Sandpiper: Atlantic to Pacific in style
19 days from £7,062
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.
Those passengers arriving on an international flight will be met by the tour leader or a local representative at the airport and escorted to the group hotel.
Rio de Janeiro is the most romantic, intriguing and beautiful city on the continent. Sumptuous apartments overlook sparkling bays against a backdrop of half-built slum dwellings, favelas, which cling precariously to the hillsides. 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 drive into the city gives a fleeting glimpse of the docks and commercial centre as you head towards the magnificent stretch of sand at Copacabana beach; your hotel is close by.
Attractive, contemporary Windsor Miramar, one of the successful Windsor chain, directly faces Avenida Atlantica and the white sands of Copacabana beach. Within a stone’s throw are Rio’s famous avenues, laced with boutiques, juice bars and restaurants.
The hotel is an appealing mix of classical elegance and contemporary design; marble-effect walls, honey-coloured wooden floors and polished granite lend an upscale feel. The couple of hundred guest rooms are furnished simply and décor has a light touch, embellished with quality amenities. There’s a a rooftop terrace and pool and a very good restaurant.
Blending classy comfort with Rio’s oceanside informality, year-after-year our clients and staff find Windsor Miramar to be a highly reliable choice.
Today there is a tour to familiarise yourself with this most iconic of cities. As part of this we also include a trip to Pão de Açucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain). Ride the cable-car up the twin granite mountains protruding from the ocean and enjoy the magnificent views back over the beaches, Botafogo Bay with its bobbing yachts and into the mountains beyond. There’s a lovely (and safe) nature walk round the foot of the mountain, or you could pop for a beer into the nearby villagey quarter of Urca, leafy home of artists and TV stars.
Attractive, contemporary Windsor Miramar, one of the successful Windsor chain, directly faces Avenida Atlantica and the white sands of Copacabana beach. Within a stone’s throw are Rio’s famous avenues, laced with boutiques, juice bars and restaurants.
The hotel is an appealing mix of classical elegance and contemporary design; marble-effect walls, honey-coloured wooden floors and polished granite lend an upscale feel. The couple of hundred guest rooms are furnished simply and décor has a light touch, embellished with quality amenities. There’s a a rooftop terrace and pool and a very good restaurant.
Blending classy comfort with Rio’s oceanside informality, year-after-year our clients and staff find Windsor Miramar to be a highly reliable choice.
In the morning you’ll board a steep rack-and-pinion railway which glides up through tropical Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest in the world dripping with fruit and flowers, to reach the summit of Corcovado Mountain. Here the famous 40m art deco Christ the Redeemer statue soars above the city, arms outspread benevolently. On a clear day, the views over the city and out across the ocean and outlying islands are stupendous.
The afternoon is at leisure. A popular optional excursion is a visit to the exotic Botanical Gardens. Walk along the splendid Avenue of the Royal Palms, and see if you can catch a glimpse of the toucans and marmosets that frequent the park, attracted by thousands of species of tropical and subtropical plants. There are also glass houses sheltering bromeliads, and a research institute here.
Attractive, contemporary Windsor Miramar, one of the successful Windsor chain, directly faces Avenida Atlantica and the white sands of Copacabana beach. Within a stone’s throw are Rio’s famous avenues, laced with boutiques, juice bars and restaurants.
The hotel is an appealing mix of classical elegance and contemporary design; marble-effect walls, honey-coloured wooden floors and polished granite lend an upscale feel. The couple of hundred guest rooms are furnished simply and décor has a light touch, embellished with quality amenities. There’s a a rooftop terrace and pool and a very good restaurant.
Blending classy comfort with Rio’s oceanside informality, year-after-year our clients and staff find Windsor Miramar to be a highly reliable choice.
