Argentina , Chile & Bolivia

Argentina , Chile & Bolivia

Argentina is the home of the sultry tango - and also a land of wide open spaces, towering mountains and volcanoes, rain forests, desert, glaciers, and much of legendary Patagonia. Wildlife ranges from penguins to toucans to monkeys. But it is the hospitality of her people that you'll remember most.
Buenos Aires, a cosmopolitan city known for its sophisticated residents - "porteños", its café culture, and the tango. You will find interesting architecture, shopping, handicrafts from the provinces, good theater, music excellent museums. It is easy to see why Buenos Aires is known as “The Paris of South America.”
Perhaps the most unique of the Argentina regions, Patagonia, located in Southern Argentina and covering 1/3 of the total size of the country, is a combination of jagged mountains, rolling hills, lakes and rivers, thick forests, desert, coastline, world famous glaciers, famous ski hills, and a rare and diverse mix of flora and fauna.
On to Chilean Patagonia, filled with glaciers, lakes, fjords, pampas, and huasos (cowboys) herding sheep. Torres del Paine is doubtlessly one of the world’s most beautiful places.
Bolivia, a rewarding country for the resilient, you’ll find extreme landscapes of remote jungle, soaring mountains, and moonlike plains, a stalwart and proud people, remarkably intricate weavings, and a warm welcome. Perhaps the most remarkable feature being the Uyuni Salt Flats.

Quick Summary

Itinerary Detail

Day 1: Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires
Daily Summary

Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city known for its sophisticated residents - "porteños", its café culture, and the tango. You will find interesting architecture, shopping, handicrafts from the provinces, good theater and music - Teatro Colón is world renown -- and excellent museums.

Day 2: Buenos Aires

Dinner & Tango Show at Rojo Tango - Pick up at 8pm
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Dinner & Tango Show at Rojo Tango - Pick up at 8pm
  • Accommodation: Legado Mitico Hotel
  • Meals: B

Dinner & Tango Show at Rojo Tango - Pick up at 8pm

Early evening departure from your hotel to the restyled district of Puerto Madero. The Tango music was born in the late 19th century in the " arrabales" (southern suburbs) of Buenos Aires, populated by "criollos" (Argentine natives), Italian and Spanish immigrants, some African descendants and people from many other countries. Their fights, their needs, their poverty, their passions, their pretense were the spark that created this mythical and passionate piece of Argentine culture. Its emotive lyrics are sometimes difficult to understand and almost impossible to translate but always deeply poetic. "Rojo Tango" conquers the senses through a show of exquisite charm and sheer artistic madness. Each evening, in a careful balanced combination of movements, colors, sound, scents and flavors the Tango returns from some mythical past to be presented in the intense reality of a very distinctive, sensual and electrifying show.
An exclusive gastronomic proposal, where the subtleties of perfumes and textures, along with fine wines, become protagonists will enhance your experience By midnight, after the show, return to the hotel.


Day 3: Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires City Tour - Half Day/4 Hours
Daily Summary

Buenos Aires City Tour - Half Day/4 Hours

9:00am pick up.
Buenos Aires, cosmopolitan city that unveils its immigrant heritage at every step. The tour heads first to Plaza de Mayo, historical and political core of the city, to discover its main buildings and monuments: the Pirámide de Mayo, the Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace), the colonial Cabildo and the Metropolitan Cathedral. We continue along Avenida de Mayo, interesting for its different architectural styles, to reach 9 de Julio Avenue, with its eight lanes embellished with lawns, fountains and sculptures, and of course the Obelisco, undisputable emblem and gravitational center of the city.
From here the tour travels back in time to San Telmo, the oldest districts in the city, where each Sunday an antiques’ market takes place, and which boasts an attracting night vibe with gourmet restaurants, lively bars and, of course, the “tanguerias” (restaurants with live tango). Moving on southwards, we reach the picturesque port district of La Boca, with its famous alley Caminito whose colored tin houses and customs reflect the influence of the 19th century European immigrants in the typical “cantinas” (small restaurants) and “conventillos” (tenement houses).
The visit continues to Puerto Madero, with its old port warehouses turned into offices, apartments, world-class restaurants and bars, with an amazing view of the docks and the Rio de la Plata.
Finally, we continue to the residential neighborhood of Palermo with its elegant mansions and ample parks, to end at La Recoleta, where there are remarkable sights such as the church of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the Cultural Center and the circular building of the Palais de Glace. We will visit the cemetery, surprising for its rich architecture, for its suggestive stories and the relevant historic figures buried there, among whom Evita is probably the most renowned.
Return to hotel.

