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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
14 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • Special gourmet wine-pairing lunch to drink in the bounty of the vine at Tarapaca winery
  • Ride the funicular up San Cristobal for a panoramic view of city sights
  • Visit Patagonia, said to be one of the most beautiful areas on Earth
  • Crossing the majestic Andes Mountains
  • See the park on a 4 X 4 vehicle excursion or from the back of a horse or on a zip-line ride through the treetop canopy
  • Enjoy taking the chairlift to the top of a high hill to have a 360-degree views of the Andes
  • Experience the power and passion of the traditional tango
  • Fly from Buenos Aires to the Argentinean side of the mighty Iguazu Falls and rollicking Rio de Janeiro
  • Gondola ride to see the world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer
  • Ride to a two-stage cable car to the 1,390-foot summit of iconic Sugarloaf Mountain
ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Parks & Nature Reserves
Other: Zip Line, Off-road Auto & 4x4, Waterfalls, museum, Swimming, Local Culture
$6490USD
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Essence of South America

14-day Essence of South America inspires with in-depth discoveries of the many wonders of South America.
From the western coast of Chile to the eastern coast of Brazil by way of Patagonia, the Andes and through some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, we’ll share the pleasures of this wonderfully diverse continent with you. Discover the very best of a trio of world-class South American cities – Santiago, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro – from the finest hotels in the heart of each city. Cross the Andes and cruise on lovely lakes in full view of those mighty mountains. View spectacular Iguazu Falls from both Brazil and Argentina. Sample the fine wines of Chile and famous Argentinean beef; get a behind-the-scenes look at Rio's colorful Carnaval; feel the passion and the heat of the tango and the samba. This most enriching of South America tours is the experience of a lifetime!
Day 1: Welcome to Chile
This most comprehensive of South America tours begins at The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago at 6:30 PM. A transfer from Santiago Airport to The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago is included. Please join us for our welcome cocktail reception and dinner tonight. Lodging The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago
Lodging The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago
Description Ranked as one of the best hotels in the world by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago is a luxurious home from which to take in the history and admire the stunning natural beauty of Chile’s capital.
Day 2: Spectacular Santiago and world-renowned wines
On your first full day in South America tour the city of Santiago up-close and from a scenic hilltop perch. Visit the historic and lively Plaza de Armas, with its fountains, sculptures and intriguing people-watching opportunities, and Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago, whose classic and Baroque style was designated a National Monument. Venture outside of the city, where a special gourmet wine-pairing lunch invites you to drink in the bounty of the vine at Tarapaca winery, celebrating generations of wine-making traditions. Ride the funicular up San Cristóbal for a panoramic view of city sights, and spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Santiago. Your Tauck Director can offer suggestions for a memorable evening in this exciting city. Lodging The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago
Lodging The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago
Description Ranked as one of the best hotels in the world by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago is a luxurious home from which to take in the history and admire the stunning natural beauty of Chile’s capital.
Day 3: Gateway to Patagonia
Patagonia is said to be one of the most beautiful areas on Earth. Fly from Santiago to the Patagonian port city of Puerto Montt, founded by German immigrants in 1853. Continue on through the rolling countryside of scenic Patagonia, viewing lovely lakes and mountains, to Puerto Varas, the lakeside "city of roses," where the influence of those German settlers is seen in both architecture and beautiful gardens. Explore the interesting sights of this charming city on your own and have dinner at your leisure in your hotel. Simply sign the check to Tauck! Lodging Hotel Cumbres Patagonicas
Lodging Hotel Cumbres Patagonicas
Description This new hotel prides itself for wowing its guests with amazing lakeside views in accommodations which reflect its picture-perfect setting in ambience and decor. Each of its 92 guest rooms offers air-conditioned comfort and modern-day styling.
Day 4:A day full of adventure in the Andes
Today, we begin our two-day crossing of the majestic Andes Mountains, one of the most eagerly anticipated adventures on any South America tour, with a walk to Petrohué Rapids and a catamaran sail across Lago Todos Los Santos to Peulla, a paradise for nature lovers situated in the midst of Vincent Perez Rosales National Park. Choose to see the park on a 4 X 4 vehicle excursion*, from the back of a horse*, or on a zip-line ride* through the treetop canopy. Spend the night in a lakeside wilderness lodge and have dinner à la carte this evening. Lodging Hotel Natura
Lodging Hotel Natura
Description The bright, modern Hotel Natura, reminiscent of an Alaskan lodge, is situated in a stunning location in the Andes Mountains at the center of Parque Nacional Pérez Rosales.
