BUENOS AIRES, RIO DE JANEIRO, IGUASSU FALLS, SANTIAGO, BARILOCHE & LAKE REGION
There are many South American travel packages you can book, but our comprehensive tour brings you to all the must-see sites of Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. From the bustling urban centers of sophisticated Santiago, Buenos Aires (the “Paris of the South”), and Rio de Janeiro—watched over by none other than Christ the Redeemer—to the natural wonders of the Andean Mountains, Chilean Lake District, Bariloche, Argentine Pampas, and the Iguassu Falls that span two countries. Memorable experiences on this 16-day escorted tour includes traveling along one of National Geographic’s 10 Most Scenic Drives in the World, a visit to the grave of the infamous Evita Peron, an authentic Gaucho Fiesta, and a passionate tango performance.
Did you know you can make this tour private? Find out about pricing and options
for groups of 15 or more travelers.
Itinerary at
a Glance
Tour Itinerary:
- 2 nights in Santiago
- 1 night in Puerto Varas
- 2 nights in Bariloche
- 4 nights in Buenos Aires
- 2 nights in Iguassu Falls
- 2 nights in Rio de Janeiro
Tour Highlights
- San Cristobal Hill (Santiago)
- Picturesque Bariloche
- Buenos Aires City Tour
- Tango Lesson & Show (Buenos Aires)
- Iguassu Falls
- Sugar Loaf Mountain (Rio)
- Copacabana (Rio)
Your Tour Includes
- Optional round-trip airfare from Miami (MIA) including taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- All intra-South America flights & ground transportation
- Accommodations at deluxe & superior first-class hotels
- 22 meals: 14 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 6 dinners (D)
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours and admission fees
- English-speaking Tour Director throughout and local guides
Max Group Size: 30 travelers
For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit
our Before You Depart section.
Click the Day by Day itinerary above (or swipe on mobile devices) to see the experiences that await on each day of your tour.
This morning, you’ll touch down in Santiago, the lively capital of Chile, located between the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Andes. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive package will begin a tour of Santiago with a light breakfast upon arrival. Ride to the top of San Cristobal Hill for a bird’s-eye view of the city and the Andean mountain range. Later, learn more about Santiago’s charms and history from a local expert who will take you on a tour of the Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square, and the nearby Cathedral. You’ll also see the Palacio de la Moneda—home of the president—and the Bohemian section of Bellavista with its art galleries, restaurants, and vibrantly colored homes. This tour concludes upon arrival at your upscale hotel, home base for an afternoon at your leisure. In the evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a brief information session, followed by a welcome dinner.
Accommodations: Pullman Santiago Vitacura Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
You have the entire day to explore Santiago your way, at your own pace—or by joining an optional excursion. We recommend the Full-Day Vina del Mar, Valparaiso, and Winery Tour. It’s your chance to discover two enchanting coastal towns—Vina del Mar, known as the “Garden City,” and Valparaiso, also called the “Jewel of the Pacific”—as well as sip and savor the fruits of Chile’s thriving wine-making industry.
Accommodations: Pullman Santiago Vitacura Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Today, you’ll board a short flight to the southern port city of Puerto Montt, gateway to the Chilean Lake District. Upon arrival, enjoy a magnificent lookout over the city and bay before arriving in the nearby village of Puerto Varas, known as the “City of Roses.” Arrive at your hotel within walking distance of the magnificent lake. On a clear day, you’ll also enjoy views of Mount Osorno, a stunning, snow-capped volcano. Relax and linger over dinner at the hotel tonight.
Accommodations: Radisson Hotel Puerto Varas or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s unforgettable excursion is reputed to be one of the most scenic in the world. Traverse the Andean Mountains through the Lake District from Chile to Argentina. Enjoy dramatic landscapes, spectacular emerald green lakes, thundering waterfalls, snow-covered volcanoes and dense forests. The breathtaking scenery unfolds as you journey along winding roads overlooking the magical lakes of Chile’s Puyehue National Park and into Argentina’s equally amazing Nahuel Huapi National Park. Later in the day, you’ll arrive in the postcard-perfect town of Bariloche.
