A spectacular exploration tour to four countries that will feed your imagination for a lifetime: Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. The chance of a lifetime awaits. The tour encompasses all highlights of these countries: super-modern cities, Iguazu Falls, untouched wetlands, the enormous Pampas, nature-rich Patagonia, amazing and diverse flora & fauna and the breathtaking vistas of the Andes where volcanoes, glaciers, lakes and forests define the imposing scenery. This very diverse and awe-inspiring 25-day tour has a great price to boot; prices start at only $1399 per person. Come along on the South America Explorer!

Day 1 - Rio de Janeiro - Transfer to beachfront hotel on the Copacabana and orientation to the program. Noon city tour, going downtown to visit the Cathedral, built by the Portuguese in the 1700s in Baroque style. Tour the beaches of Copacabana, Flamengo and Ipanema. Ascend the Sugar Loaf on the Cable Car for a stunning view of the city and sea below. In the evening, we can head to the Plataforma to catch a Samba show.

Day 2 - Rio de Janeiro - Day at leisure in Rio to relax on the beach or have fun exploring this magnificient city.

Day 3 - S㯠Paulo - The morning will be spent taking in some more sights of Rio or at your leisure for a beach excursion. At midday we’ll have a bite to eat while enjoying a scenic overlook of Rio. In the early afternoon, we leave Rio for S㯠Paulo, the largest city in South America. About 240 miles west lies the church of Nossa Senhora do Aparecida, a popular pilgrimage site where we’ll see South America’s largest cathedral. Founded in 1554 as a mission, S㯠Paulo came of age in the late 1800s during the coffee boom. The subsequent industrialization produced a high population density, finally reaching its present level of 18 million inhabitants. Nowadays, the bustling city is a lively center of culture.

Day 4 - Curitiba - Drive to the southern city of Curitiba. Along the way we will stop in Eldorado, famous for its caverns, for lunch. The most famous is the Devil’s Cavern, the roof of which towers 25 meters above the ground. In the afternoon we’ll get to Curitiba, the “cleanest and greenest” city in Brazil and capital of the state of ParanᮠWe’ll have a city tour, visiting the Opera House, the Botanical Garden and the city’s most famous sites. The city still has a great number of old buildings and churches and the varied European influences are apparent. You’ll be able to spend the evening or even all night at the restaurants and bars on the “Rua 24 Horas,” an attractive shopping and entertainment area lined with tubular steel and glass.

Day 5 - Paranᭉguazu Falls - Today we have a long ride to Iguazu Falls. On the way we will pass the southern part of the state of Paranᬠ where the effects of European colonization (Italian, German, Polish, etc.) still have an influence. You’ll be able to have a great dinner here in Iguazu for around six dollars.

Day 6 - Iguazu Falls - Full day at Iguazu Falls, truly one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. The Falls consist of 275 waterfalls cascading over a precipice into the Paran᠒iver. We will be at the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay and we will visit the Falls from the Brazilian and Argentine side. For lunch we suggest La Mama’s Restaurant (meals not included). Optional tours include the Macuco, a boat ride through the waterfalls, as well as a ? hour helicopter flight over the Falls, an exhilarating event. For entertainment, there’s the so-called “Three Nation Show,” a dinner show with dancers from Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Overnight in Iguazu Falls.

Day 7 - Ijui - Ride further to Ijui and surroundings (ca. 690 km), a region of former Jesuit missionary posts in the center of Rio Grande do Sul state. Originally these posts had the intention of converting the indians, but they were later used as sanctuaries forrunaway slaves.

Day 8 - Santana do Livramento - Today we will visit the ruins of the Sao Miguel mission church (ca. 385 km), a certified UNESCO Heritage site. Tonight we will be at leisure in the town on two borders, Santana do Livramento.

Day 9 - Montevideo - We’ll cross the Uruguayan border today as we make our way to the onetime Spanish colonial capital of Montevideo, founded in the 1720s. City tour upon arrival with emphasis on the historic old town.

