Tour Type:Discovery Tour Duration:16 Days (15 Nights) From:Rio De Janeiro toSantiago Tour Code:LCAC Operator:Trafalgar
from AU $5,219 pp
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Tour Description
Embrace the music, cuisine and culture of South America as you journey through magnificent Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Chile. See the famous Christ the Redeemer statue and take a cable car ascent up Sugar Loaf Mountain. Admire nature's true beauty at the spectacular Iguassu Falls before discovering the streets of bustling Buenos Aires and a charming scenic view of Santiago.
What's Included
Dining Highlights
Welcome Reception with your Tour Director in Rio de Janeiro.
15 full breakfasts.
3 three-course or buffet dinners.
4 Highlight Lunches in Colonial del Sacramento, the Lake District, on Chiloe Island and in the Maipo Valley.
2 Highlight Dinners with wine and Samba Show in Rio de Janeiro and with
Tango Show in Buenos Aires.
Be My Guest Dinner with wine in Buenos Aires.
Farewell Dinner with wine and Folklore Show in Santiago.
First Class Travel Highlights
A Trafalgar bonus: guaranteed early hotel check-in and immediate use of your room upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro on Day 2, and guaranteed late hotel check-out until 6 p.m. in Santiago on Day 16.
A Trafalgar bonus - all Intra-Air Flights: Rio to Iguassu, Iguassu to Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires to Bariloche, Puerto Montt to Santiago de Chile, including porter service at all airports.
Qualified local guides in Iguassu, Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Chiloe Island and Santiago.
Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.
Highlights
Sightseeing Highlights
Rio de Janeiro Enjoy a cogwheel train ride through Tijuca Forest
and up Corcovado Mountain to see the Christ the Redeemer statue;
cable car ride to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain; Carnival Samba Show.
Buenos Aires Visit the "Paris of South America", the Evita Museum and Recoleta Cemetery and enjoy a tango show.
Colonia del Sacramento Stroll in this UNESCO World Heritage city.
Bariloche Explore Nahuel Huapi National Park.
Andean Lake District Crossing Cruise the "Switzerland of South America."
Chiloe Island Patagonia Visit colonies of Magellan and Humboldt Penguins.
Puerto Varas Chile's loveliest town.
Santiago Delight in a Chilean folklore show in this cosmopolitan capital.
Arrive Rio De Janeiro (4 Nights)
Bemvindo ao Rio de Janeiro! On arrival at the airport, you will be met by a local rresentative and taken to your luxurious oceanfront hotel. Relax, get settled in and enjoy your hotel's superb location overlooking Copacabana Beach, minutes from downtown Rio. Stay: Rio Othon Palace (Moderate Deluxe) (FB)
Day 2
Rio De Janeiro Free Time & Sightseeing
Enjoy a leisurely morning before joining your Tour Director for an exploration of the cidade maravilhosa marvellous city) and its many contrasts, from the 18th century aqueduct and colonial Candelaria Church to the 20th century opera house, Sambodromo, and city Cathedral. Stretch your legs in lovely Flamengo Park before ascending Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car for astounding views over the city and the bay. This evening, enjoy a festive Welcome Reception at the hotel with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
Day 3
Rio De Janeiro Sightseeing & Free Time
Board a classic cogwheel train for the journey to the summit of majestic Corcovado, site of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After admiring the panoramic views, head back down the mountain for a chance to learn about Brazil's precious gemstones. You'll be fascinated by the creative process as you watch precious metals and rough gemstones transformed into works of art. See the song-inspiring Copacabana and Ipanema beaches on your way back to your hotel. Spend the afternoon as you please. This evening, learn how to mix the perfect Caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail made with cachaça, and indulge in a traditional barbeque Highlight Dinner at a local churrascaria. Feel the spirit of Rio's world-famous Carnival as you're treated to a lively extravaganza of Samba song-and-dance. (FB/HD)
Day 4
Rio De Janeiro Free Time
Enjoy a full day to explore Rio on your own - or choose from an array of optional outings: take a half-day journey by jeep and foot into the lush Tijuca National Park, the world's largest urban rainforest; perhaps explore Petropolis, the Imperial City of Brazil; or cruise emerald Sepetiba Bay, stopping at a pristine island for lunch and swimming. (FB)
Day 5
Rio De Janeiro - Iguassu Falls
Fly to magnificent Iguassu Falls, bordering Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Enter Iguassu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to one of the world's largest waterfalls and to such endangered species as the giant otter and the giant anteater. Explore the Brazilian side of the cascades and take a scenic walk through the rainforest at the base of the falls. Stay: Mabu Thermas & Resort (FB)
Day 6
Iguassu Falls - Buenos Aires (4 Nights)
