Signature Brazil, Argentina and Chile: Coast to coast
15 days from £5,650
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
Transfer to your hotel slap bang in the middle of Copacabana beach’s famous promenade. Rio is the most romantic, intriguing and beautiful city on the continent. Sumptuous apartments overlook the sparkling bays against the backdrop of half-built slum dwellings, favelas, which cling precariously to the hillsides. But everywhere the city is being spruced up in time for the World Cup and Olympic Games. Rio has an awesome bay-side location among near-vertical granite mountains. Here, tropical foliage swoops down to white-to-toffee coloured sandy beaches in turn battered by the huge waves of Atlantic surf.
The attractive, contemporary Porto Bay Rio International is ideally located on Copacabana’s beachfront with superb views across the coastline from the striking rooftop pool. Guestrooms are relatively spacious and most have sought-after ocean views and balconies, unusual in Rio.
Rooms without balconies have floor-to-ceiling windows and magnificent, dual-aspect views. Rooms also have air-con, cable TV, Wifi and ensuite bathrooms.
There is a 5th-floor restaurant with great beach views, plus a sauna, small gym, cafe and bar, while the highlight is undoubtedly the rooftop lounge bar and decked open-air pool area overlooking Copacabana’s golden sands.
There is probably no better place to appreciate Rio’s magnificent cityscape, bays and beaches than from atop the 710m high jungle clad Corcovado mountain, part of the urban Tijuca national park. The ascent is in itself memorable: the rack railway which goes almost to the summit has been here since the late 1800s, although since refurbished. Nowadays, an electric-powered cog-wheel train climbs steeply through the lush Tijuca rainforest, with its abundant flowers and fruit trees, to the steps (or elevators) below the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer.
At 30m high, the statue was erected in the early 1930s, has since become part of Brazil’s cultural identity and been declared one of the new Wonders of the World. On clear and sunny days, Corcovado offers stunning views of the city of Rio, including the instantly recognisable Sugar Loaf mountain, Niteroi bridge, and the famous beaches. There’s plenty of time to take pictures but no amount of time is enough to totally take it all in. After exploring the viewpoints you’ll take the railway back down to the base before returning to your hotel.
The attractive, contemporary Porto Bay Rio International is ideally located on Copacabana’s beachfront with superb views across the coastline from the striking rooftop pool. Guestrooms are relatively spacious and most have sought-after ocean views and balconies, unusual in Rio.
Rooms without balconies have floor-to-ceiling windows and magnificent, dual-aspect views. Rooms also have air-con, cable TV, Wifi and ensuite bathrooms.
There is a 5th-floor restaurant with great beach views, plus a sauna, small gym, cafe and bar, while the highlight is undoubtedly the rooftop lounge bar and decked open-air pool area overlooking Copacabana’s golden sands.
A private guided tour takes you to Sugar Loaf mountain, which you ascend by the famous cable car: from the summit you can survey Copacabana beach and Botafogo Bay with its bobbing sailboats and yachts.
You might consider in your free time a visit to the Botanical Gardens, founded in 1809 but recently refurbished to offer a stunning display of endemic and imported shrubs, trees and flowers, including orchids and a large variety of fruit trees. It’s a tranquil oasis in such a buzzy city, many paths are shady and there are benches where you can sit down and wait to spot a curious monkey or toucan.
The attractive, contemporary Porto Bay Rio International is ideally located on Copacabana’s beachfront with superb views across the coastline from the striking rooftop pool. Guestrooms are relatively spacious and most have sought-after ocean views and balconies, unusual in Rio.
Rooms without balconies have floor-to-ceiling windows and magnificent, dual-aspect views. Rooms also have air-con, cable TV, Wifi and ensuite bathrooms.
There is a 5th-floor restaurant with great beach views, plus a sauna, small gym, cafe and bar, while the highlight is undoubtedly the rooftop lounge bar and decked open-air pool area overlooking Copacabana’s golden sands.
