Itinerary

Day 1: Santiago

Welcome to Santiago, Chile. Set within a circle of snow-capped mountains, Santiago is vibrant, artistic and gourmet. Once you’ve arrived, take an included transfer to the hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. If you’re going to be late, please inform hotel reception. We’ll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If you arrive early into Santiago, perhaps take a short walk to get your bearings of the city, with the Andes serving as a spectacular backdrop to your exploration.

Accommodation
Hotel Altiplanico or similar (1 night)

Included Activities
Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information
Please advise us of your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure for the complimentary airport transfer. If you’re taking a transfer with us and have arrived on a domestic flight, please leave through Door 2. If you can’t arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you’re able to attend. We’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Day 2: Santiago

Today you will get to know Santiago on a walking tour with your guide. You’ll discover more about the city that was founded in 1541 by the Spaniard, Pedro de Valdivia, and has experienced a turbulent history filled with native conflicts, floods and earthquakes. During some free time, perhaps walk the avenues of old Santiago to the Bohemian neighbourhood of Bella Vista, Santiago’s Parisian Quarter, which offers a slightly more serene perspective on the Chilean capital. Alternatively, ride the cable car to Cerro San Cristobal for a magnificent panoramic view of the city. Tonight, take the chance to dine out at one of the city’s famous restaurants and sample some local ceviche.

Accommodation
Hotel Altiplanico or similar (1 night)

Included Activities
Santiago – Half-day guided walking tour

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 3: Valparaiso

Enjoy a free morning in Santiago. Perhaps visit the Mercado Central (Santiago’s celebrated fish market) to savour some breakfast empanadas with pebre, a delicious Chilean condiment of coriander, garlic, olive oil and peppers. Later, drive (approximately two hours in total) west to the coast en route to Valparaiso, stopping for a wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley on the way. Sitting on a coastal plain between the capital and Valparaiso, the valley is Chile’s fastest growing wine region, with its rich soil and perfect climate making it a wine lover’s paradise. The area is known for crisp Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, but also for stunning reds like Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah. Continue through the lush green vineyards to the coast and the colourful city of Valparaiso, notable for its brightly hued houses spread across a series of hills overlooking the ocean.

Included Activities
Casablanca region – Winery visit

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 4: Valparaiso

Listed as a World Heritage centre in 2003, Valparaiso used to be South America’s busiest port before the opening of the Panama Canal. It has since transformed itself into Chile’s most creative city. The ramshackle streets have long been home to artists, writers and musicians, and one doesn’t have to venture far to walk in on a performance. Today you’ll take a walking tour of the city with your leader. The hills of Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Alegre are dotted with kaleidoscopically coloured houses, with cobbled streets weaving sharply uphill and concealing all manner of galleries, restaurants and shops.

Stop for a picnic-style empanada lunch in one of the beautiful city squares, then you will visit the Teatro Museo, a local museum dedicated to the exposition of puppet and clown as form of art. This is a very characteristic part of the local culture which normally goes unnoticed by most travellers but that you will learn about while exploring the venue and exhibitions. These characters will come to life with a demonstration.

As a creative hub, the city has no shortage of options for a drink, so perhaps find yourself a place to sip some ancho reyes alongside locals for the evening.

Included Activities
Valparaiso – Puppet and clown museum

Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch

Day 5: Mendoza

In the morning, travel through the Andes and across the Argentinian border by local bus to Mendoza (approximately 6-7 hours). It’s a good idea to bring plenty of water and snacks, as the trip may incur delays. On a clear day it may be possible to see Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas at 6,962 meters above sea level. Please note that crossing the border can take up to three hours depending on local traffic. Once in Mendoza, get to know the city with a gentle stroll around its tree-lined streets, or visit the local cafes and restaurants for some Argentinian fare.

Accommodation
Villagio Hotel Boutique or similar (1 night)

Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information
SEASONAL WEATHER CONDITIONS:
From June to August the border crossing between Chile and Argentina may be closed due to snowfalls. In that event, your emergency fund may be needed to purchase a flight between Santiago and Mendoza.

