Best of Buenos Aires, Santiago & Easter Island Tour

Moais on Easter Island, Chile

What to expect on this itinerary

The unique spirit of South America emanates from the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires and the colorful culture of Santiago and accentuates the historical mystique of Easter Island. Indulge in the charming café culture and bohemian renaissance. Enjoy the enticing aroma of fresh seafood drifting out of the central market. Feel the exhilaration of adventure, as you wander through a cave to view historical paintings and learn the skills of South American cowboys romping along the plain. Your custom tailored tour embraces charm and beauty, immersing you in the splendors of tango and wonders of wine, relaxing on pristine beaches and relishing breathtaking stonework.

Countries Visited

Argentina, Chile

Places Visited

Buenos Aires, Santiago, Maipo Valley, Vina del Mar, Valparaiso, Easter Island

Suggested Duration

10 Days

Customizable Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1

Buenos Aires – City Charm

Buenos Aires has often been referred to as the “Paris of South America,” due to the resplendent 19th-century streets framed with elegant architecture. Boulevards shaded with marvelous trees contain cafes and bakeries filled with the aromas of fresh espresso and buttery puff pastries. Your flight lands at Ministro Pistarini International Airport, and you meet your private transfer at baggage claim. The rosy hues of the façade at the presidential mansion of Casa Rosada adorn the 16th century Plaza de Mayo. The square extends for two full blocks and retains an important position in the history of the city dating back to the Spanish arrival, along with Argentina’s uprising against Spain in 1810.

The striking figure of Palacio Barolo, located near the end of Avenida de Mayo soars above the surrounding buildings, retaining its title as one of South America’s tallest structures. The palacio was completed in 1923 with the intention of serving as a symbol for Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. The building has 22 floors to coincide with the epic poem’s 22 stanzas. The interior takes visitors on a journey through the far reaches of Dante’s imagination while climbing to the top of the tower to reach paradise, an observation deck offering a 360 degree view of the remarkable city from a height of 328 feet above the streets, allowing you the perfect introduction to the splendors of Buenos Aires’ culture, past and present.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Day 2

Buenos Aires – Classic Buenos Aires

Day 3

Buenos Aires – On the Farm

Day 4

Santiago – Chilean Energy

Day 5

Santiago – A City of Beautiful Contrasts

Day 6

Santiago – Chile’s Pacific Shores and Walking with Neruda

Day 7

Easter Island – On Secluded Shores

Day 8

Easter Island – Finding Moai

Day 9

Easter Island – A True Discovery

Day 10

Easter Island – A Snapshot of Culture

Trip Highlights

  • Embrace the legendary passion of the tango while learning the movements during a private dance class
  • Immerse yourself in the mysterious atmosphere and picturesque scenery of Easter Island while viewing the moai at Rano Raraku
  • Discover captivating wall paintings inside Ahu Vinapu cave to see the blend of ancient storytelling blending with a more recent timeframe
  • Delight in the flavors of Buenos Aires at a traditional farmhouse to sample local barbecue and watch gauchos showcase their skills
  • Explore the various and diverse neighborhoods of Buenos Aires on a guided tour and notice distinctive cultural shifts between the streets and districts
  • Wander the wonderful artistic streets of Santiago for an introductory exploration of history and artistic expression
  • Venture to Maipo Valley outside of Santiago, Chile to sample the exciting flavors of a local vineyard producing celebrated wines
  • Traverse the rooms and lifestyle of famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda while visiting the coastal city of Valparaiso

Detailed Description

Take pleasure in a classic exploration of the cultural splendors of Argentina, Chile, and Easter Island during your 10-day tour, specifically tailored to your desires. The journey begins with your arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina, known as the “Paris of South America.” Trees shade wide boulevards and cobblestone plazas lead to vivacious shopping streets. Your private transfer meets you at the airport and escorts you to a hotel located in the heart of the beautiful neighborhood of Recoleta. The following morning, your guide meets you at the hotel and leads you on a fabulous tour of the city streets, covering a variety of Buenos Aires’s distinctive neighborhoods. Visit the presidential palace and the colonial homes of San Telmo before partaking in a dance class to learn the art of tango. In the evening, you delight in a professional tango show accompanying dinner.

