INDEPENDENT BRAZIL, ARGENTINA & CHILE WITH EASTER ISLAND
It may take two to Tango, but it only takes you to choreograph the perfect day on an Independence by Globus holiday in South America. See how Rio sizzles with Brazilian barbecue, beaches, and bustling nightlife, bringing you a little closer to heaven atop Corcovado Mountain where the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue stands watch. With the freedom to design your days and fill your nights with Latin flair that ignites your independent spirit, you’ll be swaying to the samba in no time! Go chasing waterfalls in Iguassu National Park, where thunderous cascades plummet 300 feet into Devil’s Throat Canyon. On to Buenos Aires, bursting at the seams with bold buildings, European energy, and bustling boulevards on this Independence by Globus South American tour. Walk down the world’s widest avenue where the Colon Theater and Plaza de Mayo burst onto the scene. From the exciting enclave of La Boca to the old district of San Telmo, you can shop ‘til you drop and dine on the deliciousness of dozens of local cafes. Linger in the legendary Recoleta Cemetery where Argentina’s legendary First Lady Evita Perón rests in peace, and then join the land of the living with a lively Tango show. Spend some well-deserved I-time on the Tigre River or horse around with gauchos on an Argentinian estancia where ranch life is alive and kicking. On to Santiago, brimming with art galleries, irresistible eateries, and electrifying nightlife, not to mention your perfectly poised setting between the snow-capped Andes and the Chilean coastline. Walk through the historic streets to trace the city’s bold history and legendary landmarks in the heart of its colonial core. Enjoy free time to explore the legendary Chilean wine country, or the captivating coastal cities of Viña del Mar and Valparaiso. Follow your independent spirit further to explore the extraordinary archaeological treasures of Easter Island. Here, 1,000 massive and mysterious Moai statues stand silent – not sharing their secrets. Explore many more marvelous discoveries on the island, including its curious lava quarries and the lake-filled caldera of the Rano Kau volcano. One mystery is solved here, however. The best way to capture the best of South America is on an Independence by Globus holiday with the time to explore as you wish.
Traveller Notes
- Transportation: As outlined in the day-by-day itinerary and private airport transfers to/from intra-holiday flights; intra-holiday flights not included
- Guides: In Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires & Santiago
- Due to the Carnival holiday, departures with overnights falling in Rio de Janeiro from February 9 to 14, 2024 and February 28 and March 5, 2025 are on request only and will have a supplemental cost if available.
Availability
What's included
Itinerary
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1 ARRIVE IN RIO DE JANEIRO
Welcome to South America's capital of glamour-Rio de Janeiro, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
2 RIO DE JANEIRO
Today, your private tour takes you to the Cosme Velho district, where you board a cog-wheel train that will take you through the lush tropical vegetation of Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain. This rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay is one of the New7Wonders of the World and home to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, which affords sweeping views of the city and beaches below. The afternoon and evening are at leisure. Tonight, you may opt to join an outing to a fun churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats that are marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style. (B)
3 RIO DE JANEIROEnjoy a full day at leisure. Your Local Host will suggest some options for your free time. (B)
Today's I-Time Tips
This afternoon, you may elect to discover historic Petropolis, a mountain resort and site of the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II, or take an optional excursion to visit iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain.
4 RIO DE JANEIRO-IGUASSU FALLS
Fly to Iguassu Falls. This masterpiece of nature encompasses 275 separate falls and spans almost two miles. Upon arrival, you will be met by your Local Guide who will take you on a private tour dedicated to enjoying the spectacle of this 2-mile-wide torrent from the Brazilian side. See the mammoth series of waterfalls cascading over a precipice almost two miles wide and 250 feet deep. Walk into Devil's Throat Canyon, where the clouds of mist, thunderous roar, and 180-degree rainbows surround you-an unforgettable experience! (B)
5 IGUASSU FALLSYour Local Guide will take you on a private tour of the Argentine side of the Iguassu Falls. Begin with a short ride on the open-air Ecological Jungle Train through the rainforest. From atop the falls, a series of boardwalks takes you above the falls to see the water crashing down more than 300 feet below into the Devil's Throat. (B)
Today's I-Time Tips
Your afternoon is free to explore, or you may opt to visit the Bird Park, home to many species of indigenous birds as well as flora from the area.
