Day 1: Depart Miami

En Route

Depart Miami International Airport on your overnight flight to Santiago.

Day 2: Arrive Santiago

Hotel Carrera

Arrive Santiago International Airport. After clearing customs & immigration formalities, you are met by a local representative (outside customs & immigration) and transferred by private mini-van to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 3: Santiago

Hotel Carrera

This morning is your private half-day city tour. Begin at the Plaza de Armas with a stroll to see some of Santiago's main points of interest, such as ³La Moneda² (the government palace) and the love cathedral. Continue with a drive to the ³old city² and the Bohemian neighborhood. Drive up San Cristobal Hill for a panoramic view of Santiago and the Andes Mountains. The tour ends at the artisan's village of Los Graneros de Alba, where there will be time for shopping. (B)

Santiago/Temuco/Pucon

Antumalal Hotel

You are met at the hotel by your guide who will transfer you to the airport for your morning flight to Maquehue International Airport in Temuco. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to Pucon and the Antumalal Hotel ­ about one and a half hours drive. The Antumalal is at Pucon's highest level of sophistication and elegance with spectacular gardens and view of the lake. England's Royal Family has been recent guests at the hotel. Balance of the day at leisure to relax in Huife Hot Springs, raft in Trancura River or trek in Huerquehue National Park. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Pucon

Antumalal Hotel

If you want to spend some days at the highest level of luxury, where the transportation, the food, the activities, the accommodations and the attention to detail exceed your wildest dreams, then in Pucon everything you would want is possible. Pucon is in the midst of the natural paradise, 65 miles, from Temuco, on the shores of the Villarica Lake. Surrounded by hills and the imposing Villarrica volcano, Pucon is considered an ideal center for rest and for adventure. It wraps its visitors with the exclusive magic of southern Chile. In the summer time (November through March) there are sunny days for swimming in the lake or other summer activities. Or, in the winter (July through September) there are winter sports. Following are choices of included activities:

• Horseback riding and barbecue during the whole day or just in the morning; in the afternoon hot springs, rafting or trekking ­ you choose!
• In the morning, visit volcanic caves with a trip in 4X4 Mercedes Unimog. Afternoon of rafting, trekking or hot springs.
• Country day, including barbecue and horseback riding.
• Visit to a spectacular farm near Pucon. Afternoon hot springs or visit volcanic caves.
• Morning, Golf in Peninsula of Pucon ­ 9 holes in the midst of unforgettable views. Afternoon rafting, trekking, slow horseback riding or visit volcanic caves.
• Experience the Mapuche Culture ­ visit a Mapuche Community, and the Machi. The Machi, the spiritual leader and doctor of the community, teaches you about the secrets of their medical techniques, their beliefs and methodologies, and their important position within the community. Inside the community travel by traditional carts.
• Visit Ojas del Caburgue Waterfalls, or Pozone, rustic hot springs in the middle of the forest formed by the underground waters of Caburgua Lake. The beauty of this lake is the intense color of the waters and their waterfalls
• Visit to Huerquehue National Park for a short trek.
• Weather permitting, sail along the lake (appetizers included).
• ...or, day at leisure to enjoy the surrounding area. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Pucon

Antumalal Hotel

Another full day to savor the wonders of Pucon. (B)

Day 7: Pucon/Puerto Varas

Hotel Cabanas

Afternoon transfer to Puerto Varas by private car (187 beautiful miles) to the Hotel Cabanas del Lago in Puerto Varas with lunch en route. (B,L)

Day 8: Puerto Varas/Lake Crossing/Bariloche

Hotel Llao Llao

After breakfast, start your "Fast Lake District Crossing" by a combination of bus and boat to Bariloche, Argentina. Begin with a drive to Petrohue Falls, an incredible, gleaming succession of azure rapids set against the dramatic backdrop of Argentinian mountains to the east. At Petrohue board a launch for a memorable two hour ride across Lake Todos Los Santos (All Saints), universally acclaimed as one of the most beautiful lakes anywhere. Arrive Peulla around midday for lunch. The adventure continues as you drive by bus, through heavily wooded forests to the Argentine border at Puerto Frias. Then, take a 25-minute boat ride on lovely Lake Frias and a short bus jaunt to Puerto Blest, Argentina. Finally, a dazzling 1 1/2-hour ride on gorgeous Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Panuelo pier, for the scenic half-hour drive to Bariloche in Argentina, and the Hotel Llao Llao
on the shores of Lake Hahuel Huapi (lake view room)
.
 
Bariloche is known for its deep blue lakes, towering mountains and glaciers, colorful flowers, good hotels and inns, fishing, hunting, skiing, golfing, climbing or just ambling...and, above all, wine-like air and unbelievable scenery. This truly is a never-to-be-forgotten vacation area. (B,L)

Day 9: Bariloche/Buenos Aires

Hotel Alvear Palace

Day at leisure to appreciate the beautiful surroundings and your elegant hotel. Late afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires you are met and transferred to the Hotel Alvear Palace (Palace Premium Room). (B)

Day 10: Buenos Aires

Hotel Alvear Palace

This morning's "get-acquainted" tour will show you the major architectural sights of Buenos Aires, the most European city in South America. Drive through Plaza de Mayo, a historically famous park surrounded by the Government Palace, old Cabildo and the Cathedral, housing the remains of San Martin. See the regal Colon Opera House, a mélange of Greek, French, and Italian architecture, with some of the best acoustics in the world. The opera house is situated on the widest boulevard in the world, Avenida 9 de Julio. Continue on to Palermo Park with its racetrack and beautiful Rose gardens, La Recoleta Cemetery and the quaint and lively Italian Quarter of La Boca in the harbor district. The balance of the day is free for independent exploration. Perhaps this is the evening to visit one of Buenos Aires' famous tango bars. (B)

