Best of South America

12 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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USTOA

Group Tour
Three wonderful cities on a laid-back holiday: Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Santiago come together with the mighty Iguassu Falls, on this relaxed exploration into South America. You'll enjoy Insider moments like… being charmed by a vibrant young Buenos Aires family as they wine, dine and entertain you in their home. Lina lets you in on the secret of her...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • City tour of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Santiago
    • Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf, Corcovado and Iguassu Falls
    • See the Church of San Francisco

What's this trip about?

    Three wonderful cities on a laid-back holiday: Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Santiago come together with the mighty Iguassu Falls, on this relaxed exploration into South America. You'll enjoy Insider moments like… being charmed by a vibrant young Buenos Aires family as they wine, dine and entertain you in their home. Lina lets you in on the secret of her delicious bread and Gaspar shows how tango should be danced.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityRio de Janeiro
End CitySantiago

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Small Ship Cruise
  • Train & Rail Journeys

Destinations

  • South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile

Attractions

  • Buenos Aires
  • Iguazu Falls
  • Iguazu National Park
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • Santiago

Activities

  • Culture
  • Nature
  • Short Cruise
  • Trains & Rail

Trip includes

    • Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
    • Hand-picked 4 and 5 star accommodation
    • Hand-picked Insider Experiences
    • Optional Experiences and free time
    • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
    • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
    • An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
    • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
    • Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
    • VIP entry to many sights
    • Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
    • 12 nights First Class accommodation
    • A Trafalgar bonus - all Intra-Air Flights: Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu, Iguassu to Buenos Aires and Buenos Aires to Santiago, including porter service at all airports
    • A Trafalgar bonus – guaranteed late hotel check-out until 6 p.m. in Santiago on Day 13

Popular Trips

Itinerary

1. ARRIVE RIO DE JANEIRO (4 NIGHTS) Bemvindo ao Rio de Janeiro. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by a local host and taken to your lovely oceanfront hotel (check-in time 3 p.m.). Relax, get settled and enjoy your hotel's superb location overlooking Copacabana Beach. Hotel Windsor Atlantica 2. RIO DE JANEIRO SIGHTSEEING Enjoy a leisurely morning before joining your Travel 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. Ascend Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car for astounding bay and city views followed by a festive Welcome Reception with your Travel Director and fellow travellers. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Welcome Reception 3. RIO DE JANEIRO SIGHTSEEING AT LEISURE Journey by cogwheel train to the summit of majestic Corcovado, site of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Back down the mountain, see the song-inspiring Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. The rest of the day is at leisure. This evening, learn to mix the national cocktail, the caipirinha, with a Local Specialist and indulge in a traditional Regional Meal barbecue at a local churrascaria. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Regional Meal 4. RIO DE JANEIRO AT LEISURE Enjoy a full day to explore the wonders of Rio on your own. Optional activities include a tour into the nearby favelas, a sailboat cruise and a helicopter flight over Copacabana Beach. Meal(s) Full Breakfast 5. RIO DE JANEIRO – IGUASSU FALLS (2 NIGHTS) Relax and enjoy a free morning for independent activities. This afternoon, visit a Samba school, with a Local Specialist, to see how the school operates and prepares for Carnival week. See Carnival props and should you desire, join a Samba dance lesson. Afterward, head to the airport for the short flight to Iguassu Falls. These 275 separate falls cover nearly two miles along the Iguassu River. This evening, enjoy a convivial dinner with your companions at the hotel. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Dinner Hotel Wish Resort Foz do Iguassu 6. IGUASSU FALLS SIGHTSEEING AND AT LEISURE Enter Iguassu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and meet your Local Specialist to explore the Brazilian side of Iguassu, including a scenic walk through the rainforest to the base of the falls. After lunch at a restaurant overlooking the falls, return to your hotel for a leisurely afternoon at your resort. You may wish to join an optional activity such as a jetboat ride to the base of the falls or a helicopter flightseeing tour. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Lunch 7. IGUASSU FALLS – BUENOS AIRES (3 NIGHTS) Cross the border into Argentina and board the open-air ecological jungle train for a different perspective of the cascades and walk along a scenic catwalk to see the thunderous Devil's Throat Falls. Then fly to Buenos Aires, a city renowned for its boutiques, fine dining and museums. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Hotel InterContinental Buenos Aires 8. BUENOS AIRES SIGHTSEEING AND AT LEISURE Embark on an in-depth tour with a Local Specialist to see the Casa Rosada, Metropolitan Cathedral and other government buildings; the colourful neighbourhood of La Boca; San Telmo and lovely Palermo. See the Teatro Colon, a landmark in Buenos Aires and a Cultural Insight. Take a tour of the Opera House, including the main function rooms and the main stage. Lastly, visit the Recoleta Cemetery where Argentina's former First Lady, Eva Peron (Evita), is buried. This evening, get ready for a festive Regional Meal and a chance to savour renowned Argentinian beef followed by a sensual tango dance performance. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Regional Meal 9. BUENOS AIRES AT LEISURE A full day at leisure—explore on your own or perhaps take an optional trip to a traditional estancia (ranch) and learn about the life of a gaucho (cowboy) while enjoying a barbecue lunch and equestrian show. This evening, enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest experience in Palermo Soho. You will be welcomed by a local family and long-time residents of this now-trendy neighbourhood. Be delighted, as they wine and dine you with homemade family recipes in the kitchen. Discover the secrets of kneading country bread. Watch as they demonstrate the art of typical Argentinian crafts. Spending time with this lively family will be a memory you won't soon forget. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Be My Guest Dining 10. BUENOS AIRES – SANTIAGO (2 NIGHTS) Bid “Adios” to Buenos Aires and say “Hola” to Santiago as you fly west across the Andes to the Chilean capital. Meet your Local Specialist and embark on a tour of this vibrant city, traveling past Club Hipico, the regal racetrack, and sprawling Parque O'Higgins. Drive along Alameda Avenue past the University of Chile on your way to the dynamic Plaza de Armas with its fountaints and sculptures. Head up San Cristobal Hill for panoramic views of the city and the snowcapped Andes. later, settle into your hotel, situated in the heart of one of Santiago's most beautiful neighborhoods, and a prime location close to charming boutiques, bars and restaurants. This evening is at leisure. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Hotel InterContinental Santiago 11. SANTIAGO SIGHTSEEING AND AT LEISURE Today, set out on a tour of Valparaiso city, formerly a major stopover for ships travelling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Enjoy a tour of Casas del Bosque winery followed by a savoury lunch. This evening, gather with your travel companions for a festive Farewell Dinner. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Farewell Dinner 12. DEPART SANTIAGO Say hasta luego to Chile and transfer to the airport for your onward travel arrangements. Choose to extend your stay at the InterContinental Santiago or with an exciting optional extension to the Brazilian Amazon or Easter Island if you wish. Meal(s) Full Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,735
Price per day$395
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Trafalgar.