6 IGUASSU FALLS-BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Fly to Buenos Aires, proud capital of the vast country that occupies most of the southern part of the continent. After arriving at your central hotel, you will have time to become acquainted with the "Paris of South America" and its wide boulevards and outdoor cafes. (B)
7 BUENOS AIRESAfter breakfast, your private tour takes you along the widest avenue in the world to see the Teatro Colon Opera House, the pride of Buenos Aires. You'll also visit the Avenida de Mayo and Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by La Casa Rosada (the President's Pink House), and the Cabildo, which was the first City Hall. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, which houses San Martin's Mausoleum. Continue to the oldest district in Buenos Aires, San Telmo, then stop by colourful La Boca and Palermo. Finish your city tour with a visit to Recoleta Cemetery, burial site of Eva Peron and a highlight of the city. This evening, you may opt to enjoy dinner and a traditional Tango show-Argentina's famed passionate dance. (B)
Today's I-Time Tips
The Tango and Argentina go hand in hand. Treat yourself to a visit to a local tango house to see this passionate dance performed in its authentic style, while dining on Argentine cuisine and wine!
8 BUENOS AIRESToday is free to explore this extraordinary city. Consider an optional excursion to visit a traditional estancia (ranch) to experience the lifestyle of the gauchos, or cruise down the Tigre River surrounded by beautiful landscapes and impressive homes. (B)
Today's I-Time Tips
Estancias date back to the 16th century during Spanish colonisation when conquistadors where gifted land to raise and breed cattle. Today, these lands and traditions that go along with them have been passed down from generation to generation. Today, you have the chance to step into the traditional, local life of a gaucho and embrace Argentinean heritage during an optional trip to an estancia.
9 BUENOS AIRES-SANTIAGO, CHILE
Depart this morning on a scenic flight over the Andes before arriving in Santiago, Chile's capital. This country is more than 10 times longer than it is wide, with 2,650 miles of beautiful Pacific coastline. Upon arrival, meet your local guide who will take you to your hotel. (B)
10 SANTIAGO
Located in the centre of the country, Santiago has evolved as the country's political, commercial, and cultural capital. Step back into the 16th century on your private tour, as your Local Guide traces the city's history and heritage. Start at La Moneda, the official Government Palace, and nearby San Cristobal Hill with its landmark statue of the Virgin Mary. Your tour ends at the Plaza de Armas, the main square, with a visit to the 18th-century Cathedral. (B)
11 SANTIAGOToday is at leisure to explore Santiago as you please. (B)
Today's I-Time Tips
Perhaps take a trip to the beautiful coastal region west of Santiago and the cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar, or head into Chile's famous wine country to visit some of its renowned wineries.
12 SANTIAGO-EASTER ISLAND
Fly to Easter Island, considered the largest open-air museum, boasting over 400 moai, ruins, and temples. Located 2,200 miles off the coast of Chile, this island is a territory of Chile but, feels more like Polynesia. Upon arrival, meet your Local guide who will take you to your hotel. (B)
13 EASTER ISLAND
Your first stop on your tour will be Ahu Vaihu, where eight large moai lie in ruins. Continue on to Ahu Akahanga. According to legend, this is the burial site of the first king of Easter Island (Hotu Matu'a). Next, at the Rano Raraku quarry, you find 394 statues in various stages of completion. It appears that the moai production was abruptly abandoned, leaving us a frozen snapshot that reveals how the moai were carved out of volcanic rocks. At Ahu Tongariki, see 15 beautifully restored moai, and at Ahu Te Pito Kura, see the largest moai ever transported and erected. Last stop is the beach of Anakena, where King Hotu Matu'a first landed on Rapa Nui. (B,L)
14 EASTER ISLAND
This morning, your tour visits the Rano Kau volcano, with a caldera that contains one of the island's freshwater lakes. At the nearby ceremonial village of Orongo, see the restored houses and remains of an ancient ahu. Head to Ana Kai Tagata, an ancient cave with wall paintings on the rock. This afternoon, visit Ahu Akivi, with seven restored moais in the middle of the island. According to legend, the statues represent the seven scouts sent to Easter Island by King Hotu Matu'a. Finally, visit the Puna Pau topknot quarry with its red scoria stone, where the pukaos on top of the moai were made. (B)
15 EASTER ISLAND-SANTIAGO
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Santiago. Transfer to your hotel for your final night in Santiago. (B)
16 SANTIAGO
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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