Essence of South America
From the eastern coast of Brazil to Argentina and the western coast of Chile, explore the essence of each destination with unique travel experiences that bring you to the best each country has to offer. One of our most comprehensive South American tours inspires with 12 days of in-depth discoveries of natural and architectural wonders throughout Brazil, Argentina and Chile. Spend multiple nights in world-class cities at fine hotels in the heart of each city. View spectacular Iguazu Falls; sample the fine wines of Chile and famous Argentinian beef; get a behind-the-scenes look at Rio's colorful Carnaval; feel the passion and the heat of the tango and the samba; visit once of the most famous silversmiths of Argentina, the Draghi family; and so much more.
From the eastern coast of Brazil to Argentina and the western coast of Chile, explore the essence of each destination with unique travel experiences that bring you to the best each country has to offer. One of our most comprehensive South American tours inspires with 12 days of in-depth discoveries of natural and architectural wonders throughout Brazil, Argentina and Chile. Spend multiple nights in world-class cities at fine hotels in the heart of each city. View spectacular Iguazu Falls; sample the fine wines of Chile and famous Argentinian beef; get a behind-the-scenes look at Rio's colorful Carnaval; feel the passion and the heat of the tango and the samba; visit once of the most famous silversmiths of Argentina, the Draghi family; and so much more.
Traveling Well Includes:
Call (800) 435-5850 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18851959
- Tour Operator
- Tauck Tours
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2024
- Duration
- 12 Days
Day | Destination | Description |
Day 1 | Rio de Janeiro | Arrive Rio de Janeiro Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Belmond Copacabana Palace. A transfer is included from Rio de Janeiro International Airport to Belmond Copacabana Palace, an Art Deco landmark overlooking Copacabana Beach. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner with traditional entertainment. Lodging: Belmond Copacabana Palace Meals: D |
Day 2 | Puerto Varas | Sugarloaf Mountain and a cruise Your morning in Rio begins with a private boat cruise on Guanabara Bay. Enjoy seaside glimpses of beautiful beaches, historic forts, a modern museum, outlying islands and the city skyline. Next, dramatic scenic views await at the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain where a two-stage cable car ride takes you up a quarter mile into the air to see what the birds see as they fly over Guanabara Bay and the city. Feast on a typical churrascaria barbecue lunch before returning to Rio. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Lodging: Belmond Copacabana Palace Meals: B, L |
Day 3 | Cidade do Samba | Summit of Corcovado & Samba City Arise in amazing Rio for an unforgettable excursion up Corcovado Hill by train to Tijuca National Park to see the world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy a walking tour of Rio's historic downtown, including the Cathedral and other Belle Epoque landmarks. Then discover the passionate nature of Rio's beloved Carnaval celebration, which draws visitors from around the world each year, on a visit to Samba City. A local guide leads you on a behind-the-scenes look at the business of Carnaval and the creation of its dazzling costumes and floats, which includes an exclusive samba performance. Have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel to spend the afternoon as you please. Dinner tonight is at a renowned local restaurant. Lodging: Belmond Copacabana Palace Meals: B, L, D |
Day 4 | Foz do Iguassu | Fly to Iguazu Falls Taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide, Iguazu Falls was named a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. You'll have to visit two countries to get a complete look at the falls – 275 cascades spread in a horseshoe shape across two miles of the Iguazu River, straddling the borders of Argentina and Brazil. Today experience the Brazilian side, walking on paved trails with a local guide to the catwalks along the falls for amazing views of the thundering water. Your hotel is ideally located inside the national park with nature's wonders as a welcome showpiece. Lodging: Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas Meals: B, L, D |
Day 5 | Foz do Iguassu | Discover the Falls your way Immerse in the natural splendors of the park your way today on a choice of excursions. Board a helicopter for a flightseeing ride over the falls; drive into the jungle for a jet boat ride to the base of the falls and shoot the rapids on the way back to the dock; or take a behind-the-scenes backstage tour of the Bird Park, a recovery and conservation center for exotic birds, where you will meet and perhaps feed toucans, flamingos and more. After time at leisure to do as you like, work up an appetite for our private tasting dinner tonight that immerses you in the culinary history of the different regions of Brazil. Lodging: Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas Meals: B, L, D |
Day 6 | Buenos Aires | Cross Over Into Argentina Drive across the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the border into neighboring Argentina where you will experience the falls from a different perspective. Take a walk along the Superior Circuit to Devil's Throat on metal grated walkways and up steps for stunning views, before lunch and an afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Settle in at the elegant Alvear Palace Hotel, a city landmark since 1932 and the grande dame of Buenos Aires hotels. Lodging: Alvear Palace Hotel Meals: B, L, D |
Day 7 | Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires allure No doubt about it, Buenos Aires defines sizzle... and you'll discover why today when a local guide shows you the city. First up is a visit to Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa Rosada (government palace) where you'll see the balcony made famous by Evita Peron. Explore the colorful La Boca neighborhood, which is both a working class barrio and artist colony, and then enjoy lunch in the San Telmo District, a mix of colonial-style homes, narrow lanes, artist lofts and hip bars. This evening, experience the allure of the infamous tango when a superb show follows dinner in Buenos Aires. Lodging: Alvear Palace Hotel Meals: B, L, D |
Day 8 | Buenos Aires | Visit a silversmith and a horse ranch Experience time-honored Argentine traditions today as you venture out to the countryside to the artist community of San Antonio de Areco for a very special visit with one of the most famous silversmiths in the country. The Draghi family have created priceless pieces in pure silver for celebrities and local gauchos alike and today you will have the opportunity to see the artists at work. Continue on to a traditional estancia (ranch) for lunch and a fascinating gaucho demonstration with a horse whisperer. Your evening is free to enjoy Buenos Aires as you like. Lodging: Alvear Palace Hotel Meals: B, L |
Day 9 | Buenos Aires | The Opera House Today begins with a privately guided, behind-the-scenes tour of Teatro Colon, the city's seven-tiered opera house that first opened in 1908, and ranks among the best concert venues in the world. Its opulent stained glass, marble staircases and excellent acoustics recently underwent a three-year refurbishment. The remainder of the day is free to explore Buenos Aires as you please. Lodging: Alvear Palace Hotel Meals: B |
Day 10 | Santiago | Fly to Chile A morning flight brings you to Santiago in Chile and the final stop on our tour of South America. Drive south on the Pan-American Highway to the Millahue Valley in the heart of Chile's famous winelands for a two-night stay. Your hotel is acclaimed for its unique architectural design and on-site winery; enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight. Lodging: Vik Chile Meals: B, D |
Day 11 | Santiago | Chilean Wine Country, your way Immerse in the beauty of wine country today as you choose how you want to spend the morning. Saddle up for a guided horseback ride through the vineyards or pedal your way on a bicycle through vines meticulously grown and cared for. Or join us for a cooking class or a wine and chocolate pairing at the hotel. Everyone meets up for a wine pairing lunch before a tasting tour at the winery. A farewell reception and dinner features regional specialties and incredible scenic views. Lodging: Vik Chile Meals: B, L, D |
Day 12 | Santiago | Travel home from Santiago Tour ends: Santiago. Drive to Santiago this morning for a city tour and lunch at The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, where day rooms have been reserved for you before your flight home. A transfer is included from The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago to Santiago Airport. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in. Lodging: Meals: B, L |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- * All prices are per person in U.S. dollars, based on double occupancy.
Itinerary Changes - Although not expected, Tauck reserves the right to alter the sequence of ports or omit or substitute scheduled ports or attractions at any time without prior notice.