Compare Wonders of Chile and Argentina: Patagonia, Iguazu Falls and Splendid Cities by Road Scholar

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Early Check-in, Orientation, Downtown Santiago Santiago

Hotel check-in from 9:30 a.m. Getting on/off bus; city driving. Walking about 1/2 mile; mostly flat, paved surfaces.

Early check-in starting at 9:30 a.m. After getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: 12:00 Noon, at the hotel. The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Meals on our program feature local cuisine. In many cases, they will be plated and served set meals; in others, we will have buffets with multiple options. Beverages include coffee, tea, water; other beverages are usually available for purchase. Unless otherwise specified, transportation during your program will be provided by air conditioned bus. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

We’ll gather for an expert presentation that will give us an overview of Chile. We’ll then board a bus for a riding and walking field trip in downtown Santiago where we’ll view local architecture, shops, and neighborhoods. A local expert will provide significant historical and cultural details as we go. The capital of Chile is a city where residents have traditionally looked to Europe as a model for architecture and culture. This influence can readily be seen in stately palaces, plazas, parks, and churches. Santiago is the country’s colonial center, surrounded by 31 “comunas” — communities — each with its own municipal administration.

Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is free. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the hotel.

At a tapas restaurant in the Las Tarrias neighborhood, with background information on regional cuisine provided by a local expert.

Day 3 Wines of the Casablanca Valley, Valparaiso Field Trip Santiago

Getting on/off a bus; about 155 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time. Walking up to 1.5 miles on cobbled stone streets; some stairs and steep inclines. Walking on flat ground and intermittent standing at winery.

We'll board the bus and begin our journey to Valparaiso via the Casablanca Valley. In the Valley, we'll stop at a local winery to view its vineyards and learn about the winemaking process. Chile’s Casablanca Valley has developed an international reputation among wine connoisseurs for turning out deliciously crisp white wines. The Valley is located just 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean and less than 50 miles northwest of Santiago. As the nutrient-rich Humboldt Current makes its journey northwards from Antarctica, it moves up along the coast of Chile bringing cool ocean breezes. The cool Mediterranean-like climate in the area is perfect for producing high quality Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling wines.

Next, we'll ride to Valparaiso. Our field trip will include an exploratory walk of Valparaiso and a funicular ride for views of the harbor and city. Valparaiso is the country’s most important seaport and the alleged cultural capital of Chile. Built upon dozens of steep hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Valparaíso boasts a labyrinth of streets and cobblestone alleyways, embodying a rich architectural and cultural legacy. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is also host to the National Congress of Chile. We'll ride back to Santiago and arrive at our hotel by late afternoon.

At leisure. Prepare for check out.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Day 4 La Vega & Mercado Central, Fly to Puerto Montt, Huasos Puerto Varas

Getting on/off bus; driving about 93 miles, approximately 4.5 hours. Flight from Santiago to Puerto Montt is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. NOTE: Airlines in Chile and Argentina are notorious for changing flight routes and schedules without notice. In the event of flight delays or airline schedule changes, it could be necessary to adjust the timing of some program activities. The Group Leader will keep everyone updated on any changes to the schedule.

We'll take a look at the history of agriculture and wine making in Chile during an expert presentation at the hotel. Then, we'll check out of the hotel and ride to La Vega for a walking field trip. This large covered produce market in downtown Santiago is a treat to the senses. La Vega houses hundreds of vendors selling fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, meats and all nature of products for the household. Next, we'll take a short drive to the city's original Mercado Central, arriving in time for lunch. The site has a small collection of restaurants where it’s possible to sample local fare while watching merchants and shoppers going about their business.

We'll ride to the airport and check in for our flight to Puerto Montt. Founded by German settlers in the mid-19th century, Puerto Montt still retains a distinct middle European face, with Nordic and Alpine architecture. The city is best known as a gateway to the southern lakes of Chile, Chiloé Island and Chilean Patagonia. Upon arrival we will ride to a family-owned equestrian farm to learn about local huasos: Chilean cowboys. During a rodeo demonstration by farm staff, we’ll learn about Chile’s Criollo horse and observe some of the methods used for training show horses.

