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A – Buenos Aires and Iguazu National Park
B – Santiago and Easter Island
C – Patagonia
D - Holland America 14-Day South America Passage

Here's the plan - first an overview. In Feb 2023 we're heading to South America. The sequencing of the individual parts is Patagonia, South America Passage Cruise, Buenos Aires and Iguazu National Park, and Finally Easter Island.

Patagonia - this is a remote and authentic part of South America in the southern reaches of the Andes Mountains. Everyone we've spoken to that has visited there has been enthusiastic in recommending we visit this diverse region.

Finally, there's the 14-Day South America Passage with Holland America. The cruise leaves San Antonio (Santiago's port), explores the Chilean coast and southern Patagonia before transiting the Straits of Magellean. We'll continue on to the Falkland Islands before finishing in Montevideo and Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires has been called the Paris of South America. Personally when I think about Buenos Aires, I think Argentine beef, Tango and culture. A few hours north we'll visit Iguazu National Park - the home to the largest waterfalls in the world.

Last, we've added an opportunity to explore Santiago, Chile and Easter Island, two places Julie and I have wanted to visit for quite some time. The combination of a modern city, historic architecture and Chilean culture makes Santiago an interesting and exciting stop. Easter Island is a 'must do' part of the trip for us that provides a unique contrast with Santiago.

What we think makes this trip a great opportunity is that the various segments can be fit together independently. Julie and I are taking the whole enchalada, but others can choose what they want. The segments provide for an easy mix-and-match approach.

A – Buenos Aires and Iguazu National Park

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Two days in Buenos Aires

Bike tour of Buenos Aires - A great ride through beautiful parks, past historic landmarks, down Plaza San Martin with its charming french style buildings, and more.

Private City Tour - We see all the major sights of Buenos Aires including Recoleta, and the final resting place of EVA (Evita) Peron, the plaza San Martin and the Plaza de Mayo.

Argentine Dinner Party where we'll learn the fundamentals of what being an Argentine is all about, while simply having more fun than is available anywhere else.

Rojo Tango Dinner Show - A dazzling live orchestra, great dancers, traditional Argentine cuisine, and a fine selection of local wines and cocktails.

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Iguazu National Park

Iguazu National Park - is located in Argentina along the Iguazu River which creates a natural border between the country and Brazil. The national park encompasses an area of 261 square miles (677 sq km) and has a sister protected area on the Brazilian side known as Iguacu National Park.
Activities Hiking amongst the falls is the primary activity of the national park, however there are other ways to engage Iguazu Falls and the rainforest that surrounds it. Other opportunities include a relaxing raft tour (Upper Falls Eco-Float Tour), white water rafting and a variety of boat trips.

Iguazú National Park Wikipedia
Iguazú National Park Argentina National Parks
Iguazu Falls Start Your Adventure
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B – Santiago and Easter Island

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Santiago, Chile

Santiago The city is flanked by the main chain of the Andes to the east and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west. Both north and south lie different spurs of the Andes. At the southern border lies the Angostura de Paine, an elongated spur of the Andes that almost reaches the coast

Activities

  • Day trip to two wineries in the foothills of the Andes east and southeast of the city.
  • Visit to the coastal towns of Vina Del Mar and Valparaiso.

There are additional city tours where you can explore historic sites, take in the bohemian charm of Bellavista, and see the city’s financial district, nicknamed ‘Sanhattan’, due to its plethora of skyscrapers.

Nearby Valparaiso is a rich wine region with plenty of day tours. We'll tour the city, famous for it's archetecture, visit a winery, and just soak in the culture on one of our last days in South America.

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Easter Island

Easter Island lies 5½ hrs. west of Chile in the Pacific Ocean. The island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its nearly 1,000 monumental statues, called moai. We'll have a little more then two days to explore this remote island.

Ahu Tongariki, Rano Raraku and Anakena Beach We'll have a unique tour of multiple sites across the island. Admire an intriguing tableau of iconic ‘moai’ sculptures with an experienced archeologist guide; explore the volcanic slopes and dramatic quarry of Rano Raraku; and marvel at the sacred ceremonial sites in Ahu Akahanga. We'll conclude our enriching exploration, relaxing on the blissful beach of Anakena for a tranquil finish to the day.

