12 Days Santiago, Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires

Tour overview
This exciting itinerary gives you the opportunity to sample the highlights of South America with a taste of everything that makes this massive continent so alluring. Pre-Columbian life, colonial history, natural beauty and modern sizzle blend to make every day a day of adventure and discovery.

Day 1 - Arrive Santiago
Arrive in Santiago, the capital of Chile, a country with 2,650 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline. The balance of the day is free.

Day 2 - Santiago - City Tour
Visit the civic center, La Moneda Palace and the Pre-Columbian Museum, home to a large collection of ancient artifacts. Also visit Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by the Cathedral Metropolitana, the National Historical Museum and the central post office. Visit the Central Market, which offers fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables and flowers. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 3 - Santiago / Valparaiso & Viña Del Mar
Drive through Chile‘s wine country to the historic port of Valparaiso and continue along the coast to Viña del Mar. This chic seaside resort, with its palm tree-lined avenues and lovely villas, truly deserves the name “Pearl of the Pacific.” Return to Santiago later this afternoon. (B)

Day 4 - Santiago / Rio de Janeiro
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 5 - Rio de Janeiro - City Tour / Corcovado
This morning, ride by cable car to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain to enjoy spectacular views. Later, drive along the Leblon and Ipanema beaches before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch, visit Corcovado, taking a cogwheel train up to the Christ the Redeemer statue. En route, see Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and the traditional Cosme Velho neighborhood. (BL)

Day 6 - Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax and pursue independent activities. (B)

Day 7 - Rio de Janeiro / Iguassu Falls
Fly to Iguassu. Transfer to your hotel, which overlooks the famous Iguassu Falls. Enjoy a walking tour with a local guide along the Brazilian side of the amazing waterfalls. (BD)

Day 8 - Iguassu Falls - Iguassu National Park Excursion
Travel by coach to the Argentine side of the falls. Continue to Iguassu National Park to enjoy a guided walking tour. Your afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a barbecue dinner and Latin show at the Rafain Hotel. (BD)

Day 9 - Iguassu Falls / Buenos Aires
Fly to Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 10 - Buenos Aires - City Tour
Your tour includes a stop at Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada, where Eva Peron and her husband addressed the crowds from a balcony. See the Cabildo (town hall) and Metropolitan Cathedral before heading to San Telmo, La Boca and Recoleta cemetery. Continue along Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world. Finally, stop at Palermo before returning to the hotel. This evening, enjoy dinner at one of Buenos Aires’ excellent restaurants. Experience Argentina’s sensual music, dance and culture during a full tango show. (BD)

Day 11 - Buenos Aires
The day is at leisure so you can pursue independent activities. You may want to take a full-day optional trip to Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. (B)

Day 12 - Depart Buenos Aires
The day is at leisure. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home. (B)