Fly to Foz do Iguaçú before crossing the border to your hotel into Argentina.
The Iguazú Falls are unquestionably one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena in the world. A total of 275 falls thunder over a 60m high rust-coloured cliff surrounded by dense tropical forest. The U-shaped Devil’s Throat is the most dramatic sight, here the frothing water of the Iguazú river crashes over a 1.5 km-wide precipice and columns of vapour are thrown skywards. Elsewhere the river flows decorously through the rainforest breaking up into dozens of smaller cascades.
Mercure Iguazú Iru is an excellent base for visiting the Iguazú Falls, enveloped by the tropical rainforest of the Iryapú jungle, creating the feeling that you are staying in a remote natural wilderness.
This property offers a peaceful stay accompanied by birdsong, even though you are not far from the town of Puerto Iguazú and the airports on both the Argentinian and the Brazilian sides of the border.
To take advantage of forest views, all the guest rooms have wall-sized picture windows and balconies, surrounded by tropical plants. The buildings, linked by wooden walkways, are low-rise and use of stone, wood and foliage-studded décor blends the property with the environment, while the style is strikingly contemporary with rustic touches.
There’s a smart restaurant, woodland-fringed pool and fitness centre with whirlpool to relax after exploring the Falls.
Start at the National Park Visitor Centre, where there is a display illustrating the biodiversity of the tropical rainforest. From there, a little natural-gas-powered train transfers you to Cataratas station where the Upper Walk begins.
This sequence of causeways and passerelles links dozens of tiny, basalt islands at the top of the rock face. These walkways cross the myriad streams of the river Iguazú as they cascade over the lip of the precipice. A succession of lookout points allows your gaze to follow the water, as it plunges onto the rocks below.
You can then continue to the Lower Walk, which gives you a totally different perspective of the falls. Climb back up to the train and continue to Devil’s Throat Station. From here, a kilometre-long walkway leads you across the river to view the thunderous Garganta del Diablo from the Argentine side, a spectacular vantage point from which to peer into the thundering vortex below where the water swirls and roars in an agitated maelstrom.
Mercure Iguazú Iru is an excellent base for visiting the Iguazú Falls, enveloped by the tropical rainforest of the Iryapú jungle, creating the feeling that you are staying in a remote natural wilderness.
This property offers a peaceful stay accompanied by birdsong, even though you are not far from the town of Puerto Iguazú and the airports on both the Argentinian and the Brazilian sides of the border.
To take advantage of forest views, all the guest rooms have wall-sized picture windows and balconies, surrounded by tropical plants. The buildings, linked by wooden walkways, are low-rise and use of stone, wood and foliage-studded décor blends the property with the environment, while the style is strikingly contemporary with rustic touches.
There’s a smart restaurant, woodland-fringed pool and fitness centre with whirlpool to relax after exploring the Falls.
Your guided tour will take you to the walkways on the Brazilian side of the falls which offers an overall panoramic vista. Most impressive perhaps is the 1.5km paved walkway with viewpoints at strategic intervals – you get a panoramic view of the whole sweep of the cataracts – an entirely different experience from the Argentine side. Towards the end of the walk, there’s an observation tower adjacent to the falls, and a walkway at the bottom takes you out for a closer and much wetter experience.
Mercure Iguazú Iru is an excellent base for visiting the Iguazú Falls, enveloped by the tropical rainforest of the Iryapú jungle, creating the feeling that you are staying in a remote natural wilderness.
This property offers a peaceful stay accompanied by birdsong, even though you are not far from the town of Puerto Iguazú and the airports on both the Argentinian and the Brazilian sides of the border.
To take advantage of forest views, all the guest rooms have wall-sized picture windows and balconies, surrounded by tropical plants. The buildings, linked by wooden walkways, are low-rise and use of stone, wood and foliage-studded décor blends the property with the environment, while the style is strikingly contemporary with rustic touches.
