Your Itinerary
ARRIVE IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro!
At 3:30 pm, meet your Tour Director for a drive along Ipanema and Copacabana beaches to the base of 1,300-foot-high Sugarloaf Mountain. Ascend by cable car to its summit, where you can take in spectacular vistas of the city. Next, toast the start of a memorable vacation with [LF] caipirinhas, a traditional Brazilian cocktail, from atop Sugarloaf Mountain during a cocktail party. LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES A once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits atop Sugarloaf Mountain overlooking Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views as you join a private cocktail party with your fellow travel companions. Toast with a traditional caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail, made with fresh lime, cachaça (a distilled sugarcane spirit), and sugar. Deliciosa!
Heavenly Views
The city’s landmark, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, crowns Corcovado Mountain, a rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay below. A scenic ride by cog railway leads to the top, where a breathtaking 360-degree panorama affords sweeping views. From here, proceed to bustling downtown Rio, where modern office towers stand next to relics of the Portuguese colonial past. View the Sambódromo and visit the Cathedral. The afternoon is at leisure for you to experience this vibrant city on your own. Tonight, it’s a fun outing to a churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Soar to the summit of Corcovado Mountain by cog railway to reach the site of the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. This crowning jewel of Rio and Brazil was constructed between 1922 and 1933. The statue of Jesus Christ stands 98 feet high (or 124 feet including the pedestal) with an arm span of 92 feet wide. Towering over the city, this piece of art is truly an engineering marvel and was even voted one the New7Wonders of the World.
Beaches, Boutiques & Bites
A full day at leisure to enjoy Rio. Relax on one of the world-famous beaches or take advantage of the world-class shopping or fine dining. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE Spend free time in Rio de Janeiro with an optional excursion to Petropolis, (mountain resort and former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II). This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO app.
RIO DE JANEIRO–IGUASSU FALLS
What a Rush!
A flight from Rio takes you to Iguassu Falls. Experience the clouds of spray, the incessant roar, and the surrounding luxuriant tropical growth that make this an unforgettable natural wonder. Head into Brazil’s Iguassu National Park to enjoy the magnificent panorama of waterfalls from the Brazilian side. Your Local Guide introduces the spectacle of this 2-mile-wide rushing torrent. With some cataracts as high as 250 feet, Iguassu Falls is nothing short of hypnotic! (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Explore incredible Iguassu National Park (Brazilian side) and walk the pathways skirting Iguassu Falls. Watch for amazing wildlife in this protected area, including toucans, agoutis, giant otters, anteaters, tapir, and even jaguars!
IGUASSU FALLS. EXCURSION TO IGUASSU FALLS, ARGENTINA
Taking the Plunge
Today, journey across the Brazilian border by motorcoach to the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls, where you will take the Ecological Jungle Train and enjoy a closer perspective on a walking tour of the falls. Meander along the walkways from atop the falls and enjoy an exhilarating view looking over the precipice of the falls as the water plunges to the rocks below. You will also have the chance to walk through the rainforest on the lower falls trails that will bring you up close to some of the smaller cataracts. Cross back into Brazil and return to the hotel, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Iguassu National Park (Argentinean side) – From this side of the falls you get a bird’s-eye view from the catwalks perched over part of the Devil’s Throat, where 14 waterfalls drop more than 300 feet into the Devil’s Gorge below. A completely different perspective from that of Brazil’s side which is why you always need to see both sides of the falls!
IGUASSU FALLS–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
The Boulevards of Buenos Aires
This morning, cross the Brazilian border into Argentina by motorcoach to transfer to the Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. After arriving, an orientation walk acquaints you with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards and outdoor cafés. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS Elegant European architecture, epicurean cuisine, and a café culture to rival any rue de Paris, Buenos Aires is a city of leisurely afternoons sipping café con leche or the choicest Argentinian wines.
Dining, Dancing & Dazzling
Your sightseeing starts in La Boca, a vibrant district and site of the city’s first port. Take a short walking tour of this unique enclave and then on to San Telmo, famous for its late-colonial buildings and a popular gathering spot for artists. At Plaza de Mayo, see La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House) and the Metropolitan Cathedral, housing San Martin’s Mausoleum. Drive past the ornate Teatro Colón opera house before reaching Recoleta Cemetery, burial site of Eva Perón. Next, [LF] learn how to make a traditional Argentinean dish during your empanada cooking class. After an afternoon at leisure, top off the evening at a famous Tango club. The Tango and Argentina go hand in hand and tonight you will [LF] visit a local milonga, or tango house, where professional tango dancers teach the traditional techniques of the Argentine Tango. After your lesson, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring Argentine steaks and other local specialties. Top off the evening when the professionals delight you with a Tango Show featuring the dance as it has evolved through the ages! (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Immerse yourself in Argentina’s culinary culture when you learn how to make empanadas. This hands-on cooking class teaches you the different fillings and the various 'repulga' techniques (how to close the empanada.) After perfecting your creation, enjoy your homemade empanada and a glass of Malbec.
