Southern Explorer

On arrival in Rio pickup from the airport and transfer to your hotel. There are no planned activities, so check into to centrally-located hotel in Copacabana (check-in time is approx 3pm) and enjoy the city. In the late afternoon (approx 7pm) you will meet your fellow group members to go over the details of your trip. Check the notice board (or ask reception) to see the exact time and location of this group meeting. After the meeting we will be heading out for a meal in a nearby local restaurant (optional). If you arrive late, no worries, the leader will leave you a message at the front desk.

"God made the world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio," so say the Cariocas, residents of this beautiful city. This is a densely packed metropolis of over 9 million inhabitants, whose economic foundations lie in the cultivation of sugar cane and gold mining. Referred to as the “Cidade Maravilhosa” (Marvellous City), few cities enjoy such a dramatic setting as Rio. Brilliant, white beaches in Copacabana and Ipanema, the deep blue waters of the Atlantic, the luminescent green of Guanabara Bay, and the bare blue slopes of the Sugar Loaf combine to make Rio unique. Standing over it all, at the top of Corcovado mountain, is the huge statue of Christ the Redeemer; the best place to appreciate the city. Superb panoramic views of the city and area can also be found from the top of the Pao de Açucar -Sugar Loaf - reached by cable car. Head to some of the famous beaches, and prepare yourself for an experience unlike anything else on Earth.

Although the Portuguese first sailed and entered the bay, it was the French who first established a settlement in the area, logging Brazilian wood along the coast. Their first permanent settlement lasted a brief five years, when they were attacked and driven from the area by the encroaching Portuguese. A series of skirmishes ensued, with the Tomaio people allied with the French against the Portuguese.

In 1567, the Portuguese began the construction of a fortified town to repel invaders, naming it Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro. With the amassing wealth of the gold rush of Minas Gerais, in the early 18th Century, Rio became Brazil’s most important city and a great temptation to the French who, in 1710, waged war against the Portuguese and held the city for a sizeable gold ransom. In the 19th century, the last members of the Portuguese monarchy fled to Brazil under the threat of Napoleon’s invasion. Many of today’s older structures of the city date from this period.

The gold rush was followed by a coffee boom in the mid-1800s, and the wealth generated led to the city’s initial modernization. Replacing Salvador de Bahia as the colonial capital in 1763, Rio remained the capital until 1960, when it was replaced by Brasilia. Today, the city is a magnet for tourists who come to walk along the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, and generally partake in the Carioca zest for life. Many ascend the Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao de Açucar), whose image is nearly synonymous with Rio and Carnival. Modern Rio is, perhaps, best known for the contrasting images offered by the favelas (shanty towns), and the glitz and glamour preferred by the Samba schools and their Carnival celebrations.

Rio is definitely a tale of two cities: the city is divided into a Zona Norte (North Zone) and a Zona Sul (South Zone) by the Serra da Carioca, steep mountains that are part of the Parque Nacional da Tijuca. These mountains descend to the edge of the city centre, where the two zones meet. The upper and middle classes reside in the Zona Sul, the lower class in the Zona Norte. Favelas cover steep hillsides on both sides of town - Rocinha, Brazil's largest favela, is in Sao Conrado, one of Rio's richest neighbourhoods. Most industry is in the Zona Norte, as is most of the pollution. The ocean and beaches are in the Zona Sul.

Day 2-3 Paraty (2B,D)
Travel a short distance down the Atlantic coast to the gorgeous coastal town of Paraty. Paraty is a quaint colonial town renowned for its architecture. The pace is slow but do not let this fool you as there is a lot to choose from. You can visit an old plantation or Fazenda and try some artisan cachaça (sugar cane liquor) or take a boat ride to one of the many secluded beaches outside of the city.

