Family Encounters with the Elements of the Earth

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Price from:
4,864.00 US$
per person

This special tour magically combines the elements of Earth, Water, Air and Fire on a one-of-a-kind expedition, perfect and specially made for families, to enjoy some of the most amazing and varied locations on the southern tip of South America. The itinerary is filled with great opportunities of fun and exploration for kids of all ages, as well as for the accompanying adults. Buenos Aires, the world capital of tango and Argentina’s rural farmlands; the stunning Iguazù Falls, a World Heritage Site and the awe-inspiring Atacama Desert in Chile, the driest on earth, are the venues for this unique voyage of learning, exploring and family fun.

Activities:  City Tours; Nature Walks; Bird Watching; Culture and Gastronomy; Boating.

Product themes: Culture and History; Nature and Wildlife; Landscapes and Scenery. Especially designed for Families. However, couples and small parties are also welcome.  

Locations: Buenos Aires and Iguazu falls (Argentina), plus Santiago and Atacama desert (Chile).

Day by Day Itinerary Summary

Day 1:

• Arrival to Buenos Aires. A private transfer brings us to the luxurious Alvear Palace Hotel.
  
• The afternoon features a thorough tour of the city’s main highlights. 
  
• Overnight at the Alvear Palace Hotel.

Day 2:

• A full day private tour takes us to the rural charm of an Argentine Estancia, El Ombù, where we enjoy several activities and a delicious lunch.
  
• Overnight at the Avear Palace Hotel.

Day 3:

• Transfer to the domestic airport for the flight to Iguazù, Argentina.
  
• Upon arrival we are transferred to our deluxe hotel in Puerto Misiones for the night.

Day 4: 

• Full day exploration of Iguazù Falls.
  
• Overnight at Yacutinga Lodge.

Day 5:

• Full day exploration of the subtropical rainforest around Iguazù. 
  
• Overnight at Yacutinga Lodge.

Day 6:

• Transfer back from Yacutinga Lodge to Iguazù airport for the return flight to Buenos Aires.
  
• Transfer to the international airport for the flight to Santiago de Chile. 
  
• Upon arrival, transfer to the Grand Hyatt Hotel for overnight.

Day 7:

• Transfer from the Hotel to Santiago’s Airport for the flight to Calama, in the north of Chile.
  
• Upon arrival, our staff brings guests on a one and a half hour’s ride, a scenic excursion in itself, to San Pedro de Atacama, where we settle at the selected Hotel.

Day 8:

• Exploring the Atacama Desert from the Explora Larache Hotel.

Day 9: 

• Exploring the Atacama Desert from the Explora Larache Hotel.

Day 10:

• Transfer back to Calama for the flight to Santiago.
  
• Upon arrival, transfer to the Grand Hyatt Hotel for overnight.

Day 11:

• Transfer from Hotel to the airport for the return flight.

Tour Highlights

Buenos Aires: the most cosmopolitan city in South America, world capital of tango.

Iguazu Falls: Fantastic complex of waterfalls, one of the world’s most spectacular.

Atacama Desert: The driest in the world, a mysterious and bizarre wonderland.

Tour Summary

The Tour begins with an afternoon of touring the most famous locations of Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital city, renowned as the most “European” and cosmopolitan city of Latin America. Visits and sights include the Government House, Metropolitan Cathedral, the Plaza de Mayo and the neighborhoods of San Telmo, the main hub of the tango art; Palermo and Recoleta. A city of arts, music, immigrants and fine dining, Buenos Aires is a unique experience for any world traveler. 

Next on the agenda is a full day visit to a typical Argentine “Estancia” or rural estate, for a taste of “gaucho’s” life.  El Ombù, in San Antonio de Areco, offers a host of activities for the visitors to learn and participate of the daily life of a ranch: milking, driving the cattle to harness, vaccination, ear-tagging, de-horning, branding and more. Guests can explore the 300-hectare Estancia on foot, horseback or horse-drawn carriages. Avid birders will be supplied with binoculars to spot some of the many species of birds in the area. The experience is complemented with a traditional Argentine “asado”, the local version of a barbecue, using as the main ingredient, the world’s finest beef.

