Classic South America

Classic South America

12 Days
From

$9497

Classic South America

12 Days Starting in Santiago (Chile) and ending in Rio De Janeiro

Visiting: Santiago, Valparaiso, Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls, Rio de Janeiro, Sugarloaf Mountain

Tour operator:

Luxury Gold

Tour code:

NCRAZ2M20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 18

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $9497 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 10-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

See the sights of Santiago, enjoy wine tasting in Casablanca Valley and get up close with Eva Peron’s famous balcony in Buenos Aires—all on this immersive tour of South America. Step out with a Local Expert in Brazil for a stunning walk past the misty rainbows and thundering gravity of Iguassu Falls—with panoramic views of San Martin Island. In Rio de Janeiro, Enjoy an authentic lunch at a local churrascaria, a traditional Brazilian steakhouse and quintessential Brazilian experience. Across the border in Argentina, Buenos Aires beckons with a once in a lifetime choice to join South America’s Gaucho cowboys for a horseback ride through the rugged wilderness or a guided sojourn around the Estancia, to learn about cattle-raising and life on the ranch.The Activity Level of this tour is Balanced, meaning there is 1 to 3 miles of walking per day which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.

Choice Highlights

  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Santiago: Enjoy a cocktail reception followed by a Chilean seafood lunch at Mestizo Restaurante, where international gastronomy enhances traditional Chilean cuisine, resulting in delicious ceviches, main dishes, and desserts.
  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Buenos Aires: Meet the local gauchos and learn about the traditions of these South American Cowboys on a horseback ride.
  • Buenos Aires: Explore the beautiful ranch on a leisurely walk, learning all about the gaucho lifestyle.

Make Travel Matter

Iguassu Falls: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, see several native birds in their natural habitat. One of the largest bird parks in Latin America, the Bird Park is an integrated conservation centre for birds of the Atlantic Forest and is home to 120 species of birds.

Exceptional Dining

Santiago: At 18:00, join your Travel Concierge and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner.

Santiago: Enjoy a cocktail reception followed by a Chilean seafood lunch at Mestizo Restaurante, where international gastronomy enhances traditional Chilean cuisine, resulting in delicious ceviches, main dishes, and desserts.

Buenos Aires: Savour a delicious meal, and enjoy fabulous live music, solo singers and a breathtaking display of authentic tango at Rojo Tango.

Buenos Aires: Head to Fogón Asado, opening exclusively for Luxury Gold this afternoon. Indulge at a restaurant that presents a new way of living the traditional Argentine 'asado'. During this experience, see, feel and taste the unique grilling techniques. Sip on a welcome cocktail and meet the chef. Start an exquisite 6-course tasting menu that includes the best cuts of meat, fire-roasted seasonal vegetables, traditional recipes, and much more that brings 'asado' to new heights.

Buenos Aires: Get a taste of gaucho life with a delicious asado Highlight Lunch.

Iguassu Falls: Enjoy dinner with wine surrounded by a subtropical forest at Ipe Grill where you'll choose from a selection of traditional Brazilian barbecue or international cuisine.

Rio de Janeiro: Enjoy an authentic lunch at a local churrascaria, a traditional Brazilian steakhouse. Here, servers come to your table with knives and skewers of delectable cuts of meat. A quintessential Brazilian experience.

Rio de Janeiro: Your dinner is served at the French-Brazilian L'Etoile Restaurant. Enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean from the 26th floor as you toast to your journey.

Places You'll See

Christ The Redeemer

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Chile

Location: Santiago

Accommodation: The Singular Lastarria Hotel, Santiago.

Accommodation Name: The Singular Lastarria Hotel, Santiago.

Meals Included: Dinner

Your South America luxury tour starts with your private transfer to The Singular Santiago Lastarria Hotel followed by a decadent dinner.

Day 2: The Sights Of Santiago Relaxed Start

Location: Santiago

Accommodation: The Singular Lastarria Hotel, Santiago.

Accommodation Name: The Singular Lastarria Hotel, Santiago.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Discover the sites of Santiago from San Francisco Church and the Santa Lucia Hill to the bustling Plaza de Armas, Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral and San Cristóbal Hill to indulge in 360-degree views of the city. Enjoy a local Chilean seafood lunch.