After dinner we'll ride to Puerto Varas and check in at our hotel. The rest of the evening will be at leisure.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant at the Mercado Central.

At the farm, we’ll enjoy a traditional meal.

Day 5 Puerto Varas History, German Museum, Free Time Puerto Varas

Getting on/off a bus; driving about 60 miles, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours riding time. Walking up to a mile; mostly flat, paved grounds, ascending/descending a few steps.

A ride around scenic Lake Llanquille will pave the way for our field trip to the town of Frutillar. Once there, we’ll get an in-depth look at the challenging lifestyle of the area’s early immigrants during an expert led visit to the German Colonial Museum before enjoying a walk through the town and its impressive performing arts theater. We’ll then reboard the bus and ride to a nearby farm. We’ll get to meet the owners and learn about the family’s history of emigration during a presentation on German immigration to Chile.

We will accompany our Group Leader and/or a family member on a short walk around the homestead to view the orchard and vegetable gardens, and learn more about life on the farm. Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free.

At leisure. You might like to join other Road Scholars and visit one of the local establishments for drinks and musical entertainment or take the opportunity to relax on the hotel’s terrace, admiring twinkling lights reflected off the waters of Lake Llanquihue. Prepare for check out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel.

At a local farm.

On your own to explore local fare. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Day 6 Petrohue Falls, Lake Crossing to Bariloche, Andean Highlands Bariloche

The lake crossing from Chile to Argentina takes approximately 9-12 hours and includes a series of boat and coach transfers. Before leaving Chile we will stop at a border control point to show our passports/travel documents and clear immigration; we'll undergo separate immigration procedures once we cross the border and arrive to Argentina.

We'll check out of the hotel and ride to Petrohue. Once there, we will disembark and walk along a boardwalk that will take us by the black rock waterfalls of Petrohue at the edge of Todos los Santos Lake. Petrohué Falls lies in the threshold of the mighty Osorno Volcano, and the unique falls are comprised of a series of oddly twisting chutes among crystallized black volcanic rock. The rock is particularly resistant to erosion, lending the falls a peculiar shape. From here we'll ride to a nearby dock and board a ferry to begin our lake crossing journey to Argentina.

Our lake crossing will continue throughout the afternoon with a series of boat and coach transfers. After we disembark at the Puerto Pañuelo ferry terminal, we will take a half-hour bus ride to Bariloche. We'll check in at our hotel and settle into our rooms. We expect to arrive in Bariloche in the early evening. Bariloche is the primary city in the Argentinean Lake District and is a hub for accessing alpine resorts in the area as well as the Nahuel Huapi National Park.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At a restaurant en route.

At the hotel restaurant.

Day 7 Cerro Campanario, Arrayanes Forest, Rio Limay Float Bariloche

Getting on/off a bus; about 70 miles, approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Elevation at Cerro Campanario’s summit is approximately 3,400 feet; chair lift ride to summit takes about 7 minutes each way. Walking up to 2 miles on paved and unpaved paths and getting in and out of rafts.

After boarding our bus, we'll drive to the Cerro Campanario chairlift. A chairlift ride will deliver us to Cerro Campanario and its look-out point, high above Bariloche. At the top (3,400 ft), we will take some time to soak up the stunning 360° views of the city and its surrounding pine forests, lakes and Andean peaks. Our local expert will enhance our experience by pointing out landmarks and providing background information on Bariloche’s economy and agricultural activities. It can get chilly up here, so if you wish to warm up with a strong “café chico” or some of the region’s famed hot chocolate, you’ll have the chance to purchase some at the on-site restaurant. Then we'll drive to a forested area about 15-20 minutes away, in order to learn about llao llao mushrooms. This yellowish-orange fungi is native to Southern Chile and Argentina and is often called "pan de indio" (Indian's bread) as it was commonly consumed by indigenous peoples. During our leisurely walk we also hope to see some arrayan trees (Luma apiculata), known for their cinnamon colored bark and attractively twisted trunks. Next, we'll ride to a local brewpub owned by an immigrant family. During our visit we'll learn about the family's experience settling in Bariloche and also gain some insights into the art of crafting beer.

