Overseas Adventure Travel - Chile & Argentina: The Andes to Patagonia 2021 - Overseas Adventure Travel
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE®
Chile & Argentina: The Andes to Patagonia
2021
Learn how to personalize your experience on this adventure
Small Groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 13)
®
Overseas Adventure Travel
The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled
1
®
Overseas Adventure Travel
347 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210
Dear Traveler,
At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. Soon, you’ll once
again be discovering the places you’ve dreamed of. In the meantime, the enclosed O.A.T. Adventure
Travel Planning Guide® should help you keep those dreams vividly alive.
Before you start dreaming, please let me reassure you that your health and safety is our number
one priority. As such, we’re requiring that all O.A.T. travelers, Trip Experience Leaders, and
coach drivers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure. Our
new, updated health and safety protocols are described inside.
The journey you’ve expressed interest in, Chile & Argentina: The Andes to Patagonia, will be an
excellent way to resume your discoveries. It takes you into the true heart of the culture, thanks
to our small groups of 8-16 travelers (with an average of 13). Plus, our Argentinean and Chilean
Trip Experience Leader will reveal their country’s secret treasures as only an insider can. You
can also rely on the seasoned team at our regional offices in Chile and Argentina, who are ready
to help 24/7 in case any unexpected circumstances arise.
Throughout your explorations, you’ll meet local people and gain an intimate understanding of
the regional culture. During a visit to a family-run estancia (or sheep ranch) on the Patagonian
steppe, we’ll mount up for a horseback ride across the scenic plains and sit down to a barbecue
dinner with the family to hear about what life is like in this remote, rural area. We’ll also spend
a day with the Tenaum community on Chile’s Pacific Coast, where we’ll gain firsthand insight
into Chilean education during a school visit and learn about the community’s traditions by
helping to prepare a curanto—a type of stew that is buried and cooked underground—for lunch.
Plus, a portion of our proceeds goes toward the charitable efforts of Grand Circle Foundation:
inside you’ll also see how your travel dollar helps make the world a better place.
We understand that no two people are the same. That’s why more than 80% of our travelers
take advantage of the freedom to personalize their experience. Join the 77% of travelers who
extend their time abroad. Add the pre-trip extension to Santiago & Easter Island’s Sacred Sites,
the post-trip extension to Iguassu Falls, or both of these extensions to your South American
adventure.
I hope you find this O.A.T. Adventure Travel Planning Guide® helpful. If you have any
further questions, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Regional Adventure Counselors at
1-800-955-1925.
Warm regards,
Harriet R. Lewis
Vice Chairman
Overseas Adventure Travel
P.S. For further peace of mind, please know that we are EXTENDING our Risk-Free Booking
Policy through 12/31/21. Learn more at www.oattravel.com/risk-free-booking.
2
WHAT’S INSIDE
TRIP SUMMARY
It’s Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Departure Dates and Prices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Leader in Solo-Friendly Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Grand Circle Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Freedom to Personalize Your Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
DETAILED DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Travel Documents & Entry Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Rigors, Vaccines & General Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Money Matters: Local Currency & Tipping Guidelines . . . . . . . 54
Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Climate & Average Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
About Your Destinations: Culture, Etiquette & More . . . . . . . . 71
Demographics & History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Resources: Suggested Reading & Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Health & Safety Measures – Vaccines Required . . . . . . . . . . 87
MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
3
Lower prices than last year—a value of $500 per couple
Chile & Argentina: The Andes to Patagonia
Small Group Adventure
Argentina: Buenos Aires, Bariloche, El Calafate | Chile: Puerto Varas, Chiloé Island, Punta Arenas, Torres del Paine
National Park
Countries: 2 | Cities: 6 | 2 Nights in a Lodge in Torres Del Paine National Park
Small groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! It’s Included
(average of 13)
• International airfare, airport transfers, • 20 small group activities
18 days from $ 4895 government taxes, fees, and airline fuel
surcharges unless you choose to make
• Explore in a small group of 8-16
travelers (average group size of 13)
Includes international airfare your own air arrangements
Travel from only $272 a day
• All land transportation and 3 • Services of a local O.A.T. Trip
Experience Leader
internal flights
17 days from $ 3695 • Accommodations for 16 nights • Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and
luggage porters
Without international airfare
• 34 meals—16 breakfasts, 10 lunches, • 5% Frequent Traveler Credit
and 8 dinners (including 1 Home-
FREE Single Supplement toward your next adventure—an
Hosted Lunch)
average of $442
Maximize Your To get a richer view of the Included Features on this adventure,
Discoveries & Value watch our Trip Itinerary video at www.oattravel.com/aca2021
Optional extensions:
Chile: Santiago & Easter Island
6 nights pre-trip from $2695
Travel from only $450 per night
Argentina: Buenos Aires & Iguassu
Falls and Brazil: Iguassu Falls
4 nights post-trip from $1495
Travel from only $374 per night
Herd of guanaco, Torres del Paine, Chile
Chile & Argentina: The Andes to Patagonia
4
Chile & Argentina: The Andes RISK-FREE BOOKING POLICY: RESERVE WITH
CONFIDENCE—NOW THROUGH 12/31/21
to Patagonia We will waive any change fees if you transfer to another departure date for
any reason—up until 24 hours prior to departure.
2021 Dates & Prices See details at www.oattravel.com/riskfree-booking.
DEPART FROM APRIL SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
Miami $4895 $4995 $5795 $5895 $5695
Baltimore, Orlando, Washington, DC $4995 $5095 $5895 $5995 $5795
Boston, Chicago, New York, Newark,
$5095 $5195 $5995 $6095 $5895
San Francisco, Tampa
Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles,
$5195 $5295 $6095 $6195 $5995
Minneapolis, Philadelphia, San Diego
Atlanta, Denver, Portland $5295 $5395 $6195 $6295 $6095
Phoenix, Seattle $5395 $5495 $6295 $6395 $6195
Additional departure cities are available. Upgrade to Business Class may be available for the international portion of your flight. Call for details.
APRIL SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
Without international airfare $3695 $3795 $4595 $4695 $4495
ACA2021
Critical Air Information
Below, you’ll find the East and West Coast cities with the longest flight times. For more information on average flight times
based on your gateway city, visit www.oattravel.com/aca2021.
