Day 1/2 - ARRIVE RIO DE JANEIRO
Bemvindo ao Rio de Janeiro! Upon arrival early morning on Day 2, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your luxurious oceanfront hotel where you can enjoy the morning at leisure. Spend the afternoon with your Tour Director exploring the cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city) and its many contrasts, from the 18th century aqueduct and colonial Candelaria Church to the 20th century Opera House, Sambodromo, and city Cathedral. Stretch your loegs in lovely Flamengo Park before ascending Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car for astounding views over the city and the bay.
Day 3 - RIO DE JANEIRO SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
Board a classic cogwheel train for the journey to the summit of majestic Corcovado, site of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After admiring the panoramic views, head back down the mountain for a chance to learn about Brazil's precious gemstones. You'll be fascinated by the creative process you watch precious metals and rough gemstones transformed into works of art. See the song-inspiring Copacabana and Ipanema beaches on your way back to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure before joining your traveling companions for dinner at a local churrascaria where you will learn about and taste caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail.
Day 4 - RIO DE JANEIRO FREE TIME
Enjoy a full day to explore Rio on your own, or choose from an array of optional outings; take a half day journey by jeep and foot into the lush Tijuca National Park, the world's largest urban rainforest; perhaps explore Petropolis, the Imperial City of Brazil; or cruise emerald Sepetiba Bay, stopping at a pristine island for lunch and swimming.
Day 5 - RIO DE JANEIRO – IGUASSU FALLS
Fly to magnificent Iguassu Falls, bordering Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Enter Iguassu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to one of the world's largest waterfalls and to such endangered species as the giant otter and the giant anteater. Explore the Brazilian side of the cascades and take a scenic walk through the rainforest at the base of the falls.
Day 6 - IGUASSU FALLS - BUENOS AIRES
Cross the border to Argentina. Stop at the Visitors Center and take a scenic walk before boarding tje open-air Ecological Jungle Train for a different vantage point on the mighty falls and a spectacular view of the thunderous Devil's Throat Falls. Fly to Buenos Aires and arrive at your stylish hotel in the heart of Argentina's sizzling capital, just steps from designer boutiques, fine dining, musuems, theaters and the famous Teatro Colon.
Day 7 - BUENOS AIRES SIGHTSEEING
Join your guide and embark on an in-depth tour of this passionate city. See the Plaza de Mayo, the pink Casa Rosada, and the renowned Teatro Colon where legendary stars Maria Callas and Caruso have performed; then view the colorful and fashionable neighborhoods of La Boca, San Telmo and Palermo. Learn how Argentine leathers are turned fine leather goods at the workshop of a master leather artisan. Drive along the stately Avenida 9 de Julio, said to be the widest street in the world, to the elegant Recoleta. Here you visit the musuem dedicated to Argentina's former first lady Eva Peron (Evita) as well as the impressive cemetery where she is buried.
Day 8 - COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO EXCURSION
Cross the Rio de la Plata by hydrofoil this morning. On the Uruguayan side, a guide takes you on a walk through UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic district of the charming colonial Colonia del Sacramento. After a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy time to stroll the exclusive art galleries and shops on your own.
Day 9 - BUENOS AIRES FREE TIME
Relish a day at leisure in the "Paris of South America." If you like, take an optional trip to a traditional Argentinean estancia (ranch) for the day; share a drink with the local gauchos (cowboys), marvel at their horsemanship during a lively equestrian show and then feast on a traditional parrillada (barbeque) lunch. Back in the city, linger over a local dinner with your travel companions and taste authentic Argentinean beef. Cap off the evening watching a sensual perfomance of the best tango dancers in Buenos Aires.
Day 10 - BUENOS AIRES - BARILOCHE
Fly to the edge of the Andes and lovely resort town of San Carlos de Bariloche. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the town on your own - perhaps visit the many chocolate shops, browse the quaint boutiques or take a stroll in the parks along the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi.
