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The Essence of South America tour is a 14 day luxury tour to several world-class cities in South America. From Chile to Argentina and on to Brazil with so many stops along the way, this tour will have you staying in amazing accommodations in these legendary locations. You’ll visit Santiago, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.
14 Days • fr. $9,990
Tauck's comprehensive South America tour begins at The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago at 6:00 PM. A transfer from Santiago Airport to The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago is included. Please join us for our welcome cocktail reception and dinner tonight.
Dinner
THE RITZ-CARLTON, SANTIAGO
Tauck's first full day in South America explores the city of Santiago – both up-close and from a scenic hilltop perch. The city is a mix of skyscrapers and classical buildings – beginning with a visit to the Plaza de Armas. Head outside of the city to a winery for a tour and a gourmet lunch that celebrates generations of Chilean winemaking traditions. Back in Santiago, the rest of the day is free to explore as you please.
Breakfast, Lunch
THE RITZ-CARLTON, SANTIAGO
Patagonia is said to be one of the most beautiful areas on Earth. Fly from Santiago to the Patagonian port city of Puerto Montt, founded by German immigrants in 1853. Continue on through the rolling countryside of scenic Patagonia, viewing lovely lakes and mountains, to Puerto Varas, the lakeside "city of roses," where the influence of those German settlers is seen in both architecture and beautiful gardens. Explore the interesting sights of this charming city as you please or enjoy life along the spectacular lake – and have dinner at your leisure in your hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HOTEL CUMBRES PUERTO VARAS
oday, you'll cross the majestic Andes Mountains – a highlight of South America tours – traveling from Chile to Argentina. Following a morning drive from Puerto Varas to the Argentine border, board a private boat and cruise to Bariloche, the "Switzerland of South America" on Nahuel Huapi Lake in Nahuel Huapi National Park; have dinner à la carte this evening at your leisure at Llao Llao Resort, your home for the next two nights, where you'll enjoy a Lake Suite in the Moreno Wing.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
LLAO LLAO HOTEL & RESORT
oday's the day... to spend a leisurely day as you please at one of the best resorts featured on Tauck's South America tours. There are many amenities and activities to enjoy at Llao Llao (some at an additional charge) including tennis, swimming, sailing, archery, spa treatments and Pilates among others; a private tango lesson is included, on us; or, you might decide to do some more exploring of Nahuel Haupi National Park on your own. Or, if you wish, visit the ski-resort town of Bariloche – the largest city in the Lakes District (famous for its chocolates).
Breakfast, Dinner
LLAO LLAO HOTEL & RESORT
The day begins just right in Bariloche with a chairlift ride up Cerro Campanario for a breathtaking, 360-degree perspective of the Andes’ soaring mountain peaks, wide-open sky and lake waters below. This afternoon, fly to Buenos Aires, the "Paris of South America." Arrive at the Alvear Palace Hotel, a landmark in La Recoleta, one of the city’s most elegant districts; dine as you please tonight at the hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ALVEAR PALACE HOTEL
No doubt about it, Buenos Aires defines “sizzle”... and you’ll discover why today when a local guide shows you the city. First up is a visit to Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa Rosada (government palace) where you’ll see the balcony made famous by Evita Perón. Explore the colorful La Boca neighborhood, which is both a working class barrio and artist colony, and then enjoy lunch in the San Telmo District, a mix of colonial-style homes, narrow lanes, artist lofts and hip bars. This evening, experience the allure of the infamous tango when a superb show follows dinner at Esquina Carlos Gardel.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ALVEAR PALACE HOTEL
Today's discoveries begin with a fascinating behind-the-scenes visit to Teatro Colón, Buenos Aires’ seven-tiered opera house first opened in 1908. Its opulent stained glass, marble staircases and excellent acoustics recently underwent a three-year refurbishment. The remainder of the day and evening are free for you to explore more of this fascinating city as you wish.
