South America Travel Itinerary (11th September - 26th September)

Day 1: Travel to Rio de Janeiro

Morning: Depart from Edinburgh heading to Rio de Janeiro with a connection via Amsterdam.

Afternoon: In transit.

Evening: Arrive in Rio and check in at Miramar by Windsor Copacabana for a 5-night stay.

Day 2: Explore Rio de Janeiro

Morning: Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer early to avoid crowds.

Afternoon: Leisurely explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and beaches.

Evening: Enjoy Rio’s nightlife or a relaxed dinner near the beach.

Day 3: Rio de Janeiro Activities

Morning: Relax at Copacabana or Ipanema Beach.

Afternoon: Consider a guided favela tour to experience local culture.

Evening: Attend a football match if fixtures are confirmed.

Day 4: Day Trip to Arraial do Cabo

Morning: Depart early for a scenic day trip to Arraial do Cabo, famous for its clear waters and beaches.

Afternoon: Continue exploring the beautiful coastline and enjoy outdoor activities like snorkeling.

Evening: Return to Rio for rest at the hotel.

Day 5: Rio de Janeiro Highlights

Morning: Ascend Sugarloaf Mountain with priority cable car tickets for panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Explore more local attractions or relax at the hotel.

Evening: Dine at a traditional Brazilian restaurant.

Day 6: Travel to Iguazu Falls

Morning: Flight from Rio de Janeiro (GIG) to Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) (11:15-13:30) with LATAM Airlines.

Afternoon: Upon arrival, either relax or walk 15 minutes to Paraguay to visit the border area—the relaxed triple frontier.

Evening: Stay overnight on the Brazilian side of Iguazu.

Day 7: Iguazu Falls & Travel to Buenos Aires

Morning: Explore the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, enjoying stunning panoramic views.

Afternoon: Return to hotel, then take a taxi to the Argentine side hotel.

Evening: Overnight stay on the Argentine side.

Day 8: Iguazu Falls & Flight to Buenos Aires

Morning: Visit the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls for an immersive waterfall experience.

Afternoon: Continue exploring the falls and surrounding trails.

Evening: Flight at 21:25 from IGR to EZE to Buenos Aires. Check in at hotel in Palermo or Recoleta for 4 nights.

Day 9: Buenos Aires City Tour

Morning: Visit the historic Plaza De Mayo.

Afternoon: Explore the fashionable neighborhoods of Palermo and Recoleta.

Evening: Dinner at a local Parrilla (steakhouse).

Day 10: Day Trip to Uruguay

Morning: Take the ferry for a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.

Afternoon: Explore the charming colonial town, its cobbled streets, and landmarks.

Evening: Return to Buenos Aires.

Day 11: Explore Buenos Aires

Morning: Wander through San Telmo neighborhood with its antique markets.

Afternoon: Visit the colorful La Boca area.

Evening: Enjoy tango performances or nightlife.

Day 12: Buenos Aires to Santiago

Morning: Optional: take a short Tigre train trip (about 1 hour) prior to departure.

Afternoon: Free time for final Buenos Aires activities or resting.

Evening: Flight at 19:25 from AEP to SCL (arriving 21:50). Check in at hotel in Bellavista or Lastarria for 4 nights.

Day 13: Santiago City Tour

Morning: Visit Plaza De Armas and climb Saint Lucia Hill.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Yungay neighborhood.

Evening: Sample local cuisine around Bellavista.

Day 14: Day Trip to Cajon Del Maipo

Morning: Full day trip to Cajon Del Maipo enjoying stunning mountain landscapes and outdoor activities.

Afternoon: Continue nature exploration and local experiences.

Evening: Return to Santiago and relax at the hotel.

Day 15: Santiago Exploration

Morning: Hike or cable car up San Cristobal Hill for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Visit Bohemian Bellavista neighborhood and Sky Costanera, the tallest skyscraper observation deck in Latin America.

Evening: Final dinner in Santiago’s lively districts.

Day 16: Departure

Morning: Early flights depart from SCL:

• Callum departs at 06:32 to CJC
• Shaun departs at 11:00 (overnight flight)

Afternoon & Evening: Travel according to respective flights and overnight flights as scheduled.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Christ the Redeemer: 3 hours; approx. $25 (entry + transport)
• Beach & Favela Tour: 4 hours; approx. $40
• Football Match: 2-3 hours; approx. $30 (if available)
• Arraial do Cabo Day Trip: Full day; approx. $80 (tour price)
• Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car: 2 hours; approx. $20 (priority ticket)
• Flight Rio to Iguazu: 2h 15min; approx. $120
• Triple Frontier Visit: 2-3 hours; approx. $10
• Iguazu Falls (Brazilian & Argentinian Sides): Full day combined; approx. $40 entry fees
• Flight Iguazu to Buenos Aires: 1h 50min; approx. $90
• Buenos Aires City Tour: 5-6 hours; approx. $15 (public transit and entrances)
• Day Trip to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay: Full day; approx. $70 (ferry + guided tour)
• Flight Buenos Aires to Santiago: 2h 25min; approx. $110
• Santiago City Tours & Cajon Del Maipo: Various half/full day tours; approx. $100 combined
• San Cristobal Hill & Sky Costanera: 3-4 hours; approx. $20

Total Estimated Cost: $690 (excluding accommodations and meals)

Tips

• For travelers wanting a longer experience, extend your stay in Buenos Aires or add more day trips such as to Mendoza for wine tours.
• If you prefer a shorter trip, consider skipping the Uruguay day trip and condensing activities in Rio and Santiago.
• Booking tickets for popular attractions like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain in advance can save queueing time.
• Flexibility on the football match day is recommended, as fixtures may be confirmed late.
• Carry local currency for small purchases and border trips, especially around Iguazu and Triple Frontier areas.