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Essence of South America
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Length
12 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
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Ends in
Santiago (Chile)
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Available Tour Start Dates
JAN 8, 2028 to DEC 18, 2028
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Activity Level
No Rating Provided
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Style
Fully-Guided
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Language
English
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).No
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$13,390.00
Overview
From the eastern coast of Brazil to Argentina and the western coast of Chile, explore the essence of each destination with unique travel experiences that bring you to the best each country has to offer.
One of our most comprehensive South American tours inspires with 12 days of in-depth discoveries of natural and architectural wonders throughout Brazil, Argentina and Chile. Spend multiple nights in world-class cities at fine hotels in the heart of each city. View spectacular Iguazú Falls; sample the fine wines of Chile and famous Argentinian beef; get a behind-the-scenes look at Rio's colorful Carnaval; feel the passion and the heat of the tango and the samba; visit once of the most famous silversmiths of Argentina, the Draghi family; and so much more.
Visited During Tour
Buenos Aires (Argentina) | Foz do Iguacu (Brazil) | Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | San Vicente de Tagua Tagua (Chile) | Santiago (Chile)
Dates, Offers & Prices Dates
Tour Itinerary Itinerary
More Details Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Essence of South America tour dates available from Tauck. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Tour Itinerary
Tauck Tour Code ES2028
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Day
1Arrive Rio de Janeiro
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana. A transfer is included from Rio de Janeiro International Airport to Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner with traditional entertainment.
- Meals Included:
- Dinner
Accommodations: Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana -
Day
2Sugarloaf Mountain and a cruise
Take to the skies in Rio this morning on a a two-stage cable car ride to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, where dramatic views of the surrounding landscape stuns at every angle and a bird's eye view provides you with an incredible vantage point above Guanabara Bay and the city at large. Next, head back down to ground level for a a private boat cruise on Guanabara Bay. Enjoy seaside glimpses of beautiful beaches, historic forts, a modern museum, outlying islands and the city skyline. Feast on a typical churrascaria barbecue lunch before returning to Rio. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodations: Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana -
Day
3Summit of Corcovado & Samba City
Arise in amazing Rio for an unforgettable excursion up Corcovado Hill by train to Tijuca National Park to see the world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. Then discover the passionate nature of Rio's beloved Carnaval celebration, which draws visitors from around the world each year, on a visit to Samba City. A local guide leads you on a behind-the-scenes look at the business of Carnaval and the creation of its dazzling costumes and floats, which includes an exclusive samba performance. Have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel to spend the afternoon as you please. Dinner tonight is at a renowned local restaurant.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana -
Day
4Fly to Iguaçu Falls
A morning at leisure to do, or spend, as you wish precedes a short afternoon flight to Iguaçu, the spot of your adventures tomorrow. Try not to snack too much on the flight, as tonight you're in for a real treat! A private tasting dinner that immerses you in the culinary history of the different regions of Brazil. Check into your hotel, the Gran Meliá Iguazú, your home base for the next couple nights.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Melia Iguazu -
Day
5Iguaçu Experiences and a taste of Brazil
Taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide, Iguaçu Falls was named a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site and one of the "New Seven Wonders of Nature." You'll have to visit two countries to get a complete look at the falls – 275 cascades spread in a horseshoe shape across two miles of the Iguaçu River, straddling the borders of Argentina and Brazil. Today experience the Brazilian side, walking on paved trails with a local guide to the catwalks along the falls for amazing views of the thundering water. After lunch at a local restuarant, immerse in the natural splendors of the park your way today on a choice of excursions. Board a helicopter for a flightseeing ride over the falls; drive into the jungle for a jet boat ride to the base of the falls and "shoot the rapids" on the way back to the dock; or take a behind-the-scenes backstage tour of the Bird Park, a recovery and conservation center for exotic birds, where you will meet and perhaps feed toucans, flamingos and more.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Melia Iguazu -
Day
6Cross Over Into Argentina