The following three days are dedicated to visit one of South America and the world’s Natural Wonders: the maze of rumbling and astonishing Iguazù Falls, explored from the Argentine side. The unique adventure includes nature paths filled with breathtaking sights; an Ecological Jungle Train; strategically located observation balconies; thrilling boat rides to watch and “feel” the Falls, all enhanced with top safety and lots of fun. The program also features exploration of the subtropical rainforest on a dynamic and educational way to learn about the uniqueness of the local fauna and flora and their conservation. The activities include hikes through interpretation trails, paddling along streams and discovering the exotic natural environment of the area. There is also time to relax, enjoy the swimming pool, an orchid trail and some nocturnal activities, supervised by our trained guides and staff.

The last part of the voyage brings us to, literally, another world… The stark beauty and fascinating mysteries of the Atacama Desert, the world’s driest, on the northern tip of Chile, will be discovered through the many options of touring and activities offered from our exploration-base near San Pedro de Atacama. The days here will be outdoor lessons of geography, geology, archaeology, ecology, botany, wildlife and astronomy. Around 50 alternatives of hiking, horseback exploration or biking outings are there for us to choose.  From a couple of hours to a full day; from moderate levels of effort to hard-core adventure are ready for the visitors. The outings feature unique animal and plant life; encounters with the descendants of ancient cultures; archaeological sites; salt-marshes, geysers, oasis, mountains and rivers. Atacama is considered the best location on the Southern Hemisphere for celestial observation. The eternally clear skies over the desert allow for outstanding sky-watching. The powerful telescope of our Astronomical Observatory will provide stunning observation of galaxies, constellations, stars and planets.

Include

• Accommodations in Buenos Aires at the Alvear Palace Hotel, including breakfasts, City tour of Buenos Aires.
• Full day tour to rural Estancia, El Ombù, including lunch.
• All transfers in Argentina and Chile, as described on itinerary.
• Accommodations at Loi Suites and Yacutinga Lodge in Iguazù area.
• All meals and guided tours, as per the respective programs, in Iguazù and Atacama.
• Two nights’ accommodations at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Santiago de Chile, including breakfasts.

Not Include

• International air tickets, including Buenos Aires-Santiago segment.
• Air transportation to/from Iguazù
• Air transportation Santiago-Calama-Santiago
• International departure tax from Argentina
• International departure tax from Chile
• Meals not specified in the program (please check for details, especially for Iguazù and Atacama)
• Bar expenses (drinks and soft drinks)
• Telephone communications and Internet services (where applicable)
• Gratuities, gifts and other items of personal nature

Notes

• Operational Days: Operates all year, any day.
• Length:   11 Days and 10 Nights.
• Minimum Age: 8 years.
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate to High (optional/on-request).
• Minimum for program operation: 2 passengers 
  
• Special Surcharge applies for departures on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Travel Facts

A valid Passport is necessary for travelling as tourists to Argentina and Chile. Passport’s validity must extend six months beyond the dates of the intended visit. Nationals of the United States, Canada and most European and Latin American countries do NOT need visas for tourism activities in Argentina or Chile. For other nationalities, please ask us or contact the nearest Argentine and Chilean Embassy or Consulate. Important note: Argentina charges a $ 140.00, per person, reciprocity tax, payable upon arrival. No Vaccines are required for the locations included on this special program.  However, it is recommended to check for updates a few weeks prior to departure.

For more detailed information about travel facts and Information about Argentina and Chile, please check the “Country Information” sections of both countries on our website, or ask us.

Best season for travel: 

Year around . Buenos Aires and surroundings’ warmer months are December to March (temperatures like in North America I summer); whilst cooler months are June to September (temperatures quite like North America in winter).  Rainier months normally occur between March and June and September to December. Iguazù has similar climatic patterns as most of Argentina (cooler and warmer months), however with the peculiarities of being in a subtropical forest region.  San Pedro de Atacama has a peculiar climate type known as “desertic marginal of altitude”, being at over 6.000 feet above sea level. There are two marked seasons: cooler months between May and September and warmer months from October to April.

