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Combine Chile and Brazil with exciting Argentina on this wonderful three countries itinerary. Starting in Santiago, visit the salt flats & geysers of the Atacama, before flying to sophisticated Buenos Aires. Visit both sides of the thundering Iguazu Falls , before completing your holiday in beautiful Rio de Janeiro. All transfers & specified sightseeing with English guides included.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Santiago • Atacama Salt Flats • Moon Valley • El Tatio Geysers
• Buenos Aires • Tango Show • Iguazu Falls • Rio de Janeriro
• Sugarloaf Mountain & Christ statue • Chile and Brazil
Day 1 : Arrival
You will be met at Santiago Airport and transferred into the capital of Santiago de Chile.
Check into your hotel in this sophisticated and cosmopolitan city, situated in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes Mountains and the beautiful Chilean Coastal Range.
Day 2 : Santiago
After a morning at leisure, this afternoon enjoy a half day private tour of the modern city of Santiago.
We start in the downtown area of this relatively compact city, where modern buildings have transformed the landscape, and visit Santa Lucia Hill where the city of Santiago was founded in 1541.
We continue to the Plaza de Armas in the heart of the old colonial city and bustling Ahumada Boulevard with its many shops, street performers and vendors. Here you will be able to see some beautiful neo-classical buildings – including the 18th century Cathedral of Santiago and the early 19th century Royal Court Palace, which now houses the National History Museum. Also enjoy outside views of the Municipal Offices, the Post Office and the current Presidential Palace, La Moneda. You will have the opportunity to taste a ‘Pisco Sour’, see local handcrafts and walk through some of the more traditional streets of the city, before being dropped off at your hotel.
Note: Most museums are closed on Mondays.
Day 3 : Valparaíso
Today we recommend an optional full day shared excursion to the historic seaport of Valparaíso and the neighbouring 'Garden City' of Viña del Mar.
We depart from Santiago and travel 2-hours across the Coastal Mountain Range and through the Curacavi and Casablanca Valleys, to Viña del Mar, with its many parks and floral clock. Although a popular seaside resort, the Humboldt current from Antarctica means the sea is cold here, with heavy morning fog that usually burns off by midday. View the Qunita Vergara Park and Carrasco Palace, and outside the Fonck Museum you can see an original giant Moai statue from Easter Island.
Valparaiso is the second largest city in the country and home to the Chilean Parliament (the Congress of Chile). Prior to the opening of the Panama Canal, this cosmopolitan city was the most important Pacific seaport on the crucial trade route that linked the American west coast with Europe, via the Strait of Magellan. The homes around this natural harbour were built over 42 steep hills, two of which are now UNESCO World Heritage sites. Their many stairways, colourful houses and old funicular elevators are a real feature, as is the amazing graffiti you will find everywhere. The quirky and eclectic architecture, parks and historic monuments make this a lively and chaotic city, with many bars and restaurants. Soak up the atmosphere on the Plaza Sotomayor, the most important square situated on the sea shore, before returning to Santiago (lunch is for your own account today).
Day 4 : San Pedro de Atacama
Transfer to Santiago Airport for your onward flight.
You will be met at Calama Airport and transferred 1.5-hours across the copper-rich plains of the desert and through the Salt Mountains to the small town of San Pedro de Atacama.
Extending for over 600 miles (1,000 km), this enormous plateau of salt lakes, sand, larva and stony terrain is situated between two high mountain ranges - the Andes to the east and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west. As a result, the Atacama receives virtually no rain whatsoever - making it the driest and oldest desert in the world, with landscapes that will take your breath away.
After checking into your hotel, in the afternoon head out on a shared excursion and drive 20-minutes back to the Salt Mountains (Cordillera de la Sal) situated in the National Flamingo Reserve. Here we walk for 20-minutes each way (the last section is quite steep) to view the dramatic lunar landscapes of Moon Valley, with many natural mineral sculptures formed by wind erosion. We also walk 10-minutes each way to see some unusual sculptured salt formations and a small cave.
At the end of the day enjoy a magical sunset at Kari Viewpoint, one of the highest points in the Salt Mountains that overlooks the dunes of Death Valley favoured by sand boarders. Seeing the colours of the hills changing as the sun sets, will be a memory that will last a lifetime.
Note: Your driver from Calama will only speak Spanish.
Day 5 : Atacama Salt Flats
Today enjoy a full day shared tour to the crystalline Atacama Salt Flats (Salar de Atacama), the largest in Chile and the third largest in the world.
