Visit some of Santiago’s most interesting neighborhoods and important sites before paying a visit to Santa Rita winery. Founded in 1880 by Domingo Fernandez in the same area of Alto Jahuel where its main facilities stand today, from the end of the 19th century to mid-1970s the winery developed under the ownership of the García Huidobro family. The high quality of wines and rich history of the vineyard has given Santa Rita winery a prestigious and privileged position as a top producer and leading exporter of quality premium wines. (B,L,D)

The unique cool-weather climate of the Casablanca Valley results in a longer ripening period. This produces distinct and outstanding sauvignon blanc and chardonnay, as well as pinot noir. Visit Casas del Bosque, learning about the area’s varietals from local experts. Casas del Bosque produces award-wining chardonnay, Riesling and sauvignon blanc as well as syrah and pinot noir. The premium carmenere and cabernet sauvignon are some of the best in Chile. After lunch, freshen up at the hotel prior to dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

A highlight of your trip is crossing the Andes by road from Santiago to Mendoza, taking in the changing and contrasting landscapes along with unmatched mountain views along the way. At Los Libertadores Pass you’ll see Mt. Aconcagua (weather permitting), known as the “Colossus of the Americas.” At 22,841 feet above sea level, Mt. Aconcagua is the highest mountain outside of Asia. Arrive in Mendoza and check in to Huentala Hotel. (B,L,D)

Argentina's wine region has more continental weather patterns, with hotter summers and cooler winters than Chile's wine regions. There is also plenty of water coming from the mountains. All this combines to provide ideal conditions for the production of complex, distinct wines. With two-thirds of Argentina's wine coming from Mendoza province, this is the most important wine center in Argentina and one of the eight “Great Wine Capitals” of the world. 

Explore this historic city on a guided walking excursion before your local wine specialists, known as oenologists, and your IE Expedition Leader immerse you in the wine cultures of the Uco Valley and Maipu area, two of Argentina's preeminent and most prestigious. Known especially for Malbec, merlot, pinot noir, semillon and torrontes varieties of wine, the Uco Valley is probably Argentina’s most popular and rewarding wine region at this time. High quality white wines, such as chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, are also being grown here. Not to be confused with Maipu Valley in Chile, though its name does derive from that region, the Maipu area of Argentina is also known for high quality Malbec, as well as other acidic and strong red wines.  Here we find the highest altitude wineries, from 5,500 ft and up. Many of the wineries in the Maipu area have been family-run for generations and you can be assured that all the wineries you visit will be filled with friendly locals eager to share their culture with you.

Visit three wineries in each region, learning about the different varieties, processes, care, breeding and fractionation of different types of wine while you also drink in the awe inspiring scenery. Picture-perfect vineyards, blue skies and rolling hills stretch to the horizon where they meet the imposing and towering Andes Mountains. Careful attention will be paid to the current overall quality of experience (quality of wines, best menus, best service, visitor numbers, etc.) when our local staff selects the wineries and restaurants you will visit. Enjoy boutique accommodations at Huentala Hotel in Mendoza City. (B,L,D Daily)

This morning, board your flight to Puerto Madryn and transfer to Terrirotio Hotel for check-in. Spend the afternoon with your Expedition Leader, exploring this lovely coastal city. (B)

The fantastic Valdes Peninsula Reserve is home to roughly 32,000 southern elephant seals, nearly 8,000 southern sea lions and the largest breeding population of southern right whales on Earth. Every year between early June and mid-December up to 1,000 of these majestic cetaceans gather here for mating and to give birth to their young. They spend up to 7 months a year in the pristine waters of this remote paradise. Venture out on a whale watching/photography excursion to get up-close and personal with these amazing creatures. Your expedition has been timed for when the mothers are raising their young in preparation for leaving the area until the following year. With luck and good weather the photo opportunities and whale viewing should be excellent. Watch for orcas, dolphins, Magellanic penguins and many other sea creatures while on and along the water. During your time on the peninsula you’ll stop at any of a number of seaside lookout points and walkways to watch and photograph the seals and sea lions.  You may even be lucky enough to spot orcas hunting these aquatic mammals as they lounge, unsuspectingly, in the sun onshore.

Herds of guanaco roam freely on the peninsula where they are a protected species. As such, they are quite abundant here. Also in great abundance are Magellanic penguins. Visit Estancia San Lorenzo, a private property where around 50,000 penguins nest along the shore and into the Patagonian steppe. Magellanic penguins dig their own nesting burrows under bushes or in open areas not far from the shore. They are quite accustomed to the presence of humans in their breeding grounds and do not run from the visitors. Quite the contrary, with penguins standing and walking right next to your feet the photo opportunities and simple joys of wildlife watching are endless. Enjoy a typical Argentine BBQ lunch in the estancia's great hall.

Also found on the peninsula is the largest rodent in Patagonia; the mara (Patagonian cavy). A smaller cousin of the mara, the lesser Patagonian cavy, is frequently found soaking in the sun just outside Magellanic penguin burrows where they find shelter. Two species of armadillos live there as well. Dwarf armadillos are normally very tame and do not hesitate to get close to humans. Shyer mammals such as the Patagonian grey fox might be spotted and keep an eye out for South America’s largest bird, the flightless rhea, along with eagles and many other species of birds as you spend your days combing the coast line and interior of the peninsula enjoying the wildlife and vistas. (B,L)

A boat excursion will give you the unique chance to see Commerson’s dolphins. These waters are one of the few places they can be seen along mainland South America. They are known to be one of the most curious species of dolphins, not at all shy about approaching the boat and enjoying surfing in the wake from the engines. Watch for more marine wildlife on your excursion before your flight to Buenos Aires.
Spend this even at Madero Hotel. (B,L,D)