Summary
Short description
Discover the passion, natural beauty and timeless traditions of Brazil, Argentina and Chile on this highlight-packed escorted tour
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Highlights
- Marvel at the thundering Iguazú Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides
- Enjoy a private behind-the-scenes tour of Rio’s Samba City with a samba performance
- Discover Buenos Aires with a private tour of Teatro Colón, plus dinner and a tango show
- Visit Argentina’s countryside for a silversmith workshop, estancia lunch and gaucho horsemanship display
- Stay in world-class hotels and enjoy curated experiences, from Rio’s Copacabana Palace to Chile’s wine valleys
In Brief
- 3 Nights Rio de Janeiro
- 2 Nights Iguaçu Falls
- 4 Nights Buenos Aires
- 2 Nights Millahue
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Escorted tour | Food & wine | History & culture | National Parks | Natural world
From the samba rhythms of Rio de Janeiro to the sultry tango halls of Buenos Aires and the vineyard-cloaked valleys of Chile, this 12-day escorted tour showcases South America at its vibrant best. Begin in Brazil, where you’ll ride the cable cars of Sugarloaf Mountain, stand beneath the outstretched arms of Christ the Redeemer and explore the beating heart of Carnaval with a behind-the-scenes visit to Samba City. After marvelling at Iguazú Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides, you’ll continue to Argentina’s capital, where tango, art and history collide in barrios rich with colour and tradition. A countryside visit brings gaucho culture to life with a special estancia lunch and a private silversmith demonstration, before a grand finale among the vines of Chile’s celebrated Millahue Valley. Throughout, you’ll stay in landmark hotels, enjoy curated dining experiences and benefit from expert local guides, ensuring a seamless journey through three of South America’s most captivating countries.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
Your South American adventure begins in one of the world’s most iconic cities. On arrival at Rio de Janeiro International Airport, an included transfer will bring you to the legendary Belmond Copacabana Palace, an Art Deco masterpiece set directly on Copacabana Beach. With its elegant interiors, glamorous history and sweeping ocean views, it’s the perfect introduction to Brazil’s blend of style and energy. This evening, meet your Tauck Director and fellow travellers over a welcome cocktail reception and dinner, accompanied by traditional entertainment that captures the rhythm and spirit of Rio.
Stay: Belmond Copacabana Palace (Deluxe)
Meals: D
Day
2
Sugarloaf Mountain & Guanabara Bay cruise
Rise early for a quintessential Rio experience: a cable car ride to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. Ascend in two stages, gliding high above the rooftops until the whole city unfurls before you: Guanabara Bay, Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana’s golden arc of sand and the forested peaks of Tijuca. After time to take in the sweeping panoramas, return to sea level for a private cruise along the bay itself. From the water, admire Rio’s skyline, historic forts and outlying islands before sitting down to a feast of Brazilian churrasco barbecue. The afternoon is yours to spend as you please – perhaps a stroll along the beachfront promenade or time to relax at your hotel’s rooftop pool.
Stay: Belmond Copacabana Palace (Deluxe)
Meals: B L
Day
3
Christ the Redeemer, Old Rio & Samba City
This morning, board a funicular train bound for the summit of Corcovado, home to the towering Christ the Redeemer statue. As you climb through the lush greenery of Tijuca National Park, the views grow ever more dramatic until, at the top, you’ll stand beneath one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, arms outstretched over Rio. Returning to the city centre, discover Rio’s historic core, including the striking modern Cathedral and Belle Époque landmarks from Brazil’s golden age. Then, go behind the scenes at Samba City, where the vibrant heart of Carnaval beats year-round. Meet costume makers, marvel at flamboyant floats and enjoy an exclusive samba performance that reveals why this annual celebration is among the greatest on Earth. Dinner tonight is at a renowned local restaurant showcasing Rio’s contemporary culinary flair.
Stay: Belmond Copacabana Palace (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
4
Fly to Iguaçu Falls
Leave the coast behind this morning with a flight to Iguaçu Falls, one of nature’s true spectacles. On arrival, head straight to the Brazilian side, where paved trails and catwalks lead you ever closer to the thundering cascades. With 275 waterfalls stretching nearly two miles across the jungle-clad border, the views are nothing short of mesmerising; a curtain of white water framed by rainbows and tropical mist. Your hotel for the next two nights is uniquely set inside Iguaçu National Park itself, allowing you to soak up the sounds of the rainforest long after the crowds have gone.
