Inspiration Itinerary | Chile & Argentina

Fire Forests & Ice

Atacama Pucon Patagonia & Buenos Aires

Chile Fire & Ice

Landing in Santiago you’ll have time to explore this bohemian city before heading to the Atacama desert, where burnt orange canyons and weirdly sculpted rock formations stand brilliant against an azure sky and steaming geysers rocket steam to dizzying heights. You’ll explore your other-worldly surroundings with a series of nature walks, challenging treks and horse rides, all privately guided and tailored to your particular interests and physical requirements. The star gazing here is truly spectacular – don’t miss it!

Continue the journey heading 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.

From here you will 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. Southern Patagonia is wild and unforgiving.

Head northbound and up to El Calafate for a couple of nights at Relais & Chateaux, exclusive Eolo for two nights with further opportunities for hiking, horse-riding, biking, birdwatching, or to get up and close to the Perito Moreno glacier on foot, by boat or by kayak, the glacier what the area is renowned for.

Complete your journey with a stay in Buenos Aires, the Paris of Latin America. Stay in swanky Recoleta and explore its shops, art galleries, markets, parks and museums or explore funky Palermo. If time allows head out for a day to the Pampas for an Argentine gaucho experience, or wrap up the journey with a tango show.

All in all, 2.5 weeks exploring some of Chile and Argentina’s most astounding regions, along with a dollop of city and culture.

You will love

  • Awe inspiring landscapes
  • Boutique, hand picked accommodation
  • Deserts, forests, lakes, river, ice fields, mountains
  • Exquisite gastronomy and fine wine
  • Exclusive access and one-off experiences

18 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

DAYS 1-2 | SANTIAGO | 2 NIGHTS

Arrive in Santiago and spend time exploring the city. Discover bohemian suburbs and dine in the city’s finest restaurants.

DAYS 3-5 | ATACAMA DESERT | 3 NIGHTS

Explore your other-worldly surroundings with a series of nature walks, challenging treks and horse rides, all privately guided and tailored to your particular interests and physical requirements.

DAYS 6-8 | PUCON | 3 NIGHTS

Head south 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.

DAYS 9-12 | TORRES DEL PAINE | 4 NIGHTS

The wilderness is yours to explore by 4×4 vehicle, walking through ethereal forests, wildlife watching and bird-spotting, hiking part or all of the famous W trek and horse riding across the open pampas.

DAYS 13-14 | EL CALAFATE | 2 NIGHTS

Spend two nights near El Calafate undertaking activities such as trekking, mountain biking, birdwatching, horseback riding, 4×4 jeep riding, ziplining or visiting and exploring the Perito Moreno Glacier on foot, by boat or kayak

DAYS 15-17 | BUENOS AIRES | 3 NIGHTS

Head to the Paris of Latin America and explore glam Recoleta, bo-ho Palermo, visit the local shops, museums, art galleries, watch a tango show or perhaps head out into the countryside to the Pampas for a gaucho experience, or to Tigre and the Delta of Parana

ACCOMMODATION

A handpicked selection

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

Explora Atacama – San Pedro de Atacama

Explora Atacama offers casual elegance and an unforgettable experience in an otherworldly setting. Immersed in untouched nature and incredible scenery, the lodge offers over 40 explorations to discover the landscape, astronomy, geology, wildlife and ancient Aymara culture of the land. Read More

Hotel 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

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

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

Alvear Palace Hotel – Buenos Aires

Located in the exclusive Recoleta neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, the Alvear Palace has grand French-inspired public areas, with crystal chandeliers, velvet fauteuils and gilded-wood-panelled walls. Grand guest rooms, in Louis XV and Louis XVI styles, have butler service, fresh flowers and Hermès bath amenities. Read More

NEED TO KNOW

12 nights in Chile, 5 nights in Argentina

12 nights in Chile, 5 nights in Argentina

START: Santiago, Chile     |     Finish: Buenos Aires, Argentina

This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular journey through Chile and Antarctica but it is an example only. All journeys will be individually designed and quoted on a case by case basis.

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

Julia 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 family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The 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 family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An 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 Taylor

Thank 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 Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything 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 Bradley

You 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 Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their 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 Stevens

If 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 Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It 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 Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An 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

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