The Best of Chile & Argentina
Next head south to the emerald hills of the Lakes District. Here you’ll stay at the outstanding Vira Vira, a hacienda style boutique hotel bringing the “farm to fork” concept to the fore with an onsite dairy and wheat crops to keep fresh homemade bread in constant supply, not to mention onsite thermal springs amidst verdant gardens.
Enjoy Tipiliuke and its similar concept in the Lakes District, before a ‘stint’at Eolo in El Calafate, your starting point exploring Patagonia and its icefields.
Journey further south into the depths of Patagonia staying in the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park, perched above the milky, turquoise waters of Lake Pehoé, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Paine Massif. The wilderness is yours to explore by 4×4 vehicle, walking through ethereal forests, wildlife watching and birdspotting, hiking part or all of the famous W trek and horse riding across the open pampas.
Round up a just-under-three week journey back in Santiago, the hub to the rest of Chile, and appreciate three weeks exploring wilderness areas of both Chile and Argentina.
You will love
- Other-worldly Atacama landscapes
- Tranquility in the Lakes District
- Patagonia and its bounty of nature
- Variety, exclusivity choice
19 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
DAY 1 | ATACAMA
Arrive to Calama airport and road transfer to your accommodation. The afternoon and evening are at leisure.
DAY 2 | ATACAMA
Your accommodation Includes guided explorations of the Atacama desert; the flamingoes & salt flats, moon valley, the altiplano lagoons, geysers & thermal pools plus guided walks & trekking, bike riding, horse riding and bird watching.
DAY 3 | ATACAMA
Another day is set aside for you to enjoy activities in the Salar de Atacama, the Cordillera de la Sal, the Cordillera de Sarapana and in the Andes Mountains
DAY 4 | ATACAMA
One further full day is for you to explore more of the Atacama – either on half or full day excursions and experiences at a style, pace and length of your choice.
DAY 5 | PUCON
Road transfer back to the airport and fly to Pucon to the emerald hills of the Lakes District and stay at the outstanding Vira Vira, a hacienda style boutique hotel bringing the “farm to fork” concept to the fore with an onsite dairy and wheat crops to keep fresh homemade bread in constant supply, not to mention onsite thermal springs amidst verdant gardens.
DAY 6 | PUCON
Enjoy activities at the lodge such as walks or hikes, fishing, horse riding, canoeing, stand-up-paddleboarding or simply enjoying the farm-to-table cuisine, a cheese factory tour, or birdwatching.
DAY 7 | PUCON
Further enjoy activities at the lodge, perhaps mountain biking, a cultural Mapuche experience, white-water rafting, or activities with an additional cost such as a helicopter ride, yoga or a wellness treatment.
DAY 8 | BARILOCHE
After breakfast, road transfer to Llao Llao, passing by San Martin de los Andes, arriving to the lodge late afternoon. The journey takes approximately 6 hours, plus time for stops enroute. Enjoy mountainous scenery and the stunning lakes and forest scenery as you pass by.
DAY 9 | BARILOCHE
Enjoy activities inside the lodge such as the hydrogym, salsa or tango lessons, pilates, yoga, the jacuzzi, sauna, gym, reading room, or games such as bingo or card games. Outdoor activities include walks, mountain bike rides, tennis, boating, fishing, rafting, 4×4 adventures, bird watching and more.
DAY 10 | BARILOCHE
Further enjoy all of the activities at the lodge. Specialist activities with an instructor (additional cost) may include archery or rappelling, you may want to windsurf or stand up paddle, or enjoy walks at a style, pace and length of your choice.
DAY 11 | EL CALAFATE
Fly from Bariloche to El Calafate, then road transfer to Eolo lodge. Check in this afternoon and the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure, or you may wish to head out for a small hike or horse back ride if time allows.
DAY 12 | EL CALAFATE
Enjoy activities at the lodge such as trekking, mountain biking, bird watching, horse back riding, 4×4 explorations, zip lining, heading out to Los Glaciares National Park to visit the glacier, kayak, hike or for a boat journey
DAY 13 | EL CALAFATE
Further head out to take part in activities on or nearby the lodge such as visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier, fly fishing, spending a full day at El Chalten, or at Estancia Cristina.
DAY 14 | TORRES DEL PAINE
After breakfast check out and road transfer south, crossing into Chile, to reach Explora Patagonia, the only lodge right in the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park. Arrive this afternoon and the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure to rest and to admire the lodge and views over the three towers.
