This tour showcases the most spectacular cities and natural wonders in all of South America, a region celebrated for its balmy climates and rich cultures. Begin in Santiago, Chile where you'll see the Hippodrome, O'Higgins Park, and the Statue of the Immaculate Conception. You'll get a true taste of Chile while dining on authentic food and enjoying a traditional folklore performance. Across the majestic Andes and the Argentine border, discover why the beautiful Alpine village of San Carlos de Bariloche is renowned for its chocolate on a tour of a local factory. Then you're on to Buenos Aires, the "Paris of South America," bursting with European architecture, lively boulevards, and quaint sidewalk cafes. Here you'll witness the passion and beauty of the tango during a stunning dance performance and see such landmarks as the Teatro Colon opera house and Recoleta Cemetery, where the tomb of Eva Peron is located. On a visit to an Argentine ranch, watch in amazement as the famed gauchos demonstrate their superior horsemanship skills. Afterward, enjoy music, dancing, and an asado lunch, prepared traditionally over an open fire. In Brazil, take in the breathtakingly beautiful Iguassu Falls before traveling to vibrant Rio de Janeiro. This fun-loving city has a gorgeous natural harbor, powder-soft beaches, and warm, welcoming people. You'll see the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches and visit one of the world's most famous landmarks, the enormous statue of Christ the Redeemer. End your South American adventure at one of Rio's top restaurants with a typical "Churrascaria" dinner of marinated and charcoal-roasted meats.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Overnight Flight - Board your overnight flight to South America.
Day #2 Arrive Lima, Peru - Tour Begins - Arrive this morning in the “City of Kings,” Lima, Peru. A room has been reserved for you to check in upon arrival. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a fantastic welcome dinner complete with Peruvian entertainment.
Day #3 Lima, Peru - Sacred Valley of the Incas - Fly this morning into Cuzco, in the heart of the Inca civilization. Board your coach to descend through the Andes to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This majestic valley was the agricultural center for the Incas, ranging from Pisac to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Following the route of the Urubamba River, the valley boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Peru. Learn the centuries-old methods of spinning, dyeing and weaving Andean traditional textiles during a visit to Awana Kancha, a living museum of the Peruvian Andes. Stop in Pisac village to explore the colorful handicraft market. A visit to Pablo Seminario Ceramic Studio teaches you about this internationally renowned artist's techniques and designs, inspired by ancient Peruvian cultures. Settle in this evening at your hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Day #4 Sacred Valley of the Incas - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu - Cuzco - LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Begin the day with the breathtaking Vistadome train ride through the Andes from Ollantaytambo to the mysterious Machu Picchu! Hidden by mountains and the semi-tropical jungle, the “Lost City of the Incas” is deemed the most spectacular sight on the continent of South America. Spend the day with your tour guide exploring the ruins. Return by train this evening to the majestic ancient capital city of Cuzco.
Day #5 Cuzco - Enjoy a tour of Cuzco, exploring the wonderful combination of Incan and Colonial architecture. Visit the Plaza de Armas, Santo Domingo Church, and the Cathedral, and discover the important sacred Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman Fortress. This evening revel in the Peruvian culture as you dine on local fare and see a spectacular folklore show!
Day #6 Cuzco - Lima - Return to Lima this morning. Discover the heritage and Colonial architecture of Lima during the city tour. The fashionable suburb of Miraflores, where your hotel is located, will give you an inside look at the daily life of the Limeños (people of Lima). Enjoy an evening at leisure or choose an exciting optional Peruvian Paso horse exhibition show, dinner & folklore show!
Day #7 Lima - Santiago, Chile - Welcome to Chile, a destination full of cultural and natural beauty and contrast. Enjoy a city tour of Santiago, including the Hippodrome, O’Higgins Park and the popular Cerro San Cristobal, home to the Statue of the Immaculate Conception and offering panoramic views of the Andes. Visit a bustling local market where delicacies such as Chilean sea bass are abundant.
Day #8 Santiago - Today is a day of leisure to relax, shop at modern boutiques and enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Chile’s vibrant capital city. Or, take an optional tour to the colorful port city of Valparaiso and the nearby resort of Viña del Mar, stopping at a local vineyard to learn about and sample some of Chile’s famous wines. This evening, enjoy dinner and a traditional folklore show, showcasing authentic Chilean culture.
Day #9 Santiago - Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas (Lake District) - Your tour continues to the extraordinary Lake District. Fly south to the German-inspired seaport town of Puerto Montt. In the lively Angelmo fishing village, take a stroll through the fish market to experience the flavors of southern Chile and the daily activities of the locals. View the unique cathedral, built entirely of redwood, and stroll through the local handicraft market. Transfer to the picturesque lakefront resort village of Puerto Varas, located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue.
