Chile/Argentina - suggestions on where to go before/after Antarctica Cruise

[Basaka]

Hi everyone,

Finally locking in a cruise to Antarctica since COVID scuppered the last one.

Cruise is 22 Nov-02 Dec.

I am in South America from 11 Nov to 08 Dec. Flying in/out of SCL.
I'm thinking of spending about a week in Chile (Santiago) and a week in Argentina (Bueno Aries)? I'm seeing if anyone has any suggestions on what to do based on experience (and not just google) and whether I should stay longer/shorter in each location. Thought about a 3rd country but I don't think I'll have quite enough time for that.
Have not booked any flights within South America yet so pretty flexible on plans around the cruise for now.

Cheers

 

[SYD]

Have you been before? And what are you interested in seeing?

A couple days in SCL is usually enough to get around most of the sights plus from SCL, Valparaiso can be done as a day trip as can be some wineries.

Depending on where you’re sailing from, you could work your way down Chile via the Lakes District (I’m trying to plan that at the moment for later this year also), then further south.

Similarly, a week in BA you can tick off quite a bit. A day trip to Colonia in Uruguay is doable if you’re interested in seeing some colonial history. Mendoza is the heartland for Argentinian wines. Assuming you’re going to Argentina after the cruise?, you could make your way to El Calafate for Perito Moreno glacier and then BA.

 

[kpc]

Iguazu Falls is definitely worth a visit.

Easter Island is a direct non stop flight from Scl

 

[Basaka]

Have you been before? And what are you interested in seeing?

A couple days in SCL is usually enough to get around most of the sights plus from SCL, Valparaiso can be done as a day trip as can be some wineries.

Depending on where you’re sailing from, you could work your way down Chile via the Lakes District (I’m trying to plan that at the moment for later this year also), then further south.

Similarly, a week in BA you can tick off quite a bit. A day trip to Colonia in Uruguay is doable if you’re interested in seeing some colonial history. Mendoza is the heartland for Argentinian wines. Assuming you’re going to Argentina after the cruise?, you could make your way to El Calafate for Perito Moreno glacier and then BA.

First time in South America! Cruise is departing Ushuaia (so the usual).

Will look at the suggested places, some looks quite interesting already!

 

[AuSammy]

We did the lakes crossing a few years back from Puerto Montte that ends up in Bariloche then flew to BA.

In BA can visit Colonia via ferry (wear insect repellent or you will get eaten alive by mozzies). Visit the cemetery with grave of Eva Peron, visit the Paris Quarter where you feel you could be in a suburb of Paris, La Boca or “colourful town”, visit a Tango palace. Plenty to keep you busy for 2-4days.

Iguazu falls are amazing. If you go there stay on the Brazilan side inside the national park at Hotel das Cataratas. There is an amazing bird park nearby to spend a few hours in.