Sightseeing Highlights

• Cruise in Chile’s Lake Region, on Lake Nahuel Huapi in Argentina
• Orientation of Puerto Varas
• View Devil’s Throat Falls
• Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue, Chile’s wine country, Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado
• CONNECT WITH LOCALS: Dine at the home of a local family in the bohemian neighbourhood of Palermo Soho with its Spanish-style homes and hip attitude. (Day 6)
• DIVE INTO CULTURE: Visit a winery in Chile’s Casablanca valley and meet the winemaker for a personalised winery experience including a tasting. Learn about Bariloche’s chocolate heritage with a visit to the Chocolate Museum and sample a delicious array of locally made chocolates. Experience the beauty of the Tango at a traditional milonga and learn about its traditions. Visit a Samba school to see and experience this symbol of Brazil and the important role it plays in Rio’s incredible Carnival. (Days 2, 5, 7, 13)
• LOCAL SPECIALIST: For sightseeing in Santiago, Bariloche, Buenos Aires, on both sides of Iguassu Falls and Rio de Janeiro. (Days 2, 5, 7, 9, 10)

DAY 1 Arrive Santiago (D)

Connect with the cosmopolitan verve of the Chilean capital, Santiago. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a warm Trafalgar welcome and be transferred to your luxury hotel in fashionable Las Condes. Spend the rest of the day on your terms discovering the unique personalities of each of the city’s diverse barrios. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travel companions for a Welcome Reception.
HOTEL: InterContinental Santiago or similar

DAY 2: Journey to Santiago (B/L)

This morning’s city tour with a Local Specialist includes a stop at the ornate wrought-iron Central Market where we’ll see the catch of the day and stroll past pop-up restaurants serving local favourites. We journey to wine country, visiting an exclusive winery in Casablanca Valley for a gourmet lunch served alfresco in exquisite surrounds. Connect With Locals and meet the winemakers for a personalised winery experience, followed by an opportunity to taste the fruit of his labours. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

DAY 3: Onward to Puerto Varas (B/D)

We fly south to the coastal city of Puerto Montt, then continue to Puerto Varas for a tour of the ‘City of Roses’ with our Local Specialist against the backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes. Later, we make our way to our hotel on the shores of Lake Llanquihue where we’ll enjoy the rest of the day at leisure and an included dinner.
HOTEL – Cabana del Lago or similar

DAY 4: Cross the Andes and Continue to Bariloche (B/L)

Look forward to a day of pinch me moments as you cross the Andes via land and water. Our first stop sees us watch the burbling waters of the Petrohue River cascade over black volcanic rock. We’ll cross Todos Los Santos Lake, keeping a keen eye out for giant Andean condors as the mighty Osorno Volcano with its white cap looms in the background. Admire the soul-stirring landscapes en route to Peulla where we’ll enjoy lunch. Then, cross the border into Argentina and cruise the glacial waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi. We’ll arrive in Bariloche this evening.
HOTEL – NH Edelweiss Bariloche or similar

DAY 5: Explore Bariloche (B)

Soak up the sights and sounds of the ‘Switzerland of South America’ this morning, breathing in the fresh alpine air. We’ll meet our Local Specialist and travel along the ‘Circuito Chico’ for spectacular views of forests, mountains and sparkling waters in Nahuel Huapi National Park. Visit the beach playground of Playa Bonita, soak up the scenery from the hilltop of St. Edward’s Chapel on the Llao Llao Peninsula, and ride a chairlift to the top of Cerro Campanario for sweeping views of the high peaks of Catedral and Tronador. Dive Into Culture and indulge in the rich flavours of chocolate during a visit to La Chocolaterie Van Wynsberghe, then spend the rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 6: Venture to Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America (B/D)

Leaving spectacular Patagonian landscapes behind, we fly to the passionate Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires. This evening, we’ll Connect With Locals, joining our Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Be My Guest experience dinner with a local family in Palermo Soho. Savour traditional flavours and homemade family dishes, then discover the secrets of kneading country bread. Our unforgettable local encounter continues as we watch family members engage in an elegant Tango performance.
HOTEL: Alvear Art or similar

