South American Odyssey

Santiago, Puerto Montt, Bariloche, Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls & Rio De Janeiro

Explore an amazingly diverse geography of mountains, plains, and coastline as you travel South America. Our Argentina travel destinations include the capital city of Buenos Aires and a visit to an estancia to experience gaucho life. Following the Argentina travel portion of the tour, our "off-the-beaten-path" odyssey continues to Chile, including  the Andes Mountains and the Lake District, where you enjoy fascinating sightseeing in one of the world's most stunning landscapes.

Our Chile travel itinerary includes the charming capitol city of Santiago. Our Brazil travel segment features one of nature's grand spectacles, Iguazu Falls—275 separate cataracts that send their white cascades roaring 250 feet below. Our trip concludes on the exquisite white sand beaches of lushly tropical Rio de Janeiro, the world-renowned Brazil travel "hot spot." Our Travel South America tour is an incredible experience at an unbeatable price!

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Depart Miami. Your fascinating journey to South America begins as you depart this evening on your overnight flight to Santiago, Chile.

Day 2: Arrive Santiago (Chile). Afternoon arrival in Santiago, bustling capital of Chile, located between the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Andes. Ride to the top of San Cristobal Hill for a bird's eye view of the city and the Andes mountain range before arriving at your deluxe hotel. Tonight join your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. Kennedy Hotel Dinner provided.

Day 3: Santiago. Learn more about Santiago's charms on this morning's tour. A local expert leads you through the fascinating exhibits at the Pre-Colombian Museum containing a unique collection of artifacts from South and Central America. Proceed to the Plaza de Armas, the city's main square and the nearby Cathedral. You'll also see the Presidential Palace and the bohemian section of Bellavista. Your tour concludes at the Handicraft Market where you can see and perhaps buy some of the fabulous arts and crafts of Chile. Afternoon at leisure. Breakfast provided.

Day 4: Santiago/Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas. Today board a short flight to the southern port city of Puerto Montt, gateway to the Chilean Lake District. Drive along the shores of placid Lake Llanquihue to the nearby village of Puerto Varas. Your charming hotel offers magnificent views of the lake. Cabanas Del Lago Hotel Breakfast & dinner provided.

Day 5: Lake Crossings/Bariloche (Argentina). Today's unforgettable excursion is reputed to be one of the most scenic in the world. Traverse the Andean Mountains through the Lake District from Chile to Argentina. Enjoy dramatic landscapes, spectacular emerald green lakes, gushing waterfalls, snow capped volcanoes and dense forests. The breathtaking scenery unfolds as you journey through winding roads overlooking the magical lakes of Chile's Vincente Perez Rosales National Park into Argentina's equally amazing Nahuel Huapi National Park. Arrive in quaint Villa Angostura and embark on a boat ride to view the striking Arrayanes Forest with its rare and ancient Myrtle trees. Continue along the magical lake toward the picture perfect town of Bariloche. Edelweiss Hotel Breakfast provided.

Day 6: Bariloche. Set in idyllic scenery reminiscent of the Swiss Alps, Bariloche is a splendid town, easily explored from your centrally located hotel. An included walking tour features a visit to the engaging Patagonia Museum. Later, explore on your own, relax or shop for knit woolen sweaters and delicious locally made chocolate. Breakfast provided.

Day 7: Bariloche/Buenos Aires. Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital, often called "Paris of the South". The city is a great mix of European heritage and Latin spirit, evident in architecture, culture and lifestyle. Drive through the Avenida 9 de Julio, the world's widest avenue, to your downtown hotel. Elevage Hotel Breakfast provided.

Day 8: Buenos Aires. On this morning's guided tour see the Plaza de Mayor, the famous Opera House and the historic La Boca district. Proceed to the elegant Recoleta district and the cemetery where Evita Peron is buried. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight, you are our guest for a delicious dinner and an exciting tango show, South America's passionate dance. Breakfast & dinner provided.

Day 9: Buenos Aires/Pampas. Travel outside the city on a full day excursion to the Argentine Pampas. Visit an estancia (ranch) and enjoy a sumptuous barbecue lunch followed by a Gaucho Fiesta, complete with gaucho riding and folklore show. Breakfast & lunch provided.

Day 10: Buenos Aires. A full day at leisure. Why not take a "behind the scenes" tour of the ornate Colon Opera House, visit the shops lining the renowned Florida Street, or relax in one of the many outdoor cafes and parks. Breakfast provided.

Day 11: Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls (Argentina/Brazil). After breakfast board your flight to the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls. You'll soon discover why this is considered one of the greatest natural wonders of the world! Set at the border of Argentina and Brazil, the falls consist of 275 inlets and cataracts that send their cascades roaring 250 feet below. Enjoy a ride on the ecological train through the rain forest to Devil's Throat for a spectacular close-up view of the Argentinean side of the falls. Proceed to your hotel which commands a choice location, overlooking the falls. Das Cataratas Hotel Breakfast & dinner provided.

Day 12: Iguazu Falls & Rio De Janeiro. View the dramatic Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls and lush sub-tropical vegetation on an included tour. Free time before your flight to Rio de Janeiro, often described as one of the worlds most beautiful cities. Your luxurious hotel is the only one in Rio situated directly on the beach! Sheraton Hotel & Towers Breakfast provided.

Day 13: Rio de Janeiro. Sprawling between lush tropical mountains and the exquisite beaches of the Atlantic, Rio natural beauty and the warmth of its people will win your heart. This morning drive along white-sanded beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana to Sugar Loaf Mountain. Ascend by cable car to the 1300 feet summit for stunning views of the city and surroundings. Balance of the day is at leisure to explore on your own, enjoy delicious local cuisine and shop for authentic gemstones. Breakfast provided.

Day 14: Rio de Janeiro. On this morning tour, a cog railway takes you through the rainforest up Corcovado Mountain, a 2300 feet peak crowned by the landmark statue of Christ the Redeemer. The views from the top of the mountain are dazzling! Later, explore Rio's Portuguese colonial history in the downtown area and visit the largest Cathedral in South America. On your free afternoon why not head to the beach or relax at your hotel's pool! Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at a famous local restaurant. Breakfast & dinner provided.

Day 15: Depart Rio. A day at leisure for independent pursuits. Evening transfer to the airport for your return flight. Breakfast provided.

Day 16: Arrive USA. Your exciting South America adventure ends as you arrive the USA this morning.

Destination FAQs

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Chile, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Argentina, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Brazil, click here.