Andes, Iguassu & Beyond
18 days, Santiago to Rio de Janeiro
Itinerary Notes
We recommend bringing USD in cash for the Argentinean portion of this tour as it is easier than using a credit card or withdrawing ARS from an ATM. USD currency is accepted in travel agencies for booking optional activities.
Itinerary
Day 1Santiago
Arrive at any time.
Arrival day, no activities planned. The day is free to spend at your leisure exploring the city until our welcome meeting this evening. Santiago is Chile’s largest city and capital, with internationally recognized vineyards and Andean ski resorts very close by.
Should you want more time to explore Santiago and do optional day trips, we highly recommend you book additional pre-nights.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Santiago
Enjoy an included city tour of Santiago and in the afternoon take some time to go shopping, sit in a cafe or hike to the lookout of Cerro Santa Lucia.
Santiago City Tour
Spend the day visiting different neighbourhoods of Santiago, stop at the Museo de la Memoria and learn about the history of Chile. Visit the Central Market and enjoy a traditional Chilean snack before heading to a local bar to try Terremoto (Earthquake) a local drink made with pineapple ice cream, white wine and pisco.
Free Time
Get out and explore!
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Valparaiso/Santiago
In the morning head to the Casablanca Valley, stopping at a winery to indulge in a wine tasting. Then depart for the colourful seaside town of Valparaiso. Enjoy the street art and snap a few pictures of the bright buildings that line the hills. Wander the streets of the city, before heading back to Santiago. In the evening, board an overnight bus to Pucon.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Foodie Moment: Santiago Region Winery Tour
Visit nearby wineries in the area of Santiago. There are plenty of famous wineries or smaller family-run places to stop by. Learn about the process, tour the vineyards and of course, take a sample or two.
Day trip to Valparaiso
Take a day trip to the beautiful port town of Valparaiso and wander by the rows of colourful houses. The Historic Quarter is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, explore the examples of 19th century Latin architecture built into the hillside.
Overnight Bus
Curl up and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Pucón
Enjoy free time in Pucon, try whitewater rafting or explore the area by foot.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Pucon, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like hiking Villarica Volcano, whitewater rafting, and relaxing in thermal baths. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Pucón
Enjoy another free day to take part in the many activities on offer in Pucón. Opt to hike Villarica volcano (it's active!) or soak in the nearby natural thermal pools.
Free Time
Enjoy free time to explore this adventure hub!
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Soak in Natural Thermal Pools
40000CLP per personRest your muscles in the natural thermal pools outside of Pucón. There are multiple pools varying in temperature and depth, find the one that suits you best, take a deep breath and enjoy the pools and the forest that surrounds them.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Pucón/San Carlos de Bariloche
Cross the Andes to Argentina. Travel by local bus to San Martin and transfer the rest of the way to Bariloche stopping for photos in the Seven Lake district.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Border Crossing (Chile - Argentina)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Private Vehicle
Transfer to Bariloche, enjoy the scenery and a couple of photo ops in the Seven Lakes District.
Free Time
Explore the beautiful waterfront town.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7San Carlos de Bariloche
Transfer to a Gaucho Ranch just outside of Bariloche. Enjoy a barbecue for lunch and take to the saddle with a Gaucho by your side.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 8San Carlos de Bariloche
Enjoy the beautiful area of the Seven Lakes district. Take a hike in the countryside or wander the town, known for its shops and in particular, artisan chocolate.
Free Time
Take advantage of all the things Bariloche has to offer.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Puerto Blest and Cantaros Waterfall Navigation
90USD per personSpend a full day navigating the Blest arm of Lake Nahuel Huapi, spotting amazing highlights such as Centinela Island, Frías River, Valdivian Rainforest, and Tronador Mountain, landing at Cantaros Port. Opt to trek through the forest and enjoy views of Lake Los Cantaros and the adjacent waterfalls.
Hiking
Hit some trails to get up close to the area's natural beauty. Enjoy amazing views amid mountains and lakes while exploring the Lake District on foot.
