Best of South America

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Day 1 - MON I SANTIAGO

Arrive in Santiago and transfer to your hotel. On our city tour see San Francisco Church, Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the National History Museum, Santiago’s main avenue “Alameda,” and “Palacio de la Moneda.” Enjoy vistas of Santiago and the Andes Mountains from San Cristóbal Hill, then go to the Providencia shopping zone.

Day 2 - TUE I SANTIAGO

This morning greets you with the opportunity to explore Santiago on your own. This city of contrasts showcases the remains of its colonial past in stark contrast with the ultramodern, high-rise buildings of its financial center. Venture along at leisure or you may choose to participate in an optional excursion to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar. (B)

Day 3 - WED I SANTIAGO I MENDOZA

After breakfast, transfer for your full day panoramic bus journey crossing the majestic Andes. Pass the city of Los Andes and Portillo, Chile’s most important center of winter sports situated at the foot of South America’s highest mountain, the Aconcagua. Cross into Argentina and see the “Puente del Inca,” or “Inca Bridge.” Pass Penitentes, Argentina’s best-known ski resort, before reaching Mendoza. (B)

Day 4 - THU I MENDOZA

Today we will head out to Mendoza's agricultural oasis, home to 70% of Argentina’s vineyards. Learn about the wine making process and enjoy a wine tasting experience at two different vineyards in the oenological center of South America. This afternoon is yours at leisure to explore or choose to participate in an optional half day city tour showcasing the culture and history and its foundation by the Spanish colonizers four centuries ago. (B)

Day 5 - FRI I MENDOZA I BUENOS AIRES

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. This afternoon get to know the city at your own pace. Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is a cosmopolitan place that showcases European cultural influences. During the day, many attractions beckon: museums, art galleries, shops, parks, tree-lined boulevards, and much more. At night opt for a visit to a “tango” bar or acclaimed local restaurant. (B)

Day 6 - SAT I BUENOS AIRES

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then get in touch with the birth city of the Tango. During your city tour you will drive along the 9 de Julio Avenue, where you will pass close to the Colon Theatre, one of the world’s best-known opera houses. See the Pyramid de Mayo, the Presidential Palace, the Cabinet, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Next stop is the famous Café Tortoni, the oldest literary café of the city where you will enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack. View “The Obelisque.” Enjoy history and modern-day musings at every turn as you discover its various neighborhoods, from San Telmo with its signature tango parlors; to Europeaninspired La Boca, trendy Puerto Madero, and La Recoleta Cultural Center. This evening enjoy a Tango Show at tango house La Ventana followed by dinner. (B,D)

Day 7 - SUN I BUENOS AIRES

Full day at leisure to relax and explore on your own or take advantage of one of the many optional tours that will be available. (B)

Day 8 - MON I BUENOS AIRES I IGUASSU FALLS

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguassu, one of the greatest wonders of nature in South America located amid a sub-tropical forest in the triangle of Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. Visiting the Argentine side of the falls, make a short stop at the Visitor’s Center and proceed from there along the Inferior Circuit (the down-river falls) to the Superior Circuit (the up-river cascades). You can also take the Ecological Train to The Devil’s Throat observation point. After your visit transfer to your hotel on the Brazilian side of the falls. (B)

Day 9 - TUE I IGUASSU FALLS

Excitement rings in the day starting with a visit of the Brazilian side of the falls. Step along the paths following cascades, then walk along the catwalk that leads very close to the bottom of Devil’s Throat for the most magnificent of views. An elevator takes you up to the road level to board the coach back to the hotel and an evening at leisure to enjoy the area. (B)

Day 10 - WED I IGUASSU FALLS I RIO DE JANEIRO

Transfer for your flight to Rio de Janeiro and on to your hotel upon arrival. Rio is situated in a 15-mile-strip of land, wedged between mountains and sea. There are some thirty miles separating downtown Flamengo, from far-flung Recreio, bordered on one side by the blue sea and on the other by verdant hills. Between them lies a colorful state of mind called CARIOCA, with almost 8 million locals who samba their way through life, relaxed and high-spirited! (B)

Day 11 - THU I RIO DE JANEIRO

A full day city tour is on today’s exhilarating agenda. Head to Cosme Velho Station and board a cog train for the scenic ride through Tijuca Forest up Corcovado Mountain to view the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer. Descend by train and head past Rio’s world-famous beaches, then board a cable car for a two-staged ascent up Sugarloaf Mountain. Next, it’s on to Guanabara Bay and Flamengo Park towards downtown for a panoramic tour of famed attractions. (B)