South America Winelands Tour – Crossing the Andes from Argentina to Chile (Pre)
Price from
€3,975
October – December (low season)
January – April (high season)
Visit vineyards in both the Mendoza region of Argentina and Chile’s Maipo Valley
Witness stunning scenery as you cross the Andes in true explorer style
Enjoy two nights in the heart of Mendoza city
Spend two nights at the exquisite Hotel Casa Real set within the beautiful grounds of Santa Rita vineyard
Itinerary for your Pre-Programme
Day 1: Arrive at Mendoza, Argentina
Welcome to Mendoza, the lively capital city of Argentina's renowned wine region of the same name. Before your tour of the Uco Valley tomorrow, take an evening at your leisure to explore the city, and enjoy the hotel’s facilities.
Day 2: Mendoza
On today’s full-day tour, you’ll head to the Uco Valley, one of Mendoza’s top wine-producing areas. Home to the Cordón del Plata, Uco Valley’s mountainous landscape not only offers breathtaking vistas, but it creates ideal conditions for producing the distinct wines for which the region is famed. Throughout the day, you’ll visit some renowned wineries in picturesque settings, and learn about winemaking – of course, with sampling. Your tour also includes lunch.
At the end of the day, you’ll return to your hotel for an evening at your leisure.
Day 3: Across the Andes from Mendoza to Santiago
Your 227-mile journey across the awe-inspiring Andes from Mendoza to Santiago in Chile begins early in the morning. As we pass through the mountain range you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking scenery, and there will be lots of photo stops along the way. Highlights include the view of Aconcagua – the highest mountain in the Americas – and passing through the Paso Internacional Los Libertadores, the tunnel that connects Argentina and Chile. You'll enjoy lunch en route, surrounded by alpine vistas.
When you arrive in Santiago, you’ll continue to Santa Rita vineyard in the Maipo Valley. Your home for the next two nights is the Casa Real Hotel - the exquisite, 19th-century former summerhouse of the winery’s founder. Dinner is at the hotel and the evening will be at your leisure.
Day 4: Santa Rita vineyard tour
The morning begins with a guided tour of the vineyard, during which you’ll learn about the grape varieties and traditional winemaking techniques. You’ll also visit the ‘Cellar of the 120 Patriots’ and discover the story behind its name.
After lunch at the Doña Paula Restaurant, you'll visit the Museo Andino for a glimpse into pre-Columbian civilizations. Take time to explore their collection of some 3,000 ancient artifacts before heading back to the hotel for dinner.
Day 5: Back to Santiago
Enjoy a relaxing morning at your leisure and explore your surroundings. After a farewell lunch, we’ll transfer you to your hotel in Santiago de Chile, pointing out some of the city's most iconic sights along the way. Your Pre-Programme ends at your hotel where the following overnight is part of your expedition cruise.
Practical information
Included
2 nights in Mendoza (Argentina) with breakfast
2 nights in the Maipo Valley (Chile) with full board
Full-day excursion with English-speaking guide to Uco Valley (Argentina) including wine tasting and lunch
Full-day overland tour with English-speaking guide from Argentina to Chile (Mendoza-Maipo Valley) with stops and lunch
Premium Wine Tour at Santa Rita Vineyard and visit to the Museo Andino
Private transfer with English-speaking guide from Maipo Valley to Santiago de Chile including a panoramic city tour
Not included
Drinks and gratuities
Remarks and requirements
This tour is available as a Pre-Programme in combination with expedition cruises starting in Punta Arenas.
Includes walking over uneven terrain and is therefore not suitable for guests with limited mobility.
The excursions included in this tour are operated by the vineyards and might not be exclusive to HX guests.
The total duration of the Andes crossing from Argentina to Chile depends on the time needed at the Argentine/Chilean border control, traffic levels, the number of stops and local weather conditions.
If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the trip up to 6 weeks before departure.
Expedition cruises offering this activity
See some of the world's most wonderful nature on a cruise with Hurtigruten Expeditions