Updated November 2026
Short answer: the classic South American wine route links Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Santiago, with a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. Our core route takes 11 days, and our flagship small-group trip stretches the same route to about two weeks. You can travel it as a private tour or on one of our small-group departures.
South America’s three big wine countries sit close enough to see in a single trip: Argentina for Malbec, Uruguay for Tannat and Chile for Carmenère and cool-coast whites. Since 2013 we have designed and led this journey for wine lovers, and the order below is the one we recommend.
The route at a glance
| Stop | Nights | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires | 3 | Private city tour and a day trip by ferry to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, with lunch at a winery |
| Mendoza | 4 | Luján de Cuyo, Maipú and the Uco Valley |
| Chile | 3 | Private transfer across the Andes, then Casablanca, Colchagua and Maipo, plus Valparaíso; departure from Santiago |
That is 10 nights, or 11 days. We stay in 4-star hotels (double rooms), with private transfers and bilingual guiding, and travel between cities by domestic flight and private road transfer. A round-trip ferry to Colonia is included.
Day by day: the 11-day route
Buenos Aires and Colonia (3 nights)
You are met at the airport, transferred to the hotel and given time to rest. On day two we explore the city on a private tour, with its main neighborhoods and landmarks. Then we cross the Río de la Plata by ferry to Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to walk the historic quarter and have lunch at a winery that pours Tannat and other Uruguayan wines such as Viognier. See our Colonia winery and asado lunch tour and our Buenos Aires private tours.
Mendoza (4 nights)
We fly to Mendoza, with the Andes as a backdrop. The days cover Argentina’s three classic wine areas: Luján de Cuyo, the traditional home of Malbec, Maipú with its olive oil farms, and the Uco Valley, where the high-altitude vineyards are. Our private tours cover each one: Luján de Cuyo, Maipú and the Uco Valley. To understand what makes Mendoza special, read our guide to the altitude effect on wine.
Chile (3 nights)
We cross the Andes by private road transport and settle in Santiago for three nights. From there we visit the Casablanca, Colchagua and Maipo valleys, and the coastal city of Valparaíso, before heading to Santiago airport on the final day. See our wine tours in Chile, including the Casablanca, Colchagua and Maipo tours.
From 11 days to two weeks
Our flagship small-group trip follows the same route over about two weeks, which leaves room for longer days in each region. Add-ons we can arrange include Iguazú Falls, more time in Uruguay (Colonia and Montevideo) and a visit to Patagonia: see our guide to the Patagonia wine region and our Patagonia wine tour.
Crossing the Andes from Mendoza to Chile
The crossing is part of the experience: Aconcagua, Puente del Inca and the Los Caracoles switchbacks along the way. The drive takes about 10 hours, depending on waiting times at the border. Between June and October the pass can close at short notice because of snow, so ask us before you book winter dates. If you want just the transfer, see our private Mendoza to Chile crossing.
When to go
- Summer (December to February): hot and sunny in Mendoza, and peak season. See our guide to January in Mendoza.
- Harvest (late February to April): the harvest runs roughly from late February to April in Argentina and Chile, and Mendoza celebrates it with the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia in early March. It is the busiest and most festive time to visit.
- Autumn (April to May): mild weather and golden vineyards after the harvest.
- Winter (June to August): quieter, with a risk that snow delays the Andes crossing.
- Spring (September to November): mild days and green vines.
Private tour or small group?
You can take this journey privately, tailored to your dates and pace, or join one of our small-group fixed departures: 12 to 18 guests, personally led by Claudio or his partner. Our standard trip is designed for couples in double rooms, and we adapt it for solo travelers. Not sure which suits you? Write to us.
Practical tips
- Flights: fly into Buenos Aires (Ezeiza) and out of Santiago de Chile, so you never have to backtrack.
- Documents: bring a valid passport and check entry requirements for your nationality before you book.
- Packing: light clothes and sun protection, plus a warm layer for the Andes and for evenings.
- Wine shipping: if you fall for a bottle, We Ship Wines can send wine from Mendoza to the United States or Brazil.
Before you go, our guide to Malbec, Tannat and Carmenère explains the signature grape of each country.
South America wine trip: what you need to know
How many days do I need for a South America wine trip?
We recommend about 11 days for Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Chile, and around two weeks if you want more time in each region or an add-on such as Iguazú Falls.
What is the best order for the route?
Buenos Aires first, then Mendoza, then Chile. Fly into Buenos Aires and out of Santiago so you never backtrack.
How do I get from Mendoza to Chile?
By private road transfer across the Andes, which takes about 10 hours, or by a short flight. In winter the pass can close because of snow, so plan with some flexibility.
Can I travel alone?
Yes. The standard trip is designed for couples in double rooms, and we adapt it for solo travelers. Our small-group departures also welcome solo guests.
Does the trip include Uruguay?
A day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, with lunch at a winery, is part of the route. You can add more time in Uruguay, including Montevideo.
Ready to plan your trip? See our small-group departures, or explore our private tours in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.