Rio de Janeiro to Santiago de Chile - 17 Days

Arrive in wonderful Rio. Airport pick-up and check-in at your accommodation.

Get all of Rio de Janeiro's best sights packed in just one day. There is no way you visit Rio without it leaving a mark! Whether you love the lush green vegetation or the warm beaches. Whether you are impressed by the high Morros or by the pzazz of the Scolas de Samba. Rio de Janeiro has a special identity so find your favourite spot in this amazing city, Cidade Maravilhosa!

Details:
09:00-10:00 Pick-up by mini-bus
11:00 Stop at São Conrado to watch the hang gliders land on the beach
11:30 Stop at Tijuca Forest for a walk around the park to experience a real rainforest
12:15 Drive through the Tijuca Forest towards Christ the Redeemer
12:40 Stop at the Christ Statue for a visit to the top (ticket included)
14:15 Drive to Santa Teresa for a lunch break (not included), followed by a walk around the neighbourhood
15:30 Drive to Lapa for a visit to the colorful steps Escadaria Selaron, made famous by Snoop Dog in his music video 'Beautiful'
16:30 Drive back to your accommodatio or alternatively the option of a drop-off at Sugarloaf

Breakfast. Free day to chill out, visit the beach and/or feel the rhythms at a Balada (night club).

Breakfast and check-out. Spend the day exploring the city on your own, and in the evening make your own way to the Rio de Janeiro bus station to catch the night bus to Puerto Iguacu.

Arrival in Puerto Iguacu around noon and transfer from the bus station to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free for you to explore your new surroundings.

Breakfast at 07:45. Excursion to the Falls, Argentine side (Full Day):
Pick up at accommodation. This tour will take you to visit part of the Iguacu National Park*, that preserves 67.000 ha. of giant trees, vines and ferns living with multicolored butterflies, birds and mammals, all part of the rich local flora and fauna. The park was declared Natural World Heritage in 1984, due to its scenic beauties and the great biological diversity of the subtropical jungle. The famous falls are in the heart of this park. You will start the visit at the local museum and continue the tour along the Lower Trail, from where you can see the Two Sisters Falls, Bossetti Falls, Hidden Falls, a panoramic view of San Martin Island, and Union Falls. Later, you will walk the Upper Trail shifting along walkways located above major falls, up to the majestic San Martin Falls, from where you have a panoramic view of the Brazilian falls. Finally, you go with the Train of the Jungle up to Devil's Throat station. From there, after a 1,000 meters walk along the catwalks, you will reach the spectacular Devil's Throat, where the Iguazu River expresses itself with all its strength and the falling water gives the illusion of magic rainbows. You will be transferred back to accommodation.

*Entrance fee to national park not included and to be paid in the park.

Breakfast at 07:45. Excursion to the Falls Brazilian Side, half day:
The guide will take you to visit the wonderful Iguacu Falls*, on the Brazilian side, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Argentine side, perfect for taking the perfect picture you could not take when you were in the other side. You will get close to Floriano, Deodoro, and Benjamin waterfalls, and the walkways lead you also to Santa Maria Falls. It is a short but stunning tour. After the tour, if you are hungry, the guides will offer a stop in a Brazilian all-you-can-eat restaurant. It will depend on your budget, but it is quite a good value for money and it is your chance to try Brazilian dishes! Pick-up from and drop-off at your accommodation are included

*Entrance fee to national park not included and to be paid in the park.

Breakfast and check-out at 11:00. Transfer to the Puerto Iguacu bus btation to catch the overnight bus to Buenos Aires.

Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, find your own way from Retiro bus station to your accommodation. Spend the day as you like in this buzzing city.

Breakfast. At 09:00, Buenos Aires City Tour. You will discover the beauty and wonders of Buenos Aires city, viewing the National Congress, The Metropolitan Cathedral next to the Government House in May Square area among other important buildings. You will catch a glimpse of the Colon Theater, one of the most important opera houses in Latin America and San Telmo, traditional neighborhood where Tango performances can be seen in many bars and restaurants. There is an important stop at La Boca colorful neighborhood, which was seat of immigrants - mainly Italians - and now home of some artists.

Enjoy Palermo, an area that combines its architecture and history with entertainment and amusement in its green spaces. Finally, La Recoleta, an exclusive and elegant neighborhood where the famous cemetery is found.

Alternative at no extra cost: Buenos Aires Bike Tour. If you want a more active tour to discover the corners of Buenos Aires with a small group and pedal your way along the city streets, the bike tour is your choice.

