Compare Argentine & Chilean Patagonia by Say Hueque vs South American Odyssey: Brazil, Argentina & Chile by SmarTours

Day 1: Travel to Chile & Argentina - First stop, Buenos Aires

Transfer from the airport to your hotel – Day at leisure

Upon arrival, we will drive you to the city and you’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy Buenos Aires at your own pace. Buenos Aires is a marvelous, energetic, cosmopolitan city, full of color and different styles of architecture.

The capital of Argentina, and described as the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires proudly embraces its title, and also shows off plenty of its own culture! Argentinians are usually eager to host visitors; if you walk the streets with a map, someone will surely stop and ask if you need directions…that’s just our spirit!

Day 2:  City Tour & Tango Show - Buenos Aires

Half-day city tour through Buenos Aires

In the morning we will pick you up from your hotel to enjoy our 5-hour Buenos Aires city tour—you will be swept away by the highlights of our beloved Buenos Aires! Throughout a half-day, you will have the chance to visit the historical and political center of the city; Plaza de Mayo, and the Pink House (the presidential house).

Next, we’ll move on to San Telmo, with its cobblestone streets and the oldest residential neighborhood, and then to La Boca where Buenos Aires turns colorful and tango is ever-present. Come walk Caminito Street and dance with the locals. The next stop is the chic and aristocratic Recoleta, where the big palaces remind us why Buenos Aires is called the “Paris of the South”.

Dinner and tango show

In the evening we’ll pick you up from your hotel to take you to a mystical place where you’ll discover one of our most ancient traditions. Tango is more than our national dance… tango is our immigrant origins, the talent of our local artists, the sensuality of Argentine women, and our way of dealing with a broken heart; dancing our way through tragic, and yet eternal, love stories.

Tonight you will enjoy a 3-hour professional display of tango and music with a group of local artists on stage immersed in an elegant and alluring place. The manners, ambiance, clothes, and dance steps that tango lovers used to practice 100 years ago will come to life again and you will travel back in time for a night.

This spectacular tango show in Buenos Aires will be accompanied by delicious Argentine and international cuisine. Dinner is all-inclusive, beverages included so you can lose yourself in the ethereal taste of Malbec wine. At the end of the evening, around midnight, you will be driven back to your hotel, fully in love with the bohemian spirit of our incredible city.

Day 3:  Travel to the Chilean and Argentine Patagonia - Bariloche

Transfer from your hotel to Buenos Aires airport

It’s time to fly to the Lake District, the stunning start to your Patagonia adventure trip in Argentina and Chile. We’ll drive you to the domestic airport where you’ll take a short, 3-hour flight to Bariloche.

Transfer from Bariloche airport to your hotel – Day at leisure

Upon arrival, we’ll drive you to your hotel. Enjoy your free day in the city! Bariloche sits on the southern coast of Nahuel Huapi, a glacier-water lake with enthralling islands and beaches.

Hills and mountains framing the area allow visitors to enjoy all sorts of hiking trails and winter sports (Cerro Catedral is home to the most significant ski slopes in South America), as well as some mesmerizing views of the natural wonders of Patagonia. This region has it all — horseback riding through the Patagonian steppe, navigations through pristine blue-green waters, and the most mouthwatering chocolate in the country!

Day 4: Discover History and Nature of Argentinian Patagonia - Bariloche

Full-day visit, history and nature of Bariloche

This morning, we’ll pick you up from your hotel to start one of the most famous and traditional visits to the Lake District. For around 6 hours you will tour the area in an active way, and your guide will be constantly focused on sharing the vast history of the area and the most relevant facts about the natural heritage of Bariloche.

You will visit Campanario Hill, considered by National Geographic to be the 8th-best view in the world, and one of the most visited places here—1500 people go to enjoy the view every day. Our guides are local experts and know the perfect time to visit. They will bring you there before the crowds swarm so that you can have a close-up and intimate experience.

Other fabled places you will visit include Nahuel Huapi and the mild waters of Moreno Lake, Lopez and Capilla mountains, and the world-renowned Llao-Llao Hotel. Get ready to walk between millenary arrayanes trees on a nature-oriented outing through the impressive forest in the Llao-Llao Nature Park.

After filling your lungs with the refreshing air of the forest, you’ll enjoy your boxed lunch, and at the end of the day, we’ll take you back to your hotel.

