BESPOKE LUXURY JOURNEY

Chile & Argentina: Culinary Frontiers

Where vintages meet visionaries

Picture a journey where Malbec flows as freely as conversation, where tango rhythms pulse through cobblestone streets, and where the Andes paint dramatic backdrops to every moment. Chile and Argentina beckon with a symphony of experiences that speak to both the epicurean and the adventurer. From Santiago’s innovative culinary scene, where chefs reimagine traditional flavours with contemporary flair, to Buenos Aires’ historic neighbourhoods where rainbow flags flutter above Belle Époque mansions, this is a region where authenticity and acceptance intertwine like grape vines climbing sun-warmed walls.

Argentina & Chile at a Glance

In these lands of passionate expression and profound natural beauty, progressive values flourish alongside time-honoured traditions. Buenos Aires leads South America’s march toward equality, its streets alive with pride that extends far beyond summer celebrations. The city’s LGBTQ+ scene thrives in the elegant corridors of Recoleta and the artistic havens of Palermo, where same-sex couples stroll hand in hand between modernist galleries and historic cafés. Meanwhile, Santiago’s more reserved charm reveals itself in intimate wine bars and design-forward restaurants, where accepting smiles and warm welcomes transcend any cultural conservatism.

The rhythm of life here pulses with the seasons, each offering its own celebration of sensory delights. Spring bathes Chilean vineyards in soft light, when wildflowers carpet the valley floors and new vintages promise future pleasures. Summer brings long, languid evenings perfect for sampling street food in Buenos Aires’ vibrant barrios or sipping sundowners on rooftop terraces overlooking Valparaíso’s rainbow-hued hills. Autumn paints Mendoza’s vineyards in rich crimson and gold, while winter offers crisp days perfect for exploring urban art galleries or lingering over long lunches in cosy bodegones.

HERO Santiago de Chile | Photo: Francisco Kemeny

Valdes Peninsula | Photo: Cynthia Del Rio

11-day Travel Itinerary

Journey through lands where culinary artistry meets cultural authenticity in perfect harmony. This meticulously crafted eleven-day exploration traverses the region's most compelling landscapes and cityscapes, from Santiago's sophisticated dining scene to the sun-drenched vineyards of Mendoza. Begin in Chile's capital, where neoclassical architecture frames innovative gastronomy, before venturing through valleys where premium wines tell stories of terroir and tradition. Cross the Andes to Argentina's wine country, where historic bodegas welcome visitors with legendary hospitality, and conclude in Buenos Aires, where tango, art, and acceptance create an intoxicating finale to your South American sojourn.

DAY 1

Santiago | First Whispers of Chilean Sophistication

Arrive in Chile's cosmopolitan capital, where the Andes create a dramatic backdrop to a city that seamlessly blends historic grandeur with contemporary creativity. After a private transfer to your boutique hotel—perhaps the refined Mandarin Oriental Santiago, where contemporary luxury meets dramatic Andean views—set out on a curated walking tour through Santiago's historic heart. Watch local life unfold in Plaza de Armas as your expert guide weaves tales of rebellion and romance, before concluding your day with a welcome dinner at award-winning 99 Restaurante, where Chef Kurt Schmidt's innovative tasting menu celebrates Chile's diverse ecosystems.

DAY 2

Santiago | Markets & Culinary Heritage

Immerse yourself in Santiago's vibrant culinary scene, where traditional markets pulse with life and innovation. Begin at La Vega Central, where your private chef-guide illuminates the stories behind Chile's extraordinary produce—from purple corn to pisco-worthy grapes. In the afternoon, translate your market discoveries into culinary mastery with an intimate cooking class in a restored colonial mansion. As evening descends, explore the cutting-edge restaurant scene of the Vitacura district, where ambitious young chefs are redefining Chilean gastronomy.

DAY 3

Casablanca Valley & Valparaíso | Vineyard Dreams

Journey west through the mist-kissed Casablanca Valley, where cool maritime breezes craft some of Chile's finest white wines. At the pioneering Casas del Bosque, blend your own wine under expert guidance before a private lunch overlooking the vines. Continue to Valparaíso, where your boutique retreat—perhaps the intimate Casa Higueras perched high above the bay—offers sweeping views of this UNESCO-listed port city's famous hills. Dine at Restaurant Alegre, where innovative cuisine matches the artistic spirit of this bohemian enclave.

DAY 4

Valparaíso | Poetry in Motion

Let Valparaíso's famous funiculars carry you through a living gallery of street art and maritime heritage. Your expert guide reveals the stories behind the city's most striking murals while weaving tales of Pablo Neruda's life in this artistic haven. Lunch unfolds at Espíritu Santo, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the harbour while you savour reimagined Chilean seafood classics. As afternoon mellows, explore the ateliers and galleries of Cerro Alegre, where local artists welcome you into their creative spaces.