Day 3: Valparaiso And Wine Country

Location: Santiago, Valparaiso, Santiago

Accommodation: The Singular Lastarria Hotel, Santiago.

Accommodation Name: The Singular Lastarria Hotel, Santiago.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Savour the best of Chilean wine country at the coastal towns of Viña del Mar, “Garden City,” and UNESCO-listed port of Valparaíso. Relish seaside breezes over lunch and treat your palate to Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and one of the best-rated Pinot Noirs in Chile paired with a traditional empanadas at Kingston Family Vineyards.

Day 4: Fly To Buenos Aires

Location: Santiago, Buenos Aires

Accommodation: Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires (Palace Premier Room).

Accommodation Name: Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires (Palace Premier Room).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, jet off to glamorous Buenos Aires for your luxurious stay at your hotel in the stylish neighbourhood of La Recoleta. Settle into your comfortable surroundings before enjoying mesmerising music and dance at Rojo Tango.

Day 5: Beautiful Buenos Aires Relaxed Start

Location: Buenos Aires

Accommodation: Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires (Palace Premier Room).

Accommodation Name: Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires (Palace Premier Room).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Explore Buenos Aires’ neighbourhoods and stand beneath the balcony made famous by Eva Perón. Tour the Belle Époque Teatro Colón opera house. This afternoon head to Fogón Asado, opening exclusively for Luxury Gold. Indulge in a restaurant that presents a new way of living the traditional Argentine 'asado.'

Day 6: Pampas, Estancias And Gauchos Relaxed Start

Location: Buenos Aires

Accommodation: Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires (Palace Premier Room).

Accommodation Name: Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires (Palace Premier Room).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Delve into the world of “gauchos,” South American cowboys, visiting a traditional “estancia” ranch enjoying a guided horseback ride, gaining insight into the traditions or joining a guided tour ending with traditional mate tea. Conclude the day entertained by a show of horsemanship skills and folk music paired with a succulent asado lunch and traditional mate tea.

Day 7: The Falls Of Iguassu

Location: Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls

Accommodation: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguassu (Superior Room).

Accommodation Name: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguassu (Superior Room).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Experience nature’s grandeur at the Argentinean side of Iguassu Falls with your Local Expert where winding catwalks lure you to the rushing waters of Devil's Throat’s waterfall. Dinner with wine is served at Ipe Grill within your luxurious resort - the only one inside Brazilian Iguassu National Park.

Day 8: The 'Great Waters' Of Iguassu Falls Relaxed Start

Location: Iguassu Falls

Accommodation: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguassu (Superior Room).

Accommodation Name: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguassu (Superior Room).

Meals Included: Breakfast

A Local Expert shows off the Brazilian side of the falls showcasing panoramic views of San Martin Island and rushing waterfalls. Later this afternoon you'll visit the Bird Park, which provides shelter for over a thousand birds, butterflies and reptiles from across South America on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience.

Day 9: Rio De Janeiro, City Of Sea And Samba

Location: Iguassu Falls, Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation: Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro.

Accommodation Name: Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Jet off to Rio de Janeiro, the 'Marvelous city,' where one of South America’s most iconic hotels awaits. The golden sands of iconic Ipanema Beach and Copacabana Beach are just steps away.

Day 10: Exploring Rio De Janeiro

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation: Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro.

Accommodation Name: Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Reach the great heights Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for unparalleled views of the city’s peaks, bays and beaches. Dine like the locals at a classic Brazilian steakhouse before visiting the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil.

Day 11: A Farewell To Rio De Janeiro

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation: Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro.

Accommodation Name: Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Take a train up Corcovado Hill to admire the Christ the Redeemer statue. Uncover the inspiration behind bossa nova during an exclusive presentation with Cecelo Frony, a local guitarist, music aficionado and studio owner. Dine at the French-Brazilian L'Etoile Restaurant.

Day 12: Depart Rio De Janeiro Departure Flight

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Meals Included: Breakfast

After one last decadent breakfast of your Lima to Rio de Janeiro luxury tours, your private transfer will take you to the Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport.

