Santiago to Buenos Aires Adventure: 7‑Day Hiking & Walking Itinerary

Day 1: Departure & Arrival in Santiago

Morning: Depart Timmins Ontario for Toronto Pearson, then catch the international flight to Santiago. The journey takes about 13 hours total, with a brief layover to stretch your legs.

Afternoon: Arrive at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, transfer to your downtown hotel, and enjoy a light lunch at a nearby café.

Evening: Stroll around Plaza de Armas and the historic Cathedral of Santiago, soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere before an early night.

Day 2: Urban Hiking – Santiago

Morning: Walk up San Cristóbal Hill via the pedestrian trail, stopping at the Japanese Garden for panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Ride the funicular down and explore the bohemian Bellavista Neighborhood, visiting street‑art murals and local boutiques.

Evening: Dine at a traditional Chilean restaurant in Lastarria, sampling empanadas and pastel de choclo.

Day 3: Andes Day Hike – Cajón del Maipo

Morning: Take a 1‑hour shuttle to Cajón del Maipo and begin the El Morado Glacier Trail, a moderate hike with stunning glacial scenery.

Afternoon: Continue the trek to the La Paloma Lagoon, where you can rest, snack, and photograph the turquoise waters.

Evening: Return to Santiago, enjoy a hot shower, and relax with a glass of Chilean wine at your hotel lounge.

Day 4: Fly to Buenos Aires

Morning: Catch a short 2‑hour flight from Santiago to Buenos Aires, arriving at Ezeiza International Airport.

Afternoon: Transfer to the trendy Palermo district, wander the expansive Palermo Parks, and have lunch at a rooftop café.

Evening: Explore the lively streets of Palermo Soho, sampling Argentine craft beers and watching street performers.

Day 5: Historic Walking Tour – San Telmo & La Boca

Morning: Join a guided walking tour of San Telmo Market, browsing antiques and tasting freshly baked medialunas.

Afternoon: Stroll down Caminito Street in La Boca, admiring colorful houses and local tango dancers.

Evening: Enjoy a classic Argentine steak dinner in a parrilla near the river, followed by a brief tango show.

Day 6: Urban Nature – Costanera Sur & Tigre Delta

Morning: Walk the trails of Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, spotting birdlife and enjoying views of the Rio de la Plata.

Afternoon: Take a commuter train to Tigre Delta, then hop on a small boat to explore the winding waterways and lush islands.

Evening: Return to Buenos Aires, relax at your hotel, and savor a dessert of dulce de leche flan.

Day 7: Departure or Optional Extension

Morning: Pack and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café in Recoleta, perhaps visiting the famous Recoleta Cemetery if time permits.

Afternoon: Transfer to Ezeiza Airport for your flight home, or extend your stay to explore the nearby wetlands of Delta del Paraná.

Evening: Arrive back in Timmins, reflecting on the diverse landscapes and foot‑travel experiences of Chile and Argentina.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Timmins → Toronto flight: 2 h, $100
• Toronto → Santiago flight: 11 h, $700
• Plaza de Armas (sightseeing): 1 h, free
• San Cristóbal Hill (hike + funicular): 3 h, $12
• Cajón del Maipo guided hike: full day, $80
• Santiago → Buenos Aires flight: 2 h, $150
• Palermo Parks walk: 2 h, free
• San Telmo Market tour: 2 h, free
• La Boca (Caminito) exploration: 2 h, free
• Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur: 3 h, free
• Tigre Delta boat ride: 4 h, $25
• Miscellaneous local transport (buses, trains, taxis): 5 h total, $100
• Accommodation (6 nights, mid‑range hotels): 6 nights, $720
• Meals (average $40/day): 7 days, $280
• Total Estimated Cost: $2,177

Tips

If you need more time for hiking, consider adding an extra day in the Andes to tackle the Valle Nevado area, or extend your stay in the Delta del Paraná for multi‑day canoe treks. To shorten the trip, you can skip the day trip to Cajón del Maipo and replace it with a shorter hike in the Cerro Santa Lucía park, saving both time and budget while still enjoying great views.