After lunch, we’ll ride back to the hotel in order to change clothes and get ready for our next field trip. Next, we will ride approximately 30 minutes outside of Bariloche to a boat drop-off site on the Rio Limay. After receiving instructions and donning life-jackets we will board inflatable rafts and begin our leisurely "float" down the river. A rafting expert will sit at the back and handle all navigation. Our journey will take us past interesting volcanic landscapes and areas rich in bird life. Once back on terra firma, we’ll wrap-up our river expedition with afternoon tea at a local hacienda. Enjoy a cup of coffee, tea or water with some local pastries, fruit, bread and assorted jams. Return to the hotel.

At leisure. Prepare for check out and our flight to Buenos Aires tomorrow.

At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a buffet meal with a selection of hot and cold dishes, fresh fruit, cereals, breads, pastries and juice, coffee, tea, water.

At a brewpub owned and run by a local immigrant family.

On your own to sample local fare.

Day 8 Bariloche's First Settlers, Fly to Buenos Aires Buenos Aires

Getting on/off a bus; about 21 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. The flight from Bariloche to Buenos Aires usually takes just over 1 hour. NOTE:Airlines in Chile and Argentina are notorious for changing flight routes and schedules without much notice. In the event of flight delays or airline schedule changes, it might be necessary to adjust the timing of some program activities. Your group leader will keep you updated on any changes to your itinerary.

After check-out we'll join a local expert in a presentation on the Mapuche and the founding of Bariloche in preparation for a walking field trip through the town. Our bus will drop us off downtown so we can set off on foot to explore the Cathedral of Our Lady of Nahuel Huapi (also known as San Carlos de Bariloche Cathedral), the civic center, main square and the downtown museum. From here we'll transfer to the Bariloche airport and check in for our flight to Buenos Aires.

Once we arrive in Buenos Aires, we will board our bus and ride to the hotel for check in and room assignments.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At local restaurant, cafeteria-style.

On your own to sample local fare.

Day 9 La Boca, San Telmo, Tango Show Buenos Aires

Getting on/off a bus; about 16 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. This day will be spent exploring Buenos Aires by bus and on foot. Walking up to 2 miles; wear comfortable walking shoes.

We'll learn about current social, economic, and political issues in Argentina during an expert presentation at the hotel. Next, we'll ride to La Boca and San Telmo neighborhoods in preparation for a walking field trip of Buenos Aires' colorful multicultural neighborhoods. The Group Leader will introduce us to the history of these communities as we explore the bustling streets and absorb the differences in architecture and cultural influences. La Boca was founded by European immigrants, many of them from Italy, and is known for its vibrantly colored houses, artsy shops, and restaurants. Visitors interested in learning more about the tango should take a walk along Caminito Street for a chance to witness street performers dancing to the sensuous music of Carlos Gardel and other famous tango crooners. San Telmo, the city’s oldest barrio, emerged from its working class roots to become an artsy, multicultural hub. Colonial buildings and cobbled stone streets stand in contrast to boutiques, hip restaurants, and bars. Every Sunday the Plaza Dorrego comes alive with vendors selling antiques as well as a multitude of street artists, tango dancers, and more during the famous San Telmo Antiques Market.

We'll return to the bus and ride to Puerto Madero in preparation for our field trip to the Immigration Museum. Once at the museum, we'll accompany a local expert through the various exhibits honoring the many immigrants who arrived in mass in Argentina during the early part of the 20th century. The museum is housed in the city's historic immigration center-- originally called Hotel de Inmigrantes-- that remained in service until 1953. Next, we will return to the hotel to freshen up and relax until we reconvene for an expert presentation on the history and culture of the Tango. The dance has its origins in the brothels and tenements of late 19th-century Buenos Aires. With the popularization of the music by legendary performers such as Carlos Gardel, the dance began to slowly make its way into the elegant salons of Buenos Aires.