Fly to Foz do Iguaçú in the subtropical south-west corner of Brazil (2 hours). The Iguazú Falls are unquestionably one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in the world. A total of 275 falls thunder through dense forest over a 2.5km stretch. The u-shaped Devil’s Throat is the main gorge, where the frothy water of the Iguazú River crashes over a 1.5km-wide precipice and columns of vapour are thrown skyward. Elsewhere the river flows decorously through the rainforest breaking up into dozens of smaller falls. You might spot toucans with their outsized bright orange beaks perched in the foliage above the tumultuous waters.
En route to your hotel in Argentina you head out to the Brazilian side of the falls, from where there is a broad panorama of these magnificent cataracts, and there are some excellent opportunities to photograph the full sweep of the cascades. Before leaving the Brazilian side, you could stop off at the excellent and rather quirky bird park just outside the entrance of Iguaçu National Park. The enclosure is home to a huge variety of birds and wildlife, including toucans, trogons and the coatimundi, from the same family as the racoon.
Between Puerto Iguazú and the Iguazú Falls, Loi Suites Iguazú has a peaceful and natural setting in extensive tropical grounds.
The design and furnishings of the public areas and guestrooms are contemporary, spacious and high quality with wooden flooring, large bathrooms, views of surrounding forest, and some have balconies. There are also a small number of exclusive villas with river views.
Facilities include two restaurants, a bar, large swimming pool, solarium, gym and spa, while guests can also explore freely by kayak or on a number of walking trails. At extra cost, the hotel can organise jungle treks, canopy walkway excursions and horse-riding.
Explore the Argentine side of the falls. From the National Park Visitor Centre, where there is a display that illustrates the biodiversity of the region’s tropical rainforest, a little natural-gas-powered train transfers you to Cataratas Station where the Upper Walk begins. This sequence of causeways and passarelles links dozens of tiny basalt islands at the top of a sheer rock face and the walkways cross the myriad streams of the River Iguazú as they cascade over the lip of the precipice. Your breath is quite literally taken away as the water thunders on to the rocks below.
The train continues to Devil’s Throat Station where a 1km-long walkway leads across the river to the thunderous Garganta del Diablo, the Devil’s Throat. From this vantage point you can feel the incredible power of the water, and the flow is mesmeric as it plummets into the vortex below.
Between Puerto Iguazú and the Iguazú Falls, Loi Suites Iguazú has a peaceful and natural setting in extensive tropical grounds.
The design and furnishings of the public areas and guestrooms are contemporary, spacious and high quality with wooden flooring, large bathrooms, views of surrounding forest, and some have balconies. There are also a small number of exclusive villas with river views.
Facilities include two restaurants, a bar, large swimming pool, solarium, gym and spa, while guests can also explore freely by kayak or on a number of walking trails. At extra cost, the hotel can organise jungle treks, canopy walkway excursions and horse-riding.
Fly to the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, an elegant and cosmopolitan city famed for 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 next morning a guided tour of the city takes you to the most famous spots the city has to offer. Starting in the centre of the city, the historic heartland, where government buildings and churches mingle with chic shopping districts, which have a nostalgic, Parisian feel. The quintessential district La Boca with its cobbled streets and brightly painted houses is a must, as is the bohemian district of San Telmo, full of quaint old houses interspersed with antique shops, tango bars and local restaurants. Slightly further out of town is the Recoleta district, even more evocative of belle époque French and Italianate architecture. The area is home to the cemetery where Evita is laid to rest, and huge tombs line the alleys.
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.
Make the most of some free time to shop, have a drink and a pastry in a tea-room or peruse the items on display in one of the many markets. Explore the city’s splendidly renovated port district, Puerto Madero, which has trendy loft apartments, a string of open air restaurants and a small marina or discover the upmarket Palermo area with it’s trendy boutiques and fancy restaurants.
To take a break from the city’s frenzy, you can travel by motor catamaran across the River Plate border to Colonia in Uruguay (don’t forget your passport) where you can wander cobbled streets and admire the squat colonial houses from the top of the lighthouse, and have a glass of wine or lunch in the yacht club.
