Valparaiso to Buenos Aires

Valparaíso climbs a crescent of 45 hills creating a maze of alleys, winding streets, connecting stairs and funicular railways. Chile’s main seaport, and accompanying business center, lies in a narrow belt of flatland at the foot of hills. Explore its rich culture and history to understand how ingenuity has transformed this abrupt stretch of coastline into one of the worlds most picturesque and famous port cities.

At the head of the Pacific inlet known as Reloncavi Sound, Puerto Montt is the gateway to the Bavarian-flavored Chilean Lake District, a region graced with some of the worlds most inspiring scenery. Virgin forests, picturesque towns, snow-mantled mountains and translucent lakes adorn this idyllic setting. Visit a wonderland of scenic splendor, including the towering volcano of Mount Osorno, the tranquil Lake Llanquihue, the rushing rapids of Petrohue and the serenity of Lake Todos los Santos.

Visitors to bustling, trendy Castro, capital of Chile’s Chiloé Province, are treated to a kaleidoscope of images from the colorful “palafito” stilt houses of Gamboa to the stunning yellow Church of San Francisco, one of an astounding 16 local churches to be named UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore this scenic island, including Chiloé and Tantauco National Parks, by foot, bicycle or kayak, and enjoy a unique cuisine based on indigenous flavors of Chono culture, potatoes and shellfish.

Also known as Brüggen Glacier, the magnificent Pio XI Glacier, third largest mass of ice after Antarctica and Greenland, is the most massive glacial outflow from the Southern Ice Field of continental Chile and the largest glacier in South America. Surprisingly, it is also the ONLY glacier in Patagonia that actually – and mysteriously – grows from year to year rather than recedes: some say because of the very stable quality of the ice as well as a long annual season of solid precipitation.

Chile’s southernmost city of Punta Arenas (Sandy Point) is the only city situated on the Strait of Magellan, a 300-mile waterway which cuts a swath between the mainland and the island of Tierra del Fuego. It is also the bustling center of one of the worlds largest sheep farming areas, with major exports of wool and mutton. A wealth of sightseeing options includes private air charters over Antarctica, museums bringing yesteryear alive, and explorations deep into Patagonia’s frontier regions.

Ushuaia, the worlds southernmost town, lies on the triangular-shaped islandof Tierra del Fuego. While Ferdinand Magellan was exploring the straits between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in 1520, he was amazed by the smoke and fires which seemed to appear at every turn. These fires, which were kept continuously alight by the Yaghan and Ona Indians, became the inspiration for the name “Tierra del Fuego,” Land of Fire.

Ushuaia, the worlds southernmost town, lies on the triangular-shaped islandof Tierra del Fuego. While Ferdinand Magellan was exploring the straits between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in 1520, he was amazed by the smoke and fires which seemed to appear at every turn. These fires, which were kept continuously alight by the Yaghan and Ona Indians, became the inspiration for the name “Tierra del Fuego,” Land of Fire.

The Falkland Islands are situated some 350 miles east of Tierra del Fuego, 1,000 miles north of Antarctica and, as the locals claim, a mere 8,000 miles from Britain. Port Stanley is home to the majority of the islands residents -1,990 out of a total population of 2,490. These 700 islands have long been of historical importance to scientists and seamen alike. Prior to the construction of the Panama Canal, they offered safe anchorage and provisions for sailing vessels as they headed around Cape Horn. Today, maritime interests center mostly on the British Royal Navy, fishing fleets from a variety of nations and scientific expeditions to Antarctica. In 1982, world attention was riveted on these islands when Argentine and British forces fought fiercely for the right to call them their own. A number of vessels, numerous aircraft, thousands of troops and many local residents were involved in the conflict. After heavy combat, the will of Britain, supported by the island people, prevailed and the Falkland Islands remain British to this day.

Argentinas finest wool originates from the Patagonian city of Puerto Madryn, where pioneers from Scotland and England once settled on small farms and sheep ranches. Thecity lies on the shores of the Golfo Nuevo, along the southern coast of Argentina, and although not particularly blessed with buildings of great architectural significance or beautiful scenery, it is nonetheless recognized for its wonderful opportunities to view such wildlife as sea elephants, sea lions, penguins and birds.

Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay, South Americas second-smallest country. Beyond urban limits, 90% of Uruguays land is devoted to sheep and cattle grazing, as Montevideo is this nations largest city. Legend tells us that its name originated from the words monte vide eu meaning “I see a mountain,” exclaimed by an eager lookout when Magellans fleet first arrived in 1520. Set in a picturesque location along the River Plates shores, Montevideo evokes all the flavor of Spain with the massive masonry, hidden patios and palm-shaded plazas that are so reminiscent of that country. Attractions abound. Stroll wide boulevards and leafy parks, view imposing statuary or experience the thrill of an estancia visit.

Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay, South Americas second-smallest country. Beyond urban limits, 90% of Uruguays land is devoted to sheep and cattle grazing, as Montevideo is this nations largest city. Legend tells us that its name originated from the words monte vide eu meaning “I see a mountain,” exclaimed by an eager lookout when Magellans fleet first arrived in 1520. Set in a picturesque location along the River Plates shores, Montevideo evokes all the flavor of Spain with the massive masonry, hidden patios and palm-shaded plazas that are so reminiscent of that country. Attractions abound. Stroll wide boulevards and leafy parks, view imposing statuary or experience the thrill of an estancia visit.

Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, whose name means city of “favorable winds,” is the capital of Argentina. With broad, well planned avenues, charming sidewalk cafés, carefully tended parks, elaborate monuments, noble statues and splendid rococo buildings, it exudes an air of sophisticated elegance. Until the 1880s, Buenos Aires was a mere village. However, it has now prospered into one of Latin Americas most sophisticated centers, with a population of over 11 million. Buenos Aires has also frequently been dubbed the “Paris of the Southern Hemisphere,” due to its superb restaurants, art galleries, museums and European-influenced architecture

Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, whose name means city of “favorable winds,” is the capital of Argentina. With broad, well planned avenues, charming sidewalk cafés, carefully tended parks, elaborate monuments, noble statues and splendid rococo buildings, it exudes an air of sophisticated elegance. Until the 1880s, Buenos Aires was a mere village. However, it has now prospered into one of Latin Americas most sophisticated centers, with a population of over 11 million. Buenos Aires has also frequently been dubbed the “Paris of the Southern Hemisphere,” due to its superb restaurants, art galleries, museums and European-influenced architecture

Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, whose name means city of “favorable winds,” is the capital of Argentina. With broad, well planned avenues, charming sidewalk cafés, carefully tended parks, elaborate monuments, noble statues and splendid rococo buildings, it exudes an air of sophisticated elegance. Until the 1880s, Buenos Aires was a mere village. However, it has now prospered into one of Latin Americas most sophisticated centers, with a population of over 11 million. Buenos Aires has also frequently been dubbed the “Paris of the Southern Hemisphere,” due to its superb restaurants, art galleries, museums and European-influenced architecture