South American Adventure: Brazil, Argentina & Chile (Nov 16 – Nov 29)

Day 1: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro

Morning: Land at Galeão International Airport and transfer to your beachfront hotel in Copacabana. Take a leisurely walk along the iconic Copacabana Beach to stretch your legs after the flight.

Afternoon: Enjoy a welcome lunch of feijoada at a local restaurant, then head up to Christ the Redeemer for panoramic city views and a first glimpse of Rio’s skyline.

Evening: Stroll through the vibrant Lapa district, sampling street food and listening to live samba in the open‑air bars.

Day 2: Rio Highlights

Morning: Take the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain for sunrise over Guanabara Bay, then explore the historic Santa Teresa neighborhood.

Afternoon: Relax on Ipanema Beach, and visit the colorful Escadaria Selarón staircase nearby.

Evening: Dine at a churrascaria and enjoy a nightcap at a rooftop bar overlooking the ocean.

Day 3: Flight to Foz do Iguaçu & Falls Exploration

Morning: Early flight to Foz do Iguaçu; check in and head straight to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls.

Afternoon: Walk the walkway trails for close-up views of the powerful cascades, especially the impressive Devil’s Throat viewpoint.

Evening: Return to the city for a relaxed dinner and optional night safari to spot local wildlife.

Day 4: Argentine Side of Iguazu

Morning: Cross the border into Argentina and start at the Upper Circuit, offering sweeping vistas of the falls.

Afternoon: Take the thrilling Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) walkway and explore the lush rainforest trails.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Argentine steak dinner in Puerto Iguazú before returning to Brazil.

Day 5: Flight to Buenos Aires

Morning: Fly to Buenos Aires; settle into a boutique hotel in the historic San Telmo district.

Afternoon: Join a guided walking tour of Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Evening: Experience a passionate tango show in the vibrant La Boca neighborhood, followed by dinner at a parrilla.

Morning: Wander the tree‑lined streets of Recoleta, visiting the famous Recoleta Cemetery and nearby art museum.

Afternoon: Explore the elegant avenues of Palermo Soho, stopping at boutique shops and a local café.

Evening: Dine in the historic Café Tortoni and enjoy a late‑night stroll along the illuminated Avenida de Mayo.

Day 7: Tigre Delta Day Trip

Morning: Take a commuter train to Tigre and board a wooden boat for a scenic ride through the delta’s canals.

Afternoon: Visit the Puerto de Frutos market for handcrafted souvenirs, then relax by the riverside.

Evening: Return to Buenos Aires for a relaxed dinner in the trendy Puerto Madero waterfront district.

Day 8: Flight to Mendoza

Morning: Fly across the Andes to Mendoza; check into a vineyard‑style hotel.

Afternoon: Begin a wine tasting tour at the renowned Bodega Catena Zapata, sampling Malbec and learning about winemaking.

Evening: Savor a gourmet dinner paired with local wines at the estate’s restaurant.

Day 9: Mendoza Wine Region

Morning: Visit the family‑run Bodega Salentein for a guided cellar tour and art gallery visit.

Afternoon: Picnic among the vineyards of Bodega La Azul, followed by a tasting of boutique labels.

Evening: Explore Mendoza’s lively Plaza Independencia, enjoying street performances and cafés.

Day 10: Andes Adventure – Aconcagua

Morning: Drive to the foothills of the Andes for a half‑day hike in Aconcagua Provincial Park, admiring the towering peak.

Afternoon: Return to Mendoza for a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs at Termas de Cacheuta.

Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner of regional specialties such as empanadas and grilled trout.

Day 11: Flight to Santiago, Chile

Morning: Short flight to Santiago; settle into a central hotel near Plaza de Armas.

Afternoon: Guided tour of historic Plaza de Armas, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino.

Evening: Dine in the bohemian Bellas Artes neighborhood, sampling Chilean seafood dishes.

Day 12: Santiago Exploration

Morning: Ride the funicular to Cerro San Cristóbal for sweeping city views and a visit to the iconic statue.

Afternoon: Explore the bustling Mercado Central market, tasting fresh oysters and local wines.

Evening: Experience a lively night in the Lastarria district with bars, street art, and live music.

Day 13: Valparaíso & Viña del Mar

Morning: Day trip to the colorful port city of Valparaíso, wandering the steep hills of Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción.

Afternoon: Continue to seaside Viña del Mar to see the famous Flower Clock and relax on the beach.

Evening: Return to Santiago for a farewell dinner featuring Chilean lamb and pisco sour.

Day 14: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and last‑minute shopping for souvenirs in the Patio Bellavista market.

Afternoon: Transfer to Santiago International Airport for your flight home, carrying memories of a vibrant South American journey.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Copacabana Beach – 2 hrs – $0
• Christ the Redeemer – 2 hrs – $30
• Sugarloaf Mountain – 2 hrs – $25
• Iguazu Falls (Brazil side) – 4 hrs – $20
• Devil’s Throat (Brazil) – 1 hr – $10
• Upper Circuit (Argentina) – 3 hrs – $15
• Garganta del Diablo – 2 hrs – $15
• Plaza de Mayo – 2 hrs – $0
• La Boca (Tango show) – 3 hrs – $60
• Recoleta Cemetery – 1.5 hrs – $5
• Palermo Soho – 2 hrs – $0
• Tigre Delta boat ride – 3 hrs – $35
• Bodega Catena Zapata – 2 hrs – $40
• Bodega Salentein – 2 hrs – $35
• Bodega La Azul – 2 hrs – $30
• Aconcagua Provincial Park – 4 hrs – $20
• Termas de Cacheuta – 3 hrs – $25
• Plaza de Armas (Santiago) – 1.5 hrs – $0
• Cerro San Cristóbal – 2 hrs – $12
• Mercado Central – 2 hrs – $20
• Valparaíso – Cerro Alegre – 3 hrs – $0
• Viña del Mar – Flower Clock – 1 hr – $0
• Patio Bellavista (shopping) – 2 hrs – $0
• Total Estimated Cost: $452

Tips

If you have an extra week, consider adding a side trip to the Peruvian Andes to visit Machu Picchu or a coastal adventure in Uruguay’s Punta del Este. To shorten the itinerary, you could combine the Mendoza wine tour and Aconcagua day trip into a single full‑day excursion, or fly directly from Buenos Aires to Santiago, skipping the Iguazu leg for a more focused Brazil‑Chile experience.