Overview
Succumb to the hypnotic charms of southern Latin America as you explore the best of Brazil, Argentina and Chile. Begin in Rio–gaze on the city from atop Sugar Loaf Mountain, and soak up the lively sunshine culture on Ipanema Beach. Next, your heart will race at the sight of majestic Iguaçu Falls, seen from a helicopter and during a stroll on suspended walkways. Then it’s onto elegant Buenos Aires to learn the tango and feel its rhythm in your soul. Continue through stunning Patagonia, where snow-capped peaks soar above deep blue lakes, to Santiago. The flavor of Chilean cuisine and wine ends your journey with perfect taste.

Tour Details

DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Starts any day. January to December

13 days from $9495.00

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Itinerary
Day 1

Arrive Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Upon arrival you are escorted to your iconic luxury hotel, on Copacabana Beach.

Rio is called cidade maravilhosa because of its numerous wonders and is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. It pulsates to a samba beat, alive by day and night. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure in this lively city.

Day 2

Rio de Janeiro

A full day exploring scenic Rio awaits, beginning with a remarkable, 20-minute cogwheel train ride up 2453 feet to the top of Corcovado Mountain. Travel through the lush tropical vegetation of Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world. Disembark and a few steps lead to the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Rio below before descending by train and continuing your tour. Next, drive past the world-famous beaches of Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana, populated with tanga-clad beauties and macho cariocas (men of Rio).

In the afternoon, board a cable car for a two-staged ascent up 1279 feet to Sugar Loaf Mountain for more panoramic views. Then descend and drive along Guanabara Bay and Flamengo Park to the downtown.

Tonight, enjoy a Brazilian barbeque dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 3

Rio de Janeiro to Iguaçu

This morning, enjoy a half-day colonial tour of Rio, visiting some of the historic landmarks of this 400-year-old city. See Praça XV de Novembro (named after the date of the proclamation of the Republic), the Paço Imperial (Royal Palace) and the National Historical Museum. Visit the Candelaria Church and the Såo Bento Monastery, considered the city’s richest historical building. And explore the historical center of Rio, housing an impressive complex of colonial Baroque architecture.

Fly to Iguaçu, on the border of Brazil and Argentina, in the afternoon. Returning to the Brazilian side, continue to the Paraná River and the Itaipu Dam. Explore the area and learn about this fascinating hydroelectric facility. (B)

Day 4

Iguaçu Falls

Spend today exploring both sides of the majestic falls. Entering Iguaçu National Park, following the path along the cascades, and then walk on the catwalk built over the Upper Iguaçu River. Cross several small islands before reaching a perfectly placed lookout to gaze at astonishing Garganta del Diablo, or "Devil's Throat." Next, take the elevator up to the road and drive across the Tancredo Neves Bridge and into Argentina.

Drive along the scenic highway into the Argentinian Iguazú National Park. Explore the Visitors Center, before your walking tour proceeds to the Superior Circuit (up-river cascades) and the Inferior Circuit (down-river falls). Next, take the Ecological Jungle Train to the most impressive observation point of the falls–Devil's Throat.

You arrive back at your hotel in Brazil by late afternoon. ​(B)

Day 5

Iguaçu to Buenos Aires, Argentina

Today begins with an ecological walking tour through the native woods of the Bird Park. Watch for the 900 tropical birds from 150 species, and explore the butterfly cage, hummingbird aviaries, and reptile exhibit.

Late morning, fly to elegant Buenos Aires, and enjoy an afternoon shared tour of the stunning Teatro Colón Opera House. Considered one of the best in the world, admire the exterior and interior beauty of this 2,500-seat architecture masterpiece, as your guide relates the Teatro Colon’s tragic tales–involving death, delays, an assassination and a love triangle gone wrong. ​(B)

Day 6

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, often referred to as “the Paris of South America,” is a city with a European face and a Latin soul. This morning embark on a sightseeing tour of this sophisticated yet traditional metropolitan city. Drive through lovely San Telmo – the best-kept historical neighborhood and the birthplace to the tango. Visit the Casa Rosada where leaders traditionally address the masses from the balconies, the famous Recoleta Cemetery, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the city’s famous Plaza de Mayo where crowds once cheered Juan and Eva Perón.