There’s a smart restaurant, woodland-fringed pool and fitness centre with whirlpool to relax after exploring the Falls.
Fly to Buenos Aires. The Argentine capital is an elegant, cultured and cosmopolitan city famed for its interesting museums and the fascinating port district of La Boca, with its cobbled streets and brightly painted houses. It was here that the tango was born, and Diego Maradona honed his footballing skills.
The centre of town is home to the colonial heartland, government buildings and churches, as well as chic shopping districts, which have a nostalgic Parisian or Italianate style. The bohemian quarter of San Telmo is full of quaint old houses interspersed with antiques shops, tango bars and classy restaurants. Slightly further out of the centre is the Recoleta district, even more evocative of the French influence, where Evita Perón was laid to rest.
The comfortable and elegant mid-range Loi Suites Recoleta hotel is on a conveniently located avenue in the well-heeled district of Recoleta, an area brimming with chic cafés, parks and boutiques.
Many of the double-glazed rooms have impressive views over the neighbourhood’s most famous tourist attraction: the beautiful, labyrinthine Recoleta Cemetery, lined with the impressive marble mausoleums of Argentina’s late great and good.
The main entrance leads into an attractive marble lobby and atrium with an indoor ‘winter garden’ and heated pool beneath a large skylight with iron supports.
The hotel has a European feel to its design and architecture, and the décor of the well-equipped guest rooms is led by subtle tones and contemporary style. There’s a buffet breakfast, gym, sauna and sophisticated restaurant.
Your guided city tour takes you along Avenida 9 de Julio, one of the widest boulevards in the world and studded by the Obelisk, an emblematic symbol of the city. Along this majestic highway is the 19th century Teatro Colón which, in terms of its architecture and design, as well as its excellent acoustics, is considered one of world’s best.
On to the Plaza de Mayo, enclosed on three sides by the Metropolitan cathedral, the Town Hall and the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace. The tour continues to bohemian, arty La Boca, which was settled and built by Italian immigrants and has streets lined with brightly painted corrugated iron-clad houses. Visit also the district of Recoleta.
You might wish to spend the evening at an optional tango show – the passage of time has given respectability to a dance once confined to the seedy underworld bars of the red-light La Boca district. Nowadays, a number of ‘tango houses’ offer a dinner and show as an evening out.
The comfortable and elegant mid-range Loi Suites Recoleta hotel is on a conveniently located avenue in the well-heeled district of Recoleta, an area brimming with chic cafés, parks and boutiques.
Many of the double-glazed rooms have impressive views over the neighbourhood’s most famous tourist attraction: the beautiful, labyrinthine Recoleta Cemetery, lined with the impressive marble mausoleums of Argentina’s late great and good.
The main entrance leads into an attractive marble lobby and atrium with an indoor ‘winter garden’ and heated pool beneath a large skylight with iron supports.
The hotel has a European feel to its design and architecture, and the décor of the well-equipped guest rooms is led by subtle tones and contemporary style. There’s a buffet breakfast, gym, sauna and sophisticated restaurant.
A full day at leisure to explore the many facets of Argentina’s capital city. Your city tour will have given you an overview of its distinctly different neighbourhoods but you may welcome the opportunity to retrace your steps or discover new ones. Soak up the atmosphere of bohemian San Telmo, perhaps have lunch in leafy Palermo or browse the upmarket shops of Recoleta.
If you’d like to explore further afield we can organise a full-day trip across the River Plate to Colonia del Sacramento, in Uruguay. Colonia was founded in 1680 and UNESCO has recently declared its beautifully preserve historic core a World Heritage Site. The modern part of town is lively and neat, its wide avenues lined with trees. The historic centre has narrow, winding cobbled streets with colonial buildings. One feature of many provincial Uruguayan towns is the number of 60 and 70-year-old cars that are still in use.
Other options include a trip to the River Plate delta. With elegant suburbs such as Tigre and San Isidro and its network of rivers and channels, the delta region is an attractive and popular retreat for residents of Buenos Aires, a world away from the big city.