Circuito Chico Tour
40USD per personEnjoy an introduction to the highlights of San Carlos de Bariloche on a circuito chico tour. Stop at Bahia Lopez (Lopez Bay) and Panoramic Point and take in the beautiful landscape. Continue on to Cerro Campanario (Bell Mountain), opt to get an even better view by riding the chairlift.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9San Carlos de Bariloche/Buenos Aires
Fly to Buenos Aires.
Fly north to the buzzing metropolis that is Buenos Aires, it is a vibrant city full of life.
Opt to pre-book the "Buenos Aires Tango Experience" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Free Time
Take an optional city tour and 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.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
La Boca Neighbourhood Visit
10USD per personVisit La Boca to soak in the vibrancy of the barrio’s brightly coloured buildings and El Caminito (a cobblestone street lined with artist studios that’s often used as an impromptu setting for tango performances). Or, if lucky, catch a match at fabled La Bombonera, the home stadium of the Boca Juniors’ fútbol club (the crowd's excitement is electric!).
San Telmo Visit
FreeTake a step back in time visiting charming San Telmo, one of Buenos Aires’ oldest barios (neighbourhoods). Stroll along cobblestone streets and discover colonial architecture, museums, churches, and one-of-a-kind finds in the local antique shops. The bario’s weekend market and street artists’ displays are must-sees and highlights for many visiting the capital.
Buenos Aires Guided City Tour
Enjoy a guided tour exploring beautiful, vibrant Buenos Aires. Be introduced to historic sites and districts, including Plaza de Mayo where Eva Peron's famed balcony presides over the square. See La Boca and San Telmo's colourful street life, painted houses, and the famed Recoleta Cemetery.
Tango Dinner Show
Discover the passion of tango. Watch the pros step and slide around the dance floor while you dine on a traditional Argentine dinner. Get lost in the music, savour the sensuality, and see why this traditional dance continues to ignite the senses of locals and visitors alike.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Buenos Aires
Enjoy a free day to explore beautiful Buenos Aires. pre book a city bike tour, or an evening Tango experience for the true Buenos Aires experience.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Buenos Aires, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like going to a Tango show, visiting Teatro Colón, and take a city tour. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Teatro Colón Tour
25USD per personExplore this stunning opera house on a guided tour and find out why it is voted one of the best acoustic venues in the world.
La Boca Neighbourhood Visit
10USD per personVisit La Boca to soak in the vibrancy of the barrio’s brightly coloured buildings and El Caminito (a cobblestone street lined with artist studios that’s often used as an impromptu setting for tango performances). Or, if lucky, catch a match at fabled La Bombonera, the home stadium of the Boca Juniors’ fútbol club (the crowd's excitement is electric!).
Buenos Aires Guided City Tour
Enjoy a guided tour exploring beautiful, vibrant Buenos Aires. Be introduced to historic sites and districts, including Plaza de Mayo where Eva Peron's famed balcony presides over the square. See La Boca and San Telmo's colourful street life, painted houses, and the famed Recoleta Cemetery.
Tango Dinner Show
Discover the passion of tango. Watch the pros step and slide around the dance floor while you dine on a traditional Argentine dinner. Get lost in the music, savour the sensuality, and see why this traditional dance continues to ignite the senses of locals and visitors alike.
Buenos Aires Bike Tour
Experience this vibrant city cruising around on a bicycle with a local Argentine. Bike, helmet, knowledgeable tour guide, they've got it all taken care of, just come along for the ride and take in the many historical sights on offer. Discover Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, colourful Caminito, and the working class neighbourhoods where Tango was born.
Meeting place: Cerrito 1128
Please note the bike tour begins at 10 AM. We advise booking a pre-night in order to arrive on time for this pre-sold optional activity. If you choose to arrive the day of the bike tour, please ensure your flight lands no later than 8 AM to ensure enough time to make it to the arrival point.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Buenos Aires/Iguaçu Falls
Fly to Iguassu Falls for two full days of exploration from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides.
