Chile

6 Reasons Why You'll Love Argentina by Darcie Connell

Monday, April 15, 2013 by Guest Bloggers

There’s only one word to describe Argentina…

Tranquillo.

It translates to calm, peaceful and, well, tranquil.

And during my trip to Argentina last year, I fell in love with Argentina and immersed myself in a tranquillo state of mind.

As the eighth largest country in the world, Argentina has something for everyone.  From lively Buenos Aires to the wildlife haven of Patagonia and Mendoza’s wine regions, this South American country is truly tranquillo.

And if that isn’t enough, here are six reasons why you’ll love Argentina…

1. The City of Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina and is located on the Atlantic coast, and it’s no wonder, the city’s’ name translates to “Good Air.”

Buenos Aires is broken into neighborhoods (barrios) that each have their own personality and special characteristics.

  • Palermo has a young vibe with botanical gardens, a zoo and hip restaurants.
  • Recoleta is an upscale area with countless plazas, parks, and the historic cemetery where Eva María Duarte de Perón (aka Evita), Argentina’s First Lady from 1946 to 1952 – rests today. 
  • Monserrat has famous Plaza de Mayo and excellent shopping in the galerias.
  • Puerto Madero is the old port district that rapidly changed into a trendy business center with limitless hotels and restaurants.  This area is great for walking.
  • La Boca is a vibrant area that sits at the mouth of the Matanza River.  It’s famous for its colorful buildings and tango dancers.

Navigating to each of the barrios is easy and inexpensive using the city’s subway (subte) and bus system.

 

Plaza de Mayo

Plaza de Mayo

2. World-class Cuisine

Argentina’s cuisine is strongly influenced by Italian and Spanish cultures. Common dishes include cheeses, olives, and cured meats. 

But Argentina is best known for their high-quality beef that includes:

  • Tenderloin (bife de lomo)
  • Skirt steak (entraña)
  • Short ribs (asado de tira)
  • Flank steak (vacío)
  • Sirloin/NY strip (bife de chorizo)

Most beef is served with potatoes and chimichuri – a sauce made with parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar.

For snack lovers, pizza and empanadas – a meat stuffed pastry – are also very popular. 

For desert, you’ll have an array of options with bakeries nearly on every corner.  The most famous sweets usually contain dulce de leche, which tastes and looks similar to caramel. 

Don’t expect a big breakfast.  Argentines prefer a light breakfast usually consisting of cappuccino or espresso and small croissants (media lunas) followed by a heavy lunch with steak and potatoes or pizza.

 

Pizza in Argentina
Pizza in Argentina

3. Premium Wine Tasting

Argentina’s the fifth largest wine producing region in the world but they’ve starting to make the shift from quantity to quality, producing more premium wines.  Their most notable wines are Malbec and Torrontes.

  • Malbec is a dark, red wine that has hints of cherry and plum.  It’s no surprise it pairs perfectly with beef.
  • Torrontes is a white wine that’s known as “the liar” because it has a sweet Muscat smell with a dry taste.

Most of Argentina’s wine regions hug the Andes mountain range as it’s an ideal climate and terrain for vineyards. 

Mendoza is located at the base of the Andes (about an 11 hour bus ride west from Buenos Aires) and is a great city for wine tasting. 

 

Wine Store in Mendoza
Wine Store in Mendoza

4. Charismatic People

Most Argentines are descendants of European immigrants – mostly Spanish and Italian - who settled in Argentina during the 18th and 19th centuries. 

Argentines are friendly, curious, and engaging.  Not to mention beautiful! 

Argentines have a strong sense of community so it’s common to see people chatting on the street corner or in cafes.

Wine Tour Guide
Wine Tour Guide

5. Tierra del Fuego in Patagonia

Tierra del Fuego translates to “Land of Fire" and is an archipelago on the southernmost part of the South America.  The main island Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego is shared between Argentina in the east and Chile in the west. 

Tierra del Fuego National Park is located 6.8 miles (11 km) west of Ushuaia and has stunning scenery with waterfalls, forests, lakes, mountains and glaciers and impressive wildlife viewing including several species of birds, the guanaco, red fox, North American Beaver, and muskrat. 

6. A Country Frozen in Time

Argentina is anything but mass market.  It’s an endless procession of small shops, bakeries, butchers, produce stands, and restaurants – all different from the ones before.  You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to when things moved slower and people lived simply.  