The comfortable and elegant mid-range Loi Suites Recoleta hotel is on a conveniently located avenue in the well-heeled district of Recoleta, an area brimming with chic cafés, parks and boutiques.
Many of the double-glazed rooms have impressive views over the neighbourhood’s most famous tourist attraction: the beautiful, labyrinthine Recoleta Cemetery, lined with the impressive marble mausoleums of Argentina’s late great and good.
The main entrance leads into an attractive marble lobby and atrium with an indoor ‘winter garden’ and heated pool beneath a large skylight with iron supports.
The hotel has a European feel to its design and architecture, and the décor of the well-equipped guest rooms is led by subtle tones and contemporary style. There’s a buffet breakfast, gym, sauna and sophisticated restaurant.
Fly to Mendoza on the eastern flanks of the Andes. In a broad river valley, in view of snow-draped Andean peaks and surrounded by vineyards, Mendoza is well known as one of Argentina’s premier wine-producing districts. The region of Mendoza experienced a massive wine-boom in the 19th century and early 20th century which turned it into the fifth largest wine growing area of the world and the first in Latin America.
Continue to the sleepy little town Chacras de Coria, a short drive outside Mendoza in the heart of wine country where you’ll stay at one of the delightful small hotels in the region – a great base for vineyard visits.
This friendly and informal family-owned country house is 15km outside Mendoza in the heart of Argentina’s best-known wine producing region. The rich viticultural and gastronomic heritage of the area is much in evidence at Lares de Chacras. It’s a rustic place, not luxurious, but the service is exceptional.
The architectural style is rustic and cosy, combining stone with wood and other natural materials. There are just eight rooms; those on the ground floor have sliding glass doors opening on to the garden and first floor rooms have balconies.
There is a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and a restaurant, bar, cavernous wine cellar and living room with a welcoming open fireplace. There’s also a traditional quincho where a typical Argentine barbecue can be prepared. In the surrounding vine-draped landscapes lie numerous vineyards which you can visit during your stay.
You have a guided tour today which takes you to two of the local vineyards, where you can taste the wines of their well-known wine cellars. A variety of wines is produced including Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, but it is Malbec which stands out for its quality and its grapes are the most widely cultivated. The grape was originally imported from Cahors in France but is now one of Argentina’s specialities.
This friendly and informal family-owned country house is 15km outside Mendoza in the heart of Argentina’s best-known wine producing region. The rich viticultural and gastronomic heritage of the area is much in evidence at Lares de Chacras. It’s a rustic place, not luxurious, but the service is exceptional.
The architectural style is rustic and cosy, combining stone with wood and other natural materials. There are just eight rooms; those on the ground floor have sliding glass doors opening on to the garden and first floor rooms have balconies.
There is a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and a restaurant, bar, cavernous wine cellar and living room with a welcoming open fireplace. There’s also a traditional quincho where a typical Argentine barbecue can be prepared. In the surrounding vine-draped landscapes lie numerous vineyards which you can visit during your stay.
Today you’ll fly across the Andes to the Chilean capital, Santiago.
The city is set in a broad Andean valley with the majestic snow-capped peaks as a backdrop and a smaller coastal range with a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Santiago is a huge metropolis, a mix of the old and the contemporary, with quarters of tree-lined avenues and affluent tranquillity and others full of commercial bustle. Poorer districts sprawl on the outskirts.
You’ll be staying in Providencia a very pleasant, leafy district in which to stroll, browse the shops and stop at a pavement café. For an alternative view you might head over to Lastarria, one of the city’s more bohemian quarters which has has many restaurants, bars, and boutiques. It is now a centre for the arts with cinemas, theatres, live performances and festivals.
Le Rêve first caught our eye because it is one of the very few boutique-style hotels located in Providencia, a residential, shopping and entertainment district within easy reach of the colonial centre by underground or taxi ride.