Day 4: El Calafate

Argentine Patagonia
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Transfer Hotel to Airport
  • Domestic Flights: Flight Buenos Aires to El Calafate
  • Transfer: Transfer Airport to Hotel
  • Accommodation: Xelena Hotel & Suites
  • Meals: B
Flight Buenos Aires to El Calafate
Scheduled flight Buenos Aires to El Calafate
NOT INCLUDED IN LAND PRICE

Today you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight.

Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Argentine Patagonia

Perhaps the most unique of the Argentina regions, Patagonia, located in Southern Argentina and covering 1/3 of the total size of the country, is a combination of jagged mountains, rolling hills, lakes and rivers, thick forests, desert, coastline, world famous glaciers, famous ski hills, and a rare and diverse mix of flora and fauna. The past of Patagonia is long, descriptive, and detailed, having, over the years, caught the attention of various countries seeking new land, world famous explorers, writers, poets, movie makers, biologists, sailors, wildlife lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and tourists from around the world. For its extreme beauty, endless activities, and warm people, Patagonia is a place to be seen when visiting Argentina.
Patagonia’s geography and climate is as diverse as everything else that is found in this region; the area is known for cold winters, a mild spring and fall, and warm summers. At high altitudes or further down south, winter is characterized by snow, wind, and cold temperatures, perfect for skiing, exploring local glaciers, or taking a mountain snow trek or an Antarctic sail. Spring and fall are mild, filling the local lakes with fresh mountain water as the snow melts, making mountain hiking, horseback riding, and canoeing great seasonal activities. Summer is warm and sunny, giving the coastal cities and beaches a warm and welcoming feel.


Day 5: El Calafate

Perito Moreno Glacier with boat cruise
Daily Summary

Perito Moreno Glacier with boat cruise

Today you have a full day excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world's largest active continental glaciers, and one of the world's few advancing glaciers. Watching and listening as the intense blue ice creaks, breaks off, and crashes in seeming slow motion into the icy lake is unforgettable. UNESCO has declared it one of the most important heritages of mankind. You will travel from your hotel in Calafate for about 1 hour along a scenic route, bordering Argentino Lake. The flora and the landscape will continue to change. Perito Moreno Glacier is an imposing ice river with an area of 195 square meters and a length of 30 km. The frontal walls are between 30 and 60 meters high over the lake level. The ice cracks and thunderous bursts have turned the glacier into a marvel in constant movement and sound. You will move around the various platforms facing the glacier’s western wall to admire this wonder of nature from different points of view. There is free time for lunch at a modest restaurant near the platforms that offers a menu of local specialties.

Lunch is not included and may be purchased during the tour or a boxed lunch can be arranged through your lodge.

After lunch you will embark on a group boat ride to another section of Perito Moreno Glacier to view the various deep blue colors and shapes up close.

Day 6: El Calafate

Estancia Cristina Discovery Tour
Daily Summary

Estancia Cristina Discovery Tour

This full day excursion offers an opportunity to view Upsala Glacier and do some trekking. You will be met at your hotel at 7:00am and will board your lake transport at Punta Bandera. Setting sail at approximately 9AM, we will glide over the waters of Lake Argentino’s Northern Arm to reach the furthest possible point of navigation in the Upsala Channel, where we can enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the Upsala Glacier’s immense front. Then, having disembarked at the shores close to Estancia Cristina, the Discovery group are welcomed by our specialized driver-guides who will help them into their 4×4 vehicles, ready to head off into the wilderness.

Our sturdy 4WDs will then venture up into the Feruglio Mountains, a 9.5km ride which offers great views of our surroundings and takes us ultimately to an elevated area where the cars will be parked. Once there, we’ll begin a 20-minute trek over terrain characterized by glacial erosion, until reaching the Upsala Glacier Lookout; an exclusive vantage point for visitors to appreciate this immense glacier that can only be accessed from Estancia Cristina. There will be plenty of time here to enjoy views of Lake Guillermo and the eastern side of the Upsala Glacier, as well as the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Afterwards, the groups will head back to the lodge in our 4×4 vehicles, for a well-deserved rest and break for lunch (approx. 1 hour). Later on, having returned from the trek, we will visit the Costumbrista Museum, housed in the estancia’s old shearing shed where guests can learn all about the history of the Masters family: their lives, adventures and how they became pioneers in Patagonia. Finally, a guided tour will take visitors around Estancia Cristina’s estate – up to the Caterina River, the waterwheel, chapel and the rest of the lodge.