If you want to visit one of the city’s iconic Tango shows speak to your tour leader who can arrange one for you for the evening.
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 south to Bariloche (2 hours). This resort town is situated on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi and was founded barely a century ago. It has a distinctive Alpine feel to it, and in winter it operates as a ski resort. There is a museum detailing the history of the native Tehuelche Indians and the story of the area’s colonisation. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid lived and ranched not far from here. There is an included excursion around the ‘Circuito Chico’ providing visitors with a general overview of the breathtaking surrounding area. The 60km circuit is all along paved and includes the viewpoint at Cerro Campanario where a seven-minute chair ride offers splendid views of the mountains and lakes below.
Spend your free time in cosy cafés savouring locally manufactured chocolate, or shopping for souvenirs. Out of town, venture along the lake-shore for sumptuous views of the forested mountains. There are some excellent walking trails including one which climbs Cerro Otto mountain or alternatively jump on the cable car.
The lakeside Hotel Cacique Inacayal is a mix of classic design and smart modern style, with a spectacular location and scenic viewpoints.
All guestrooms have lake views, and wall-to-wall windows offer up enticing panorama from the restaurant, lounge, wine bar, indoor swimming pool, and even the gym enjoys a breathtaking vista. There’s also a very attractive outdoor deck where you can unwind with a drink or snack as you look out over the shimmering sapphire waters of Nahuel Huapi and its crown of snow-capped peaks.
Larger than it appears from the outside, the hotel has eight mezzanine-style floors. Rooms are subtly decorated with white walls and wood furnishings, while upgraded rooms have hot tubs. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the town centre but has the advantages of a quieter and more natural location; it even has a small private beach.
Today you cross the Andes on a unique journey which passes through the mountains following a series of glacial lakes along forested roads. You switch between water and land as you head towards Chile, boarding a ferry to cross Lake Todos Los Santos, which straddles the Argentine-Chilean border and is overlooked by towering, snowy peaks. Your final stop is Puerto Varas, in the heart of the Chilean lake district. On a clear day you won’t tire of the vistas of volcanoes, waterfalls and sweeping forests.
Puerto Varas is situated on the shores of Lake Llanquihue (one of the largest natural lakes in South America). Towering snow-capped volcanoes punctuate a patchwork landscape of cultivated hills and pastures. The town sits in the shadows of the perfect conical peak of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes.
This well-regarded hotel commands glorious panoramic views from its position on a hillock overlooking Lake Llanquihue and Osorno volcano in Chile’s idyllic lake district.
Built in typical Patagonian style of wood and stone with a pitched roof, it’s only 5 minutes’ walk from central Puerto Varas along the lakeshore.
Well-equipped rooms are furnished with neutral colours, local wood and décor of a regional ambience. Some have balconies and large windows make the most of the views.
There’s a wonderful lounge with open fires, sheepskin rugs, sofas and huge windows overlooking the lake. The adjacent restaurant has similar views, and offers a range of specialities. There is also a small indoor swimming pool on the top floor.
There is time today to wander around the town of Puerto Varas. Originally colonised by German immigrants, it has a distinctive, Bavarian feel. There are some excellent seafood restaurants and cafés to while away a day at leisure.
Alternatively you have the chance to take an optional excursion to the island of Chiloé. This extraordinary island developed largely independently from the mainland and has a distinct history, architecture and mythology. Alighting on its shores is like stepping back into a time of mists and legends. Half the population works in agriculture, the techniques of which have remained unchanged for centuries; distinctive ox-driven carts are to be seen trundling down the island’s unpaved roads past unique wood-shingled churches and there are several folksy fishing ports where you can savour fresh oysters.
On Chiloe, from November-March you can take a boat trip to spot Magellanic and Humboldt penguins. The excursion ends with a visit to a chilote family, where the traditional curanto is prepared for you; it’s a hearty dish of seafood, meat, potatoes and vegetables are piled high in a hole in the ground, buried and cooked among glowing embers.