Accommodations: Hotel NH Bariloche Edelweiss or similar
Meals: Breakfast
With an idyllic setting reminiscent of the Swiss Alps, Bariloche is a lakeside town easily explored from your hotel. This morning, enjoy some time at your leisure—consider browsing the many nearby chocolate shops or enjoy a cup of coffee with a lake view. This afternoon, enjoy a “Small Circuit Tour,” recognized by National Geographic as one of the 10 most scenic drives in the world—highlighted by the forest, lakes and mountains surrounding Bariloche. The tour begins at Nahuel Huapi Lake, crosses the residential Melipal district and arrives at Playa Bonita, located in front of Huemul Island. At the base of Campanario Hill, you can take a chair lift to the 3,444-foot summit for breathtaking views of Nahuel Huapi, St. Peter’s Peninsula, Victoria Island, the Catedral Mountains and more. Continue to the Llao Llao Peninsula where St. Edwards Chapel and the Llao Llao Hotel, two architectural gems, are nestled. You’ll continue, crossing the Angostura River, which joins lakes Moreno, Nahuel Huapi and Lopez Bay at the foot of Lopez Mountain. Arrive at a natural overlook to enjoy imposing views of Moreno Lake and the Llao Llao Peninsula before returning to downtown Bariloche. This evening, enjoy a traditional three-course barbeque dinner with wine.
Accommodations: Hotel NH Bariloche Edelweiss or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital, often called the “Paris of the South.” The city is an exotic mix of European heritage and Latin spirit, evident in its architecture, culture and lifestyle. You’ll travel the Avenida 9 de Julio, the world’s widest avenue, to your downtown hotel.
Accommodations: Loi Suites Recoleta or similar
Meals: Breakfast
On this morning’s guided tour see the Plaza de Mayor—Argentina’s most famous square, the iconic Opera House and the historic La Boca district, known for its street tango performances. You’ll then proceed to the elegant Recoleta district and the final resting place of the infamous Evita Peron. Prior to being interred here 24 years after her death, Evita’s remains were stolen and brought to Italy before being returned to her exiled husband in Madrid and being buried by his side in the Presidential Palace three years later. Then, finally, Evita was laid to rest in her family’s crypt here in Recoleta Cemetery. After the tour, spend the afternoon at your leisure. Tonight, experience the unique opportunity to take your first steps in tango. Learn the basic moves and have fun during your dance lesson with professional tango dancers. Afterward, enjoy a delicious dinner and an exhilarating performance of the tango, South America’s passionate dance.
Accommodations: Loi Suites Recoleta or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel outside the city on a full-day excursion to the Argentine Pampas, where the native gauchos raise the cattle and other livestock that graze on the long grasses of these flatlands. Visit an estancia (ranch) and enjoy a sumptuous barbecue lunch with wine followed by an authentic Gaucho Fiesta, complete with horse riding and a folklore show.
Accommodations: Loi Suites Recoleta or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
The day is yours to spend however you like. Interested in taking a deeper dive into the city sites? Take a “behind the scenes” tour of the ornate Colon Opera House, visit the shops lining the renowned Florida Street or relax in one of the many outdoor cafes and parks. If you’d rather escape to nature, you can join the optional half-day Tigre Delta tour on the outskirts of Buenos Aires to enjoy the beautiful rivers, streams and numerous green islands.
Accommodations: Loi Suites Recoleta or similar
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, board a short flight to the Argentinean side of Iguassu Falls. You’ll soon discover why this is considered one of the greatest natural wonders of the world! Set at the border of Argentina and Brazil, the falls consist of 275 inlets and cataracts that send their cascades roaring 250 feet below. Enjoy a ride on the ecological train through the rainforest for a spectacular close-up view of the falls. Proceed to your deluxe hotel which is set amidst lush tropical gardens.
Accommodations: Bourbon Cataratas do Iguaçu or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Because Iguassu Falls is too spectacular to leave behind just yet, today you’ll be afforded a view of the dramatic Brazilian side of the falls and surrounding lush sub-tropical vegetation on an included morning tour. The afternoon is free for independent activities, shopping, or relaxing beside your hotel’s hot-spring-fed pool.
Meals: Breakfast
Today, you’ll catch a flight to Rio de Janeiro, often described as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Sprawling between lush tropical mountains and the exquisite beaches of the Atlantic, Rio’s natural beauty and the warmth of its people will win your heart. This afternoon, you’ll ascend imposing Sugar Loaf Mountain by cable car to the 1,300-foot summit for stunning views of the city and surroundings. Later, you’ll ride beside the white-sand beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema before arriving at your luxurious hotel.