We drive 1-hour to these astonishing salt flats, surrounded by the Andes to the east and the Cordillera de Domeyko to the west. Small lagoons have formed where water has broken through the crusted salt, with no drainage outlets and one of the largest lithium reserves in the world. We visit Chaxa Lagoon in the National Flamingo Reserve, where you can photograph this magnificent scenery and hope to see three different species of flamingo - Chilean, Andean & James’s - as well as other waterbirds that nest and feed on these mineral-rich waters, such as the puna plover and red-gartered coot. Most activity occurs at sunrise, when you may see a pinkish hue rising over the horizon. As the air warms up, this dissipates as the birds take flight over the lake.
We then venture higher into the Andes, to view the amazingly landscapes and dramatic blue waters of Meñique and Miscanti - two Altiplanic lagoons located at over 14,000 ft (4,300 m) at the foot of impressive volcanoes that were formed when these mountains rose from the sea. Take in the varying landscapes as we drive to these lagoons, travelling through stunning and ever changing scenery. You may see wild vicuña and rhea along the way, as well as some birds on the lakes. On arrival enjoy a 20-minute walk down to one of the lakes, where you can observe the birds and any wildlife.
On the return journey we stop at the small village of Socaire, where you can observe local life and visit their small traditional church. We can also stop in the picturesque local village of Toconao, with its main square and classic Atacamenian bell tower built in 1750 from cactus wood, mud and straw. Here we visit the small church of San Lucas, before returning to San Pedro. Lunch is included today.
Note: Please be aware the Altiplanic Lagoons are at high altitude, so this excursion should not be undertaken by anyone with a heart condition. Dress warmly with thermal clothing, warm jacket, fleece, beanie, scarf and glovers - as the outdoor temperature at the lagoons will be very cold.
Day 6 : El Tatio Geysers
Depart before dawn today on a 6.5-hour shared excursion to the El Tatio Geysers, the largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere and the third largest in the world.
We drive 2.5-hours to this astonishing geothermal field situated at over 14,000 ft (4,300 m) above sea level, with geysers that have steam fumaroles that can easily reach over 33 ft (10 m). We arrive at sunrise when these columns of steam condense in the cold air, set against a backdrop of the imposing Andes with its multiple colours. Walk around the geyser field before these steam plumes disappear as the air warms up, followed by a picnic breakfast. If you are brave, take your swimming costume for a quick dip in the hot geyser pool - but be warned, the surrounding temperature will be below freezing when you emerge!
On the way back to San Pedro, enjoy spectacular views of the Torcopuri y Sairecabur Volcanoes and the Putana Wetlands, where we make a short stop. Here you can see several species of birds that live in these high altitude wetlands that freeze overnight - including the Giant coot, Andean flamingo, Chilean flamingo, Andean goose and a variety of coots, teals, gulls and ducks. You may also see vicuña (an elegant wild camelid) or rhea (a small ostrich), both of which have adapted to live in these harsh conditions, or even a viscacha (a rodent that looks like a long-tailed rabbit). Our final stop is at the small village of Machuca, where you can see how the local pleople live and view the Altiplanic architecture of their small St. James Church.
Note: Please be aware the El Tatio Geysers are at high altitude, so this excursion should not be undertaken by anyone with a heart condition. Dress warmly with thermal clothing, warm jacket, fleece, beanie, scarf and glovers - as the temperature at the geysers will be below freezing at dawn.
Day 7 : Buenos Aires
Transfer 1.5-hours to Calama Airport for your onward flight.
Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish.
You will be met at Buenos Aires Airport and transferred to your hotel in this exciting city, situated on the estuary of the Río de la Plata - the 'River of Silver'.
Check in and relax in this capital of Argentina, known for its wonderful architecture, tango dancing and rich culture, including the highest concentration of theatres in the world.
Day 8 : Buenos Aires
This morning enjoy a half day shared tour of Buenos Aires - a cosmopolitan city that has been influenced by the many immigrants who helped form it and offering beautiful architecture, history and culture.
Our tour starts at the Plaza de Mayo, the historical, political and cultural centre of the city. Here you can see the Pink House (Presidential Palace), the Pyramid de Mayo and Metropolitan Cathedral. We continue down Avenida de Mayo, with its wide avenues and spacious green areas, past the Obelisk to the neighborhood of San Telmo, one of the oldest in the city with cobbled streets and colonial houses. Every Sunday an antiques fair takes place here around the Plaza Dorrego. The vibrant area is the centre for most of the tango parlors, restaurants and bars of the city.
Going further south, we visit the Italian port neighborhood of La Boca, with its colourful houses in Caminito Street and many “cantinas” (small restaurants). Also the trendy modern neighborhood of Puerto Madero, where the old piers have been converted into upmarket offices, apartments and restaurants with views of the Rio de la Plata. We visit the residential neighborhood of Palermo with its elegant mansions surrounded by spacious parks, before arrivinge in glamorous Recoleta, where there is the option to visit the famous cemetery where Eva Peron is buried, with its rich architecture (pay locally). Next to the cemetery is the church of Our Lady of Pilar, the Recolete Cultural Centre (originally a convent) and the Palais de Glace exhibition centre.