This well-regarded hotel commands glorious panoramic views from its position on a hillock overlooking Lake Llanquihue and Osorno volcano in Chile’s idyllic lake district.
Built in typical Patagonian style of wood and stone with a pitched roof, it’s only 5 minutes’ walk from central Puerto Varas along the lakeshore.
Well-equipped rooms are furnished with neutral colours, local wood and décor of a regional ambience. Some have balconies and large windows make the most of the views.
There’s a wonderful lounge with open fires, sheepskin rugs, sofas and huge windows overlooking the lake. The adjacent restaurant has similar views, and offers a range of specialities. There is also a small indoor swimming pool on the top floor.
After a short drive to Puerto Montt, a 2 hour flight takes you south to Punta Arenas. On a clear day you have views of the southern icecap, its fjords, volcanoes and glaciers. Approaching the city you see the rust brown Patagonian steppes, pitted with small lagoons, stretching out towards the Straits of Magellan. On the other side of the water rise the mountains of the windswept island of Tierra del Fuego.
From the airport continue by private vehicle to Puerto Natales, a small town with a frontier feel on the shores of Last Hope Sound, frequented by pelicans, black-necked swans and cormorants and then into Torres del Paine itself. This is a 6 hour trip and frequent stops are made along the way so you can take in the dramatic scenery.
Your 3 night stay is in the heart of the park where your hotel offers comfort within view of the stunning Lago Grey and the beech forest that surrounds it.
Hosteria Lago Grey is a small, wooden guesthouse in a glorious spot on the shores of the lake of the same name, surrounded by beech forest. It is located in the western corner of Torres del Paine with trails leading to some lovely lookout points. The lodge organises a broad programme of excursions throughout the park.
There are 30 modest guestrooms; newer rooms have under-floor heating in the bathroom. A few rooms have a view of the glacier. The vistas of the lake and mountains from the restaurant and bar are superb.
You have two full days to explore the park, and there are excellent hiking trails that wind alongside the glacial lakes with close-up views of the tortured rock towers and needles rising 3,000m into a tempestuous sky. Keen walkers can hike for views over Glacier Grey, or to the base of the vertical granite towers (both 8 hours). Alternatively, you can take to vehicles or even horses to tour the park and the many lookout points it offers.
There is also an included boat trip onto nearby Lago Grey, dotted with icebergs which have broken free from the glacier which plugs the lake, the looming front wall of which you approach in your craft.
Hosteria Lago Grey is a small, wooden guesthouse in a glorious spot on the shores of the lake of the same name, surrounded by beech forest. It is located in the western corner of Torres del Paine with trails leading to some lovely lookout points. The lodge organises a broad programme of excursions throughout the park.
There are 30 modest guestrooms; newer rooms have under-floor heating in the bathroom. A few rooms have a view of the glacier. The vistas of the lake and mountains from the restaurant and bar are superb.
From Torres del Paine you head to Punta Arenas on the shores of the Magellan straits. Punta Arenas was an important, British-influenced trading centre before the opening of the Panama Canal turned it into a backwater; the region’s fortunes were only briefly revived during a short-lived gold rush. You have the chance to wander around the town, exploring some of the grand buildings or visiting the local museums.
Hotel Cabo de Hornos, situated in a large prestigious building on the central Plaza de Armas, is one of Punta Arenas’ most venerable institutions, for decades the most upmarket hotel in town.
Nowadays, there is some competition but it remains an excellent choice for comfort, good quality rooms and amenities. The hotel has a classic design and approach with a formal atmosphere befitting its longstanding reputation.
The 110 rooms are set on seven floors. Each room has a shower and bathtub in the bathroom, and there are double and triple rooms ideal for families.
The ground floor restaurant holds regular themed evenings with a frequently changing menu. Other facilities include a sauna, bar and small museum.