The hotel occupies an elegant historic residence, again in refreshing contrast to this generally modern, high-rise area of Santiago. It’s also on a particulary nice street, with a couple of cafés and restaurants across the road.
Its 30 or so quietly sophisticated guestrooms blend French classical style with contemporary tones. On warmer days, you can relax over breakfast in the idyllic garden patio. And when you’re heading out, Le Rêve is within walking distance of a plentiful supply of restaurants, shops and bars.
There’s a guided walking tour of the centre of the city today. Modern, high-rise buildings dominate the skyline and the history of earthquakes in Santiago’s architectural heritage may not be immediately obvious to the visitor.
At street level, however, Santiago retains some fine historic buildings alongside eye-catching contemporary structures. This excursion will acquaint you with some of Santiago’s more interesting landmarks and neighbourhoods on foot, allowing you to soak up the atmosphere of the city.
You are of course free to return and explore further in your own time. Historic ports of call include the Museo de Bellas Artes, Cerro Santa Lucia, the Central Market and the former Mapocho railway station. The tour includes a stop at the former National Congress where Salvador Allende was overthrown in 1973 in the coup masterminded by General Pinochet, and culminates in the Plaza Mayor, the heart of Santiago’s historic centre.
Le Rêve first caught our eye because it is one of the very few boutique-style hotels located in Providencia, a residential, shopping and entertainment district within easy reach of the colonial centre by underground or taxi ride.
The hotel occupies an elegant historic residence, again in refreshing contrast to this generally modern, high-rise area of Santiago. It’s also on a particulary nice street, with a couple of cafés and restaurants across the road.
Its 30 or so quietly sophisticated guestrooms blend French classical style with contemporary tones. On warmer days, you can relax over breakfast in the idyllic garden patio. And when you’re heading out, Le Rêve is within walking distance of a plentiful supply of restaurants, shops and bars.
Transfer to Matetic, a vineyard just 90mins’ drive away between Santiago and the port of Valparaiso on the coast.
This young vineyard is situated in the Antonio valley, where a refreshing microclimate supports the cultivation of Pinot Noir and Shiraz grapes. This huge estate has a very peaceful, rural setting amid rolling hills covered in Mediterranean chaparral forest. It’s a state-of-the-art design winery, ultra modern in appearance, established only in 1999 and in 10 years has already won awards for the quality of its wine and its biodynamic practices.
You spend your last night here: facilities include a restaurant specialising in Chilean cuisine with menus prepared to complement the vineyard’s excellent wines, a spacious living room, pool table and bar. A tour of the winery and wine tasting is included.
The idyllic Matetic vineyard and its small hotel, La Casona, are situated in Chile’s Antonio Valley, where a refreshing microclimate supports the cultivation of Pinot Noir and Shiraz grapes.
It’s just an hour’s drive from Santiago airport, but the rural peace and serenity are such that it feels a world away from the modern capital. Wine-tasting and a tour of the winery are included in your stay.
Accommodation is in a renovated 100-year-old estancia set around a central courtyard with adobe walls and colonnaded walkways. Surrounding the house are beautiful gardens with formal topiary and an outdoor lap pool, where you can relax and enjoy views to the vineyards.
There is a small selection of guest rooms, each decorated in a simple but elegant style, while the luxury suite is more spacious with a whirlpool bath. There’s a restaurant specialising in gourmet Chilean cuisine to complement the vineyard’s excellent wines. Other facilities include a spacious living room, pool table and bar.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Brazil - Rio de Janeiro
Waking up to your first view of Copacabana Beach is one of Brazil’s great travel moments, and Rio only builds from there. Granite peaks, rainforest-covered hills and golden sand meet a city that never quite sits still: samba spilling out of bars, football on the beach, Carnival taking over the streets once a year.