GATEWAY DEPART RETURN
Hours Typical Connection Hours Typical Connection
Boston (East Coast) 15 hrs 1 16 hrs 1
San Francisco (West Coast) 17 hrs 1 19 hrs 1
Prices are per person. Airfare prices include government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges. All prices and availability are effective as of the date of this
publication, and are subject to change without notice. Standard Terms & Conditions apply, please visit our website: www.oattravel.com/tc. Every effort has been
made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors.
For specific departure dates, current availability, and detailed pricing, visit www.oattravel.com/aca2021pricing
SAVE UP TO 10% WITH FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
OUR GOOD BUY PLAN SHARE YOUR LOVE OF TRAVEL
We offer FREE Single Supplements on all
New travelers you refer will instantly save
The earlier you reserve your departure of our adventures and pre- and post-trip $100, and you’ll earn increasing rewards—
and pay in full, the more you’ll save—up extensions. up to a FREE trip!
to 10%—plus, you’ll lock in your price. Each departure has limited solo space
For details, visit www.oattravel.com/va
For details, visit www.oattravel.com/gbd available—call today to reserve.
Publication Date 12/14/20
Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/aca2021
5
Leader in Solo-Friendly
Travel
Solo traveler with young women in Sarajevo, Bosnia
The leader in solo-friendly travel for Americans—by the numbers
More than 50,000 15,000 single More than 90% of 51 exclusive women’s
solo travelers joined us spaces with a FREE solo women travelers departures featured on
in the past two years— or low-cost Single rated their adventure 25 of our most popular
on their own or with a Supplement in 2021—a excellent adventures—10 of
friend or relative 76% increase from 2019 which are single-only
departures
6
WHO IS A SOLO TRAVELER? EXCLUSIVE WOMEN’S DEPARTURES
Traveling solo doesn’t necessarily mean traveling alone— There’s something special about traveling in a group of
some travelers opt to bring a friend or family member just women. Maybe it’s the camaraderie and friendships
along for the adventure, sharing accommodations and that form when women meet other women who share
discoveries. Others prefer exploring on their own, with their passion for travel. Or maybe it’s how, in a group
the security and camaraderie group travel provides. of their peers, women feel supported and confident
However you choose to see the world, you can feel to take risks and try new things as they explore. In
confident when exploring with the leader in solo- recognition of the special solidarity that often develops
friendly travel among our women travelers, we are offering 51 exclusive
women’s departures of our popular adventures. These
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS 2021 departures provide intrepid women travelers
an opportunity to connect with one another while
We’re committed to supporting our solo travelers who
experiencing local culture in a variety of destinations
want to explore the world, so we offer limited FREE
including Israel, Morocco, and more. Alongside a female
Single Supplements on all Small Group Adventures,
Trip Experience Leader on most of these adventures, you’ll
every trip extension, and our Stopovers, too. Plus, we’ve
delve into the heart and soul of your destination—from a
increased the number of single spaces to 18,000 on 2021
woman’s point of view. Together, you’ll share meaningful
departures—a 23% increase from 2019. See details at
moments, whether you’re helping with a student’s lessons
www.oattravel.com/solo.
at a local school, engaging in a spontaneous conversation
with a female artisan as you browse through a craft
YOU’LL ALWAYS FEEL SAFE AND SECURE market during your free time, and beyond.
With 36 regional offices around the world, your safety
and security is our first priority. Our regional associates
know your adventure inside and out, and are ready to help
should the need arise. And a local Trip Experience Leader Recent Awards
is there to ensure you always feel part of the group.
They’re great at organizing activities to help develop
camaraderie among all group members.
TRAVEL AMONG FRIENDS
Small groups of 8-16 travelers (average of 13) are ideal
for connecting with fellow travelers. Since three out of
eight travelers explore with us solo, you’re sure to forge USA Today “Best Tours”
special bonds as you experience the world. 10Best Readers’ Presented by
Choice Awards Solo Traveler
Solo travelers at Nijo Castle, Kyoto, Japan
7
Changing People's Lives
One village, one school, one person at a time
Dear Traveler,
In 1992 we established Grand Circle Foundation, an entity
of the Lewis Family Foundation, as a means to give back to
the world that had already given us so much. We’ve pledged
or donated more than $200 million worldwide to support
the education of young people and the preservation of
international treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Of course, none of this would be possible without your
help. A portion of our proceeds is donated to Grand Circle
Foundation—so just as your life will be enriched by the
discoveries you’ll make on your journey, you’ll also help to
enrich the lives of the people you’ll meet along the way.
Thank you for traveling with us, and for helping to change
people’s lives.
Love and peace,
Harriet R. Lewis
Chair
Grand Circle Foundation
Students at St. Mary's Primary School,
Hwange, Zimbabwe
8
GIVING BACK TO THE WORLD WE TRAVEL
By bringing cultures together and teaching us about
our shared humanity, travel has the power to change
the world, one heart at a time. When determining how
we can help the people, schools and communities we
visit, we always ask for the wisdom of local leadership
and the involvement of the community to ensure we
are providing what is needed. We currently support 109
schools and organizations in 59 countries.
JOIN OUR GENEROUS TRAVELERS
We consider each and every one of our travelers to
be partners in our worldwide giving. Some travelers,
however, are so inspired by the schools and villages
they visit, they are compelled to give more. In fact,
our travelers have donated more than $1 million in
2019 alone.
Giving Back in
BETTER OUR OWN COMMUNITIES— Different Ways
ALL AROUND THE WORLD Support from the Grand Circle Foundation takes many
In addition to the destinations where we travel, we forms—and is based on what's needed most. In one
strive to better the communities where we work—from school alone in Tanzania, we have completed projects
our headquarters in Boston to our 36 offices around ranging from providing a new water system and building a
the world. In Boston, more than 99% of our associates new girl's dormitory to installing a solar powered electric
participate in community service each year. Worldwide, fence to prevent elephants from wandering through
nearly all of our offices organize annual community the school grounds. And in Morocco, we partnered
service events of their own. with the Imik Smik Women’s Center of Aït Benhaddou
after learning about the efforts of the 13 women who
wanted a place built where they could gather together
to develop new skills to improve their lives, and gain
some independence in this traditionally male-dominated
region. We were thrilled to provide funds that enabled
construction to begin on this worthy project.
