| Starts | Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile, Chile |
|---|---|
| Ends | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Region | South America & Central America |
| Duration | 14 days |
| Tour Operator | Peregrine |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Santiago & Finishing: Santiago
Welcome to Santiago, Chile. Once you’ve arrived, transfer from the airport to the hotel (transfer is included). Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. 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 head out on a short walk to get your bearings of the city. Notes: The complimentary airport transfer is only applicable on Day 1 of the trip or if pre-trip accommodation is booked through Peregrine. Please advise us of your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure if you wish to have this transfer provided. If you are taking a transfer with us and have arrived on an international flight, please leave by Door 3. For a domestic flight please leave by Door 1. 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 - Starting: Santiago & Finishing: Santiago
Today you will take an orientation walk of the city centre with your tour leader. The city centre itself is quite small and easy to get around. The Plaza de Armas is at the heart of the city and is home to the cathedral. The rest of the city is a jumble of shops, restaurants and parks. A visit to Bella Vista, Santiago's Parisian Quarter, will offer a slightly more serene perspective on the Chilean capital. Similarly, taking the cable car to Cerro San Cristobal will offer you impressive views across the city and on to the peaks of the Andes. You will have some free time continue your exploration of the city.
Day 3 - Starting: Mendoza & Finishing: 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.
Day 4 - Starting: Mendoaza & Finishing: Mendoaza
Today will take an included winery tour. Mendoza is Argentina's most important grape growing region, producing 70% of the country's wine. Its exceptional climate produces excellent grapes, the region's signature variety is the Malbec. At night head out to Aristides Villanueva Street which has lately become on the starting point of Mendoza's night life. Tonight why not try the most popular drink in town: Fernet and Cola, a bitter (very) alcoholic cocktail. In Mendoza we stay in a centrally located hotel.
Day 5 - Starting: Estancia Stay & Finishing: Estancia Stay
Leave Mendoza behind and fly to Buenos Aires. From Buenos Aires we will drive (approx 2 hours) to a traditional estancia (a rural estate) where you will stay overnight.
Day 6 - Starting: Estancia Stay & Finishing: Estancia Stay
During your time on the estancia you can do as much or as little as you desire. Activities may also vary depending on the day. You could go horse riding, work with the cattle, take a cooking class or learn more about the sport of polo. Alternatively you could laze by the pool and read or have a barbecue. 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.
Day 7 - Starting: Buenos Aires & Finishing: Buenos Aires
Today you will travel back to Buenos Aires, perhaps South America's ultimate cosmopolitan city. With Latin passion, European elegance and a distinctive style all of its own, this is a city that will steal your heart. The Portenos (the local residents) are justifiably proud of their city which is comprised of distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own style.
Day 8 - Starting: Buenos Aires & Finishing: Buenos Aires
Today is a free day for you to explore Buenos Aires.
Day 9 - Starting: Buenos Aires & Finishing: Buenos Aires
Explore the city on a full-day tour with a local guide. 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 we take a private van 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 and enjoy an included lunch at local social project.
Day 10 - Starting: Iguazu Falls & Finishing: Iguazu Falls
Fly to Puerto Iguazu in Argentina, our gateway to the mighty Iguazu Falls. You will spend the next two days exploring the falls in depth, seeing them from both the Argentinean and Brazilian side. The falls are two kilometres in length, and made up of 275 falls in total, some of which stretch up to 80 metres high. This makes them both higher than Niagara and wider than Victoria Falls. Please note for visa information, you will be visiting the Brazilian side of the falls on Day 3 and Argentina on Day 4. The Brazilian side of the falls offers great panoramic views of them. For eagle-view of the falls, you can also opt to take on an optional helicopter flight over the top.
Day 11 - Starting: Iguazu Falls & Finishing: Iguazu Falls
Today you visit the Argentinean side of the falls which allows you to get up close and personal with the powerful falls on boardwalks. You can choose to get an even more exhilarating look at Iguazu via an optional zodiac boat ride below the falls. Today, accompanied by your leader, you will have the opportunity to meet one of the few remaining original inhabitants of the region, the Guarani.
Day 12 - Starting: Rio de Janeiro & Finishing: Rio de Janeiro
You will cross the border into Brazil on the morning on Day 5 and take a flight from Foz do Iguacu to Rio de Janeiro. The intense green of Guanabara Bay and the beauty of the surrounding slopes of the Corcovado and Sugarloaf, make Rio a majestic place, locals like to say that 'God made the world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio'. The Portuguese influence is ever-present here, especially in the opulent Portuguese buildings that were constructed when the Portuguese monarchy fled Europe under threat of Napolean and took up residence here. The contrast between the opulence of this architecture, the extravagance of Carnaval and destitute poverty of the favelas make this one of the most fascinating and diverse cities in the world. Live music is the heartblood of the city, with everything from samba, jazz, bossa nova, hip hop, reggae and rock to the myriad of regional styles and fusions. Lapa is the place to go if you want to join locals for some serious dancing in the many dancehalls there. The white sand beaches at Copacabana and Ipanema are certainly the best place for people watching.
Day 13 - Starting: Rio de Janeiro & Finishing: Rio de Janeiro
Today you'll be taken on a full-day guided tour of the city, including some of Rio's most iconic sights. Head up to Santa Teresa, a beautiful artistic neighbourhood situated on a hill overlooking the city. Wander its cobbled streets to discover eclectic architecture, art galleries and restaurants before stopping by the famous Selaron Stairs. Continue on to Corcovado for a bird's-eye 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 our local guide, wander the narrow alleys, learn about local life and meet some of the people who make up this vibrant community.
Day 14 - Starting: Rio de Janeiro & Finishing: Rio de Janeiro
Your tour will come to an end after breakfast.
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