Chile & Argentina Wine & Beer with Taylor (@mylovelyladyhops)

Let's raise a glass together to an exciting trip ahead during your welcome dinner! Tonight's gathering will take place at a local restaurant, just a brief 10-minute transfer from the hotel. The evening promises a delightful 3-course set menu, offering a taste of the most authentic seafood flavors of Chile. Please note that a bottle of water and a glass of wine are included. Additional food and beverages at your own expense.

Overnight in Santiago de Chile.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Diego de Velazquez Hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After a hearty breakfast, meet your local guide and fellow travelers at the hotel lobby, and take a 20-minute transfer to the heart of Santiago de Chile, to explore three iconic markets: the Central Market, La Vega Market, and Tirso Molina Market. These markets sit within close proximity, allowing for easy five-minute walks between them. Your guide, seasoned in the intricacies of these markets, will introduce you to the passionate local producers and artisans, fostering opportunities for engaging conversations and insights into Chile's culinary heritage. The tour is a feast for the senses, offering colorful displays of Chile's exotic fruits and the chance to taste them firsthand. While strolling through the markets, indulge in traditional snacks like "sopaipilla," savor seafood delicacies such as "manchas a la parmesana," and toast with authentic Chilean drinks like the iconic "pisco sour" or chicha. After the exploration, you'll have free time to enjoy lunch at one of the small restaurants nestled within the markets. Trust your guide's recommendations for an authentic local meal, optimizing your culinary adventure. The tour includes a pisco sour and a half plate of "manchas a la parmesana" per person. Lunch and additional beverages at your own expense. Once lunch is finished, you will immediately continue with a 10-minute transfer to Plaza de Armas, the main square of the city.

Once finished with your market exploration, a 10-minute transfer will take you to the picturesque "Plaza de Armas". Marvel at the seamless blend of urban vibrancy and classical allure reflected in the architecture and ambiance surrounding this central square. Stroll through and admire the beauty of the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Post Office. Delve into history at the National Museum, taking in the rich heritage housed within its walls. Then, a brief 10-minute walk leads you to the iconic "Constitucion" square, where the striking Moneda Palace, the government's seat, awaits. Capture the quintessential snapshot of Santiago against this historic backdrop. Next, a 20-minute transfer will transport you to San Cristobal Hill, an expansive metropolitan park spanning over 180 hectares of lush forests and serene parks. Ascend the hill via a cable car ride, with cabins accommodating a maximum of six travelers each. Enjoy a leisurely 15-minute ascent, reveling in panoramic vistas. Upon reaching the summit, you will have 40 minutes to explore the hill's scenic wonders. Delight in easy walks to viewpoints offering breathtaking city panoramas. Descend from the hill, and conclude with a brief 10-minute transfer back to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Please bear in mind that the sequence and timing of activities might change, due to city traffic and weather conditions.

Overnight in Santiago de Chile.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Santiago Velazquez Hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After finishing your breakfast, embark on your journey to the captivating coastal city of Valparaiso. A scenic 1-hour drive through the enchanting Casablanca Valley, renowned for its award-winning cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay vines, offers captivating views of endless vineyards against a backdrop of scenic mountains. During your journey, make a stop at the organic winery named "Emiliana," renowned for its biodynamic techniques in vine cultivation. Guided by a local wine expert, explore the vineyards and witness firsthand the unique practices harmonizing vine nurturing with the environment. Gain insights into the holistic approach that integrates cosmic rhythms, organic farming techniques, and sustainability. The gem of your visit awaits at Emiliana's tasting room, where a curated selection of their finest wines awaits your palate. Delight in sipping and savoring the distinct flavors and aromas. Post the wine-tasting experience, resume your journey for a 40-minute drive to the vibrant city of Valparaiso. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the city's cultural and artistic soul, starting at the UNESCO-listed historic quarter. Meander through cobblestone streets adorned with vibrant murals and street art, reveling in the city's bohemian vibe and eclectic charm. Your guide will grant you leisure time for lunch, an ideal opportunity to savor fresh seafood paired with local wines. After lunch, continue your coastal exploration with a 15-minute transfer to Viña del Mar, an exclusive destination celebrated for its pristine beaches, lush parks, and lively ambiance. Explore the waterfront with serene walks, visit the iconic flower clock, and stroll through Quinta Vergara park. Later, return to your hotel with a 1.5-hour transfer. Please note that the wine tasting includes samples of Emiliana's primary wine varieties. Any additional wines, food, or beverages would be available for purchase at your own expense.