Stay: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguaçu Falls (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
5
Iguaçu Falls your way
Today is devoted to exploring the falls in greater depth with a choice of unforgettable experiences. Soar above the cascades on a thrilling helicopter ride, capturing the sheer scale of the landscape from the air. Or, for something more adventurous, journey into the jungle for a jet boat ride that powers upriver to the very base of the falls – an exhilarating encounter with their raw force. Alternatively, opt for a backstage tour of the nearby Bird Park, meeting exotic toucans, flamingos and macaws in a dedicated conservation sanctuary. After some time at leisure, rejoin the group for a private tasting dinner that introduces you to Brazil’s diverse regional cuisines, paired with fine local flavours.
Stay: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguaçu Falls (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
6
Across the border to Argentina & Buenos Aires
Cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge into Argentina for a fresh perspective on the falls. A guided walk along the Superior Circuit takes you above the torrents, looking out across a vast panorama of spray and jungle. After lunch, catch an afternoon flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. On arrival, check in at the illustrious Alvear Palace Hotel, a city landmark since 1932 whose gilded interiors recall the elegance of a European grand dame. This evening, relax and enjoy your first taste of Argentina’s famous hospitality.
Stay: Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
7
Buenos Aires – history, colour & the tango
A full day of sightseeing brings Argentina’s capital to life. Begin in the grand Plaza de Mayo, framed by historic buildings including the Casa Rosada, famed for its Evita connections, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Continue through districts that reveal the city’s personality, from the pastel-painted houses of La Boca – birthplace of tango and home to a thriving artistic community – to the cobbled streets of San Telmo, lined with colonial houses, bars and antique shops. Lunch will be served in this lively neighbourhood before an afternoon at leisure. This evening, the stage is set for an authentic Buenos Aires experience, with dinner followed by a passionate tango show that captures the city’s soul.
Stay: Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
8
Estancia life & gaucho traditions
Leave the city behind for the rolling pampas countryside and the town of San Antonio de Areco, where Argentine traditions are lovingly preserved. Here, you’ll meet the Draghi family, renowned silversmiths whose handcrafted designs are prized across the country. Watch artisans at work before continuing to a traditional estancia for a lunch of Argentinian beef and wine. The afternoon brings a performance of horsemanship by local gauchos, including a demonstration by a skilled horse whisperer, before returning to Buenos Aires for an evening at leisure.
Stay: Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires (Deluxe)
Meals: B L
Day
9
Teatro Colón & time to explore
Step inside one of the world’s great opera houses today with a private behind-the-scenes tour of Teatro Colón. Opened in 1908, its lavish interiors, glittering chandeliers and superb acoustics have hosted stars from Maria Callas to Luciano Pavarotti. Afterwards, the rest of the day is free, perhaps to browse Palermo’s boutiques, linger in a café, or revisit one of the city’s neighbourhoods at your own pace.
Stay: Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
10
Fly to Chile
This morning, fly west across the Andes to Santiago, then journey south into Chile’s celebrated Millahue Valley. Known as the “place of gold” by its indigenous inhabitants, today it produces some of the country’s finest wines. Your base for two nights is an award-winning design hotel and working winery, where architecture and nature blend seamlessly. Dinner this evening is at leisure, with menus paired to estate-grown vintages.
Stay: Vik Chile Millahue
Meals: B D
Day
11
Chilean wine country
Wake up among the vines and choose how you’d like to explore. Saddle up for a guided horse ride through the vineyards, cycle among the rows with a local expert, or join a cooking class or wine-and-chocolate pairing at the hotel. A wine-pairing lunch showcases the region’s produce before a private tasting tour of the estate’s acclaimed cellar. This evening, gather for a farewell reception and dinner, savouring regional specialities and panoramic vineyard views as you toast the end of your South American journey.
Stay: Vik Chile Millahue
Meals: B L D
Day
12
Fly back from Santiago
Return to Chile’s capital this morning for a guided city tour, taking in its leafy plazas, colonial landmarks and striking Andean backdrop. Conclude with a farewell lunch at The Ritz-Carlton, where day rooms have been arranged for your comfort before your evening departure. An included transfer to Santiago International Airport marks the end of your tour.
Meals: B L
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
12-day luxury escorted tour
from £11,190 pp incl. flights
Deluxe
Select dates in September and November 2025
from £11,190 pp. incl. flights
January to March & September to December 2026
from £11,590 pp. incl. flights
Price includes:
- International return flights from London to FRio de Janeiro and from Chile to London
- All domestic flights
- Airport arrival and return transfers
- 11 nights accommodation in a mixture of 4* (Superior) and 5* (Deluxe) hotels and lodges
- Most meals whilst on tour
- Escorted touring with a tour director, and incl. all gratuities and porterage (option of Classic and Small Group departures)
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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