Day 5:  Day at Leisure - Bariloche

Optional tours – Rafting in Manso River

For your day at leisure in Bariloche, we recommend that you take an optional outing to go Rafting down Manso River inside Nahuel Huapi National Park.

We will drive you along National Route 40 (the legendary road that extends from the North to South of Argentina) to enjoy some scenic views, passing by lakes Gutierrez, Mascardi, and Guillelmo. At one stop, we’ll enter the land of a Native American Mapuche Community to share breakfast (maté or tea, and homemade fried bread and marmalade) and learn about their unique culture and traditions; a truly immersive and personal experience.

From there we will start our rafting adventure, cruising down Manso River on its emerald waters. For about 1 hour, you’ll navigate your way through some medium-intensity rapids with the backdrop of this fairy-tale valley. Depending on the weather, you may be able to take a relaxing swim!

On our way back, we’ll stop to have lunch in the historic restaurant, El Viejo Almacén. After this 10-hour experience, we’ll drive you back to Bariloche.

Day 6:  Cruise and Lake Crossing - Adventure Trip to Chilean Patagonia

From Argentine to Chilean Patagonia – Full-day lake crossing

Time to cross borders and step into Chile, the land of the fjords! This is an 11-hour trip in which you’ll travel from Argentina to Chile in a different way, and have a day full of immersion into the beautiful landscapes of the Patagonian Lakes and relaxing navigations.

You’ll depart from your hotel in Bariloche by bus early in the morning to travel to Puerto Pañuelo, where you’ll embark on the first boat of the day. You’ll sail Nahuel Huapi Lake and reach Puerto Blest on a 1-hour navigation through beautiful woods and snow-capped mountains that surround the shore.

Who were the first men to embark on this adventurous journey? On the way, your local guide will reveal their history and other interesting facts about the vegetation and wildlife of the area.

From Puerto Blest, take a bus to Puerto Alegre where you’ll embark on your second boat of the day, crossing Lake Frías, with Mount Tronador as an amazing backdrop, to reach Puerto Frías, where you’ll finally cross borders into Chile.

Then, take a 2-hour bus passing by the legendary Andes Mountain Range to Pehulla, a beautiful eco-village where we’ll stop to have lunch before taking our last navigation of the day.

For the last part of the journey, explore the Todos Los Santos Lake (which stretches between Pehulla and Petrohúe), during a 2-hour navigation where you may see, weather permitting, the forbidding Puntiagudo and Osorno volcanoes.

Once in Petrohué, we’ll take you on a 3-hour bus trip, passing by Llanquihue Lake, the second-largest lake in Chile (and this is a land full of lakes), to Puerto Varas where we’ll drop you at your hotel.

Day 7:  Welcome to Chile! - Puerto Varas

Day at leisure in Puerto Varas
This is your day at leisure in Puerto Varas, the gateway city to the Chilean Lake District, which faces the great Osorno Volcano and is better known as the “City of Roses”.

This beautiful lakeside, first inhabited by Germans, has kept most of its traditional architecture; wooden houses, alerce trees, and German Jesuit churches can be seen all over the place, as well as rose bushes covering every street.

The gastronomy of Puerto Varas is something to savor while staying in this city. Taste the “Kuchen” pie, a traditional dish of the first German immigrants, the homemade marmalades (Puerto Varas is famous for their blueberry production!), and the best-smoked salmon fish.

Day 8:  Continue Your Adventure Trip in Patagonia - Puerto Natales

Transfer from your hotel to Puerto Montt airport and transfer to Puerto Natales.
Today we’ll drive you from your hotel to Puerto Montt airport to take your flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, we’ll be waiting to take you on a 1-hour trip to Puerto Natales, where you’ll spend the night.

Puerto Natales is the gateway city to the famous Torres del Paine National Park, which you’ll visit the next day! In the meantime, wander around the Last Hope Sound coastline, or just relax in one of the little cafés in town while admiring its patchworked facade of colorful houses.

Day 9:  Trip Adventure in Chilean Patagonia - Torres Del Paine

Full-day trip to Torres del Paine National Park

Today we’ll pick you up really early at your hotel to take you to the first stop of this 10-hour adventurous trip: Milodon Cave. This natural monument, located 15 miles north of town, is composed of three caverns and a rocky conglomerate called Silla del Diablo (Devil’s Chair), due to its chair-like shape.