Day 5: Adios, Chile! Hola, Argentina
Continue on through the stunning mountain peaks and alpine scenery of the Andes. After crossing the border into Argentina, take a short cruise across Lago Frias before boarding another boat for a cruise on Lago Todos Los Santos; keep an eye out for Andean condors floating above the surrounding mountains. Arrive at the luxurious Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, located in a spectacular area known as the "Switzerland of South America," for a two-night stay. Lodging Llao Llao Hotel & Resort
Lodging Llao Llao Hotel & Resort
Description In a stunning setting high on a hill between Lake Nahuel and Lake Moreno and framed by Mt. López, Mt. Capilla and Mt. Tronador, the magnificent Llao Llao Hotel & Resort was completely refurbished in 1993.
Day 6: Your day, your way
Every South America tour should include a leisurely day to spend doing just what you please and today's the day. There are many amenities and activities to enjoy at your resort including tennis, swimming, archery, and the Health Club and Fitness Center among others. If you decide to do some more exploring of Nahuel Haupi National Park on your own, you might enjoy taking the chairlift to the top of a high hill to take in the magnificent, 360-degree views of the Andes’ soaring mountain peaks and the lake below. Or, discover the ski-resort town of Bariloche, the largest city in the Lakes District and famous for its chocolates, as you wish. Lodging: Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Bariloche, Argentina
Lodging Llao Llao Hotel & Resort
Description In a stunning setting high on a hill between Lake Nahuel and Lake Moreno and framed by Mt. López, Mt. Capilla and Mt. Tronador, the magnificent Llao Llao Hotel & Resort was completely refurbished in 1993.
Day 7: Buenos dias, Buenos Aires
After lunch, fly to the "Paris of South America," beguiling Buenos Aires, as your most exhilarating of South America tours continues. Dinner tonight is at your home for the next three nights, the Caesar Park Buenos Aires, set among the boutiques and cafés of the elegant La Recoleta district. Lodging Caesar Park Buenos Aires
Lodging Caesar Park Buenos Aires
Description The Caesar Park Buenos Aires is located in the chic neighborhood of La Recoleta near the city’s main avenues and is considered among the 100-best hotels in Latin America by Travel+Leisure.
Day 8: Cosmopolitan delights in Argentina's Big Apple
Guided city sightseeing includes the Colon Opera House, where legendary stars such as Maria Callas, Enrico Caruso and Luciano Pavarotti have performed; the pink La Casa Rosada, which is the Presidential Palace and seat of the executive branch of government; and a visit to La Boca, a colorful bohemian barrio (neighborhood) whose early settlers included many immigrants from Italian cities such as Genoa, retaining a distinctly European flair. Today's lunch at the historic Café Tortoni entices with a taste of the rich cultural history of this centuries-old coffee house, founded in 1858. Dinner is on your own tonight – you may want to take the opportunity to sample some of the city's famous Argentine beef at dinner! Lodging Caesar Park Buenos Aires
Lodging Caesar Park Buenos Aires
Description The Caesar Park Buenos Aires is located in the chic neighborhood of La Recoleta near the city’s main avenues and is considered among the 100-best hotels in Latin America by Travel+Leisure.
Day 9: The art of living in Buenos Aires
Discover the heart of Latin American art during a fascinating visit to the Museo de Arte Latinamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA) showcasing the private collection of Eduardo Costantini. View more than 200 works by Latin American artists from the 20th century to the present day, including works by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Antonio Berni. Freshen up for an evening of dinner and dancing! Tauck has made reservations for you to enjoy a sumptuous dinner and experience the power and passion of the traditional tango, the beloved dance of Argentina, at Rojo Tango, considered to be among the finest tango shows in Buenos Aires. Lodging Caesar Park Buenos Aires
Lodging Caesar Park Buenos Aires
Description The Caesar Park Buenos Aires is located in the chic neighborhood of La Recoleta near the city’s main avenues and is considered among the 100-best hotels in Latin America by Travel+Leisure.
Day 10: In Argentina, it's Iguazu
See more of the city this morning, paying a visit to the tomb of Evita (Eva) Peron in the unique and impressive Recoleta Cemetery, famous for its elaborate marble mausoleums. South America tours are not complete without experiencing one of nature’s greatest wonders. Fly from Buenos Aires to the Argentinean side of the mighty Iguazu Falls – deeper and twice as wide as Niagara Falls – for a two-night stay. As you explore Iguazu National Park, you’ll be amazed by the sheer size of the falls and the natural beauty that surrounds them. Wherever you look, the views are breathtaking. Your hotel is set in the heart of the national park; dine tonight at the hotel's restaurant, boasting wonderful views of the thundering waters! Lodging Sheraton Iguazu Resort & Spa
Lodging Sheraton Iguazu Resort & Spa
Description Located right in the heart of Argentina’s Iguazú National Park, the Sheraton Iguazú Resort and Spa is the perfect place from which to explore the wonders of nature that surround it. Each guest room boasts a private balcony and provides air conditioning, high-speed Internet access (charge), cable TV, mini bar, refrigerator, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, direct-dial telephones and the exclusive Sweet Sleeper ™ Bed.