Includes: Transfers, breakfast, boat trip and guiding

Lunch is not included in the tour price. You can eat in the cafeteria of Estancia Cristina and pay locally or pre-arrange for a box picnic lunch with your Calafate hotel.

In southern Patagonia the weather can change radically several times a day. We suggest you bring appropriate clothing, such as comfortable fleece-type jacket, windbreaker jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves, hat, scarves. Footwear should be sports footwear. Hiking boots should be used for the trekking tour.

Day 7: Torres Del Paine National Park

Chilean Patagonia
Daily Summary

Road transfer to Cerro Castillo on the border with Chile. Here you are met by your Chilean driver who will take you to your lodge. Total travel time approximately 7 hours.

Chilean Patagonia

Chilean Patagonia, stretching alongside Argentine Patagonia, is filled with glaciers, lakes, fjords, pampas, and huasos (cowboys) herding sheep. Much of Chilean Patagonia was inaccessible until the last 15 years. Torres del Paine is doubtlessly one of the world’s most beautiful places. Cruise the Chilean fjords and experience the pristine beauty of these fjords lined with temperate rainforest and ancient glaciers. Northern Patagonia has beautiful glacier lakes, the famous Futaleufu River, great fishing, and interesting pioneers.


Days 8 - 9: Torres Del Paine National Park

Full Days Patagonia
Daily Summary

Full Days Patagonia

Chilean Patagonia, stretching alongside Argentine Patagonia, is filled with glaciers, lakes, fjords, pampas, and huasos (cowboys) herding sheep. Much of Chilean Patagonia was inaccessible until fairly recently. Torres del Paine is doubtlessly one of the world’s most beautiful places. You have ample time to explore this beautiful part of the world. Your excursions are led by qualified guides with extensive experience in Patagonia. You can experience everything from adrenaline packed hikes, to out-of-the-way scenic tours even bike rides and horseback riding where available. Excursions can match all adventure/fitness levels and are scheduled during your stay.

Day 10: Santiago

Santiago
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Transfer Torres Del Paine National Park to Puerto Natales
  • Domestic Flights: Flight Puerto Natales to Santiago
  • Transfer: Transfer Airport to Hotel
  • Accommodation: Hotel Cumbres Lastarria
  • Meals: B
Flight Puerto Natales to Santiago
Scheduled flight Puerto Natales to Santiago
NOT INCLUDED IN LAND PRICE

This morning you are transferred by road to Puerto Natales in time for your flight.

Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Santiago

Santiago, the capital city of Chile, nestled in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes Mountains, is a vibrant metropolis with a rich cultural heritage and a blend of modernity and tradition. Its bustling streets are lined with diverse architecture, from colonial-era buildings to sleek skyscrapers, reflecting its dynamic history and rapid development. The city's numerous parks, such as Parque Metropolitano and Quinta Normal, provide green spaces for relaxation and recreation amidst the urban bustle. Santiago boasts a thriving arts scene, with museums, galleries, theaters, and street art adorning its neighborhoods, while its culinary scene offers a tantalizing array of traditional Chilean dishes and international cuisines. From the historic charm of its downtown to the trendy neighborhoods like Bellavista and Lastarria, Santiago captivates visitors with its energy, beauty, and warmth.

Day 11: Atacama

Atacama
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Transfer Hotel to Airport
  • Domestic Flights: Flight Santiago to Calama
  • Transfer: Transfer Airport to Hotel
  • Accommodation: Tierra Atacama
  • Meals: B, D
Flight Santiago to Calama
Regular scheduled flight Santiago to Calama
NOT INCLUDED IN LAND PRICE

Today you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight.

Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Atacama

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Andes with its soaring volcanoes, this is the world’s driest desert. There are expanses where indeed, nothing grows. The green oases that burst from the river only add to the wonder that man has been able to live here at all. Unusual landscapes such as Moon Valley or the Atacama Salt Lake will make you question whether you have strayed from our planet!


Days 12 - 13: Atacama

Full Days in Atacama
Daily Summary

Full Days in Atacama

A variety of excursions can be arranged from your lodge into the surrounding Atacama desert, including visits to the shimmering Altiplanic lagoons, the El Tatio geysers, the Puritama hot springs, local villages and the impressive salt flats. These excursions are led by expert bilingual guides and range from half to full day excursions. Other adventure activities may include hiking, biking, horse riding, dune surfing and even volcano climbing.

