Most people visiting both Santiago and Mendoza spend about nine to 10 days in Chile, which usually includes some time in Buenos Aires as well. For travelers wanting to visit Santiago and Mendoza exclusively, plan eight to 10 days for a well-paced trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as five to seven days. For the best itineraries, including Santiago and Mendoza, keep reading below.
## How Many Days Do You Need in Santiago & Mendoza?
Most travelers find that spending between 8 and 10 days provides a fulfilling experience when combining visits to Santiago and Mendoza. This timeframe allows for a good balance between exploring the cities themselves and delving into the surrounding regions, particularly the renowned wine country.
A shorter trip, lasting 5 to 7 days, is indeed possible for visiting both Santiago and Mendoza. However, be prepared for a faster pace. Such a condensed itinerary will likely involve prioritizing key attractions and may leave you feeling somewhat rushed, especially if you wish to truly savor the culinary delights and cultural experiences on offer.
For those fortunate enough to have 11 or more days at their disposal, the possibilities expand considerably. Many travelers in this position opt to add further destinations to their South American adventure, creating a more comprehensive and immersive journey.
The most common extension to a Santiago and Mendoza trip is undoubtedly Buenos Aires. The vibrant capital of Argentina offers a compelling contrast to the Chilean and Argentine wine regions, adding a layer of urban sophistication and cultural richness to the overall experience.
## Recommended Itineraries for Santiago & Mendoza
### Recommended Itinerary for 10 Days
[Image of Chilean wines]
*Sample Chilean wines on this 10-day trip*
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| :—- | :———————————- | :——— |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Santiago, Explore | Santiago |
| Day 2 | Wine Tour of Valle de Cachapoal | Santiago |
| Day 3 | Concha y Toro Vineyard Tour | Santiago |
| Day 4 | Valle de Maipo Wine Tour | Santiago |
| Day 5 | Fly to Mendoza, Explore | Mendoza |
| Day 6 | Mendoza Wine Tour | Mendoza |
| Day 7 | Full-Day Mendoza Vineyards Tour | Mendoza |
| Day 8 | High Mountain Full-Day Tour | Mendoza |
| Day 9 | Return to Santiago | Santiago |
| Day 10 | Depart Santiago | |
This exceptional 10-day tour is designed to immerse you in the heart of Chile and Argentina’s premier wine-producing regions. You’ll have the opportunity to tour the very vineyards responsible for creating some of the world’s most celebrated varietals. Your journey begins in Santiago, where you’ll embark on a captivating tour of the Cachapoal Valley. Following this, a visit to a distinguished wine estate near the charming town of Pirque awaits. The adventure continues as you make your way to the Maipo Valley, located in the central region of Chile, before crossing the border into Argentina and the captivating city of Mendoza. Here, you’ll have ample opportunity to explore the surrounding vineyards and picturesque mountain villages, gaining a deeper understanding of the winemaking process and the unique terroir of the region. Finally, the tour concludes with a return to Santiago for your departure.
## Extended Itineraries
### 10-Day Itinerary Including Buenos Aires (Argentina)
[Image of Mendoza vineyards with the Andes]
*Explore Mendoza’s vineyards with the Andes as your backdrop*
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| :—- | :——————————————————————– | :———– |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Buenos Aires, Explore the City & Tango Show with Dinner | Buenos Aires |
| Day 2 | Buenos Aires City Tour & Argentine Culinary Experience | Buenos Aires |
| Day 3 | San Antonio de Areco Cowboy Town Visit | Buenos Aires |
| Day 4 | Fly to Mendoza, Explore the City | Mendoza |
| Day 5 | Free Day in Mendoza | Mendoza |
| Day 6 | Visit Aconcagua Provincial Park | Mendoza |
| Day 7 | Fly to Santiago, City Tour | Santiago |
| Day 8 | Day Trip to Valparaíso & Viña del Mar | Santiago |
| Day 9 | Concha y Toro Winery Visit | Santiago |
| Day 10 | Depart Santiago | |
Uncover the rich culinary and cultural tapestry of both Chile and Argentina on this captivating 10-day tour. Your journey commences in Argentina, where you’ll participate in a hands-on experience learning the art of empanada making. As evening descends, immerse yourself in the passionate world of tango with a captivating show and dinner. Continue your cultural exploration with a visit to San Antonio de Areco, where you’ll encounter the authentic traditions of gaúcho culture. Next, prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking mountain scenery surrounding Mendoza before taking a flight to Chile. In Chile, a city sightseeing tour of Santiago awaits, followed by an excursion to the UNESCO-listed city of Valparaíso. Conclude your tour with a memorable visit to the renowned Concha y Toro winery, where you’ll indulge in a guided tour and delightful tasting session.
## How to Travel Between Santiago & Mendoza
**How to get to Santiago de Chile**
Santiago is undoubtedly one of the most popular and frequently visited cities in both Chile and the broader South American continent. The optimal mode of transportation for reaching Santiago will largely depend on your point of origin. For some, traveling by car may be the most convenient option, while for others, air travel will prove to be the most efficient. In certain instances, taking a bus may also be a viable and practical choice.
**How to get to Mendoza**
Mendoza proudly holds the title of the capital city of Argentina’s esteemed wine region. Its strategic location, situated close to Argentina’s border with Chile, makes it the perfect starting point for embarking on tours of the nearby vineyards and savoring the diverse array of wines produced in the region. Beyond wine, you can expand your adventure to include Chile’s wine region, or head north to Salta and Purmamarca.
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