Itinerary
Day 1 - Departure day
Fly to Santiago, the capital of Chile, surrounded on three sides by the towering Andes.
Day 2 - Arrive Santiago
Arrive in Santiago, where your room has been reserved for immediate occupancy. The remainder of the morning is free for rest before the 2PM afternoon sightseeing tour of this bustling, cosmopolitan city. One of the most impressive sights in Santiago is San Cristobal Hill, which is 1,200 feet high and is the home a statue of the Virgin Mary, France's gift to Chile. At your get-acquainted reception and dinner this evening Andean music sets the mood for your South American sojourn. RITZ CARLTON SANTIAGO
Day 3 - Maipo Canyon excursion
This morning, admire the beauty of the lush Andean vegetation en route to the Maipo Canyon. The valley collects the river's torrents, rich with oxygen and minerals, used to irrigate the vines along its banks. Have a private visit to one of the leading wineries, Tarapaca, and taste its wares at a barbeque lunch. RITZ CARLTON SANTIAGO
Day 4 - Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas
Continue your exploration of Santiago this morning with a visit to the Pre-Columbian Art Museum housing some of the most complete collections of ceramics, ancient textiles and relics of the American culture. Fly to Puerto Montt and drive to the city of Puerto Varas, known as the "city of roses" and home to Lake Llanquihue, Chile's largest. With volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco gently reflected in the lake's clear waters, you'll enjoy picture perfect surroundings during your stay at the HOTEL CABANAS DEL LAGO.
Day 5 - Andes Lake District/Llao-Llao Resort
Welcome to the Argentine and Chilean Andes Lake District where natural and unspoiled grandeur awaits. You'll be surrounded by snowy peaks, dainty wildflowers, pristine meadows and towering forests. From Petrohue, take a catamaran to cross spectacular Todos los Santos with its vivid blue-green colored waters. Cross the border into Argentina and set upon the waters of Lake Frias as you continue your journey. Once ashore, it is a short drive to the Llao-Llao Resort, situated on a small hill between two lakes and surrounded by old cypress, coigue and arranyan woods. LLAO-LLAO RESORT
Day 6 - Llao Llao Resort
Explore the surrounding area known as Patagonia this morning. Then get ready for a special treat. Board a chair lift to the top of a scenic overlook for panoramic views of unspoiled scenery as your eyes take in the magnificence of this truly rugged landscape. Later visit the town of Bariloche and the Llao-Llao peninsula between Lago Moreno and Naheul Huapi and the beautiful Lopez Bay with views of the mountains. Return to the resort with plenty of time to enjoy it many amenities. LLAO-LLAO RESORT
Day 7 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Board a flight from Bariloche for today's destination, Buenos Aires, the energetic port capital of Argentina. This city has a rich cultural history that is reflective of a European heritage. The sprawling metropolis includes the pink-hued Casa Rosada, Argentina's version of the White House. The remainder of the day is unscheduled. MARRIOTT PLAZA HOTEL
Day 8 - Buenos Aires
This morning, your local guide introduces you to the beautiful parks and gardens of Palermo, then leads you on a driving tour through the city. Later, visit the Recoleta Cemetery, a burial ground for the rich and famous. The grounds here give visitors the sense of walking into a city in miniature, and in fact are an architectural and artistic history of Buenos Aires in themselves. One of the most visited tombs is that of Evita-Eva Peron. The afternoon is at leisure. Sunday affords an opportunity to visit the antique market, if you are so inclined. Tonight dine in the heart of Buenos Aires and take in an authentic tango show where dancers display the evolution of the tango. Discover the deep connection between this fantastic dance, this city and its people. MARRIOTT PLAZA HOTEL
Day 9 - Family-owned Estancia/Buenos Aires
Venture into the Pampas, where a blend of traditional gaucho lore and modern agro-industry pervades its history. This is the domain of great landowners, the home of the finest polo players and the wealthiest of the country. An estancia owner welcomes you, while gauchos riding their best criollo horses escort you from the gates through the wooded park to their beautiful home. Enjoy a cold Argentinean wine while gauchos prepare the traditional asado (barbecue) meal on open fires. Lunch is served in the shade of the great trees in the park. Be entertained by local music and dancing, then the gauchos provide the most exciting spectacle of the day as they demonstrate their incredible skills on their Pampas ponies. MARRIOTT PLAZA HOTEL.
Days 10 & 11 - Iguassu Falls
On Tuesday, board a flight to Iguassu Falls, which lies at the point where Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil meet. Actually comprised of 275 individual waterfalls, Iguassu Falls is twice as wide as Niagara. Experience the roaring thunder as the water races over the edge of these hypnotizing falls. Your resort lodge, Das Cataratas, is on The Brazilian side next to the falls! On Wednesday morning, take a walking tour of the Argentine side, where you visit Devils Throat, an impressive fall of 275 feet whose perpetual mist creates a colorful rainbow. In the afternoon embark on a great adventure culminating in a motor-boat ride to the white waters of the tumbling falls. TROPICAL DAS CATARATAS HOTEL
Day 12 - Rio de Janeiro
Take one last look at the falls from the Brazilian side this morning and pay a visit to the Tropical Bird Park. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Famed for its beautiful beaches, the city is surrounded by mountains on one side and the enchanting sea on the other. After you arrive at your hotel on Copacabana Beach, take some time to stroll the famous colorful sidewalk. Step onto the sandy beaches and stop at a beachside cafe or juice bar for a sip of cool coconut water. Tonight, venture out for a typical Brazilian churrascaria dinner of tantalizing barbecued meats. SOFITEL RIO PALACE
Day 13 - Sugar Loaf/Corcovado/Samba show/Rio de Janeiro
Travel by cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain for spectacular views of the city below. No trip to Rio would be complete without a visit to Corcovado, where the statue of "Christ the Redeemer" welcomes all visitors to the city. Relate your favorite memories of your tour with your fellow travelers at this evening's farewell dinner at a restaurant out on the town, followed by a samba show offering a taste of Rio's nightlife. SOFITEL RIO PALACE
Days 14 & 15 - Conclude Rio de Janeiro/Arrive home
See the historic sights of downtown Rio this morning. The remainder of the day is free to relax on Rio's beautiful beaches or to browse the many elegant shops for souvenirs until your departure flight. Sunday morning arrive back in the USA.
Travel Dates & Rates, Ask Agent
- Land only rate is per person, based on double occupancy. On tour airfare Santiago/Puerto Montt/Bariloche/Buenos Aires/Iguassu/Rio is additional $1230, subject to change, and must be purchased through Maupintour as part of your tour package. International airfare is not included. Please inquire about our competitive rates at the time of booking. With the purchase of international airfare through Maupintour, arrival and departure transfers are included. Single supplement is from $2039. Pre/post nights are available upon request. Reservation deposit per person is $500. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
- Note: Visa is required and is the responsibility of the traveler to secure.
Prices subject to change without notice until time of deposit. All dollar values not denoted as US or CA are in US Dollars. |