Day 14: Coloured Lagoons (REA) - Villamar, Bolivia

Coloured Lagoons (REA) - Villamar, Bolivia
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Coloured Lagoons (REA) - Villamar, Bolivia
  • Accommodation: Mallku Cueva
  • Meals: B, L, D

Coloured Lagoons (REA) - Villamar, Bolivia

Transfer from Atacama to the Bolivian border of Hito Cajon where you meet your driver/guide. Continue to the REA Reserve, visiting Green lagoon in the foothills of Licancabur Mountain, the high desert in Pampas de Dali, Chalviri lagoon and the hot springs of Polques and geysers Sol de Mañana. Then Red lagoon, declared a RAMSAR site due to the nesting of over 30,000 Andean flamingos (3 hours), to reach Villamar (2 hours).
Included: Lunch and dinner

Day 15: Villamar – Uyuni Salt Flats – Colchani

Villamar – Uyuni Salt Flats – Colchani
Daily Summary

Villamar – Uyuni Salt Flats – Colchani

Today you north going parallel to a small mountain range with great formations created by the strong wind and water erosion. Reach the village of Alota (1 hour), then north passing the villages of San Agustin and San Juan (2 hours). Enter Uyuni salt flats, a natural wonder with over 10,582 square km's of white salt in Chuvica, crossing it to visit Incahuasi Island (1 hour), a special habitat of giant cactus and volcanic rocks. Picnic lunch in the salt flats. Continue to the eastern side to Colchani (2 hours), to see the locals producing salt. Don’t miss the sunset.


Day 16: La Paz

La Paz City Tour
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Transfer Hotel to Airport
  • Domestic Flights: Flight Colchani to La Paz
  • Tour: La Paz City Tour
  • Accommodation: Casa Grande Hotel
  • Meals: B
Flight Colchani to La Paz
Flight Colchani to La Paz
NOT INCLUDED IN LAND PRICE

Today you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight.

La Paz City Tour

A 4 hours city tour through La Paz, elected as one of the 7 wonder cities in the world. It is located in a valley at the foothills of the Andes Range, situated at 3,632m / 11942 ft. above sea level. The tour goes through the street markets rich in handicrafts, weavings and witchcraft items, followed by a visit to the colonial section of the city, San Francisco Church, Gold Museum, Murillo Square also visit to the viewpoint "Mirador de Killi Killi"; and the outdoor replica of Tiwanaku temple. Then descending to the more modern, southern part of La Paz to reach and visit the Valley of the Moon, where a clay mountain has been impressively shaped by erosion. Ride by cable car “Teleférico”, it’s a good choice to discover an excellent and beautiful view of La Paz. This is a must for every one!

Day 17: Depart

Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Transfer Hotel to Airport
  • Meals: B

Today you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight.

Accommodation

Legado Mitico Hotel

Legado Mitico Hotel

The Legado Mitico Hotel is located on the tree-lined streets of the Palermo Viejo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, set among traditional houses in this bustling barrio. Its stylish guest rooms and public spaces pay homage to Argentina’s history in a subtle, intelligent manner. Rich mahogany hues, rows of bookshelves and dark traditional tones make for a refined retreat where brushing up on local history by the fire is as strenuous as things get. Intimate Gardens, a book/CD/DVD library, and free WiFi throughout, make this a wonderful choice in Palermo. The Breakfast Lounge invites you to start your days enjoying a rich buffet and surfing the net for free before you start exploring the city, while guests can unwind at the end of the day in the whirlpool, drinking by the fireplace, or in the peaceful courtyard patio, or on the sun loungers that can be found on the terrace. In room flat screen TV's, DVD players, mini-bar and Terra bath products complete the room amenities. The petite, thoroughly sophisticated Legado Mitico offers the discriminating traveler One of the best options in the heart of Palermo Viejo, the city’s most fashion-forward district.

Xelena Hotel & Suites

Xelena Hotel & Suites

On the shores of Lago Argentino and within a setting of unsurpassed natural beauty, the Xelena Hotel & Suites property offers one of the most beautiful landscapes of Patagonia Argentina. The hotel welcomes guests to a comfortable and warm space, the ideal home between your adventures and explorations of the area. Enjoy the personalized service and hospitality of the staff and the modern amenities and facilities on site. Between the ideal location, excellent cuisine, a pool and sundeck with panoramic views and luxurious spa services, your experience in this unique natural environment will be magical.