Accommodations: Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a full day at leisure! How will you do Rio? Jewelry fans will love shopping for authentic gemstones. Culture hounds can explore the city’s museums and historic monuments. Sunbathers can spend the day basking in the rays on the beach. If you’d rather get out of the city, you can join our optional full-day excursion to the picturesque mountain resort of Petropolis, 42 miles away. It’s such a desirable destination that Pedro II, the last emperor of Brazil, had a summer palace built there. Tonight, you’ll celebrate with your fellow travelers at a festive dinner.
Accommodations: Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Before leaving the big city, enjoy a tour of downtown Rio! Our morning tour takes us to a cog railway that leads through the rainforest up to Corcovado Mountain, a 2,300-foot peak crowned by the landmark statue of Christ the Redeemer. The views from the top of the mountain are dazzling! Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive package will transfer to the airport later today for our return flight to the U.S.
Meals: Breakfast
We are working diligently to secure future tour dates and pricing for
this itinerary. Please fill out the "Request a Future Date" form
linked below, and we will notify you once dates are available.
Optional Tours
Customize your trip with these optional tours.
Enhance your trip with our recommended optional tours.
Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book
when you reserve your trip and can be added to your
reservation up to final payment. This is the best option
to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour!
Optional tours require a minimum number of participants.
Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and
may cost extra. The payment methods and currency
information to purchase tours in-destination will be
provided on final documentation.
Enjoy an all-day excursion exploring Chile’s enchanting Pacific Coast cities and discovering its thriving wine-making industry. You’ll travel through lush countryside to Viña del Mar, Chile’s sophisticated summer resort. Continue to Valparaiso, Chile’s second-largest city, where 17 steep hills rise above the bustling port. Walk through the twisted cobblestone alleys and ancient ascensores and stop at one of the charming seaside restaurants for lunch (at your own expense). This afternoon, visit William Cole Vineyard in Chile’s famed wine-growing region. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the winery and experience a tasting before departing back to Santiago. (Minimum of 10 participants required)
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
The Tigre Delta, located on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, boasts rivers, streams and numerous green islands, making it one of the most attractive destinations for visitors. The continuous sediment of the Parana River, which gives the river and estuary their particular brownish-red color, forms the Delta Islands. After arrival, enjoy a delightful one-hour boat ride along the waterways. En route to the Delta, you will cross the Northern suburbs of the city, where you’ll see some of the most exclusive mansions facing the river. (Minimum of 8 participants required)
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Enjoy a perfect excursion to the picturesque mountain resort of Petropolis, the summer home to the former Brazilian Imperial Family. You’ll enjoy a scenic drive on a private Macro Bus from Rio to quaint Petropolis, with its breezy mountain climate and magnificent views from 2,500 feet above sea level. En route, you’ll enjoy a tasty stop for fresh Brazilian bananas before visiting a chocolate factory. Then tour the Imperial Museum, once the Summer Palace, with collections featuring jewels and works of art once owned by the Imperial Family as well as the Crown and Scepter of Brazil’s last Emperor. You’ll also visit the Old Cathedral and have some time to see the sights—including the charming village square and elegant mansions. To cap off your full-day excursion, you’ll visit the lively Hippie Market in Ipanema, where you’ll have some time to explore, before returning to the hotel. (Minimum of 10 participants required)
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Enjoy a Carnival experience with a guided visit to the Samba School in the "City of Samba". We'll learn about the history of the Samba and the Carnival Parades. Enjoy a special drink and dance class with dancers at the school during your visit.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Featured Accommodations
Formerly the Atton Vitacura
Spacious accommodations with city, mountain and golf course views.
Vitacura 3201, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile
Website
Nestled beside Lake Llanquihue, this hotel has an indoor pool and on-site spa.
Del Salvador 024, Esquina Av. Costanera, Puerto Varas, Chile
Website
Steps from Nahuel Huapi Lake and minutes from city shopping and dining.
San Martin 202, Bariloche, Argentina
Website
Situated in the lovely Recoleta neighborhood filled with art galleries, restaurants, and parks, the hotel features a swimming pool, restaurant, fitness center, and WiFi. Rooms feature a safe, minibar, and flatscreen TV.
