- Chile
- Chile Argentina and Patagonia with Buenos Aires
Discover why so many people fall in love with the 'Paris of the Southern Hemisphere'. Buenos Aires provides a seductive mix of stunning European architecture, old-world languor and elegant neighbourhoods where colonial buildings and outdoor markets can be found at every turn.
2021 Dossier
This map is for the main tour only
Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Santiago, via Sao Paulo.
Dinner
On arrival in Chile, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon commence your tour of vibrant Santiago. Set against a spectacular backdrop of snow-covered Andean peaks this tour takes you to the city's historic heart, visiting beautiful baroque buildings and the provincial Santa Lucia Hill where Spanish conquistadors founded the city in the 16th century.
Breakfast
Following breakfast, today is a tale of two cities. Valparaiso is a colonial city presenting an excellent example of late 19th century urban and architectural development in Latin America, considered a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Enjoy a ride on a traditional cable car and delight in the outstanding colours of the cliff top homes, bohemian culture and outstanding sea views. Continue to the coastal city of Vina Del Mar, a sharp contrast to neighbouring Valparaiso, known as the 'Garden City', a fascinating and beautiful location where you will enjoy delightfully expansive parks, fabulous architecture and the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. There will be an opportunity to visit La Sebastiana museum at an additional fee, famous for inspiring the Chilean Poet Pablo Neruda.
Breakfast
Today is at leisure for you to explore the energetic and cosmopolitan city of Santiago at your own pace. An optional excursion to the renowned vineyard of Santa Rica will be available.
Breakfast
Following breakfast transfer to Santiago airport for your flight to Punta Arenas. On arrival, you will be met and enjoy a tour of the small isolated city of Punta Arenas. Continue to Puerto Natales, gateway to Parque Nacional Torres del Paine. This quaint town is situated on the shore of the Sound of Ultima Esperanza, once you have checked in to your hotel the rest of the day is at your leisure.
Breakfast & Lunch
Today you will board a ship to sail the Channel of Last Hope, marvel at the awe-inspiring glaciers which sharply pierce the ocean from the southern continental ice field. Enjoy the stunning views as you sail past the famous Heritage Building, a slaughterhouse dating back to 1913 before continuing through the Senorat canal. Hopefully, you will catch sight of the Magellan Dolphins, frequent visitors to this area and possibly as a graceful sea lion whilst admiring the Condor birds by a stunning waterfall. You will then disembark for a stroll towards the Serrano glacier along the shores of Tempanos Lagoon and through a native forest, the huge icebergs and amazing landscapes complete an unforgettable day.
Breakfast & Lunch
Considered the highlight of your trip, the National Park Torres del Paine is quite simply spectacular, internationally recognised as one of the most unique and beautiful places on the planet. Known for its soaring mountains, lakes, waterfalls and stunning blue icebergs that slice the glaciers and grasslands whilst sheltering rare wildlife such as guanacos. The three granite peaks of the Pane mountain range which dominate the landscape of the park spectacularly extend up to 2,500 metres above sea level. Following your lunch, you will embark on a short hike to the Grey Lake to witness the many icebergs originating from the Grey Glacier.
Breakfast
After breakfast, you will begin your journey to Argentina stopping for lunch en route. On arrival, you will be met by your local representative to check in at your hotel in El Calafate, the gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Breakfast
The Perito Moreno Glacier is known locally as the 8th Wonder of the World is the planet's 3rd largest reserve of fresh water and one of the continent's last advancing glaciers. Your full day tour will leave you in awe of the glaciers unfathomable beauty. Calving icebergs the size of skyscrapers you may witness the glaciers signature movement as they slowly detach.
Breakfast
Full day at leisure in El Calafate to relax and unwind.
Breakfast
Following breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Evening at leisure.
Breakfast
Enjoy a morning city tour commencing in the historic Plaza de Mayo, the site of the 1810 revolution and now a hub of political life. From here you will see the Casa Rosada government palace and its famous balcony where Eva Peron used to address the people. Continue to the picturesque and colourful neighbourhood of La Boca with its famous street 'Caminito' whose architecture reflects the European influence of the late 19th century. In the evening marvel at a traditional tango, show whilst enjoying dinner. Tango originated in the 1880 ghettos which were populated by Italian and Spanish immigrants, Africans and Gauchos. From this intersection rose the 'Comrpraditos', whose songs, lyrics, and dances reflect 'el duelo de cuchilleros', or knife fights characteristic of the social ambience. The tango rose from a mix of Cuban and Spanish rhythms, some polka, and according to some, also a bit of African music.
Breakfast
Transfer from your hotel to Buenos Aires Airport in time for your flight back to the UK via Sao Paulo, or continue on to your chosen extension.
Breakfast
Enjoy exploring this fascinating city at your leisure.
Breakfast
Depart after breakfast for your return flight to the UK.
Janet Scargill
17 Mar 20The Sierra Nevada Hotel in El Calafate was not good. The hotel was noisy some internal but a lot of external noise. Motorcycles revving up and backfiring. Loud music playing at 3am, 5am. Breakfast very basic.
Celia Truman
19 Nov 19All as expected. Breakfast at Kenton Palace not as good as other hotels.
S Evans
19 Mar 19This holiday was my 3rd long haul with Mercury and i was not disappointed. This was an excellent and interesting holiday with many highlights. The Tango show with dinner in Buenos Aires was a first class evening excursion. The extension to Iguazu Falls was a good way to finish the holiday and good value.
Susan Body
26 Feb 18All Hotels used were of good standard with reasonably priced food. Rooms good size and all very much better than we had anticipated
UK passport holders are not currently required to obtain a visa prior to travel for either countries, this will be granted on arrival for stays of up to 90 days.
You must obtain suitable travel insurance prior to departure. Mercury Direct is partnered with Holiday Extras which offer insurance at the following prices: <br /><br /> <table class="basic" cellspacing="0"><thead><tr><th><b>Age in Years</b></th><th><b>Up to 64</b></th><th><b>65 - 74</b></th><th><b>75 - 85</b></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Up to 17 days cover</td><td>£39</td><td>£75</td><td>£129</td></tr></tbody></table> For all persons 86 years and over, please contact us for insurance prices. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Direct will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
All flights are operated by Iberia Airlines and go via Madrid in both directions. Each passenger is entitled to 23kg of hold luggage & hand luggage not exceeding 56cm x 45cm x 25cm in size. Flight times are for guidance only & subject to change.
We recommend that you consult your local GP for advice on vaccinations and travel health before your departure.
This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival and will be accompanied by a local guide throughout the tour, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
The currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real, known as BRL. The currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso, known as ARS. However, US Dollars are also widely used throughout both countries. Cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks as well as your lunch and dinner on each day. Approximately £300-£400 per person should be sufficient for the tour.