Compare Best of Argentina & Brazil by Intrepid Travel vs South American Odyssey: Brazil, Argentina & Chile by SmarTours
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 3,002 | $ 4,399 |
| Price Per Day | $ 429 | $ 275 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
13 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 5 Dinners |
| Description |
Get a taste of the rhythms of Argentina and Brazil on this southern adventure journeying from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro, taking in spectacular Iguazu Falls along the way. From tango to samba, Spanish to Portuguese, and Malbec wine to caipirinhas, these two countries are sure to have you enthralled in their passionate zest for life. Lively Rio de Janeiro is the perfect spot to cap off your South American sojourn, where the beaches of Copacabana or Ipanema beckon and sunset from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain shouldn’t be missed. |
There are many South American travel packages you can book, but our comprehensive tour brings you to all the must-see sites of Chile, Argentina and Brazil. From the bustling urban centers of sophisticated Santiago, Buenos Aires (the “Paris of the South”) and Rio de Janeiro—watched over by none other than Christ the Redeemer—to the natural wonders of the Andean Mountains, Chilean Lake District, Bariloche, Argentine Pampas and the Iguassu Falls that span two countries. Memorable experiences on this 16-day escorted tour include traveling along one of National Geographic’s 10 Most Scenic Drives in the World, a visit to the grave of the infamous Evita Peron, an authentic Gaucho Fiesta and a passionate tango performance. |
Day 1 Buenos Aires
Bienvenido! Welcome to Buenos Aires, the ultimate cosmopolitan city, with Latin passion, European elegance, and its own distinctive style. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. Your leader will leave a note at the hotel reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Argentinians enjoy dining late so there will be plenty of time after the welcome meeting to take up any of your leader’s restaurant suggestions for those wishing to sample Argentina’s world-renowned steak.
Day 2 Buenos Aires
Today explore Buenos Aires on a half-day tour with an expert local guide. Starting in Plaza de Mayo, explore the city’s most famous sights with highlights including San Telmo, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires, and La Boca where you’ll visit iconic Caminito Street, which gives the neighbourhood its distinctive spirit. After lunch, your tour continues towards Retiro and Recoleta, where you’ll learn about the families who sought to build a small‐scale Paris in the heart of Buenos Aires and see the ornate mausoleums at one of the world’s most famous cemeteries. This evening is free to enjoy your way.
Day 3 Foz do Iguazu
Fly to Puerto Iguazu in the northeast corner of Argentina where mighty Iguazu Falls straddles the border of Argentina and Brazil. Iguazu Falls are higher than Niagara Falls, wider than Victoria Falls, and a truly epic sight. Take a trip across the border to Brazil to admire panoramic views of multiple thundering waterfalls. You may like to take an optional helicopter flight over the top of the falls for a more panoramic view. Tonight, spend the night in Foz do Iguazu (Brazil), resting up before a big day exploring the Argentinian side of the falls tomorrow.
Day 4 Iguazu Falls
A visit to the Argentinian side of Iguazu today allows you to get up close to the waterfalls via a series of boardwalks. According to Guarani legend, Iguazu Falls was created when the serpent god M’Boy, enraged by the betrayal of a chieftain’s daughter who was promised to him, split the river in half. For a more exhilarating experience, take an optional Zodiac boat ride to the base of the falls. This afternoon, join your leader for a visit to a Guarani community where you’ll meet some of the region’s few remaining indigenous people. Learn about the Guarani way of life and how they have preserved their traditions on the edge of one of the world’s most popular attractions. Return to your hotel on the Brazilian side of the falls.
Day 5 Rio de Janeiro
Take an early morning flight from Foz do Iguacu to Rio. The locals say that 'if God made the world in six days, he devoted the seventh to Rio'. The day is yours to do what you like. For relaxation and people watching, head to the beaches of Copacabana or Ipanema. If the time of year is right, check out a football game or a Carnival rehearsal. As evening approaches, perhaps take the cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain to watch the sunset before getting sweaty with the locals in the samba clubs of bohemian Lapa.
