Compare Andes, Iguassu & Beyond by G Adventures vs Brazil, Argentina & Chile Unveiled with Easter Island by Cosmos
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
4 | Great
|
| Duration | 18 days | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 5,149 | $ 3,479 |
| Price Per Day | $ 286 | $ 217 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | 17 breakfasts, 1 lunch | N/A |
| Description |
This tour is designed for anyone looking for the most incredible natural and cultural highlights of southern South America. Spend 18 days exploring the cultures of Chile and Argentina with the Andes as your perfectly picturesque backdrop. Get active in the adventure-sport-lover's paradise of Pucón, Chile and then stand in the mist of majestic Iguassu Falls, before moving on to find out once and for all why Rio de Janeiro is the cultural icon it's become. Enjoy free time to explore this amazing city. Don't leave any adventure-stone unturned; do it all. |
This South America tour features three of the continent's most exciting cities—Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Santiago—along with two of the world's most spectacular attractions, Iguassu Falls and Easter Island. At a relaxed pace, you'll enjoy guided sightseeing in each city as well as free time in Rio to sip caipirinhas and visit the famous beaches, in Santiago to people-watch at a lovely café with the snowcapped Andes Mountains as your backdrop, and outside of Buenos Aires to take an optional excursion to a local estancia (ranch). Your guided sightseeing tours include the cog railway in Rio de Janeiro that takes you 2,300 feet up to the summit of Corcovado Mountain to view the famous Christ the Redeemer statue and 360-degree views of the city; Recoleta Cemetery, burial site of Eva Perón, in Buenos Aires; and a visit to the 18th-century Cathedral in Santiago. A highlight of this South America tour is a visit to Iguassu Falls, where you'll experience the falls on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. Hear the water’s thundering roar, be awed by the rainbows formed in the mist, and enjoy the ecological jungle train that takes you through the rainforest for unforgettable views. But that's not all…you’ll travel to Easter Island, the most remote inhabited island on Earth and the largest open-air museum with 400 moais, ruins, and temples. You’ll marvel at the large statues in various stages of completion, enjoy the second-oldest volcano on the island, visit the topknot-quarry where all the pukaos that were placed on top of the moais were made, and much more. From the vibrant cities to the scenic beauty, this vacation to South America will leave you with vacation memories you'll cherish for life. For savvy, value-minded travelers, it's the perfect vacation. |
Day 1 Santiago
Arrive at any time.
Arrival day, no activities planned. The day is free to spend at your leisure exploring the city until our welcome meeting this evening. Santiago is Chile’s largest city and capital, with internationally recognized vineyards and Andean ski resorts very close by.
Should you want more time to explore Santiago and do optional day trips, we highly recommend you book additional pre-nights.
Day 2 Santiago/Valparaíso
Explore some of Santiago's neighbourhoods on a city tour, visit the Museum of Memory and try some local specialties. After, take a public bus to the seaside town of Valparaíso where brightly coloured houses perch on the hills.
Day 3 Valparaiso/Santiago
Enjoy a free morning in Valparaiso to soak it all in. Later, head to the Casablanca Valley, stop at a winery to indulge in a wine tasting. After, head back to Santiago with free time before boarding an overnight bus to Pucon.
Day 4 Pucón
Enjoy free time in Pucon, try whitewater rafting or explore the area by foot.
Day 5 Pucón
Enjoy another free day to take part in the many activities on offer in Pucón. Opt to hike Villarica volcano (it's active!) or soak in the nearby natural thermal pools.
Day 6 Pucón/San Carlos de Bariloche
Cross the Andes to Argentina. Travel by local bus to San Martin and take a private van the rest of the way to Bariloche in the Lake District with a local guide.
Day 7 San Carlos de Bariloche
Transfer to a Gaucho Ranch just outside of Bariloche. Enjoy a barbecue for lunch and take to the saddle with a Gaucho by your side.
Day 8 San Carlos de Bariloche
Enjoy a free day to explore the beautiful area in and around Bariloche. Take a hike in the countryside or wander the town, known for its shops and in particular, artisan chocolate.
Day 9 San Carlos de Bariloche/Buenos Aires
Fly to Buenos Aires. Opt to enjoy a Tango show and dinner.
Fly north to the buzzing metropolis that is Buenos Aires, it is a vibrant city full of life.
