional dancing. If you prefer any other recommended places, just let our Argentina Travel Advisor know and we can make arrangements according to your requests.

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your transfer to the Buenos Aires airport for your flight home or onward to your next destination.

• 2 nights in Santiago, 1 night in Punta Arenas, 2 nights in Puerto Natales, 2 nights in El Calafate and 2 nights in Buenos Aires in hotels based on US standards
• Guided visits with English-speaking tour guides
• All transfers and entrance fees
• All breakfasts

This full day boat cruise and mini-trekking experience begins at the Bajo de las Sombras dock, where you will board the cruise ship for a short boat ride to the southern edge of Lago Rico. You will disembark on the glacier-side of the lake, where mountain guides will welcome you into a shelter and explain the park rules and trekking safety. Groups of 10 or fewer trekkers will set out for the glacier, and at the edge, trekkers will put on their crampons before enjoying a 2 hour glacier walk. You will pass lagoons, crevasses, and a vast array of ice formations that glow in varying shades of blue. Guides will point out the flora and fauna along the way, and explain the fascinating science of glaciology, tracing the recorded history of the Perito Moreno Glacier’s many expansions and ruptures. On your return you will stop at the glacier balconies for a spectacular panoramic view of the entire Perito Moreno Glacier. Back at the shelter you will stop for lunch (optional box lunches available on request), before returning by boat to Bajo de las Sombras, and from there to your El Calafate hotel.

Due to insurance reasons beyond Argentina For Less’ control, participation in this excursion is limited to travelers between 10 and 65 years old. Several hours of walking through diverse terrain requires both good physical shape and a sense of adventure. Wear sports clothing (sweaters, rain jacket, sunglasses, trekking shoes or tennis shoes, and gloves) and bring UV sun block, a small backpack, and water bottle.

After rising early and having a hearty breakfast in your hotel, you will travel to Punta Bandera, where you will board the cruise ship. You’ll cruise along Lago Argentino past drifting icebergs to the Upsala Glacier, one of the region’s largest ice masses (approximately three times the size of Buenos Aires). Its walls range from 197 to 262 ft, and it is 37 miles long and 3-4 miles wide. You will continue on to Onelli Bay, where you will disembark at the port and take a short trek to Onelli Lagoon. At this remarkable lagoon the glaciers Onelli, Bolados, and Agassiz converge. The Patagonia forest is filled with lenga and guindo trees, as well as lichen called old man's beard. Here visitors can enjoy lunch in the restaurant, or can bring a box lunch. Afterwards, you will set sail again, this time passing the Spegazzini and Seco glaciers, before returning to the El Calafate port in the late afternoon.

Please note that due to sudden shifts in weather, the precise nature of this cruise can change. At times alternative glaciers and/or routes may be required.

This full day excursion in a 4x4 vehicle allows travelers to traverse rugged terrain and view some of the most impressive Patagonia scenery. From El Calafate, you will board a vehicle and head for El Chalten and Torres del Paine, two famous peaks. You may have time to set out on short treks throughout the region. Another route option is along the Vuelta Histórica to the Perito Moreno Glacier and Lago Roca, stopping at various estancias to learn about their interesting histories and enjoy a box lunch.

This half day horseback experience takes you from El Calafate around the pristine and tranquil nature reserve of Bahia Redonda of Lago Argentino. This bay is filled with a variety of Patagonian birds like flamingoes, black necked swans, and herons. From your Patagonian steed, you’ll be able to appreciate the breathtaking Lago Argentino and its surrounding glacier mountains, just as Patagonia gauchos once did. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a glass of mate, a traditional tea believed to have healing properties, as well as a delicious snack of pan-fried bread.

Just 12 miles from El Calafate, the El Galpon estancia is a working ranch where traditional sheep shearing methods are practiced. During this half day excursion you will take a drive to the ranch where delicious jams, cookies, scones, breads, tea and coffee will be waiting for you fresh and hot from the ranch kitchen. After your delicious brunch, you´ll begin a leisurely walking tour of the ranch, heading toward Laguna de los Pajaros. There you’ll enjoy terrific bird watching of over 40 migrating species. Next you’ll head to a former Native American camping ground once used by migratory hunter-gatherers before returning to the ranch. You’ll watch Kelpis shepherding dogs hard at work and then head into the shearing shed where you can witness a sheep shearing demonstration and learn how wool is shorn and baled. The tour ends with a delicious Patagonian lamb barbecue, fresh salads, and homemade desserts at the cozy restaurant overlooking Lago Argentino and the Cordillera de Los Andes.

On this full day Big Ice trekking adventure, you will hike into the heart of the immense, awe-inspiring Perito Moreno glacier. Starting out early, you will take a short boat cruise along Lago Rico to the glacier side of the lake, where guides will welcome you to Perito Moreno. After a safety and equipment briefing, you will walk to the foot of the glacier, get outfitted in your crampons, and head into the icy blue wilderness. An hour’s trek will take you to a breathtaking view of the immense ice plateau. You will see crevasses, ice caves, moulins, and all sorts of fascinating ice formations. Enjoy a lunch and rest, before heading back to terra firma. You will have hiked a total of about 3 hours, with expert guides leading you every step of the way. You will reach the boat by mid-afternoon, and head back to El Calafate.  

