10-Day Argentina and Chile Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Argentina And Chile itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaArgentina and Chile travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day South America Itinerary, incl. Atacama Desert and Uyuni Salt Flats

  10-day journey through Argentina and Chile's highlights, including colonial Salta, Valle de la Luna's geological wonders, and Uyuni's vast salt plains. Experience sunrise at Incahuasi Island, spot flamingos at colored lagoons, and explore San Pedro de Atacama's surroundings with expert local guides.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Salta, Argentina

    Start your journey in Salta's colonial city center. Book High Mountain Museum tickets online to skip the lines. Take a full-day trip to either Quebrada de Cafayate or Humahuaca. Most independent travelers pick Cafayate for its easier hiking trails and local wineries. Budget around $40-50 for your day trip.

    
  • Day 3

    Overnight Travel

    Spend your day relaxing at your hostel before catching the 1 AM bus to San Pedro de Atacama. Pack extra layers since desert nights get cold. The trip takes about 10.5 hours and crosses into Chile, so keep your passport accessible.

    
  • Days 4-5

    San Pedro de Atacama

    You'll arrive in late morning. Take it easy to adjust to the altitude (2,400m). In the afternoon join a Valle de la Luna tour and watch the sunset from Piedra del Coyote. The next day is yours to explore. Try the Piedras Rojas tour or visit Puritama hot springs. A recent visitor shared: "Start your days early in Atacama - the light is incredible for photos and you'll beat both the heat and crowds."

    
  • Days 6-8

    Uyuni Salt Flats Expedition

    The trip's main attraction starts with an early morning border crossing into Bolivia. Your 4WD adventure includes: - Day 1: Visit Laguna Blanca and Laguna Verde, then soak in Polques hot springs. Sleep in simple but clean accommodations. - Day 2: See high-altitude flamingo lagoons and Ollague Volcano - Day 3: Watch sunrise at Incahuasi Island surrounded by giant cacti. Bring good sunglasses and lip balm. The salt's glare is strong.

    
  • Day 9

    Return to San Pedro

    Cross back to Chile early morning. Take the afternoon to rest or book a stargazing tour. The Atacama's clear night skies are perfect for seeing stars.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure

    Head to Calama airport. Book flights after noon to allow time for the 1.5-hour drive from San Pedro.

    

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• 10 Day Chile & Argentina Itinerary, incl. Santiago and Buenos Aires

  A 10-day route combines Chile's Pacific coast with Argentina's Lake District. Starting in Santiago, wind through Valparaíso's colorful hills, find adventure in Pucón near Villarrica volcano, immerse in gaucho life outside Bariloche, before reaching Buenos Aires.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Santiago & Valparaíso, Chile

    Start in Santiago and take time to adjust to the altitude of 1,706 feet. "The city tour showed us hidden gems we would've never found on our own" shared one traveler. Begin with a morning city tour covering local neighborhoods and the Museum of Memory. Next take a 2.5-hour drive to vibrant Valparaíso. Book your stay in the historic Cerro Alegre area for easy access to restaurants and great views.

    
  • Day 3

    Casablanca Valley & Overnight to Pucón

    Visit Chile's top wine region in the morning where the cool weather creates perfect conditions for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Take the overnight bus to Pucón in the late afternoon (8 hours). Get a seat on the right side to see the mountains. Bring warm clothes since buses get cold at night.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Pucón Adventure Base

    You'll have two full days in Chile's adventure hub. The Villarrica volcano hike is challenging but possible if you're fit. Start at 5 AM to avoid afternoon cloud cover. One visitor recommended: "Don't miss the natural thermal pools at Huife Alto, especially after hiking. The 40-minute drive there offers incredible volcano views." Try white water rafting on the Trancura River with class III to IV rapids depending on when you visit.

    
  • Day 6

    Crossing the Andes to Bariloche

    This scenic journey takes about 10 hours total across the Chile-Argentina border. Take a local bus to San Martín de los Andes first followed by a private transfer through the Seven Lakes district to Bariloche. The border crossing can take 1-2 hours so pack snacks and water. Get your camera ready for stunning lake and mountain views.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Bariloche & Gaucho Experience

    Visit a traditional gaucho ranch to learn horsemanship and enjoy authentic asado barbecue. One guest noted: "The day spent on the ranch on horseback will not be forgotten." Spend your second day exploring Bariloche's chocolate shops and craft breweries. Take the Cerro Campanario chairlift in the morning for the clearest views before clouds appear.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Buenos Aires

    Fly to Argentina's capital in the morning. Stay in Recoleta or San Telmo for the best location. Visit the San Telmo antique market on Sunday. Most tango shows begin at 8:30 PM so plan dinner for 6:30 PM if you want to do both. One traveler advised: "Skip the tourist traps and head to a local milonga (tango hall) after 11 PM for the authentic experience."

    

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• 10 Day Chile & Argentina Itinerary, incl. Santiago and Buenos Aires

  A cultural 10-day tour showcases Santiago's historic center, Casablanca Valley's Bodegas Re, UNESCO-listed Valparaíso, Mendoza's wine routes, and San Antonio de Areco's authentic estancia life. The finale unfolds in Buenos Aires' vibrant neighborhoods from La Boca to Recoleta.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Santiago, Chile

    Begin your trip in Chile's capital with a morning walking tour of the historic center. The cable car up Cerro San Cristobal offers great city views if you go early before crowds and heat pick up. Spend your first Chilean dinner in the lively Bellavista neighborhood. One traveler shared: "We were lucky to have some very sunny warm/temperate days, which made exploring Santiago even more enjoyable."

    
  • Day 3

    Santiago to Valparaiso

    Travel west through the Casablanca Valley where Sauvignon Blanc thrives. Stop at Bodegas Re to see wine made in traditional clay vessels. The drive to coastal Valparaiso takes about 1.5 hours. Consider a driver if you're not comfortable with the steep and winding roads.

    
  • Day 4

    Valparaiso

    Walk through this UNESCO World Heritage city. Ride the historic trolleybus from 1952 and take funicular elevators up the hills. The best views are in the Alegre and Concepción areas. Bring sturdy walking shoes - the cobblestone streets are steep and get slippery in wet weather.

    
  • Day 5

    Valparaiso to Mendoza

    Take the early morning 7-hour bus across the Andes. Pack layers since temperatures change a lot during the trip. Note that in winter (June-August) snow might close the pass. If that happens you'll fly instead at no extra cost.

    
  • Day 6

    Mendoza Wine Region

    Take a full day to visit both large and small wineries in Argentina's top wine region. Book lunch at a bodega to properly enjoy the famous Malbec wines. Make sure to reserve winery visits ahead of time, especially during harvest season from February to April.

    
  • Days 7-8

    San Antonio de Areco

    After a 2-hour flight to Buenos Aires head to this traditional gaucho town. Your stay at a local estancia includes horseback riding, carriage rides and authentic asados. Bring long pants for riding and plenty of sun protection since the Pampas has little shade.

    
  • Day 9

    Buenos Aires

    Take a 3-hour tour of key areas like San Telmo, La Boca and Recoleta. Book an evening tango show with dinner starting around 8:30 PM. Visit La Boca's colorful streets before noon to avoid crowds and get better photos.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure

    Give yourself at least 3 hours for the trip to Buenos Aires International Airport and check-in. Book afternoon flights if possible since morning traffic can be heavy.

    

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