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DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Brazil
Depart for Brazil
DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
Welcome to Brazil! Morning arrival in Rio, the vivacious "sun and fun" capital of South America; meet and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest, relax and acclimate to your new surroundings. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a typical Brazilian Churrascaria. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 3:30 PM
Overnight: Rio de Janeiro
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Monday - Rio de Janeiro, Tour of Corcovado Mountain
Awake this morning in amazing Rio. Begin the day with an ascent by a scenic cog railway to the summit of Corcovado Hill. Here, at 2,400 feet above the city stands the 125 foot tall statue of Christ the Redeemer. The Christ statue, that embraces the entire city, is designated as one of the seven "New Wonders of the World". See the thrilling 360 degree sweeping view of the city and understand why Rio is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Afterwards, continue along Rio's famous beaches, including Copacabana and Ipanema before returning to your hotel
Overnight: Rio de Janeiro
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Tuesday - Full Day in Rio de Janeiro
Today is at leisure to discover all of the delights of Rio on your own. Watch the volleyball and soccer matches on the beach, shop for local crafts, and linger at a waterfront café to just "people-watch". Join the optional not-to-be-missed glass cable car ride that takes you to the top of iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain, symbol of the city, where you'll see the stunning panorama of the beaches, Corcovado Mountain, downtown Rio and Guanabara Bay. In the afternoon attend the optional Carnival and Samba Experience. Visit one of the top Samba schools in the city and learn what made the Samba & Carnival icons of Brazilian national identity. On your last night in Rio at leisure, be sure to sample the cuisine at some of the fabulous restaurants and cafes ringing the beachfront
Optional: Half Day Sugar Loaf Mountain (AM)
Optional: Half Day Carnival and Samba Experience (PM)
Overnight: Rio de Janeiro
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Wednesday - Fly to Iguassu, Brazilian Falls
Depart Rio this morning on a flight to Iguassu Falls. Upon arrival, walk along the winding pathways on the Brazilian side of the majestic and awe-inspiring Falls, one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Iguassu consists of over 275 separate cataracts across a span of two and one-half miles, wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara Falls and more dramatic than both. Stand in awe at the unforgettable panoramic views before crossing the border to Iguazu, the Argentinean side of the Falls, for overnight. After a day filled with unforgettable memories, return to the hotel and enjoy a typical Argentine dinner
Overnight: Iguazu
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6, Thursday - Iguazu, the Argentinean Falls
Your adventure continues this morning on the Argentinean side of the Falls. A rail car takes you to the top of the Falls on the Upper Circuit,* and you will walk to the Lower Circuit where the power of nature surrounds you. Continue along the catwalks to Devil's Gorge - stand in amazement as you gaze at spectacular "Devil's Throat" the most magnificent of all of the cataracts. View, photograph and feel the spray of the thundering waters, one of nature's most impressive achievements and a unique experience for your senses. Spend the rest of the day exploring the natural treasures of Iguazu National Park, designated a World Heritage Site for its rare and endangered flora and fauna
*Please be advised that in order to access the falls, you are required to walk over uneven surfaces, followed by a series of narrow boardwalk paths. The paths feature many sets of stairs and can be slippery due to the mist
Overnight: Iguazu
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Friday - Fly to Buenos Aires
This afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires. Its beauty is apparent with its elegant architecture, wide tree-shaded boulevards, striking monuments and sprawling parks. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to get acquainted with the "Paris of South America" and its distinct European flavor. As you will have your night at leisure feel free to treat yourself to an Argentine beef dinner at one of the city's many superb steak restaurants
Overnight: Buenos Aires
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Saturday - Buenos Aires City Tour
Discover the city's highlights this morning on a tour that includes the Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa Rosada (government palace); see the balcony where Eva and Juan Peron made their speeches. Then, to the colorful La Boca neighborhood, a working class barrio, and the old quarters of San Telmo and Caminito, a mix of colonial style homes, narrow lanes, artists' lofts and very trendy cafes. Drive to the Recoleta Cemetery, final resting place of many of the wealthiest and most important Argentine historical figures. The grounds here cover more than four city blocks, filled with tombs adorned by works of local and international sculptors, and more than 6,400 mausoleums including the tomb of Eva "Evita" Peron, always heaped with flowers and letters from adoring fans. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring some of Buenos Aires neighborhoods and fabulous collection of shops before this evening's tango lesson with professional Argentine Tango dancers. Tonight is at leisure, or, participate in the optional Argentine Dinner and Tango Show
Optional: Buenos Aires Dinner & Tango Show (PM)