Fly north to Santiago (4 hours), the cosmopolitan Chilean capital. Santiago is laid out in a broad valley below the snow-capped Andes.
If there is time your tour leader will take you on a guided city tour takes you to all the major sites of this fascinating city concentrating on Santiago’s bustling historic centre, which in recent years has taken on a new lease of life. Awakening from years of neglect, the traditional residential neighbourhood of Lastarria is a delight to explore, replete with shops, arty cafés and characterful hotels. Nearby, leafy Parque Forestal was inaugurated in the early twentieth century to celebrate the first 100 years of the republic. It is just a few blocks from the beating heart of old Santiago, the Plaza de Armas, the capital’s main square which is graced by elegant Chilean wine palms with their characteristic bottle-shaped trunks. Grouped around the plaza are Santiago’s Cathedral, the main post office, the National Historic Museum and the Municipalidad de Santiago (city hall). From here, if time, visit San Cristóbal Hill by riding the cable car to the top. On clear days there are spectacular panoramic views across the city towards the Andes.
Hotel Cumbres Lastarria is a striking property which belongs to a well respected Chilean hotel group, but with a real cutting-edge designer twist. From the eye-catching geometric façade to giant paintings in the guest rooms it reflects the creative energy of the artistic and bohemian neighbourhood of Lastarria in the centre of which it has pride of place. There are plenty of arty cafés and bars, street artwork and sculptures, galleries and trendy boutiques just outside the front door, and the whole district – which also has some lovely old residences -has an up and coming, buzzy vibe.
The hotel’s 70 rooms are spacious and well appointed with all the contemporary amenities you’d expect. Other facilities include a gym, an outdoor lap-pool, and an eighth-floor restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine and offering great views of the Santiago skyline.
A guided excursion takes you out of the city through a pretty Mediterranean landscape to a nearby winery. An hour’s drive from Santiago takes you to the Central Valley, blanketed in a patchwork region of regimented vineyards. Here you will have the chance to sample some of the wines, and learn about the national grape varieties. The Carmenère grape originated in France but has been all but wiped out in Europe. Cuttings of the vine arrived in Chile in the 19th century, and the region’s natural boundaries (bordered by the Andes, the ocean, the desert and glacial plains) protected it from disease. For many years it was processed as Merlot, but the distinct properties of Carmenère were recognised in the 1990s. It produces a spicy, fruity red which is deep crimson in colour.
As the vineyards are located to the west of Santiago, you may like to extend the excursion with an optional visit to Chile’s second city, Valparaíso. This lively seaport is built on a series of hills which form a backdrop to the wide bay, with views over the seaside resort of Viña del Mar. You can wander through the steep, winding streets and among the brightly-coloured colonial homes built for 19th century British and German merchants, or take a ride in one of the creaky wooden funiculars which link the cliff-top communities.
Hotel Cumbres Lastarria is a striking property which belongs to a well respected Chilean hotel group, but with a real cutting-edge designer twist. From the eye-catching geometric façade to giant paintings in the guest rooms it reflects the creative energy of the artistic and bohemian neighbourhood of Lastarria in the centre of which it has pride of place. There are plenty of arty cafés and bars, street artwork and sculptures, galleries and trendy boutiques just outside the front door, and the whole district – which also has some lovely old residences -has an up and coming, buzzy vibe.
The hotel’s 70 rooms are spacious and well appointed with all the contemporary amenities you’d expect. Other facilities include a gym, an outdoor lap-pool, and an eighth-floor restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine and offering great views of the Santiago skyline.
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.
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 - 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.
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 - Argentinian lake district
Hike through southern beech forest to a mountain refuge, drive the Seven Lakes Road between snow-topped peaks and end the day with hot chocolate in an alpine town. Set around Bariloche and Argentina’s oldest national park, the Lake District is northern Patagonia at its most beautiful, and its most active.