How you can help
• Donate to a school or village that inspired you during
your travels. Because we charge no administration
fee, 100% of your donation will be used to help change
Learn more about the many ways people’s lives.
we help change lives together at
• To learn more about ongoing Foundation projects,
www.grandcirclefoundation.org you can sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, the Inside
Scoop, at www.oattravel.com/community/the-inside-
scoop. When you do, you’ll not only receive updates
on Grand Circle Foundation, but the latest news and
discoveries on all things Grand Circle and Overseas
Adventure Travel.
9
Freedom to Personalize Your Experience
Your Choice, Your Adventure, Your Way
We recommend you spend extra time in a destination to truly make your adventure everything you’ve ever dreamed about—in fact, 85% of our
travelers are personalizing their experience in more than 85 countries. Call us at 1-800-955-1925 to discuss personalizing your adventure
today or visit us online at www.oattravel.com/personalize-aca2021.
āƩłāÈŋŽũRùāÖķdāłėŶĞŋĕŶÖƘ̝arrive early,
' Please note: Our Adventure Specialists can help you plan your airfare if
stay later & more you’d like to “break away,” however since this option is completely on your
own, you will need to plan your own accommodations, meals, tours, and
Extending your time in a destination can improve your overall travel
transfers.
experience—and allow you to seek out even more eye-opening
cultural interactions. Your local Trip Experience Leader will help to Back-to-Back Adventures: 90% of travelers who combined two
ensure you’re getting the personalized experiences you’re looking trips anywhere in the world rated it excellent
for. With their unmatched understanding of South American culture, One of the most common adventures travelers combine with this one
it’ll be no surprise to you that 94% of our travelers rate their Trip is Real Affordable Peru. If you’re already overseas, why not see more
Experience Leader excellent. of the world and avoid another international flight? Plus, you’ll save
From extending your travels—whether with us or on your own—to $250-$350 per person when you reserve two trips right after one
building in time to ensure a smooth beginning and end to your Small another.
Group Adventure, the choice is yours. Here are some of your options:
ũĢƑÖŶāùƑāłŶŽũāŭ̆¦ũÖƑāķĢłÖłāƗóķŽŭĢƑāėũŋŽťŋĕÖŭ
Maximize Your Time & Value: 55% of travelers take an extension
ĕāƒÖŭ˓
Trip extensions give you more time, allowing you to get refreshed
and acclimated before your adventure begins or before your return to Reserve an exclusive departure with your friends and family. It’s
the U.S. On this adventure, you have two extensions to choose from, simple: You choose the people you travel with, the departure date, and
including Chile: Santiago, Easter Island and Argentina: Buenos Aires, the size of your group. O.A.T. does the rest.
Iguassu Falls and Brazil: Iguassu Falls.
ĢũzťŶĢŋłŭ̆mŋũāŶĞÖł˔ˏͮŋĕŶũÖƑāķāũŭóŽŭŶŋĿĢơā
“Break Away” Options: 30% of travelers spend more time abroad
ŶĞāĢũƪĢėĞŶŭ
Before or after your main adventure or trip extension, “break away”
• Choose your departure city and airline
anywhere you’d like to go to do more exploring entirely on your
own. Extend your time abroad with the following options: • Depart from one city and return to another
• Spend more time before or after your adventure in Buenos Aires • Upgrade your seat or choose a specific meal option
• Stay overnight (or for a few days) in Santiago, a common connecting
city on this adventure, or in a destination of your choice
Santiago, Chile Iguassu Falls, Border of Argentina and Brazil
Chile & Argentina: The Andes to Patagonia
10Overseas
Adventure Travel SM
Since 1978
Chile & Argentina:
The Andes to Patagonia
2021
18-Day Small Group Adventure
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
PRE-TRIP
Santiago & Easter Island’s Sacred Sites
POST-TRIP
Iguassu Falls: Thundering Cascades of Argentina & Brazil
Your Day-to-Day Itinerary
11OVERSEAS ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Overseas Adventure Travel, founded in 1978, is America’s leading adventure travel company. The New
York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, The Los Angeles Times, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, US News
& World Report, and others have recommended O.A.T. trips. But our most impressive reviews come from
our customers: Thousands of travelers have joined our trips, and 95% of them say they’d gladly travel
with us again, and recommend us to their friends.
A WORD ABOUT ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Our Chile & Argentina: The Andes to Patagonia adventure is designed for people who want a different
kind of travel experience. These distinctive regions of Argentina and Chile range dramatically in scope
and atmosphere, from the sophistication of Buenos Aires to the mystical charm of Chiloé Island, to the
pristine, prehistoric landscape of Patagonia. The weather here may force us to make some variations in
your itinerary. To best enjoy the vivid contrasts on this trip, bring your curiosity, flexibility, and spirit
of adventure.
INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE
» International airfare, airport transfers, » Explore in a small group of 8-16 travelers
government taxes, fees, and airline fuel (average group size of 13)
surcharges unless you choose to make your » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip
own air arrangements Experience Leader
» All land transportation and 3 internal flights » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and
» Accommodations for 16 nights luggage porters
» 34 meals—16 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 8 » 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your
dinners (including 1 Home-Hosted Lunch) next adventure—an average of $442
» 20 small group activities
WHAT THIS TRIP IS LIKE
PACING borders between Argentina and Chile on Day
» 7 locations in 17 days with one 1-night stay 7 and Day 15; three internal flights of 2-5
hours each
» Several long overland drives, including
one 6-hour transfer on Day 13 and two
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
transfers of up to 12 hours crossing the
» Not appropriate for travelers using
wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
12» You must be able to walk 3 miles unassisted
and participate in 6-8 hours of physical
activities each day
» This trip take you to remote locations with
no medical facilities nearby
» Day 14 is a very active day, with the
opportunity to take two 1-2 hour hikes of up
to 8 miles
» We reserve the right for Trip Experience
Leaders to restrict participation, or in some
circumstances send travelers home if their
limitations impact the group’s experience
CLIMATE
» Daytime temperatures average between
50-60°F year-round and rain or high
winds are possible at any time in the Andes
and Patagonia
» In Buenos Aires summertime temperatures
range between 67-90°F with high humidity
TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION
» Travel over city streets, bumpy roads,
and rugged paths; and walk and hike
through backwoods on 4 treks of around 2
hours each
» Agility and balance are required for
horseback rides, boarding small boats, and
hiking on uneven terrain in high winds
» Travel by minibus (no toilet on board),
ferry, horse, chairlift, and small boat
» Three 6- to 12-hour drives, and 3 internal
flights of 2-5 hours each
FLIGHT INFORMATION
» Travel time will be 11-17 hours and will
most likely have two connections
ACCOMMODATIONS & FACILITIES
» All accommodations are hotel-standard and
feature private baths
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
13Chile & Argentina: The Andes to Patagonia
YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY
BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION
6 nights in Santiago & Easter Island’s Sacred Sites
Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 5 Discover moai at Ahu Tongariki, Te
Pito Kura & Anakena Beach
Day 2 Arrive in Santiago, Chile
Day 6 Visit Ahu Akivi • Sunset at
Day 3 Explore Santiago • Welcome Dinner
Tahai Beach
Day 4 Fly to Easter Island • Visit Orongo &
Day 7 Fly to Santiago
Rano Kao Volcano
Day 8 Fly to Buenos Aires
Day 1 Depart U.S. feature a rooftop swimming pool, sauna, fitness
center, and on-site restaurant. Typical rooms
You depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to may include air conditioning, Internet access,
Argentina. Please refer to your individual air cable TV, minibar, and private bathroom.