Day #10 Puerto Varas - Bariloche, Argentina - This morning you begin the crossing of the majestic Andes. Behold the mammoth Osorno Volcano in the distance as you travel through the beautiful countryside. View the majestic and colorful Petrohue Falls before driving to the shores of the Lago Todos los Santos (The Lake of All Saints). Cruise across the lake to the rustic town of Peulla, located at the foot of the mountains. After a short stop in Peulla, enjoy a leisurely drive through the forest and the lower hills of the Andes to the Argentine border. Board a launch for a short cruise across lovely Lago Frias. Travel through the deep forest to Puerto Blest where you embark on a cruise across scenic Lake Nahuel Huapi and into South America’s first national park. Arrive this evening in Puerto Panuelo and drive to the beautiful Alpine village of San Carlos de Bariloche.
Day #11 Bariloche - Enjoy the beauty of the German-influenced village of Bariloche. You may choose to browse the many handicraft shops, indulge in the decadent chocolate for which the city is famous, or take a stroll along the scenic lake walk. Or, perhaps take an optional Circuito Chico Tour of Bariloche and take in the panoramic vistas of the picturesque mountains.
Day #12 Bariloche - Buenos Aires - Fly to the bustling city of Buenos Aires. The "Paris of South America" is bursting with beautiful European architecture, lively boulevards and quaint sidewalk cafes. This evening, savor typical Argentine cuisine and wine before experiencing the dance that has made Buenos Aires famous - a stunning tango performance. You can even try some of your own steps during an included tango lesson!
Day #13 Buenos Aires - Today enjoy a Porteños tour of the capital, viewing the lavish Teatro Colon, the famous opera house; 9th of July Avenue, one of the world's widest boulevards; Recoleta Cemetery, where the tomb of Eva Peron is located; the colorful La Boca neighborhood, and the Presidential Palace, the Casa Rosada. The afternoon is yours to independently explore this grand city.
Day #14 Buenos Aires - Travel through the famous Pampas to a typical estancia (ranch) to experience the culture and lifestyle of Argentina's famed gauchos! Watch as these skilled horsemen captivate you with their 'ring races', horsemanship and amazing feats of skill. Take part in a typical asado lunch, prepared over an open fire, and enjoy traditional gaucho music and dancing, trademarks of the Argentine culture.
Day #15 Buenos Aires - Iguazu Falls - Today you fly north to the natural wonder known as the Iguazu Falls, located on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Arrive on the Argentine side and enjoy a walk through the Argentine Falls, taking in the powerful Devil’s Throat and the breathtaking landscape. Transfer this afternoon to your tropical resort hotel with a full offering of amenities, located on the Brazilian side.
Day #16 Iguazu Falls - This morning enjoy a leisurely-paced walking tour of the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. Marvel at the majesty of these thundering waterfalls which are taller than Niagara Falls and made up of 275 different cascades. The remainder of the day is yours to explore these spectacular surroundings…perhaps you will choose to take an optional exhilarating jungle boat ride at the base of the falls or just relax at your hotel and enjoy the nature walk, wildlife and extensive swimming pools.
Day #17 Iguazu Falls - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Today you fly to the beautiful and vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, the cultural capital of Brazil. Magnificent views, beautiful beaches, great cuisine and friendly people make Rio a fantastic vacation destination.
Day #18 Rio de Janeiro - The morning is yours to soak up the sun on the beaches, take an optional tour, or simply enjoy the energy and ambiance that is Rio! Today, experience unforgettable views of Rio from the magnificent structure known as Christ the Redeemer. Ascend by train to the top of Corcovado and take in panoramic vistas of the breathtaking city of Rio. You will also view Maracana Stadium, the largest stadium in the world, and the enchanting Botanical Gardens. Tonight you have the option to attend a Samba show and see the beautiful and flamboyant costumes which make Rio famous!
Day #19 Rio de Janeiro - This morning enjoy a touching visit to Familia Santa Clara. Meet the local children and learn about the efforts of the tour group Foundation. Then, enjoy a Carioca’s tour of the city including the world-famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches and Flamengo Park. Visit the unique Metropolitan Cathedral and admire the strikingly modern architectural design. Next, take a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf to observe the natural beauty of the beaches and rolling forest from above. This evening, indulge in a typical “Churrascaria,” a true Brazilian feast of marinated and barbequed meats. This is a perfect way to end your South American experience!
Day #20 Rio de Janeiro - Tour Ends - Your tour ends in Rio de Janeiro.