Drive across the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the border into neighboring Argentina where you will experience the falls from a different perspective. Take a walk along the "Superior Circuit" on metal grated walkways and up steps for stunning views of the surrounding landscape, before lunch and an afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Settle in at the elegant Alvear Palace Hotel, a city landmark since 1932 and the "grande dame" of Buenos Aires hotels.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Alvear Palace Hotel -
Day
7Buenos Aires allure
No doubt about it, Buenos Aires defines "sizzle"... and you'll discover why today when a local guide shows you the city. First up is a visit to Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa Rosada (government palace) where you'll see the balcony made famous by Evita Perón. Explore the colorful La Boca neighborhood, which is both a working class barrio and artist colony, and then enjoy lunch in the San Telmo District, a mix of colonial-style homes, narrow lanes, artist lofts and hip bars. This evening, experience the allure of the infamous tango when a superb show follows dinner in Buenos Aires.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Alvear Palace Hotel -
Day
8Teatro Colón and a day to explore Buenos Aires
This morning, set out on a walking tour of Buenos Aires, making a stop at the iconic Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva (Evita) Perón is laid to rest. Following your tour on foot, enjoy a privately guided visit to the Teatro Colón – the city's seven-tiered opera house that first opened in 1908 and ranks among the finest concert venues in the world. Its opulent stained glass, marble staircases, and excellent acoustics recently underwent a three-year refurbishment. The remainder of the day is free to explore Buenos Aires as you please.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Alvear Palace Hotel -
Day
9Visit a silversmith and a horse ranch
Experience time-honored Argentine traditions today as you venture into the countryside to the artists' community of San Antonio de Areco for a very special visit with one of the most famous silversmiths in the country. The Draghi family has created priceless pieces in pure silver for celebrities and local gauchos alike, and today you'll have the opportunity to see the artists at work. Continue on to a traditional estancia (ranch) for lunch and a fascinating gaucho demonstration with a horse whisperer. Your evening is free to enjoy Buenos Aires as you like.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodations: Alvear Palace Hotel -
Day
10Fly to Chile
A morning flight brings you to Santiago in Chile and the final stop on our tour of South America. Drive south on the Pan-American Highway to the Millahue Valley in the heart of Chile's famous winelands for a two-night stay. Your hotel is acclaimed for its unique architectural design and on-site winery; enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Vik Chile -
Day
11Chilean Wine Country, your way
Immerse in the beauty of wine country today as you choose how you want to spend the morning. Saddle up for a guided horseback ride through the vineyards, center yourself during a session of yoga, or pedal your way on a bicycle through vines meticulously grown and cared for. Your morning continues with a cooking class in the hotel's herb and vegetable garden followed by a wine and chocolate pairing at the hotel. Your final afternoon is complimented by a tour and tasting of Vina Vik's award-winning wine and learnings about the facility's unique architecture. Tonight, a farewell reception and dinner features regional specialties and incredible scenic views.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Vik Chile -
Day
12Travel home from Santiago
Tour ends: Santiago. Drive to Santiago this morning for a city tour and lunch at The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, where day rooms have been reserved for you before your flight home. A transfer is included from The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago to Santiago Airport. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
More Details
Tauck is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Essence of South America tour:
Tauck Values
The following is being included by Tauck on this tour:
- A special visit to a silversmith and lunch at an estancia where gauchos and a horse whisperer demonstrate their skills
- A walk along the base of thundering Iguazú Falls during two nights at a hotel with views of the waterfall
- On-Tour Air included (3 flights)
- Three nights in Rio de Janeiro on Copacabana beach
- A three-night stay in Buenos Aires featuring a private visit to Teatro Colón Opera House, and dinner and a tango show
- Private tour of Rio's Samba City for a behind-the-scenes look at Carnaval costumes, floats and sensational samba dancing
- Private cruise on Guanabara Bay for breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro
Pricing listed above for tours is per person, in US Dollars, and is based on double occupancy. Pricing may change for other occupancy types. Pricing is based on the last time the vendor electronically sent us pricing data, which varies by vendor (usually occurs overnight or multiple times throughout each day).
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by Tauck. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Tauck (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.