From old cars putting down the road, to shoe shiners working for Argentine pesos and colonial architecture displayed around the plazas, Argentina is a refreshing cultural shift from the everyday hustle and bustle commonly found in the United States or Europe.

 

Old car in Argentina
Old Car in Argentina

 

Have you been to Argentina? Share what you loved about it in the comments below!

About the author: Darcie Connell is the founder of Trekity – a website that provides daily travel tips for women – and TravelBloggerAcademy.com.  In 2012, Darcie fell in love with Argentina after spending 10 weeks exploring Argentina’s wine region of Mendoza and the lively capital city of Buenos Aires.  Follow her on Google +1 and Twitter.

Discovering Patagonia

Thursday, November 8, 2012 by Blake Eden

It’s hard to find a place more visually stunning or seemingly untouched than Patagonia, the region in the Southern Andes shared by Argentina and Chile.  Home to the world’s third largest ice field, after Greenland and Antarctica, as well as staggering peaks and some of the most brilliant scenery on Earth, Patagonia is the ultimate adventurer’s paradise. 

Though the mountains in Patagonia are not nearly as tall as their Himalayan counter parts, they are world renowned for their sheer faces, and are considered some of the most technically challenging mountains to climb in the world.  If you’re not ready to rope up and give those a shot, don’t worry, you can still enjoy their majestic beauty as you hike through some of the region’s more friendly trails.   As you hike your way to Lakes Torre and Capri, you will understand why the region is famed for its vistas as you come face to face with the regions two tallest peaks, Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy.  At 10,262 and 11,168 feet tall, respectively, it’s easy to see why these giants have gained their reputations. 

Another geographical feature which Patagonia is famous for are its ice fields.  The Perito Moreno Glacier, a 97 square mile ice formation in the Los Glaciares National Park is particularly well-known.  Perito Moreno is the world’s thirds largest reserve of fresh water, and one of one of the few glaciers in the world that is actually growing.  It is “fed” by the Los Glaciares ice cap, which feeds 46 other glaciers, as well, and makes up the National Park.  In order to truly get a feel for the glacier’s awesomeness, make sure you trek your way across it, allowing you to get up close and personal with its surreal peaks and neon blue crevasses.

It’s impossible to visit Patagonia and not be inspired, whether by the landscape, by what you’ve accomplished, or by what you’ve discovered.  Make sure you bring your camera and your sense of adventure, because it’ll be the trip of a lifetime!  

Hope to see you there!

Blake

Tannins and Titans: Wine Tasting in Chile and Argentina

Wednesday, August 29, 2012 by Blake Eden

Imagine yourself surrounded by the kind of scenery that most people only visit in their dreams: 22,000-foot, snow dusted peaks; valleys filled with soft rows of grape vines; and beautiful, cloud-speckled blue skies. Now, imagine that you are holding a tantalizingly good looking glass of Malbec.  You breathe in the tannins and take your first sip. It is balanced, smooth, easy to drink, and, most importantly, delicious.  Not only is it amazing because you are sitting at the very vineyard that the wine comes from, but also because you just completed a stunningly picturesque bike ride in the foothills of the Andes.  Now that you can practically taste the wine on your lips, imagine nine days of blissful moments like this one.  With ALA’s Chile and Argentina Wine Country Adventure, you will wine, dine, hike, bike and horseback your way from Mendoza, Argentina to Santiago, Chile.

Located in the heart of the Andes, Chile and Argentina are world-renowned for both their beauty and their wine.   Grapes were first introduced to the regions in the 16th century, when Spanish conquistadors brought vines over during colonization.  Today, Chile is the fifth largest exporter of wine in the world, while Argentina is the fifth largest producer.  During your South American wine adventure, you will visit wineries in both countries. While there you will learn the history of the vineyard, as well as how they produce their wine.  And, obviously, you will taste some truly spectacular vintages!

While the wines maybe the highlight of this trip, we can’t forget about the spectacular scenery, which elevates (no pun intended) this adventure to a whole new level.  Whether you are biking along endless rows of grape vines, or taking in the views of Mt. Aconcagua (the tallest peak in the Western and Southern Hemispheres) from Lake Horcones while enjoying a delicious picnic lunch, you cannot help but have your breath taken away by the landscapes surrounding you.

South American Wine Country

After nine days of fabulous food, wine and vistas, you can’t help but return to the “real world” a relaxed and changed person.  With mountain air in your lungs, and tannins still tickling your tongue, you’ll be raising a glass to your Chile and Argentina Wine Country Adventure for months to come.

Salud!

Blake 

Welcome Go South Adventures

Friday, July 20, 2012 by Dan Austin

Go South Adventures and Austin-Lehman Adventures

 

Austin-Lehman Adventures is proud to announce through a strategic acquisition,  Go South Adventures is joining the Austin-Lehman family. Troy Glennon, founder of Go South Adventures will be the new Director of Latin American Sales. For the last decade plus, Troy has traveled extensively throughout Central and South America. His insider knowledge and regional contacts are sure to help increase and expand our presence in Central and South America.

More about Troy and Go South Adventures:
For over 10 years, Troy Glennon has led Go South Adventures in creating “Trip of a Lifetime”, small group adventures to Latin America. Troy has experienced South America from both sides of travel, as a solo adventurer and as a group tour leader in Peru, Bolivia and Chile. He studied in Mexico and has a degree in Spanish Literature and Culture from the University of Washington. He has traveled extensively throughout Central and South America, and returns regularly to update and expand his knowledge of new and classic Latin American destinations. His passion, observations and experiences gained from exploring Latin America are evident in each adventure offered by Go South Adventures. “Joining the team at Austin Lehman Adventures has presented a terrific opportunity to expand new Latin American experiences into Austin Lehman's industry leading catalog of adventure tours.” 

All of us here at Austin-Lehman couldn't be happier about adding Troy and Go South Adventures to our family. 

More to come,

Dan Austin

United States (USA) Hiking Vacations With Austin-Lehman

Monday, June 25, 2012 by Tour Support Team

Yosemite Valley tunnel view

The summer season is upon us, and what better way to pass the time then to embark on a trek though the wonderland provided by beautiful Mother Nature. While you could venture out to hike Patagonia in Chile, or retrace the ancient path of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you don’t even have to venture out of the United States to experience breathtaking beauty. The United States is a hiker’s playground from the sheer massive beauty of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, to the ancient forests of Sequoias at Yosemite National Park in California, or even travel back in time to the great Wild West to the Black Hills of South Dakota. For your summer travels why not take an adventure vacation in your own back yard and experience the awe inspiring sights that United States has to offer. 

Journey to the Rocky Mountain Range in MontanaDawn over Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming - 300 dpi-1

To explore the world of hiking, one must venture out to the Rocky Mountains of Montana. The beautiful state of Montana is a perfect representation of untamed, natural beauty, and is simply stunning in its vast mountain ranges. Experience wildlife from grizzlies and wolves to bison and bears. Explore nature from their point of view and experience the geological wonders that bring amazing life and color to its National Parks. Experience unique adventures from roping and saddling a horse, to watching good Old Faithful erupt on cue. Hike with the family, roast s’mores, and retell old campfire stories that you grew up on. Explore Yellowstone’s countless geothermal features including Fountain Paint Pots and the Morning Glory Pool, and take a dip in the Boling River.

Visit Zion National Park in UtahIMG_0044

If the Wild West is not quite your style, maybe you would like to explore Zion National Park in Utah. Ranked one of America’s best adventures by National Geographic, these views will take your breath away as you hike past waterfalls, natural springs and hanging gardens. Zion has one of the most diverse groupings of plants in Utah, with over 900 species for you to experience. You can soak up the colorful hues of red, orange and amber during the daylight hours, and at night be surprised by the amazing clarity in the night sky. Kick back and relax as you enjoy the bright star formations in the skies, as you have probably never observed them before.

Visiting The Grand Canyon in ArizonaGrand_Canyon_010

Looking for a hiking location with a little piece of paradise awaiting you at the finish line? Havasupai is a hidden gem amongst the vast ranges of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Accessible only by foot this is a beautiful place to explore and bask in the natural rich pools at the base of a thundering 100-ft falls. After a fairly difficult hike to the falls you will feel like you are imagining this oasis as its beauty in the arid space of Arizona doesn’t seem fit for such crystal clear waters. This Grand Canyon Vacation is also equipped with a visit to an old galena mine, hunt for fossils, a visit to a natural mineral rich whirl pool, and a stunning trek en route to Beaver falls.

