Hi
We are planning a 6 week trip to Chile and Argentina in Nov/Dec 2025. ( 2 adults)
Has anybody been? What should we visit- Buenos Aires and Santiago are on the list- what else? And which Homeexchange stays can you recommend?
We have thousands of Guestpoints and would like to use them but are equally happy to exchange with our apartment in London, simultaneous or non-simultaneous…
Hello, I traveled to Chile and Argentina many times. In my opinion, you should explore nature in these countries especially in the summer when you travel. There are unique places like the Atacama Desert that need at least 5 days. As they are big countries and you need to plan the logistics, which will be by plane, bus or car.
Santiago- 3 days. Providencia region/neighborhood.
North Chile:
Flight to Calama/ transfer to San Pedro do Acatama. Tours by agencies to Lagunas antiplanicas, Valle da lua e muerte, Salar de Tara, Geiger del tatio, astronomical tour, red stones. You can continue the 3-day salar de yuni tour to Bolivia or or go back to calama and take a flight south).
Santiago and the lake region (southern Patagonia). Flight to Pucon or Puerto Montt. Visit the cities of Pucon, Puerto Varas and Frutillar. There are beautiful lakes, natural spa, volcanoes and forests for trekking. in addition to good gastronomy and history of the Mapuche (the only indigenous people who defeated the Spanish colonizers) and German colonization.
Extreme south southern Patagania Austral. The most beautiful and wild region. Here the weather is more unpredictable. The Torres del Paine National Park is one of the wonders of the world and is worth spending two or 3 nights there. You need reservations at shelters and hotels. There is also corcovado national park and hundreds of others. Flights to Puerto Natales and logistics to visit the parks.
Watch this documentary by the founder of the North face who fell in love with the region and created several national parks in Chile with his wife, a beautiful story of love for nature!
https://films.nationalgeographic.com/wild-life
Buenos Aires- 4 days. best neighborhood Palermo. You can combine a trip to Mendonza by plane and visit the wineries.
Southern argentina:
Flight to San Martin de los Andes or Bariloche. They are cities with lakes and mountains. There are many trails and boat trips. the cities are pleasant and have a good range of cuisine. You can cross the Andes to Puerto Varas (Chile) by bus, but it takes about 8 hours due to curves and border police. They are very strict. but it’s a beautiful route in the mountains.
-Southern Patagonia. The most beautiful region in Argentina in my opinion. Flight to El Calafate. Spend 2 days in the city and visit the largest glacier in the world Perito Moreno Glacier (1 day tour). And if you like trekking go to El Chalten ( 3 hours by Bus).There are trails for several days and they are all beautiful.
There is a lot to know! If you need more information, let me know.
Unfortunately, I don’t have any recommendations for HE in these places, but I’m sure you’ll find good options! If you want to visit São Paulo (3 hours flight from Buenos aires) there is a lot of cultural activity and gastronomy in addition to being a multicultural city.
Wow… that’s very informative and comprehensive!
Many thanks. I will digest this and come back to you if I may.
Thanks so much!
Ans
I made my honeymoon in Chile. Santiago is a huge city but not very interesting or touristic. Just a day there is enough in my opinion. Valparaiso is not far and more interesting imho, if you could find an exchange there or in the area, in vina del mar for example. But the North is far more impressive yes, Atacama desert, Lauca Park, arica and Iquique cities for example
I live in Buenos Aires during the South American summer/fall. There’s soooo much in this region and it really depends on what you like to see/do. Rugged nature, wine tasting, city or quiet, etc.
Here’s something I wrote on travel in Chile >> Two-Week Foodie & Nature Road Trip Across Chile
For Argentina and Buenos Aires, I can’t recommend Sol Salute enough for excellent travel advice. I’ve used her resources for my trips throughout Argentina. https://solsalute.com/
Thanks so much for the info. We may give Santiago a miss!
Barbz, thanks for the very informative links and advice.
Very much appreciated!