Tour Details
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Upon arrival you are transferred to your luxury hotel in the heart of electrifying Rio de Janeiro, an incomparable city in an equally unforgettable setting. You’ll have time to relax in your deluxe beach view room and to explore the amenities of this world-class hotel. Later, you’ll join your Travcoa Travel Director and fellow travelers at a welcome cocktail party and dinner and learn about the excitement that lies ahead.
On Day 2, Rio unfolds in a kaleidoscope of fascinating sights and sounds during our scenic drive past the Rodrigo de Freitos Lagoon to the Cosme Velho district of Rio. Next, we visit Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest in the world. A cogwheel train carries us to the top of Corcovado, the hunchback mountain, for a closer look to marvel at the world-famous statue, Christ the Redeemer, and the vast expanse of Rio de Janeiro.
We stop for lunch at a typical churrascaria at Leme beach, where we sample delicious grilled meats. The afternoon finds us on a panoramic drive past the glamorous, sun-drenched beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana. Afterwards, enjoy a cable car ride to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain for breathtaking city and ocean views. We then will end the evening with an exciting showcase of Samba. This iconic Brazilian tradition will display its deep African roots and cultures as it weaves music and dance together to create an unforgettable night.
Rio de Janeiro & Iguaçu Falls, Brazil
This morning we bid Rio de Janeiro farewell before taking to the air on a scenic flight to the city of Foz do Iguazú. Our lavish hotel, the only one inside Iguazú National Park, provides us convenient access to thundering Iguazú Falls, undoubtedly a wonder of the natural world, as we’ll soon learn on our extensive and memorable explorations. At night, we take a walking night tour of the waterfalls.
Day 4 brims with phenomenal views of thundering cascades and mist that rises hundreds of feet in the air. We’ll be struck with awe as we view the falls from every angle via helicopter, foot path and panoramic elevator. We board a gas-propelled train and then walk a catwalk path over the Upper Iguazú River to reach the perfect vantage point for viewing "Devil's Throat," one of the most amazing cataracts nature has ever produced. With a visit to the Brazilian-Paraguayan border for a guided tour of the Itaipu Dam, our Day 4 tour is complete.
Iguaçu Falls & Buenos Aires, Argentina
The morning is at leisure to relax and take in the beauty of the area via the hotel’s inviting walking trail. After a leisurely breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our mid-day flight to Buenos Aires, the mesmerizing capital of Argentina and the “Paris of South America”.
Upon arrival in this vibrant city, we are transferred directly to our 5-star luxury hotel on Avandia Laver in the heart of the French heritage district of Recoleta. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the hotel and explore the neighborhood. Our private dinner at the 19th-century house Casa Coupage features a sommelier guiding us through pairings of regional wines with flavorful Argentinian cuisine—delicioso!
On Day 6 we visit la Boca, the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires, which still retains a very strong European character. Impacted by its artist population, the architecture of La Boca is an impressive, colorful, and vibrant representation of European influence. Even the homes and buildings of La Boca are like works of art.
Continuing to San Telmo, the best-kept historical neighborhood and the birthplace to the tango, we enjoy an enlivening visit to the Mansion Dandi Royal, home of the Tango Academy. Here an instructor will show us how to execute intricate and sensual tango steps (remember to bring leather-soled shoes). After relaxing over lunch at a local café, enjoy strolling through the vibrant Sunday flea market for an immersion into the local culture and its hidden treasures. Tonight, we gather for a memorable dinner and tango show at one of the city’s stylish tango venues.
On Day 7, we walk through the enchanting and elegant Recoleta quarter and Palermo Woods Park. Then we view the Casa Rosada where political leaders traditionally address the masses from the balconies. We then visit the famous Recoleta Cemetery to see the grave of beloved Argentine icon Eva Perón. The next attractions on our journey are the Metropolitan Cathedral and the city’s famous Plaza de Mayo where crowds once cheered Juan and Eva Peron. We conclude with a visit to the landmark Teatro Colon, and an afternoon at leisure. With so many museums, art galleries, ultra-chic shops, lush green parks and tree-lined boulevards, it’s hard not to fall in love with Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires & Bariloche, Argentina
Our flight to Bariloche brings us the tranquil alpine setting of the Andean foothills where we immerse ourselves in the serenity of nature. Bariloche rivals the Swiss Alps for sheer beauty and a range of activities that include skiing, fishing, bicycle tours, trekking, climbing, horseback touring, and water sports. At the world-renowned Llao Llao Resort, the hotel's magnificent setting is one of the best in the world and the hotel boasts every amenity imaginable. Relax and enjoy your stay in your room overlooking Nahuel Haupi Lake.
On Day 9, our travels bring us to imposing Mount Campanario for a scenic chairlift ride and another free afternoon with time to golf, shop, hike or cruise the island-dotted lake.
Bariloche, Argentina & Puerto Varas, Chile
The “Road of the Seven Lakes” winds through rugged Patagonian landscapes to the charming village of Villa La Angostura where we can shop, explore and enjoy a relaxing lunch. Continuing past one sparkling lake after another, we arrive at the Chilean border. From here our drive continues down rustic roads, passing salmon and raspberry farms and stunning vistas to the one-time German colony of Puerto Varas. Nestled in a natural setting formed by Lake Llanquihue and the Osorno volcano, our hotel is a welcome sight.
Puerto Varas, Puerto Montt, Santiago & Depart for Home
The last two full days of our journey bring us to beautiful Puerto Montt. Here we’ll arrive at the Fisherman’s Wharf to sample fresh seafood and gather at a local restaurant to taste Chilean specialties of empanadas and ceviche and learn to make the famed pisco sour.