 Mooney Falls 
Trekking Wyoming’s Yellowstone and Teton National ParksBear swimming in Jackson Lake RS 2008

You cannot possibly discuss the amazing hiking in the United States without mentioning Yellowstone and Teton National Parks. Yellowstone was declared the world’s first national park in 1872, proving that even then, people realized this beautiful gem needed to be preserved.  Take in the neon blue, 300-foot wide Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest of hot springs in the entire U.S. and the third largest in the world.  You can also experience an adventure packed whitewater-rafting excursion down the scenic Snake Water Canyon.  From hiking, to biking, to kayaking, rafting, and rodeos, Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park Vacation and Teton National Park are fantastic locations to explore some of nature’s finest views of the great outdoors.  

5 Great Items to Pack

1. Decent sunglasses. While you are hiking along breathtaking sights such as the Grand Canyon or waiting for Old Faithful to erupt you don’t want to have to be squinting to view the spectacular sites. Sunglasses with a small case will be an excellent asset at your disposal while trekking in the great
outdoors.
 
2. A rain jacket is always a good idea. A light coat can always fit over a sweatshirt and can come in handy from a drizzly day to a surprise downpour. Best-case scenario you never even need to take it out of your bag and it just comes along for the ride. It can even come in handy at night by the campfire
if there is a slight breeze.
 
3. Lightweight and breathable clothing are always a good idea when planning for a hike. Materials made to dry quickly can keep you cool while it’s hot, and keep you warm once the sun goes down. This can also help in case you want to rinse some clothes off; they will be sure to by dry in the morning.
 
4. Comfortable shorts or pants, while none of the hiking is too intense you will want to be sure to pack comfortable clothing. No one likes the idea of chaffing but it happens now and again and it’s best to try out your hiking clothes before the big hike, just to make sure that you are at optimum
comfort.
 
5. Comfort can also involve your shoes. Whether you are going for a two- hour hike, or a two month trek, your comfort in your shoes will be apparent from the get go. Get a good fitting pair and try them out on a day hike to make sure that they will be comfy for your entire trip. These things are always better to figure out before you go on vacation.

day hikers in utah's bryce canyon national park - 97 - 72 ppi

There is no better time than now to explore the wonders of the world located in our own National Parks. Take your family to see how beautiful and diverse this country is, and how many different adventures are just waiting to be experienced. The possibilities are endless from the Rocky Mountains of Montana and Wyoming to the red rocks of Utah, New Mexico and Arizona in the Southwest to the Coastal breezes of Alaska, California and Washington. Contact Austin Lehman Adventures as your trusted Adventure Travel Company to book a hiking tour for your next vacation.

Check out some other great photos of Domestic hiking adventures on our Pinterest

Your Friendly Travel Experts,

Austin-Lehman Adventures

The Best of South America's Wine Country

Sunday, June 3, 2012 by Melissa Ladvala

 

South American wines have really started to come into their own in the wine world in recent years.  Wine lovers around the world are now discovering the high quality wines coming from Chile and Argentina.  With plenty of sunshine, a temperate climate and the gorgeous Andes Mountains as your backdrop, the wine regions of Argentina and Chile are the perfect place to discover your new favorite variety. 

The Argentine Malbecs are deep and fruity, the Chilean Cabernets are rich, complex and have just a hint of green pepper and the coastal Chardonnays are smooth and refreshing.  My personal favorite is a lesser known varietal nearly unique to Chile, the Carmenere.  If there was ever a wine with a great story to tell it would be the Carmenere.   This is actually lost French varietal that was thought to have died out in Europe when the French vineyards were destroyed by disease in the 1800s.  Chilean wine makers actually brought the grape vine to Chile from Bordeaux before the devastation and for years it was growing under the mistaken identity of Merlot.  Some wine producers noticed some of their “Merlot” was a bit different and finally in the 1990s DNA testing of the vines proved it was the long lost varietal from Bordeaux thriving half a world away!  Now if that story does not warrant giving the Carmenere a try, I don’t know what does!    The Chilean Carmenere is aromatic, deep, earthy, cherry-like and perfectly paired with spicy foods or grilled meats.