Before getting to the cave, we will pass by La Silla del Diablo and learn about its mysterious legend…a story told by the oldest man in Patagonia who believed that the Devil appeared to those who came to look for him on dark nights.

We’ll keep on traveling to Torres del Paine National Park, and on the way, you’ll get to see Sofia Lagoon, Prat Range, Porteño Lake, and the stunning Grey Lake viewpoint. You’ll go over Serrano Bridge and continue to the Grey Lake sector, where you’ll have time to walk along the shore. Once you go back to the parking lot, we’ll take you to a restaurant to rest and have lunch (lunch is not included in our service).

After lunch, we’ll head to the Salto Grande sector. You’ll visit the Nordenskjold Lake viewpoint before continuing on a sinuous route to the Amarga Lagoon area. We’ll also make a stop at Paine’s turquoise waterfall, whose waters come directly from the Paine River.

Heading back to Puerto Natales, we’ll stop at Sarmiento Lake viewpoint to take one last picture of the stunning Torres del Paine.

Day 10:  Day at Leisure - Puerto Natales

Bike city tour in Puerto Natales

Discover the history of Chilean Patagonians in an original and active way. Join your group at the meeting point in downtown Puerto Natales and meet your guide. This is a 3-hour tour to see the highlights of the city. Start riding along beautiful streets, and spot important monuments. Continue to the renewed waterfront, and reach the Braun Blanchard Pier. Finally, visit the famous Arturo Prat main square and dig into the culture of Puerto Natales.

Day 11:  Continue Exploring Chilean and Argentine Patagonia - El Calafate

Bus to El Calafate – Day at leisure

Today, get prepared to take a 5-hour bus ride to El Calafate. To get to the bus station, a taxi will cost you roughly $6/8 USD. We highly recommend being ready half an hour before the departure time at the bus terminal. Once you arrive at the El Calafate bus station, you will go to your hotel.

El Calafate is the starting point for adventure travelers who desire to unearth the most spellbinding natural wonders of Patagonia, like the Perito Moreno Glacier, the only glacier in the world that’s still advancing. Though it’s not the only glacier in the area, it’s the one that made the city of El Calafate famous worldwide.

Day 12: Perito Moreno Glacier Tour

Perito Moreno Glacier tour, meet the icy giant of Patagonia
During the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Glaciers National Park to enjoy the 6-hour Perito Moreno Glacier tour. You will travel about 25 miles from El Calafate to the park, enjoying the views of the Patagonian steppe. Once inside the park, you will take walkways to explore the different viewpoints, and you’ll feel unbelievably close to Perito Moreno Glacier. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see a piece of ice break off and fall from the glacier wall, sinking forever into the lake below.

Over the course of about one hour, a bilingual guide will provide you with all the information you might want to know…and things you may have never thought about. After this visit, you will take a boat ride that will bring you close enough to fully appreciate the 262-foot ice walls of Perito Moreno! You’ll never feel closer to this gigantic and impressive natural masterpiece. At the end of the day, we will drive you back to your hotel.

Day 13:  Day at Leisure - El Calafate

Optional tour to a Patagonian ranch

El Calafate has much more to offer than just its magnificent glaciers… we recommend that you complete this 2-week hiking trip to Patagonia by taking a day tour to immerse yourself in the rural culture of Patagonia.

Inside Glaciers National Park, at the end of National Route 15 and after a 1 hr 30 min drive over a rubble road, sits one of the oldest and most traditional Patagonian ranches in the area. It’s the only ranch that continues to maintain sheep and Hereford cattle breeding as its main occupation. You can take a day trip to visit its 30,000 acres of land, learn about its history, and witness a sheep-shearing demonstration and horse training. At the end of the day, a grilled lamb will await, sizzling on its traditional Patagonian rotisserie.

If you would like to add on this tour for your free day, just let your travel advisor know.

Day 14:  Continue Traveling Through Argentine Patagonia - Fly to Ushuaia

Transfer from your hotel to El Calafate airport
Today we’ll drive you to the airport to take your flight to Ushuaia, the popular “End of the World” destination.