DAY 7: Explore Buenos Aires (B/D)

Immerse yourself in the seamless mix of European elegance meets Latin energy. We’ll join a Local Specialist to see some of Buenos Aires’ most notable sites, including the Plaza de Mayo and iconic pink Casa Rosada. View the fashionable neighbourhood of La Boca, admire the opulent façade of Teatro Colon and drive along the stately Avenida 9 de Julio to the elegant Recoleta cemetery, where Argentina’s most famous sons and daughters have been laid to rest. We pay homage to the beloved former first lady of Argentina, Eva Peron, before enjoying an afternoon at leisure. This evening, we indulge in the delicious flavours of Argentine beef, the authentic tastes of world-renowned Argentinian beef. Dive Into Culture later, watching the sensual, stirring moves of a traditional Tango performance.

DAY 8: Buenos Aries You Way (B)

Get a taste of life as a porteño this morning, embracing the energy of this passionate South American hub on your terms. Perhaps, admire the works of Degas, El Greco and Van Gogh at the Museum of Bellas Artes or stroll around the colourful stalls that line one of the local markets. Take to the countryside and consider spending the day at a traditional estancia (ranch) for the Fiesta Gaucha (festival of the cowboy), where you’ll be entertained by a lively equestrian show and enjoy a traditional parrillada (barbecue) lunch. Or, Head to the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta on this outing. The delta features pretty scenery, lovely summer residences, relaxing vibe, yachting and a chance to see another way of Argentine life.

DAY 9: Journey to Iguassu Falls (B/D)

Journey to the thundering cascade of Iguassu Falls, where we’ll meet our Local Specialist for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Iguassu National Park. Board an open-air ecological jungle train delving deep into its subtropical rainforest. Walk along the catwalk peering down into the swirling waters of Devil’s Throat Falls. We’ll cross the border into Brazil for an evening at leisure and dinner at our resort. HOTEL: The Bourbon Cataratas Resort or similar

DAY 10: Soak in the Brazilian Side of Iguassu Falls (B)

Rediscover the ‘Big Waters’ and return to Iguassu National Park, where you’ll join a Local Specialist who will guide your discovery of the Brazilian side of the falls. Walk through the rainforest at the base of the falls and peer at its majesty through the powerful spray. We enjoy an evening at leisure.

Optional Experience: Macuco Safari Jetboat Ride

Take a thrilling jetboat ride to the bottom of Macuco falls. Enjoy a open-air tram ride with a local specialist through the subtropical jungle to reach the jetboat. Or Visit a bird park: Enjoy a self-guided walking tour along a well-marked trail through subtropical forests. Enter aviaries to get more of an up close and personal view of the birds.

DAY 11: Off to Rio de Janeiro (B)

We bid farewell to the falls and fly to sultry Rio de Janeiro. You’ll be transferred to your hotel overlooking the colourful Copacabana Beach. HOTEL: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana or similar

DAY 12: Rio de Janeiro & Sugarloaf Mountain (B)

Begin your exploration of the cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city) with your Local Specialist, ascending Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for astounding bay and city views. Then return to the city for a tour with our Local Specialist before spending the rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 13: Uncover the Sights and Sounds of Rio de Janeiro (B/D)

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 Seven Wonders of the World. We join our Local Specialist to explore more of the city’s iconic sights. Later this afternoon, we’ll Connect With Locals during a visit to a local Samba school where we’ll gain insights into how the school prepares for the pageantry of Carnival week. View the colourful costumes and immerse yourself in the rhythms of Samba as you participate in a dance lesson. This evening, Dive Into Culture and experience the flavours of churrascaria linger at our Farewell Dinner. As our hosts demonstrate how to mix the perfect caipirinha, we toast to an epic South American journey. Saude!

DAY 14: Farewell Rio de Janeiro (B)

Enjoy a day at leisure until your transfer to the airport or choose to extend your stay.