Tauck’s 14-day Essence of South America tour inspires with in-depth discoveries of the many wonders of South America. From the western coast of Chile to the eastern coast of Brazil by way of Patagonia, the Andes and through some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, we’ll share the pleasures of this wonderfully diverse continent with you. Discover the very best of a trio of world-class South American cities – Santiago, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro – from the finest hotels in each city. Cross the Andes and cruise on lovely lakes in full view of those mighty mountains. View spectacular Iguazu Falls from both Brazil and Argentina. Sample the fine wines of Chile and famous Argentinean beef; get a behind-the-scenes look at Rio's colorful Carnaval; feel the passion and the heat of the tango and the samba. Tauck’s South America tour is the experience of a lifetime!
|
Day 1
Arrive in Santiago, Chile
Tour begins: The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago at 6:30 PM. A transfer is included from Santiago Airport to The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, where a two-night stay marks the beginning of an amazing 14-day adventure through Chile, Argentina and Brazil. Please join us for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner tonight as we welcome you to Santiago.
|
|
Day 1
Arrive Santiago, Chile
A transfer is included from Santiago Airport to The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, where a two-night stay marks the beginning of an amazing 14-day adventure through Chile, Argentina and Brazil. Please join us for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner tonight as we welcome you to Santiago.
|
|
Day 2
Santiago and a Wine-pairing Lunch
Get acquainted with Santiago today – the city is a mix of skyscrapers and classical buildings – beginning with a visit to Plaza de Armas, a square at the heart of civic and government activity. Head outside of the city to a winery for a wine-pairing lunch that provides an excellent introduction to Chilean wine. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of Santiago and the Andes peaks by taking a funicular to the top of San Cristóbal Hill, then the rest of the day is yours to explore the city as you please.
|
|
Day 3
Northern Patagonia’s Lake District
First up – fly to the Lake District of southern Chile, known for mountain lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, waterfalls and forests. After lunch in Puerto Montt, a town that reflects the German heritage of the area’s original settlers, continue to the Patagonian resort town of Puerto Varas on the shore of Chile’s largest man-made lake, Lago Llanquihue. You’ll have time today to explore the town or enjoy life along Chile’s largest lake!
|
|
Day 3
Northern Patagonia's Lake District
First up – fly to the Lake District of southern Chile, known for mountain lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, waterfalls and forests. After lunch in Puerto Montt, a town that reflects the German heritage of the area’s original settlers, continue to the Patagonian resort town of Puerto Varas on the shore of Chile’s largest man-made lake, Lago Llanquihue. You’ll have time today to explore the town or enjoy life along the spectacular lake!
|
|
Day 4
A Lake Cruise & Wilderness Adventures
Your cross-Andes journey begins with a stop at Petrohué Waterfalls and rapids. Sail across the emerald waters of Lake Todos Los Santos on a catamaran with exceptional views of still-active volcanoes and unspoiled forests that are home to a multitude of wildlife. When you disembark in the small town of Peulla, the afternoon brings a choice of activities*: explore Vincent Pérez Rosales National Park by 4 x 4 vehicle, take an exhilarating trip by zip line through the forest canopy, or go on a horseback ride with a guide through the ancient forest.
|
|
Day 4
Lake Cruise and Wilderness Adventure
Your cross-Andes journey begins with a stop at Petrohué Waterfalls and rapids. Sail across the emerald waters of Lake Todos Los Santos on a catamaran, where you’ll get spectacular views of active volcanoes and unspoiled forests that are home to a multitude of wildlife. When you disembark in the small town of Peulla, the afternoon brings a choice of activities*: explore Vincent Pérez Rosales National Park by 4 x 4 vehicle, take an exhilarating trip by zip line through the forest canopy, or go on a horseback ride with a guide through the ancient forest.
|
|
Day 5
Argentinian Waters, Lakes & Waterfalls
Head into Argentina and board a small boat to sail across Lago Frias, known for its emerald green waters that originate in the glaciers of Tronador Mountain. Stop for lunch at Puerto Blest, then board a final cruise through Nahual Huapí (meaning tiger island) National Park, where magnificent scenery includes mountains, lakes and waterfalls that attract international nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. You’ll end your day at Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, in a stunning Bariloche setting.
|
|
Day 5
Argentinian Waters, Lakes and Waterfalls
Head into Argentina and board a small boat to sail across Lago Frias, known for its emerald green waters that originate in the glaciers of Tronador Mountain. Stop for lunch at Puerto Blest, then board a final cruise through Nahual Huapí (meaning tiger island) National Park, where magnificent scenery includes mountains, lakes and waterfalls that attract international nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. You’ll end your day at Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, in a stunning Bariloche setting.