Sitting on Brazil's southeastern "costa verde" (green coast), it lies on the border of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states, and it is a popular among those who want to get away from it all — Brazilians and visitors alike. Considered one of the world's most important examples of Portuguese colonial architecture by UNESCO, the historic centre is a well-preserved national historic monument, and today has been closed to vehicles to preserve its laid-back colonial ambiance. During high tide, the Portuguese cobblestone streets are partly flooded by seawater, adding to the fairy tale atmosphere.

Founded in 1531, the original settlement was on the opposite side of the river, where a church was built to their patron "St. Roque." Around 1640, the Indians who used to live here were driven away and the town moved to where it stands now. The founders named it Nossa Senhora dos Remédios ( Our Lady of the Medicines) as the patron saint, and they built the main church in her honour. Enlarged and remodelled over the years, the church is now the focal point of the annual Festa de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios on September 8. The festival has been celebrated for over 300 years since a wealthy and reverent benefactor, Maria Jácome de Mello, donated the land to the town for the church, requesting only an annual mass in return. The mass has grown into a procession of the wooden effigy of the Virgen though the town, adorned with gold and silver jewellery.

In the 1700's, when the mines of Minas Gerais were pouring out gold, the perfect bay of Paraty was a busy port, the second most important in Brazil during the ‘Golden Century.’ The best pinga or cachaça (sugar cane liquor) of Brazil was produced here and the name Paraty became synonymous with the liquor. Later, coffee was brought from the valley of Paraiba to be shipped to Portugal, sparking another economic boom. In 1888 with the end of the slavery, Paraty became almost forgotten in time, and a large exodus left only a population of around 600, a considerable difference from the 16000 when the town was in its prime. In 1954, a road was opened linking the town to the inland through the valley of Paraiba, but it was not until 1973-75,with the opening of the highway BR-101, that Paraty’s rebirth as a tourist town began. It was declared a national monument in 1966.

Paraty's bay is filled with over 65 tropical islands and dozens of beaches, each offering something different, and all covered with vegetation that remains lush and colourful year-round. The water of the bay is always the right temperature for swimming, diving and snorkeling. The national parks that encircle the town are filled with trails, wildlife and waterfalls. Hiking or horseback riding, for the sports minded, or a jeep or van tour are both excellent ways to appreciate this natural wilderness.

Day 2 Travel:
Rio to Paraty
Approximate distance: 249 Km
Aproximate travel time: 4 hours

Included Activity: Traditional Brazilian barbeque with a local family in Paraty

Spend two days exploring the tri-border region where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet at the junction of the Paraná and Iguazú rivers, with the focus on magnificent Foz do Iguaçu, or Iguassu falls. n order to see the falls properly you need to view them from both the Brazilian and the Argentinean side. The Brazilian side offers the grand overview, and the Argentinean side, a closer look. The best time of the year to see them is from August to November, as from May to July you may not be able to approach the swollen waters on the catwalks. We include a visit to both the Argentine and Brazilian side of the Falls. Experience an exhilarating optional boat tour at the falls or a trip to the bird sanctuary on the Brazilian side of the falls.

Note: If you have booked the Iguassu Falls Boat Ride Theme Pack, you will do it on day 4 or 5 when visiting the Argentine side of the falls.

The torrential Iguassu River crosses the State of Paraná in Southern Brazil from East to West. A few kilometers before its junction with the Paraná River it forms one of the most splendorous natural beauties of the world: Iguassu Falls. Over 2.7 kilometres long and an average flow of 1.750 m3/s, this wonder is located in a very special place. The contrast between the green of the vegetation and the dark colour of the basalt rocks with whirring waters plunging from a 72-meter high cliff is magical. At Iguassu there are 275 falls in all, spread over a 3-km area, some over 80m (262.4 ft) in height, making these cataracts wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara! It should come as no surprise that UNESCO declared the region a World Heritage Site in 1986.