Day 11: Explore Iguazu National Park
Spend the day exploring the natural treasures of Iguazu National Park, designated a World Heritage Site for its rare and endangered flora and fauna. Guided hikes take you to the Superior and Inferior Circuit and Devil’s Throat, through which the falls’ largest volume of water passes. The afternoon is free for you to do as you wish. Your hotel concierge can tell you about the optional boat rides, helicopter excursions and hikes that are available here. Lodging Sheraton Iguazu Resort & Spa
Lodging Sheraton Iguazu Resort & Spa
Description Located right in the heart of Argentina’s Iguazú National Park, the Sheraton Iguazú Resort and Spa is the perfect place from which to explore the wonders of nature that surround it. Each guest room boasts a private balcony and provides air conditioning, high-speed Internet access (charge), cable TV, mini bar, refrigerator, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, direct-dial telephones and the exclusive Sweet Sleeper ™ Bed.
Day 12: In Brazil's Iguaçu... Fly to remarkable Rio
Cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge from Argentina to Brazil to view the famous falls from a different perspective this morning. Within Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park, you’ll find 275 cascades that form a waterfall a mile-and-a-half long. You’ll never forget your walk through the rainforest at the base of the falls. Later, fly to rollicking Rio de Janeiro and your oceanfront hotel on beautiful Copacabana Beach. Lodging JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro
Lodging JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro
Description Located in the center of legendary Copacabana Beach, the JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro is one of the newest 5-star luxury hotels right in the heart of the action.
Day 13: Rio... de Janeiro...
Arise in amazing Rio for an unforgettable excursion up Corcovado Hill by train to Tijuca National Park, and then by gondola to see the world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer... a highlight of the best of South America tours! Next up is a trip back down to Rio’s historic center to view the intriguing new cathedral and many of the city’s Belle Èpoque architectural treasures. Later, discover the passionate nature of Rio’s beloved Carnaval celebration, which draws visitors from around the world each year, on a visit to Samba City – where a local guide leads you on a behind-the-scenes look at the business of Carnaval and the creation of its dazzling costumes and floats, which includes an exclusive samba performance. A two-stage cable car to the 1,390-foot summit of iconic Sugarloaf Mountain rewards with stunning views. Enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner tonight! Lodging JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro
Lodging JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro
Description Located in the center of legendary Copacabana Beach, the JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro is one of the newest 5-star luxury hotels right in the heart of the action.
Last Event: Journey Home
Tour ends: Rio de Janeiro. Spend your last day in Rio as you wish, browsing in the city's museums and shops or savoring the sights on Rio's beautiful beaches. While hotel check-out time from the JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro is 12:00 noon, Tauck has reserved a hospitality room for our guests to refresh and relax before making your journey back home. Airport transfers are included; plan to arrive at the airport at least 3-1/2 hours before your flight departs.
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Carol Hollyday
We adored our trip on the 'Essence of South America'! We were surprised with the magnificent scenery, covering as much as we did, the guides…. just everything about it. Loved Santiago, Patagonia, Argentina and lastly the colorful Rio de Janeiro. I have recommended this trip to many of my friends!
Overall Rating
Guide Rating
Accommodation Rating
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Value Rating
TRIP INCLUDES
  • Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, entertainment, special dinners, sightseeing, porterage, and the services of local guides, drivers and the Tauck Director are included. Transportation is provided from Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport to The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago regardless of the date and time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the tour departure date. Transportation from the JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro to the Rio de Janeiro International Airport is also included at the end of the tour. You will also have ground airport transportation provided at the start or the end of your tour if you extend your stay at a hotel booked through us. Transfers to and from airports may be shared with other guests.
  • Hotel Accommodations - The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort.
  • Meals - Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
  • Gratuities Included - All customary gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff, and local guides are included.
  • No Options Sold - Your Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but they will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • Transportation to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.
  • Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. airport transfers are included for these extended stays as described above under Inclusive Prices. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult Extend Your Trip in the Accommodations section above on this webpage and discuss it with our reservations consultant when you book your tour.
  • Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual train and airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant. U.S. citizens arriving by air from the U.S. must pay a reciprocity fee upon entering Chile. This must be paid in cash or by credit card upon entry and prior to immigration. Travelers' Checks are not accepted. This fee is not included in the tour price. This one-time fee is good for the life of your current passport. U.S. citizens entering Argentina by airplane must pay a reciprocity fee. Because guests who are U.S. citizens on this tour cross from Chile to Argentina by boat - and not by airplane - this fee is not currently collected.
  • Director Gratuities - The customary gratuities for the Director are not included. We ask that gratuities be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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