Argentina - Iguazu Falls – Argentinian side
Walk the spray-soaked catwalks that carry you out over the falls, take the ecological train through the jungle to the Devil’s Throat and ride a speedboat into the base of the cascades. The Argentinian side of Iguazú puts you closer to the water than anywhere else, deep inside the national park and its wildlife-rich forest.
Brazil - Iguazu Falls – Brazilian Side
Experience one of South America’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, where immense waterfalls plunge through subtropical rainforest alive with birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls offers sweeping panoramic views, exhilarating adventures and an unforgettable perspective on this extraordinary landscape.
Argentina - Buenos Aires
Discover Argentina’s elegant and energetic capital, where grand European-style architecture, vibrant neighbourhoods, world-class cuisine and the passion of tango come together to create one of South America’s most captivating cities. Dynamic, stylish and nostalgic in equal measure, Buenos Aires is a destination worthy of a trip in its own right.
Argentina - Mendoza and the vineyards
Self-proclaimed the “land of sunshine and wine”, Mendoza sits in the rain-shadow of the Andes, its vineyards producing some of Argentina’s most celebrated Malbecs under near-constant blue skies. Between the fine wine, gourmet cuisine, mountain scenery and outdoor adventure on offer, few destinations reward food and wine lovers quite like Mendoza holidays do.
Chile - Santiago and the vineyards
Snow-capped Andean peaks overlook cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, historic plazas and sun-drenched vineyards in Santiago Chile – the country’s sophisticated capital and its surrounding wine country. Combining urban culture with world-class wineries, Santiago and vineyards nearby give you the perfect introduction to Chile.
This overview of Brazil, Argentina and Chile takes you from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific ocean, including three of South America’s most impressive cities – Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Santiago.
You begin in Rio with its music on every street corner and football on every beach – all with a glorious mountain backdrop. Visit the Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue for magnificent views. Continue north to the Iguazú Falls, the immense, roaring cataracts which straddle the frontier of Brazil and Argentina.
Move on to Buenos Aires, a city oozing culture and nostalgia. Head back into the countryside and the sunny vineyards of Mendoza, where some of the best Argentine wine is produced. Visit some of the finest wineries then cross the Andes to Santiago and end your trip on a wine tour at one of Chile’s also highly regarded wineries.
Sally Dodge
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Summary of Nights
15 days, 14 nights: Rio de Janeiro 3; Iguazú 3; Buenos Aires 3; Mendoza winery 2; Santiago 2; Winery 1.
- Accommodation
This trip uses upper mid-range accommodation and lodges that we think are great value, comfortable, well-located and which showcases a touch of local character. Properties vary in heritage from colonial style to resort-style lodges, but will all be well-equipped with rooms that have private bathrooms. Most accommodation is flexible and can be tailored to meet your specific preferences and requirements.
- Transport
4 domestic flights (longest 2hrs), and road transfers no more than one hour.
- Meals
Breakfast daily; dinner day 14;
- Guides
Our local, trusted and carefully selected partners understand the expectations of our customers very well, and their staff and guides are consistently singled out for praise by clients on their return. On this holiday, you will be joined by different guides for each activity and or region, ensuring you benefit from specialised expertise and knowledge, often from someone local to the area.
- Optional Excursions
As well as any included activities, this Private Journey includes some free time for optional excursions. As optional excursions are often subject to availability, we recommend you discuss and arrange them with your Travel Expert as early as possible before you depart.
- Do I need a visa to visit Argentina?
British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip. If you’re routing through the US, you’ll need an ESTA in advance. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
- How do I get to Argentina from the UK?
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires in about 13.5 hours. There are also connecting routes via Madrid, São Paulo and other hubs, taking roughly 16 to 17 hours depending on the routing. We arrange all flights and transfers, and can quote them separately based on your dates.
- What’s the best way to travel around Argentina?
The country’s size makes domestic flights the most practical way to cover long distances, and most routes connect through Buenos Aires. Within regions, we arrange private transfers and guided excursions, while self-driving works well in the Lake District, Mendoza and parts of Patagonia, where the roads are good, and the scenery is spectacular.
