Gaucho Day Trip to Santa Susana Ranch

<p>Wonderful people at the ranch, delicious food and an all around good time. The travel arrangements could have been a LOT better. We were supposed to have been met at the port terminal at 9 am for the tour to start at 930. We weren't met until 9:40 and then we were just moved to a different spot at the terminal and told a van would be along to pick us up and the driver would be wearing a pink shirt and the bus would have a certain logo on it. We waited until 10 am and along came a bus for us. It took us around town, picking up other people for different tours and then dropped us off somewhere in Santiago and said another bus would be along to pick us up. Luckily, the bus came before the other bus pulled away and the person ran back over to tell us because we would never had known it was there, across the street in traffic. This bus then started our journey to the ranch, after again making several stops in the city. Needless to say, we got there a little late and frustrated. Then, which we knew, we were dropped off in town and had to get a cab back to the port. We did get a cab and a great cab driver. He was the best part of our transportation that day, as the rest was horrendous!</p>

<p>This was the same tour offered by our Holland America cruise ship although we didn't know at the time, the cruise excursion was considerably cheaper. We were not picked up from the port as arranged and after much delay, we were told we had to get a taxi at our own expense. The port taxi's are expensive but we arrived at the Alvear Palace Hotel to meet the guide Aimee. We waited with other passengers from the Hotel for another half hour . The guide was very nice and tried to make the trip really enjoyable. The cruise ship passengers arrived well before we did and the food and drink was ample but not plentiful. I really enjoyed the horse ride and buggy ride but not the museum because with 460 guests, time ran out and it was time for the lunch. I asked for a new bottle of wine from 2 different waiters and it never came the dancing and singing was good as was the food but passing the hat to tip the entertainment was unexpected but others must have been happy as it was overflowing. I enjoyed this trip but it was not relaxed and easy going, it was running late, tightly scheduled and frantic. The riders were skilled and their horse riding display was entertaining.</p>

<p>Driver 90 minutes late on arrival, lied to about why late, told it was a private tour, 20 others on bus, rushed into area and almost missed horse back ride.</p>

<p>The best part about the excursion was the musical performance and the empanadas. The ranch itself didn't impress me but the people working there were very nice. I did not appreciate the 35 minute stop to shop in a small store. I was not expecting that at all.</p>

<p>First class tour guide, pick up time ok, excellent food and very good tango show. Lots of wine, beer and soft drinks included in the price.</p>