Originally “discovered” in 1541 by the Spaniard Juan Alvar Nuñez, he named the falls Saltos de Santa María. The name we use today means “great waters” in the Tupi-Guarani tongue. The falls are protected by two National Parks—one in Brazil and another in Argentina. Tours utilize trails and catwalks adapted to the landscape of the area, and walking is easy for all ages; guided tours of the complex are available several times a day. In order to see the falls properly you need to view them from both the Brazilian and the Argentinean sides: the Brazilian side offers the grand overview, and the Argentinean side a closer look. The best time of the year to visit is from August to November, as during rainy season from May to July, flooding will likely prevent closer viewing from the catwalks.

Film buffs will remember that Iguassu was the site of several scenes from the film “The Mission.” Not far from the falls, the ruins of the Jesuit missions of the era can still be visited on a day trip. Also of interest in the area is Itaipú, the largest hydroelectric complex in the world. Experience an exhilarating optional boat tour or helicopter trip for a bird's eye view, or simply marvel at nature’s breadth and the roar of the falls.

Day 4 Travel:
Paraty to Foz do Iguaçu
Transfer from Paraty to Sao Paulo: 5 hours (approx)
Approximate distance: 298 Km

Flight: Sao Paolo to Foz do Iguacu: 1.5 hours (approx)

Included Activity: Visit to Brazilian and Argentinian Side of Iguassu Falls

Cross the border into Argentina once more and fly south to buzzing metropolis that is Buenos Aires. Enjoy a city tour during your stay.

Known as the ‘Paris of the Americas’, Buenos Aires is a vibrant city full of life. Visit the districts of La Boca, Recoleta, and San Telmo or catch a tango show at one of the many famous tanguerías. Wander the pedestrian walkways and see some dancing in the streets. Whatever you do, Buenos Aires is sure to leave lasting memories.

The capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires is the ultimate cosmopolitan city. Travellers find that it has more in common with the cities of Europe than the rest of South America. Nearly 40 per cent of Argentina's 33 million citizens live in Greater Buenos Aires, and the Porteños are justifiably proud of their home. The city is comprised of a number of distinct neighbourhoods, some of which have become top tourist draws. For many, the highlight of their time in the capital is a visit to San Telmo for the weekend antiques market and street artistís displays.

La Boca was originally settled by the successive waves of immigrants that contribute to the capital's unique character. Its brightly coloured walls and buildings draw Porteños and tourists alike, and it is here that the world-class football team, Boca Juniors, plies its trade. A Sunday afternoon match at the fabled Bombonera is not to be missed. Posh Recoleta, with its cafes, museums and cemetery, is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.

During colonial days Buenos Aires was the seat of the Viceroy of La Plata. Almost completely rebuilt since the turn of the century, the heart of the city is the Plaza de Mayo, with the historic Cabildo (Town Hall), where the Independence movement was first planned, the Casa Rosada (Government Palace) and the Cathedral where San Martín, the father of Argentine independence, is buried.

When you are done exploring, settle your weary feet and enjoy a drink in one of the many sidewalk cafes and restaurants and you will begin to understand the contemplative Argentine way of life.

Day 6 Travel:
Flight: Puerto Iguazu to Buenos Aires
Approximate distance: 1640 Km
Approximate flight time: 1.5 hours

Included Activity: Buenos Aires City Tour

Please note: You should be especially careful when wandering about Buenos Aires on your own, particularly at night. Tourists are easy prey for individual pickpockets or groups of two or more people working as a team on the streets. Pay particular attention to anyone who 'accidentally' spills anything on your clothes or belongings (mustard, etc.) and then apologizes and offers to help clean up. They will clean you out instead! Be safe and leave your passport, credit cards, travellers cheques and cash funds you won't be using immediately in the hotel's safety deposit box. Most Porteños are honest and genuinely helpful and friendly, but be safe and enjoy the city!

Today we fly south to San Carlos de Bariloche, the entrance to northern Patagonia. Situated on the beautiful shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche is a year-round playground for skiers, hikers and outdoors enthusiasts of all types. Option to cruise the Blest arm of Lake Nahuel Huapi, passing by Centinela Island and landing at Cantaros Port from where we will be able to walk through the forest and enjoy views of Lake Los Cantaros and the adjacent waterfalls.