DAY 5

Mendoza | Cross-Andean Wine Dreams

Fly across the spine of South America to Mendoza, where vineyards stretch toward snow-capped peaks. Your home for the next three nights might be the sophisticated Casa de Uco, an architectural marvel set among its own vineyards in the Uco Valley. Settle into the rhythm of wine country with a sunset yoga session overlooking the vines, followed by an asado dinner where Argentina's famed beef meets single-vineyard Malbecs

DAY 6

Maipu | Legacy of the Vine

Discover the soul of Argentine wine in historic Maipu. Visit century-old bodegas where traditional techniques meet modern innovation, and ancient olive groves still produce liquid gold. A private tasting at Familia Zuccardi reveals the evolution of Argentine wine-making, while lunch at their acclaimed restaurant Piedra Infinita pairs local ingredients with wines from their single-vineyard collection. Return to your retreat for an evening of stargazing and wine appreciation with the resident sommelier.

DAY 7

Mendoza | Culinary Arts

Begin your day with a visit to Mendoza's vibrant market, selecting ingredients for your private cooking class with a celebrated local chef. Learn the secrets of empanada-making and perfect your chimichurri while sipping wines from boutique producers. The afternoon is yours to luxuriate by the pool or perhaps enjoy a therapeutic wine bath treatment at the spa. As the sun sets, savour a farewell dinner in the vineyard, where fire-cooked specialties honour Argentina's asado traditions.

DAY 8

Buenos Aires | Urban Sophistication

Welcome to the Paris of South America, where European grandeur meets Latin passion. Check into your elegant pied-à-terre—perhaps the art-filled Faena Hotel in fashionable Puerto Madero. After settling in, explore the storied Recoleta neighbourhood, where your private guide reveals the stories behind the ornate mausoleums of the famous cemetery. As evening approaches, enjoy cocktails at the rooftop bar of Alvear Palace Hotel before dinner at the ultra-progressive Aramburu, where chef Gonzalo Aramburu pushes the boundaries of Argentine cuisine.

DAY 9

Buenos Aires | Cultural Rhythms

Begin your day with a private tour of the magnificent Teatro Colón before exploring the historic Plaza de Mayo. In San Telmo, peek into artists' studios and antiquarian bookshops before lunch at the pioneering Proper, housed in a former warehouse. As twilight approaches, join a private tango lesson with an LGBTQ+-friendly instructor who emphasises the dance's gender-fluid history, followed by dinner and a show at the intimate Rojo Tango.

DAY 10

Buenos Aires | Artistic Soul

Discover Buenos Aires' creative spirit through its vibrant street art scene. Your guide—a local artist—leads you through the galleries and muraled streets of Villa Crespo and Palermo, areas known for their progressive attitude and artistic energy. Lunch at the design-forward Casa Cavia provides a culinary interlude before an afternoon exploring the cutting-edge MALBA museum. Your final evening features an exclusive dinner at Casa Cavia, where each course is inspired by a different Argentine artistic movement.

DAY 11

Buenos Aires | Flavours of Memory

On your final morning, perhaps enjoy a leisurely brunch at Café Tortoni, Buenos Aires' oldest café, before your private transfer to the airport. Depart with memories of a journey that married culinary excellence with cultural discovery, each moment crafted to celebrate the region's rich heritage and progressive spirit.

Additional Recommended Experiences

Extend your South American sojourn with carefully curated experiences that reveal these countries' diverse characters. Consider venturing south to Patagonia, where the luxurious Explora lodges in Torres del Paine National Park offer adventures amid pristine wilderness. Explore the Chilean Lake District from &Beyond Vira Vira, where helicopter tours reveal snow-capped volcanoes and ancient araucaria forests. For wine enthusiasts, extend your stay in Argentina's wine country with a visit to Salta's high-altitude vineyards, where colonial architecture meets cutting-edge winemaking. Adventure seekers might choose to explore the Atacama Desert from the comfort of Awasi Atacama, where private guides customize each day's discoveries. Time your visit to coincide with Buenos Aires Pride in November, when the city erupts in a celebration of diversity and acceptance. For deeper cultural immersion, arrange private meetings with LGBTQ+ artists in their Buenos Aires studios, or join exclusive cooking workshops featuring traditional preservation techniques passed down through generations. Consider adding a luxury cruise extension to your journey—perhaps aboard Aqua Expeditions' Aqua Nera through the Chilean fjords, or an expedition to Antarctica with Ponant, where luxury meets adventure at the end of the world. Throughout the year, Chile and Argentina offer exclusive experiences that match their natural grandeur with sophisticated service, ensuring your journey creates memories as dramatic as the landscapes themselves.

Transform Your Argentina & Chile Dreams into Reality

Allow us to craft your bespoke Argentina & Chile journey. Whether inspired by our curated itinerary or envisioning something entirely your own, we'll shape every moment to reflect your distinctive style and preferences.