Next, we fly to Santiago, one of South America's most sophisticated cities and the historic, economic and cultural center of Chile. Surrounded by mountains on both sides, especially the snowcapped Andes to the east, the city of Santiago has a breathtaking backdrop.
In the afternoon, we visit San Cristobal Hill with its beautiful public park setting for views of the monumental sculpture of the Virgin Mary and the city below. Then we ride the cable car down to the Bella Vista district to visit La Chascona, the romantic hideaway of Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda and his mistress (later his 3rd wife), Matilde Urrutia. The house was built in stages, with the poet collaborating with two different architects and imprinting his own eclectic touches on the construction. We enjoy a brief presentation on Neruda’s poetry in this unique setting.
On Day 12, we uncover the beauty and history of Chile’s capital city—the main avenues, La Moneda Palace and the Cathedral Metropolitana. Next, we journey south of the city to visit one of Chile’s renowned wineries. Located at the foot of the Andes, the Santa Rita Winery is considered the most traditional winery in the country. We taste the wines, tour the vineyards and learn about every stage of the winemaking process. At the Andean Museum we view a private collection of valuable Pre-Columbian objects, belonging to a variety of Chilean Andean cultures, followed by lunch at the winery. This evening you’ll say goodbye to our fellow travelers at a farewell cocktail and dinner party.
Santiago & Depart for Home
The morning of Day 13 is at leisure. After a relaxing lunch, we tour the Los Dominicos Craft Center, a renovated convent that is a unique Chilean shopping experience. It is a cozy labyrinth of more than 150 artisan and antique shops, cafés and a restored church. The center offers the most complete selection of crafts, arts and local products in Chile.
You will have day rooms at The Ritz-Carlton Santiago until 4:00 pm, when you will transfer to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination.
Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
Opened in 1923, this impressive edifice is Rio's most traditional and luxurious hotel. This deluxe hotel, located on some of the most expensive and sought after real estate in Brazil, has two hundred and twenty-five bedrooms and suites. With its opulent lounges, bars and restaurants, the Copacabana Palace is a haven of relaxation and good living. Each of its rooms and suites is unique, featuring fine period furniture and original works of art. Each guestroom is also graced with thoughtful touches such as extra-long pillows and complimentary traditional Brazilian slippers. Every careful detail at the Copacabana Palace conjures up the elegance and sophistication of a past glamorous era. A 2015 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel
Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguaçú Falls
The only hotel located inside this Brazilian National Park, Hotel das Cataratas is situated at the center of the Iguaçu National Park. Nestled inside a lush tropical environment, alongside the famous Iguaçu Falls, sits this charming 193-guestoom Portuguese-colonial style hotel. On the hotel grounds you will find a swimming pool, full-service spa, tennis courts and game room. Other hotel facilities include a boutique, ATM, guest laundry, reading room, and a business center with complimentary internet access. The hotel has two restaurants, the Ipe Bar & Grill adjacent to the pool, and the Restaurant Itaipu, which features a lovely veranda for al fresco dining. Both restaurants serve international cuisine and local dishes.
Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires
The Alvear Palace Hotel opened in 1932 and since then continues to exude Belle Époque splendor. Located in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires, the hotel’s décor is inspired by French royalty, with crystal chandeliers and silk drapes. Guest rooms have butler service, fresh flowers and Hermès bath amenities. Selected by Condé Nast Traveler as a 2015 Gold List Hotel and as one of the World’s Best Hotels of 2015 by Travel+Leisure, the Alvear Palace Hotel offers exceptional accommodations for your stay in “the Paris of the South.” A 2015 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List & Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Bariloche
Located on a small hill between two lakes, the magnificent Llao Llao Hotel & Resort is surrounded by woods and framed by mountains. Built in 1940 and fully renewed in 1993, its Canadian-style architecture of visible cypress logs blends with the region's green stone in perfect harmony with the natural beauty of the area. The 5-star property is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The hotel has 158 rooms and suites with telephone, cable TV and in-room safe. Your superior lake-view room has a superb view. Leisure facilities of the resort include a health and fitness club with indoor heated pool, sauna and whirlpool, full spa services, 18-hole golf course and clubhouse, outdoor pool, and lake fishing. A 2015 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel
Hotel Patagonico, Puerto Varas
Hotel Patagonico is located in a quiet area, yet near all of the main attractions in Puerto Varas and enjoys magnificent views of Lake Llanquihue and the Osorno Volcano. The hotel is built in traditional architectural style, and blends in perfectly with its setting in this charming city. The hotel has a swimming pool, gym, whirlpool and sauna, as well as a business center, souvenir shop and laundry service. There is a piano bar, as well as two restaurants: the Alerce Restaurant, which specializes in Chilean cuisine, and the Ebro Restaurant, that specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. There are 91 rooms on three floors, each featuring satellite TV, internet access, mini bar, hair dryer, in-room safe and 24-hour room service.
The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago
The elegant Ritz-Carlton Hotel is located in the capital's most prestigious and refined neighborhood, El Golf, within walking distance to exclusive boutiques and restaurants. The 205 luxurious rooms are distributed among 14 floors, crowned by a glass dome housing an indoor heated swimming pool. The spa and fitness center has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Andes Mountains and the city. There are also spa treatment rooms, a steam bath, sauna, Jacuzzi, and a sundeck on the terraced roof. In the four restaurants and lounges, dining features Chilean fish and seafood and Chile's famous wine in menus that combine the rich tradition of Mediterranean cuisine with excellent local products. All rooms feature classic décor and amenities include high speed internet access, a plasma TV, digital safe and separate bath tub and shower. A 2015 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel