TRIPS

Placeholder

Scenic South America – 13 Days

$ 2,195.00

Start from Santiago de Chile, crossing high Andes Mountain to Mendoza, Land of Sun & Good Wine. Visit Buenos Aires and then to Iguazu to hear the Beat of Nature. Finish in marvelous Rio de Janeiro,

Description

DAY 01 – SUNDAY SANTIAGO DE CHILE
Upon arrival at the international airport in Santiago, transfer from the airport to the hotel.

You may add a pre-extension to Atacama for the ultimate South American experience.

Hotel Neruda Express
Classic
Featured Classic Hotel or similar

  • Standard Room

Hotel Marina Las Condes
Superior
Featured Superior Hotel or similar

  • Standard room


Santiago de Chile is a city of contrasts with traces of its colonial past mixed with the ultramodern, high-rise buildings of the financial center; Chile’s capital will surprise you.

This afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Santiago de Chile. The tour begins by heading south through the downtown area, to get to the heart of the city. From here you head along the famous Alameda, Santiago’s colorful main avenue, were you’ll see some important iconic constructions such as the Chilean University, San Francisco Church and the Santa Lucia Hill, site of Santiago’s foundation in 1541.

Continue towards the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral. Very close from here is the famous Central Market, which is the main market for fresh fish and seafood, an interesting building, dating back to the end of the 19th century: It is a steel construction, built in London and brought to Chile by ship.

Afterwards, you continue the tour crossing the Mapocho River to reach the bohemian Bellavista district on the way to the San Cristobal Hill. From one of the hill’s viewpoints, you will have the finest views of Santiago and the Andes Mountains.

To round off the tour, you will pass through the modern residential areas of the city with their daring architecture to come back to your hotel.

DAY 02 – MONDAY SANTIAGO DE CHILE (B)
Start your tour with a visit to a winery in the Casablanca Valley, one of the country’s prime growing areas for Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Primus. Learn about the wine production processes, and taste a selection of great wines.

Continue your tour in the modern seaside city of Viña del Mar. Here, see the flower clock, the casino, several beaches, the main square “Plaza Vergara” and shop on a nearby avenue.

Take the coastal highway towards Valparaíso. Pass by the main square where you can see the monument honoring the 1879 Naval Battle of Iquique. Declared a World Heritage by UNESCO, Valparaíso offers unique ocean landscapes with colorful neighborhoods, picturesque cobblestone streets, and old cable cars.

DAY 03 – TUESDAY SANTIAGO DE CHILE – MENDOZA, ARGENTINA (B)
Today you can choose either a short flight or a full day by road crossing the majestic Andes to Mendoza, Argentina.

If you decided to go overland, then you will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to the bus terminal in Santiago downtown and board the comfortable public bus to Mendoza.

Enjoy an impressive drive with spectacular mountain views, passing the city of Los Andes, “Ruta 60” along the hillside of the Andean Mountains, Portillo, Chile’s most important centre of winter sports located at the foot of the Aconcagua, the highest mountain of South America.

Crossing Chilean and Argentinean Border through a tunnel, then rads leads downhill to the “Puente del Inca” (“Inca Bridge”), a strange rock formation resembling a bridge crossing the Mendoza River. Pass by Argentina’s best-known ski resort Los Penitentes before reaching Mendoza and you are transferred to the hotel.

If you prefer to fly, after breakfast you will be transferred to the airport in Santiago for you flight and on arrival in Mendoza, you are met and transferred to the hotel.

Remark: Road Closure might occur due to severe weather conditions in spring or autumn, in such case passengers will need to fly from Santiago to Mendoza. For the departures in winter between April and August, the only transportation from Santiago to Mendoza will be by air.

Hotel Huentala
Classic
Featured Classic Hotel or similar

  • Standard Room

Hotel Huentala
Superior
Featured Superior Hotel or similar

  • Suite room

DAY 04 – WEDNESDAY MENDOZA (B)
The most famous city in Argentina due its excellent wines, Mendoza possessing the 70% of the vineyards of the country and same percentage of wine production and is the main enological center of South America. The city is surrounded by snow capped mountains and healthy air. Through a special irrigation method the city is located in a very fruitful valley. It almost never rains in Mendoza.

Today, we depart to Mendoza’s agricultural oasis where you have the opportunity to visit two different vineyards to understand the complete wine making process enjoying a wine tasting.