Wind your way from Mendoza, Argentina to Santiago, Chile tasting fantastic wines and you will find out for yourself why the wine regions of South America are coming up in the world.  It truly is the perfect place for your next wine tour!

Your Friendly Travel Consultant,

Melissa Ladvala

 

Experience Patagonia

Thursday, April 5, 2012 by Tour Support Team

Austin-Lehman Adventures

Argentinian and Chilean journeys with Austin Lehman Adventures are certainly unforgettable. The delectable cuisine, delicious drinks and natural beauty all around you will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. And adventure travel companies take care of the details to ensure your trip is hassle-free allowing you to enjoy even more relaxation during your vacation.

Adventure vacation packages to Patagonia, a mutual gem of Chile and Argentina, are ideal for those looking for fun, relaxation and a unique experience. The location is the perfect combination of wild and breathtaking.

Hike, bike and travel by horseback to discover the extensive landscape and towering mountainous terrain. Bring your camera to snap some photos of the amazing Andes. Take in the glaciers including one of the only ones in Patagonia that are continuing to grow. For a postcard perfect view, hike to Laguna Capri and see the gentle mist hovering amongst Fitz Roy’s mountain range. Travel through the green-blue banks of beautiful Lago Pehoe with the mountains as your backdrop. Visit the second largest park in Argentina – Los Glaciares National Park via horseback. When it’s time to relax, retire in your cozy, luxurious accommodation at Patagonia Camp.

Browse our online catalog today to start planning your next adventure. Adventure tours with Austin Lehman Adventures will take your breath away.
 

Adventure Vacations for the Gourmet Foodie in You

Thursday, April 5, 2012 by Tour Support Team

While all of our adventure vacations are filled with some sort of physical activity such as biking, hiking and kayaking, we don’t want all the foodies out there to think we forgot them. In fact, as most anyone who has been on our trips will tell you, the food is incredible.

No matter which country or which adventure, our guests start out the day with a high energy breakfast to get them ready to go experience all the thrills of their destination. Each evening will find them back dining on deliciously prepared campfire vittles or five star gourmet fare. And many of our European vacations will also find adults sipping fine wines from the best regions of wine country.

Our gourmet adventures are combined with the best of our biking and hiking vacations. Our adventurers may choose the gourmet fare of wine regions in California, Chile/Argentina or the rich, delectable foods of Italy, France and Germany. Some of our adventures even include cooking classes to get you started making your own gourmet goodies.

Stop by our website to find out more about gourmet adventures to your choice of destination and get started planning your trip of a lifetime today.
 

The Unforgettable Wonder of Galapagos Adventure Vacations

Monday, April 2, 2012 by Tour Support Team

Austin-Lehman Adventures Galapagos

Visiting South America proves to be an adventure vacation like no other. If you read our last adventure travel post on the wine country region of Chile and Argentina, we hope you got a taste for the wonders of their wines, food and culture.

But just off the coast of Ecuador in northern South America, there is another location that no true adventurer will want to miss in their lifetime. The Galapagos Islands represent the epitome of every adventure seekers quest for thrilling and challenging environments rarely seen by tourists.

Water lovers will be absolutely fascinated in the bounty of activities just waiting to be explored. How about getting up close to fearless creatures like 150 year old tortoises weighing 600 pounds?  Did you know you can swim with penguins in the warm waters of Ecuador?

Our adventure trips to the land of Galapagos offers travelers all the kayaking, snorkeling and swimming in richly colored reefs you could ever want. The amazing ecosystem of the area offers scenic views, a large variety of differing wildlife species, geological rock formations and volcanic landscapes that are truly incredible.

After days adventuring on foot and in sea, guests with a need for a little pampering will appreciate the luxury yacht that offers stunning accommodations, gourmet food and drinks and the ultimate in relaxation. Share the Galapagos adventure vacations with us by visiting our online catalog today to get started planning your trip of a lifetime.
 

Our Favorite Cycling Tours

Monday, April 2, 2012 by Tour Support Team

When guests are first trying to decide on their destination, we are often asked which one of our cycling tours is the best. Frankly, they all are. We put a lot of time and effort into planning and arranging the locations, activities and accommodations for our bike adventure vacation packages. That’s what adventure travel companies such as ours are all about – to handle every detail of your vacation so that you can sit back, and well, enjoy the ride.

Many travelers spend so much time planning and preparing for their vacations that by the time they get back home, they need a vacation from their vacation. That’s not what happens on an Austin-Lehman adventure at all. Our friendly and professional guides give you the experience of a lifetime so you just need to bring yourself, friends or family and a camera. We take care of every little element in our 17 biking tours.  Our cycling adventures are for singles, couples and families and all skill levels.

Our biking vacations will take you to South Dakota or various locales in Europe including Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, Germany, Spain or Holland. We even have a biking vacation in the South American wine country of Chile and Argentina.

No matter which bike adventure you choose, we are here to make your vacation memories last a lifetime.   
 

Enjoy a Taste of Chile and Argentina

Sunday, April 1, 2012 by Tour Support Team

Austin-Lehman Adventures Argentina

Sample renowned wines and take in stunning scenery during your Argentinian/Chilean journey with Austin Lehman Adventures. The food, drinks and natural beauty surrounding you will reawaken your senses and guarantee unforgettable memories.

Adventure vacations provide a great way for travelers to get to know a new place and have as much fun as possible while doing it. And our adventure tours through Chile and Argentina are sure to satisfy everyone. Wine enthusiasts will be amazed by the sight of one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world, gently hidden beneath the gigantic peaks of the Andes.

Get ready to hike, bike and travel by horseback to explore the expansive countryside, exciting wineries and towering mountainous terrain. Check out Santiago’s spectacular Plaza de Armas, dating back from the 1500’s when the city was founded. Bike to the picturesque town of Chacras de Coria. Taste esteemed Malbecs and Cabernets at a winery located in the foothills of the Andes, where the desert climate is perfect for the development of red wines. Adventure vacation packages to wine country are sure to provide travelers with a delicious experience.

Adventure travel companies take care of the details to ensure your trip is hassle-free. Call us today to plan your next vacation.
 

Patagonia Will Take Your Breath Away

Sunday, April 1, 2012 by Tour Support Team

Argentinian and Chilean journeys with Austin Lehman Adventures are certainly unforgettable. The delectable cuisine, delicious drinks and natural beauty all around you will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. And adventure travel companies take care of the details to ensure your trip is hassle-free allowing you to enjoy even more relaxation during your vacation.

Adventure vacation packages to Patagonia, a mutual gem of Chile and Argentina, are ideal for those looking for fun, relaxation and a unique experience. The location is the perfect combination of wild and breathtaking.

Hike, bike and travel by horseback to discover the extensive landscape and towering mountainous terrain. Bring your camera to snap some photos of the amazing Andes. Take in the glaciers including one of the only ones in Patagonia that are continuing to grow. For a postcard perfect view, hike to Laguna Capri and see the gentle mist hovering amongst Fitz Roy’s mountain range. Travel through the green-blue banks of beautiful Lago Pehoe with the mountains as your backdrop. Visit the second largest park in Argentina – Los Glaciares National Park via horseback. When it’s time to relax, retire in your cozy, luxurious accommodation at Patagonia Camp.

Browse our online catalog today to start planning your next adventure. Adventure tours with Austin Lehman Adventures will take your breath away.
 

Sip it Up on South American Adventure Vacations to Wine Country

Sunday, April 1, 2012 by Tour Support Team

If you are looking for something a little different for this year’s vacation, why not try adventure travel to South America? There’s plenty of biking, hiking, rafting and horseback riding to satisfy even the most adventurous of travelers, and with all the thrilling action, you might even have enough time to learn a little about ancient civilizations, culture and archaeology as well!

What do you think of when you hear country names like Chile, Argentina, Ecuador or Peru? It might surprise you to know that there is so much to do and learn in South American countries that once you experience it, you’ll be surprised you waited so long for the journey.

Visiting the western and southernmost tip of the South American continent is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. With pristinely clear waters, high mountaintops and even the driest desert in the world, the ability to strike out on a different path from typical beach or resort travel will really separate the tourist from the adventurer in you. Our Chilean and Argentinian wine country journey takes you to important wine making regions. With our adventure vacation packages, you’ll experience nine days of hiking, biking and horseback riding along with plenty of gourmet dining and sampling delectable Cabernet, Syrah and Malbec wines.