Cross the border to Argentina. Stop at the Visitors Center and take a scenic walk before boarding the open-air Ecological Jungle Train for a different vantage point on the mighty falls and a spectacular view of the thunderous Devil's Throat Falls. Fly to Buenos Aires and arrive at your stylish hotel in the heart of Argentina's sizzling capital, just steps from designer boutiques, fine dining, museums, theatres and the famous Teatro Colon. Enjoy a light buffet dinner with wine at your hotel, followed by a presentation by a Local Expert on the passions and traditions of the Argentinean people - the wine, the tango, the beef ... and the soccer. Stay: Sheraton Libertador Hotel (FB/D)
Day 7
Buenos Aires Sightseeing
Join your guide and embark on an in-depth tour of this passionate city. See the Plaza de Mayo, the pink Casa Rosada, and the renowned Teatro Colon where legendary stars Maria Callas and Caruso have performed; then view the colourful and fashionable neighbourhoods of La Boca, San Telmo and Palermo. Learn how Argentine leathers are turned into fine leather goods at the workshop of a master leather artisan. Drive along the stately Avenida 9 de Julio, said to be the widest street in the world, to the elegant Recoleta. Here you visit the museum dedicated to Argentina's former first lady Eva Peron (Evita) as well as the impressive cemetery where she is buried. Return to your hotel this afternoon. This evening, you are welcomed by a local family into their elegant mansion for an exclusive Be My Guest experience. Your hosts share their passion for art and invite you to learn how to make scrumptious empanadas - rolled pies stuffed with an array of delicious fillings. Sample these treats and other hors d'oeuvres while learning about and tasting some of Argentina's best vintages and varietals from the Cafayate and Mendoza wine regions. (FB/HD)
Day 8
Colonia Del Sacramento Excursion
Cross the Rio de la Plata by hydrofoil this morning. On the Uruguayan side, a guide takes you on a walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic district of the charming colonial Colonia del Sacramento. After a leisurely Highlight Lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy time to stroll the exclusive art galleries and shops on your own. Return by hydrofoil to Argentina later this afternoon. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)
Day 9
Buenos Aires Free Time
Relish a day at leisure in the 'Paris of South America.' If you like, take an optional trip to a traditional Argentinean estancia (ranch) for the day; share a drink with the local gauchos (cowboys), marvel at their horsemanship during a lively equestrian show and then feast on a traditional parrillada (barbeque) lunch. Back in the city, linger over a Highlight Dinner and a chance for an authentic taste of world-renowned Argentinean beef! Cap off the evening watching a sensual performance of the best tango dancers in Buenos Aires. (FB/HD)
Day 10
Buenos Aires - Bariloche (2 Nights)
Fly to the edge of the Andes and the lovely resort town of San Carlos de Bariloche. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the town on your own - perhaps visit the many chocolate shops, browse the quaint boutiques or take a stroll in the parks along the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Tonight, share your stories with your travel companions during dinner at your hotel. Stay: Hotel Edelweiss (FB/D)
Day 11
Bariloche Sightseeing - Free Time
Discover the natural wonders of one of Argentina's prettiest areas, known as the 'Switzerland of South America.' Meet your local guide and travel along the 'Circuito Chico' for spectacular vistas of forests, mountains and sparkling waters in Nahuel Huapi National Park. Visit lovely Playa Bonita, soak up the scenery from hilltop St. Edward's Chapel on the Llao Llao Peninsula, and ride a chairlift to the top of Cerro Campanario for sweeping views of Lake Nahuel Huapi, the Llao Llao Peninsula, and the high peaks of Catedral and Tronador. Then, find out about Bariloche's chocolate connection with a visit to the Chocolate Museum. After a briefing on some 2000 years of chocolate history, view the production area, and, of course, sample an array of chocolate treats. The rest of the day is at leisure in Bariloche. (FB)
Day 12
Bariloche - Andean Lake District Cruise - Puerto Varas (2 Nights)
Today, journey by land and water across the breathtaking Lake District straddling Argentina and Chile to marvel at some of the Southern Hemisphere's most stunning landscapes. Soak in the breathtaking scenery of snow-capped mountain peaks, gloriously green forests and sapphire blue lakes as you cruise upon lakes Nahuel Huapi and Frias and drive across the Chilean border to Peulla for an included Highlight Lunch. Board another catamaran for the scenic crossing of Todos Los Santos Lake with the mighty Osorno volcano looming in the background. Keep an eye out for Andean condors gliding over the lakes and mountains. Make a stop at the Petrohue River to see the burbling waterfalls cascade over the black volcanic rock. Arrive in Puerto Varas, one of Chile's most charming villages, located on the banks of Lake Llanquihue. Check in to your lakefront hotel and enjoy a light dinner. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Dinner) Stay: Cabana Del Lago Hotel
Day 13
Chiloe Island Patagonia Excursion