What's Included

  • Meals

    4 dinners, 11 breakfasts, and 5 lunches are included.

  • Hotel Accommodation

    Included at all hotels.

  • Hotel Taxes and Tips

    Hotel taxes, porterage, and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.

  • Breakfast Options

    Enjoy breakfast every morning, and on days with a Relaxed Start, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.

  • Wi-Fi

    Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. On select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.

  • Transfers

    Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold.

  • Local Expert Guides

    In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.

  • Travel Concierge

    Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations to organizing transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.

  • Welcome Dinner

    Join your Travel Concierge and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner in Santiago.

  • Farewell Celebration Dinner

    Your Farewell Celebration Dinner is served at the French-Brazilian L'Etoile Restaurant in Rio de Janeiro.

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What's Not Included

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and any related costs are not included.

Dining Summary

4 Dinner (D)11 Breakfast (B)5 Lunch (L)

Additional Included Highlights

Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.Included at all hotels.Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city as the itinerary, may be requested.

Curated Experiences

Ipanema: Meet Local Expert Cecelo, a local guitarist, music aficionado, and studio owner from Ipanema. Join him in Ipanema, the birthplace of Bossa Nova in the 1950s. You'll learn about the sounds and sights of the place that inspired this new genre of samba music and enjoy a private performance over a caipirinha cocktail.

Magnificent Stays

Iguassu Falls: Step through the doors into a world of understated luxury. The luxurious Belmond das Cataratas is the only hotel inside the National Park and sits alongside the falls. Soak up the jungle chorus while you float in the pool, stroll gardens bejewelled with orchids and sip caipirinhas as the sun goes down. Embark on the ultimate adventure at South America's first and only Forbes Five Star hotel, and you’ll never want to leave.

Passport Moments

Santiago: Meet a Local Expert for an in-depth city exploration. Start out at the heart of the city, seeing the Chilean University, San Francisco Church and the Santa Lucia Hill. Then visit the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral. Cross the Mapocho river to the bohemian Bellavista district on the way to San Cristóbal Hill, where you will have the best views of Santiago and the Andes Mountains.Santiago: Visit Kingston Family Vineyards, a small boutique winery located in Casablanca Valley for an introduction to and tasting of their exquisite wines.Valparaiso: From Santiago, head west towards Valparaíso. Pass by the main square where you can see the monument honoring the 1879 Naval Battle of Iquique. Declared a World Heritage by UNESCO, Valparaíso offers unique ocean landscapes with colorful neighborhoods, picturesque cobblestone streets, and old cable cars.Buenos Aires: Take a tour of this historical and prestigious opera house and explore the Main Hall, Foyer, Bustos Gallery and the Golden Hall.Iguassu Falls: Head to the Argentinean side of Iguassu Falls and view the unfathomable Devil's Throat with a Local Expert.Iguassu Falls: Join a local expert for a spectacular walk past thundering curtains of water and misty rainbows on the Brazilian side of the falls. Explore the base of the falls and see the impressive panoramic view of San Martin Island.Rio de Janeiro: Experience sightseeing with a Local Expert and a cable car journey to the lofty heights of Sugarloaf Mountain with fast-track admission.Rio de Janeiro: Visit this beautiful library that was built in the heart of Rio by the Portuguese monarchy.Rio de Janeiro: Visit the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil, one of the most important cultural centers in the country. Admire the Art Deco design by Francisco Joaquim Bethencourt da Silva.Rio de Janeiro: Take a train ride up Corcovado Hill through the Tijuca National Forest to the open arms of Christ the Redeemer and magnificent views over the legendary bay.

Personalise your day

Buenos Aires: Meet the local gauchos and learn about the traditions of these South American Cowboys on a horseback ride.Buenos Aires: Explore the beautiful ranch on a leisurely walk, learning all about the gaucho lifestyle.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique dining experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes several unique dining experiences such as a cocktail reception followed by a Chilean seafood lunch at Mestizo Restaurante in Santiago, a meal with live music and tango at Rojo Tango in Buenos Aires, and a traditional Argentine 'asado' at Fogón Asado. In Iguassu Falls, you can enjoy dinner with wine at Ipe Grill, and in Rio de Janeiro, you will have lunch at a local churrascaria and a farewell dinner at the French-Brazilian L'Etoile Restaurant.