Then, you venture into the plains outside of the city to visit a traditional estancia, a South American ranch. Watch the gauchos compete with one another and relish the flavors of an Argentine barbecue. Your private transfer escorts you to Ministro Pistarini International Airport for your flight to Santiago. The city brims with exciting artwork and youthful ambiance. Make your way by private transfer to your luxurious hotel located near the city center. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to stroll along the city streets or visit the murals inside the metro stations. You have a private tour of the city to visit the remarkable historical fountains of Plaza de Armas as well as the panoramic views from atop San Cristobal Hill. In the afternoon, venture to Maipo Valley to enjoy a taste of some of Chile’s famous wines before returning to Santiago.

The following day is at your leisure to discover the splendors of the beachside sister-cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. Traverse the meandering hills or visit the stunning shores at your preferred pace before returning to Santiago. Your private transfer leads you to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport for your flight to Easter Island. You arrive on the secluded tropical shores and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel overlooking the landscape and seaside. The remainder of the day is yours to relax in the quiet, mystical beauty of the island.

Afterward, you have a full day guided tour to view the mysterious humanoid stone heads known as moai. Visit Ahu Vaihu and Rano Raraku, and consider basking in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean at Ature Huke in the early afternoon. Your exploration of Easter Island continues, this time taking in the geological features and hidden archaeological splendors beginning at Rano Kau volcano. Wander through the ceremonial village of Orongo and the cave paintings in Ahu Vinapu. You can also stroll along the white sand beach beneath the seven moai at Ahu Akivi. On your final day, your private transfer meets you at the hotel and escorts you to Mataveri International Airport for your flight home.

Starting Price

$4,100 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 106 reviews

Argentina, Brazil Travel Review: Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, Tango Shows, Vineyard Tours, Boat Ride, Wine, Local Cuisine, 11-Night Trip

My wife and I recently embarked on a breathtaking journey through South America, visiting Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Iguazú Falls in Argentina, and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. We entrusted Zicasso's tour agency with planning our trip and it turned out to be one of the best travel decisions we've ever made.

From the very beginning, the team at the tour company was attentive and responsive, taking the time to understand our preferences and interests. They crafted a personalized itinerary that perfectly balanced adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.

Buenos Aires: Our adventure began in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. The agency arranged for a knowledgeable local guide who took us through the historic neighborhoods, tango shows, and culinary delights. The accommodations were centrally located, allowing us to explore the city with ease.

Mendoza: Next, we traveled to Mendoza, where we were immersed in the world of wine. The tour agency organized exclusive vineyard tours and tastings, providing us with a unique insight into the region's winemaking traditions. The picturesque landscapes and charming boutique hotel made our stay unforgettable.

Iguazú Falls: The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls. The agency ensured we had the best vantage points and arranged for a thrilling boat ride that brought us up close to the cascading waters. Their attention to detail and seamless logistics made this experience truly magical.

Rio de Janeiro: Our journey concluded in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. The travel company curated a perfect blend of iconic sights like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, along with hidden gems that showcased the city's unique culture. The beachfront hotel provided stunning views and a relaxing end to our adventure.

Throughout the trip, the tour company was always available to assist with any questions or adjustments, ensuring a stress-free experience. Their expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction were evident in every aspect of our journey.

We wholeheartedly recommend this company to anyone seeking a well-organized and memorable travel experience. We look forward to planning our next adventure with them!

See more

Argentina, Antarctica Trip Review: Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chalten, Ushuaia, Mendoza, Salta, Jujuy, Iguazú Falls, 26-Day Tour

There are not enough words to describe how magical this trip was. It was 26 days and every day was an adventure filled with unexpected surprises. This trip touched the highlights of Argentina and just a tiny portion of Antarctica. Even though I was not able to see the whole of Argentina and the whole of Antarctica, the experience remained beautiful, all thanks to Zicasso's travel agent and his team, who made this trip very much a magical adventure. Yes, it was aggressive, as I covered many different parts. However, my agent and his team made it possible for me to feel comfortable and enjoy my experience. He and I worked together from March 2024 to October 2024 on customizing this trip. We talked about the budget and certain modifications. The result was a trip I will never ever forget.

Buenos Aires: I was there for one night and got a great overview of the history of Argentina from my guide. In the six hours I had on the tour, I understood I needed to stay in Buenos Aires longer to appreciate the city. There are many districts and each has its own history and, in a way, its own culture. I have to return to explore Buenos Aires a little bit more because six hours is not enough to explore this beautiful city. I was amazed at how green this city is. I appreciated the guide for giving me an overview of the history of Argentina. However, I know I need to come back to really get an in-depth education of the history of Argentina, especially the history of Buenos Aires.