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.

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Trafalgar

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At Trafalgar, we passionately believe in the power of travel to broaden the mind and build bridges between people. By sharing with you the hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks, the local people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and the traditions you may not have experienced by yourself, we ensure that you get the ‘insider’ view, an authentic and enhanced experience you simply could not have had on your own.

It is this dedication to taking our guests beyond the obvious sights that has helped us grow over the past 65 years into one of the most trusted and successful international guided vacation/holiday companies in the world. From Europe to the United States, South America to South Africa, and with the recent addition of Asia, we pride ourselves on uncovering the hidden gems, cultural highlights and not-to-be-missed attractions of the places you visit. We’ll help you delve deep into the heart of each city and capture the true essence of each new destination.

We are committed to establishing lasting relationships with our guests by exceeding their expectations the first time and every time, through consistently outstanding quality of service, experience and value.

We're proud to be the most globally awarded guided travel company. Every year, we win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world – from the Travel Globes to the Agents' Choice Awards. We've collected 46 major travel awards over the last five years alone, as well as the Gold Trusted Merchant Award from independent reviews provider Feefo.

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About the company:

As the world’s most awarded and loved travel company, Trafalgar unlocks the best of the world for every traveller. From the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals at private Be My Guest experiences, guests can be assured of a dream holiday without the stress of 'what ifs'. Committed to Make Travel Matter, Trafalgar aims to make a positive impact on locals, communities and wildlife visited, and the planet we call home. With tried and tested tours, created by local travel experts in destination and enjoyed by more than 5million happy guests, Trafalgar’s proud to be recognised by its Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award.

Trafalgar is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

 

Why we love this operator
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
What they’re known for
Tours and experiences that include everything from the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals, guided by expert travel directors.