You combine a visit to one craft / handmade winery and other of high quality technology to see the differences in the production of great wines.

Wineries at Lujan de Cuyo area:
Catena Zapata – Lagarde – Luiggi Bosca – Alta vista – Cavas de Weinert – Belasco de Baquedano – Achaval Ferrer – Sottano – Finca Decero – Melipal – Benegas

Wineries at Maipu area:
Lopez – La Rural (Wine museum) – Trapiche – Viñas del Cerno – Carina e – Vistandes – Cavas de Don Arturo

Remark: Please note that wineries to visit during these tours might change without prior notice. Most wineries are opened Monday till Friday. Saturdays, Sundays & holidays some might remain closed.

DAY 05 – THURSDAY MENDOZA (B)
Full day is free to explore Mendoza on your own.

You may wish to join a city tour and learn about the culture and history of its foundation by the Spanish colonizers four centuries ago by visiting the oldest part at Pedro del Castillo Square, the Alameda of General San Martin, the Museum of “Area Fundacional” and the ruins of San Francisco Church, last testimony of Mendoza city before the earthquake that took place in 1861.

Along tree lined streets, hosed down by irrigation ditches, you will drive to the new city area and its squares such as Plaza Independencia, Plaza España, downtown with its main avenues and the Civic Center until getting to the General San Martin Park with its beautiful entrance door, the lake and rose garden.

Continue up to the Hill of Glory, where you will see the imposing monument built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Argentinean Independence, the crossing of the Andes and in honor to our National heroes. The Hill of Glory is also a popular spot for panoramic views.

There is a wide selection of optional tours form more winery and wine tasting to Andes Mountain Hiking, to local community and local culture experience.

DAY 06 – FRIDAY MENDOZA – BUENOS AIRES (B)
Transfer from the hotel in Mendoza to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires has a strong European influence which is reflected by its refined taste in cooking, its luxury boutiques and in the elegance of its inhabitants. Despite modern constructions and dynamic activity, it has managed to preserve old traditions and charming corners.

The cosmopolitan atmosphere and the individual personality of each of its neighborhoods fascinate its visitors. Almost 13 million people live there and can enjoy the plentiful nightlife. During the day, a wide variety of attractions is offered: museums, art galleries, antique stores, large green areas and parks, renowned sporting events and golf courses. This is the birthplace of tango music, which is included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

On arrival, you are transferred from the airport to your hotel and the rest of the day at leisure to explore this beautiful city on own.

Hotel Loi Suites Esmeralda
Classic
Featured Classic Hotel or similar

  • Studio

Hotel Grand Brizo Buenos Aires
Superior
Featured Superior Hotel or similar

  • Comfort room


You can also join an optional tour for an Argentina culinary experience.
This is not a cooking class, but a fun and unique experience that introduce you to the best of Argentine cuisine and culture.

After a welcome drink, you will try Patagonian trout tartar served with Torrontes wine. Choose from the gourmet fillings and create your own empanada learning the traditional ‘repulgue’ technique for beef as well as cheese and ham fillings. Enjoy a typical Argentinian picada with grilled provoleta cheese, sliced chorizo sausage, mollejas (gizzard) and our homemade chimichurri.

Learn the most important Argentinian gestures during a short class. Enjoy what many are claiming to be the very best steak in Argentina, cooked to order and accompanied with velvety mash potatoes and a variety of roasted vegetables marinated with vinaigrette of rosemary. These top of the line thick cut filet steaks have a unique 24 hour preparation method that sets apart from the rest.

Vegetarian, pescetarian and celiac options are available on request.

Enjoy unlimited wine throughout the dinner, cuartirolo cheese tasting with dulce de batata (produced of sweet potato) and dulce de madera (Argentina is the only country in the world where a special kind of wood can be eaten).

For desert make your own alfajores, Argentina’s national sweet, where biscuits, dulce de leche, melted chocolate fondue and coconut shavings combine to delight the senses.

Finally, get taught about the history and etiquette of mate, Argentina’s national pastime, and prepare it from scratch among yourselves. A fun and dynamic way to approach Argentina cuisine and Argentinean habits while meeting other international travelers!

DAY 07 – SATURDAY BUENOS AIRES (B/D)
Start the day with a city tour in Buenos Aires, driving along 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue of the world, you will pass close to the Colon Theatre, one of the world’s best known opera houses and the cultural pride of the “bonaerenses”.