El Calafate: This is a relatively new city in Santa Cruz province. Let me tell you, it is absolutely gorgeous. It has a different, country-style feeling. One of the biggest attractions of El Calafate is definitely Lago Argentino, with branches of its glacier river surrounding the city. The Perito Moreno Glacier was absolutely magnificent. I can't believe I was able to trek on top of the glacier. The guides were awesome. They helped me a lot while I was struggling to trek on this glacier. They made me feel comfortable and gave me the courage to trek on just a small part of the glacier. 

The next day, I visited El Chaltén. My guide was awesome. She made me comfortable during the three-hour ride and told me lots of interesting facts. She was very patient when I was hiking up to Laguna Capri. The hike, which is four kilometers from the base, was very challenging, but I was able to do it. On the ride back, I was able to see the cloudless peaks of Mount Fitzroy. That was really a lucky day … it reminded me that life can be very unpredictable, with many twists and turns.

Ushuaia: I cannot believe I came to the southernmost city in the world! I hiked eight kilometers in the Tierra del Fuego National Park and paddled in the Lapataia river. This was definitely a very challenging excursion, but my guide made me feel very comfortable and helped me all along this challenging trek. Everybody in my trekking group made me feel comfortable as I was struggling to hike along the steep path. However challenging this trek was, I still loved it and enjoyed it, and was able to inhale the beauty of this pristine forest. 

The next day I did a five-kilometer hike into Laguna Esmeralda, which was again breathtaking. Even though this track was not as challenging as the previous day, it was still challenging because of the muddy path. My guide was very patient with me and made us all feel very, very comfortable. This hike was worth it, as after five kilometers hiking, I was able to see Laguna Esmeralda. This beautiful green glacier lagoon was breathtaking; again not enough words to describe its beauty. I was very appreciative of my guide and all the group members who helped me as I was struggling to hike.

Antarctica: What can I say? I visited the coldest, driest, windiest place on our planet. Even though it was not fun journeying through the Drake Passage for 48 hours, going in and coming back, it was definitely worth the experience and risk-taking. After all, adventures are known for their challenges. The expedition team was excellent. They were highly and made sure everyone on the ship had a great experience. Every one of the crew cared about us. Again, there are not enough words to explain how beautiful this continent is. I have never loved winter, snow, or even ice, but it taught me how to fall in love with ice. There were so many beautiful icebergs. And I fell in love with the penguins. I can definitely see myself sitting down in a place and just watching penguins all day. I even did the polar plunge. This trip taught me that I have the capacity to do a lot of things I did not expect to be able to do.

Mendoza: Usually, people come to Mendoza for wine. I came to Mendoza for something else besides wine. I can't believe I was able to see Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain peak in all of the Americas. It was Mount Aconcagua that was my inspiration to come to Argentina. I saw Mount Aconcagua and learned about the different mountain ranges. I even enjoyed the beautiful ride along the mountain ranges through tunnels. I learned about the oasis and the irrigation system. I was very, very impressed with the irrigation system and how they divert the glacier river to feed the town and water the trees in the cities. I even visited an olive oil and balsamic vinegar factory. It was amazing to learn how olive oil was made before newer technologies came into place. I finally was able to taste different types of olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette, which I fell in love with. This was all thanks to my guide, who was wonderful throughout the trip. She was what made the trip so memorable. I definitely had a great time interacting with her and learning from her. I cannot believe that during my short stay in Mendoza, I was able to see many things and learn many things.

 

Salta/Jujuy: Again, my words come up short in describing how much I enjoyed these two beautiful provinces. They reminded me of Peru, having once been part of the Incan civilization. There is so much history and countless natural beauty within these two provinces. It was my guide who made this trip unforgettable. He made this trip very educational and fun at the same time. I visited some small towns, both colonial and pre-colonial. I visited many breathtaking areas, such as Quebrada de Las Flechas, Cafayate, Cachi, and Humahuaca. It was unbelievable how the topography changed on different points of my journey. I am so happy that he was my guy, as I learned so much from him, especially about geology. I sincerely do not have enough words to describe how grateful I am to have learned from him.