Important: Make your choice (either Buenos Aires City Tour OR Buenos Aires Bike Tour) when booking because if you wait until last minute you might not have the spaces for a change.

Breakfast. The day is free for you to enjoy the city. In the evening at 20:00 you're picked up from your accommodation for a tango show including dinner. In the very heart of Puerto Madero, the newest neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, this show represents the best of the Porteño culture. A tango show is a trip to older and passionate times. Professional artists will show you their best art, singing songs and dancing typical pieces. The show consists of several parts in which you can appreciate a live tango orchestra, dancers and singers. Includes return transfers, a welcome drink, dinner (starter, main course and dessert), wine or soft drinks and of course, a beautiful tango show.

Breakfast and check-out at 11:00. In the evening, make your own way to Retiro bus station to catch the night bus to Mendoza.

Upon arrival in Mendoza, make your own way to your accommodation. At 14:30, Half Day Winery Tour: This tour runs among vineyards in the areas of Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu. You will experience the work culture brought by immigrants, using irrigation techniques (canals and ditches) inherited from the former Huarpes Indians. They managed to change a vast desert into a productive river oasis. This is the scene of the settlement of prestigious wineries, which represent Argentine wines in the world with high quality wines.

You will visit two wineries, one with traditional organic methods and the other that uses the latest available technology. Guided by professionals in winemaking, you will learn about the vinification methods and processes, bottling and labeling of wines, in the end of the tour you will taste the different grapes that the wineries offer. Departure: 14:30 Sundays 08:30. You will be picked up and dropped off from your accommodation.

Breakfast. 09:30 Rafting 12 km (or High Mountain Tour):
The Rafting takes place in Potrerillos, a village located 60 km south west from Mendoza city, in heart of the Precordillera, the range before the High Mountains. The landscape is of 5000 meters snowy peaks, desert and colorful rocks. Rafting is one of the most important adventure sports in Mendoza. It is not necessary to have previous experience, the rafts can hold 6 people plus 1 guide that will provide the necessary security information and the mini course to handle the boat.

The activity is based in the Mendoza River. The base of operations is located on the banks of the river and has locker rooms, showers, two pools and solarium among other things, so it is a great place to spend a beautiful day on the mountain besides doing a Rafting. Rapids are grade III. For rafting bring some clothes and a pair of shoes to get changed after the activity. A rafting wetsuit is provided, but whatever you decide to wear underneath the wetsuit is going to get wet. Bring also a towel, sun protection (hat, sun block), water and food (or money to buy some), swimming suit (remember there are two pools at the base) and warm clothes for after rafting. Back to town at 17:00.

Note: As rafting depends on the weather conditions, this activity can be replaced by horseback riding with Asado or Alta Montana (Aconcagua Valley day trip).

Breakfast. Check out. In the morning, make your own way to the bus station for departure to Santiago and time to relax and enjoy one of the most beautiful scenery roads in west Argentina. It is a day bus so don´t fall asleep and try to catch a glimpse of the Aconcagua, the highest peak in the American Continent (almost 7.000 meters). Arrival during the evening. Check in to your accommodation.

Breakfast. Santiago Bike Tour: 09:30-12:30: This Tour shows you the popular culture and everyday life in Santiago. Multiculturalism, urban art and diverse religions in Patronato; fruit and vegetables in La Vega Market; history in the Plaza de Armas. All part of the many experiences on this unforgettable Tour of Santiago, Chile.

Starting Point: Make your own way to the starting point Loreto 6, Santiago.
Stops: Bellavista Neighborhood, La Chascona: Pablo Neruda´s House, Metropolitan Park, Patronato Neighborhood, La Vega Market, Mapocho Station, Central Market, Plaza de Armas, Bellas Artes Museum, Forestal Park.

Breakfast and check-out.

Rio de Janeiro airport pick-up
13 nights' accommodation with breakfast
Full day Big Dude tour in Rio de Janeiro
Overnight bus from Rio de Janeiro to Puerto Iguacu
Puerto Iguacu bus station pick-up & drop-off
Full day Iguacu Falls tour, Argentinean side
Half day Iguacu Falls tour, Brazilian side
Overnight bus from Puerto Iguacu to Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires city tour OR Buenos Aires bike tour
Tango show with transfers, dinner & drinks
Overnight bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza
Half day winery tour
Full day rafting trip
Bus from Mendoza to Santiago de Chile
Santiago de Chile bike tour