  • What activities are available at Iguassu Falls?

    At Iguassu Falls, you will experience the grandeur of the falls from both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides. You will visit the Bird Park, which is home to over 120 species of birds, and enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience. Additionally, you will have dinner at Ipe Grill within the luxurious resort located inside the Brazilian Iguassu National Park.

  • What cultural experiences are offered in Buenos Aires?

    In Buenos Aires, you will explore the city's neighborhoods, visit the Belle Époque Teatro Colón opera house, and experience a traditional Argentine 'asado' at Fogón Asado. You will also have the opportunity to meet local gauchos, learn about their traditions, and enjoy a horseback ride or a leisurely walk on a ranch.

  • How does the tour incorporate local expertise?

    The tour incorporates local expertise by providing Local Expert Guides in select destinations who offer deeper insights into the locations visited. For example, in Santiago, a Local Expert will guide you through the city's highlights, and in Iguassu Falls, a Local Expert will show you the best views of the falls.

  • What is the transportation arrangement during the tour?

    The tour includes seamless transportation with private transfers, included flights between destinations, and comfortable coach travel. This ensures a smooth and stress-free journey from Santiago to Rio de Janeiro.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Absolutely! We are very selective in who we work with and choose to only use hotels that take the health and well-being of our guests as seriously as we do and agree to meet expected guidelines and specifications. We only work with establishments that we are confident will consistently adhere to our standards.

  • Which countries does Luxury Gold visit?

    We offer incredible luxury trips in Europe, North America, South America, Hawaii, South-East Asia, the Indian sub-continent (including India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka), Australia and New Zealand.

  • What other modes of transport does Luxury Gold use?

    A Luxury Gold tour will include touring on high-speed trains, alpine cable cars, hydrofoils, river cruisers and horse-drawn carriages, in addition to our high-deck luxury coaches with extra legroom.

  • Who travels with Luxury Gold?

    We are delighted to welcome guests who have a shared love of travel, adventure, entertainment and exploration. A mix of solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends and family join us from all over the English-speaking world.

  • What is the role of the Well-Being Director?

    Working closely together with your Travelling Concierge, the Well-Being Director* will help make sure all necessary protocols are followed to ensure the health and wellbeing of all our guests. This includes our enhanced screening and hygiene protocols, complying with distancing and other requirements set by government authorities. They are also there to support our guests & answer any questions.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Majesty of the Rockies

21-Jun-2023

The itinerary was fantastic, starting in Banff at the beautiful Fairmont hotel, it set the scene for the next week. As we travelled in the coach surrounded by magnificent snow topped mountains, everyone getting excited when a black bear or elk was spotted! Standing on the glacier with the Columbian Ice Fields above , was magical. Then, on board the Rocky Mountaineer from Kamloops back to Vancouver, was very relaxing. Finishing our trip at the beautiful Douglas hotel was a lovely way to end what was a most memorable trip. Thank you *Personal Information removed by Feefo* and Luxury Gold. Will go home with fantastic memories of a very special part of the world

Trusted Customer  

Ultimate Italy

26-Jun-2023

Trip itinerary was all that we expected. We were treated like royalty at every turn. Our consierge *Personal Information removed by Feefo* was the most loving, caring person that I’ve ever seen, she accomodated our many needs flawlessly and conscientiosly, including special care for those amongst us who had trouble managing the difficult walking conditions which we encountered.She was a true professional and made us feel loke family. Her humor and social skills got everyone together as one .I don’t know how much you pay her, but it isn’t enough.

Trusted Customer  

Spain and Portugal In Style

15-Jun-2023

The guides were amazing, the hotels very nice, the bus was extremely comfortable. Some of the bus days were rather long. Our concierge guide, *personal info removed by Feefo* was beyond terrific. He anticipated needs, was so kind and very organized. Never a misstep

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Luxury Gold requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of luxury gold charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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