Itinerary Highlights
- Welcoming luxury in Santiago
- Bustling Buenos Aires
- Charming Valparaiso
- Majestic Iguazu Falls
- Beautiful vineyards of Mendoza
- Sensational Rio de Janeiro
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Transfers
14 nights from £4,985 per person
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
This tailormade 15-day tour Across South America is a once-in-a-lifetime journey across Chile, Argentina and Brazil. The journey goes from the Pacific shores of Chile to the Atlantic beaches of Rio. Along the way you visit some spectacular places such as Valparaiso (a UNESCO World Heritage town), Mendoza (which is home to some of the best know wines in the world), Buenos Aires (the capital city of Argentina famous for tango, its classic architecture, plaza's and wide boulevards), as well as a visit to see both the Argentine and Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls, prior to ending up on the iconic Copacabana beachfront in Rio de Janeiro.
Itinerary
Day 1 UK - Santiago
Depart the UK for your overnight flight to Santiago, the capital city of Chile.
Day 2 Santiago
On arrival, transfer to your hotel in the bohemian Lastarria area of the city. The Cumbres Lastarria is a classic boutique style hotel with a host of restaurants, cafes, markets and shops nearby. Relax by the rooftop swimming pool or venture out and explore this modern city.
Day 3 Santiago
Half day tour incorporating the historic centre of Santiago, seeing on the way the Santa Lucia hill, the Palacio de la Moneda (Government Palace) and the Plaza de Armas, where the Cathedral, National History Museum and the Central Post Office are located. Continue to the Parque Forestal, the Fine Arts Museum and arrive at the bohemian area of Bellavista.
Day 4 Valparaiso and Vina del Mar
Full day private tour exploring the coastal towns of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar, both popular with Chileans for weekend breaks. Travel to the coast through the Curacavi and Casablanca valleys with a stop for wine tasting en route. Visit the beach area of Reñaca and the town of Viña del Mar with its flower lined streets. In the afternoon, continue to Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its individual architecture and urban planning. The town's unique setting means that funiculars are a popular mode of transport.
Day 5 Santiago - Mendoza
Today you will travel by coach through the dramatic Andes mountains to Mendoza in Argentina, one of the continent's most beautiful and scenic road journeys. As you leave the fertile Central Valley of Chile you gradually ascend through the mountains with the border crossing located at the highest point of 8,000ft. Descend into the city of Mendoza and transfer to Lares de Chacras, around 15km from the city. This is the ideal base to explore the area and take in the local wineries.
Day 6 Mendoza
Free day to visit the nearby wineries and bodegas. Hire a bike, cycle between wineries and enjoy the delicious choice of flavours such as the famous Malbec from this region. We can also arrange guided wine tours of the region and specialist guides to some of the famous wineries in the Lujan, Maipu and Tupungato areas.
Day 7 Mendoza - Buenos Aires
Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Buenos Aires. CasaSur Palermo is located in the leafy, cobblestone neighbourhood of Palermo Hollywood and close to a host of art galleries, shops and cafes. This new boutique style hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, small gym and a rooftop bar with fantastic views over the city skyline.
Day 8 Buenos Aires
Explore the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires on a half day tour. Visit the historic Plaza de Mayo surrounded by the Government House (or Pink House), the Cabildo and the cathedral. You will also visit the colourful La Boca neighbourhood with its famous and well-photographed street, 'Caminito'. The tour ends in Recoleta with a visit to the cemetery where you will visit the resting place of the famous Eva Peron. In the evening you will experience a sultry tango show at Esquina Carlos Gardel with a sumptuous Argentine style dinner.
Day 9 Buenos Aires
Free day to explore anything you have missed. Visit 9 de Julio Avenue, with its eight lanes divided by small green squares with old leafy trees and enriched by sculptures and fountains. In the middle of this avenue, in Plaza de la Republica, the obelisk arises as a symbol of the city. There are also a host of excellent cafes and restaurants in the city where you can sample typical Argentine cuisine such as empanadas.
Day 10 Buenos Aires - Iguazu
Fly from Buenos Aires to Iguazu falls and transfer to the Panoramic Hotel, perched on a hill at the Three Frontiers landmark which affords scenic views of the meeting of the Iguazu and Parana rivers. In the afternoon, visit the Argentine side of the falls. Ride the electric train to the start of the trail where you commence the walking tour, visiting the upper walkways en route to the majestic Devil's Throat. A suspended platform allows you to appreciate the volume of water pummelling into the gorge.
Day 11 Iguazu
Excursion to explore the Brazilian side of the falls. Although smaller than the Argentine park, you can still appreciate the full force of nature. There is also the opportunity to explore the Atlantic rainforest for the opportunity to spot local species of bird and the many butterflies. Return to the hotel and relax by the pool, enjoying a cold drink during the heat of the day.
Day 12 Iguazu - Rio de Janeiro
Fly to spectacular Rio de Janeiro and transfer to the Windsor Miramar, overlooking the famous Copacabana Beach. Featuring modern and sophisticated rooms, including suites, the hotel offers an ideal base to explore the vibrant city. We recommend an upgrade to a superior deluxe room or suite to fully appreciate the spectacular vista. Relax at the rooftop infinity swimming pool, with stunning views of Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer, or experience the wonderful beach service with towels, chairs and umbrellas.
Day 13 Rio de Janeiro
Join a small group for a jeep tour of the Four Wonders of Rio. Visit the majestic Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain and continue to the cool, shady Tijuca Forest. This urban forest is the largest in the world and you will stop at the Chinese View Turret for a spectacular view of Ipanema and Copacabana beaches.
Visit Sugar Loaf Mountain and take the cable car to the top and experience this iconic image of Rio. Finally, visit the Botanic Gardens, created by D. João VI in 1817 to serve as a cultivation centre of exotic plants.
Day 14 Rio de Janeiro
Free day in Rio. Relax on the famous beaches of Copacabana or Ipanema and experience the wonderful, relaxed Brazilian vibe. For those interested in history, take a trip to the historic Santa Teresa district with its cobblestone streets, small shops and cafes. In the evening, visit the Rio Scenarium for music and samba dance.
Day 15 Rio de Janeiro - UK
Private transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
14 nights from £4,985 per person
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
