Scenic South America

Itinerary
Map

The magnificent Andes
Santiago de Chile from San Cristobal Hill
Santiago de Chile
Santiago de Chile and the Andes
Mendoza, Argentina
Mendoza town centre
Buenos Aires
La Boca district, Buenos Aires
Casa Rosada, Buenos Aires
Iguasssu Falls' famous rainbow
Devil's Throat, Iguassu Falls
Magnificent Iguassu Falls
Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro

DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Santiago de Chile.

On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of the main sights of this vibrant city, beginning with a visit to the church of San Francisco - a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pass by the Barrio Paris & Londres, often referred to as 'Little Europe', the elegant Club Hipico horseracing track, and Barrio Concha y Toro, with its striking gothic and Bauhaus style buildings. Afterwards you'll see the famous, bustling Plaza de Armas square with its impressive colonial architecture and throngs of people, buskers and chess players. Later head up to the summit of one of the cities hills to take in the sensational views.

DAY 3: Santiago de Chile.

Backed by the towering Andes, Chile's capital comprises of fascinating Spanish architecture, green parks, exuberant markets and charming squares. Today, the whole day is yours to explore this incredible city. Visit the colourful Mercado Central with its buzzing food and fish market or settle at a chic pavement café and watch the fascinating street life unfold. Alternatively, join our optional day trip travelling through the picturesque countryside, to Viña del Mar, the 'Garden City', and Valparaiso. (B)

DAY 4: Santiago de Chile - Journey through the Andes - Mendoza.

Today, a spectacular journey by public bus (without a guide) along the slopes of the Andes. Passing the pretty ski resort of Portillo at the foot of the Aconcagua (South America's highest mountain), jaw-dropping mountain scenery, the city of Penitentes and 'Inca Bridge', before arriving in Mendoza, Argentina's wine-making centre. (B)

DAY 5: Mendoza.

Encircled by snow-capped mountains, Mendoza lies in a fertile vineyard-covered valley and bursts with tree-lined avenues, plazas and fountains. Sightseeing encompasses the main landmarks including the historic Independence Plaza, forested General Martin Park and the Hill of Glory. Later, there's an optional tour around a local winery, including an informative wine-tasting session. (B)

DAY 6: Mendoza - Buenos Aires.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. In the afternoon, savour the hypnotising highlights of the city with a tour of its famous monuments and districts. See Plaza de Mayo with its pink government building the Casa Rosada, bohemian San Telmo with its bar-filled plazas and La Boca, brimming with brightly coloured metal houses. Later, visit the Barrio Norte quarter and see Recoleta cemetery, the resting place of Eva Peron then drive along the Avenida 9 de Julio, the world's widest avenue, to the lush gardens of Palermo. (B)

DAY 7: Buenos Aires.

Argentina's exuberant capital was founded in the 16th century by European immigrants and has a distinctly cosmopolitan feel with its chic pavement cafés, wide avenues and green parks. Today is free to experience the many facades of this electrifying city. Alternatively join an optional excursion to an authentic Estancia, to glimpse the life of an Argentinian gaucho and enjoy a rustic BBQ, riding displays and floorshow. (B)

DAY 8: Buenos Aires - Tigre - Buenos Aires. Paraná river cruise.

Today, visit the charming area of Tigre on a half day tour, a popular weekend retreat of the 'porteños' (locals) of Buenos Aires. Here, enjoy the hundreds of islands and channels of the Paraná Delta on an included river cruise. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

DAY 9: Buenos Aires - Iguassu.

A day of scenic wonders. After a morning flight to Iguassu, enjoy a walking tour to the Argentinian side of the Iguassu Falls, one of the world's most spectacular natural phenomena, an extended chain of dramatic waterfalls set in an emerald, wildlife-rich jungle. Next, ride a jungle train to the most impressive observation point, for close-up views of the staggering Devil's Throat, which creates its own 100 ft cloud of spray. (B) Note: Luggage allowance on the Buenos Aires-Iguassu flights is 15kg. Excess luggage is charged at an extra cost of approximately US$2 per kilo.

DAY 10: Iguassu.

Enjoy a morning visit to the Brazilian side of the falls and take a catwalk close to the base of Devil's Throat. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

DAY 11: Iguassu - Rio de Janeiro. Sugarloaf Mountain.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Rio and its world-renowned Copacabana Beach. On this afternoon's sightseeing, pass by the Candelaria Church, the Opera House, the Carioca Square and take a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain to enjoy one of the most inspirational cityscapes in the world. (B)

DAY 12: Rio de Janeiro.

This morning, join our optional excursion to Corcovado Mountain and the beaches of Rio. Experience a cog-train ride through the subtropical Tijuca rainforest to the summit of Corcovado Mountain crowned with the world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Towering seemingly miles above the city and commanding an unforgettable 360 degree panorama, the terrace presents wonderful views of mountains, offshore islands, the entire sweep of Rio de Janeiro's immense bay and the city. Afterwards visit some of Rio's famous beaches. In the afternoon, enjoy Rio's beautiful setting, a glorious backdrop of tumbling wooded mountains and expanses of deep blue sea, its fine artistic, architectural and cultural heritage and most of all the festive and easy going lifestyle. End the day in true style, with an optional folklore and dizzying carnival floorshow. (B)

DAY 13: Rio de Janeiro - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay on the Buzios peninsula. (B)

DAY 14: Home landing in the UK.

Maximum elevation on this tour is 13,500 ft.

Accommodation on Tour

Standard Hotels

Santiago: Hotel Torremayor; Mendoza: Hotel Huentala; Buenos Aires: Hotel de las Americas; Iguassu: Hotel Viale Cataratas; Rio de Janeiro: Golden Tulip Copacabana.

Deluxe Hotels

Santiago: Atton el Bosque; Mendoza: NH Cordillera; Buenos Aires: Americas Towers; Iguassu: Mabu Foz Hotel & Thermas/Bourbon Cataratas; Rio de Janeiro: Royal Rio Palace.

Note: Tour hotels will be as specified or alternatives of a similar standard.

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