B*tch Don’t Chile My Vibe

Trip Region: South America
Country(ies): Chile, Argentina
Partners Trek? No
Cost: $2615
Airfare Estimate: $1300
Structure:   •   Lodging:   •   Nightlife: 8   •   Activity: 7

Wine. Hiking. Beach Towns. Meat (or not, if you’re like Emma). Mountains. More Wine. If you don’t like these things, this may not be the right trip for you. But also if you don’t like those things, you should reconsider your life choices.

We’ll start our adventure in Santiago, roaming the streets of the picturesque town while downing our first few bottles of Chilean wine. We hear the city has top-notch restaurants, an incredible art scene, and beautiful parks – sounds like the whole package, right? We’ll hit up a few wineries en route and carry on to Valparaiso for the seaside cliffs and some fresh fish. Say goodbye to Chile because we’ll cross over into Argentina and attempt to pair the perfect wine with some authentic Argentine asado. We’ll hike through the Andes. We’ll drink and make you question whether your liver was really ready for business school. We’ll have some singalongs (Arjun has promised to bring his guitar along). If you want a low-key, beach trip, this isn’t the trip for you, but if you want a truly authentic, life-changing start to your business school experience, we’ll see you in Santiago.

Day 1 — Friday, Aug 17

Ready, set, go! You are free to depart from Ann Arbor after orientation activities are over at 5pm.

Day 2 — Saturday, Aug 18

Welcome to Chile! Get checked in, settled in, and we’ll hit the town for our group welcome dinner which begins at 6pm local time. After a glass (or glasses, ok fine bottles) of Chilean wine and a wander through Santiago’s town square, get some rest so you’re fully prepared for the adventure that awaits.

Day 3 — Sunday, Aug 19

We’ll wake up and drive to a wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley. We’re starting easy so the focus will be on organic and sustainable harvesting practices (I’m only half kidding, the tour guide says that). The valley is gorgeous and it’s one of the hottest new spots for wine in the world. When we’ve had our fill we will continue on to Valparaiso. The city is a fever dream. Think colorful houses, Bond-like casinos, mountains and beaches all around. Pablo Neruda’s favorite city.

Day 4 — Monday, Aug 20

Wake up and tour the city - especially the funiculars and chaotic port. Expect lots of great seafood and fresh drinks. At night we will head back to Santiago.

Day 5 — Tuesday, Aug 21

What’s old is new and new is old. We will have a leisurely breakfast followed by a deeper trip through the colonial core of the city before checking out some of the more modern moments of Santiago. Then, surprise!, it’s back to a winery in Pirque Valley for some more tastings. This time we are purely old-school with Bordeaux grapes and Chile’s oldest vineyards.

Day 6 — Wednesday, Aug 22

Road trip! Today is a significant travel day with a 6-hr long bus ride. Over the river / through the Andes to Mendoza, the wine capital of Argentina. Expect road snacks, team games, and a couple views of the highest peak in the Americas. Also expect Ricky to suggest strip poker. I’m just saying. Afternoon is a wander to Mendoza’s town market and renowned restaurant stop for some Argentinian fare.

Day 7 — Thursday, Aug 23

We doin’ work. Not really, it’s actually just walking, but by Day 6 we might all need to sweat some toxins. The day hike will take us into Aconcagua Provincial Park to visit the Horcones lagoon, and get the best views of Aconcagua ́s South Face. Basically this day can justify you wearing your Patagonia for the first time. Also big photo day; bring your A-game.

Day 8 — Friday, Aug 24

We done work - let’s relax, specifically in the world-famous vineyards of Mendoza’s Ujo Valley. We will taste wine, then taste wine, then enjoy a meal with wine pairings in the vineyards, then be driven home to your comfortable beds for a little late afternoon nap.You’re true Argentines now.

Day 9 — Saturday, Aug 25

BOOM - Buenos Aires b*tches. Quite simply the best place in the world* (*according to Nathan and anyone that likes fun). We’re flying over and landing in the afternoon, but don’t worry, BA doesn’t really wake up until 10pm, so get ready for some salsa, asado, and a late night of the best clubs Ricky is allowed in to (no promises).

Day 10 — Sunday, Aug 26

We’re exploring the city - from San Telmo to Recoleta to la Boca, we’re wandering. Buenos is called the Paris of South America for a reason. The afternoon will be a leader-curated walking tour of favorite city spots: opera house, museum, polo grounds, coffee shops, media lunas, snacks, sweets, streets, and drinks. Of course we will all rest up for our final night out. If you’re lucky we can visit the spot of Nathan’s first arrest outside an awesome club in Puerto Madeiro.

Day 11 — Monday, Aug 27

Lick your wounds from our last night on the town and say your goodbyes, because today we FLY! We check out from the hotel by 11am. See you back in Ann Arbor!