- What currency does Argentina use?
The official currency is the Argentine peso. US dollars are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and it’s worth carrying some. ATMs are available in cities and larger towns but can have low withdrawal limits, and credit cards are taken in hotels and restaurants in the main destinations. We’ll advise on the latest currency situation before you travel.
- How long should I spend in Argentina?
Two weeks works well for a first trip, pairing Buenos Aires with Iguazú and Patagonia, or with Mendoza and the lake district. To go further and add the northwest, Península Valdés or an estancia stay, allow three weeks or more. We’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
- What language is spoken in Argentina?
Spanish is the official language, spoken with a distinctive Argentine accent and plenty of Italian influence. English is widely spoken in hotels and tourist areas, less so beyond them, so a few basic Spanish phrases go a long way.
- Is Argentina safe for travellers?
Argentina is generally safe for visitors, especially in the main tourist areas. As in any large city, take sensible precautions in Buenos Aires: keep an eye on your surroundings, avoid flashy valuables, and use licensed taxis or ride apps. Our Travel Experts will advise on anything specific to the regions you’re visiting.
- What can I combine with Argentina?
Argentina pairs naturally with Chile, crossing the Andes from Mendoza, taking the lake crossing from Bariloche or linking a Patagonia trip across both countries. Brazil is a popular add-on to Iguazú Falls; Uruguay is a short ferry ride from Buenos Aires; and Peru pairs well with a broader South America itinerary. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country trip around you.
- Do I need a visa to visit Chile?
British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist visits. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip. If you’re routing through the US, you’ll need an ESTA in advance. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
- How do I get to Chile from the UK?
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to Santiago, taking around 14.5 hours. There are also connecting routes via Madrid, Paris and other European hubs. We arrange all flights and transfers, and can quote them separately based on your dates.
- What's the best way to travel around Chile?
The country’s length makes domestic flights the most practical way to cover long distances, with most routes connecting through Santiago. Within regions, we arrange private transfers and guided excursions. For scenic stretches like the Lake District or the Carretera Austral, overland travel is part of the experience.
- What currency does Chile use?
The official currency is the Chilean peso. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and ATMs are available in most towns. Carry some cash for tips, smaller purchases and rural areas. We’ll advise on the latest currency situation before you travel.
- What's the altitude like in Chile?
Most of Chile sits at low to moderate altitude, but parts of the Atacama, including Lauca National Park and areas around San Pedro, reach over 3,000m. Altitude can cause headaches, dizziness and breathlessness, so it’s important to acclimatise gradually, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol on arrival. We plan all itineraries with altitude in mind.
- How long should I spend in Chile?
Two weeks works well for a single focus, such as the Atacama with a few days in Santiago, or Torres del Paine with time in the lake district. To cover Chile’s full range, from desert to Patagonia, allow three weeks or more. We’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
- Do I need vaccinations for Chile?
There are currently no mandatory vaccines for UK travellers visiting Chile, but we always recommend checking the most up-to-date requirements well before travelling. You can do this by visiting TravelHealthPro and FCDO travel pages. Alternatively, you can contact us and speak to one of our experts who can advise on any current considerations for the areas you’re visiting.
- What countries can I combine with Chile?
Chile pairs naturally with Argentina, crossing the Andes from Santiago to Mendoza, or the lakes from Puerto Varas to Bariloche. Bolivia is an easy add-on from the Atacama, with routes through the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country trip around you.
- Do I need a visa to visit Brazil?
British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip. If you’re routing through the US, you’ll need an ESTA in advance. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
- How do I get to Brazil from the UK?
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to both Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, taking around 11.5 hours to Rio. There are also connecting routes via Lisbon, Madrid and other European hubs. We arrange all flights and transfers, and can quote them separately based on your dates.
- What’s the best way to travel around Brazil?
