Our winter break journey through South America was incredible. We explored the elegant streets of Buenos Aires before venturing into the stunning landscapes of Patagonia's lake district. The trip took us through two different wine regions where we enjoyed amazing Malbecs in Mendoza and discovered unique wineries nestled in Chile's beautiful Millahue Valley. We stayed in some remarkable places – thoughtfully designed to complement their natural surroundings. Between wine tastings, we wandered through Santiago and the colorful coastal town of Valparaíso, taking in the art, history, and distinct charm of each place. Sharing these experiences with my family made everything even more meaningful – creating memories we'll cherish for years to come.
Day-by-Day Travel Journal
And now our journey begins in Argentina...
Buenos Aires
Argentina's passionate capital — elegant boulevards, world-class opera, bookstore-theaters, and the birthplace of tango.
Arts & Culture: Opera House, Historic Bookstore & Tango
Flight to South America
Our day started with an early morning flight that gave us incredible views of Argentina's terrain near Salta. We were amazed by the diverse landscapes below – from dry, arid regions to dramatic snow-capped mountains. The aerial perspective of northern Argentina's varied topography gave us a wonderful introduction to the country's natural beauty.
Morning Alfajores
We stopped at a local bakery in Buenos Aires for a delicious morning treat. The sweet alfajores filled with dulce de leche were delightful, along with the variety of freshly-baked pastries. It was interesting to see the European influences in these traditional Argentine treats as we got our first taste of the city's culinary heritage.
Historic San Telmo, Modern Puerto Madero & New Year’s Eve
Elaborate Breakfast Buffet
We started our day with an elaborate breakfast at our upscale hotel. The extensive buffet offered everything from fresh pastries and fruits to various cheeses and other gourmet items. It was a wonderful introduction to Argentina’s attention to culinary detail and gave us plenty of energy for the day ahead.
Mid-Morning Treats
Mid-morning, we stopped at a charming café for some artisanal desserts and macarons. The intimate setting provided a perfect backdrop to enjoy these sweet treats that showcased Argentina’s European-influenced pastry traditions. The delicate flavors and beautiful presentation made for a delightful break.
Patagonia
The wild lake district of northern Patagonia — cobalt waters, snowy peaks, and Bariloche's beloved chocolate shops.
Buenos Aires to Bariloche: Luxury Mountain Lodge Experience
Breakfast at Alvear Café
We started our day with a lovely breakfast at Alvear Café in Buenos Aires. The presentation was quite impressive, with an artful honeycomb display and beautifully arranged fresh fruits. The refined atmosphere of this upscale café gave us a perfect final taste of the capital’s culinary scene before moving on to our next destination.
Flight to Bariloche
Our journey continued with a domestic flight from Buenos Aires to Bariloche. While enjoying the in-flight refreshments, we watched through the windows as Argentina’s diverse landscape unfolded beneath us. The transition from urban metropolis to the natural beauty of Patagonia was striking – a visual reminder of this country’s remarkable geographic variety.
Cerro Campanario & Circuito Chico Loop
Ascent to Cerro Campanario
We started our day with an invigorating hike through dense forest paths leading to Cerro Campanario. After making our way through the woods, we continued our ascent on the Aerosilla Cerro Campanario chairlift.
Patagonian Flora
During our morning exploration, we came across a fascinating snake-like conifer tree that showcased the region’s distinctive Patagonian flora.
Lake Nahuel Huapi Cruise & Bariloche Chocolates
Lake Nahuel Huapi Cruise
We began our day with a private scenic cruise on the lake. The comfortable interior gave us perfect views of the surrounding mountains and pristine waters. As we glided through the calm waters, we had plenty of time to appreciate the tranquil landscape from every angle of the vessel.
Cascada de los Cántaros
Our cruise continued to the spectacular Cascada de los Cántaros, where we had amazing photo opportunities against the backdrop of cascading water and rocky cliffs. The boat navigated quite close to the falls on Lago Nahuel Huapi, allowing us to get intimate views of this natural wonder in the Puerto López area. The sound of the rushing water added another dimension to the experience.
Mendoza Wine Country
High-altitude vineyards at the foot of the Andes. Malbec, asado, and a cooking class in wine country.
Bariloche to Mendoza: Wine Lodge Experience
The Famous Bariloche Sign
We started our day at the famous ‘BARILOCHE’ sign, a popular tourist landmark perched above Lake Nahuel Huapi. From this iconic viewpoint, we took in stunning panoramic vistas of the crystal-clear waters and surrounding Andean mountains. It was a perfect introduction to the natural beauty of Patagonia and a nice way to say goodbye to the lake region before heading to our next destination.
Flight to Mendoza
Our flight from Bariloche to Mendoza revealed Argentina’s diverse landscapes from above. The journey offered spectacular views as we passed over Nahuel Huapi Lake and the rugged Andean mountain range. We watched through the windows as the scenery gradually transitioned from Patagonia’s lakes region to the distinctive terrain of Mendoza’s wine country.
Mendoza Wine Country: Lodge Stay, Winery Tour & Cooking Class
Morning Views at Cavas Wine Lodge
We woke up to see the luxurious Cavas Wine Lodge in all its morning glory, with stunning views of vineyards set against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes mountains. The property’s elegant architecture was complemented by meticulously maintained gardens with serene water features. It was a perfect introduction to Agrelo’s wine country and gave us a sense of the beauty we’d be experiencing throughout the day.
