Chile, Argentina, and Brazil

Day 1 - 2: Santiago

Welcome to Chile! After arriving at the Santiago Airport you will be transferred to your hotel in the city. A pre-tour briefing with your guide and the rest of your group awaits you in the hotel this evening; you'll want to confirm the exact time and place by checking the hotel's notice board or by asking the tour leader. Afterwards, you may enjoy an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant. On your second day in Santiago you'll taste some of the best wine in Chilé at the Concha y Toro Winery. You'll drive south of Santiago to scenic Pirque, a little town hidden in a picturesque valley in Maipo Canyon. Stroll around the beautiful estate, then explore the winery's cellars, located almost twenty feet underground to maintain the ideal temperature needed for storing fine wines. You'll learn about the different stages of the local wine-making process and sample the exquisite wine it produces before returning to Santiago. Spend the rest of the day exploring the capital of Chile, starting with a walking tour of the city's outstanding attractions. Next you will be driven through the main avenues of the old districts, across the Bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista and up San Cristobal Hill for a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the Andes Mountain Range. You'll also visit the modern parts of Santiago, which has elegant residential neighborhoods as well as shopping and financial districts. The tour ends at the artisan village of Los Graneros Del Alba, where you can watch the local craftsmen work on their trade. You will have time at the end of the day to walk around the village and do some shopping before returning to your hotel for your overnight.

Day 3 - 4: Puerto Varas

Transfer to Santiago airport this morning and fly to Puerto Montt, then travel to the city of Puerto Varas, "the city of the roses." Nestled on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, one of the largest natural lakes in South America, the city is well known for its German traditions, its delicious seafood, and its superb natural environment. The perfect cone of Osorno volcano and the snowcapped peaks of Mt. Calbuco and Mt. Tronador are clearly visible from the lakefront. Your second day in Puerto Varas is free for you to spend as you wish. There are several optional activities available, including a visit to the so-called Valdivian Rainforest, a unique ecological system with lush and seemingly impenetrable foliage. If you're feeling adventurous, a trek to the Osorno Volcano may be of interest. Alternatively, you may just want to sit back, relax, and take in Puerto Varas's stunning views.

Day 5: Lake Crossing to Bariloche, Argentina

Have your camera ready and capture the gorgeous scenery of the Andes as you travel east to Argentina today. You'll take the Cruce Andino boat and bus crossing service, cruising the Todos Los Santos, Frias, and Nahuel Huapi Lakes on the way to the Argentinean city of Bariloche.

Day 6: Bariloche Options / Buenos Aires Flight

Bariloche has a distinctly alpine feel to it. The city is set on the shores of the Nahuel Huapi Lake, and it's only 10 miles from the popular ski center of Cerro Catedral. You will have time in the morning for some optional excursions such as exploring the town, visiting the Patagonian Museum, or riding a cable car to the top of Cerro Otto, a mountain located just five miles from town. Viewing the gorgeous city and Nahuel Huapi Lake from 4,608 feet will take your breath away. If you have a sweet tooth then you'll definitely want to sample Bariloche's famous chocolate as well. In the late afternoon you'll fly to Buenos Aires for the final leg of your trip.

Day 7 - 8: Buenos Aires Exploration

Buenos Aires is Argentina’s capital and home to 13 million "portenos" (inhabitants). The country's history is riddled with conflicts and struggles, and even the achievement of independence in 1816 failed to resolve ongoing disputes between local residents and conservative provincial landowners. Following a succession of military juntas, Argentina now has a stable, democratic government. You'll tour the city on a bus and on foot, visiting the district of Recoleta first. This area is notable for its famous cemetery, which is so large that it is often referred to as a miniature city-within-a-city. It is also the resting place of Eva Peron, Argentina's favorite First Lady. Other stops on your tour include Palermo, Plaza San Martin, Plaza De Mayo and the colorful neighborhood of La Boca. Afterwards you'll have time to further explore the city on your own, and it may be possible to book guided tours of the Costanera Sur Bird Sanctuary, the Tigre Delta, or Madero Harbour (these additional tours are available at an extra cost). In the evening you'll have the opportunity to attend a tango show – ask your tour leader for details.

Day 9 - 10: Iguazu Falls from Both Sides

Fly up Argentina's northern border to Puerto Iguazu this morning, then travel out to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. The Falls are 66 feet higher than Niagara Falls, making them one of the most impressive natural sights in the world. The water cascades over the edge of a two mile-wide plateau, separating into 275 different waterfalls. Late afternoon you'll return to Puerto Iguazu in Argentina. On your second day here you'll visit the Argentinean side of the falls, taking in the fantastic panoramic views. If you wish, you can also take a short, optional helicopter ride over the falls for a birds-eye view of this spectacular setting.

Day 11 - 13: Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a beautiful city with a rich history. It was originally established by the Portuguese in 1560 as a small, fortified settlement on the western side of Rio de Janeiro Bay. It's name means "River of January," a reference to the month it was founded. The sugar boom and resulting slave trade caused the settlement to grow rapidly, and the population reached 50,000 by the 18th century. The city also became the chief port for a thriving gold industry. Today Rio is regarded as the holiday capital of Brazil, and its inhabitants (known as Cariocas) pursue life with zest. The city is characterized by beautiful white sandy beaches and rolling surf, with towering mountains forming a spectacular backdrop. During your time here you'll tour the city, visiting Sugar Loaf Mountain and the statue of Christ the Redeemer that sits atop Corcovado Mountain. The views from Corcovado are unbeatable, with the whole city and the surrounding mountains and lakes laid out before you. You'll also have plenty of time to explore on your own and take in the Latin American culture. The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, the vibrant nightlife, and the laid-back, friendly nature of the Brazilians will make your visit to Rio a memorable one.

Day 14: Rio de Janeiro / Onward

Your trip across the South American continent comes to an end after breakfast today. You will be transferred to the airport for your international flight home. Meals: Breakfast