16-Day Best of South America Tour: Buenos Aires, Patagonia and Rio de Janeiro

Starting in Buenos Aires, you will experience the seduction of the Tango, to Patagonia’s Ushuaia where you discover Tierra del Fuego, the world's southernmost national park, then on to Calafate the Patagonian gateway to Perito Moreno Glacier, and have the chance to witness the phenomenon of the worlds only advancing Glacier, then on to Iguazu Falls to see one of the world natural wonders. The tour will end with 5 days in Rio de Janeiro where you can enjoy the beats and rhythms of this unique city.

Day 1: Arrival in Argentina (D)You will be transferred in from the airport or port to Rooney's Boutique hotel. In the evening, you will take a private tango class to experience the passion and sensuality of tango. Afterwards, you will enjoy dinner at the famous Chiquilín Restaurante where you will be able to enjoy the world famous Argentine beef and Malbec Wine.
Day 2: City Tour and Tango Dinner Show (B) (D) In the morning, you will be picked up by a local guide and given a tour around the city and its surroundings that will allow you to discover its spirit, its mystique and its charm. You will visit Plaza de Mayo, Puerto Madero, La Boca, San Telmo, Palermo and Recoleta Cemetery. In the evening, you will enjoy a Tango Show with Dinner at “El Querandí” dedicated to Carlos Gardel who is recognized as one of the most important singers and actors of the 19th century. Here, he came to fame singing Tango in the many theatres of Buenos Aires.
Day 3: Gaucho Fiesta at Estancia Susana (B) (L) Today, you will be taken out to the pampas of Buenos Aires to a typical ranch were you will be able to enjoy and gain an insight to the “Gaucho” culture. Learn about the Gauchos who are famous horsemen and work the ranches of Argentina. They have wonderful which includes folklore, music, dance and sport. At the Gaucho party you will be received with wine and empanadas. Then, you will visit the Estancia museum and church. You will then learn about the horses and sulky trips and then enjoy a typical Argentine BBQ with wine and a folklore show with Malambo and a demonstration of Gaucho skills.
Day 4: Buenos Aires to El Calafate (B)Enjoy breakfast and then head to the airport to catch your flight to El Calafate. Once there, you'll be taken to Kosten Aike Hotel. After check in, you have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure.
Day 5: El Calafate (B)Have breakfast and then enjoy a full-day guided tour to Los Glaciares National Park. See the amazing natural features and learn all about its flora and fauna from your knowledgeable guide. Walk through some hiking trails to see Perito Moreno Glacier and enjoy this spectacular beauty. You can also explore other parts such as Mount Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, Lake Argentino, Lake Viedma, Upsala Glacier and Spegazzini Glacier. Later on, you sail across the Rico arm of Lake Argentino and admire this majestic sight.
Day 6: El Calafate (B)Today is a free day from which you can choose from a range of options such as Ice-hiking across the Glacier; visit Tierra del Fuego National Park in Chile or just relaxing around the town of El Calafate.
Day 7: El Calafate – Ushuaia (B)After breakfast, you’ll be transported to the airport for your flight to Ushuaia, where you’ll be driven to Los Acebos hotel. You have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure.
Day 8: Ushuaia (B)After breakfast, you spend the day discovering Tierra del Fuego National Park which is the world's southernmost national park. You'll be amazed at the breathtaking landscapes and Patagonian lakes. You can see Tierra del Fuego aboard a vehicle or take a train. You'll pass Mt Susana and arrive at the old prison, which is the site of the Southern Fuegian Railway (also known as the End of the World Train). Here, the tour can be taken on a train or a vehicle. If you choose to take the train, you will leave the station and cross bridges along the way. You'll also stop at Macarena Waterfall station and learn about the Yamana People. Your ride ends at the location where an old Lombardich Sawmill once processed timber. If you choose the vehicle option, you'll head towards Ensenada Bay and see Redonda and Estorbo Islands. You can also see Roca Lake and walk the Lapataia River. Finally, your tour ends at the Green Lagoon and Black Lagoon.
Day 9: Ushuaia (B)After breakfast, you will have a full day tour of Lake Fagnano and Lake Escondido. Leave Ushuaia behind and travel through the peat bog-covered valleys of the Fuegian Andes. Explore the nature of this region in the Carbajal, Huskies, Tierra Mayor and Las Cotorras valleys. You'll start by crossing the sharply rising Andes at Garibaldi Pass (1,476 feet/450 meters) and then travel down the mountain beside Lake Escondido admire the surroundings. Then visit Martinez sawmill along Lake Fagnano and take a peek at local history. Finally stop in Las Cotorras Valley and enjoy a traditional Fuegian lamb barbecue (not included in price).
Day 10: Ushuaia – Iguazu Falls (B)After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to take your connecting flight to Iguazu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Grand Crucero hotel. Recognized world-wide, the Iguazu Falls is considered to be one of the most impressive natural beauties on Earth. With more than 200 falls reaching heights of 200 feet (60 meters), the power, size and sheer noise of Iguazu is simply breathtaking. This Argentinian wonder is definitely not to be missed!
Day 11: Iguazu Falls (B)After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of the Argentine side of the Iguazu Falls and see this incredible section of the Iguazu River. See the mist over the Devil's Throat where endless rainbows are formed. Expect to get wet and feel exhilarated with the spray and close contact of the power of the falls. The ecological train and boat ride is included.
Day 12: Iguazu Falls – Brazilian side - Rio de Janiero(B) After breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel to cross the Argentine Brazilian border to enter the Iguazu National Park on the Brazil side. Here, you will enjoy a great panoramic view of the Falls during a walking tour through the passages that connect the different observation points.In the afternoon, you will take the connecting flight to Rio. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Pestana Rio hotel.
Day 13: Rio de Janeiro (B)After breakfast, you will be picked up for the Sugar loaf mountain tour.The morning tour starts with a panoramic tour of downtown Rio where you'll pass by Sambadrome, the exhibition area for the renowned Samba schools in Rio. Stop by the Metropolitan Cathedral and continue to the traditional Cinelandia Square where you'll see historic buildings such as the Municipal Theater, the National Library and the National Museum of Fine Arts. Then, visit the Urca neighborhood, where Sugar Loaf Mountain is located. Head up on a cable car, stopping at a vantage point at approximately 700 feet (215 meters) above sea level. Admire Guanabara Bay, the Rio-Niteroi Bridge and Corcovado Mountain and once at the top, see Copacabana Beach, the Santa Cruz Fortress and the beaches of Niteroi. After a wonderful experience, you will be taken back to your hotel in Rio de Janeiro.
Day 14: Rio de Janeiro (B)After breakfast, you will take the Corcovado Mountain and Christ the Redeemer Statue tour. Take a cog train through the Atlantic rain forest of Tijuca to the statue of Christ the Redeemer. Spend up to an hour here with your tour guide, who will show you the sights of Rio from this incredible mountain-top vantage point. After a wonderful experience, you will be taken back to your hotel in Rio de Janeiro.
Day 15: Rio de Janeiro (B)Day free to spend at the beach
Day 16: Rio de Janeiro (B)After breakfast, take your flight back home.