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Logistics

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
  • 11 full breakfasts.
  • 1 lunch.
  • 5 dinners (including Be My Guest).
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities

Notes

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

 

Buenos Aires

Guanabara Bay Cruise Adult Price: US$70.00 Spend two hours sailing on Guanabara Bay in a schooner. Take in the beautiful views of Rio de Janeiro with Sugar Loaf Mountain towering in the distance. Pass the bay's islands and forts as you cruise by a picture postcard setting. Total duration of this outing is three hours and transfers are included to/from the wharf. This optional is not directly operated by Trafalgar and is offered by an outside vendor.

 

Fiesta Gaucho With BBQ Lunch Adult Price: US$60.00 Enjoy a great day as you head out into the pampas to visit an authentic 3,000 acre (1200 hectare) working estancia (Argentinean ranch) that dates back to the late 19th century. A BBQ will be served family style by Gauchos. Enjoy activities throughout the day including a folklore show, carriage rides and horse demonstrations. Total duration is approximately 7 hours. (No Minimum). For Private Trafalgar Transportation, a Minimum of 15 Guests is Required.

 

Tigre Delta Adult Price: US$60.00 Head to the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta on this outing. This area is a popular weekend getaway for Buenos Aires residents. The delta features pretty scenery, lovely summer residences, relaxing vibe, yachting and a chance to see another way of Argentine life. Your tour includes a cruise on the delta and if you are visiting on Saturdays, you can stroll through the local outdoor market. Total duration is about 4 hours. (No Minimum) This optional is not directly operated by Trafalgar and is offered by an outside vendor.

 

Rio de Janeiro

Visit To A Favela

Adult Price: US$38.00 Visit one of Rio de Janeiro's hillside favelas on this half-day educational tour. See the day-to-day lifestyles of locals who live in Rocinha, one of Rio’s many dense favelas. Along the way stop at a community school and there is an opportunity to purchase handicrafts made by the children. With a local expert guide, you’ll travel inside the favela, interact with locals and gain a new understanding of Brazilian society. This optional is not directly operated by Trafalgar and is offered by an outside vendor.

 

Samba Show Adult Price: US$108.00 No visit to Rio de Janeiro is complete without experiencing the glamour and rhythm of a colorful samba show. Feel the spirit of Rio’s world-famous Carnival as you’re treated to a lively extravaganza of Samba song-and-dance. You’ll be caught up in the excitement of this cultural journey as you watch a light show and a stage full of beautiful dancers. This exciting mix of percussion and samba dance builds to a grand finale with a Carnival parade on stage. Total duration of this outing is five hours. Not available on Sundays. Minimum of 10 guests for a private program. Less than 10 guests will be operated by a outside vendor.

 

Santa Teresa Walking Tour

Adult Price: US$55.00 Discover the charm and beauty of Santa Teresa, which originated around a convent during the 16th Century, as you wander by foot through the winding, narrow cobblestone streets. Once home to upper-class residents, Santa Teresa is now home to many artists with studios, galleries, museums and inviting eateries. Admire the bohemian atmosphere and beautiful architecture. Learn about the history of the area as you make your way around the neighborhood with your guide. Located on a high hill overlooking Rio, you'll have a perfect view of the city and bay below. Total durations is about 3 ½ hours. Minimum of 6 guests required to operate.

 

Iguassu Falls

Bird Park Adult Price: US$48.00 This family owned park is home to more than 900 native birds from 150 species. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour along a well-marked trail through subtropical forests. Enter aviaries to get more of an up close and personal view of the birds. The walk through the park takes about an hour and total duration of this outing with transfers is 2 hours.

 

Macuco Safari

Adult Price: US$131.00 Begin this adventure in open-air wagons with unhindered views as you work your way through lush sub-tropical forests. Then hike down the canyon where the Macuco Falls tumble over basalt cliffs into the Iguassu basin. Here, board a custom designed inflatable motorboat for a 20-30 minute exhilarating ride to the base of the falls. Total duration of this outing is about two hours.

 

Santiago

City Tour of Santiago with Pre-Columbian Museum

Adult Price: US$48.00 Before your departure from Santiago, enjoy a city tour of Santiago, and focus on the parts that you missed during the tour on day one. Visit the famed Precolumbian Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of art and artefacts that are a testament to the Precolumbian civilizations of South America. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurly walk in the Parque Forestal and the bohemian Lastarria neighborhood. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the Museum of Arts and walk up the Santa Lucia Hill to a popular viewpoint. Total duration: 4 hours. (Minimum 4 Guests)

Trip ID
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