Day 10 - Buenos Aires - AM ferry across the Rio Plata to Buenos Aires, founded in the 1530s. Deriving cultural and architectural influences from the Spanish, French and Italians, Buenos Aires has come to be known as the Paris of Latin America. Youll be amazed at the broad boulevards, the city’s many parks, the colorful ethnic neighborhoods and the striking European architecture. An optional Tango dance show in the evening will be sure to pique your interest.

Day 11- Buenos Aires - City tour with local guide of Casa Rosada (Presidential palace), Plaza de Mayo and the probably the grandest theater in the western hemisphere, the Teatro Col󮮠Go to a real Argentine steak house, or dance the night away at one of Buenos Aires’ many nightspots.

Day 12- Bahia Blanca - Today we’ll make the long drive south through the Pampas towards Patagonia, passing through a vast region of farms, ranches and prairies. The country’s best beef comes from estancias and ranches where the gaucho lifestyle is the norm. PM free to explore Bahia Blanca, the gateway to Patagonia. Charles Darwin visited the area on his famous voyage aboard the HMS Beagle, collecting fossils and specimens of wildlife and flora. Arrival in Bahia Blanca with evening free to explore.

Day 13 - Puerto Madryn - Another day’s journey takes us to the Welsh-settled area of the Chubut Valley in Patagonia. Welsh culture and charm are evident in quaint tea houses, chapels and cemeteries of the small communities here. Orientation upon arrival to the rich history of the region.

Day 14 - Puerto Madryn - The region is noted for its vast wilderness and unique wildlife such as the guanaco and rhea. Boat trip to see southern right whales or dusky dolphins, depending upon the season. Visit to Valdes Peninsula to elephant seal colony and the immense Magellanic penguin colony at Punta Tombo.

Day 15 - Puerto Madryn - Your day will be at leisure to take one of the many optional tours offered or to simply relax at your beachside hotel.

Day 16 - Esquel - Today we travel via the Florentino Ameghino Dam, one of the largest dams in Argentina. Underway we’ll get to know the real Patagonia, with its otherworldly landscape of unusual and multicolored rock formations produced by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion.

Day 17 - Bariloche - Optional one-hour “Old Patagonia Express” steam locomotive ride. Those who opt out may ride with the bus. Ascend up to the crisp air of Bariloche, a splendid city in one of the world’s most beautiful settings, the Argentine Lake District. It’s a favored getaway for adventure activities like skiing and hiking.

Day 18 - Bariloche - Free day in Bariloche to take the optional three lakes tour or visit one of the mighty waterfalls or nearby mountains. You may also take a cable-car ride for a stupendous view of the city and its surroundings.

Day 19 - Puerto Montt - Full-day lake crossing, one of the most spectacular journeys you will ever take. Through fjords and channels we make our way over the Andes in boat and bus, passing through Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, with great views of glaciers, towering volcanoes and the unique rock formations at Petrohue Falls. Stop in Puerto Varas in Chile and continue on to Puerto Montt.

Day 20 - Puerto Montt - The south of Chile, settled by Europeans, is a region of mystery and legends. Picturesque communites of Germans and Swiss still survive. Optional lake and volcano tour.

Day 21 - Chillan - We’ll make the long trek north to Chillan, a typical Chilean town. On the way stop in Valdivia, a gem of a place set on a fjord near Temuco. Local market visit. Overnight in Chillan.

Day 22 - Santiago - Trace the path north to Santiago between coast and the majestic Andes mountains, which rise up to 6000 meters. Arrive in Santiago, historic capital of Chile. Founded in the 1540s, Spaniards came to the central valley to take advantage of its fertile soil. In the nineteenth century, Chile saw an influx of immigration from all over Europe; French and Italian influence can be seen throughout the capital.

Day 23 - Santiago - AM winery visit with wine tasting. PM city tour of cosmopolitan Santiago, with its beatufiul backdrop of snow-capped Andes mountains. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with the rest of the group.

Day 24 - Departure - Depart to the Santiago International Airport for your flight home.