Day 11 - BARILOCHE SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
Discover the natural wonders of one of Argentina's prettiest areas, known as the "Switzerland of South America." Meet your local guide and travel along the "Circuito Chico" for spectacular vistas of forests, mountains and sparkling waters in Nahuel Huapi National Park. Visit lovely Playa Bonita, soak up the scenery from hilltop St. Edward's Chapel on the Llao Llao Peninsula, and ride a chairlift to the top of Cerro Campanario for sweeping views of Lake Nahuel Huapi, the Llao Llao Peninsula, and the high peaks of Catedral and Tronador. Then, find out about Bariloche's chocolate connection with a visit to the Chocolate Museum. After a briefing on some 2,000 years of chocolate history, view the production area, and, of course, sample an array of chocolate treats.
Day 12 - BARILOCHE - ANDEAN LAKE DISTRICT CRUISE - PUERTO VARAS
Today, journey by land and water across the breathtaking Lake District straddling Argentina and Chile to marvel at some of the Southern Hemisphere's most stunning landscapes. Soak in the breathtaking scenery of snow-capped mountain peaks, gloriously green forests and sapphire blue lakes as you cruise upon lakes Nahuel Huapi and Frias and drive across the Chilean border to Peulla. Board another catamaran for the scenic crossing of the Todos Los Santos Lake with the mighty Osorno volcano looming in the background. Keep an eye out for Andean condors gliding over the lakes and mountains. Make a stop at the Petrohue River to see the burbling waterfalls cascade over the black volcanic rock. Arrive in Puerto Varas, one of Chile's most charming villages, located on the banks of Lake Llanquihue.
Day 13 - CHILOE ISLAND PATAGONIA EXCURSION
Join your local guide and take a ferry across the Chacao Channel to the isolated island of Chiloe in the northern Patagonia. Here, get acquainted with the mythical world of the island and its traditional architecture, including its typical wooden churches. Tour the 16th century fortress of San Antonio, and savor a delicious lunch of seafood in the provincial capital of Ancud. The, depending on weather conditions, visit several Magellan and Humboldt penguin colonies located on tiny, barren islands just off the island's coast.
Day 14 - PUERTO VARAS - SANTIAGO
Bid farewell to Patagonia and fly north from Puerto Montt to the Chilean capital. Upon arrival, meet your guide and embark on an orientation tour of this vibrant city, traveling past Club Hipico - the regal racetrack - and sprawling Parque O'Higgins. Cruise along Alameda Avenue past the Church of San Francisco and the University of Chile on your way to the vibrant Plaza de Armas with its fountains and sculptures. View the Palacio de la Moneda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Central Market. Drive up San Cristobal Hill for panoramic views of the city and the snow-capped Andes. Then head for the Maipo Valley, Chile's most traditional wine-producing valley known for its premium wines. Visit an exclusive winery where you will meet the expert winemaker for a personalized winery experience, from the vineyards to the bottling process. Return to Santiago and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 15 - SANTIAGO FREE TIME
Enjoy a day in Santiago on your own to explore further, or perhaps embark on an optional trip to Valparaiso, site of a historic naval battle and the seaside resort of Vina del Mar. This evening, gather with your travel companions for dinner and bid farewell to new friends and share all of your favorite memories from the trip.
Day 16 - DEPART SANTIAGO
Say hasta luego to Chile this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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Rio de Janeiro – Enjoy a cogwheel train ride through Tijuca Forest and up Corcovado Mountain to see the Christ the Redeemer statue; cable car ride to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Buenos Aires – Visit the "Paris of South America," the Evita Museum and Recoleta Cemetery and enjoy a tango show.
Colonia del Sacramento – Stroll this UNESCO World Heritage City.
Bariloche – Explore Nahuel Huapi National Park.
Andean Lake District Crossing – Cruise the "Switzerland of South America."
Chiloe Island Patagonia – Visit colonies of Magellan and Humboldt Penguins.
Puerto Varas – Chile's loveliest town.
Santiago – Delight in a Chilean folklore show in this cosmopolitan capital.
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