An Elegant Breakfast
We enjoyed an elegant breakfast at Cavas Wine Lodge that featured a lavish spread of freshly baked pastries, savory hot dishes, and colorful seasonal fruits. The attentive staff made the experience even more pleasant, and we were delighted when the property’s resident cat made an appearance, adding a touch of homey character to the otherwise luxurious setting.
Santiago & Valparaíso
Chile's vibrant capital and the Pacific coast — colorful street art, important cultural history.
Mendoza Wine Country to Santiago City Tour
Mendoza Sunrise
We woke up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise at Cavas Wine Lodge in Mendoza’s Agrelo region. Golden light bathed the sprawling vineyards while snow-capped Andean mountains created a dramatic backdrop in the distance. The peaceful morning atmosphere gave us a perfect final glimpse of Argentina’s premier wine country before our departure.
Morning Walk & Breakfast at Cavas Wine Lodge
We took a leisurely morning walk through the lush vineyards of Cavas Wine Lodge. The peaceful grounds allowed us to appreciate the meticulously maintained vines stretching across the estate. We concluded our vineyard experience with an alfresco breakfast amid this beautiful setting, which included an unexpected but delightful visit from a friendly local cat.
Cerro San Cristóbal & Santiago Cultural Tour
Santiago's Recoleta
We started our day exploring Recoleta’s vibrant street art scene with its colorful murals throughout the neighborhood. Our journey began at the eye-catching Empanadas ña Matea storefront with its distinctive chef artwork, then continued through streets showcasing diverse murals featuring intricate floral designs and cultural themes that reflected Chile’s artistic heritage. The neighborhood had a really distinct creative energy.
Funicular to Cerro San Cristóbal
We rode the historic funicular railway to Cerro San Cristóbal, which offered a scenic ascent from the charming base station. As our vintage car climbed through lush hillside vegetation, we watched panoramic views of Santiago gradually unfold below us. This century-old transportation method combined technical marvel with natural beauty, giving us a memorable approach to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Valparaíso Port, Historic Hills & Santiago Ballet
Valparaíso Port
We began our morning at Valparaíso’s bustling port area, where we watched maritime activities unfold at one of Chile’s most important harbors. Our visit included Puerto de Valparaíso with its commercial shipping operations, a pleasant stroll along the scenic Paseo Gervasoni that offered panoramic bay views, and a glimpse of Terminal Pacifico Sur (TPS), the main container terminal that highlighted the port’s economic significance. The energy of this working port gave us a good sense of the city’s maritime heritage.
Museo Naval y Marítimo
We spent time at the Museo Naval y Marítimo, which offered a fascinating journey through Chile’s maritime history. The museum housed an impressive collection of naval artifacts, historical ship models, navigational instruments, and exhibits chronicling the development of the Chilean Navy. The displays highlighted significant naval battles, exploration voyages, and helped us understand the strategic importance of Valparaíso as a historic port city on the Pacific coast.
Millahue Valley
A stay at Millahue Valley's spectacular VIK Chile - wine, art, food, and vistas.
Wine Country Luxury at VIK Chile
Leisure Activities at the VIK
We started our day with some leisure activities in VIK Chile Hotel’s modern recreation area. The stylish space featured billiards tables, artistic furniture, and contemporary design elements that really showcased the property’s commitment to blending luxury with art. It was a relaxing way to begin our day at this unique hotel.
VIK's Bold Design
We toured the Vik Chile Hotel’s award-winning architecture and grounds. The property’s bold design harmonizes with the Millahue Valley landscape, and we noticed artistic installations throughout the property. We also learned about the nearby VIK Winery with its distinctive wave-like roof that complements the hotel’s innovative aesthetic. The thoughtful design elements made us appreciate how the buildings enhanced rather than competed with the beautiful natural setting.
VIK Chile Wine Estate Day Experience
Breakfast at the VIK
We started our day with an elegant breakfast at Vik Chile Hotel, enjoying fresh pastries and artisanal crepes. The charming dining space had such personality with its red walls covered in guest messages. This unique atmosphere blended luxury with personal touches that made the morning meal feel special.
Morning Exploration
We took a peaceful morning walk to explore the VIK Chile gardens, where we discovered artistic topiaries, vibrant flower beds, and that stunning infinity pool that perfectly mirrored the surrounding mountains. The meticulously manicured grounds gave us tranquil moments to appreciate the property’s natural beauty and thoughtful landscape design.
Art, Wine & Culinary Experience at VIK Chile
Morning Views at the VIK
We began our day with a peaceful exploration of the stunning VIK Chile Hotel grounds. The terraces provided sweeping views of the majestic Chilean mountains that embraced the property. It was a perfect way to start our day, taking in the natural beauty surrounding us.
A Delicious Breakfast
We enjoyed a fresh breakfast featuring locally-inspired dishes of eggs and avocado toast in the hotel’s dining area. The floor-to-ceiling windows framed panoramic views of the Chilean mountains, creating a spectacular backdrop for our morning meal. The combination of good food and breathtaking scenery made for a memorable start to the day.