Opt to pre-book the "Buenos Aires Tango Experience" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Day 10 Buenos Aires
Enjoy a free day to explore beautiful Buenos Aires. pre book a city bike tour, or an evening Tango experience for the true Buenos Aires experience.
Day 11 Buenos Aires/Foz do Iguaçu
Fly to Iguassu (Argentinean Side) and cross the border into Brazil by private vehicle and witness amazing panoramic views of the falls. Spend the next two full days exploring the area around the falls.
After settling in, opt to partake in one of the adventurous activities offered in the area like, a helicopter ride over the falls or a visit to the nearby bird park.
The luggage restrictions for all Aerolineas Argentinas flights are 15kg for checked baggage and 5kg for carry-ons.
Day 12 Foz do Iguaçu
Return to the Argentine side to explore the trails. Opt for a boat tour to get a close look at the falls. Return to the Brazilian side for one more night in town.
Explore trails that will bring you directly over the falls of the Devil's Throat—the highest and deepest of the falls. Other trails allow access to the stretch of falls across the forest on the Argentine side. Opt to take an inflatable boat to the base of the thundering falls.
Day 13 Foz do Iguaçu/Paraty
Fly to São Paulo and continue by van to Paraty. Wander the cobblestoned streets and shops of this gorgeous coastal town and its historical centre, designated as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Day 14 Paraty
Enjoy a free day to explore Paraty. Opt to visit the cachaça distilleries or take a boat into the bay to explore the nearby islands and beaches.
Paraty is a quaint colonial town renowned for its architecture—the pace might be slow but there's a lot to choose from. Considered one of the world's most important examples of Portuguese colonial architecture by UNESCO, the historic centre is a well-preserved national historic monument, and today has been closed to vehicles to preserve its laid-back colonial ambiance. Opt to take a boat trip in the bay, kayak, go horseback riding, or take a jeep tour.
Opt to pre-book the "Paraty Caipirinha Boat Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Day 15 Paraty/Ilha Grande
Continue by van up the coast and take a ferry to Ilha Grande. Opt to hike to remote beaches and enjoy free time to relax and explore the island.
A short, scenic drive along the coast takes us to Angra dos Reis. Board the ferry to Ilha Grande—home to some of Brazil's most beautiful beaches. Enjoy free time to soak up the sun, snorkel, hike and cruise to various beaches, not to mention feast on fresh seafood and sip caipirinhas in the plaza in the evenings.
Day 16 Ilha Grande
Enjoy a free day in Ilha Grande. Optional activities include hiking Pico Do Papagaio or to Lopes Mendes, snorkelling or relaxing on the beach.
Day 17 Ilha Grande/Rio de Janeiro
Carry on by ferry and van to Rio de Janeiro. With free time, explore the city on an optional city tour.
Travel back to the mainland by ferry before continuing north along the coast. Enjoy the incredible scenery before rounding the cliffs at Vidigal. Get your first look at one of the most memorable cities in the world—Río de Janeiro.
Day 18 Rio de Janeiro
Depart at any time.
There are no planned activities today so feel free to book onward travel at any time. Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Day 1: RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
Welcome to spectacular Rio de Janeiro, home to sizzling nightlife! Settle into your hotel and meet your Tour Director, who will have pointers for your free-time exploration.