itinerary for exact departure and arrival times.
Lunch: On your own around 12:30pm. Your
Trip Experience Leader can recommend local
Day 2 Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina
restaurants to try.
• Destination: Buenos Aires
• Accommodations: Argenta Tower Hotel Afternoon: You’ll have a few hours free this
or similar afternoon to acquaint yourself with all the
city has to offer and make discoveries on your
Morning: We arrive in the cosmopolitan
own. Perhaps you’ll step into one of Buenos
capital of Argentina this morning; most flights
Aires’s famed milongas (dance salons) to dance
arrive between 8am and 12pm. You will be
the tango.
met at the airport by an O.A.T. representative
and transfer about one hour to your hotel. We’ll meet back at our hotel around 5pm for an
We’ll check in to our hotel and meet travelers informative briefing on our adventure with our
who took the optional pre-trip extension to Trip Experience Leader. During this 45-minute
Santiago & Easter Island’s Sacred Sites and join briefing, we will introduce ourselves and
our local Trip Experience Leader. We spend two review our itinerary in more detail (including
nights in our centrally-located Buenos Aires any changes that may need to occur). Our Trip
hotel. Depending where we stay, you can take Experience Leader will also discuss logistics,
advantage of the hotel’s amenities which may safety and emergency procedures, and answer
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
14questions we may have—this is your chance to acoustics, stunning architecture, and presti-
get them answered firsthand, whether you have gious history on a guided tour. Originally built
questions about a particular optional tour, how in 1857, the opera house was replaced over the
much free time you’ll have during your stay in course of 20 years. Since its opening in 1908,
Argentina and Chile, specific activities or places the current structure has hosted a number of
you are hoping to see, and beyond. celebrated composers and artists, including
Richard Strauss, Igor Stravinsky, and Aaron
Then around 6pm, we’ll slip into the swirl
Copland, as well as the Vienna Philharmonic
of activity that fills the surrounding streets,
Orchestra.
joining the flurry of pedestrian traffic, business
workers, and fashionistas as we get to know our • How to get there: A 15- to 20-minute walk
surroundings during a 30-minute orientation or 5-minute taxi ride, about $3 USD one
walk. As we stroll through the heart of Buenos way.
Aires, we’ll catch a glimpse of the many options • Hours: 9am-5pm, daily.
and activities available to us during our stay: • Cost: About $17 USD.
sidewalk cafés ideal for people-watching over • Explore the Evita Museum: Learn the story
a cortado (coffee with milk) and medialunas of Eva Perón and see the nearly 400 original
(croissants); nearby markets, mansions, and artifacts, pieces of clothing, and photos from
quiet cobbled streets; and wide boulevards her life. Inaugurated in 2002, the museum
showcasing the city’s elegant mixture of classic is housed in a 20th century mansion with
and modern architectural styles. architectural influences from the Italian
Renaissance and the Spanish Plateresco
Dinner: On your own—your Trip Experience
styles, designated as a National Historic
Leader can provide recommendations. With
Monument in 1999. The Fundación Eva
influences from French and Italian to Spanish
Perón originally purchased and restored the
and indigenous fare, there’s no telling what
mansion in 1948 as a temporary shelter for
you might choose to eat—though Argentina’s
women and children.
succulent grass-fed beef might be a good place
to start. • How to get there: A 15- to 20-minute taxi
ride, about $6 USD one way.
Evening: The remainder of the evening is yours • Hours: 11am-7pm, Tuesday-Sunday.
to explore Buenos Aires. You may choose to • Cost: About $6 USD.
relax at the hotel or venture out into the city,
• Take in the verdant scenery at the Rose
spotting vibrant street art, graffiti, and urban
Garden: A part of the Bosque de Palermo
art vendors.
group of parks in the city, the rose garden
Freedom To Explore: During your two days features more than 18,000 roses. Discover an
in Buenos Aires, you have the freedom to amphitheater, the White Bridge, and a poets’
explore this lively South American city on garden featuring busts of 26 famous writers,
your own during your free time. Below are a including William Shakespeare. Built on land
few recommended options for independent that belonged to former Argentine President
explorations: Juan Manuel de Rosas prior to his defeat in
• Tour the famed Teatro Colón: Considered
one of the most important opera houses in
the world, visitors can take in its exceptional
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
151852, the rose garden was designed by French landscape of the Rio de la Plata—from a local
landscaper Charles Thays and completed by perspective, as we explore a few of its barrios
Belgian landscaper Benito Carrasco in 1914. (neighborhoods).
• How to get there: A 15- to 20-minute taxi Around 9am, we’ll walk about 15 minutes
ride, about $4 USD one way. to Plaza de Mayo, where we’ll spend a little
• Hours: 8am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday. under an hour. We’ll then depart by bus around
• Cost: Free. 9:45am and drive about 30 minutes to La Boca
neighborhood, the colorful streets where the
Day 3 Explore Buenos Aires • Argentine tango was born. There, we’ll observe
Controversial Topic: The “Disappeared” the many street artists and dancers that work in
of Argentina’s Dirty War with a firsthand this area. You’ll have about an hour to discover
account from Manuel Massolo • the city on your own before hopping back on the
Tango lesson bus around 11:15am.