Clothing; What to bring and what to wear:

Climate and weather conditions vary widely according to seasonal factors; regional and ecological characteristics; altitude and other elements.  Thus, it is recommended to look for specific advice regarding climate, weather and appropriate clothing, depending on the places included on the tour and the time of the year your trip is being planned for.  Please ask us for details.

Essential elements to bring are good walking shoes such as sneakers with firm soles; shorts and long pants for outdoor activities; long and short-sleeved lightweight shirts and T-shirts, preferably of cotton fabrics; slightly “smarter” long pants for the evenings; a cap or wide-brimmed hat; bathing suits; a jacket; sweaters and/or windbreaker for the evenings, especially in the cooler months (see above for climate); warm clothes for high altitude exploration in the Atacama region.  Highly recommended items include sunscreen and solar protection; insect repellant; sunglasses, personal medicines; photography and/or video equipment.

Please check with us for further details about climate and clothing suggestions for Buenos Aires; Santiago and some particular tips for Iguazù and/or Atacama.

Safety and Health:

For Safety; Dietary and Medical Restrictions and facilities or other travel facts, please consult the relevant Argentina and Chile “Country Information” sections on our website, or inquire us. 

Hotel Categories

CITY	STANDARD CATEGORY	DE LUXE CATEGORY
Buenos Aires	Pestana www.pestana.com	Alvear Palace www.alvearpalace.com
Iguazu (Argentinean)	Amerian Portal Iguazu www.amerian.com	Loi Suites Iguazu ** www.loisuites.com.ar
Northwest Argentina	Yacutinga Lodge* www.yacutinga.com	Yacutinga Lodge* www.yacutinga.com
Santiago	Plaza del Bosque www.plazadelbosque.cl	Grand Hyat www.santiago.grand.hyatt.cl
San Pedro de Atacama	Casa Atacama www.casaatacama.com	Explora Larache www.explora.com

* THIS LODGE IS THE ONLY ONE THAT OFFERS ACTIVITIES IN CONTACT WITH  NATURE

** THERE IS OTHER DELUXE HOTELS ALTERNATIVES AT EXTRA COST

NOTE:  ALTERNATIVE HOTELS WILL BE USED DUE TO AVAILABILITY 

Accommodations

Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires: 

A real icon of the Argentine capital, the Alvear Palace Hotel exquisitely combines the grandeur of Imperial European elegance, together with modern technology.  The 197 lavish suites and rooms, fully equipped and decorated with art objects, provide world-class comfort and luxurious sophistication to the guests of this exclusive hotel, a fantastic experience in itself.

Loi Suites Iguazu, Argentina: 

This breathtaking property was built with complete respect for nature, preserving the elements of the surrounding habitats. This is a luxury hotel built in the subtropical jungle of Iryapu, just 15 minutes from the Iguazù Falls. The 162 comfortable and modernly equipped rooms feature air conditioning, wireless internet and in-room safe boxes.

Yacutinga Lodge, Iguazù, Argentina: 

This charming ecotourism project located in the Argentine subtropical jungle boasts four star class, extremely comfortable yet rustic-style rooms and public areas, featuring modern technology and facilities. The hotel’s philosophy is to produce a strong relationship between the guests and the surrounding nature.  Environmental-oriented activities include educational walks, native-trees planting, wildlife observation and classification or interpretation of natural processes.

Grand Hyatt Hotel, Santiago de Chile:

One of the Chilean capital’s top hotels, the Grand Hyatt is located in the exclusive residential and business district of Las Condes and has easy access to the city’s center as well as to the international and domestic airports. The Hotel features 310, modernly equipped and luxurious rooms and suites. It is renowned for its world-class restaurants, a lagoon-style swimming pool with waterfall and a superb Spa.

Explora Larache Hotel, Larache-San Pedro de Atacama, Chile:

This fascinating hotel, a true luxury in an unusually remote area, is located in the neighborhood of Larache, in San Pedro de Atacama. This is the perfect venue to explore the amazing world of the Atacama Desert. The fifty elegant and superbly equipped rooms are lined up with a corridor opening to a patio and converge upon the main building.  The architecture and materials evoke the cultures and natural materials of the area. The hotel is considered an experience by itself and an open balcony to the surrounding natural beauty.