Essential South America

1. Day 1 Tuesday, July 14, 2026

   Overnight Flight

   Set out to experience the sights, flavors, and rhythms of Chile and Argentina as you explore two countries, from bustling cities to sprawling ranches, vineyards, and natural landscapes. It all begins in Chile’s cultural hub, Santiago.

2. Day 2 Wednesday, July 15, 2026

   Santiago, Chile

   Arrive early this morning in Santiago, the vibrant capital city of Chile, nestled in a valley of the Andes Mountains. Settle in at your hotel, where you’ll enjoy early access to your room to recoup after your flight. This afternoon, meet your fellow travelers and head out on a panoramic tour of Santiago, getting a look at the city’s blend of modern and colonial architecture and learning about its diverse history. Tonight, toast to the beginning of your South American adventure at a local restaurant. (D)

3. Day 3 Thursday, July 16, 2026

   Santiago

   Follow your curiosity about Chilean history and culture to a museum — because it’s your choice! Choose between the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, dedicated to the study and display of pre-Columbian artworks and artifacts from Central and South America, or the Memory and Human Rights Museum, which commemorates the victims of human rights violations during the last Chilean military dictatorship. After, set out to discover market-fresh Chilean food with a visit to the Mercado Central de Santiago. Joined by a local chef, walk through the fish market, stopping along the way to learn about the local seafood and pick up some ingredients. Then sit down to a fresh feast for lunch. Take the rest of the day to enjoy Santiago as you please. (B, L)

4. Day 4 Friday, July 17, 2026

   Santiago — Mendoza, Argentina

   An early morning flight brings you to the desert region of Mendoza, known for its vineyards and Malbec wine, and the stunning views of the Andes Mountains. Upon arriving at a vineyard, a pick-me-up comes with a taste of yerba mate tea, a traditional South American caffeinated drink. As your guide demonstrates how to make a cup, learn about the cultural significance of this beverage that brings many Argentinean families together for daily mate breaks. Enjoy a tour of the vineyard followed by a wine tasting and chef-prepared lunch. Later, settle into your hotel in the city of Mendoza for an evening at leisure. (B, L)

5. Day 5 Saturday, July 18, 2026

   Mendoza

   Enjoy a leisurely morning before continuing your taste of the region’s renowned wines with a visit to a family winery. Sample wines selected to show the richness of the terroirs and come to appreciate the unique qualities of the Luján de Cuyo wine-producing sub-region, with its dry, almost desert-like climate and irrigation from the Mendoza River’s pure Andean meltwater. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the laid-back city of Mendoza with its inviting restaurants and atmospheric plazas. (B)

6. Day 6 Sunday, July 19, 2026

   Mendoza — Buenos Aires

   Say so long to Mendoza as you fly to Buenos Aires, a city that radiates Latin-infused rhythm mixed with European heritage. Set out on a guided tour of Buenos Aires, sampling the local eats along the way and exploring the fusion of flavors that comes with the city’s Spanish, Italian, and Jewish influences. During a panoramic tour, discover the San Telmo, Puerto Madero, La Boca, and Recoleta neighborhoods. Then, settle in at your hotel in the elegant Recoleta neighborhood, full of historical and architectural charm. This evening, come together for dinner and indulge in savory Argentine flavors. (B, D)

7. Day 7 Monday, July 20, 2026

   Buenos Aires

   Today begins with an Impact Moment focused on the work of the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, a human rights organization that has helped to restore the identities of children taken during Argentina’s military coup from 1976 to 1983. Meet with someone who was personally impacted and learn about los desaparecidos (“the disappeared”) and this time in Argentina’s history. This afternoon, it’s your choice how you see more of the city. Choose between two walking tours: either exploring the captivating Recoleta Cemetery, or discovering the colorful murals of the Palermo neighborhood. This evening, it’s time to live like the locals. Take a lesson from a professional tango dancer, then take your moves to the dance floor at a local milonga social club. (B)

8. Day 8 Tuesday, July 21, 2026

   Buenos Aires

   Today is yours to explore Buenos Aires as you wish, taking your time to wander through neighborhoods, savor Argentine cuisine, or maybe visit the city’s fantastic opera house. Add another stamp to your passport during a full-day optional excursion to one of Uruguay’s oldest towns: take an early morning ferry across the Río de la Plata to Colonia del Sacramento, with its picturesque cobblestone streets and charming cafes. Travel into the Uruguayan countryside for an included lunch, followed by free time to explore the city’s Historic Quarter before returning to Buenos Aires by ferry. Tonight, perhaps you’ll decide to join an optional tango show and dinner at a popular tango house. (B)

9. Day 9 Wednesday, July 22, 2026

   Buenos Aires — San Antonio de Areco — Buenos Aires

   Set out into the countryside to explore Argentina’s Pampas region. In San Antonio de Areco, discover the small town’s strong connection with silversmithing and gaucho culture. A visit to Museo Draghi offers the chance to see silversmiths at work and admire a private collection of silverware. Then, it’s on to experience a true taste of gaucho life by spending the rest of the day on a traditional estancia, following a bumpy, unpaved road to the gates of the ranch’s sprawling land and inviting, rustic house. You may decide to explore the property by horse-drawn carriage, or head inside the main house to relax and take in views from the porch. Gather for a traditional asado lunch, with flame-cooked meats served at the table along with sides and wine. Later, sit back and enjoy a folk performance of gaucho traditions with singing, dancing, and displays of horsemanship — topping off an unforgettable encounter with this South American way of life. This evening, back in Buenos Aires, gather for dinner at a local restaurant and toast to the end of a grand adventure. (B, L, D)

10. Day 10 Thursday, July 23, 2026

    Buenos Aires — Tour Ends

    Your tour comes to an end today. Transfer to the airport for your flight home later today. (B)

Itinerary as published by Collette and subject to change. The brochure below is the authoritative version.

Final payment

April 15, 2026