The luggage restrictions for all Aerolineas Argentinas flights are 15kg for checked baggage and 5kg for carry-ons.
Plane
Head to the airport and fly north to the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls. Continue on to the border via private vehicle from there.
Border Crossing (Argentina - Brazil)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Private Vehicle
Climb aboard and drive to the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls for a little exploration.
Iguassu Falls (Brazil Side) Guided Tour
Visit the Brazil side of the falls to get a panoramic view of Iguaçu, one of the world's largest and most impressive waterfalls. In total, there are over 275 individual falls spread out over 3km (2 mi). Find the best spot to take jaw-dropping photos of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Iguaçu Falls
Return to the Argentine side to explore the trails. Opt for a boat tour to get up close and personal. Return to the Brazilian side for one more night in town.
Explore trails that will bring you directly over the falls of the Devil's Throat—the highest and deepest of the falls. Other trails allow access to the stretch of falls across the forest on the Argentine side. Opt to take an inflatable boat to the base of the thundering falls.
Border Crossing (Brazil - Argentina)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Iguassu Falls Visit
Spend the whole day on the Argentine side of Iguassu, exploring the paths over the falls or experience the UNESCO World Heritage site from a boat tour. 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.
Border Crossing (Argentina - Brazil)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Iguassu Falls Visit
70USD per personEnter the jungle from the “Sendero Yacaratía” and enjoy the panoramic view. Board motorboats that pass through the Lower Canyon of the Iguassu River, and continue onto the falls. After enjoying the view from San Martin Island, sail to “Tres Mosqueteros” to the "Devil's Throat." Sail along the shore before and enjoy the splendour of the San Martin waterfall, a wonderful and unforgettable experience.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Iguaçu Falls/Paraty
Fly to São Paulo and continue by van to Paraty. Opt to visit the cachaça distilleries or take a boat into the bay to explore the nearby islands and beaches.
On arrival in São Paulo, continue on by bus to the gorgeous coastal town of Paraty. Wander the cobblestoned streets, take a boat trip to the nearby islands in the bay, or visit one of the many white-sand beaches that make Brazil famous.
Plane
An early morning flight gets you Paraty with plenty of time to explore.
Flight time may very if there is not a direct flight available.
Shared Van
Enjoy the drive to São Paulo, stopping for lunch along the way.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Paraty
Enjoy a free day to explore Paraty.
Paraty is a quaint colonial town renowned for its architecture—the pace might be slow but there's a lot to choose from. 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. Opt to take a boat trip in the bay, kayak, go horseback riding, or take a jeep tour.
Opt to pre-book the "Paraty Caipirinha Boat Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Paraty, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like going on a boat tour, watching a puppet show, and visiting a cachaça distillery. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
4x4 Tour
150BRL per personHop in the back of a jeep and hang on for this tropical tour. Enter the Serra da Bocaina National Park, visit waterfalls (great for photos and swimming), and step back in time along the Gold Trail road, constructed by African slaves to transport gold mined inland and transported to Paraty port bound for Portugal.
Kayaking
90BRL per personSee Paraty's from a whole other level—sea level! Check out the spectacular views of the old town and the coastal mountain range and explore otherwise inaccessible mangroves.
City tour Paraty + cachaça tasting
160BRL per personTour a cachaça distillery where sugarcane juice is used to create the most popular distilled spirit in Brazil. If it tastes familiar, that's because it's the main ingredient in a Caipirinha, the country’s national cocktail. Often called “Brazilian rum,” cachaça is so popular, it’s produced by 40,000 micro-companies across the country. The blend from Paraty is sweet and salty; taste the sea as you sip this local liquid.
Horseback Riding Paraty
390BRL per personThrow on some long pants, grab the reins and hop up on a well-trained horse. Trail ride through the Atlantic Rainforest in the mountains around Paraty. Cross rivers and follow trails lined with tropical trees. Reach a lookout and see the village and the water below. Stop at a waterfall and jump in! Let the rushing water massage your muscles then hop back on the horses and gallop home.