Breakfast
ALVEAR PALACE HOTEL
See the immense Avenida 9 de Julio, a stately avenue traversing Buenos Aires that was modeled after Paris’ Champs Elysées in the 1930s, along with the posh Embassy District and the Rose Garden, an oasis of green. On foot, explore La Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of many of Argentina’s most famous and wealthiest families, including the grave of Evita Perón. South America tours are not complete without experiencing one of nature’s greatest wonders.
Fly from Buenos Aires to the Argentinean side of the mighty Iguazú Falls – deeper and twice as wide as Niagara Falls – for a two-night stay. As you explore Iguazú National Park, you’ll be amazed by the sheer size of the falls and the natural beauty that surrounds them. Wherever you look, the views are breathtaking. Your hotel is set in the heart of the national park; dine tonight at the hotel's restaurant, boasting wonderful views of the thundering waters!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MELIÁ IGUAZÚ
You’ll have to visit two countries to get a complete look at Iguazú Falls, a highlight of South American tours. Today you’ll experience the Argentinian side, walking along grated walkways of metal. Spend the day exploring the natural treasures of Iguazú National Park, designated a World Heritage Site for its rare and endangered flora and fauna. Guided hikes take you to the Superior and Inferior Circuit and Devil’s Throat, through which the falls’ largest volume of water passes. The afternoon is free for you to do as you wish. Your hotel concierge can tell you about the optional boat rides, helicopter excursions and hikes that are available here (at additional charge).
Breakfast, Lunch
MELIÁ IGUAZÚ
Cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge from Argentina to Brazil to view the famous falls (known as Iguaçu here) from a different perspective this morning; you’ll never forget your walk along the base of the falls on the Brazilian side – 275 cascades form a 1 1/2 mile-long waterfall.
Later, fly to Rio de Janeiro and your iconic Art Deco landmark hotel overlooking Copacabana Beach, the 5-star Belmond Copacabana Palace.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
BELMOND COPACABANA PALACE
Arise in amazing Rio for an unforgettable excursion up Corcovado Hill by train to Tijuca National Park to see the world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy a walking tour of Rio's historic downtown, including the Cathedral and other Belle Époque landmarks, and lunch at the famous Colombo Tea Room. Then discover the passionate nature of Rio’s beloved Carnaval celebration, which draws visitors from around the world each year, on a visit to Samba City – where a local guide leads you on a behind-the-scenes look at the business of Carnaval and the creation of its dazzling costumes and floats, which includes an exclusive samba performance. Spend the evening as you please on your own in Rio tonight.
Breakfast, Lunch
BELMOND COPACABANA PALACE
An incredible day in and around Rio de Janeiro begins with a private boat cruise on Guanabara Bay, to see some of the city's iconic beaches, fortresses and the breathtaking Rio skyline. After lunch at a traditional Brazilian churrascaria, a two-stage cable car ride to the 1,390-foot summit of iconic Sugarloaf Mountain rewards with stunning views. Return to the Belmond Copacabana Palace in the late afternoon,
Enjoy the farewell cocktail party this evening in one of the hotel's magnificent ballrooms, followed by dinner at a local Rio restaurant. Truly saboroso!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
BELMOND COPACABANA PALACE
Your journey ends in Rio de Janeiro. Spend your last day in Rio as you wish, browsing in the city's museums and shops or savoring the sights on Rio's beautiful beaches. While hotel check-out time from the Belmond Copacabana Palace is 12:00 noon, if you are on a later flight Tauck has reserved a hospitality room to refresh and relax before making your flight. A transfer is included from Belmond Copacabana Palace to Rio de Janeiro International Airport; plan to arrive at the airport at least 3 1/2 hours before your flight departs.
Breakfast
All rates listed are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change without notice. Your land package pricing will be confirmed and guaranteed once your deposit is received and applied to the booking, except where price increases may result from increases in government taxes or fees. Room configurations are subject to availability. Guests added to your party after the booking are priced at the prevailing rate at the time they are added.