Due to insurance reasons beyond Argentina For Less’ control, participation in this excursion is limited to travelers between 18 and 45 years old. Several hours of walking through diverse terrain requires both good physical shape and a sense of adventure. Wear sports clothing (sweaters, rain jacket, sunglasses, trekking shoes or tennis shoes, and gloves) and bring UV sunblock, a 40-liter backpack, and water bottle.
The park entrance fee, lunch, and clothing are not included.

Also available are several half day excursion options to the nearby Cerro Frías Mountain. You can choose a guided horseback riding adventure, a trekking tour, or a 4x4 excursion. Cerro Frías has well-marked paths and panoramic views of Torres del Paine, Monte Fitz Roy, and Lago Argentino, making it a popular choice for day trippers. All tours are suitable for any age group. 

This full day excursion takes you by boat to Los Glaciares National Park and the Upsala Glacier. You’ll breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Puerto Bandera, a town roughly 24 miles from Calafate. Shortly after 8 a.m., you’ll board a sleek, modern boat and start your journey across the sparkling Lake Argentina and up the breathtakingly beautiful Cristina Canal. You’ll sail amidst stunning scenery, passing icebergs and the impressive western front of the Upsala Glacier along the way.

Shortly before noon, you’ll arrival at Estancia Cristina, a rugged wonderland of more than 54,300 acres of grassland, mountains, and glaciers. Your estancia experience will depend on your choice of excursion: trekking, walking, or four-wheeling. All choices will provide an up close and personal encounter with Argentina’s remarkable Patagonia. You can choose to do this excursion with lunch prepared at the estancia or enjoy a packed lunch (not included) prepared by your Calafate hotel. Estimated arrival time back to the Puerto Bandera Port is 7:00 p.m.

Additionally, travelers may choose to spend the night at Estancia Cristina and return on a following morning. This option would include a day excursions of choice, meals, and a night in one of the lodge’s 12 comfortably rustic rooms.

Just north of the Argentine capital lies the tranquil town of Tigre nestled on the banks of the Tigre River Delta. The summer home for Buenos Aires’s porteño elite in the 19th century, Tigre retains its posh flair. Stately mansions decorate the delta, many of them only accessible by boat. You will take a tour from the heart of Buenos Aires to the northern outskirts of the city, and then follow the Tigre River to where the river flows into the delta.  The town of Tigre sits here among tranquil waters and graceful canals. On this tour, you will visit the Rio Plata stadium, the Presidential Residence Olivos, and the San Isidro Cathedral. You will also take a boat cruise where you can glimpse the mansions and estates along the delta. 

The tour leaves every day at 9:00am. Length varies between 4 – 6 hours depending on time for lunch.

On this excursion you will visit the town of San Antonio de Areco where you will take a tour of the main plaza and other historic sites. Your guide will give you an introduction to life and culture in Argentina outside of Buenos Aires and you will be able to see the work of outstanding silversmiths and artisans in the Rio de la Plata area.

The Estancia is located just 500 meters from the center of the town. On arrival you will be treated to some locally made empanadas (meat-stuffed pastries) and drinks. You will then have time to explore the estate on horseback or by carriage before returning to the lodge for a traditional Argentine asado (BBQ). During the asado you will be treated to a lively and entertaining show with folk music and dancing. After lunch you will explore the buildings of the estancia and the family museum. During the summer months you can spend time by the pool or explore the grounds on horseback.You will then return to your hotel in Buenos Aires.

Tours are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tours depart from your hotel between 9:00am and 9:30am.

La Alameda Estancia, 120km outside of Buenos Aires, is a two-century old ranch nestled on the banks of the Chascomús Lagoon. Enjoy a drink in the saloon, listen in on tales of the first gauchos, indulge in a traditional Argentine asado (barbeque) along with coffee and Argentine dulces, and enjoy an authentic folklore show complete with colorfully costumed dancers.  

This full day tour is available on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Tours depart from your hotel between 09:30am and 10:00am.

Buenos Aires is certainly a gem in the studded crown of Argentina and Latin America. An interesting blend of European and Latin cultures, the city boasts a proud colonial and local cultural history. On this tour your will gain an in-depth understanding of the history, architecture, culture, and secrets of Buenos Aires. The tour lasts for three hours and will take you through the city center, through the neighborhoods of Montserrat, San Telmo, colorful La Boca, the new Puerto Madero development, chic Palermo, Bosques de Palermo, and finally Recoleta, home to the cemetery and grave of Evita Peron. You will gain an understanding of the aristocratic north, the working class south, and the hectic center in this cosmopolitan city.