Chile - Chilean Lake District (south)
Snow-capped volcanoes, blue lakes, ancient forests and lakeside towns with a distinct Bavarian streak: the southern Chilean Lake District is one of the country’s most beautiful regions, and one of the most rewarding to explore. Chilean Lake District holidays combine spectacular scenery with outdoor adventure, and local culture.
Chile - Torres del Paine National Park
Spiralling granite towers, serrated massifs and turquoise lakes define one of the most spectacular national parks, where grasslands give way to glacial valleys, rivers and glassy lagoons. Torres del Paine is Chile’s flagship natural destination, and Torres del Paine holidays remain one of South America’s finest options for hiking, wildlife watching and immersive wilderness experiences.
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 South American adventure combines the haunting beauty of Patagonia’s glacier-carved Torres del Paine, the Iguazú Falls and the Patagonian lake district with three of the continent’s most vibrant and exciting cities: Rio de Janeiro; Buenos Aires and Santiago. Travel in comfort: all your transport is private and the accommodation is among the best locally.
Your journey begins in Rio, a high-rise chaotic masterpiece squeezed between the ocean surf and precipitous forested mountains. Spend a couple of days close to the roaring Iguazú Falls, deep in the rainforest on the Brazilian-Argentine border, before discovering the grand boulevards and cafés of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. After traversing the Andean cordillera on the spectacular lakes crossing you jet further south to explore southern Chile’s jagged snow-dipped peaks, glacial lakes and the ice-carved landscape of the Torres del Paine National Park. Your trip ends with a smooth glass of Carmenère in the lush surrounds of a vineyard just outside Santiago.
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.
- About Our Group Tours
To find out more about how our group tours including group sizes, solo travellers and why to choose us. Please click here.
- Tour Leader
On this tour, you’ll be accompanied from start to finish by one of our exceptional Journey Latin America tour leaders. From the moment you land in Latin America until the day the tour ends they will deal with all the practicalities, expertly adapting to the circumstances and individual needs of the group. Rather than different guides in different cities, your leader will get to know the group and keep you informed and entertained as you go.
- Summary of Nights
19 days, 18 nights: Rio de Janeiro 3; Iguazú 2; Buenos Aires 3; Bariloche 2; Puerto Varas 2; Torres del Paine 3; Punta Arenas 1; Santiago 2.
- Accommodation
We use the following upper mid-range and first class properties on this tour.
Examples of hotels include:
• Rio de Janeiro: Hotel Windsor Miramar
• Iguazú National Park: Loi Suites
• Buenos Aires: Loi Suites
• Bariloche: Cacique Inacayal
• Puerto Varas: Pettra Puerto Varas by Wyndham
• Torres del Paine: Lago Grey
• Punta Arenas: Yegua Loca
• Santiago: Hotel Cumbres LastarriaOn very rare occasions these hotels can change, however please speak to one of our consultants who can provide full details for each departure if you have any doubts. Address and contact details will be sent out with your final documents.
- Transport
5 flights (2-4 hours each). All land transport is operated privately for the group.
- Meals
Breakfast daily.
- Optional Excursions
On this tour the price includes excursions in all the places you visit as per the itinerary. There will however likely be some free time when you may choose to take part in an optional excursion. These are booked locally through your tour leader once you are in Latin America, however we are more than happy to advise you of what is on offer in advance of your holiday so you can best plan the excursions that suit you.
- Travelling Alone
There is no extra cost for single travellers who are willing to share a room. You will be accommodated with another same-sex member of the group who is also travelling solo. For single travellers who wish to have their own room there are a limited number of single rooms available, which carry a surcharge.
- Trip Suitability
Around Bariloche walks are along clear trails, undulating but not strenuous. In Torres del Paine all walks are optional. Hikes vary in length (between 2-8 hrs) and difficulty (some are easy and flat, others steeper and more challenging). Note that most walks are linear and along good paths, so you can follow them as far as you feel comfortable. Your tour leader can advise about which of the trails would be most suited to you. Throughout the Journey, there is time to relax and explore on your own if you wish. Be prepared for some early mornings, and for extreme weather conditions in Patagonia.