Late evening return to the hotel. Prepare for check out and our flight to Iguazu Falls tomorrow.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant in San Telmo.

At a local restaurant for dinner and a Tango Show.

Day 10 Fly to Iguazu Falls, About the Falls Iguazu Falls

The flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls usually takes just under 2 hours. Activities at Iguazu will focus primarily on the Argentinean side of the falls; however, we will cross into the Brazilian side for a brief visit. NOTE:In the event of flight delays or airline schedule changes, it might be necessary to adjust the timing of some program activities. Your group leader will keep you updated on any changes to your itinerary.

Hotel check out. Before heading to the domestic airport for our flight to Puerto Iguazu, we'll accompany our local expert on a walking exploration of Recoleta to view some of the neighborhood’s stylish architecture and visit its famous cemetery. Recoleta’s attractive plazas, parks, tree-lined avenues, and elegant turn-of-the-century architecture helped Buenos Aires earn the moniker “Paris of South America.” Expensive shops, elegant restaurants, and luxurious mansions and apartments cater to the country’s elite. Even its large cemetery, the historic Cementerio de la Recoleta, caters to Buenos Aires' rich and famous. It is the final resting place of Eva Peron. Then we’ll drive to Buenos Aires' domestic airport to check in for our flight to Puerto Iguazu.

A bus will pick us up at the Puerto Iguazu airport and transfer us to our hotel located between Puerto Iguazu and the Falls. We will check in and settle into our rooms, then meet before dinner for a presentation on the geology and significance of Iguazu Falls by a local expert.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

Boxed lunch.

At the hotel.

Day 11 Full Day at Iguazu Falls Iguazu Falls

Walking on forest trails and walkways at Iguazu National Park.

After boarding the bus, we will ride to the Iguazu National Park and spend the day on a field trip to the Argentinean side of the Iguazu Falls. First we'll board a park train for a scenic ride through the jungle, along the edges of the mystical waterfalls.Then, we will explore on foot the upper and lower trails of the park, for a closer look at some of the 275 falls that drop from the Iguazu River amid the jungle that surrounds it. Keep your eyes open for wildlife! At the end of the trail, we’ll have a view of the Devil’s Throat Cataract from a short distance away.

We will continue our explorations at the Falls then return to the hotel late afternoon.

At leisure. Have luggage packed and ready for a morning check out.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant at the Falls.

At the hotel.

Day 12 Iguazu Falls on Brazilian Side, Fly to Buenos Aires Buenos Aires

Bring a lightweight rain poncho and take measures to protect camera equipment from getting wet since the scenic walkway on the Brazilian side gets hit with water spray and mist from the Falls. The flight from Iguazu to Buenos Aires usually takes just under 2 hours.

After check out, we will board a bus and drive to the border check point and cross into Brazil. Once in Iguaçu National Park, we will follow a long walkway that juts into the Falls. Although most of the waterfalls are located within Argentina, the Brazilian side offers visitors the opportunity to get an aerial view of the Devil’s Throat as well as great panoramic photos of the Falls. Next, we’ll cross the border back into the Argentinean side, arriving in time for lunch.

We will transfer to the airport in preparation for our flight to Buenos Aires. The bus will pick us up at Buenos Aires' domestic airport and transport us to our hotel for check in.

At leisure. Begin preparing luggage for tomorrow’s late check out and international departures.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

On your own to explore local fare.

Day 13 Teatro Colon, Program Conclusion In Flight

Hotel day room, check out by 6:00 p.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.

A short bus ride will deliver us to the iconic Teatro Colón. Since 1908 visitors have marveled at the imposing seven-story Teatro Colón, a truly world-class center for opera, ballet and classical music. We'll learn from a theater representative about the history, architecture and artwork of this beloved cultural landmark while exploring the main areas of the building.

We will drive back to the hotel and have some "down time" before our late check out at 6:00 p.m. This concludes the program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant, we'll enjoy a farewell meal to celebrate the end of our South American journey.

Day 14 Arrive to North America In Flight