Planning adventure trips to Chile and Argentina is as simple as navigating to our online travel catalog or giving us a call today. Our vacations truly put the adventure back into holiday travel.
 

Wine and Adventure Awaits in Chile and Argentina

Friday, March 23, 2012 by Tour Support Team

Austin-Lehman Adventures Argentina

Adventure vacations for couples can be fun and fulfilling in Chile and Argentina. There may be other countries in the world that earn accolades for their winemaking, but there is a hidden gem to be discovered in the wineries of Mendoza, Argentina.

This wine region is a favorite destination for tourists and wine connoisseurs.  Usually, many wine regions offer only a wine tasting experience while they keep their techniques a secret. Not so in Mendoza. In fact, they often share their recipes and techniques. Tourists enjoy getting a first-hand experience in winemaking.  After filling up on sumptuous Argentine cuisine and wine, travelers participating in our cycling tours can look forward to enjoying a great view of the Andes making adventure vacations such as this one hard to forget.

Adventure trips to this region of the world are even more breathtaking as you go horseback riding along Colchagua Valley in Chile.  Chile’s wine-tasting experience offers delightful experiences to tantalize the taste buds. Take your time exploring Plaza de Armas in Santiago, Chile and discover why this place was voted #1 on the list of places to go by the New York Times.  Gastronomic adventures begin at the Mercado Central where guests can sample deliciously fresh Chilean fare.  Be enveloped in the dynamic ambiance of a lively market that is housed in a structure with very ornate and pleasing aesthetics.

Book your trip with Austin-Lehman to experience these exciting adventure destinations in South America today.
 

Challenge Yourself with South American Hiking Vacations in Argentina & Peru

Monday, March 5, 2012 by Tour Support Team

Austin-Lehman Adventures Hiking

Adventure vacations are a perfect way to break the boundaries and explore your wild side. Climb gigantic mountains or jump off a waterfall and surprise yourself or your partner by doing things that you never thought you were capable of.

Take a hiking vacation in Argentina and Peru and enjoy the thrill of adventure vacation packages with Austin Lehman. South America is one place where you get to trek across a national treasure, the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is one of the only three glaciers that are still growing. Explore the natural beauty of deep valleys and huge mountains in the Glacier National Park on Lake Argentino.  As you reach the “Curve of the Sighs,” you’ll be overwhelmed by the front view of the glacier. The immense mass of ice 64 meters high is a majestic sight and is extremely overpowering.

Walk through El Calafate village, known as the national capital of glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park and admire the gardens full of variety of flowers and trees that blend leisure and warmth into your adventure trip.

You can also hike to the mountain range of Fitz Roy’s and soak the breath-taking panoramas of sky high peaks of Mount Saint Exupery and Poincenot. Chile’s fascinating Torres Del Paine National Park offers hiking paths through the mesmerizing forests of Asencio Valley.

Learn more about South American vacations by visiting our online travel itineraries today.
 

Feel the Love with Adventure Vacations for Couples

Friday, February 10, 2012 by Tour Support Team
With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, the thoughts of many men and women go to finding just the right gift to express their love and appreciation for that someone special. Why not consider adventure vacations for couples? Time away from the real world – kids, work and responsibilities – may be just the thing to add a little romance to bring couples back to the days when they first met.
Romantic Getaways
Adventure Vacation Packages
Adventurous couples may enjoy an active vacation filled with hiking, rock climbing or cycling tours. Our adventure trips are worldwide journeys for couples to experience nature’s beauty up close. Stay closer to home in Arizona, South Dakota or Montana. Venture further by traveling to Italy, Peru, Chile or France. Pretty much anywhere there are mountains, trails and picturesque scenery, there’s an adventure waiting.

Romantic Getaways
For those who desire a little more one on one time, our gourmet and wine tasting trips may be just the ideal getaway. Touring historic cities and sites and then spending evenings with fine wines and gourmet dining in California or European cities offers a more intimate time to revive and refresh relationships.

Exotic Destinations

Getting away from it all and experiencing the exhilarating rush of viewing wild animals in their natural habitat while on safari tour will certainly add some heart stopping action to a couple’s relationship. Visit the bush in Africa or the jungles of South America and allow these exotic destinations to capture the essence of what being together is all about.

Learn more about our vacation destination packages by calling us at (800) 575-1540 or visiting our 2012 digital vacation catalog.