Enjoy lunch at a local Argentine restaurant, with the remainder of the day at leisure to explore on your own. Buenos Aires offers museums, art galleries, ultra-chic shopping, and lush green parks. ​(B,L)

Day 7

Buenos Aires

You are at leisure today to relax and explore the city on your own.

Tonight, spend the evening savoring a gastronomic dinner while watching the famed and fun Rojo Tango cabaret show. Splendor and elegance envelope you as you watch the spectacular show that reenacts the sophistication, luxury and style of the golden decade of Buenos Aires. ​(B,D)

Day 8

Buenos Aires to San Carlos de Bariloche

Your late morning flight to Bariloche takes you from urban excitement to mountain serenity. Located in the Andean foothills, Bariloche rivals the Swiss Alps for sheer beauty and offer s arrange of four-season activities that include skiing, fishing, bicycle tours, trekking, climbing, horseback touring, and water sports. Bariloche is also famous for its delicious chocolate, local beer and smoked cold cuts delicacies as well as tasteful dishes influenced by the European cuisine. ​(B)

Day 9

San Carlos de Bariloche

Bariloche lies on the banks of Lake Nahuel Haupi, surrounded by a national park. On this morning’s scenic tour, you travel through the forests, lakes and mountains to the base of Campanario Mountain, where a chairlift will take you 3,400 feet to the top for a breathtaking view. Continue around the Llao Llao Peninsula, viewing the delicate St Edwards Chapel, Moreno Lake, Nahuel Huapi Lake, and Lopez Bay before arriving into the village of Bariloche.

This afternoon is left open for you to play a round of golf, go shopping for leather goods, take a hike, or cruise out to one of the lake's many islands. ​(B)

Day 10

Bariloche to Puerto Varas, Chile

Depart early morning for Puerto Varas, Chile. Along the way, travel through the rugged Patagonian landscape of native forests, rushing rivers, and crystal blue lakes, on the watch for herds of the indigenous camel-like guanaco or Andean condors soaring through the skies. Stop in the charming village of Villa La Angostura, on the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake, before continuing on to Lake Correntoso, world famous for its fly-fishing, Espejo Lake (Mirror Lake), and the Chilean border.

Your drive continues down rustic roads, passing salmon and raspberry farms, and stunning vistas to Puyehue, where you will stop for lunch.

Arrive in Puerto Varas by early evening. (B)

Day 11

Puerto Varas to Santiago

Driving through exquisite scenery, you get a wonderful view of the commanding Osorno Volcano before arriving at Puerto Montt, the capital of Chile’s Lake District and one of the country’s most spectacular and important ports. Enjoy a tour of the city –admire the towering volcanoes and bustling harbor, and visit the local fish and seafood market, Angelmo, which offers an eclectic variety of local seafood.

This afternoon, fly to Santiago. Enjoy magnificent views of the city and the towering Andes Mountains from San Cristobal Hill. Its beautiful public park features a monumental sculpture of the Virgin Mary. Take the funicular down to the Bellavista district, and visit the home, now museum, of the famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. ​(B)

Day 12

Santiago

Start the day with a morning tour of colonial Santiago. Visit Plaza de Armas and its 18th century Santiago Cathedral, as well as the Museum of Fine Arts and Santa Lucia Hill. Next, your guide leads you through the bustling Providencia shopping zone.

Your tour continues as you drive south across ancient farming country to visit one of Chile’s renowned wineries. Located at the foot of the Andes, the Santa Rita Winery is considered the most traditional winery in the country.  

Enjoy lunch and wine tasting before touring the vineyards and learning about every stage of the winemaking process. You also visit Santa Rita winery’s Andean Museum, which houses a private collection of valuable Pre-Columbian objects, belonging to a variety of Chilean Andean cultures. ​(B,L)

Day 13

Depart Santiago

This morning, visit the El Pueblo de Los Dominicos, built to resemble a small village, and filled with handicraft and artisan shops. See artists working in copper, wool, ceramics, lapis lazuli and other indigenous materials.