• Destination: Buenos Aires
After driving for about a half hour toward the
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner hotel, we’ll stop at a historic café, where we’ll
• Accommodations: Argenta Tower Hotel hear firsthand testimony about the almost
or similar decade-long dictatorship in Argentina from
Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today we will local Manuel Massolo. He will discuss the
discuss the Controversial Topic of the tens Controversial Topic of the 30,000 people
of thousands of people who were kidnapped, who disappeared during this dark chapter in
tortured, or killed during the Dirty War—the Argentine history. From 1976 to 1983, tens
infamous campaign waged from 1976 to 1983 of thousands of Argentines were kidnapped,
by Argentina’s military dictatorship. We’ll tortured, or killed during the country’s last
hear a firsthand account from local Manuel dictatorship in a campaign known as the
Massolo about what it was like to grow up as Dirty War. We’ll learn about this complicated
the son of a “disappeared” woman. Depending history with Manuel—who sadly experienced
on your departure, we may speak to a different these atrocities as the child of one of the many
person about their similar experience. It may be “disappeared” people.
difficult to hear these harsh truths, but it will
After the death of democratically-elected
paint a fuller picture of Argentina. See more
president Juan Perón, his widow—Isabel
about this topic below.
Perón—briefly took over his rule in 1974. But
Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at in 1976, the Argentine military overthrew
7am, featuring typical Argentinian fare like the government in a coup, and put in place a
tostadas (toast) or medialunas (a flaky pastry dictatorship led by Lieutenant General Jorge
similar to a croissant). Rafael Videla, Admiral Emilio Eduardo Massera,
and Brigadier-General Orlando Ramón Agosti.
Morning: Around 8:30am, we’ll depart via This was part of a series of political coups called
public transportation for an approximate Operation Condor, a campaign notoriously
4-hour city tour led by a local guide to discover sponsored by the United States government.
the rich history of Buenos Aires—an epic tale By the 1970s, eight South American countries,
of birth and rebirth, protests and passions, including Argentina, had been taken over
suffering and triumph set against the placid by right-wing dictators or military juntas.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
16However, the governments feared being combined with DNA testing, has helped
overthrown by communist insurgencies. to reunite some of these people with their
The U.S., similarly wishing to avoid a rise in biological relatives.
communist-friendly governments, agreed to
Manuel Massolo was only a newborn when
help them fight these perceived threats through
these events all began, but they affected the
training from the CIA.
rest of his life. Manuel’s mother was Maria
The newly created dictatorship wasted no Eugenia Sanllorenti de Massolo, one of the
time searching for anyone they considered to many people kidnapped and assassinated by
be a dissenter, from political rivals to average Argentinean military forces. She was just 23
citizens suspected of being aligned with leftist, years old, finishing up a degree in architecture,
socialist, or social justice movements. Thus and—along with Manuel’s father Carlos—an
began the Dirty War, a time of terror when the active member of the JUP, a Perónist university
people of Argentina lived in fear that a loved youth group. The couple also frequently
one—or even themselves—could be taken away volunteered their time in poor neighborhoods,
at any moment, for any perceived reason. The another reason she may have been targeted.
dictatorship refused to even release the names Manuel was only 15 days old at the time of her
of those incarcerated and killed, denying these disappearance on December 1, 1976.
people ever existed at all. But the families left
Soon after Maria’s abduction, Manuel’s father
behind knew, and searched in vain for their
and aunt realized they would need to find
loved ones. One of the cruelest acts of the Dirty
a safer place to live, but taking Manuel into
War was the abduction of pregnant women
hiding with them proved complicated as he
who were kept alive just long enough to give
was so young. So, he was sent to live with his
birth; their babies were then either given to
paternal grandparents in another city until
other families as “spoils of war,” or simply
he was around 5 years old. In 1982, during
abandoned in orphanages with their identities
the last throes of the dictatorship, Manuel’s
stripped away. It is believed around 500 babies
father re-married and moved Manuel and his
were stolen in this way.
new family to Patagonia. He wouldn’t return
Since the beginning of these disappearances, to Buenos Aries until he was 18 to attend
a group of women formed to fight tirelessly on university. It would not be until 2010 that
the behalf of the missing, particularly children. the remains of Manuel’s mother were found
They started protesting in the nearby Plaza and identified from a mass grave in a public
de Mayo in 1977 and despite facing inevitable cemetery. His family was finally able to give her
backlash from the government, the women a proper burial and grieve their loss. Manuel,
persisted. Their actions created awareness of now 44 and a father himself, has found the
a dark campaign that counted on silence and courage to share his story in the hopes of
intimidation to carry out atrocities and helped spreading awareness of this dark period in his
to turn the public against the dictatorship. country’s history—shining a light on other
Today, these women—now part of the NGO now-grown children who may never even know
Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo—are recognized who their real parents were, let alone find the
worldwide for their human rights efforts that closure they deserve.
led to finding the lost children born in captivity
and denied their true identities. Their research,
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
17During this hour-long conversation, Manuel Evening: We’ll return to the hotel around 9pm
will share his story for about 20 minutes, and and the remainder of the evening is yours
we’ll then have about 40 minutes to ask any to relax or perhaps enjoy a nightcap at the
questions we may have about this difficult hotel bar.
topic, such as how it affects people today.
We’ll depart the café around 12:45pm, arriving
Day 4 Fly to Bariloche
back at our hotel around 1:15pm. • Destination: Bariloche
• Included Meals: Breakfast
Lunch: On your own around 1:30pm. Ask your
• Accommodations: Cacique Inacayal Hotel
Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.
or similar
You might like to try choripan, beef or pork
sausage (traditionally chorizo) served on a Activity note: Today, we’ll spend about six
roll and usually accompanied by a chimichurri hours traveling from Buenos Aires to Bariloche.
(parsley, garlic, olive oil, oregano and Travel time includes overland transfers and a
vinegar) sauce. 2-hour flight.