Day 6: Mendoza

Enjoy a stroll on a winery tour, visiting several wineries and cellar doors along the way. At the end, stop at a closed door restaurant for an exclusive included lunch. The chef will invite you to watch the food preparation, and then sit back and enjoy being served delicious food in this unique private eatery.
Mendoza is Argentina’s most prolific and significant grape-growing region, producing nearly three-quarters of the country’s wine. The climate produces an excellent variety of grapes, with the region’s signature being Malbec. In the evening, perhaps test your palate by attempting to pair the perfect wine with an authentic Argentine asado (barbecue-style food). A visit to Aristides Villanueva Street after dark is a must if you enjoy a bit of nightlife. If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of the most popular drinks in town: fernet with coke – an acquired taste and not for the faint-hearted!

Accommodation
Villagio Hotel Boutique or similar (1 night)

Included Activities
Mendoza – Full-day winery tour

Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch

Day 7: Estancia Stay

Today fly from Mendoza to Buenos Aires, which takes around one and a half hours. On arrival, travel in a minibus for around two hours to a traditional estancia (ranch). This is where the group will be staying for the next couple of days. Arrive in time for afternoon tea and explore the grounds. During your time here, you could go horse riding, take a cooking class or simply read a book. Estancias are ideal for relaxation and provide a great base for activities. Please remember that activities vary depending on the days that you are there. If in doubt, ask your trip leader for more information.

Accommodation
Estancia La Eloisa or similar (1 night)

Included Activities
2-night stay at a traditional estancia

Meals Included
Breakfast
Dinner

Day 8: Estancia Stay

A stand out activity will be learning about a polo game, this nail biting game will enthral and impress you. This sport combines skill, endurance, elegance and danger. Next, learn how to play yourself! You will get to put on the gear, get pointers about how to hit, meet the horses up close. Later, you will learn about the importance of leather in this region. A local gaucho (cowboy) will visit the Estancia to show you all the different uses and versatility of this material, such as bridals, whips, bracelets and belts. He will encourage you to learn a braiding technique so you hopefully can make your very own leather souvenir. If there’s time, perhaps go for a swim in the pool to freshen up after a long day.

Accommodation
Estancia La Eloisa or similar (1 night)

Included Activities
Estancia – Leather workshop

Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9: Buenos Aires

After breakfast travel back to cosmopolitan Buenos Aires (approximately 1.5 hours) to experience its old charm and cosmopolitan streets. Soak up the Argentinian capital’s irrepressible mix of European and Latin culture on an orientation walk with your leader. Visit Florida street, National Congress and the presidential palace of the Casa Rosada (Pink House) in the Plaza de Mayo. If there is time, your group may get to visit the Obelisk and possibly either La Boca or Recoleta.

You may also like to visit the elaborate tombs on display in the famous Recoleta Cemetery, attend a raucous football match, or gorge yourself on the city’s sophisticated culture and food. Maybe spend the night in a tango bar, being seduced by the world’s most passionate dance, or in one of the capital’s famous steakhouses.

Accommodation
Tango de Mayo Hotel or similar (1 night)

Included Activities
Buenos Aires – Guided walking tour

Optional Activities
Buenos Aires – Tango show (ticket price depends on the location and inclusions) – USD120
Buenos Aires – Coastal train – USD10
Buenos Aires – Tigre – USD60
Polo day – USD175
Buenos Aires – Football game (ticket price depends on the game) – USD120

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 10: Buenos Aires
Today is a free day for you to explore Buenos Aires.

Accommodation
Tango de Mayo Hotel or similar (1 night)

Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you’re welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers.

Day 11: Buenos Aires

Explore the city on a full-day tour with a local guide. You’ll wander the cobbled streets of San Telmo and browse its famous antiques market and art displays, then continue to Plaza de Mayo and see the Casa Rosada. Walk among the tombs and monuments of Recoleta Cemetery – the final resting place of some of the city’s most famous residents. From here you’ll take a private vehicle to La Boca and its well-known ‘Caminito’ district, before moving on to the lesser-known side of this colourful neighbourhood to visit an artist’s gallery. A home-made empanada lunch at a local social project is included today.

After lunch, get ready to be captivated by Argentina’s most famous dance; the Tango. In a private space a professional Tango couple will explain the dance’s origin and history, as well as demonstrating the intimately fluid movements for you. You will then be invited to join an hour long beginner’s class to learn some of the basic techniques and understand the rhythm.