Easter Island’s Rupa Nui National Park Uncover the archaeological mysteries of Easter Island’s Rupa Nui National Park on this enthralling half-day excursion. Gaze in wonder at the distinctive ‘moai’ stone sculptures and gain insight into the island’s captivating history with an expert guide. You'll marvel at ancient masonry as you wander the verdant enclave of the park, appreciating stunning panoramas of the ocean. Visit the picturesque harbor town of Hanga Piko to observe a ceremonial moai, the stonework of which has perplexed experts for centuries.

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C – Patagonia

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Patagonia

The Regions of Patagonia

Patagonia encompasses the southern end of South America. This vast region includes the southern section of the Andes Mountains with lakes, fjords, temperate rainforests, and glaciers in the west and deserts, tablelands and steppes to the east. The Pacific Ocean lies to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Strait of Magellan, the Beagle Channel, and the Drake Passage to the south. Places we learned about in grade school.

El Calafate

Perito Moreno Glacier has become a favorite Patagonian destination thanks to its impressive expanse, accessibility and continuous movement. This full day tour starts from our hotel in El Calafate with a scenic drive to Los Glaciares National Park. There, we hike along park pathways for diverse views of Perito Moreno’s 200-foot-(60-meter)-high, blue-tinged walls. For another perspective, enjoy a 1-hour cruise through the lagoon in front of Perito Moreno. Sail along the massive glacier wall and in between floating icebergs for an awe-inspiring watery perspective on this natural wonder.

Estancia Cristina You'll experience the remote beauty of Patagonia’s Estancia Cristina and Upsala Glacier on this journey of discovery from El Calafate. Sail past icebergs across Lago Argentino and tour the historic Estancia Cristina ranch. In the afternoon, choose between a short and easy trek to a beautiful waterfall or an off-road tour to the beautiful Upsala Glacier.
The three-hour off-road trip takes you along a scenic mountain trail to a mountain refuge. From there a 20-minute walk over terrain eroded by glaciers brings us to the Upsala Glacier. If you choose the walk to the cascading waters of Los Perros waterfall, the two-hour trek takes you through beautiful woodlands for lofty views of Caterina River and the estancia below.

Puerto Natales

Torres Del Paine National Park Journey into the surreal natural spectacle of Torres del Paine National Park on a full day tour from Puerto Natales. See the splintering glaciers, iridescent lagoons and snow-capped spires of the Andes Mountain range during an exhilarating excursion into the wild. Explore the darkened depths of Milndon Cave with a knowledgeable guide; visit a gushing waterfall near the Nordenskjold Lake; admire the shimmering surface of Sarmiento Lake; and trek amid the frozen enchantment of the Grey Glacier during this astounding adventure.

Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers Cruise Explore the frozen enchantment of the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers on an exhilarating full-day tour from Puerto Natales. Absorb the surreal beauty of the Patagonian landscape on an elegant sea vessel as you admire spectacular natural scenery. See powerful waterfalls, splintering snow-capped peaks, swooping cormorants and colossal sea elephants as you cruise. Hike through the rugged splendor of Bernando O’Higgins National Park with a knowledgeable guide.

San Carlos de Bariloche

Puerto Blest Sightseeing Cruise & Waterfall Trek Cruise across Nahuel Huapi Lake to Puerto Blest and visit Los Cantaros Waterfall on this full-day excursion from Bariloche. Learn about the natural resources, like the native coihue and cypress trees, as well as the history of the area from your guide. Take time to relax on this sightseeing journey while experiencing all of the highlights of this scenic area.

Lake Crossing from Argentina to Chile Sailing from Pañuelo Port aboard a catamaran to Puerto Blest you can appreciate the grandeur of the landscape, the green of the forests that surround us. This trip takes us from Bariloche to Puerto Varas in Chile, and includes segments on Lake Nahuel Huap, Lake Frías,and Lake Todos los Santos. There are peaceful and pristine waters of a deep green color due to Puerto Frías, views of the Tronador, an extinnct volcano with 9 glaciers on it's summit, and more. The crossing finishes in Puerto Varas in time for dinner at our hotel.


D – Holland America 14-Day South America Passage

14-Day South America Passage (Holland America Website)

Chile
Puerto Montt, Chile
Puerto Chacabuco, Chile
Cruising Chilean Fjords
Cruising Sarmiento Channel
Strait Of Magellan
Punta Arenas, Chile
Beagle Channel
Argentina and East
Ushuaia, Argentina
Cruising Cape Horn
Stanley/Falkland Is/Islas Malvinas
Montevideo, Uruguay
Buenos Aires, Argentina


For information on our travels and adventures, please visit our travel blog at NYPorter.com.