16 Days - Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu falls, Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Peulla, Puerto Varas, Puerto Montt, Santiago
Day 1 - Arrive Rio de Janeiro
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro. Transfer to the hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure.
Day 2 - Rio de Janeiro City Tour
Tour Rio by 4WD vehicle, driving along beaches, the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon and the Cosme Velho neighborhood. Take a cogwheel train ride up Corcovado and see the Christ the Redeemer statue. Continue on through the Tijuca rainforest. Enjoy an afternoon cable-car excursion up the cone of Sugar Loaf. Dinner at the Pompano Oceano. (BLD)
Day 3 - Rio de Janeiro
The entire day is at leisure for independent pursuits. You may want to take an optional excursion to Petropolis. (B)
Day 4 - Rio de Janeiro / Iguassu Falls
Fly to Iguassu. Enjoy a guided walking tour along the Brazilian side of these amazing waterfalls. Later check in at hotel. (B)
Day 5 - Iguassu Falls – Iguassu National Park Excursion
Visit the Argentinean side of the Iguassu Falls National Park to take a guided walking tour of this natural wonderland. The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 6 - Iguassu Falls / Buenos Aires
Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and transfer to the hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to settle in and get acquainted with the area. (B)
Day 7 - Buenos Aires City Tour
Your guided tour includes a stop at the Plaza de Mayo, where you will find Casa Rosada, where Eva Peron and her husband addressed crowds. Next, see the Cabildo (town hall) and Metropolitan Cathedral before heading to San Telmo and La Boca. Also visit Recoleta cemetery, the burial site of Eva Peron. Continue along Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world. Finally, stop at Palermo before returning to your hotel. This evening, enjoy dinner at an excellent restaurant. Experience Argentina’s sensual music, dance and culture during a full tango show. (BD)
Day 8 - Buenos Aires (Montevideo)
The day is at leisure to pursue independent activity. You may take a full-day optional trip to Montevideo, or a full-day tour to Colonia del Sacramento. (B)
Day 9 - Buenos Aires / Bariloche
Fly to Bariloche, the heart of the Argentine Lakes District. Transfer to the lakeside hotel where sailboards, canoes and mountain bikes are provided free for guests’ use. (B)
Day 10 – Bariloche
This morning, enjoy a tour of the spectacular scenic surroundings, including a visit to the Campaneiro viewpoint. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (BD)
Day 11 – Bariloche / Andean Lakes Crossing / Peulla
Navigate the full length of the Blest arm of the Nahuel Huapi Lake on a catamaran. Depart from Puerto Pañuelo, sailing west past the Patagonian rain forest. Continue to Puerto Alegre on Frías Lake. From there sail again, getting a first glimpse of Mount Tronador. Disembark at Port Frías and pass through Argentine customs. Continue by bus through the Andes Range, crossing the Argentinean-Chilean border at Vicente Pérez Rosales Pass. Then drive to Peulla and cross Chilean customs. The afternoon is free to explore the surrounding area on your own. (BLD)
Note: Chilean visa fees is payable upon arrival at crossing point. They accept US currency and travelers checks only. Credit Cards are not accepted.
Day 12 – Peulla / Andean Lakes Crossing / Puerto Varas
Continue by catamaran along Todos los Santos Lake, catching glimpses of Puntiagudo Mountain and the impressive Osorno volcano. In Petrohue, you will get on the bus again, making a stop at Petrohue Falls. Then, going around Lake Llanquihue, you will arrive at Puerto Varas. (B)
Day 13 – Puerto Varas / Puerto Montt / Santiago
This morning, tour Puerto Varas, visiting Philippi Hill for a view of the city. En route to Puerto Montt, stop at Calvario Hill for another panoramic view. Visit picturesque Angelmó Cove. Fly this afternoon to Santiago, Chile. On arrival, you are met and transferred to the hotel. (B)
Day 14 – Santiago – City Tour
Santiago, in its beautiful setting in the Andes, is a delight of sidewalk cafes, flower-filled parks and a well-preserved historic quarter. Your city tour includes such highlights as the city’s colonial cathedrals and historic Plaza de Armas, the wrought iron Mercado Central and hillside neighborhoods. Continue to the park at the top of San Cristobal Hill. (B)
Day 15 – Valparaiso & Vina Del Mar
This morning, enjoy a visit to the William Cole Winery in Casablanca Valley. A guide will provide you with a technical explanation of wine production, followed by a look at the vineyards and a visit to the tasting room for some wine sampling. Continue on to the port city of Valparaiso and the chic resort town of Viña del Mar. Enjoy lunch at Portofino Restaurant. (BL)
Day 16 – Depart Santiago
The day is at leisure. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home. (B)
