This extraordinary Small Group Journey will take you cruising over stunning glacial lakes through amazing Patagonian landscapes and between the snow-capped mountains of the Andes. Enjoy a relaxing stay at the iconic Llao Llao Hotel and Resort near Barloche, the heart of the Argentine Lake District, before joining your Small Group Journey.
Day 1. Arrive Santiago (Chile)
On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before a Welcome Reception this evening.
Day 2. Santiago, Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas
Fly south to the port city of Puerto Montt, gateway to the Chilean Lake District. Founded by predominantly German settlers in 1851, the layout and architecture of the city today benefits from a charming European influence. On a tour, you’ll travel along the coast to the area of Pelluco and an observation point that affords superb views of the city and its pretty surrounds. Then travel via the Plaza de Armas to the craft village of Angelmó, with its traditional fish and seafood market. Later, travel a stretch of the Pan-American Highway to Puerto Varas, the City of Roses. Set on the shore of one of South America’s largest lakes, Llanquihue, the city faces the glacier-covered Osorno volcano. Tonight, enjoy an à la carte meal at a local seafood restaurant.
Day 3. Puerto Varas, Lake Crossing, Peulla
This morning will see you begin your incredible two day lake crossing, during which you’ll cruise across glacial lakes and between surrounding mountain peaks on the way to one of the most incredible natural settings in the world. First, travel around the shore of Lake Llanquihue and through lush countryside dotted with oxen, tractor-ploughed fields and weather-beaten clap-board barns. Enter Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park and absorb the majestic mountain scenery. Stop at Petrohué Waterfalls, an azure-blue chute-type waterfall, then continue to Petrohué and board a catamaran for your first crossing. As you skim over the emerald waters of Lake Todos Los Santos, enjoy views of the Osorno volcano and the peaks of Tronador Mountain. At the other end of the lake, reach the remote village of Peulla. Check in to your hotel and enjoy lunch before the afternoon is yours to spend as you please. You may like to go hiking to Cascada de la Novia waterfall, go horseback riding or try fly-fishing - among other activities offered by the hotel (all at own expense).
Day 4. Peulla, Lake Crossings, Llao Llao Hotel and Resort (Argentina)
Your lake crossing continues as you travel by coach through a landscape of lakes, forests, volcanoes and fast-flowing meltwater rivers. After crossing into Argentina, you’ll arrive at Puerto Frias and cruise across picturesque Lake Frias. Next, proceed to Puerto Blest, where you’ll board a catamaran for the last and arguably most beautiful lake crossing on this unique journey. As you glide over the waters and past the tiny islets of Nahuel Huapi Lake, watch as a tiny speck on the horizon grows closer until you’re docking right on the doorstep of Llao Llao Hotel and Resort. Situated in pristine Nahuel Huapi National Park between Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes, this is one of the world’s most iconic properties, and is also your home for the next three nights. After checking in, enjoy dinner at Restaurant Patagonia this evening.
Day 5. Bariloche and Surrounds, Dine Around Dinner
A full-day excursion today takes you to see the region’s incredible natural sights and beautiful mountain villages. Watch the scenery slip by as you cross Nahuel Huapi Lake and continue into the Enchanted Valley, where strange figures may be spotted in the rocks, boasting such names as Express Train and God’s Finger. On the way to the scenic village of Villa Traful, you’ll skirt the shoreline of Lake Traful and stop to take in the views from Traful Lookout, perched atop a cliff overlooking the lake. On arrival in Villa Tratful, relax and wander through the village and perhaps enjoy homemade chocolates and pastries (own expense). After, join the famous Seven Lakes Route and travel through Valdivian temperate rainforest on the way to Villa La Angostura, a charming town built from stone and wood. Here, sample the local produce as you enjoy lunch at leisure. Your journey then carries on across the northern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi on the way back to Llao Llao Hotel and Resort. Tonight, enjoy a choice of restaurants at which to dine. Perhaps head into Bariloche to dine on home-made cuisine at Restaurant Familia Weiss; enjoy regional fare at El Patacon Restaurante Argentino; sample an Argentinian-style meal of fresh local meat at El Nuevo Gaucho; or dine once more at Restaurant Patagonia.
Day 6. Llao Llao Hotel and Resort, Freedom of Choice Touring
Select from our range of Freedom of Choice Touring options today. Perhaps play nine holes of golf at Llao Llao Hotel and Resort’s private golf course, enjoy a traditional high tea, go fly fishing or indulge in a relaxing spa treatment. Alternatively, set off on a small circuit tour of the region and enjoy a chairlift ride to the top of Campanario Hill for superb views. Following your activity, the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure to explore the charming town of Bariloche, or make use of the resort’s many wonderful facilities.
Day 7. Bariloche, Buenos Aires
This morning your time in Patagonia ends as you fly from Bariloche to Buenos Aires. On arrival, transfer to your hotel then enjoy time at leisure.