Join your local guide and take a ferry across the Chacao Channel to the isolated island of Chiloe in northern Patagonia. Here, get acquainted with the mythical world of the island and its traditional architecture, including its typical wooden churches. Tour the 16th century fortress of San Antonio, and savour a Highlight Lunch of seafood in the provincial capital of Ancud. Then, depending on weather conditions, visit several Magellan and Humboldt penguin colonies located on tiny, barren islands just off the island's coast. This afternoon, return to Puerto Varas. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)
Day 14
Puerto Varas - Santiago (2 Nights)
Bid farewell to Patagonia and fly north from Puerto Montt to the Chilean capital. Upon arrival, meet your guide and embark on an orientation tour of this vibrant city, traveling past Club Hipico - the regal racetrack - and sprawling Parque O'Higgins. Cruise along Alameda Avenue past the Church of San Francisco and the University of Chile on your way to the vibrant Plaza de Armas with its fountains and sculptures. View the Palacio de la Moneda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Central Market. Drive up San Cristobal Hill for panoramic views of the city and the snow-capped Andes. Then head for the Maipo Valley, Chile's most traditional wine-producing valley known for its premium wines. Visit an exclusive winery where you will meet the Expert Winemaker for a personalized winery experience, from the vineyards to the bottling process. Celebrate Chile's proud wine-making traditions with a wine tasting, followed by a gourmet Highlight Lunch served alfresco on the beautiful grounds. Return to Santiago and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Your hotel is situated in one of Santiago's most beautiful neighbourhoods, near boutiques, bars and restaurants. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Lunch) Stay: InterContinental (Moderate Deluxe)
Day 15
Santiago Free Time
Enjoy a day in Santiago on your own. Explore further, or perhaps embark on an optional trip to Valparaiso, site of a historic naval battle and the seaside resort of Vina del Mar. This evening, gather for a festive Farewell Dinner with a folklore show featuring elaborately costumed dancers representing Chile and Easter Island's ethnic people.
Day 16
Depart Santiago
Say hasta luego to Chile this morning and transfer to the airport for your flight home (not included in tour price). For your comfort, your rooms are reserved until you are taken to the airport for your onward flight arrangements. (FB CB)
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Tour Prices
Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Season Sale! Save up to $850 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify!
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
START DATE
END DATE
BROCHURE
(Twin Share)
BROCHURE
(Single)
OUR
SAVINGS
OUR
PRICE
29 Sep 2012
14 Oct 2012
AU $5,644
AU $7,454
Save $425
AU $5,219
13 Oct 2012
28 Oct 2012
AU $5,644
AU $7,454
Save $425
AU $5,219
27 Oct 2012
11 Nov 2012
AU $5,644
AU $7,454
Save $425
AU $5,219
03 Nov 2012
18 Nov 2012
AU $5,644
AU $7,454
Save $425
AU $5,219
10 Nov 2012
25 Nov 2012
AU $5,644
AU $7,454
Save $425
AU $5,219
15 Dec 2012
30 Dec 2012
AU $5,644
AU $7,454
Save $425
AU $5,219
Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
Tour Discounts & Options:
Tour options, extras, upgrades and discounts!
Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.
The prices on our site are land only prices. If you would like to include flights with your quote, then we have some amazing specials for you to take advantage of!
Flight specials only apply for clients booking this tour from Global Journeys. Terms & Conditions apply and full details will be provided in your quote.
General Information
The information below relates to this itinerary only.
Tour Operator: Trafalgar Tours
Operating since 1947, Trafalgar offers a wide range of holidays to Europe, Britain, Egypt, USA, Canada, South America, China, Australia and New Zealand. They hosted over 2 million travellers worldwide and many return year after year. Every expertly designed travel experience includes transportation, via deluxe motor coach, rail or cruise ship, first class hotel accommodation, daily sightseeing and most meals.
Good company enriches any travelling experience and your group will be made up of English-speaking people from around the world. On a Trafalgar tour you will take away far more than just fantastic memories – together you will share great times, swap terrific stories and form new lifelong friendships.
With Trafalgar it's as great to travel as it is to arrive - we insist on using only the latest models of air-conditioned, luxury coaches, as well as high quality trains and cruise ships. For your comfort, smoking is not allowed onboard our coaches, however, there are plenty of rest stops for you to stretch your legs. You'll be chauffeur driven, door to door by a professional driver who will make your journey a relaxing pleasure. We use a state-of-the-art sound system for mood music with fascinating commentaries by your tour director.
A good nights sleep is essential for your enjoyment
of your Trafalgar Tour. This is why we carefully select every
hotel to ensure that your stay with us is an unforgettable
experience. Our hotels are chosen not only for their quality, but
also for their friendly service and desirable locations, whether
it be right in the heart of a city like Buenos Aires, near local
places of interest including Machu Picchu, or set in spectacular
scenic locations, such as overlooking Copacabana Beach.