DAY 15 | TORRES DEL PAINE
Head out with your guide on a choice of over 40 explorations – hike, horseback ride, take a high mountain ascent, travel overland, or embark on a self-guided excursion – you choose!
DAY 16 | TORRES DEL PAINE
Further explore the area, perhaps hike the Mirador Toro or the Lago Grey, horseback ride the Laguna Negra, travel overland taking in flora and fauna such as guanacos and puma at Estepa Patagonica, or take a high mountain ascent to Cerro Tenerife.
DAY 17 | TORRES DEL PAINE
Enjoy one more day to explore the region on a choice of activities offered by Explora Patagonia.
DAY 18 | SANTIAGO
Road transfer to Punta Arenas and fly to Santiago. Check into your accommodation at The Singular and perhaps head out this afternoon to explore Lastarria, its markets and nearby restaurants.
DAY 19 | INFLIGHT
Check out of your accommodation and commence your journey homebound.
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
A selection of the finest lodges and hotels
Nayaro Alto Atacama – San Pedro
Surrounded by salt mountains, crumbling ruins, and flanked by the winding San Pedro River, Alto Atacama has one of the most breathtaking settings in the world. The lodge is a stunning example of innovative and sustainable architecture, blending seamlessly into the surrounding red rock hillside. Read More
And Beyond Vira Vira – Pucon, Northern Patagonia
The Hotel Vira Vira is set on a working farm in a beautiful and unique location in the northern Lakes District, the mecca for adventure sports in Chile. Experience life on a working farm whilst indulging in exquisite paddock-to-plate dining and enjoying a variety of exciting activities immersed in the natural beauty of this stunning region. Read More
Tipiliuke Lodge – San Martin
Tipiliuke Lodge sits in the foothills of the Andes in the Lake District of the northern Patagonia at the heart of a historic 50,000 acre working cattle ranch. Exploration can be undertaken on foot or on horseback and the fly fishing is world class. Relax and enjoy the spectacular setting and authentic estancia experience. Read More
Llao Llao – Bariloche, Northern Patagonia
Llao Llao creates a blend of high standards, elegance and Patagonian beauty. Many of the rooms overlook the Moreno and Nahuel Huapi lakes and the Cerro Lopez mountain peak and are inspired by the warmth of the scenery, creating cosy and luminous spaces. Llao Llao is the most exclusive resort in Argentine Patagonia. Read More
Eolo – near El Calafate, Southern Patagonia
On the edge of the Glaciers National Park, close enough to provide easy access for wilderness adventures but removed from the tourist hub of El Calafate. Hear the wind whistle and watch the sun change colour over the never-ending Patagonian Steppe and appreciate the views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and lake. Read More
Explora Patagonia – Torres del Paine
Explora Patagonia is located at the centre of the Torres del Paine National Park, the heart of Patagonia, on the shores of Lake Pehoe. Enjoy the most majestic of views right from the lodge itself, and enjoy over 35 half and full day explorations which there are to choose from. Disconnect and unwind in remote Patagonia at Explora. Read More
The Singular Lastarria – Santiago
Blending seamlessly into the bohemian neighbourhood of Lastarria, The Singular Santiago combines the style of early 20th century buildings with neoclassical French architectural influences. The result is a striking new addition to the Santiago cityscape. This trendy retreat embraces artistic heritage while adding cutting-edge modernity. Read More
Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.
Elizabeth MackintoshJulia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford familyWe are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.
Kim & Brad BalanceThe trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.
Rowntree familyClassic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.
Melanie McMillan & Iain JonesWe loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!
Laurence & Remi CunninghamAn amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!
Sheryl & Robert TaylorThank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.
Paul CozziVery knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!
Jane & Robert HappellEverything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.
Tim BradleyYou can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!
Buckingham FamilyThe trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.
Emma JeffcoatAbsolutely everything was first class & so well organised.
Simon & Jackie AdamsClassic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!
Ros WheelerTheir experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.
Andrew & Pip StevensIf you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.
Miriam & Joseph HarrisonClassic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.
Ron & Alison GuthrieClassic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10
Di & Kingsley YatesThe Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.
Annette WhileyIt certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.
Jo-anne & Dean MifsudWould do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!
The McGowan TribeAn absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.
Judith & Roger Williams
begin your journey now
Take advantage of our highly personalised advice, inspiration and experience