Overnight in Santiago de Chile.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Santiago Velazquez Hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After an early breakfast, your day begins with a scenic transfer from Chile to Argentina, an exhilarating journey traversing the majestic Andes mountain range. This drive offers unveiling breathtaking views that showcase the natural beauty of the region. Approximately 3 hours into the drive, you'll arrive at the international border, where customary procedures will be conducted. Please note that border crossing times can vary based on daily traffic, and weather conditions may influence the day's schedule due to the challenging climate in the Andes. Once you finish customs procedures, the journey becomes even more captivating as you find yourself amidst the remote Andes, enveloped by towering mountain peaks on either side of the road. After a 30-minute drive, stop at the viewpoints of Aconcagua Mountain, the highest peak in the Americas at 22,830 feet. Continuing for approximately an hour, you'll reach Uspallata, a charming small town where a lunch break awaits, brimming with delightful local options. Kindly note that lunch expenses are not included, so it's advisable to have cash handy for this stop. Post-lunch, the remaining 2-hour leg of your journey unveils a scenic route adorned with endless vineyards. You will arrive at your hotel in Mendoza in the late afternoon, with ample free time to unwind and freshen up.

Overnight at Mendoza.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Argentino Hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After breakfast, gather with your guide and fellow travelers in the hotel lobby and prepare to embark on today's excursion. The tour will explore one of the productive areas surrounding Mendoza city, with Maipu or Lujan de Cuyo being the most renowned options. Based on wineries availability, your guide will have selected the destination in advance for today's tour. Both areas need a 30-minute transfer through the heart of Argentina's Viticulture and Malbec region, nestled at the foothills of the Andes. These lands, irrigated by ancient canals, boast prestigious wineries amidst a scenic landscape of country houses, tree-lined streets, and expansive vineyards. Throughout the tour, you'll visit two exceptional wineries, delving into their facilities and vineyards. Expert guides will unveil the winemaking process, providing insights into tasting the renowned Malbec—a sensory journey through its delightful flavors, aromas, colors, and textures. By midday, indulge in a gourmet lunch paired with the finest regional wines, creating a memorable fusion of drink and culinary experience. Following the winery visits and lunch, return to your hotel, leaving the remainder of the day free to explore the charming Mendoza downtown at your leisure. Please note that wine tastings are included during the winery visits, while any additional wines, food, or beverages can be purchased at your own expense.

Your lunch is included as part of the winery visit. Indulge in a delightful dining experience at the winery's restaurant, offering picturesque vistas of the surrounding vineyards. The meal includes a three-course set-menu paired with premium wines. Additionally, water and soft drinks will be provided. Please note that the specific winery and restaurant selection will be determined by your guide on-site.

Overnight at Mendoza.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Argentino Hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After a satisfying breakfast, embark on a shared 45-minute transfer from your hotel to Potrerillos, a small town nestled amidst the majestic Andean landscapes. Upon arrival at the rafting supplier's base along the shores of the Mendoza River, our expert guides eagerly await to lead you through this thrilling adventure. First, equip yourself with the necessary gear—neoprene suits, boots, polar fleeces, and raincoats—all provided for your comfort and safety. The guides will then provide detailed instructions on paddling techniques and essential safety protocols. The Mendoza River, renowned for its intensity and unique sedimentation, promises an exhilarating journey classified as a class III+ river. As you don your helmet, grab the paddle, and secure your life jacket, you'll immerse yourself in the waters of the Mendoza River. Once on the boats, feel the connection with this exceptional natural environment. Throughout the tour, our experienced guides will reveal captivating legends at opportune moments. Expect to encounter remarkable landmarks such as the rock waterfall, the labyrinth, the camel's hump, and the condor's nest—each adding a surge of adrenaline to your experience. For a little over an hour, this adventure will envelop you in a sense of touching the sky, where the rapid intensity slows time, and the crispness of the water invigorates your spirit. Post-experience, change into dry clothes, and optional simple lunch options will be available for purchase at your expense. After that, return with a 45-minute transfer to your hotel. Please note that both transfer and boats are shared, not private.

Later in the afternoon, a transfer will take you to Chachingo Craft Beer Brew Pub for your final dinner with fellow travelers. Please note that a beer tasting and a bottle of water is included. Additional beverages can be purchased at the venue. Keep in mind that the menu is subject to change based on the confirmed restaurant.

Overnight at Mendoza.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Argentino Hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.