Visit the famous Avenida de Mayo that runs into the Plaza De Mayo, surrounded by the Casa Rosada (Government House), the imposing neo-classical building – Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo (first City Hall, built during Spanish rule). At the other end of Avenida de Mayo the cupola of the Congress building can be seen.

Tour the Metropolitan Cathedral as the mausoleum of National hero – General San Martin is located inside the Cathedral. THe Pope Francisco also used to celebrate religious services in this Cathedral when he was cardinal of Buenos Aires city.

We will stop for a cup of coffee and a snack at a traditional coffee house before stop at La Boca, a most colorful area with the famous street Caminito.

Continue to the north area passing by Palermo and visit the Recoleta area, one of the city’s most glamorous spots. Here you will see elegant boutiques and excellent restaurants, surrounded by centennial trees.

The heart of the neighborhood is Recoleta cemetery. The cemetery is the centre of this aristocratic neighborhood and the most relevant personalities of Argentina’s history rest in this place including Eva Duarte`s grave, known as Eva Perón (Evita). The mausoleums and pantheons reflect the architectural diversity emerging from the different cultural tendencies Argentina incorporated in its formation as a nation. The cemetery is considered to be one of the most impressive monuments of Argentina.

In the evening you will be taken to the tango house Viejo Almacén as visiting a Tango Show is a MUST when you are in Buenos Aires!

El Viejo Almacén became a unique place thanks to its historic location and an authentic style nourished by popularity built through the years. Every night its doors are open to enjoy an impressive tango show performed by prominent interpreters of the tango scene, a demonstration of Andean music, as well as exquisite cuisine.

The Tango tradition started at the end of the 19th century, and developed out of a mixture of various rhythms, which were originally danced in the poorer neighborhoods. Tango is reflecting the nostalgia and melancholy of the European immigrants and brought up some great musicians, such as Astor Piazzolla and Anibal Troilo.

You will enjoy a show with music, singing and dancing. The dinner includes entrée, main course, dessert & drinks.

DAY 08 – SUNDAY BUENOS AIRES (B)
Full day is free at leisure to explore Buenos Aires on your own.

You may choose to join one of the following optional tours:

Half day Tour to the Tigre and Delta of the Parana River
The Tigre Delta with its rivers, streams and numerous green islands is a very attractive area. The continuous sediment of the Paraná River, which gives the river their particular brownish-red color, forms the Delta islands.

Full Day countryside excursion visiting estancia Santa Susana
Enjoy a complete day in the pampa! Carriages and horse rides will show you the charm of Argentinian countryside, its scenarios and the incomparable wild aroma. Barbeque lunch and the folklore show are included.

Half day San Telmo Sunday Antique Fair tour
San Telmo is the best kept historical neighborhood and oldest district of Buenos Aires. The San Telmo Antique Fair is one of the most relevant attractions that the city of Buenos Aires has to offer. Here you will have time to stroll around Plaza Dorrego, you will see some wonderful open-air shows, hear some veteran tango singers, buy something original at the flea market and get an idea of what Buenos Aires and their culture is really about.

DAY 09 – MONDAY BUENOS AIRES – IGUASSU (B)
Transfer to Buenos Aires domestic airport for the flight to Iguassu.

Iguassu – one of the biggest wonders of nature in South America located amidst a sub-tropical forest in the triangle of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, a gigantic row of waterfalls goes down into the river Iguassu.

Upon arrival in Iguassu pick-up at the airport and transfer to the Argentinean National Park towards the Argentinean side of the falls.

You will make a short stop at the Visitor’s Centre and proceed from there along the Inferior Circuit, the down-river falls, to the Superior Circuit, the up-river cascades.

The Ecological Jungle Train leads you to the most impressive observation point of the falls – The Devil’s Throat. After visit transfer to the hotel on the Brazilian side of the falls.

Hotel Viale Cataratas
Classic
Featured Classic Hotel or similar

  • Deluxe Room

Hotel Wish Resort Golf Convention
Superior
Featured Superior Hotel or similar

  • Superior room

DAY 10 – TUESDAY IGUASSU (B)
In the morning visit of the Brazilian side of the falls.

Walk along the paths following cascades and then along the catwalk that leads very close to the bottom of the Devil’s Throat to enjoy magnificent views. Take an elevator to go up to the road in order to board the vehicle which will bring back to the hotel.

