Santiago & Mendoza

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SANTIAGO DE CHILE

Arrival at the international airport of Santiago, and transfer to your hotel in the city.

DAY 2: CITY TOUR

The city of Santiago is one of the most modern and safest metropolises in Latin America. In the world it is recognized for its sustained development and for the economic, political and social stability that is lived in its streets.

The Plaza de Armas will be the first attraction to discover, without a doubt it is the reflection of what colonial life was like a hundred years ago. We will pass in front of the Central Market, one of the oldest and most impressive in the city, which offers a great variety of fresh fruits. After passing through the lavish neighborhoods of República and Concha y Toro, we will have enough time to walk and enjoy the exquisite turn-of-the-century architecture. We will continue to the Forest Park passing through the Museum of Fine Arts we will arrive at Cerro San Cristóbal from where you can have one of the best panoramic views of the city. The place was chosen by the poet Pablo Neruda to build one of his houses, today converted into a museum. Back to the hotel.

DAY 3: VALLE DEL MAIPO, THE CLASSIC CHILEAN TERROIR

After breakfast we leave Santiago and head south to visit the Maipo region, perhaps one of the most emblematic valleys in the central area and with the greatest growth in wine. It was in Maipo where the conquerors founded the first wineries in colonial times after verifying the benefits of the climate and its agricultural wealth. In this valley we will visit 2 of its main vineyards, all prestigious and recognized such as Viña Cousiño Macul, Viña Undurraga or Viña Concha y Toro.

In this way, we will enjoy the tasting of the best Maipo wines and their different varieties of strains, aromas and flavors. In addition, in both visits we will learn about the wine-making process, visiting the vineyards, the production plants, the storage cellars and seeing the final bottled product.

In the middle of both visits, we can also try the typical Chilean food that the valley offers. Finally, in the afternoon we will return to our hotel in Santiago.

DAY 4: PRIVATE TRANSFER SANTIAGO - MENDOZA: CRUCE DE LOS ANDES

After breakfast we will leave the hotel on our way to enjoy one of the most wonderful landscapes in South America: the crossing of the Andes. The Andes Mountains invite us to enjoy nature in all its splendor. The unique postcard of the condors flying over the eternal snows of the highest peaks will be a delight for the eyes!

During the trip we will appreciate the beauty of the Aconcagua Valley wine-growing, recognized for the excellence of its Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, also representing the closest growing area to the mountain range. We will continue towards the International tunnel "Cristo Redentor" through the path known as "Los Caracoles de Portillo". In just 16 km it rises 1,000 meters and has 32 180º curves. An experience you won't easily forget ...

Already on the Argentine side, and after crossing 3 km of the binational tunnel, we can enjoy the incomparable view offered by the highest hill in America: Aconcagua, with 6,962 above sea level, standing out imposing among many other wonderful mountains and glaciers that accompany this living postcard. We will pass through small towns that offer travelers natural and cultural attractions worthy of appreciation, such as the Puente del Inca, a source of rich hot springs that for a time were used by a hotel of the same name that was later destroyed by an avalanche. We continue our way to the town of Uspallata, characterized by its colorful landscapes framed by the colossal Andes mountain range, an oasis in the middle of the Mendoza desert. The movie "Seven Years in Tibet" starring Brad Pitt was filmed for the most part in this Andean valley.

The adventure continues downstream to the summer town of Potrerillos where we can enjoy a privileged view of the artificial lake formed by the imposing dam, the pride of Mendoza, which provides water to the northern oasis of the province. Check in at hotel in Mendoza in the afternoon.

DAY 5: CITY TOUR

Today we will dedicate half a day to visit the city of Mendoza, characterized by its extensive groves and the traditional "acequias." The original area, the plazas and the General San Martín Park are just some of the attractions that will be visited during the tour.

DAY 6: LUJÁN DE CUYO

Early in the morning, we will leave from your hotel to visit the Luján de Cuyo region, one of the largest vineyards in the province, also known as the land of Malbec.

At the first stop on this tour we will be delighted to visit Las Perdices winery. The reason why its owners chose its name is due to the partridge, a type of bird that adapts to dry and stony climates, just like the vine. Regardless of the adverse circumstances that may arise, it always completes its cycle.

In the second instance, we will visit the Matervini winery founded in 2008 by Santiago Achaval and Roberto Cipresso, pioneers of Malbec wines from old vineyards in Argentina. Matervini focuses mainly on Malbec and how this varietal has varied characteristics depending on the region where it is grown. For this reason, the winery is special as it is constantly searching for the perfect Malbec.

The last stop on our tour will be at the Bodega Susana Balbo (formerly known as Dominio del Plata). Its renowned winemaker, Susana Balbo, directs the project and is considered a symbol of innovation and wisdom in Argentine viticulture. Lunch will be served in the Osadía restaurant and consists of five steps paired with premium wines that are wonderful.

DAY 7: VALLE DE UCO

Without a doubt, this productive valley was a privileged place for those who chose to cultivate their vineyards. Here the characteristics of the grape improve due to the thermal amplitude and the different soil conditions. If we think of a wonderful landscape, indeed the Uco Valley presents one of the most beautiful in the city.

We leave early from your hotel in downtown Mendoza to the Uco Valley. Located in the heart of the Uco Valley, Salentein is one of the most famous wineries in Mendoza. It has one of the largest production scales in Argentina, producing millions of bottles per year, which are sold and consumed throughout the world. Salentein has improved Argentine wines by using and combining the best old and new world style of winemaking, while maintaining respect for the terroir at the same time. As you walk through the winery, you will appreciate the cross-shaped design that is meant to be spiritual and practical in crafting your prized product. Upon reaching the underground cellar, people are lost among the 5,000 oak barrels. The tasting takes place in one of the top rooms where premium wines are tasted.

We continue the trip for lunch in one of the great rising stars of the region: Andeluna. Located at the foot of the Andes, on the outskirts of the city of Tupungato, Andeluna has a magnificent view of the mountains (one of the best in the region). The huge windows of the restaurant are designed to take advantage of the effect, allowing us to enjoy the view of the kitchen that is completely open to allow the visualization of the preparations and the remarkable creativity of these chefs in action. Here you will be happy to try six steps paired with wines.

DAY 8: DEPARTURE FROM MENDOZA

Check out of the hotel and transfer to Mendoza airport.

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