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10-Day Relaxing and Hiking Adventure in Argentina and Chile from Washington DC

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Day 1: Travel to Buenos Aires

Washington DC, USA to Buenos Aires, Argentina on May 4, 2025

All Day

Travel day

Depart Washington DC for Buenos Aires, typically a long overnight flight crossing time zones. Rest on board and prepare for your Argentine adventure.
USD0, Flight duration approx. 10-12h
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Day 2: Relax at Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata, Argentina on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Gran Café Mar del Plata

Start your morning with traditional Argentine pastries and coffee at this charming café near the beach.
ARS1000, 1h

10:00am

Travel to Mar del Plata

Take a 5-hour bus ride or a short domestic flight from Buenos Aires to Mar del Plata, a popular beach resort city along the Atlantic coast.
USD40 - 70, 5h

4:00pm

Relax on Playa Varese

Enjoy the sandy beaches and ocean breeze at Playa Varese, perfect for lounging, swimming, and spotting sea birds along the coast.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Casa Vieja

Dine on traditional Argentine parrillada (grilled meats) in a rustic setting, offering a taste of local flavors after a relaxing day.
ARS4000, 1.5h
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Day 3: Animal Watching & Beach

Mar del Plata, Argentina on May 6, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at La Fonte D'Oro

Enjoy a hearty breakfast including medialunas (Argentine croissants) and fresh juice at this popular local spot.
ARS900, 1h

10:30am

Visit Punta Mogotes Nature Reserve

Explore the nature reserve for bird watching and marine wildlife, a peaceful spot for gentle walks along the coast.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at El Refugio

Seafood specialties featuring freshly caught local fish, providing a relaxing meal by the sea.
ARS3500, 1.5h

3:30pm

Afternoon Beach Time and Optional Horseback Ride

Return to the beach for swimming and sunbathing or take a horseback ride on the beach offered by local operators.
Horseback ride approx. ARS3000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Martínez

Light dinner with great coffee and desserts to wind down your day.
ARS1500, 1h
Find Hotels in Mar del Plata

Day 4: Travel to Bariloche

Bariloche, Argentina on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Early breakfast and prepare for flight to Bariloche, gateway to the Argentine Lake District.
ARS1000, 1h

9:00am

Flight Mar del Plata to Bariloche via Buenos Aires

Fly via Buenos Aires; total transit about 6-7 hours including a layover.
USD150 - 200, 6h

4:00pm

Check-in and explore Bariloche town

Stroll the Swiss-style alpine town with chocolate shops and lakeside views, perfect for an easy day.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Familia Weiss

Enjoy Patagonian cuisine including trout and lamb specialties in a cozy setting.
ARS4500, 1.5h
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Day 5: Lake District Nature

Bariloche, Argentina on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Rapa Nui

Start your day with rich coffee and freshly baked goods at this famed chocolate café.
ARS1200, 1h

9:30am

Circuito Chico Scenic Drive and Walks

Take a half-day tour around Lake Nahuel Huapi including short walks to viewpoints, under 5 km in total.
USD40, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at La Salamandra Pulpería

Cozy rustic restaurant with grilled Patagonian meats and local craft beers.
ARS4000, 1.5h

4:00pm

Boat ride on Lake Nahuel Huapi

Optional scenic boat tour to nearby islands and forested areas, ideal for relaxing and wildlife spotting.
USD25, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Morphen

Contemporary fusion dishes combining Patagonian ingredients with international flavors.
ARS5000, 1.5h
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Day 6: Travel to Pucon

Pucon, Chile on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and check-out

Breakfast and prepare for travel to Pucon, Chile via road and border crossing.
ARS1000, 1h

8:00am

Transfer from Bariloche to Pucon

Scenic bus or private transfer through the Andes, crossing into Chile, approx. 6h drive.
USD70, 6h

2:00pm

Check-in and relax

Settle into your hotel in Pucon, known for its thermal springs and volcanic scenery.
Free, Rest of day

5:00pm

Visit Termas Geometricas

Relax in the famous hot springs surrounded by natural Chilean forest. Open until 8:00pm.
CLP10000, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at La Maga

Enjoy Chilean cuisine with a focus on fresh trout and local produce.
CLP15000, 1.5h
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Day 7: Hiking around Pucon

Pucon, Chile on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café de la Ponderosa

Start your day with local pastries, coffee, and fruit to fuel your hike.
CLP4000, 1h

8:30am

Hike to Cascada de Los Cántaros

A pleasant 7 km round trip hike to a stunning waterfall within Huerquehue National Park, showcasing native forests and wildlife.
CLP5000 entrance fee, 3h

12:00pm

Picnic lunch at waterfall site

Relax with a packed lunch amid nature with beautiful views of the falls and surrounding forest.
USD10 for supplies, 1h

1:30pm

Return hike and rest

Descend back and enjoy leisure time at your hotel or explore Pucon town.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mandala

Enjoy a cozy meal with a mix of international and Chilean dishes in a homely setting.
CLP16000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Volcanic Hiking

Pucon, Chile on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast

Fuel up early for a day of hiking near Villarrica Volcano.
CLP4000, 1h

8:00am

Hike to Mirador el Claro

Moderate 8 km hike offering stunning views of Villarrica Volcano and surrounding lakes, suitable for most fitness levels.
Free, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Chapa

Wood-fired grilled specialties and craft beers to rejuvenate after your hike.
CLP14000, 1.5h

3:00pm

Relax at Ojos del Caburgua

Short visit to beautiful turquoise water springs, a gentle 1 km walk perfect for relaxing.
CLP3000, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trawen

End your day with Chilean comfort food in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
CLP15000, 1.5h
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Day 9: Explore Pucon & Travel to Santiago

Pucon and Santiago, Chile on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and morning market visit

Enjoy local fruits and artisan products at Pucon’s morning market.
CLP3000, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Pucon Botanical Garden

Stroll through native plants and flowers collections, a quiet getaway open until 5pm.
CLP2000, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Kafe

Light lunch with sandwiches and fresh salads in a laid-back environment.
CLP8000, 1h

2:00pm

Transfer to Santiago by flight or bus

Flight via Temuco airport or long-distance bus (6-7h) to Chile’s capital to prepare for departure.
USD70-120, 3-7h

8:00pm

Check-in and relax

Settle into your Santiago hotel for a restful final night.
Free, Rest of evening
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Day 10: Travel home

Santiago, Chile to Washington DC, USA on May 13, 2025

All Day

Departure

Fly back from Santiago to Washington DC, marking the end of your Argentina and Chile adventure.
USD700 - 900, Approx. 12h flight
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