DAY 11 – WEDNESDAY IGUASSU – RIO DE JANEIRO (B)
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for the flight to Rio de Janeiro.

Rio is situated in a 15-mile-strip of land, wedged between mountains and sea, surrounded by natural beauty on all sides with Christ the Redeemer perched on top of Corcovado blessing the city and Sugar Loaf, one of the most famous postcards of our country.

Arrival in Rio and transfer to the hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore the city on your own or relax on the beach.

Mirador Rio Copacabana
Classic
Featured Classic Hotel or similar

  • Standard Room

Hotel Windsor Excelsior
Superior
Featured Superior Hotel or similar

  • Superior room


Tonight, enjoy an optional Rio by night – Dinner and Show
Visit a folklore and Carnival show featuring skilled dancers, entertainers, samba bands and wonderful costumes in a wonderful display of Brazilian folklore and Carnival.

DAY 12 – THURSDAY RIO DE JANEIRO (B)
Leaving the hotel and proceeding as far as Cosme Velho Station to board a cog-train for the ride through Tijuca Forest up Corcovado Mountain at 748m (2.454ft) high. The train ride takes 20 minutes and is a wonderful opportunity for a closer look at the forest’s lush tropical vegetation and to enjoy scenic landscapes of the beaches and city. Disembarking at the top of Corcovado and then proceeding up the steps that lead to the top lookout where the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer stands.

After appreciating the breathtaking view unfolding below, passengers will descend by train. The tour proceeds passing by Rio’s world-famous beaches as far as Urca District to board a cable car for a two-staged ascent up Sugar Loaf Mountain at 390m (1.280ft) high. Then coming down and proceeding along Guanabara Bay and Flamengo Park as far as downtown.

Visit downtown area, passing by the financial and business centre and by other attractions such as the Candelaria Church, Saint Sebastian Cathedral, Lapa Arches, Municipal Theatre, National Library, Fine Arts Museum, and by the Sambadrome, site of Rio’s famous Carnival parade.

DAY 13 – FRIDAY RIO DE JANEIRO DEPARTURE (B)
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight to your country or onward destination.



Classic From
$2195
Land only per person based on sharing

  • Flights supplement on request

Superior From
$2550
Land only per person based on sharing

  • Flights supplement on request



GUARANTEED GROUP DEPARTURE CALENDAR 2020

Jan:
Feb :
Mar:
Apr:
May:
Jun:
Jul:
12
Aug:
16, 30
Sep:
20
Oct:
4, 18
Nov:
8, 22
Dec:

GUARANTEED GROUP DEPARTURE CALENDAR 2021

Jan:
17
Feb :
7
Mar:
14
Apr:
4, 25
May:
23
Jun:
6
Jul:
11
Aug:
15, 29
Sep:
19
Oct:
3, 17
Nov:
7, 21
Dec:

Above prices are based on Guaranteed small group departures for minimum of 2 guests and maximum 12 participants with local English speaking guides. You can book this tour on private basis or a customized itinerary based on number of guests, their interests and budget.

Additional information

OVERVIEW

Start from Santiago de Chile, crossing high Andes Mountain to Mendoza, Land of Sun & Good Wine. Visit Buenos Aires and then to Iguazu to hear the Beat of Nature. Finish in marvelous Rio de Janeiro,

DEPARTURE

Group departure guaranteed for minimum 4 travelers and maximum 12 passengers.

HOTELS

As indicated in the itinerary..

INCLUSIONS

Accommodation in the Hotel of your choice with daily breakfast as listed in the itinerary,
Round trip airport/hotel/airport transfers
Sightseeing tours as specified in the itinerary
Current taxes, entrance fees, tax & service charge in the hotels and the obligatory luggage fees at the airports and in the hotels based on one piece per passenger.
Meals are included as and when mentioned in our programme (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).

EXCLUSIONS

International Airfare and Domestic flights.
SCL/CJC/SCL + MDZ/AEP/IGR + IGU/GIG
Call 1-888-887-1688 to get a quote from your home city
Travel insurance. visa fees, gratuities, drinks, personal spending and optional activities.
Domestic airfares, personal expenses, extras in the hotels, tips to guides and drivers and beverages

QUESTIONS

Should you have any further questions, please call 1888-887-1688 for assistance.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Be the first to review “Scenic South America – 13 Days”

You may also like…