In the evening you will be collected for a Tango Show. Born in the brothels of the city amongst a racial mix of Gauchos, Italian, Spanish and African immigrants, this dance and its music originated as a combination of Cuban and Spanish rhythms, with some polka and African beat. Enjoy the show and dinner, including mouth-watering Argentinian beef and Malbec wine.
Day 9 : Buenos Aires
At leisure to explore Buenos Aires independently.
Alternatively enjoy a full day optional excursion to Santa Susana Ranch to admire the skills of the Argentinian gauchos (cowboys) who live in these fertile pampas grasslands about 2-hours from the city. With a distinctive culture that combines their European and Native American heritages, gauchos play an important role in regional cultural tradition - including folk songs, dancing and equestrian shows of traditional gaucho skills, such as ring races, cuadreras (horse races) and entrevero de tropillas (horse games).
Note: Ranch is closed on Mondays.
Day 10 : Puerto Iguazu
Transfer to Aeroparque Airport for your onward flight.
You will be met at Puerto Iguazu Airport and transferred to your hotel located near one of the greatest waterfalls in the world, regarded as one of Latin America's most awe-inspiring sights.
The mighty Iguazu Falls, whose name means "Great Waters", straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil - although almost 80% of the falls are on the Argentinian side. It is situated in a huge tropical rainforest that has been declared a World Heritage site, with countless flora and fauna species.
Day 11 : Iguazu Falls
Today enjoy a half day tour of the Argentinian side of the incredible Iguazu Falls.
Comprising approximately 275 separate cascades, the falls form a curtain of foaming water that crashes over a vast granite amphitheatre and into the jungle below. Resembling a reversed letter "J", most of the Iguazu River plunges down through an area known as The Devil’s Throat, with the rest spreading out over a wide shelf that splits into hundreds of different waterfalls.
There are a series of walkways that lead above, below and behind the falls, with breath-taking views. You can also hope to see monkeys, toucans, parakeets and other wildlife in the rainforest.
Day 12 : Iguazu Falls
This morning we cross the border for a tour of the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls, with panoramic views of the nearly 2-mile (3 km) cliff edge. We take an elevator down to the base of the waterfalls and stop at different viewing points.
The volume of water flowing over the falls varies greatly by season, depending on the rainfall. The heaviest rains are from December to February, when the flow of water is at its greatest, but many trails are closed then due to the rains. The shoulder seasons of March/April and August/September are generally regarded as the best time to visit, but the falls are a spectacular sight at any time of year.
Afterwards transfer to Foz do Iguassu Airport for your onward flight.
You will be met at Rio de Janiero Airport and transferred to your hotel in this iconic city - famous for its magnificent setting and enormous statue of Christ the Redeemer looking down from Corcovado Mountain - one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
Check into your hotel in the city that is renowned for its fabulous samba and bossa nova dancing, exciting carnivals and music festivals. Rio is also home to the magnificent beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Barra da Tijuca.
Day 13 : Rio De Janiero
Today enjoy a half day shared tour of the exciting city of Rio de Janiero.
After a tour of the downtown area, we stop at the huge Metropolitan Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Sebastian), built in the form of an ancient Mayan pyramid. We then continue driving past Flamengo Park, the largest public park in Rio, to one of the most famous symbols of the city - Sugarloaf Mountain.
Here we travel all the way to the top, in two cable cars. The first cable car takes us to Urca Hill, a vantage point with beautiful views of Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niterói Bridge and Corcovado Mountain. The second cable car takes us all the way to the top, with wonderful views of Copacabana beach, Santa Cruz fortress and the beaches of Niterói.
We return by cable car and transfer back to your hotel, with afternoon at leisure.
Day 14 : Corcovado Mountain
Today enjoy a half day tour to one of the world’s most famous landmarks.
We start by boarding the cog train from Cosme Velho Station to Corcovado Mountain. Enjoy the steep 20-minutes train journey through the dense Atlantic rainforest of Tijuca, with wonderful views of the lush tropical vegetation, and scenic landscapes of the city and its beaches below. Disembark and climb the steps or take the escalators to the base of the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer - one of the 7 wonders of the modern world - and enjoy its spectacular 360 degree panoramas.
After descending by cog train, you will drive past some of Rio's most famous beaches - Leblon, Ipanema & Copacabana - before you are dropped off at your hotel, with afternoon at leisure.
Day 15 : Departure
Transfer to Rio de Janiero Airport for your flight home.
No of pax | Age Limit | Price per pax (Rs) |
---|---|---|
Adult | Above 12 years | $ 3279 / Adult |
* Mentioned prices may vary depending upon date of travel, hotel availability, surge pricing and seasonal rush.
Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.
Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.
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