The country’s size makes domestic flights the most practical way to cover long distances, with most routes connecting through São Paulo or Rio. Within regions, we arrange private transfers and guided excursions. In the Pantanal, travel is by 4×4 and boat from your lodge, and in the Amazon, river transport is part of the experience.
- What currency does Brazil use?
The official currency is the Brazilian real. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and ATMs are available in most towns, though some have withdrawal limits. Carry some cash for tips, smaller purchases and rural areas. We’ll advise on the latest currency situation before you travel.
- How long should I spend in Brazil?
Two weeks works well for a first trip, pairing Rio with Iguazú Falls and either the Amazon or the Pantanal. To go further and add Salvador, the northeast beaches or Fernando de Noronha, allow three weeks or more. We’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
- What language is spoken in Brazil?
Portuguese is the official language, and Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country in South America. English is spoken in hotels and tourist areas, less so beyond them, so a few words of Portuguese go a long way and are always warmly received.
- Is Brazil safe for travellers?
The tourist areas of Brazil are generally safe and well visited. As in any large city, take sensible precautions in Rio and São Paulo, keeping an eye on your surroundings, avoiding flashy valuables and using licensed taxis or ride apps. We plan every itinerary carefully with trusted local partners, and our Travel Experts will advise on anything specific to your route.
- What countries can I combine with Brazil?
Brazil pairs naturally with Argentina, taking in both sides of Iguazú Falls and adding Buenos Aires or Patagonia. Peru combines well for a broader South America itinerary, and Uruguay is an easy connection from the south. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country trip around you.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Reach the top of Sugar Loaf mountain to enjoy views over Copacabana and Christ the Redeemer over Botafogo Bay, especially glorious at sunset.
Explore the walkways of the Brazilian side of the falls for extraordinary panoramic views and the opportunity to venture right into the gaping mouth of Iguazú’s most dramatically impressive section.
Explore the walkways of Argentina’s Iguazú National Park to see the falls from a multitude of angles, including the chance to stand on the precipice and watch the water plummet down to earth right beneath your feet.
Visit the Andean Mendoza region in western Argentina to discover the heartland of celebrated Malbec wines.
Visit prestigious wineries just an hour’s drive from Santiago for a guided tour and tasting.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
Small, charming hotel set on a vineyard with a serene rural ambience that belies its proximity to Santiago; a great alternative to staying in the city.
Welcoming boutique hotel in a converted historic house, blending French classical style with contemporary tones.
Smart, modern hotel with glorious views and an ideal location on the Copacabana beachfront.
If there’s somewhere you particularly want to go that isn’t included in this tour, we can add on an extension to take you there.
Atacama
The Atacama’s inhospitable desert landscape is harsh and rugged, but it echoes the legacy of its pre-Columbian inhabitants, while the volcanoes and geysers hiss into life. Oases splash the tawny landscape with vigorous vegetation. A few days here will give you a surprisingly varied experience of desert life. Day 1: Fly from Santiago to Calama…
Easter Island
Polynesian Easter Island (Rapa Nui) lies 3,790km off the Chilean coast in the remote sub-tropical South Pacific. Windswept and grassy on one side, lushly vegetated on the other, and with a benign climate, it is famous for the clusters of huge enigmatic stone heads standing starkly against an azure skyline. Experience the unique atmosphere and…
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Papagaio
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
Featured Articles
To round the corner of a mountain and see the lost citadel of Machu Picchu unfold beneath you remains one of the most awe-inspiring experiences in Latin America, one of those dreamlike experiences that makes travelling here truly extraordinary.
The Pantanal wetlands cover an area almost the size of the British Isles and offers better wildlife opportunities than the Amazon. Writer and photographer Alex Bellos discovers them.
Small, breathtakingly beautiful Costa Rica is a treasure trove for the nature lover. Trees laden with orchids are home to quetzals and hummingbirds, while the Caribbean shore hosts volcanic beaches and palm-sheltered coves.