Afternoon: You’ll have more than four hours of Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at
free time to explore Buenos Aires independently 7am, featuring Argentinian dishes.
this afternoon. If this day falls on a weekend,
Morning: Around 9am, we’ll depart our Buenos
perhaps you’ll head to the San Telmo antique
Aires hotel by bus, traveling around 30 minutes
and artisan market (open only on Sundays
to the airport. We’ll arrive around 9:30am and
from 10am-6pm) to browse the boutiques
check in to our flight to Bariloche, departing
and market stands, and revel in the bohemian
around 11:30am.
vibe of the surrounding neighborhood. Or, you
may take in some culture at the Museo de Arte Lunch: On your own. You may wish to pick
Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires, better known something up in the airport to enjoy during
as MALBA, which contains pieces by such the flight.
noteworthy Latin American artists as Diego
Rivera and Frida Kahlo. Afternoon: On our flight, we can gaze out
the windows at the peaks that surround
Around 5pm, we’ll regroup at the hotel and this lakeside city nestled in the foothills
put on our dancing shoes for a 1-hour tango of the Andes. Set along the banks of the
lesson. Our two instructors are also professional 40-mile-long Lake Nahuel Huapi, San Carlos
dancing partners, and will first perform for de Bariloche—as the city is more formally
us. Then they will turn their attentions to our known—is the gateway to Patagonia’s Lake
group, and teach us some basic steps of this District, and has a distinctly alpine flavor
nationally beloved, passionate dance. indicative of its strong Central European
influence. This is most apparent in the wood
Dinner: Around 6:30pm, our small group
and stone architecture of the city center,
will head to a local restaurant \to enjoy an
which—along with its status as an international
included Welcome Dinner featuring regional
skiing destination—helps give Bariloche the
Argentine fare.
nickname “Little Switzerland.”
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
18We’ll arrive in Bariloche around 2pm and • Enjoy High Tea at the Llao Llao Hotel:
transfer to our hotel, arriving around 3:15pm Traditional afternoon tea is served alongside
for check in. Depending on where we stay, hotel a buffet of pastries, sandwiches, and cakes—
amenities may include an on-site restaurant, all from the scenic Winter Garden room.
swimming pool, and spa. Typical rooms may Taste the signature “Llao Llao” blend that
feature a television, minibar, personal safe, and was created by Inés Berton, an internation-
private bathroom. ally-renowned tea sommelier or enjoy a hot
chocolate.
The remainder of the day is yours to explore
on your own. Around 4:30pm, your Trip • How to get there: A 35- to 45-minute taxi
Experience Leader will lead you downtown for ride, about $12 USD one way.
a 1-hour orientation walk to acquaint you with • Hours: 4:30pm-6:30pm, daily.
the area. • Cost: About $24 USD.
• Take a cable car to the top of Otto Hill: Ascend
Dinner: On your own this evening. Your Trip
to 4,600 feet above sea level on a 4-person
Experience Leader can recommend one of the
cable car ride, traveling just over a mile to
city’s many restaurants. While beef reigns
reach the top. Enjoy panoramic views as you
supreme in Argentina, salmon and trout are
sip hot chocolate in the rotating patisserie,
plentiful in Patagonian lakes and rivers, and are
visit an art gallery, or, if you’re feeling up for
popular dishes served fresh or smoked with a
a more physical activity, set off on a hike on
variety of sauces.
one of the many trails.
Evening: The evening is yours to continue your • How to get there: A 30-minute taxi ride,
independent discoveries of Bariloche. Perhaps about $15 USD one way, or a free shuttle
you’ll have a drink at one of the city’s many from the downtown area; also approxi-
microbreweries or pubs. mately 30 minutes.
Freedom To Explore: During your three days in
• Hours: 10am-5pm, daily.
Bariloche, you have the freedom to explore this
• Cost: Cable car ride is about $19 USD;
entrance to Otto Hill is free.
Lake District destination on your own during
your free time. Below are a few recommended
Day 5 Explore Bariloche • Controversial
options for independent explorations:
Topic: Nazi history in Patagonia with
• Indulge your sweet tooth at the Museo Bariloche resident Nora Schulz • Hike
del Chocolate: Famous for its chocolate, Brazo Tristeza • Craft brewery visit
Bariloche offers visitors a taste of its histo-
• Destination: Bariloche
ry-making sweets with a tour of its museum
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
and factory. Take the 2,000 year journey
• Accommodations: Cacique Inacayal Hotel
through the history of this decadent treat and
or similar
learn about the its production.
Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s agenda
• How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute taxi
features the Controversial Topic of Nazi
ride, about $3 USD one way.
history in Patagonia. Following World War
• Hours: 10am-6pm, daily.
II, several German war criminals fled to
• Cost: About $2 USD.
Patagonia. Led by Bariloche resident Nora
Schulz, this conversation will explore the
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
19illicit circumstances surrounding their and have about 1.5 hours of free time. Check
admittance into the country, as well as tensions with your Trip Experience Leader for activity
that still exist today. Read more about this suggestions.
activity below.
Around 5pm, our group will reconvene for a
Activity Note: Today’s excursion will include a 30-minute drive to the home of local resident
hike lasting approximately 2 hours through a Nora Schulz, with whom we’ll discuss the
forested area. Controversial Topic of Nazi history in
Patagonia. In the aftermath of World War II,
Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at
thousands of Nazis immigrated to various
7am, featuring Argentinian dishes. Don’t miss
South American countries—most of all,
the local berry jams.
Argentina. These nations were safe havens for
Morning: Around 8:30am, we’ll set off German war criminals because they were run by
by motorcoach for a 30-minute drive to military dictators. Our conversation with Nora
Campanario Hill, where we’ll enjoy a chairlift will explore this illicit exodus and shed light on
ride up this steep peak, climbing high above the life for the German community today.
tree line for a panoramic view of Patagonia’s
Born in Bariloche in the 1960s, Nora is of
scenery. Then, around 10:15am, we’ll take the
German, Italian, and Argentinean descent.
chairlift back down and depart for another 30
Culturally, she was raised German, speaking
minutes to Brazo Tristeza, a scenic area located
German at home with her family and attending
along a shimmering lake. Here we’ll hike for
German school. Today, she works as a German
nearly 2 hours, taking in views of the deep
language teacher, and whenever possible,
green foliage and stark mountains mirrored in
seeks to educate the global community on
the azure water along the way.