Paraty Bay Boat Tour
Explore some of Paraty's 65 islands and hundreds of beaches on a schooner tour.
Paraty Boat Tour
150BRL per personHome to hundreds of pristine islands and idyllic white sand beaches it doesn't get much better than the Costa Verde. Cruise up the coast with a caipirinha in one hand and your camera in the other. Stop along the way to swim in the crystal clear waters or to catch a few rays. Snorkeling equipment is provided for those wanting a peek at what is under the water's surface.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 15Paraty/Ilha Grande
Continue by van up the coast and take a ferry to Ilha Grande. Opt to hike to remote beaches and enjoy free time to relax and explore the island.
A short, scenic drive along the coast takes us to Angra dos Reis. Board the ferry to Ilha Grande—home to some of Brazil's most beautiful beaches.
Enjoy free time to soak up the sun, snorkel, hike and cruise to various beaches, not to mention feast on fresh seafood and sip caipirinhas in the plaza in the evenings.
Shared Van
Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 16Ilha Grande
Enjoy a free day in Ilha Grande. Optional activities include hiking Pico Do Papagaio or to Lopes Mendes, snorkelling or relaxing on the beach.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Ilha Grande, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like taking a boat to Lopes Mendes Beach, taking a guided walk to Pico do Papagaio (Parrot's Peak), and snorkelling. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 16 HideShow
Hike to Pico do Papagaio
150BRL per personEnjoy a guided hike from Abraão to Pico do Papagaio, soaking in the scenery along the way. It will take roughly 4 hours to hike up and about 2 hr to hike back down. The 360 degree views from the top are well worth the effort.
Lopes Mendes Hike
Grab your bathing suit, slip on your walking shoes and take the hike from Abraão to the beautiful beach of Lopes Mendes. Follow a well-marked trail up and down, through forest and past other beaches. Eat Jack fruit picked along the way. Drink water from a natural spring. Listen to howler monkeys. After 2.5-3 hrs, arrive at the stunning Lopes Mendes beach, where the white powder sand squeaks under foot and the rolling green hills provide a stunning contrast to the turquoise water.
Ilha Grande Boat Excursion
130BRL per personFrom the main village of Vila do Abraão, take a boat tour to some of the best beaches around the island. See tropical fish and cool off in the salt spray of the turquoise waters. Stop to swim and snorkel and pinch yourself for being lucky enough to partake in this tropical piece of paradise. Enjoy the scenery while drinking a caipirinha, Brazil's national drink.
Snorkelling Ilha Grande
Rent a mask and snorkel, pull on some fins and get set to enter the underwater world of colourful tropical fish, shells and all things seaworthy. November through May is Ilha Grande’s best time to snorkel. Hotspots include the Blue Lagoon, Green Lagoon and Abraãzinho Beach. Luxuriate in the warm salt water, look down and, in some cases, see to a depth of 15m (50 ft).
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 17Ilha Grande/Rio de Janeiro
Carry on by ferry and van to Rio de Janeiro. With free time, explore the city on an optional city tour.
Travel back to the mainland by ferry before continuing north along the coast. Enjoy the incredible scenery before rounding the cliffs at Vidigal. Get your first look at one of the most memorable cities in the world—Río de Janeiro.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Shared Van
Enjoy the incredible scenery before rounding the cliffs at Vidigal. Get your first look at one of the most memorable cities in the world—Río de Janeiro.
Free Time
Use your free time in Rio to start your exploration of this world-class city.
Optional Activities - Day 17 HideShow
Rio de Janeiro City Tour
340BRL per personThere’s so much to see and do in this vibrant city pulsing with passion, music and the waves of the sea. Take a city tour and visit some of Rio’s hot spots. Visit the art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, the colourful Lapa Steps and the Rio Cathedral. Ride a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and marvel at the magnificent views of the bay, city and beaches beyond.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 18Rio de Janeiro
Depart at any time.
There are no planned activities today so feel free to book onward travel at any time. Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.