This tour leaves daily at 2:00pm from October 1st to May 31st

Buenos Aires is home to the largest Jewish population in Latin America, with approximately a quarter million Jewish citizens in its metropolitan area. During the early and mid 20th century, many Russian and European Jewish immigrants made their home in Buenos Aires, since Argentina’s immigration policy was one of the most accepting at the time. The Buenos Aires Jewish community retains many of the cultural traditions of their people. During your tour, a knowledgeable guide will take you to an Ashkenazi or Sephardic synagogue, where you can appreciate the remarkable architecture and design of this beautiful place of worship. You will also see the Jewish neighborhood Once (pronounced “OWN-say”), one of the hubs of Jewish culture. This used to be the place where folk would grab a Yiddish paper and snack in one of the delis or cafes. Now, the area is more known as the garment district, where wholesalers and tailors bargain. The IFT Theatre, founded in 1932 as a Yiddish theater but now a secular one, is also in this neighborhood. Next you will visit the newly-restored AMIA building, the center of Jewish headquarters. The building was bombed in 1994 and ever since, security here and at other major Jewish sites has been vigilant. You will also visit the Israeli Embassy Square, where the embassy used to stand prior to the 1992 bombing. In the late afternoon, you will return to your Buenos Aires hotel.

Tours  last 3 hours and leave every morning Monday through Friday.

Note: For security reasons, it is necessary that we get passport numbers of each visitor in advance in order to book this tour. Also, we suggest donating $5 USD to each synagogue you visit.

Biking tours of Buenos Aires are fast becoming popular, as the city is relatively flat and easy to navigate. There are several biking trails or circuits that lead bikers through the city’s parks and plazas, or head along the outskirts to nearby towns, estancias, the pampas, and the Tigre River delta. All guided cycling tours include bike rental, helmet, traveler’s insurance, and refreshments including traditional Argentine mate, an energy-boosting tea. Only in the event of pouring rain will biking trips be canceled or delayed. All biking tours are easy-going and relaxing. All you need is to wear comfortable clothing and to bring a thirst for exploring the unknown.

Biking Tour to the South – Urban Biking

Discover the city’s historical, social and architectural contrasts

On this tour you will enjoy the urban south of Buenos Aires. Passing the modern Puerto Madero riverside development, the ecological reserve, the colorful houses of La Boca, and chic San Telmo, you will end your tour in the grand Plaza Mayo.

Biking Tour to the North – Urban Biking

Aristocracy, greenery, and Palermo Soho

On this biking tour you will explore the urban north of the city, which is the traditional home of the aristocracy of Argentina. The tour will start from the Retiro area and lead you through Barrio Parque, the embassies of Palermo Woods, past trendy Palermo Soho, and finish in Recoleta.

Porteño Nightlife – Urban Biking

Discover the many faces of the Porteño nightlife with an alternative bike tour

Instead of taking part in a pub crawl, why don't you explore this lively city by night on a leisurely bike ride? You will experience the different atmospheres and flavors of Buenos Aires as you pass though the neighborhoods of ritzy Recoleta and the classic quarter of San Telmo, once home to the affluent families of Buenos Aires. You will also ride through the new area of Puerto Madero. Evening bike tours are a fantastic way to travel around the city.

Tigre Cycling Tour – Urban Biking

Tour the northern suburbs of Buenos Aires and kayak in the Tigre Delta

The cycling tour of Tigre, the delta area, and the northern suburbs of Buenos Aires offers a wide range of possibilities to combine both sport and culture in a beautiful setting. Your journey will begin via train, and then you will switch to bike riding through the remaining northern suburbs until you reach Tigre and its nearby islands. From here you will explore the town before kayaking in the delta.  This is arguably one of the nicest areas in Buenos Aires and was the secret hideout of the rich aristocracy in the 19th century. It is now home to stately estates and tranquil hideaways. The town of Tigre and the islands of the Paraná River are an oasis of natural landscapes and beautiful scenery worth visiting.

The historical tiny town of Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay is only an hour ferry ride across the Rio de la Plata. Visiting this picturesque town, now an UNESCO World Heritage Site,  offers you a chance to step into the 17th century as it has preserved most of the old buildings in its historic downtown. The charming cobblestone streets are now a chic hangout for wealthy porteños and make an ideal day trip for those wanting a break from the bustle of Buenos Aires. Colonia is also just a bus ride away from Montevideo, and tours to both can easily be combined.

The capital city of Uruguay, Montevideo, lies on the shores of the Rio de la Plata and is a two hour boat ride from Buenos Aires. Upon arrival in Montevideo, the most southerly capital in the world, you will enjoy a guided tour of the colonial district, lunch at a portside restaurant, and a visit to the Punta Carretas shopping mall. The trip will include round trip transfers, a fully guided tour and lunch. You also have some free time to explore the sites independently.

The ferry ride, transfers, tour, and lunch are included. Drinks not included with the lunch.