tachiebluebird

Party of two adults planning a 8-10 day trip to Chile/Argentina some time between late November and late December. We have done some preliminary research but looking for insight and itinerary suggestions. Trying to build a trip around the 2 nights we have at The Vines in Mendoza. Either before or after that, we are considering a 4 night trip with an outfitter to the Torres del Paine Park. A 3 night expedition cruise out of Punta Arenas might also be an option.

We tend towards outdoor activities, wineries, and wildlife, with minimal driving on our part, and not so much into spending days in cities shopping, eating, and visiting museums.

We thought we would fly roundtrip from the US into Santiago. The Vines has suggested a 20 minute flight from Santiago to Mendoza. Not sure of price, but should we consider other alternatives?

Should we consider adding a third night in Mendoza?
Is heading to Punta Arenas either before or after Mendoza a plausible itinerary?

Thank you!

Huentetu

You can only fly to Punta Arenas from Santiago as there are no flights from Argentina. So you either have to do Torres del Paine fist and then a round trip Santiago/Mendoza or the other way around. given weather conditions at that time of year, I would leave Patagonia until the end.

Have you considered the alternative of just visiting Argentine Patagonia, El Calafate/El Chalten, flying in/out of Buenos Aires? If you found you had the time, you could cross by land from El Calafate to Torres del Paine and back. Or explore flying into one country and out the other, open jaw ticket.

You need to start booking things now, especially if you are thinking late December.

Orlando_Vic

"We thought we would fly roundtrip from the US into Santiago. The Vines has suggested a 20 minute flight from Santiago to Mendoza. Not sure of price, but should we consider other alternatives?"

By taking a bus over the Andes from Santiago to Mendoza, you will see spectacular scenery that you will completely miss by flying. It might also be cheaper to take a bus too.

This thread has lots of good information about the bus trip. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...an_Region.html

We took Andesmar and were fully satisfied. My only advice would be to get seats upstairs and as far forward as possible (for best views).

_____________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

Huentetu

With such a short time frame I would not chance the bus. The pass can close at any time of year, leaving you stuck on the wrong side and the planes full.

tachiebluebird

Thank you for all of the suggestions - we are revising planning to perhaps limit ourselves to Argentina and are exploring all of the information provided including bus options.