the history of her region, a history she knows
Then, around 12:45pm, we’ll drive 15 minutes intimately—in fact, she personally knew a
to a family-owned craft brewery. Here, we’ll German war criminal by the name of Erich
witness how Bariloche’s land and culture Priebke. Priebke was a mid-level SS commander
come together when we see how locally grown convicted of war crimes in Italy. He managed
ingredients are used to brew beer. Considering to escape to Argentina following the fall of the
the strong German influence in Bariloche, regime, where he changed his name and lived
it’s no surprise that locals are experts at in hiding for nearly 50 years. In Bariloche,
transforming their region’s fresh hops, barley, he owned a grocery store that sold German
and pristine water into a variety of beers and products and was very active and beloved in
ales using artisanal methods passed down from the community, even serving as president
generation to generation. The owner and his of the local German Cultural Association at
father will walk us through the brewing process. one point. Nora and her family came to know
Priebke quite well, socializing with him at
Lunch: We’ll enjoy lunch at the brewery around parties and events—until one day in the
1:30pm, including a sampling of the brewery’s mid-90s he was discovered by a BBC journalist
libations. and extradited to Italy for trial. Sadly, Priebke
was one of many war criminals walking among
Afternoon: We’ll depart by bus for our hotel
innocent residents like Nora, striving to evade
around 2:30pm, stopping along the way for a
punishment and begin anew.
panoramic view of the Patagonian landscape.
We’ll arrive back at the hotel around 3:30pm
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
20The German community in Argentina was Dinner: At the hotel around 7:15pm, featuring a
alive and well even before the end of World selection of Argentine dishes.
War II, with the biggest migration of German
Evening: On your own to make discoveries
immigrants occurring in the mid-1800s when
around this lakeside city. Perhaps you’ll have a
the government offered free land grants to
nightcap at the hotel bar, taking in the scenic
Europeans in order to populate the remote
views of the surrounding region where water,
southern region. Therefore, the relationship
mountains, and forests all meet.
between the countries has historically been a
symbiotic one, making Argentina an obvious
destination for war criminals. The government Day 6 Bariloche • Controversial Topic:
enthusiastically welcomed these offenders. Mapuche native rights in Argentina with
Argentine president Juan Perón was famously activist Cristina Beatriz Marin • Optional
drawn to fascist ideologies, and as a young Limay River float • Horseback ride and
man, he served as a military attaché in Italy family dinner on the Patagonian steppe
during the early years of the war. Driven by
• Destination: Bariloche
his political leanings, he hoped to leverage
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
the military and technical expertise of these
• Accommodations: Cacique Inacayal Hotel
criminals; hence his advocacy for their
or similar
migration. Of course, Argentina was not the
only country to “poach” criminals from the Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s activities
Third Reich—the United States and Soviet include a conversation about the ongoing
Union were also known to protect Nazis in Controversial Topic of Mapuche native rights
exchange for their help during the Cold War. in Argentina with a local activist. Upon arrival
here, Europeans stripped away the land and
Today, Bariloche is a vibrant, multicultural
the rights of the indigenous Mapuche people
community struggling to reconcile its
over the course of several centuries, the effects
controversial past. Prejudice against the
of which are still felt today as the Mapuche
German population is still felt, despite the
people fight to preserve their heritage and
fact that no one has publicly voiced allegiance
recover their land. Learn more about these
to the Nazi party, and residents like Nora are
conversations below.
caught in the middle. They love their heritage,
but understand the fears and judgements of Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at
those on the outside. They are simply forced to 7am, featuring Argentinian dishes.
live with this division. We’ll hear from Nora on
Morning: Around 8:45am, we’ll gather at
the issue for about 20 minutes before opening
the hotel and walk about 15 minutes to the
up the conversation to a 40-minute Q&A.
Patagonia Museum. When we arrive around
Take this opportunity to ask any questions
9am, we’ll head into a private room at the
you may have. Perhaps you’ll ask if Nora ever
museum to discuss a Controversial Topic
experienced prejudice herself, or maybe you’ll
in Patagonia: the plight of the Mapuche, an
inquire further about her relationship with
indigenous, agricultural people native to
Erich Priebke.
southern Chile and Argentina.
Around 6:30pm, we’ll say goodbye to Nora and
drive 30 minutes back to our hotel.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
21This morning, we’ll meet Cristina Beatriz During our conversation with Cristina, we’ll
Marin. Born in Bariloche in 1963, Cristina is learn about what it’s like to live as a member of
a philosophy professor and Mapuche activist the Mapuche community today. Though things
who speaks with travelers about keeping this are changing for the better, discrimination
indigenous people’s culture alive. Today, she against the Mapuche is still perpetuated by the
lives with her husband and one of her four government, especially since a conservative
children just outside Bariloche in the Lafkenche party came to power at the end of 2015. For
community, which is made up of seven example, those Mapuche people who have
Mapuche families (including her own). During claim over land from their ancestors are in
our hour-long conversation today, Cristina will most cases unable to take it back, as there is
discuss how these families fought to take back no written documentation of the ownership.
the land they live on—and why they had to do This often results in the government kicking
so in the first place. families off their land to make room for real
estate development. And the fight to preserve
Argentinian Mapuche land is largely made up
culture and customs carries on. As part of her
of the central south provinces of Neuquén,
work, Cristina travels around the country to
Chubut, and Rio Negro. When Europeans first
support 140 Mapuche communities and 11
arrived in Chile and Argentina between the
schools (many of which are in danger of closing
16th and 19th centuries, this native people’s
due to lack of funding). One of her main goals is
land was gradually stripped away from them.
to help preserve the Mapuche language through
This violence ultimately led to military
education, as only about 7% of the native
campaigns by the Chilean and Argentinian
population speaks Mapudungun. Cristina’s
armies between 1878 and 1885 that wiped out
hope is to incorporate the language into core
much of the native population. While some
subjects for rural school curricula throughout
historians acknowledge this devastating
the provinces.
genocide, others tend to focus instead on the
economic boost Argentina experienced due After a 20-minute presentation, we’ll have
to agricultural and real estate investments about 40 minutes to ask Cristina any questions
on this stolen land. And the discrimination we may have. Then, around 10am, we’ll walk
the Mapuche people experienced in these back to the hotel, at which point the rest of the
early days prevailed. In the decades following morning is free for independent exploration in
the territorial conquests, descendants of the Bariloche.
natives were treated as second-class citizens
Or, around 10:45am, you may choose to take an
for whom job opportunities were limited.
