This most comprehensive of South America tours begins at The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago at 6:30 PM. A transfer from Santiago Airport to The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago is included. Please join us for our welcome cocktail reception and dinner tonight.

On your first full day in South America tour the city of Santiago up-close and from a scenic hilltop perch. Visit the historic and lively Plaza de Armas, with its fountains, sculptures and intriguing people-watching opportunities, and Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago, whose classic and Baroque style was designated a National Monument. Venture outside of the city, where a special gourmet wine-pairing lunch invites you to drink in the bounty of the vine at Tarapaca winery, celebrating generations of wine-making traditions. Ride the funicular up San Cristóbal for a panoramic view of city sights, and spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Santiago. Your Tauck Director can offer suggestions for a memorable evening in this exciting city.

Patagonia is said to be one of the most beautiful areas on Earth. Fly from Santiago to the Patagonian port city of Puerto Montt, founded by German immigrants in 1853. Continue on through the rolling countryside of scenic Patagonia, viewing lovely lakes and mountains, to Puerto Varas, the lakeside "city of roses," where the influence of those German settlers is seen in both architecture and beautiful gardens. Explore the interesting sights of this charming city on your own and have dinner at your leisure in your hotel. Simply sign the check to Tauck!

Today, we begin our two-day crossing of the majestic Andes Mountains, one of the most eagerly anticipated adventures on any South America tour, with a walk to Petrohué Rapids and a catamaran sail across Lago Todos Los Santos to Peulla, a paradise for nature lovers situated in the midst of Vincent Perez Rosales National Park. Choose to see the park on a 4 X 4 vehicle excursion*, from the back of a horse*, or on a zip-line ride* through the treetop canopy. Spend the night in a lakeside wilderness lodge and have dinner à la carte this evening.

Continue on through the stunning mountain peaks and alpine scenery of the Andes. After crossing the border into Argentina, take a short cruise across Lago Frias before boarding another boat for a cruise on Lago Todos Los Santos; keep an eye out for Andean condors floating above the surrounding mountains. Arrive at the luxurious Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, located in a spectacular area known as the "Switzerland of South America," for a two-night stay.

All South America tours should include a leisurely day to spend doing just what you please and today's the day. There are many amenities and activities to enjoy at your resort (some at an additional charge) including tennis, swimming, sailing, archery, spa treatments, Pilates and tango lessons, among others. If you decide to do some more exploring of Nahuel Haupi National Park on your own, you might enjoy taking the chairlift to the top of a high hill to take in the magnificent, 360-degree views of the Andes' soaring mountain peaks and the lake below. Or, discover the ski-resort town of Bariloche, the largest city in the Lakes District and famous for its chocolates, as you wish.

After lunch, fly to the "Paris of South America," beguiling Buenos Aires, as your most exhilarating of South America tours continues. Dinner tonight is at your home for the next three nights, the Caesar Park Buenos Aires, set among the boutiques and cafés of the elegant La Recoleta district.

Guided city sightseeing includes the Colon Opera House, where legendary stars such as Maria Callas, Enrico Caruso and Luciano Pavarotti have performed; the pink La Casa Rosada, which is the Presidential Palace and seat of the executive branch of government; and a visit to La Boca, a colorful bohemian barrio (neighborhood) whose early settlers included many immigrants from Italian cities such as Genoa, retaining a distinctly European flair. Today's lunch at the historic Café Tortoni entices with a taste of the rich cultural history of this centuries-old coffee house, founded in 1858. Dinner is on your own tonight - you may want to take the opportunity to sample some of the city's famous Argentine beef at dinner!

Discover the heart of Latin American art during a fascinating visit to the Museo de Arte Latinamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA) showcasing the private collection of Eduardo Costantini. View more than 200 works by Latin American artists from the 20th century to the present day, including works by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Antonio Berni. Freshen up for an evening of dinner and dancing! Tauck has made reservations for you to enjoy a sumptuous dinner and experience the power and passion of the traditional tango, the beloved dance of Argentina, at Rojo Tango, considered to be among the finest tango shows in Buenos Aires.

See more of the city this morning, paying a visit to the tomb of Evita (Eva) Peron in the unique and impressive Recoleta Cemetery, famous for its elaborate marble mausoleums. South America tours are not complete without experiencing one of nature’s greatest wonders. Fly from Buenos Aires to the Argentinean side of the mighty Iguazu Falls – deeper and twice as wide as Niagara Falls – for a two-night stay. As you explore Iguazu National Park, you’ll be amazed by the sheer size of the falls and the natural beauty that surrounds them. Wherever you look, the views are breathtaking. Your hotel is set in the heart of the national park; dine tonight at the hotel's restaurant, boasting wonderful views of the thundering waters!

Spend the day exploring the natural treasures of Iguazu National Park, designated a World Heritage Site for its rare and endangered flora and fauna. Guided hikes take you to the Superior and Inferior Circuit and Devil’s Throat, through which the falls’ largest volume of water passes. The afternoon is free for you to do as you wish. Your hotel concierge can tell you about the optional boat rides, helicopter excursions and hikes that are available here.

Cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge from Argentina to Brazil to view the famous falls from a different perspective this morning. Within Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park, you’ll find 275 cascades that form a waterfall a mile-and-a-half long. You’ll never forget your walk through the rainforest at the base of the falls. Later, fly to rollicking Rio de Janeiro and your oceanfront hotel on beautiful Copacabana Beach.

Arise in amazing Rio for an unforgettable excursion up Corcovado Hill by train to Tijuca National Park, and then by gondola to see the world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer... a highlight of the best of South America tours! Next up is a trip back down to Rio’s historic center to view the intriguing new cathedral and many of the city’s Belle Èpoque architectural treasures. Later, discover the passionate nature of Rio’s beloved Carnaval celebration, which draws visitors from around the world each year, on a visit to Samba City – where a local guide leads you on a behind-the-scenes look at the business of Carnaval and the creation of its dazzling costumes and floats, which includes an exclusive samba performance. A two-stage cable car to the 1,390-foot summit of iconic Sugarloaf Mountain rewards with stunning views. Enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner tonight!

Tour ends: Rio de Janeiro. Spend your last day in Rio as you wish, browsing in the city's museums and shops or savoring the sights on Rio's beautiful beaches. While hotel check-out time from the JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro is 12:00 noon, Tauck has reserved a hospitality room for our guests to refresh and relax before making your journey back home. Airport transfers are included; plan to arrive at the airport at least 3-1/2 hours before your flight departs.

Collacutt Travel
416-225-8871 / 800-392-2068
CustomerContact@collacutt-travel.com