Most of your hotels are First Class or better. In a few places we
may use a lodge that is the best available in the area, such as
in the Amazon. Holidays to Peru can be expensive, so we have
added a new second tour featuring Superior Tourist Class and
First Class properties. To ensure satisfaction at all times, our
diligent Quality Control Team is constantly busy making sure
that our impressive standards are always maintained, and your
enjoyment is complete.
Trafalgar prides itself on having some of the finest Tour
Directors and Local Guides in Latin America. They are the best
and most experienced in the business and will be your guide
throughout your tour. Travelling with them is like travelling with
an historian, personal 'concierge,' problem-solver and friend.
It is your Tour Director's number one priority to ensure you
enjoy every minute of your trip. Their knowledge, expertise
and friendliness are one of the reasons so many of our clients
return to travel with us time and again.
To enhance the overall experience in each destination, we often
bring on a local expert of the area. Someone who has the inside
knowledge of the city, village or region, and who has lived in the
area their whole lives. This special intimate experience allows you
to discover a region the way the locals do.
The prices listed cover all accommodations, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motorcoach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Trafalgar Tour Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling.
Trafalgar Tours has pre-paid certain tips and gratuities for you such as all baggage handling at hotels and ports. Tips to restaurant staff for meals are also included in the price of your tour. Tips are customarily given to your Tour Director, Driver and Local Guides at your discretion. The recommended amounts are: Tour Directors $4 per day, Drivers $2.50 per day and Local Guides $1 per day. The option to prepay these tips prior to departure is possible. Please ask your consultant to include this in your quote.
At Trafalgar we have a desire for you to experience the distinctive
cuisines from the various regions you will visit. We go to great
lengths to ensure you will have an enjoyable experience sampling
the authentic local dishes such as a Brazilian barbecue dinner or a
typical Peruvian meal followed by a folklore show in Cuzco.
You will also enjoy our exclusive Highlight (HD) and Farewell
Dinners (D) plus our new and exclusive 'Be My Guest'
(BMGD) dining experiences. 'Be My Guest' is the opportunity to try something truly different
on your holiday. You will enjoy genuine 'local' dining experiences,
hosted by family-run establishments or exclusive Trafalgar
locations. In Buenos Aires, attend a traditional Argentine dinner
hosted in the apartment-home of a resident. This is a great
opportunity to learn about family life, customs, traditions and
how the city works. In Lima, relish a three-course Peruvian lunch
in the private and elegant mansion of the Diez Canseco family.
Señor Diez Canseco or one of his relatives will lead you on a
guided tour of the home, telling you stories of the family that has
a distinguished line of ancestors, from Spanish conquerors to
Peruvian presidents. In Costa Rica, you will have the opportunity
to lunch at a local home, then, children from a nearby school will
perform a typical dance.
All our tours include a hearty full breakfast to ensure you start the
day off well.
Many of our holidays are ideally designed for single or solo travellers. Every detail is taken care of, from start to finish, so all you need to do is enjoy your holiday in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. Meals, activities and sightseeing are all shared with your new friends, so you will never be alone - unless you choose to do some exploring or relaxing by yourself. Accommodation can be booked as a private single room or like many of our clients, you may wish to share a twin room by taking advantage of our 'Room Mate Matching Service'. You will share a room with someone from your tour (same gender), so you can avoid paying a single room supplement, in addition to making a new friend.
We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Trafalgar including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on their 'Touring Styles', and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).
Know Before You Go
Download this “Know Before You Go” Guide, filled with all the essential information you need to assist you in preparing for your tour. A complete guide to the amazing countries of South America, including on-tour facts, vital pre-tour information and absolutely everything you need to know before you go. (1MB)
Airport Transfer Information
Transfers between airports, hotels and piers are included. Please see the Overview tab for details.
Terms & Conditions:
Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!
Operating since 1947, Trafalgar offers a wide range of holidays to Europe, Britain, Egypt, USA, Canada, South America, China, Australia and New Zealand. They hosted over 2 million travellers worldwide and many return year after year. Every expertly designed travel experience includes transportation, via deluxe motor coach, rail or cruise ship, first class hotel accommodation, daily sightseeing and most meals.
With Trafalgar it's as great to travel as it is to arrive - we insist on using only the latest models of air-conditioned, luxury coaches, as well as high quality trains and cruise ships. For your comfort, smoking is not allowed onboard our coaches, however, there are plenty of rest stops for you to stretch your legs. You'll be chauffeur driven, door to door by a professional driver who will make your journey a relaxing pleasure. We use a state-of-the-art sound system for mood music with fascinating commentaries by your tour director.