optional excursion to the Limay River, where
Today, the unemployment rate hovers around
we’ll float by raft along the river for a close look
9%, and the Mapuche people—which amount
at the landscapes of the northern Patagonian
to around 114,000 across Argentina—live in the
steppe. We’ll embark on an approximate
poorest neighborhoods in the provinces, where
hour-long van ride to the river and spend about
domestic violence and drug use are rampant.
an hour there, heading back to rejoin our group
As such, even now, many Mapuche people have
around 2:30pm. A popular site for fly-fishing,
grown up ashamed of their ancestry, feeling
this river is home to an abundance of large
forced to hide their heritage to succeed in
rainbow and brown trout.
modern society.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
22Lunch: On your own. Perhaps you’ll try one of Day 7 Overland to Puerto Varas, Chile
Bariloche’s regional specialties, such as jabali
• Destination: Puerto Varas, Chile
(wild boar), at a local restaurant. Travelers
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
taking the optional tour will enjoy a boxed
lunch under a covered quincho near the river. • Accommodations: Radisson Puerto Varas
or similar
Afternoon: Around 2:30pm, we’ll regroup and
Activity Note: Today, we’ll travel 8 to 10 hours
then head out by minibus to visit a local family,
overland into Chile. As we cross the border from
the Haneks, living on the Patagonian steppe.
Argentina into Chile, we will have our passports
We’ll arrive about an hour later and have the
stamped, which can take up to a few hours,
chance to enter their home and interact with
depending how many people are crossing that
members of the family—an experience that is
day. Along the way, we will stop for 1.5 hours to
only possible because of our small group size.
have lunch and change buses.
Around 3:30pm, we’ll learn about their way of
life when we mount up for a horseback ride that Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at
lets us experience this traditional local mode of 7am, featuring Argentinian cuisine.
transportation. We’ll ride for about 45 minutes,
dismounting to then enjoy a walk through the Morning: At around 8am this morning, we’ll
Patagonian steppe. bid farewell to Bariloche and make our overland
transfer of 8 to 10 hours to Chile, crossing the
Dinner: Around 6pm, we’ll savor a lamb Andes and the border. Our motorcoach will
barbecue at the family ranch. As we dine, we’ll cross the Andes Mountains as we take in views
learn about the family and their history in of snowcapped peaks, jagged rock towers, and
Argentina. The Haneks’ ancestors re-located to freshwater lakes on our drive. We’ll arrive at the
Patagonia from Germany in the 1800s—just one Chilean border around 12pm.
of many European families who were given land
by the Argentine government as a reward for Lunch: Around 1:30pm, we’ll stop in
helping establish the border between Argentina Moncopulli, Chile for lunch en route at a local
and Chile. If you’re curious to hear their restaurant.
perspective on our discussion with Cristina Afternoon: We’ll depart for the final leg of
from early today, they would be happy to share our transfer around 3pm, arriving at our hotel
their insights. in Puerto Varas around 4:30pm. Depending
Evening: We depart the ranch around 7:30pm on where we stay, the hotel may feature an
to drive back to the hotel, arriving around indoor pool and on-site spa. Typical rooms may
8:30pm. The remainder of the evening is yours include free wireless Internet, an in-room safe,
to relax or explore Bariloche independently. and private bathroom.
After checking in, you’ll have free time to
relax or explore our new surroundings in
Puerto Varas. Perhaps you’ll take some time
to discover the town’s German heritage
juxtaposed with its craggy, volcanic landscape.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
23Dinner: On your own—your Trip Experience the Marienkirche Church in the Black Forest,
Leader can provide recommendations for local it is a symbol of German colonization in the
restaurants. You may want to try Pastel de south of Chile.
Choclo, a traditional corn and beef casserole.
• How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute walk.
Evening: The remainder of the evening is yours • Hours: 10am-1pm and 4pm-9pm,
to explore. You may choose to have a nightcap Tuesday-Sunday.
at a local bar along the costanera (scenic trail) • Cost: Free.
which boasts views of Lago Llanquihue.
Day 8 Puerto Varas • Grand Circle
Freedom To Explore: During your time in Foundation visit: COMBAS fine arts
Puerto Varas, you have the freedom to explore school • Home-Hosted Dinner • Explore
this lakeside Chilean locale on your own during Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
your free time. Below are a few recommended
• Destination: Puerto Varas
options for independent explorations:
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Hunt for artwork and handicrafts at the • Accommodations: Radisson Puerto Varas
Artisans Fair: This small fair is located in or similar
front of Puerto Varas’ main square and fea-
Exclusive O.A.T. Activities: Today’s activities
tures a variety of handcrafted items for sale.
include a visit to COMBAS, a non-profit
Look for traditional goods made from larch
fine arts school supported by Grand Circle
and raulí wood or wool.
Foundation since 2021. During our visit, we’ll
• How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute walk. learn about the organization’s Children’s
• Hours: 11am-7:30pm, daily. Orchestra, which provides complimentary
• Cost: Free. music lessons to vulnerable children.
• Search for handmade textiles at Mapuches Afterward, we’ll split into smaller groups of no
Handicrafts: This local non-profit organiza- more than 5 to enjoy a Home-Hosted Dinner
tion offers Mapuche-crafted textiles, jewelry, with a local family—a unique opportunity to
and ceramics. enjoy local dishes while learning about life and
culture in Puerto Varas. Read more about these
• How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute walk.
experiences below.
• Hours: 10:30am-1:30pm, Monday,
Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at
2:30pm-6:45pm, Tuesday, Thursday, and 6:30am, featuring Chilean dishes. A traditional
Sunday. Chilean breakfast is usually simple; for example
• Cost: Free. toast with avocado served with either sweet tea
• Visit the Iglesia Sagrado Corazon: Built be- or coffee with milk.
tween 1915 and 1918 by Edmundo Niklitschek
Morning: Around 9am, we’ll drive by bus
and Bernardo Klenner from native wood, this
about one hour to Vicente Pérez Rosales
church was declared a national monument in
National Park, a protected natural area that has
1992. Drawing architectural influences from
been shaped by ancient glaciers and volcanic
eruptions. In the distant eastern limits of the
park, the Osorno Volcano’s snowcapped cone
towers over Lake Llanquihue. The Mapuche
Indians call this area the meeting ground
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
24You can also read