You are transferred to the airport in time for your flight home or on to your next destination. ​(B)

Accommodations

Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel, Rio de Janeiro

Opened in 1923, this impressive edifice is Rio's most traditional and luxurious hotel. This deluxe hotel, located on some of the most expensive and sought after real estate in Brazil, has two hundred and twenty-five bedrooms and suites. With its opulent lounges, bars and restaurants, the Copacabana Palace is a haven of relaxation and good living. Each of its rooms and suites is unique, featuring fine period furniture and original works of art. Each guestroom is also graced with thoughtful touches such as extra-long pillows and complimentary traditional Brazilian slippers. Every careful detail at the Copacabana Palace conjures up the elegance and sophistication of a past glamorous era. A 2015 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel

Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguaçú Falls

The only hotel located inside this Brazilian National Park, Hotel das Cataratas is situated at the center of the Iguaçu National Park. Nestled inside a lush tropical environment, alongside the famous Iguaçu Falls, sits this charming 193-guestoom Portuguese-colonial style hotel. On the hotel grounds you will find a swimming pool, full-service spa, tennis courts and game room. Other hotel facilities include a boutique, ATM, guest laundry, reading room, and a business center with complimentary internet access. The hotel has two restaurants, the Ipe Bar & Grill adjacent to the pool, and the Restaurant Itaipu, which features a lovely veranda for al fresco dining. Both restaurants serve international cuisine and local dishes. 

Alvear Art Hotel, Buenos Aires

The Alvear Art Hotel emerges as an innovative proposal in Buenos Aires, backed up by the tradition of the Alvear Palace Hotel. Set among impressive trees, this new sample of the Alvear Experience opens the doors of its modern building in the heart of the financial, commercial, and cultural area of the city, offering excellent service, warm hospitality, the sophisticated comfort of its rooms, and the most advanced technology. A 2014 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List, Condé Nast Traveler Platinum Circle & Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel

Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Bariloche

Located on a small hill between two lakes, the magnificent Llao Llao Hotel & Resort is surrounded by woods and framed by mountains. Built in 1940 and fully renewed in 1993, its Canadian-style architecture of visible cypress logs blends with the region’'s green stone in perfect harmony with the natural beauty of the area. The 5-star property is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The hotel has 158 rooms and suites with telephone, cable TV and in-room safe. Your superior lake-view room has a superb view. Leisure facilities of the resort include a health and fitness club with indoor heated pool, sauna and whirlpool, full spa services, 18-hole golf course and clubhouse, outdoor pool, and lake fishing.  A 2015 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel

Hotel Patagonico, Puerto Varas

Hotel Patagonico is located in a quiet area, yet near all of the main attractions in Puerto Varas and enjoys magnificent views of Lake Llanquihue and the Osorno Volcano. The hotel is built in traditional architectural style, and blends in perfectly with its setting in this charming city. The hotel has a swimming pool, gym, whirlpool and sauna, as well as a business center, souvenir shop and laundry service. There is a piano bar, as well as two restaurants:– the Alerce Restaurant, which specializes in Chilean cuisine, and the Ebro Restaurant, that specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. There are 91 rooms on three floors, each featuring satellite TV, internet access, mini bar, hair dryer, in-room safe and 24-hour room service.

Lastarria Boutique Hotel, Santiago

The Lastarria Boutique Hotel was built in 1927 and has since been renovated and transformed into an outstanding boutique hotel. From historical architecture to exquisite customer service, guests are sure to find every need met during their stay. The Lastarria is located in the heart of bohemian Santiago and is just minutes away from fine dining, cafés, museums and cinemas, as well as several tourist attractions such as the Baquedano Subway station. Guests can also indulge in the Hotel Lounge where chefs prepare delightful meals with local products and servers offer a selection of Chile'’s best wines.