Tierra Patagonia Hotel and Spa

Tierra Patagonia Hotel and Spa

The hotel sits on a bluff where the vast pampas meet Lake Sarmiento, and enjoys a magnificent view of Torres del Paine peaks on the other side of the lake. Much consideration and care was given so that Tierra Patagonia's architecture would complement the patterns, flow and geology of its priviledged location. The hotel offers all-inclusive packages that include your stay, all meals, bar, guided excursions, use of Uma Spa facilities and transfers to and from the local airports. Our excellent, friendly staff is primarily hired locally and from within Chile.

Hotel Cumbres Lastarria

Hotel Cumbres Lastarria

Hotel Cumbres Lastarria is located in the Lastarria district of Santiago, legendary for its bohemian vibe and exclusive cultural attractions. This boutique hotel greets travelers with comfort, style, and generous hospitality. Boasting 70 gorgeously designed rooms and suites, the hotel is intimate enough to deliver attentive personalized service, without ever intruding on your tranquility. You can relax in the elegant lobby bar or enjoy creative cuisine, while admiring the wonderful views from the restaurant. A swimming pool and fully equipped gym on the upper terrace, offer even more opportunities to rejuvenate.

Tierra Atacama

Tierra Atacama

Tierra Atacama is a boutique hotel on the edge of San Pedro de Atacama. Tierra and its spa provide guest experiences that offe guests the perfect combination of sophistication and adventure. The Uma Spa offers yoga, facials and massages for those who’ve come to San Pedro to unwind, while the guides will put you through your paces if your plan is to explore the desert. All excursions are organized in small groups. The hotel has 32 bedrooms, decorated in a minimalist style, all overlooking the imposing Licancabur Volcano. You’ll enjoy the cozy “living room” feel of the common areas and the relaxed ambience of the restaurant. The hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool, a jacuzzi and an indoor heated pool. It’s a 20-minute walk to the center of San Pedro, so Tierra Atacama offers the ideal setting for travellers who are looking to “get away from it all”.

Mallku Cueva

Mallku Cueva

Located in one of the most impressive places of the famous "lagoon route" in southern Bolivia and nestled in a huge natural rock, our hotel-shelter is an architectural hybrid in which living nature is a fundamental part of the experience. . A space full of mystical meanings that generously offers shelter for the mind, rest for the body and shelter for the heart.

Mallku Cueva is a space conceptualized to coexist with nature and its inexorable presence. In it, you will have all the necessary comforts for a satisfactory stay, oriented not only to take care of you but to provide a comfortable space in which you can, happily, connect with the experiences of your trip from the endearing simplicity of a comfortable and opportune accommodation in the middle of nowhere.

Palacio de Sal Hotel

Palacio de Sal Hotel

On the shores of the majestic Salar de Uyuni -under an astonishing sky full of magnificent colours and stars- stands, bursting with historical significance, the Palacio de Sal (The Salt Palace). A haven of magical moments where every end of the day is the evidence of an irrefutable fact: no dream, however extraordinary it may seem, is ever diluted before it comes true.

Casa Grande Hotel

Casa Grande Hotel

Chic, contemporary luxury meets innovative sustainable design at Casa Grande Hotel. Located in the heart of La Paz Bolivia’s South Zone, easily accessible from the commercial and financial centers, our hotel exudes urban sophistication. Guests arriving in the lobby are greeted by a fresh and stimulating ambience featuring a bright, glass atrium, tranquil interior gardens and eclectic décor.

Why Maxim Tours?

Why Maxim Tours?

Uncommon Safaris for Discerning Adventurers

Experience Matters

Since 1993 Maxim Tours’ passion for exotic destinations has made us a highly sought after Boutique Tour Operator for discerning travelers. After three decades we continue to exceed our clients' expectations. Our approach over these many years is simple; offer the very best service and travel experience at the most competitive prices while balancing the importance of sustainable tourism with a high quality travel product.

Premier Guides 

Maxim Tours' guides have a reputation for being the best in the business. Experts in their fields, friendly and interesting,  a good guide will bring the most out of every excursion while creating lifelong memories.  

24/7 Support

At no time during your adventure will you be alone. Our local partners are available 24/7 in the event you need any assistance while traveling. We will monitor your progress and take care of any unexpected developments so that your trip continues unhindered.

Responsible Tourism

Responsible and sustainable tourism should be more than just a phrase - it has to be an ongoing and tangible commitment to balancing tourism with the upliftment of local communities and preservation of the natural environment. Maxim Tours actively supports camps and lodges whose business models reflect this commitment.