Itinerary Details
Independent Brazil, Argentina & Chile With Easter Island
Day 1 ARRIVE IN RIO DE JANEIRO Welcome to South America’s capital of glamour—Rio de Janeiro, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2 RIO DE JANEIRO • Today, your private tour takes you to the Cosme Velho district, where you board a cog-wheel train that will take you through the lush tropical vegetation of Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain. This rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay is one of the New7Wonders of the World and home to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, which affords sweeping views of the city and beaches below. • The afternoon and evening are at leisure. • Tonight, you may opt to join an outing to a fun churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats that are marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style. (B)
Day 3 RIO DE JANEIRO • Enjoy a full day at leisure. Your Local Host will suggest some options for your free time. (B) Today’s I-Time Tips This afternoon, you may elect to discover historic Petropolis, a mountain resort and site of the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II, or take an optional excursion to visit iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Day 4 RIO DE JANEIRO–IGUASSU FALLS • Fly to Iguassu Falls. This masterpiece of nature encompasses 275 separate falls and spans almost two miles. • Upon arrival, you will be met by your Local Guide who will take you on a private tour dedicated to enjoying the spectacle of this 2-mile-wide torrent from the Brazilian side. See the mammoth series of waterfalls cascading over a precipice almost two miles wide and 250 feet deep. Walk into Devil’s Throat Canyon, where the clouds of mist, thunderous roar, and 180-degree rainbows surround you—an unforgettable experience!(B)
Day 5 IGUASSU FALLS • Your Local Guide will take you on a private tour of the Argentine side of the Iguassu Falls. Begin with a short ride on the open-air Ecological Jungle Train through the rainforest. • From atop the falls, a series of boardwalks takes you above the falls to see the water crashing down more than 300 feet below into the Devil’s Throat. (B) Today’s I-Time Tips Your afternoon is free to explore, or you may opt to visit the Bird Park, home to many species of indigenous birds as well as flora from the area.
Day 6 IGUASSU FALLS–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA • Fly to Buenos Aires, proud capital of the vast country that occupies most of the southern part of the continent. • After arriving at your central hotel, you will have time to become acquainted with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards and outdoor cafés. (B)
Day 7 BUENOS AIRES • After breakfast, your private tour takes you along the widest avenue in the world to see the Teatro Colón Opera House, the pride of Buenos Aires. You’ll also visit the Avenida de Mayo and Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House), and the Cabildo, which was the first City Hall. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, which houses San Martin’s Mausoleum. Continue to the oldest district in Buenos Aires, San Telmo, then stop by colorful La Boca and Palermo. Finish your city tour with a visit to Recoleta Cemetery, burial site of Eva Perón and a highlight of the city. • This evening, you may opt to enjoy dinner and a traditional Tango show—Argentina’s famed passionate dance. (B) Today’s I-Time Tips The Tango and Argentina go hand in hand. Treat yourself to a visit to a local tango house to see this passionate dance performed in its authentic style, while dining on Argentine cuisine and wine!
Day 8 BUENOS AIRES • Today is free to explore this extraordinary city. Consider an optional excursion to visit a traditional estancia (ranch) to experience the lifestyle of the gauchos, or cruise down the Tigre River surrounded by beautiful landscapes and impressive homes. (B) Today’s I-Time Tips 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 have the chance to step into the traditional, local life of a gaucho and embrace Argentinean heritage during an optional trip to an estancia.
Day 9 BUENOS AIRES–SANTIAGO, CHILE • Depart this morning on a scenic flight over the Andes before arriving in Santiago, Chile’s capital. This country is more than 10 times longer than it is wide, with 2,650 miles of beautiful Pacific coastline. • Upon arrival, meet your local guide who will take you to your hotel. (B)
Day 10 SANTIAGO • Located in the center of the country, Santiago has evolved as the country’s political, commercial, and cultural capital. Step back into the 16th century on your private tour, as your Local Guide traces the city’s history and heritage. • Start at La Moneda, the official Government Palace, and nearby San Cristobal Hill with its landmark statue of the Virgin Mary. Your tour ends at the Plaza de Armas, the main square, with a visit to the 18th-century Cathedral. (B)
Day 11 SANTIAGO • Today is at leisure to explore Santiago as you please. (B) Today’s I-Time Tips Perhaps take a trip to the beautiful coastal region west of Santiago and the cities of Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, or head into Chile’s famous wine country to visit some of its renowned wineries.
Day 12 SANTIAGO–EASTER ISLAND • Fly to Easter Island, considered the largest open-air museum, boasting over 400 moai, ruins, and temples. Located 2,200 miles off the coast of Chile, this island is a territory of Chile but, feels more like Polynesia.• Upon arrival, meet your Local guide who will take you to your hotel. (B)
Day 13 EASTER ISLAND• Your first stop on your tour will be Ahu Vaihu, where eight large moai lie in ruins.• Continue on to Ahu Akahanga. According to legend, this is the burial site of the first king of Easter Island (Hotu Matu’a). • Next, at the Rano Raraku quarry, you find 394 statues in various stages of completion. It appears that the moai production was abruptly abandoned, leaving us a frozen snapshot that reveals how the moai were carved out of volcanic rocks. • At Ahu Tongariki, see 15 beautifully restored moai, and at Ahu Te Pito Kura, see the largest moai ever transported and erected. • Last stop is the beach of Anakena, where King Hotu Matu’a first landed on Rapa Nui. (B,L)
Day 14 EASTER ISLAND• This morning, your tour visits the Rano Kau volcano, with a caldera that contains one of the island’s freshwater lakes. • At the nearby ceremonial village of Orongo, see the restored houses and remains of an ancient ahu. • Head to Ana Kai Tagata, an ancient cave with wall paintings on the rock. • This afternoon, visit Ahu Akivi, with seven restored moais in the middle of the island. According to legend, the statues represent the seven scouts sent to Easter Island by King Hotu Matu’a. • Finally, visit the Puna Pau topknot quarry with its red scoria stone, where the pukaos on top of the moai were made. (B)
Day 15 EASTER ISLAND–SANTIAGO • Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Santiago. • Transfer to your hotel for your final night in Santiago. (B)
Day 16 SANTIAGO Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)