- Climate
This holiday only operates from October through to March. As a broad overview Brazil, Argentina and Chile have the opposite seasons to the UK, meaning November to February tend to be the warmest summer months and it can be especially warm in tropical Iguazú. The further south you travel in the country the cooler it gets. A comprehensive overview of the weather in all the regions you are visiting can be found in our Destination pages. Our Travel Experts can answer your questions on climate and further details will be sent with your confirmation documents.
- Clothing, Equipment and Luggage
In the southern summer you will need light, preferably loose clothing, shorts and t-shirts especially in Rio and Iguazú.
A daypack is essential for carrying rainwear, snacks, books/tablet and a water bottle. To ensure your comfort while walking in Patagonia, you should bring good waterproof walking boots/shoes (tried and tested so you don’t get blisters) as well as a good water/windproof (not just shower-proof) jacket and trousers, a warm hat and a scarf. Some walkers find hiking poles helpful, and binoculars are useful for bird and wildlife spotting. Bring a hat with a visor, sunglasses and sun block. Because the weather can be changeable, we recommend wearing layered clothing for excursions.
Please take note that Aerolineas Argentinas (who will operate some of the internal flights) permit a maximum of 15kg hold luggage on most domestic flights. Excess luggage can be paid for locally for a small fee. Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts.
- Money
Please see the Country Info tab on this holiday for our latest currency information and advice about how to take your spending money. Tipping in Latin America is almost always done using cash. It is customary to tip tour leaders, local guides, drivers, boat crews and other service providers such as restaurant staff and porters. Full tipping guidelines are sent with your confirmation documents as is advice on local costs.
- Health, Entry Requirements and Insurance
For health information on travelling to Brazil, Argentina and Chile including recommended vaccinations, please see https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/
All Latin American countries have specific entry regulations related to Covid 19. Please also check our Travel Hub for further information.
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports should be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Other nationalities should enquire with us or check with the consulates.
Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on the Travel insurance website.
- 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.
Visit prestigious wineries just an hour’s drive from Santiago for a guided tour and tasting.
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.
Breathe in the majesty of Patagonia on foot on a choice of rewarding hikes to natural beauty spots.
Take the scenic route between Argentina and Chile by floating along the waterways of the northern Patagonian lake district.
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, wooden guesthouse in a glorious spot on the shores of Lago Grey, offering excursions throughout Torres del Paine National Park.
The imaginatively designed La Yegua Loca is a small Patagonia-themed boutique hotel close to the centre of Punta Arenas at the southern tip of Chilean Patagonia.
Hotel Cumbres Lastarria is a smart contemporary hotel in Santiago’s arty Lastarria district with a cool design twist.
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.
Winery
The Chilean Central Valley, with its rich soils and sunny Mediterranean climate, is Chile’s breadbasket. Orchards flourish, and the slopes of the Andean foothills support vineyards producing world class wines. Several now welcome visitors: here you visit one of the most attractive and luxurious. Day 1: By road to the Casablanca valley (1.5hrs), celebrated among…
Ilha Grande
A couple of hours’ drive from Rio de Janeiro along the Atlantic shoreline, the hills and cliffs become cloaked in velvety green tropical forest. Opposite this verdant landscape is the island called Ilha Grande, formerly housing a notorious prison and even now only lightly touched by tourism. It is a gorgeous, car-free place, where the…
Buzios
Head along the Atlantic coast from Rio, passing lagoons and wild, surf-lashed beaches to the chic beach village of Búzios. The low-key, but upmarket, European-style resort is renowned for art shops and fine dining. Here a peninsula of cliffs and low hills is dimpled with little coves and speckled with boutique-style hotels. Day 1: Transfer…
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.