Iguazú: One word, spectacular! I cannot believe I saw the Iguazú Falls from the Argentine and Brazilian sides. It was hands down one of the most beautiful waterfalls I've ever seen. I even did a boat ride to get a river-level perspective of these falls. I'm glad to have had a guide who was so excited and enthusiastic in showing me different parts of the waterfalls along the different trails in the national park. He was excited to show me the national bird reserve in Brazil on my last day. I could feel myself coming back to Iguazú Falls and just standing there and enjoying the beautiful, spectacular view of this magnificent group of water bodies.

Once again, I thank my travel agent from the bottom of my heart for arranging this beautiful and majestic adventure for me. I learned so much history and geology. I also learned that I had the capacity to undertake difficult, challenging trekking that I didn't think I was able to. I came out of this trip feeling like a stronger person. I cannot wait to work with him again for another adventure!

See more

Argentina, Brazil, Chile Travel Review: Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Mendoza, Valparaiso, Rio
"Our trip was spectacular! Our agent built an itinerary that was perfect for our group of two couples. The service we received was outstanding."

See more

Argentina Tour Review: Buenos Aires, Iguazu, Bariloche, El Calafate, El Chalten, 2 Weeks

We take great pleasure in saying our Patagonian adventure through Zicasso and the tour operator was near perfect. Our sincere thanks to our travel specialist and everyone at the tour operator for the red-carpet treatment we received at every destination on our itinerary: namely Buenos Aires, Iguazú, Bariloche, El Calafate, and El Chalten. We commend everyone involved in the personalized communication, planning and execution of our two exciting weeks traveling throughout Argentina.

Beginning in December 2025, the travel specialist and his team worked out every detail of travel in Argentina's fall season: all our domestic flights, customized tours, airport transfers, and, most importantly, the most knowledgeable, engaging guides we could ever have imagined. We can't make enough positive comments about our first Patagonian adventure.

Every driver arrived promptly, putting us immediately at ease. Every evening, team members messaged us on WhatsApp to remind us of the next day's transfers and tours. They followed up immediately with answers to any questions we had.

All of our guides were exceptional. Their passion and depth of knowledge made our tours more fascinating and entertaining than any we've ever experienced. We could not have planned anything remotely close to the guides the tour operator included for each tour.

We will most assuredly utilize the services of the travel specialist at the best tour company we have ever found for adventures in South America.

See more

Argentina Trip Review: Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Iguazu Falls, Glacier Trekking, 10 Days

Our family had a fantastic trip to Argentina, traveling from Buenos Aires to Patagonia to Iguazú Falls. Zicasso’s travel specialist did a great job making the trip seamless and easy for us—from making itinerary suggestions, as we shared our hopes for the trip, to finding us tour guides for our private tours, to making dinner reservations when we had difficulty reaching a restaurant. He ensured reliable transportation for us from place to place and was always available if we had a question or issue.

I would highly recommend Argentina and our travel specialist for anyone who has a love of travel and hasn’t visited Argentina yet.

See more

Argentina Tour Review: Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Iguazu Falls, Glaciar Castano Overo, Cerro Campanario, Helicopter Tour, Olive Oil Tasting, Wine Tour, 14 Days

Argentina is an amazing country and we had a fantastic time! The travel agent from Zicasso's travel company helped curate a trip that checked all the boxes of what we enjoy about travel. The history, neighborhoods, and dancing we experienced in Buenos Aires were fascinating. The dining experience at the restaurant near Plaza Serrano was top-notch. The scenic beauty we observed in Bariloche was inspiring, and the thrills and views of Iguazú Falls we experienced and witnessed were simply amazing.

Highlights included the Glaciar Castaño Overo hike with the guides (they were great people and we really enjoyed their company; we would highly recommend them). The views from Cerro Campanario in Bariloche. The jet-boat ride and helicopter tour at Iguazú will leave lasting memories imprinted on my brain. It was just a stellar experience that no one should miss when coming to the area. The lunch and olive oil tasting on our wine tour was a delight and unique from any wine tour we’ve ever done.

All around, it was a great trip that went pretty smoothly from start to finish. We are grateful to the travel specialist for putting it all together (hotels, excursions, internal flights, transfers, etc.) so all we had to do was show up and enjoy.

See more

Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

30,000+ Verified Traveler Reviews