Splendours of South America

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Santiago, Chile

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Santiago with British Airways. (N)

Day 2: Santiago

Arrive and transfer to the Hotel Plaza San Francisco for a 2-night stay. Optional afternoon visit to a nearby winery. (N)

Day 3: Santiago

Morning city tour including the historic centre, San Cristobal hill and the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 4: Fly to Punta Arenas Patagonia

Fly to Punta Arenas for a short tour and views of the Strait of Magellan. Continue through the Patagonian wilderness to Puerto Natales. Overnight at Hotel Costaustralis (fjord-view room). (B)

Day 5: Torres del Paine

Full-day excursion through the Torres del Paine National Park to see peaks, glacier lakes and Patagonian wildlife. Stay 2 nights at the Hotel Lago Grey (Superior room with glacier view). (B)

Day 6: Torres del Paine

Morning walk in the national park, close to Lake Sarmiento and Amarga lagoon. Afternoon at leisure or optional excursions in the park. (B)

Day 7: El Calafate, Argentina

Cross the border to El Calafate in Argentina and stay 2 nights at the Hotel Kosten Aike. (B)

Day 8: Perito Moreno glacier

Full-day tour of Perito Moreno glacier. Optional boat trip in front of the gigantic glacier wall. (B)

Day 9: Fly to Buenos Aires

Fly to Buenos Aires and transfer to the Alvear Art Hotel for 3 nights. (B)

Day 10: Buenos Aires

Half-day tour of the elegant capital city and the colourful La Boca district. (B)

Day 11: Buenos Aires

At leisure or optional excursion to an estancia in the Pampas or Colonia in Uruguay. (B)

Days 12-13: Fly to Iguaz / Iguau

Fly to Iguaz Falls and transfer to Brazil for a 2- night stay at the luxurious Belmond Hotel das Cataratas within the park (upgrade to a deluxe falls-view room from £275). Guided visit to the Argentinian side of these striking falls and time at leisure to enjoy the panoramic views from your hotel. The cascades can be experienced while the park is closed to other visitors. (B)

Day 14: Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Fly to Rio, set on a natural bay and surrounded by mountains. Stay at the sumptuous Belmond Copacabana Palace (Superior partial oceanview room) on the iconic beach for 3 nights. Upgrade to deluxe ocean front room from £110. (B)

Days 15-16: Rio de Janeiro

Full-day city tour including Corcovado, the statue of Christ the Redeemer and a cable-car ride up Sugar Loaf mountain. Day 16 at leisure or optional excursions including a visit to the old centre of Rio or a 4×4 tour to Tijuca forest. (B)

Days 17-18: Fly to London

Overnight flight to London with British Airways. Please enquire for supplements for day room use if required. Arrive in London the next day. (B) (N)