Chile, Argentina & Brazil

Upon arrival in Santiago you will be met at the airport and transfered to our hotel. Please look for your transfer driver in the arrivals hall of the airport. They will be holding a sign with your name on it. On check-in at the hotel please check the noticeboard for a message from your tour leader. In the evening there will be a short briefing to discuss your holiday. This is usually followed by an optional dinner in a nearby restaurant. During our stay in Santiago we drive south from the city to the Concha y Toro winery located in Pirque, in Maipo Canyon. Founded in 1883, this is one of Chile’s most famous vineyards. The cellars, built with materials dating back to the 18th century, are situated six metres underground to maintain the ideal temperature needed for fine wines. We stroll around this beautiful estate before moving to the cellars, where some of the different stages involved in the local winemaking process are explained. And, finally, we have the opportunity to taste some of the wines that have made this place so famous! Returning to the city we start our exploration of the Chilean capital. This city has experienced a turbulent history that has included native wars, floods and earthquakes. A walking tour takes us to many of the outstanding attractions in the city centre before we drive through the main avenues of the old districts, across the Bohemian neighbourhood of Bellavista and up San Cristobal Hill for a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the Andes Mountain range. Then we visit the modern parts of Santiago to see elegant residential neighbourhoods, as well as shopping and financial districts. The tour ends at the artisan village of Los Graneros del Alba, where the craftsmen can be seen at work. Here, we also have time to walk around or do some shopping.

In the morning we are transferred back to Santiago airport for our flight to Puerto Montt. We are then transfered to Puerto Varas nestled on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, one of the largest natural lakes in South America. The city is well known for its German traditions, its food, its fish and seafood and its superb natural environment. The perfect cone of Osorno volcano and the snowcapped peaks of Mt. Calbuco and Mt. Tronador are clearly visible from the lakefront. We have a free day in Puerto Varas for some optional activities such as a hike to the Orsono  Volcano, or a visit to Chiloé Island. Alternatively you may just want to sit back, relax and take in the stunning views from Puerto Varas.

Today we take the regular boat and bus crossing service from Chile to Argentina via the Todos los Santos, Frias and Nahuel Huapi Lakes and on to the Argentinean alpine city of Bariloche. The scenery on this day will be stunning so make sure you have your camera handy!

Bariloche has a distinctly alpine feel to it. It is set on the shores of the Nahuel Huapi Lake, the largest lake in Nahuel Huapi National Park, and only 16 kilometres away from Cerro Cathedral. It is also one of the most popular winter ski resort areas in Argentina. We have time this morning for some optional excursions that include exploring the town, visiting the Patagonian Museum or taking a hike to the top of Cerro Otto, located eight kilometres from town. There is a cable car that takes us to the top for a great view over the lake and town. If you have a sweet tooth, then the chocolate is something that is not to be missed! In the late afternoon we are transfered to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires.

We have two full days to explore this marvelous city. Buenos Aires is home to 11 million 'portenos', a name given to the inhabitants of Buenos Aires that literally means 'residents of the port'. It has been shaped by a history riddled with conflict and struggles. Even the achievement of independence in 1816 did not resolve ongoing disputes between local residents and conservative provincial landowners. However, following a succession of military juntas, Argentina now has a stable, democratic government. Our city tour of the Argentine capital combines bus transportation and walking and takes us to the district of Recoleta, famous for its cemetery often referred to as a miniature city-within-a-city because of its size. This place is also famous as the resting place for Argentina's favorite First Lady, Eva Peron. We also visit Palermo, Plaza San Martin, Plaza de Mayo and the colourful neighborhood of La Boca, with its colourful wooden buildings. After our city tour our time is free for us to explore the city further at our leisure). In the evening it is also possible to arrange to see a tango show. Please ask your tour leader for more details.

This morning we fly to the Argentinean town of Puerto Iguazu situated on the northern border with Brazil. Once we have checked into our hotel we cross the border and spend the afternoon at the Brazilian side of the stunning Iguazu Falls where we are confronted with fantastic panoramic views. For those who so desire you can also take an optional short helicopter flight over the falls for a birds-eye view of this spectacular setting. In the late afternoon we return to Puerto Iguazu in Argentina. The following day we visit the Argentinean side of the Iguazu Falls where we enjoy an action-packed day, with some great sightseeing and a jungle walk. Later in the day we get to witness the awesome power of the Falls close-up, as we take a power boat ride to the Falls thunderous base. At day's end we return to Puerto Iguazu to spend the night. Twenty metres higher than Niagara Falls, Iguazu Falls are without doubt one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world. Located at the confluence of the Rio Iguazu and the Rio Alto Parana, the water cascades over the edge of a 2.5 kilometre-wide plateau in 275 separate falls. Brazilian Visas If you require a visa for Brazil please ensure that you obtain a ''Multiple Entry'' Visa as you will be crossing into Brazil twice during your stay at Iguazu.

In the morning we cross the border again into Brazil and transfer to the Foz do Iguacu airport for our flight to Rio de Janeiro. The Portuguese established a small, fortified settlement on the western side of Rio de Janeiro Bay in 1560. The name means River of January, a reference to the month when it was founded. The sugar boom and resulting slave trade saw the settlement grow so rapidly that by the 18th century, the population had reached 50,000 and the city had also become the chief port for a thriving gold industry. Rio is today regarded as the holiday capital of Brazil and its inhabitants, known as Cariocas, pursue life with a zest. The city is characterised by beautiful white sandy beaches and rolling surf, with towering mountains forming a spectacular backdrop. During our time here we take a tour of the city including a visit to Sugar Loaf Mountain and the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which stands on top of a peak known as Corcovado. The views from here are simply sensational. The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, the colourful and vibrant nightlife and the laid-back and friendly nature of Brazilians will help make your visit to Rio a memorable one.

Our trip across the South American continent comes to an end after breakfast.