Day 2: RIO DE JANEIRO
Sprawling between majestic granite peaks and the blue South Atlantic, Rio is a city of beauty, wonder, and energy. Guided sightseeing begins with a drive along Rio’s famed Leblon, Ipanema, and more. Take the cog railway 2,300 feet up to the summit of Corcovado to view the famous Christ the Redeemer statue and 360-degree views of Guanabara Bay and the bustling city below. The famed statue was completed in 1931 becoming emblematic for both the city and the Brazilian nation as a whole. Your afternoon is free to explore on your own. Tonight, perhaps opt for a dinner at a local churrascaria, serving prime meats, seafood, and fish. (Breakfast)
Day 3: RIO DE JANEIRO
A free day in Rio allows you to relax on one of the beaches or take an optional excursion to the historic city of Petropolis to see the former summer palace of Emperor Pedro II. (Breakfast)
Day 4: RIO DE JANEIRO–IGUASSU FALLS
A morning flight takes you to Iguassu Falls, one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Journey to the Brazilian side of the falls to see the mammoth series of 275 waterfalls cascading over a precipice almost two miles wide and 250 feet deep. Walk into Devil’s Throat Canyon, where the clouds of mist, thundering roar, and 180-degree rainbows surround you—an unforgettable experience! (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 5: IGUASSU FALLS
Cross the Brazilian border by motorcoach and visit the Argentine side of the falls. Begin with a short ride on the open-air Ecological Jungle Train through the rainforest. A series of boardwalks takes you above the falls to see the water crashing down into the Devil’s Throat. Your afternoon is free to explore, or you may opt to visit the Bird Park, home to many species of endemic birds as well as flora from the area. (Breakfast)
Day 6: IGUASSU FALLS–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
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, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. After settling into your hotel, you may wish to familiarize yourself with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards, outdoor cafés, and charming shops. (Breakfast)
Day 7: BUENOS AIRES
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide focuses on the city’s landmarks, including the Teatro Colón Opera House and Plaza de Mayo, site of La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House), and Metropolitan Cathedral. Also, visit La Boca and San Telmo, one of Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhoods, and Recoleta Cemetery where Eva Perón is buried. End your day with an Argentinean meal, followed by a sensuous Tango show. (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 8: BUENOS AIRES
Today is free for independent activities, or you can take an optional excursion to a local estancia (ranch) to experience the life of the gauchos (cowboys), as well as traditional dance performances and a barbecue lunch. (Breakfast)
Day 9: BUENOS AIRES–SANTIAGO, CHILE
Fly over the majestic Andes to Santiago, Chile’s scenic capital between the Pacific and the Andes. With a coastline more than 2,650 miles long, Chile is more than 10 times longer than it is wide. With a distinctly European flavor accented with Latin flair, Santiago is one of South America’s most sophisticated and modern cities. (Breakfast)
Day 10: SANTIAGO
Your guided city tour introduces you to Santiago—the country’s political, commercial, and cultural capital. View La Moneda Government Palace and San Cristobal Hill with its landmark statue of the Virgin Mary. Also, see Club Hipico, one of the most renowned horse-racing tracks in South America. Your tour ends at the city’s main square, Plaza de Armas, with a visit to the relic-filled Cathedral. Your afternoon is at leisure. This evening, consider the optional Chilean Folkloric Dinner Show. (Breakfast)
Day 11: SANTIAGO
Today, enjoy a day at leisure. A trip to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar is highly recommended. A leisurely drive through the countryside and vineyards delivers you to Valparaiso, a city of 42 hills and the inspiration of many artists and poets. On to the chic seaside resort of Viña del Mar, full of unusual architecture and beautiful gardens. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate your exciting Latin American vacation. (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 12: SANTIAGO–EASTER ISLAND
Today, board a flight for Easter Island, considered the largest open-air museum and boasting more than 400 moais (giant sculptures), ruins, and temples. (Breakfast)
Day 13: EASTER ISLAND
Your first stop is Ahu Vaihu, where eight large moais lie in ruins, followed by Ahu Akahanga, said to be the site where bones of the first king of Easter Island (Hotu Matu’a) were buried. Next up: Rano Raraku, where 95% of all moai were carved and you will find 394 statues remaining in various stages of completion. It seems as if production was abruptly abandoned, leaving a frozen snapshot of time. Visit the beautifully restored Ahu Tongariki, the largest platform on the island with its 15 moai. See Ahute Pito Kura, the largest moai ever transported and erected on an ahu (stone ceremonial platforms). Last stop is the beach of Anakena, where King Hotu Matu’a first landed on Rapa Nui. (Breakfast,Lunch)
Day 14: EASTER ISLAND
Visit Rano Kau, the second-oldest volcano on the island with a freshwater lake in its caldera. Continue to the ceremonial village of Orongo to see the restored houses from the 16th century. At Ahu Vinapu, see the fallen remains of the broken moai—the figures here are slightly different and have short legs. Next stop is Ana Kai Tagata, a beautiful cave with wall paintings depicting the Manutara bird. This afternoon, visit Ahu Akivi, with seven restored moais built in the middle of the island. According to legend, these statues represent the seven scouts sent to Rapa Nui by King Hotu Matu’a. Finally, visit the Puna Pau topknot-quarry, where all the pukaos that were placed on top of the moais were made. (Breakfast)
Day 15: EASTER ISLAND–SANTIAGO
Board your flight for a final night in Santiago. (Breakfast)
Day 16: SANTIAGO
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