Overnight: Buenos Aires
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Sunday - Full Day in Buenos Aires
Revisit some of your favorite places in the city today, shop for leatherwear and designer clothes, or, join the optional fun-filled Gaucho Party at the Santa Susana Ranch. Get ready for a rustic experience at a typical Argentine ranch (estancia), dedicated to agriculture and the breeding of cattle and horses. After a tour of the grounds, enjoy a typical barbecue lunch, followed by a folklore show with live music and dancing. Return to the hotel with time to prepare for this evening's "Farewell to Argentina" Dinner with your group at a delightful restaurant
Optional: Full Day Gaucho Party
Overnight: Buenos Aires
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Monday - Fly to Santiago
This morning, depart Buenos Aires by flight to Santiago, the energetic capital of Chile. The remainder of the day is free for independent pursuits in this city that blends the old with the new
Overnight: Santiago
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11, Tuesday - Santiago City Tour
This morning's city tour takes you through the colonial neighborhoods of the city that contrast with the modern financial center, known as Sanhattan. Pass by beautiful residences that are part of the Barrio Universitario (University Area). In the historical center visit the lively Plaza de Armas, with its fountains, sculpture and intriguing people-watching opportunities. The tour continues with a drive along the green Parque Forestal with its stunning Fine Arts Museum. Continue crossing the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista and climb up San Cristóbal Hill to a viewpoint, for a magnificent panoramic view of the city with its backdrop of the towering Andes Mountains. This afternoon, join the optional excursion to the Undurraga Winery in the Maipo Valley, one of Chile's most important wine producing areas. Taste some of Chile's world-famous wines during the tour before returning to Santiago
Optional: Half Day Undurraga Winery Tour & Tasting (PM)
Overnight: Santiago
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Wednesday - Valparaiso & Vina del Mar
On your last day in Santiago, visit the picturesque port of Valparaiso, founded in the 16th century on a total of 43 hills that are reached by narrow, windy streets, staircases and a series of lifts (funiculars) which now constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Viña del Mar, known as the "Garden City" for its pretty parks and flower-lined streets. There will be time to have lunch independently. On the return to Santiago, stop at some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Tonight, savor a traditional Chilean dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Santiago
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 13, Thursday - Fly to Easter Island
Depart Santiago this morning for your flight to Easter Island. Considered one of the most remote destinations in the world, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is notably acclaimed for its brilliant archaeological sites and its enigmatic stone structures. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a drink
Overnight: Easter Island
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14, Friday - Full Day Moai with Lunch
Drive to the south coast and visit examples of original platforms, Ahu Vaihu in the bay of Hanga Te'e and Akahanga, where supposedly the famous king Hotu Matua is buried. Proceed to Rano Raraku, one of the most important sites visited. This is the quarry of almost 900 stone statues, 397 of them still lying or standing at the slopes of the extinct volcano with Crater Lake. Then, tour Ahu Tongariki, the most recent and biggest restoration site on the island, with 15 re-erected statues standing on an almost 200 meter long platform. Drive to the east coast and visit original Ahu Te Pito Kura and the "Navel of the World". Your last sightseeing of the day and maybe the most important, is the beautiful beach of Anakena with its restored Ahu Nau Nau and Ature Huke. There, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the warm Pacific Ocean. An interesting day winds down as you will be escorted back to the hotel
Overnight: Easter Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 15, Saturday - Ahu Akivi & Orongo Ceremonial Village
Start the day with a drive to the extinct volcano Rano Kau appreciating the view over the whole island and its distinct geological features. Once you reach the top of the volcano enjoy a simply breathtaking view of Crater Lake. Then, continue to the ceremonial village of Orongo, where the birdman competition took place, and view the spectacular petroglyphs related to this culture and the three islands, situated opposite the coast. Afterward, drive down to Ahu Vinapu and proceed to restored Ahu Akivi with 7 Moais, built in the middle of the island. According to legend, these statues are representing the 7 explorers who were sent to Rapa Nui by king Hotu Matua. Then, visit the topknot quarry Puna Pau with its red scoria stone, where all the Pukaos were made. Tour the ceremonial site of Tahai with 3 Ahus and restored statues, remains of boathouses and a boat ramp. Here, you will view the only statue with eyes before returning to the hotel
Overnight: Easter Island
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 16, Sunday - Fly to Santiago
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Santiago. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps revisit some of your favorite sites and relish the lively Santiago nightlife
Overnight: Santiago
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 17, Monday - Depart Chile
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Overnight: Santiago
Meals: Breakfast
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