With the famous Andes Mountains on the horizon, Argentinian gauchos ride on their estancia (ranch) toward their vineyards.
Courtesy
South America is somewhat off the beaten travel path as most travelers are more inclined to travel east to European destinations than to travel south below the equator. South America has its own charm and unique culture, amazing foods, scenic mountains, and especially great wines.
Many of our travelers have experienced Peru, but have not ventured much further south, so we’re venturing off the beaten path and hope you will join us as we learn the traditions of the blended culture of two distinct South American countries.
On the Collette Vacations tour to South America departing next November, the countries of Chile and Argentina will be featured to immerse you into the culture, wines and food. Since you will be traveling below the equator, the seasons are reversed.
As we go into the fall season here, much of South America will be into their spring season, always a good time to travel since the days are longer and warmer, the wildflowers are in bloom, and the crowds are less.
The eight-day tour to South America will appeal to foodies and wine aficionados. The tour begins in Santiago, the vibrant capital of Chile, where you will spend two nights getting to know this cosmopolitan city.
The highlight here will be a chef-led walk through a mercado and fish market while shopping for the freshest ingredients for the hands-on cooking experience at the chef’s restaurant where you will enjoy the fresh feast for lunch.
Then, it’s north to Argentina and the laid-back city of Mendoza in the desert region known for incredible wineries, olives, fresh fruits and stunning views of the Andes Mountains. Those who love wine, especially Malbec, will enjoy the two nights in this region where it’s all about wine.
On your first day, a wine-tasting is planned to complement a chef-prepared lunch that will set the tone for your visit. The second day also features wine-tasting at a family winery followed by time on your own to explore the culture, foods, and try more wine.
Then fly to the passionate, pulsating, cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires where there will be four nights to enjoy all this city so loved by Evita Peron has to offer. You’ll have the opportunity to visit Evita’s gravesite on a tour of the famous Recoleta Cemetery, where so many of the famous leaders and artists are resting for all eternity.
I had the opportunity to wander through this graveyard and marvel at the incredible mausoleums of all styles and would love to go back. While in Buenos Aires, you will be resting at the famous five-star Palladio Hotel, located within walking distance of local restaurants and main attractions.
Food is a highlight in this city combining Spanish, Italian, and Jewish cultural dishes. There will be plenty of time to explore on your own. For those who wish to scratch off yet another South American country off their bucket list, consider an optional full-day excursion to Uruguay which is accessed via ferry and will feature a tour and lunch at a family-run cheese farm.
Tango is the dance of Argentina and for those who want to try out their tango prowess, there’s an optional tango show and dinner at a popular tango house that might interest you. Your last day in Buenos Aires will find you journeying to the Pampas region to learn of the gaucho culture, spending a day on a traditional gaucho ranch.
Here you will be treated to a traditional asado lunch of flame-cooked meats accompanied by wine while enjoying a folk performance of gaucho traditions including singing, dancing and displays of horsemanship.
We caution you that the flights from Reno into Santiago and out of Buenos Aires are long – almost as long as going to Europe – but the time difference is not as dramatic. There is a five-hour time difference from Reno instead of the eight or nine hours in Europe.
The tour includes eight nights in four and five-star hotels, breakfast daily, three lunches and three dinners, air from Reno and internal air, plus more.
There’s plenty of time to enjoy exploring on your own thus providing a more personalized experience. There’s a great quote: “Of all the books in the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport.” We promise you’ll have many great stories to tell after your visit to South America.
For information on Collette’s Essential South America departing Nov. 13, 2025, go to the Chamber Travel Club page found on the home page at www.carsoncitychamber.com.