Journey Through South America featuring Santiago, Andean Lakes Crossing & Rio de Janeiro

16 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
93%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
premier

USTOA

Operator does not provide
Thundering waterfalls, lost cities, snowcapped volcanos, and world-renowned cuisine – all this and more awaits you in three dynamic South American countries.

Overview

Trip type
Operator does not provide
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Dine on a traditional Argentinian barbecue at a countryside estancia (estate).
    • Learn how to craft caipirinhas - a Brazilian cocktail with sugar cane liquor and lime.
    • Dine in a typical Brazilian churrascaria (barbecue).
    • See the passionate rhythms of tango at a performance in the dance’s home country.
    • Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Carnival and meet the artists who design the floats, costumes and dances for Rio’s biggest event.
    • Stand in awe before Iguazu Falls, visiting both the Argentine and Brazilian sides.
    • Visit Corcovado and the mighty Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro.
    • Experience the natural beauty of the Andean Lakes as we sail from Chile to Argentina.
    • Venture to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.

What's this trip about?

    Thundering waterfalls, lost cities, snowcapped volcanos, and world-renowned cuisine – all this and more awaits you in three dynamic South American countries.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Destinations

  • South America

Attractions

  • Bariloche
  • Buenos Aires
  • Iguazu Falls
  • Puerto Varas
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • Santiago

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Santiago, Chile - Tour Begins

Welcome to Santiago de Chile. Take in the views of this cultural hub tucked inside the Andes Mountains and witness the vibrancy of one of South America’s most modern cities. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers over sumptuous food and wine.

Day 2 Santiago

Embark on a panoramic city tour with an expert guide. Stroll down the Paseo Ahumada pedestrian street, wandering past Chilean boutiques. Stroll amongst the locals and fresh seafood at Mercado Central, hailed as one of the world’s top food markets. Enjoy the remainder ...

Day 3 Santiago

The day is yours! Maybe you’ll discover Cerro San Cristobal – an expansive park overlooking the city – or simply relax at an outdoor café. No matter how you choose to spend the day, join your fellow travelers tonight for a dinner featuring regional specialties.

Day 4 Santiago - Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas

Fly south to the seaport town of Puerto Montt. Your journey takes you to Puerto Varas, the lakeside resort town known as the “city of roses.” With free time today, take in the view of the neighboring volcanos in the distance before hopping in and out of chocolate and wine shops.

Day 5 Puerto Varas - Andean Lakes Crossing - Bariloche, Argentina

Stand in awe before the breathtaking Petrohué Falls, where vibrant water thunders downstream under the shadow of a snowcapped volcano. Head through the mythical Andean Lakes District to Patagonia, encountering nature in its purest form. Travel from Chile to Argentina ...

Day 6 Bariloche

From snow covered mountains to the shores of glacial Lake Nahuel Huapi, the alpine village of San Carlos de Bariloche is full of natural wonders. Travel along the renowned Chico Circuit to the top of Cerro Campanario, taking in panoramic vistas of the surrounding land...

Day 7 Bariloche - Buenos Aires

Fly to Buenos Aires, where European décor blends seamlessly with the beat of Latin culture. Stretching along the banks of the Rio de la Plata, Argentina’s capital exhibits a dynamic cultural scene of street art, songs, and steak.

Day 8 Buenos Aires

Choose how you see the city because it’s your choice! Take a panoramic tour of Buenos Aires with several stops along the way featuring the city’s most famous sites -OR- get a closer perspective of the city on foot as you discover the Recoleta and Palermo neighborhoods...

Day 9 Buenos Aires - San Antonio de Areco - Buenos Aires

Cross the Pampas – fertile plains that are considered to be Argentina’s version of the “Wild West.” Step into a world of cowboys, corrals, and cattle with a tour of San Antonio de Areco, a country village best known as the birthplace of lasso-slinging gaucho tradition...

Day 10 Buenos Aires - Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Fly to Iguazu Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Begin your discovery on the Argentine side and board the Rainforest Ecological Train inside the national park. Feel the mist against your face as you walk the platform overlooking the powerful Devil’s...