Founded in 1902, Bariloche is on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi and is surrounded by mountains and forests. Its name is a play on the words "Carlos Wiederhold", who settled down the first general store in the area (that is what "San Carlos" stands for), and a deformation of the word "vuriloche" ("different people, people from the back or from the other side"), used by the Mapuche people to refer to other native dwellers from the eastern zone of the Andes Mountain Range before their own arrival in this region.

Bariloche is the gateway Nahuel Huapi National Park, second largest National Park and the first established in Argentina (1903). The region boasts a broken mirror puzzle of lakes, forest, mountains and rivers running along sharp fluvial valleys and dominated by Cerro Tronador (“Thunder Hill”), an inactive volcano that rises 3554 metres above sea level, with 3 glacier covered summits and 8 glaciers falling on eithe sides of the mountain which make it a reference mountain in Patagonia. Other mountains such as López, Catedral, Capilla and Negro, all rise above 2000 metres in altitude and are visible from town and from the different viewpoints along local roads.

It lies 1,640 kilometers from Buenos Aires and it offers first-class accommodation and gastronomical services. In the summer, trout and salmonidae fly-fishing and sports recreation (especially hiking, river rafting and walks around ancient forests, as well as climbing most of the peaks surrounding the city) are some of the activities enjoyed by visitors to this great city. During the winter, the first snowfalls announce the beginning of the ski season and the practice of winter sports at mythical Mount Catedral, considered one of the most important ski resorts in the country. Tours on mountain bike, rowing and horseback rides with the possibility of camping in the thick forests with natural rivers and lakes turn the city outskirts into an ideal setting to have fun with the family. For all these reasons, Bariloche, where youths have spent their graduation trip for decades, has everything all generations look for.
NOTE: On tours prior to July 1, 2012 - the Puerto Blest cruise excursion is included, in lieu of the Lake crossing ferry.

The urban centre of the Argentine Lake District, Bariloche in many ways resembles alpine resorts of Europe. During winter ski season the town fills to capacity with jovial Argentine and Brazilian vacationers whose favourite pastime seems to be eating and drinking. Their gusto is understandable; Bariloche has some of the best food in the country. Sample a beefy parrillada, or a variety of fresh salmon or lake trout, then work it off during a day hike around Cerro Catedral or while practicing your salsa at one of the town's salsotecas. Careful—Bariloche is also famous for its quality and quantity of chocolate!

Day 9 Travel:
Buenos Aires to Bariloche
Approximate distance: 1640 Km
Approximate flight time: 1.5 hours

We cross over from Argentina and head to Puerto Varas in Chile's beautiful Lake District, where you have a couple of days to explore the area. Optional activities in Puerto Varas include an excursion to the lakeside villages of Frutillar.

Our transfer is a combination of buses and ferrys known as Cruce de los Lagos, highlighting the spectacular scenery of Northern Patagonia. The lake crossing between the lake districts of Chile and Argentina involves both road and lake crossings, with scenic vistas of fresh lakes and waterfalls, Andean mountain peaks and wildlife.
*NOTE: For departures prior to July 1, 2012, the transfer from Bariloche to Puerto Varas, is by comfortable public bus.

Puerto Varas is a city located in the the Southern Chilean province of Llanquique in the Los Lagos (Lake District) region of Chile. The Lakes District is considered the gateway to Chilean Patagonia and Puerto Varas is the most important tourist centre of the region. Located roughly 996 Km (618 miles) to the south of Santiago, it sits on the southern shore of Lake Llanquique, one of the large natural lakes of South America, and boasts a magnificent backdrop of the snowcapped Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes.

There are few areas in the world that can match the Chilean Lake District for scenic grandeur. South of the Rio Tolten and sprawled across the provinces of Valdivia, Osorno and Llanquihue, you'll find everything from snow-capped mountains to deep-blue and emerald lakes, smoking volcanoes, forests and glaciers. Outside noisy cities, such as Puerto Montt, the loudest sound you're likely to hear is the roar of waterfalls streaming down cliff faces into crystal clear pools. This is a favourite vacation ground for domestic tourists, visitors from across the Andes and around the globe.

The region's architecture is unique in that older structures are wooden and resemble European homes and churches of the 19th Century. This is due to the significant number of immigrants from central Europe (largely Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy) who settled here over the last half of that century. The regional cuisine also reflects this, with many restaurants specializing in kuchen and other baked delicacies. Seafood dishes also abound in this region. Of particular interest to visitors is the curanto Chilote, a hearty seafood stew that'll leave you ready for a siesta.

Day 11 Travel:
Bariloche to Puerto Varas
Approximate distance:
Approximate journey time:
Note: This journey is by comfortable bus and ferry crossing the Argentine/Chilean Border

Included Activity: Guided Tour of Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls.

Day 6-7 Santiago
Spend the day enjoying Chile's tastiest export, wine. Tour different wineries in the Maipo Valley, learn the history of the region's wineries and learn a thing or two about the art of wine making. We visit a large commercial winery and a smaller handcrafted winemakers.

Santiago is Chile’s largest city and capital, with internationally recognized vineyards and Andean ski resorts very close by. It is one of the few capital cities in the world which has easy access both to ski slopes -just 50 Km away-, and beaches, 100 Km away. It is, in fact, possible to visit the modern ski resorts as well as the famous beach resort of Viña del Mar or picturesque Valparaiso, Chile's main port, in just one day. Explore the many museums and parks, and visit the vibrant neighbourhood of Bellavista to see some handicrafts and trendy cafés. Day trips include a trip to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, Chile’s premier beach resort, and to Isla Negra, Pablo Neruda’s seaside home.

Although Santiago covers an immense area, the central core of the city is relatively small. It is a roughly triangular shaped region, bounded in the north by the Río Mapocho, in the west by the Via Norte Sur and in the south by the Avenida del Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins (more commonly known as the Alameda). The apex of the triangle is the Plaza Baquedano, where O'Higgins forms a junction with two of Santiago's other main thoroughfares, Avenidas Providencia and Vicuña MacKenna.

The centre of this triangle is the Plaza de Armas, the chief plaza of Santiago, bounded on its northern side by the main post office and on the western side by the cathedral. The streets between the Plaza de Armas and O'Higgins are wall-to-wall shops, restaurants, snack and fast food bars, cinemas, expensive hotels and office blocks. The Presidential Palace, La Moneda, is on Avenida Moneda, facing the Plaza de la Constitución. Near the Plaza de Armas is the National Congress building.

One of Santiago's main parks, Cerro Santa Lucía, is in the triangle facing O'Higgins. anta Lucia Hill in the city center is an important historic landmark. It was here, at the foot of this hill formerly known as the "Huelen", that the Spanish Conquistador Pedro de Valdivia founded the city of Santiago on February 1 2th, 1541. He planned the city according to the traditional Spanish checkerboard layout which is still evident in the downtown area today. The Metropolitan Cathedral, on the western side of the plaza, stands on the same spot where the first church in Santiago was once built; to the north are three important buildings: the Post Office, the National Museum of History and the Townhall of Santiago. By the 1930s, modern Santiago, with its green areas and architecture had come into being. The growth and development which have taken place during the past years are evident in the facilities which the city offers the visitor.

The other main park is Cerro San Cristobal. It is a large hill that rises dramatically from the plain to the north of Avenida Providencia. Between this avenue and the mountain, on either side of the Avenida Pío Nono, is Santiago's 'Paris quarter', the barrio Bella Vista. Here you find beautifully landscaped parks and gardens, artists' colonies and impressive views over the city, including the snow-capped peaks of the Andes (when the weather and thick smog permit).

Day 13 Travel:
Puerto Varas to Santiago
Approximate distance: 996 Km
Approximate flight time: 1.5 hours

Included Activity: Wine Tour to Maipo Valley, Santiago's famous wine region.