Duration: 12 Days
This South America tour features three of the continent’s most exciting cities - Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Santiago—along with one of the world’s most spectacular attractions, Iguassu Falls. At a relaxed pace, you’ll enjoy guided sightseeing in each city as well as free time in Rio to sip caipirinhas and visit the famous beaches, in Santiago to people-watch at a lovely café with the snowcapped Andes Mountains as your backdrop, and outside of Buenos Aires to take an optional excursion to a local estancia (ranch).
Your guided sightseeing tours include the cog railway in Rio de Janeiro that takes you 2,300 feet up to the summit of Corcovado Mountain to view the infamous Christ the Redeemer statue and 360-degree views of the city; Recoleta Cemetery, burial site of Eva Peron, in Buenos Aires; and a visit to the 18th-century Cathedral in Santiago. You’ll also be able to witness a Tango show— the world’s most sensuous dance—in Buenos Aires, a city where romance permeates the air.
But that’s not all…a highlight of this South America tour is a visit to Iguassu Falls, where you’ll experience the falls on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. Hear the thundering roar of the water, be awed by the rainbows formed in the mist, and enjoy the ecological jungle train that takes you through the rainforest for unforgettable views. Pictures cannot do justice to these falls—they must be witnessed in person!
From the vibrant cities to the scenic beauty, this holiday to Brazil, Argentina, and Chile will leave you with memories you’ll cherish for life. For savvy, value-minded travellers, it’s the perfect vacation.
NOTE: Price includes internal air and taxes. International air ticket numbers must be provided upon booking.
Welcome to spectacular Rio de Janeiro, home to white-sand beaches and host of the 2016 Summer Olympics! After arrival, settle into your hotel and meet your Tour Director, who will have pointers for your free time exploration.
Sprawling between majestic granite peaks and the blue South Atlantic, Rio is a city of beauty, wonder, and energy. Guided sightseeing begins with a drive along Rio's famed Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana beaches. Take the cog railway 2,300 feet (701 metres) up to the summit of CORCOVADO to view the infamous Christ the Redeemer statue and 360-degree views of Guanabara Bay and the bustling city below. Your afternoon is free to explore on your own. Perhaps join an optional excursion to a nearby favela for a glimpse into the life of these colourful communities that nearly 25% of the people call home. Tonight, perhaps opt for a dinner at a local churrascaria, serving prime meats, seafood, and fish. (B)
A free day in Rio allows you to relax on one of the beaches or take an optional excursion to the historic city of Petropolis to see the former summer palace of Emperor Pedro II. (B)
A morning flight takes you to Iguassu Falls, one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Upon arrival, journey to the Brazilian side of the FALLS to see the mammoth series of 275 waterfalls cascading over a precipice almost two miles wide (3.2 kilometres) and 250 feet (76 metres) deep. Walk into Devil's Throat Canyon, where the clouds of mist, thundering roar, and 180-degree rainbows surround you- an unforgettable experience! (B,D)
Cross the border for a visit of the Argentine side of the FALLS. Begin with a short ride on the open-air ECOLOGICAL JUNGLE TRAIN through the rainforest. A series of boardwalks takes you above the falls to see the water crashing down into the Devil's Throat. Your afternoon is free to explore, or you may opt to visit the Bird Park, home to many species of endemic birds, as well as flora from the area. (B)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina's cosmopolitan capital. After settling into your hotel, an orientation tour familiarises you with the "Paris of South America" and its wide boulevards, outdoor cafes, and charming shops. (B)
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide focuses on the city's landmarks, including the Colon Opera House and Plaza de Mayo, site of La Casa Rosada (the President's Pink House), and Metropolitan Cathedral. Also, visit La Boca and San Telmo, one of Buenos Aires' oldest neighbourhoods, and RECOLETA CEMETERY, where Eva Peron is buried. End your day with an Argentinean meal, followed by a sensuous TANGO SHOW. (B,D)
Today is free for independent activities, or you can take an optional excursion to a local estancia (ranch) to experience the life of the gauchos (cowboys), as well as traditional dance performances and a barbecue lunch. (B)
Fly over the majestic Andes to Santiago, Chile's scenic capital between the Pacific and the Andes. With a coastline more than 2,650 miles (4265 kilometres) long, Chile is more than 10 times longer than wide. It has a distinctly European flavour accented with Latin flair, making Santiago one of South America's most sophisticated and modern cities. (B)
Your guided city tour introduces you to Santiago-the country's political, commercial, and cultural capital. View La Moneda Government Palace and San Cristobal Hill with its landmark statue of the Virgin Mary. Also, see Club Hipico, one of the most renowned horseracing tracks in South America. Your tour ends at the city's main square, Plaza de Armas, with a visit to the relic-filled CATHEDRAL. Your afternoon is at leisure. This evening, consider the optional Chilean Folkloric Dinner Show. (B)
Today, enjoy a day at leisure. A trip to Valparaiso and Vina del Mar is highly recommended. A leisurely drive through the countryside and vineyards delivers you to Valparaiso, a city of 42 hills and the inspiration of many artists and poets. On to the chic seaside resort of Vina del Mar, full of unusual architecture and beautiful gardens. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate your exciting Latin American holiday. (B,D)
Your holiday ends after breakfast this morning. (B)
