The Highlights of South America from $2,999

Travel Team > South/Central America Vacations > The Highlights of South America from $2,999

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Day 2: Santiago, Chile – Tour Begins

Welcome to Santiago de Chile. Take in the views of this metropolitan hub tucked inside the Andes Mountains, and witness the vibrancy of one of South America’s most modern cities. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers over sumptuous food and wine in the stunning colonial neighborhood known as Barrio Lastarria.

Dinner; Stay at Atton Vitacura

Day 3: Santiago

This morning, embark on a city tour showcasing La Moneda Presidential Palace and the Paseo Ahumada pedestrian avenue. Ride the funicular up Cerro San Cristobal for sweeping views of Santiago and the Andes, and admire the Statue of the Immaculate Conception. Delve into Chile’s checkered past under the 20th-century dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet at the Museum of Memory and Human Rights. Then, head over to a bustling central market to mingle with the locals. The evening is yours to explore this wonderful city on your own. Or you may choose to take the optional “Experience Santiago” tour to enjoy a tasting at a winery, followed by a visit to the famous poet and activist Pablo Neruda’s Santiago home; cap it off with an incredible Chilean dinner featuring local specialties and wine followed by a Chilean folk music show.

Breakfast; Stay at Atton Vitacura

Day 4: Santiago – Buenos Aires, Argentina

Fly to Buenos Aires, birthplace of the tango. Stretching along the banks of the Rio de la Plata, the “Paris of South America” is a mosaic of European-styled architecture and South American spirit. After being greeted by your local guide, head to the Feria de San Telmo, the famous Sunday market in one of Buenos Aires’ most historic neighborhoods. Meander through street after street of antiques; stop into little shops and view the local works of art, the handcrafted treasures, authentic leather products and more; or sit back with an empanada and yerba mate tea and take in the street performers and musicians. Then, enjoy a drink at your beautiful hotel in the heart of the chic Recoleta neighborhood. Tonight, head to the Esquina Carlos Gardel Tango House, named after Argentina’s most famous tango maestro, where you’ll savor Argentine cuisine and wine before a stunning tango performance.

Breakfast & Dinner; Stay at Brick Hotel Buenos Aires

Day 5: Buenos Aires

Start your day with a panoramic tour of lively Buenos Aires. Visit the Palermo district and Recoleta Cemetery, where Evita Peron rests. Drive along the famous Avenida 9 de Julio; view the Teatro Colon opera house; the Metropolitan Cathedral, the former church of Pope Francis I and the Presidential Palace, “La Casa Rosada,” at Plaza de Mayo. Then the choice is yours! Continue on the city tour by bus or for the more adventurous, embark on a bicycle tour with a local guide. Either way you’ll visit La Boca and the Puerto Madero neighborhoods. The rest of the day is yours to create your own adventure. Maybe you’ll stroll through San Martin Park or Calle de Florida, a shopper’s paradise; or possibly you’ll take the optional Tigre Delta trip where you’ll pass by an array of historic mansions and former residences of Buenos Aires’ aristocracy before boarding a cruise through canals meandering past a network of homes that sit on stilts.

Breakfast; Stay at Brick Hotel Buenos Aires

Day 6: Buenos Aires – San Antonio de Areco – Buenos Aires

This morning, cross the Argentine Pampas to experience the heart and culture of Argentina’s version of the “wild west.” Embark on a guided tour of the charming country village of San Antonio de Areco, the birthplace of gaucho traditions. Visit with some of the local artisans and silversmiths before heading to a typical estancia where you’ll dine on a hearty asado lunch – a traditional Argentine barbecue – and take your seat at a horse whispering show performed by authentic gauchos. You’ll get the chance to relax on the estancia grounds before heading back to Buenos Aires for a free evening.

Breakfast & Lunch; Stay Brick Hotel Buenos Aires

Day 7: Buenos Aires – Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Fly to Iguazu Falls – located at the crossroads of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay – hailed as the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Board the Rainforest Ecological Train inside the national park on the Argentine side and walk to the platform overlooking powerful Devil’s Throat. Discover unparalleled views of five waterfalls as they plummet into the Iguazu River. Then cross into the Brazil side and check into your resort. Cap off your day with a relaxing dinner.

Breakfast & Dinner; Stay at Mabu Thermas Grand Resort

Day 8: Iguazu Falls

Soak up the breathtaking views of the waterfalls from the Brazilian side. Join your local guide as you discover how Brazil and Argentina have both fought to protect the beauty and raw power of the falls by making each side a national park. You will see first-hand why Eleanor Roosevelt, upon seeing Iguazu Falls, exclaimed “Poor Niagara.” This afternoon you may choose an optional jungle boat ride at the base of the falls, or just relax and enjoy the many amenities at your resort.

Breakfast; Stay at Mabu Thermas Grand Resort

Day 9: Iguazu Falls – Rio de Janeiro

Fly to Rio de Janeiro. Magnificent views, beautiful beaches, flamboyant Carnival costumes, great cuisine and friendly people make Rio the cultural capital of Brazil. Check into your beachfront hotel in the exclusive Leblon neighborhood. Venture to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain afternoon. Then, cap the night off at Rio Scenarium, a lavishly decorated restaurant and music venue in the historic Lapa district. Meet local Cariocas, the name for people from Rio de Janeiro, for dinner, music, and dancing that celebrates the rich history and vibrancy of the Brazilian people.

Breakfast & Dinner; Stay at Sheraton Rio

Day 10: Rio de Janeiro

Journey to Corcovado by train to see Christ the Redeemer, one of the largest Art Deco statues in the world. Take in the panoramic vistas of Tijuca Forest National Park. With 360-degree views around the city, you’ll soon realize why this statue is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Then spend time engaging with locals at the one of the city’s open-air markets. Break into small groups with local market guides as you discover and taste over a dozen different types of exotic fruits from Brazil. This afternoon, you choose your activity! Perhaps you’ll choose a behind-the-scenes look at Carnival and meet the artists who are designing the floats, costumes and dances during their year-round preparations for Rio’s biggest event. Or, maybe you’d prefer to join a local guide for a tour of a favela; learn about the unique contrasts and paradoxes of Brazilian society as you stroll through the community center, a school, and a local home; relish some time for coffee, cake and discussion with residents. The evening is free for your own exploration.

Breakfast; Stay at Sheraton Rio

Day 11: Rio de Janeiro

Your day is at leisure to explore fabulous Rio de Janeiro on your own. Relax by the beach at your resort or take a shuttle to Copacabana. Or, perhaps you’ll take an optional tour and board a jeep for a ride through the Tijuca forest followed by a visit to historic Santa Teresa. Or maybe an optional cooking class is more to your liking — you’ll immerse yourself in local flavors as you join a local chef in a cooking class where you’ll learn how to cook like a true Carioca! This afternoon, witness the city of Rio that captivated the world during the 2016 Summer Olympics. Stop by the Maracanã football stadium, which hosted the 2014 World Cup finals, before continuing on to the famous Carnival parade route, the Sambadrome. Afterward, behold the renowned Metropolitan Cathedral whose architecture was inspired by a Mayan pyramid. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell feast in a typical Brazilian churrascaria. Indulge in wine and meats slow-roasted to perfection. To toast a wonderful trip, learn how to craft caipirinhas – Brazil’s famous cocktail made with sugar cane liquor and lime.

Breakfast & Dinner; Stay at Sheraton Rio

Day 12: Rio de Janeiro – Tour Ends

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.