Day 6 Rio de Janeiro
It's an early start this morning as we embark on a guided tour of Rio, starting at Corcovado Mountain for sweeping views over Rio from the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue before the crowds arrive. Discover the eclectic architecture, restaurants, and art galleries of the artistic neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. Then continue to the colourful Selaron Steps to see artist Jorge Selaron’s gift to the Brazilian people, a staircase with 215 steps that’s decorated with thousands of tiles collected from over 60 countries around the world. The afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish, before rejoining your group for a farewell dinner. A fun local restaurant, specialising in smoky grilled seafood and meat with fresh, zesty salads, is the ideal place to celebrate your time together.
Day 7 Rio de Janeiro
With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end. If you would like to continue soaking up the sun in Rio, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Day 1: Depart from the u.s.
Your journey to exotic South America begins as you depart this evening on your overnight flight bound for Chile. Airfare from the U.S. is included.
Day 2: Arrive in Santiago Chile
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Atton Vitacura (or similar)
This morning, you’ll touch down in Santiago, the lively capital of Chile, located between the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Andes. On arrival, ride to the top of San Cristobal Hill for a bird’s-eye view of the city and the Andean mountain range. Later, learn more about Santiago’s charms and history from a local expert who will take you on a tour of the Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square, and the nearby Cathedral. You’ll also see the Palacio de la Moneda—home of the president—and the Bohemian section of Bellavista with its art galleries, restaurants and vibrantly colored homes. This tour concludes upon arrival at your upscale hotel, home base for an afternoon at your leisure. In the evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a brief information session, followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 3: Santiago
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Atton Vitacura (or similar)
You have the entire day to explore Santiago your way, at your own pace—or by joining an optional excursion. We recommend the Full-Day Vina del Mar, Valparaiso, and Winery Tour. It’s your chance to discover two enchanting coastal towns—Vina del Mar, known as the “Garden City,” and Valparaiso, also called the “Jewel of the Pacific”—as well as sip and savor the fruits of Chile’s thriving wine-making industry.
Day 4: Santiago/puerto montt/puerto varas Chile
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Puerto Varas (or similar)
Today, you’ll board a short flight to the southern port city of Puerto Montt, gateway to the Chilean Lake District. Upon arrival, enjoy a magnificent lookout over the city and bay before arriving in the nearby village of Puerto Varas, known as the “City of Roses.” Arrive at your hotel within walking distance of the magnificent lake. On a clear day, you’ll also enjoy views of Mount Osorno, a stunning, snow-capped volcano. Relax and linger over dinner at the hotel tonight.
Day 5: Lake region/bariloche Argentina
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel NH Bariloche Edelweiss (or similar)
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, thundering waterfalls, snow-covered volcanoes and dense forests. The breathtaking scenery unfolds as you journey along winding roads overlooking the magical lakes of Chile’s Puyehue National Park and into Argentina’s equally amazing Nahuel Huapi National Park. Later in the day, you’ll arrive in the postcard-perfect town of Bariloche.
Day 6: Bariloche Argentina
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel NH Bariloche Edelweiss (or similar)
With an idyllic setting reminiscent of the Swiss Alps, Bariloche is a lakeside town easily explored from your hotel. This morning, enjoy some time at your leisure—consider browsing the many nearby chocolate shops or enjoy a cup of coffee with a lake view. This afternoon, enjoy a “Small Circuit Tour,” recognized by National Geographic as one of the 10 most scenic drives in the world—highlighted by the forest, lakes and mountains surrounding Bariloche. The tour begins at Nahuel Huapi Lake, crosses the residential Melipal district and arrives at Playa Bonita, located in front of Huemul Island. At the base of Campanario Hill, you can take a chair lift to the 3,444-foot summit for breathtaking views of Nahuel Huapi, St. Peter’s Peninsula, Victoria Island, the Catedral Mountains and more. Continue to the Llao Llao Peninsula where St. Edwards Chapel and the Llao Llao Hotel, two architectural gems, are nestled. You’ll continue, crossing the Angostura River, which joins lakes Moreno, Nahuel Huapi and Lopez Bay at the foot of Lopez Mountain. Arrive at a natural overlook to enjoy imposing views of Moreno Lake and the Llao Llao Peninsula before returning to downtown Bariloche.