Accommodation
Tango de Mayo Hotel or similar (1 night)

Included Activities
Buenos Aires – Full-day guided tour. It includes a visit to La Boca, Centro, San Telmo, Recoleta and lunch
Buenos Aires – Tango demonstration by professional dancers
Buenos Aires – Tango dance lesson

Optional Activities
Buenos Aires – Football game (ticket price depends on the game) – USD120
Buenos Aires – Tango show (ticket price depends on the location and inclusions) – USD120

Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch

Day 12: Iguazu Falls

Today you will fly to Puerto Iguazu in Argentina, gateway to the mighty Iguazu Falls. You will spend the next two days exploring the falls in depth, seeing them from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. The falls are two kilometres in length, and are made up of 275 waterfalls in total, some of which stretch up to 80 metres high. This makes them both higher than Niagara and wider than Victoria Falls. The Brazilian side of the falls offers great panoramic views of them. For birds-eye views of the falls, you can take an optional helicopter flight over the top of them.

Accommodation
Hotel El Pueblito or Similar (1 night)

Included Activities
Iguazu Falls – Entrance and tour of the Brazilian side of the falls

Optional Activities
Bird Park – BRL28
Helicopter ride (min 3 people) – USD110

Meals Included
Breakfast

Special Information
For visa information purposes: You will be visiting the Brazilian side of the falls on Day 3 and returning to the Argentinian side to spend the night. You visit the Argentinian side of the falls on Day 4. Then on day 5 you cross back to the Brazilian side in order to take a domestic flight to Rio de Jainero.

Day 13: Iguazu Falls

Visit the Argentinian side of the falls today, which has boardwalks allowing you to get up close and personal with these towering rapids. You can choose to get an even more exhilarating look at Iguazu with an optional zodiac boat ride below the falls. Later, accompanied by your leader, you will have the opportunity to meet one of the few remaining original inhabitants of the region, the Guarani.

Accommodation
Hotel El Pueblito or Similar (1 night)

Included Activities
Iguazu – Guarani community visit
Iguazu Falls – Entrance and tour of the Argentinian side of the falls

Meals Included
Breakfast

Day 14: Rio de Janeiro

This morning you cross the border into Brazil and take a flight from Foz do Iguacu to Rio de Janeiro. Witness the intense green of Guanabara Bay and the beauty of the surrounding slopes of the Corcovado and Sugarloaf that make Rio such a majestic place. Take in the ever-present Portugese influence here, which is especially apparent in the opulent buildings constructed when the Portuguese monarchy fled Europe under the threat of Napolean and took up residence here. You may be struck by the contrast between this extravagance and the destitute poverty of the favelas. For some world-renowned live music, Lapa is the place to go and join the locals for some serious dancing. The white sands of Cobacapana and Ipanema beaches offer an equally interesting snapshot of local life.

Accommodation
Arena Copacabana Hotel or similar (1 night)

Optional Activities
Rio de Janeiro – Carnaval rehearsal (only available from June to Carnaval) – BRL80
Rio de Janeiro – Football game (ticket price depends on the game) – USD30
Rio de Janeiro – Samba show – BRL200
Rio de Janeiro – Sugar loaf cable car – BRL44
Rio de Janeiro – Favela tour – BRL84

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 15: Rio de Janeiro

Today you’ll be taken on a full-day guided tour that spans some of Rio’s most iconic sights. Head up to Santa Teresa, a beautiful artistic neighbourhood situated on a hill overlooking the city. While walking the cobbled streets you’ll discover eclectic architecture, art galleries and restaurants before stopping by the famous Selaron Stairs. Continue on to Corcovado for an eagle-view of the city from the base of Christ the Reedemer. One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, this enormous white statue stands over Rio, offering sweeping 360-degree views of the city’s natural wonders. Next, it’s time to experience a different side of the city, with a visit to the Santa Marta favela. Accompanied by your local guide, you’ll head through narrow alleys, learn about local life and meet some of the people who make up this vibrant community.

The tour will conclude at a local house in the favela, where you will taste the most authentic food the city can offer! Our local host Sallete will welcome you into her home with a readiness to answer questions, a smile and of course a caipirinha; the national cocktail made with cachaça, sugar & lime. Lunch will be a typical dish called Feijoada, a stew of black beans, kale and pork.

Accommodation
Arena Copacabana Hotel or similar (1 night)

Included Activities
Rio de Janeiro – Guided tour including Santa Teresa and Selaron Steps
Rio de Janeiro – Christ the Redeemer entrance
Rio de Janeiro – Santa Marta Favela tour
Rio de Janeiro – Traditional feijoada lunch in the favelas

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 16: Rio de Janeiro

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning.

Meals Included
Breakfast