Brazil, Argentina & Chile: South America Explorer

Touchdown in Rio de Janeiro, known as cidade maravilhosa (the marvellous city), steamy, sensuous, ever-surprising. Rio is full of contrasts of colour, customs and dazzling scenery. A city of sea and mountains, samba and Carnival. Witness the people of Rio who enjoy a truly relaxed and unique way of life. On arrival, meet your A&K representative who will assist you with your private transfer to your beachfront accommodation. Spend time relaxing in the hotel or head out on your own and explore. Get your bearings in this impossibly fabulous city, with its curving white beaches and city neighbourhoods studded with green-shrouded mountains.

Hotel Fasano

Witness one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, Corcovado’s Christ the Redeemer. Gaze skywards at the sandstone figure towering 38 metres into the air, with arms pointing north and south, and breathe in sweeping views of the city rightly considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. Drive back to your hotel via the Maracanã stadium and famous Sambadrome, home to the annual Carnival parade.

Your afternoon is at leisure to simply soak up the atmosphere from your beachfront home. Or continue to discover why this is truly one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Navigate the streets by bicycle, taking in the hotspots of Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon (additional charge), or visit the Botanical Gardens, one of the world’s most important ecological sanctuaries, at the foot of Corcovado Mountain (additional charge). Alternatively, head to the bohemian Santa Teresa neighbourhood on Morro do Desterro (Exile Hill) for a taste of Old Rio. Take to the hills in a charming street car, seek out art studios and bars, and stop at the “Little Castle” (additional charge).

Hotel Fasano | Meals: B

Begin your day hovering over Sugar Loaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and the golden beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana on a helicopter flight over the city (additional charge). Then, step backstage into the captivating world of Rio’s Carnival, witnessing the artistry and creation of the elaborate costumes and imaginative floats that culminate in the world’s most vibrant street party. You will also have the chance to try on one of the carnival costumes. Afterwards take a driving tour through local neighbourhoods to the base of the mountain. Enjoy the cable car ride to the summit for the best sunset views in the city and sundowners with a backdrop of the city lights twinkling through the sea mist.

Hotel Fasano | Meals: B

Proceed to the airport for your flight to Foz do Iguaçu on the Brazilian side of the mighty Iguassu Falls. Your local A&K representative will meet you at the airport and assist with your private transfer. Drop your bags at the only hotel located within Brazil’s Iguassu National Park, just a short stroll from one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Descend into the canyon and soak up the vista of some 275 falls, before taking a glass elevator back to the top. Later appreciate your exclusive access to this magnificent wonder when the park is closed to non-hotel guests. Witness rainbows of colour over this incredible force of nature or perhaps enjoy a champagne overlooking the falls in near solitude.

Hotel Das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel | Meals: B

No visit to the Iguassu is complete without experiencing the falls from the Argentinian perspective, as today’s adventure will prove. Cross the bridge to Argentina and wander along the network of pathways around the endless sheath of water. Venture by train to the suspended platform at the very brink of the roaring ‘Garganta del Diablo’ waterfall (Devil’s Throat). Here, a motorboat awaits to take you up the Lower Iguassu River, through rapids into the roaring Garganta del Diablo canyon in the heart of the falls. Return to your accommodation or perhaps you may like to experience a helicopter flight (additional charge) over the Iguassu National Park for an unrivalled view of the waterfalls, Três Fronteiras (the meeting point of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay).

Hotel Das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel | Meals: B

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the cosmopolitan Argentine capital where creative talent, atmospheric cafés and aristocratic homes abound. Your A&K representative will accompany you to your luxury accommodation in the Recoleta neighbourhood, where neo-classical mansions sit alongside bustling street markets.

Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt | Meals: B

Explore the highlights of magnificent Buenos Aires on a guided sightseeing tour. This excursion kicks off in one of the city's most significant spots: Plaza de Mayo square, the political heart of the city laid out by Don Juan de Garay in 1580 during the second founding of Buenos Aires.

Continue to the charming San Telmo neighbourhood with its cobblestoned streets, stop off at picturesque and colourful La Boca, and walk along Caminito Street, where local artists display their artwork to the tune of tango performed on the street. Pass through Puerto Madero and see this regenerated area where redbrick warehouses have been transformed into trendy restaurants and bars before finishing the tour in Recoleta, exploring its renowned cemetery to glimpse stunning mausoleums, the final resting place for many of Argentina's key figures.

This evening you’ll be taken to Puerto Madero to experience tango in the Philippe Starck-designed cabaret. In a performance filled with fantasy, sensuality and nostalgia, the Rojo Tango's vanguard show recreates the age when tango was danced on the streets of Buenos Aires. After the show, transfer to your hotel.

Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt | Meals: B

Step straight back into 18th century Argentina with your private A&K guide as you travel through the vast plains of Pampas to colonial township, San Antonio de Areco. Take a deep dive into ranch culture at the Ricardo Güiraldes Gaucho Museum, study master craftsmen as they hammer out Pampas artifacts — from yerba mate gourds to belts — before visiting one of the oldest estancias in Argentina. Devour a delicious barbecue lunch before exploring the property on a horse ride, by carriage or bike. Challenge locals to a game of bocce, Argentine style, or simply relax on the porch, watching local life unfold. This afternoon, enjoy a peaceful, gaucho-inspired afternoon tea before returning to Buenos Aires.

Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt | Meals: B

Transfer to the airport for your flight to El Calafate in Patagonia. From here drive north around Lago Argentino to El Chalten. Located within the Los Glaciares National Park, El Chalten is famous for its hiking trails amid stunning natural beauty, including towering mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes.

Arrive at your secluded lodge, Explora El Chalten, located in a picturesque setting within the Los Huemules Reserve, known for its pristine ecosystem filled with landscapes ideal for hikes, overland trips, ice trekking and rock climbing.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Explora El Chalten | Meals: BD

Experience a choice of activities available at your lodge, exploring any of the nearby areas, each with unique geographic, cultural, and natural features. You may opt to hike the valley, enjoy an easy van-based excursion revealing the panoramic beauty of the area, try rock climbing or ice trekking, relax in a hammock on site, dine al fresco at a table by the river or savour a culinary experience in town.

Explora El Chalten | Meals: BLD

Journey overland to El Calafate, gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Upon arrival your local host will transfer you to your luxury Relais & Chateaux accommodation set on a 10,000-acre paradise, an oasis in the middle of the barren Patagonian landscape. Spend time relaxing and soaking up the extensive views, take a stroll around the property or venture further afield for horse-riding, mountain biking, hiking or birdwatching.

EOLO Spirit of Patagonia | Meals: BD

If you only plan on visiting one glacier in your life, this is the one to pick: Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few remaining advancing glaciers in the world.

Drive across the Patagonian steppe and Andean forest, viewing the distinctive notro tree with its rich red flowers en route. Upon arrival, walk footbridges located at different heights and distances from the glacier that afford you awe-inspiring views and hear the cracks and roars of the incredible living mass that is Perito Moreno. Hike at your own pace and ability for magnificent views of the glacier’s northern and southern faces.

EOLO Spirit of Patagonia | Meals: BLD

Today you will be transferred across the border to the heart of Torres del Paine National Park and your lodge in Chile. Here, guanacos — a wild species of llama — roam the open steppe, and Andean condors soar through the mountain peaks. Settle into your luxurious accommodation, right on the doorstep of emerald forests, crystal glaciers and roaring rivers. This afternoon meet with a qualified guide to discuss the excursions you can enjoy through Patagonia in the coming days.

Explora Patagonia | Meals: BD

The spectacular 600,000 acre Torres del Paine is renowned for its dramatic landscapes of towering granite peaks, pristine lakes and vast glaciers, herds of guanacos as well as an assortment of bird species including condors and swans.

Located on the north-eastern side of the Torres del Paine National Park, the Explora Conservation Reserve is a true expression of Patagonian richness, containing a variety of different ecosystems such as Magellan forest, pre-Andean scrubs, steppes, and Patagonian deserts. The Zamora River and the Las Chinas River both wind through the reserve that is also home to wetlands, lagoons, and a wide range of animals, birds and various endemic species.

Prepare to explore this spectacular landscape on foot, by boat, on horseback or in vans – the choice is yours.

Embracing the vibrant Gaucho tradition that is still alive at the Reserve, horseback explorations with them are available providing authentic insights into local life.

Explora Patagonia | Meals: BLD

Transfer from your lodge to Puerto Natales for a flight to Santiago. On arrival you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the Casablanca Valley.

Set within the stunning grounds of the Matetic Winery and surrounded by over 22 acres of woodland and vineyards, La Casona Matetic offers just 10 guest rooms in a restored colonial house. It offers wine tastings on site, as well as guided tours taking you through the local countryside on foot or bike.

The Casablanca Valley is one of the most visited Wine Valleys in Chile. Its vineyards have earned worldwide recognition due to the high quality of its grapes and wines. The warm, temperate climate of the area and the sea breezes rolling down the valley onto the coastal plain make for the perfect terroir. The best grapes of this valley are Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, although lighter reds such as Pinot Noir are rapidly gaining notoriety.

Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure before a wine tasting at the on-site winery followed by dinner.

La Casona Matetic | Meals: BD

Today is at leisure. Explore the Rosario Valley on foot or by bike, or head to some other local wineries to sample some vintages. Alternatively, you could opt to explore the coastal towns of Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, or simply relax by the pool or in the beautiful gardens of your idyllic vineyard retreat.

La Casona Matetic | Meals: BD

Transfer to Santiago airport.

Meals: B