Vicente López 1955,
128ACC CABA, Argentina
Website
This resort hotel boasts a pool with a swim-up bar, restaurant, fitness center, sauna, and more! Rooms feature a safe, flatscreen TV, hairdryer, and mini-fridge.
Av. das Cataratas km 2,5, Nº 2345
Website
The city’s only beachfront resort with spa and private balconies.
Avenida Niemeyer, 121-Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, 22450-220, Brazil
Website
Rick P
Great tour! Great use of our time. Every place we visited was very interesting. Our tour guide Fernando Bordallo is wonderful. Fernando was knowledgeable, organized and everyone was very important to him. We love Smartours because they have great tour guides with excellent itineraries at a reasonable price. We have always also found our fellow travelers to be fun to share our experiences with.
Heather T
Excellent guide. Wonderful small group size.
Nice hotels. We appreciated the upgrades for smart travelers.
Trip home was down side--long trip going via Lima
Gilbert C
1. We loved that you didn't cancel the trip even though there were only 6 of us.
2. Fernando, our tour director, was great. He is the best we have ever had.
3. All of the local guides and drivers were good. We enjoyed all of them.
4. We could have used more time in Rio. You should bring back the optional time that you used to have in Rio. All 6 of us would have stayed longer.
5. Most of the flights were good. However, the flight from Rio to Lima was terrible. We felt cramped, it was too hot, and there was no video entertainment to take our minds off of the bad situation. I don't think it was a proper plane for a 5 hour flight.
Overall we had a great time.
Lilia S
This was the best tour ever. Everything was excellent and the tour director Fernando made it even more enjoyable. He is the best, the whole group loved him! The Lake Region is stunning and the Iguazu Falls unbelievable. We enjoyed the tango clubs in Buenos Aires and the ski resort of Balerocce. We will do it again.
David
Wonderful, South American Odyssey. Met many wonderful people. The hotel were outstanding.
Michael
The tour to South America exceeded our expectations marked by outstanding tour guides and breathtaking sceneries and excellent accommodations. Fernando, the tour director Was very instrumental in making this trip very successful and enjoyable.
Dona M
This was our first Smartours trip and a great start to many more! Kristina Hagelstam, our Tour Guide, went well above the call of duty to attend to our every need. The hotels were excellent, the food great, and the scenery beautiful. We especially liked the Chilean Lake District, Bariloche, Buenos Aires, and Iguassu Falls. In the Optional Tours, don't miss the Afternoon "Small Circuit Tour." The views are spectacular.
Leslie D
Trip of a lifetime and excellent guide; loved Fernando. Guides all had so much knowledge and definitely would love to go on another trip with Smart Tours.
Betty L
Fantastic trip What did I like best? All of it. Memories for a lifetime.
Helena A
Excellent Tour
http://webgraphic.us/photography/buenos-aires/index.html
and Tango just WOW...
http://webgraphic.us/photography/tango/index.html
robert r
Another excellent tour with Betty Levin and the professional staff at smarTours. I was amazed at all the sites we visited, the very nice hotels, the wonderful meals. And we had a great group of travelers who joined us, people literally from all around the U.S. and the world. Their varied travel experiences
added a dimension to our tour which made it even more interesting. I'll be back for another tour soon.
Arlene
wonderful trip. of us took the South American Odyssey the middle if January. Our Guide, Alex was wonderful. He was knowledgable, personable, and lots of fun. He made each day fun and full of energy. The itinerary was very good including cities, Iguazu Falls, the Lake District and a day on the Pampas. Absolutely loved Buenos Aires and to my surprise, Rio was my least favorite. I highly recommend this trip and hooefullly you will have Alex to make it even better.
Karen T
Kristina was a wonderful tour leader and all the tour guides for each location were enthusiastic about their country. The included meals were great. My favorite places were Bariloche and Iguassu Falls, but the cities we visited were also exciting. Would highly recommend the tour if you want to see the highlights of South America.
Laurie t
This is a wonderful trip! Chile is a very interesting country -good economy. Much diversity from the coast thru the mountains. The Lake District was so beautiful! Argentina is again very diverse-from the pampas to a very European city. The estancias, the Cowboys & the BBQ-delicious! Buenos aires history-think Duarte , Eva Peron. Iguassu is beautiful on both borders! Rio-Christ the redeemer statue, the beaches,-all beautiful!
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