South American Odyssey

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.