Day 8. Buenos Aires
After a tour of Buenos Aires, head to Café Tortoni for a basic Spanish class over croissants and coffee. Continue your exploration of the city then enjoy dinner at an Argentinian parilla (steakhouse) in the barrio (district) of Puerto Madero.
Day 9. Buenos Aires, Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay), Dine Around Dinner
This morning cruise to Uruguay’s oldest town, Colonia del Sacramento, and enjoy a guided tour. Back in Buenos Aires, choose from four restaurants at which to dine tonight.
Day 10. Buenos Aires, Freedom of Choice Touring
Cruise the Paraná Delta; enjoy a Fiesta Gaucha; take a museum tour; or enjoy a visit to the Galerías Pacífico shopping mall. Afterwards, enjoy free time, then head to Rojo Tango for dinner, fine Argentinian wine and the most exclusive tango show in the city.
Day 11. Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls (Argentina and Brazil), Dine Around Dinner
Fly to Iguassu Falls, on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Land on the Argentinian side and ride a train through forest to a series of viewing points. Then cross into Brazil and tonight, choose to dine in your hotel at the Ipê Grill or Restaurante Itaipu, or head into town to Rafain Restaurant.
Day 12. Iguassu Falls
This morning view the falls from the Brazilian side and then visit the Parque das Aves Bird Park. Walk through the giant aviaries and get up close to a range of native South American birds including a number of species of the iconic toucan. You’ll then enjoy a boat ride close to the base of the Devil’s Throat and the Three Musketeers.
Day 13. Iguassu Falls, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Fly to Rio de Janeiro and, during free time, perhaps visit the workshop of the jeweller, H. Stern. At sunset, ride a cable car to the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain. Afterwards, head for Porcão Rio’s for a caipirinha and a delicious BBQ.
Day 14. Rio de Janeiro, Freedom of Choice Touring
This morning, take a jeep tour through two local favelas; visit the Sambódrome and enjoy a samba lesson; tour the Botanical Gardens and Tijuca National Park by jeep; visit Petrópolis; or ride a ferry to Niterói for a visit to the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum. Afterwards, enjoy the rest of today at leisure.
Day 15. Rio de Janeiro, Dine Around Dinner
Travel to Corcovado and its statue of Christ the Redeemer. This evening, choose from four different restaurants at which to dine.
Day 16. Rio de Janeiro, Santiago (Chile)
Departing Brazil, fly to Chile’s capital, Santiago, and check in to your five-star hotel.
Day 17. Santiago, Dine Around Dinner
Tour Santiago then travel to Matetic vineyards for a guided tour, a wine tasting and lunch. Back in Santiago, perhaps dine at Akarana; try seafood at Coco Loco; head to the city’s oldest restaurant, Confiteria Torres; or head to the steakhouse, Happening.
Day 18. Santiago, Lima (Peru)
After breakfast, fly to Peru’s capital, Lima. On arrival, a tour includes a visit to the historic city centre. Tonight, dine at the renowned Brujas del Cachiche.
Day 19. Lima, Cusco, Chinceros, Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco then head for Chincheros in the highlands. See a weaving demonstration then enjoy a BBQ at Wayra.
Day 20. Sacred Valley
Visit the markets of Pisac then assist with a special school project in Taray. Continue on to Ollantaytambo then visit a local home to sample an Andean meal.
Day 21. Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Board PeruRail’s Vistadome train and travel to Machu Picchu. Enjoy lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge then set off on a tour.
Hike the Famous Inca Trail
The more adventurous can replace Day 21 touring with a five-hour hike to Machu Picchu, before rejoining the group for dinner at your hotel. A box lunch is included along the walk. A$295 pp twin share. Must be pre-booked
Day 22. Machu Picchu, Cusco
After breakfast, perhaps return to Machu Picchu in the peace of morning. This afternoon, board the Hiram Bingham by Orient-Express for a luxurious rail journey to Cusco.
Day 23. Cusco, Dine Around Dinner
Tour Cusco today then, after free time, choose from dinner at Tupananchis Restaurant and Pizzeria; tapas at Cicciolina; Italian at Incanto; fine dining at the MAP Café; or a folklore show and dinner at Tunupa Restaurant Bar and Grill.
Day 24. Cusco, Puno
Today, board the Andean Explorer for a rail journey to Puno. Travelling in Andean Explorer Class (first class), you’ll enjoy access to the lounge car and the open-air observation bar car, and be treated to a three-course lunch.
Day 25. Puno, Lake Titicaca
After breakfast, cruise to the home of the Uros people - a group of more than 40 man-made islands on Lake Titicaca made from floating reeds. Continue to the Capachica Peninsula for a BBQ lunch, then visit the local community of Llachon.
Day 26. Puno, Lima
Fly back to Lima. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before a Farewell Dinner at Restaurant Huaca Pucllana - set within the ruins of an archaeological compound built between 200 and 700 AD.
Day 27. Depart Lima
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