Day 11: Buenos Aires

Hotel Alvear Palace

Today is your full day excursion into the beautiful Argentinian countryside to Estancia "La Benquerencia", located in General Belgrano Town, 130 km from Buenos Aires (90 minutes drive). It features 5375 total acres including 125 acres of parks, 13 miles of roads, lovely swimming pool, beautiful gardens and horses to ride. There is a reception in the "Matera" (like a living room), a visit to the gardens, and a midday snack with "Empanadas" and drinks.
For lunch, enjoy a traditional Argentine "asado" (barbecue) with roast beef and drinks. In the afternoon, visit the main house and see a collection of period-carriages. (B,L)

Day 12: Buenos Aires/Iguazu Falls

Hotel das Cataratas

You are met by your guide and transferred to the airport for your flight to Iguazu Falls. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to the wonderful Hotel das Cataratas (Superior Room). The Iguazu National Park is a gem of tropical scenery, vistas, birds and butterflies. Two miles of waterfalls churn out a downpour so heavy that at times windows at nearby hotels are rattled by the roar and vibration of the waters. Spanning the Iguazu River like a giant horseshoe, the main battery of falls is the Garganta do Diabo, or the Devil's Throat. This afternoon walk down the pathway from the hotel along the falls. The vistas are simply unforgettable as you are surrounded by lush tropical greenery, butterflies, birds, flowers and the roar of the immense falls with every turn in the pathway revealing the falls from a more striking angle. (B)

Day 13: Iguaza Falls/Rio de Janeiro

Hotel Copacabana Palace

The day is free for relaxation, independent exploration or hiking around the falls. Late afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro International Airport. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to the Hotel Copacabana Palace (Beach View Room). (B)

Day 14: Rio de Janeiro

Hotel Copacabana Palace

Today is your full day tour of Rio de Janeiro, one of the most exotic and romantic cities in the world. In the morning. Drive to Cosme Velho where you board the funicular railway for a 20-minute ride through the Tijuca Forest. As the train climbs Corcovado ("Hunchback") Mountain, enjoy spectacular views of Rio peeking through the dense vegetation below. Crowning Corcovado at 2400 feet above sea level, is the majestic statue of Christ - 120 feet high with outstretched arms welcoming you to take in the breathtaking panorama before you - unmatched for its spellbinding magic! Descend by train through the forest, and drive to a Churrascaria, a Brazilian steakhouse, for lunch. The menu features a mouth-watering selection of sausage, pork, chicken, beef sirloin and tenderloin...all char-broiled to perfection...and accompanied by fresh salads, tangy relishes, rice, and fries. Dessert is a choice: Ice cream or fresh tropical fruit. After lunch, drive to the Urca district and board a cable car to make the ascent to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. The first stage of the ride goes to Urca Hill where there are gardens and lookout points. The second stage takes you even higher to the very top of famous Sugarloaf Mountain itself - 1300 feet above sea level. Return to your hotel via Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the Jockey Club and the Botanical Gardens; with over 5000 species of tropical plants in 350 acres. (B)

Day 15: Rio de Janeiro

Hotel Copacabana Palace

A free day for independent exploration activities Rio de Janeiro. Don't miss the opportunity this evening to experience some of Rio's nightlife, renowned the world over as some of the most exciting anywhere. (B)

Day 16: Rio de Janeiro/Depart

En Route

This is your final free day in Rio. You hotel room is held for late check-out. Get your last shopping done, take a dip at Copacabana beach and transfer in the late afternoon to Rio de Janeiro International Airport for your departure flight. (B)

Day 17: Arrive Miami

En Route

Morning arrival at Miami International Airport. Welcome Home!

INCLUDED IN YOUR PROGRAM

• 2 nights in Santiago at the Hotel Plaza San Francisco including buffet breakfast.
• 3 nights in Pucon at the Antumalal Hotel including all meals and activities during your stay.
• 1 night in Puerto Varas at the Hotel Cabanas del Lago including buffet breakfast.
• 1 night in Bariloche at the Hotel Llao Llao (Lake View Room) including buffet breakfast.
• 3 nights in Buenos Aires at the Hotel Alvear Palace (Premium Palace Room) including buffet breakfast.
• 1 night in Iguassu Falls at the Hotel das Cataratas (Superior Double Room) including buffet breakfast.
• 3 nights and 1 dayroom in Rio de Janeiro at the Hotel Copacabana Palace (Beach View Room) including buffet breakfast.
• Meals as indicated above by (B), (B,L), (B,L,D); B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner.
• Sightseeing as detailed in itinerary with private local licensed guides including all entrance fees.
• All required transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles.
• Meet & greet services at all airports for arrivals and departures.
• Gratuities for two pieces of luggage per person (outside customs & immigration areas at airports and at hotels for doormen only).

SORRY, NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR PROGRAM

• Cost of visas (required for Brazil) or departure taxes as required.
• Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, incidental expenses at hotel, etc.
• Tips for guides and drivers. These are at the clients' discretion.

NOTE REGARDING THE IGUASSU FALLS NATIONAL PARK TAX

Guests staying at the Hotel das Cataratas (on the Brazilian side of the falls), will be charged U.S. $6.00 per person (directly ­ cannot be prepaid) for the Brazilian National Park Tax, and will receive an ID card valid for the duration of the stay at the hotel. If you want to visit the Argentine side of the falls, there is an additional charge of US $6.00 for the Argentinean National Park Tax.