Ranch Life
Today, head into the heart of the pampas (grasslands) and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of rural, country life at a working [LF] Argentina estancia (ranch). After a traditional welcome with empanadas and local beverages, get acquainted with the lifestyle of real gauchos (cowboys) on a carriage ride through the pampas. Later, at lunch, enjoy an authentic feast, complete with world-renowned Argentine beef, salad, desserts, and live music and dance by the gauchos themselves. Top off the day with an equestrian demonstration by the gauchos before saying adios to the countryside and heading back to the city. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Argentinean Estancias date back to the 16th Century during Spanish colonization when conquistadors where gifted land to raise and breed cattle. Today, these lands and traditions that go along with them have been passed down from generation to generation. Today, you step into the traditional, local life of a gaucho and embrace Argentinian heritage.
Patagonian Pleasures
Fly south to Bariloche in Patagonia on the shores of fjord-like Lago Nahuel Huapi in the heart of Argentina’s Lake District. Arrive in the early evening and join your Tour Director for a leisurely stroll through the picturesque town. See the city hall, the clock tower in Municipality Square, and the famous chocolate factories. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS You are in Argentina but, you feel like you are in a small town in Switzerland when in Bariloche! Use your time here to sample its famous chocolate, sip locally crafted beer, dine on world class cuisine, and take in the breathtaking views of this Patagonian mountain town.
Alpine Treasures
This chic alpine resort boasts some of the most glorious scenery in the country. Cameras should be ready for today’s guided sightseeing including a chairlift ride to a lookout point at Cerro Campanario. You’ll want to capture the vistas of surrounding lakes and Andes mountain peaks. The tour continues with a leisurely drive around the Llao Llao Peninsula, Lago Moreno, and Lopez Bay followed by lunch at a local restaurant. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Sit back and relax on the 7-minute chairlift ride to the Campanario summit at 3400 feet. From here you will experience the best views in Patagonia. Take in the sweeping vistas of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, and lush forests.
BARILOCHE–PUERTO BLEST–PUERTO VARAS, CHILE
Peak Perfection
Set out today for your [LF] Andes Lake crossing! Board a boat for the cruise across Lago Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Blest. Proceed by motorcoach and see emerald lakes, thick pine forests, and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes Mountains. Look out for soaring Osorno Volcano as you cross Lago Todos los Santos by catamaran. Skirt the southern shore of Lago Llanquihue on the way to Puerto Varas. Drive to your hotel along the rosebush-lined streets of this lakeside resort. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITE NATURAL WONDERS Why go around the Andes Mountains when you can cut a path directly through them? That’s exactly what you will do today on a full-day Andes Lake Crossing from Argentina to Chile! Sail across glacial lakes, travel through national parks, watch for giant condors, and cruise past active volcanoes into Chile. Today will be an unforgettable adventure.
PUERTO VARAS–PUERTO MONTT–SANTIAGO
Summits & Seas
Your morning tour of the nearby seaport of Puerto Montt in Chilean Patagonia takes you to the harbor brimming with fishing vessels and along a busy waterfront lined with seafood stalls. Transfer to the airport for your flight north to Santiago. Perched between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, Santiago has evolved as the country’s political, commercial, and cultural capital. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLOCAL TASTES Discover a wide variety of fresh seafood during your visit to the local market in the seaside village of Angelmó near Puerto Montt. If seafood isn’t your preference, you’ll also find fruits, vegetables, cheese, meats, handicrafts, and much more.
Santiago Especial
Today, your Local Guide traces the city’s history and heritage on a guided city tour. Start at La Moneda, the official Government Palace, before heading to the Plaza de Armas, the main square, with a visit to the 18th-century cathedral. Conclude your tour of Santiago with lunch at a local restaurant, including a glass of regional wine. Return to your hotel for a free evening. Your Tour Director will have recommendations on how to spend your evening. (B,L)ENHANCED FREE TIMESIGHTS & CITY LIGHTS Chile’s capital city shines amid the heights of the Andes and the horizons of the sea with plenty of head-turning panoramas. If you’ve got a head for nightlife, Santiago’s streets are brimming with restaurants, bars, and cafes. Explore the Barrio Bellavista where trendy restaurants, bars, discos, music venues, street art offer something for every taste.
Hasta Luego, Chile
The day is free for independent activities. You may want to take advantage of an optional excursion to the beautiful coastal region west of Santiago. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner to celebrate a great touring adventure. (B,D)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Take an excursion to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar. Drive through the hills of Chile’s wine country to the historic port of Valparaiso, and continue along the coast to nearby Viña del Mar. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