|
|
Day 6
Llao Llao Resort – At Your Leisure
Today... an entire day for you to enjoy the amenities at your resort (some at an additional charge) including archery, golf, tennis and sailing or spa treatments. Explore the town center of Bariloche on your own, or join us for a private tango lesson.
|
|
Day 7
Fly to Buenos Aires
The day begins just right with a chairlift ride up Cerro Campanario for a breathtaking perspective of the mountains, wide open sky and lake waters below. This afternoon, fly to Buenos Aires and arrive at the Caesar Park Buenos Aires hotel in La Recoleta, one of the city’s most elegant districts.
|
|
Day 8
Buenos Aires Sights / Tango as Art
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. After dinner, you’ll discover the allure of the tango at the Esquina Carlos Gardel, one of Buenos Aires’ most elegant venues.
|
|
Day 8
Buenos Aires sights and the Tango as an Art
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. Experience the allure of the infamous tango this evening when an excellent show follows dinner at Esquina Carlos Gardel.
|
|
Day 9
Operatic Opulence Revisited
The day begins 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 underwent a three-year refurbishment for a highly anticipated reopening in 2010. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Buenos Aires as you wish.
|
|
Day 10
0. City of Avenues and Roses
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 famous and wealthiest families, including the grave of Evita Perón. This afternoon fly to Iguazú; dinner is at your leisure.
|
|
Day 11
1. The “Great Waters” of Iguazú
You’ll have to visit two countries to get a complete look at Iguazú Falls... Today you’ll experience the Argentinian side, walking along grated walkways of metal. Do as many walks as you like; they have intriguing names like the “Devil’s Throat,” the “Superior Circuit,” and the “Lower Circuit.” Optional boat rides, hikes and other excursions are available at additional charge.
|
|
Day 12
The “Other” Side – Cascading Beauty
Your visit to the falls is made complete when you travel to the Brazilian side today, after crossing the Iguaçu River on the Tancredo Neves Bridge and heading into Iguaçu National Park. Some 275 cascades form a waterfall that, along with a rainforest walk at the base of the falls, is one of guests’ favorite highlights of this trip! Fly to Rio de Janeiro this evening.
|
|
Day 13
Rio Sites, Samba to Sugarloaf
What a way to start the day – by coach and rail, climb to the summit of Corcovado, where one of Brazil’s iconic sites, the Christ the Redeemer statue, presides high above Rio de Janeiro and the sea below. Back down the mountain, a visit to Samba City will instruct on all that goes on behind-the-scenes of the city’s Carnaval celebrations – capped off by a samba performance. Ascend the heights again by cable car to the top of Sugarloaf, where views stretch from Copacabana Beach to Guanabara Bay and Corcovado Mountain. Join us tonight for a farewell cocktail party at the hotel and a special farewell dinner at a traditional Brazilian churrascaria. Truly saboroso!
|
|
Day 14
Journey Home
Tour ends: Rio de Janeiro. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Caesar Park Rio de Janeiro Ipanema Hotel to Rio de Janeiro International Airport. Check-out time is 12:00 noon. Allow a minimum of 3½ hours for flight check-in.
|
|
|
Two nights in Rio de Janeiro featuring Ipanema Beach views from the hotel
Small Group Departures, averaging 24 Tauck guests, are specially priced from $6990 per person double plus on-tour air; inquire at time of booking – specific dates apply
A walk along the base of thundering Iguazú Falls during two nights at a hotel with views of the waterfall
A three-night stay in Buenos Aires featuring a private visit to Teatro Colón Opera House, and dinner and a tango show at Esquina Carlos Gardel
Two nights in Rio de Janeiro in trendsetting Ipanema, featuring dazzling views of the beach
Private tour of Rio’s Samba City for a behind-the-scenes look at Carnaval costumes, floats and sensational samba dancing
Choice of Patagonian national park adventures: a 4 X 4 vehicle safari, exhilarating zip lining, or horseback riding with a guide
A two-day crossing of the Andes Mountain Range with emerald lake cruises, volcanic mountains and spectacular scenery
Two nights in Bariloche, the “Switzerland of South America”
A wine-pairing lunch at a renowned Chilean winery to discover the secrets of Chile’s fabulous wine
Small Group Departures average 24 Tauck guests, priced from $6990 per person double plus on-tour air; specific dates apply – inquire at time of booking
Special Solo Traveler Savings on special departure dates where you save $400 on the single room price; inquire at time of booking
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
32 meals (13 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners); gratuities to local guides, service charges, taxes and porterage
|
|