Day 7: Bariloche/Buenos Aires Argentina
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Sofitel (formerly the MGallery Brick Hotel) (or similar)
Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital, often called the “Paris of the South.” The city is an exotic mix of European heritage and Latin spirit, evident in its architecture, culture and lifestyle. You’ll travel the Avenida 9 de Julio, the world’s widest avenue, to your downtown hotel.
Day 8: Buenos Aires Argentina
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Sofitel (formerly the MGallery Brick Hotel) (or similar)
On this morning’s guided tour see the Plaza de Mayor—Argentina’s most famous square, the iconic Opera House and the historic La Boca district, known for its street tango performances. You’ll then proceed to the elegant Recoleta district and the final resting place of the infamous Evita Peron. Prior to being interred here 24 years after her death, Evita’s remains were stolen and brought to Italy before being returned to her exiled husband in Madrid and being buried by his side in the Presidential Palace three years later. Then, finally, Evita was laid to rest in her family’s crypt here in Recoleta Cemetery. After the tour, spend the afternoon at your leisure. Tonight, you are our guest for a delicious dinner and an exhilarating performance of the tango, South America’s passionate dance.
Day 9: Buenos Aires/Argentine Pampas Argentina
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Sofitel (formerly the MGallery Brick Hotel) (or similar)
Travel outside the city on a full-day excursion to the Argentine Pampas, where the native gauchos raise the cattle and other livestock that graze on the long grasses of these flatlands. Visit an estancia (ranch) and enjoy a sumptuous barbecue lunch followed by an authentic Gaucho Fiesta, complete with horse riding and a folklore show.
Day 10: Buenos Aires Argentina
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Sofitel (formerly the MGallery Brick Hotel) (or similar)
The day is yours to spend however you like. Interested in taking a deeper dive into the city sites? 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. If you’d rather escape to nature, you can join the optional half-day Tigre Delta tour on the outskirts of Buenos Aires to enjoy the beautiful rivers, streams and numerous green islands.
Day 11: Buenos Aires/Iguassu Falls Argentina/Brazil
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Mabu Thermas Grand Resort (or similar)
After breakfast, board a short flight to the Argentinean side of Iguassu 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 rainforest for a spectacular close-up view of the falls. Proceed to your deluxe hotel which is set amidst lush tropical gardens.
Day 12: Iguassu Falls Argentina/Brazil
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mabu Thermas Grand Resort (or similar)
Because Iguassu Falls is too spectacular to leave behind just yet, today you’ll be afforded a view of the dramatic Brazilian side of the falls and surrounding lush sub-tropical vegetation on an included morning tour. The afternoon is free for independent activities, shopping or relaxing beside your hotel’s hot-spring-fed pool.
Day 13: Iguassu/Rio De Janeiro Brazil
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort (or similar)
Today, you’ll catch a flight to Rio de Janeiro, often described as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Sprawling between lush tropical mountains and the exquisite beaches of the Atlantic, Rio’s natural beauty and the warmth of its people will win your heart. This afternoon, you’ll ascend imposing Sugar Loaf Mountain by cable car to the 1,300-foot summit for stunning views of the city and surroundings. Later, you’ll ride beside the white-sand beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema before arriving at your luxurious hotel.
Day 14: Rio De Janeiro Brazil
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort (or similar)
How will you do Rio? You have the entire day to decide! Jewelry fans will love shopping for authentic gemstones. Culture hounds can explore the city’s museums and historic monuments. Sunbathers can spend the day basking in the rays on the beach. If you’d rather get out of the city, you can join our optional full-day excursion to the picturesque mountain resort of Petropolis, 42 miles away. It’s such a desirable destination that Pedro II, the last emperor of Brazil, had a summer palace built there. Tonight, you’ll celebrate with your fellow travelers at a festive dinner.
Day 15: Depart Rio De Janeiro Brazil
Meals: Breakfast
Before leaving the big city, you’ll take a morning tour, following a cog railway that leads through the rainforest up Corcovado Mountain, a 2,300-foot peak crowned by the landmark statue of Christ the Redeemer. The views from the top of the mountain are dazzling! The balance of the day is dedicated to your leisure for last-minute sightseeing or simply relaxing by the hotel pool before being transferred to the airport for your overnight return flight to the States.
Day 16: Arrive In The U.S.
Your exciting South American Odyssey ends as you land in the U.S. this morning.