Transfer from Ushuaia airport to your hotel – Day at leisure
Upon arrival at the airport in Ushuaia, we will drive you to your selected hotel and then you will be free to explore the city and the surroundings.

Ushuaia is a small town, really easy to get around on foot. The Yamanas, its first inhabitants, called it Ushuaia which means “protected bay” in their language. It was officially incorporated into the Republic of Argentina in 1884, and it soon became a penal colony, in order to establish a permanent Argentine settlement.

Day 15: Trekking & Paddling in the National Park - Ushuaia

Discover Tierra del Fuego National Park wildlands

Today we’ll pick you up from your hotel to start a 10-hour, moderate-difficulty, adventure in Tierra del Fuego National Park, just 7.4 miles away from the city and bordering the shore of the famous Beagle Channel.

Upon arrival at Ensenada Bay, you will have time to enjoy the view over the Beagle Channel before you start hiking along the coast. Four miles of trail await you, where you’ll discover native flora, wild fauna, and the remains left by the Yamanas, the native inhabitants of the area. After this 3-hour hike, you will reach Lake Roca, where lunch will be served.

After a full homemade picnic, you will start the second part of this adventure. Take your oar and plunge into a 1hr 30 min paddling trip along the Lapataia River (only available for children over 5 years old). Make it all the way to Lapataia Bay, where the Panamerican Highway and National Route 3 end at an awe-inspiring landscape.

After discovering the unique vastness of this stunning setting, we’ll take you back to your hotel to rest and enjoy another Patagonian evening.

Day 16:  Beagle Channel Cruise - Travel Back to Buenos Aires

Tour Ushuaia’s famous islands while sailing the Beagle Channel

In 1833 Charles Darwin sailed the Beagle Channel and found something extraordinary. Today it’s your turn: become another explorer of this channel, primitively named Onashaga Channel since the Onas were its first discoverers.

Make your way to the tourist pier (located downtown) to embark on a 4-hour Beagle Channel navigation in a fully equipped boat with a capacity for up to 26 people. With Argentina on your left and Chile on your right, you’ll sail this natural border until you reach the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, which is still in operation.

On the way, enjoy uplifting panoramic views of Ushuaia Bay, crowned by the Martial Glacier’s diverse marine wildlife, such as cormorants (flying birds, closely related to penguins) and fur seals. Hop off on Bridges Island to explore its vegetation, and visit the archeological remains of the Yamanas (the native inhabitants) accompanied by a specialized bilingual guide.

During the trip, enjoy bottomless hot cocoa and cookies, or try the maté (loose herbal tea), which is every Argentinian’s favorite drink. Once we get back to the port, you can make your way back to your hotel or stop in a local cafe or brewery to enjoy an amber craft beer paired with a traditional Patagonian appetizer.

Transfer from your hotel to Ushuaia airport / Transfer to your hotel in Buenos Aires

At the appropriate time, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Here is where your Patagonia adventure trip ends We’ll welcome you to the Buenos Aires airport, and drive you to your hotel to spend your last evening in the city.

Day 17:  Day at Leisure - Buenos Aires

Optional tours – Full-day visit to a ranch

There are still some estancias (ranches) that preserve the gaucho traditions, located in picturesque towns within Buenos Aires’ province. One of the most alluring estancias is El Ombú de Areco, a colonial-style working ranch built in 1880 that is located in the town of San Antonio de Areco, where gaucho traditions are ever-present.

Today, we’ll pick you up at your hotel to begin a 9-hour visit to this time-honored ranch. Learn about the gaucho culture and traditions, strolling around the beautiful old streets, museums, and ancient pulperías (grocery stores) in San Antonio de Areco before heading to El Ombú.

Once you’re in the estancia, enjoy a typical asado (barbecue) before either a horseback ride in nature or a relaxing bike ride. For those who like to take things slow while on vacation, there is a peaceful swimming pool (only available in summer) and many sunny relaxation areas where you can take a siesta (an afternoon nap). At the end of the day, we’ll take you back to your hotel in Buenos Aires.

Day 18:  The End of Your Trip to Argentine and Chilean Patagonia

Transfer from your hotel to Buenos Aires airport

At the appropriate time, we’ll drive you to the international airport where you’ll take your flight back home, ¡buen viaje! (Good trip!).

Dreaming about a second trip to South America? Tailor your new travel experience with one of our travel experts. Contac us!

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.