Day 11 Iguazu Falls

Embrace a different personality of the falls when you spend the day exploring the Brazilian side of Iguazu. A local insider leads you through the park, providing insight on how Brazil and Argentina have partnered together to protect the natural beauty of the falls. On...

Day 12 Iguazu Falls - Rio de Janeiro

Fly to Rio de Janeiro, a coastal hub of rich culture and lively energy. Sandy beaches, vibrant costumes, savory cuisine and friendly people – all this and more await you in Rio. Take a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, offering an incomparable view of the city standing in the shadow of the mountains. After your descent, enjoy free time to explore the famous beach-side Copacabana.

Day 13 Rio de Janeiro

Start your morning with a panoramic tour of Rio’s sites including the Metropolitan Cathedral – whose architecture was inspired by a Mayan pyramid – and the Sambadrome. Head behind-the-scenes of Carnival and meet the artists that design the floats and costumes. Learn how to craft caipirinhas – Brazil’s famous cocktail made with sugar cane liquor and lime. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Day 14 Rio de Janeiro

Journey to Corcovado by train to see the towering Christ the Redeemer statue, the city’s well-known icon. Take in the 360-degree panoramic vistas from the statue’s base in Tijuca Forest National Park. Return to the city to spend time with the locals at one of the city...

Day 15 Rio de Janeiro - Tour Ends

Wish South America goodbye as your tour draws to a close this morning.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $3,249
Price per day$203
Last Updated: 11/5/2019

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Collette.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Collette Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
102
Great
5
Average
6
Disappointing
2
Terrible
3
Write a Review

Other Collette Reviews

L

Lara

Oct 2022

Written on

It was a wonderful trip and experience!

It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...

D

David

Sep 2020

Provided byCollette

we had an absolute wonderful time

My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First c...

W

Worst and most poorly planned guided tour I have evr taken

Oct 2023

Written on

Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company

This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

Collette

premier
View Profile

True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.

Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.

Everyone at Collette believes travel is vital to a life well-lived and our executive team sets the tone. Drawing on a diverse set of skills that includes operations, sales, information technology, law and financial planning, they work across three offices to bring you the best experience possible.

Go Guided:

There are so many benefits to letting someone else take on all the details that come with having The Perfect Trip. See why more and more travelers choose to Go Guided — and why they never go back.

5 Reasons to Go Guided:

Go Tour Managers!

On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Go Culture!

Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.

Go Product Team!

Our product experts are probably on the road right now — scoping out the best of our worldwide destinations. They go, take it all in, and find the moments they love best. Those are the moments they create for you. Those experiences and sights comprise each itinerary and make each one extra-special. Best of all, you don’t have to plan a thing. You just need to choose which itinerary best suits you.

Go Social!

Travel is social by nature. Guided travel is extra social. Meet a cast of characters: your fellow travelers, tour manager, driver, local guides and more. The social aspect of guided travel is one of the best parts! Many travelers on our tours have forged lasting friendships. Think of all the wonderful people waiting to meet you out in the world.

Go Worry-Free!

Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).

There are many ways to experience the world:

Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.

Small Groups, Big Experiences

From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.

Amazing Family Moments Included

Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.

 longdesc=

Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan

The Traveling Well Experience

Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment

There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.  

From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience.

  • Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
  • More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
  • Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
  • Enhanced Tour Manager Training ­– our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies

Before Your Tour

Cancel for Any Reason Waiver

Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here

Pre-Tour Health Screenings

We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.

Private Sedan Service

Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.

Air Travel

Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.

On Your Tour

Smaller Groups

Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.

Your Tour Manager

We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.

Use of Face Coverings

Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.

Motor Coach

All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.

On-Tour Experiences

We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.

On-Tour Insurance Coverages

When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here

Self-Screening

We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.

Hotels

Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.

After Your Tour

Post-Tour Survey

After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.

Why we love this operator
With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.
What they’re known for
A huge variety of expertly-guided international trips that include cultural activities unique to the destination.

Associations

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

What's excluded

    • The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
21
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Trip ID
collette-12814

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >