You will be accompanied by various multi-lingual local guides during the tour, who will be responsible for guiding you through the various cities and attractions that you will be visiting. In each new city that you visit, you will likely be introduced to a new local guide who is an expert in that region. Depending on the itinerary chosen and your group size, your local guide may provide commentary in multiple languages.
This tour is categorised as 1 out of 5
Explore at your own pace: Discover your destination at your own pace with our self-guided itinerary. Options include driving, rail, or cruising (excluding expeditions). Enjoy included guided day trips for sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Small group tour, up to 20 guests only
✓ Incredible sightseeing including full day tour and a welcome dinner with paired wines in Santiago, a guided tour followed by a three course dinner with some of Argentina’s best wines in Mendoza, guided city tour and Tango & dinner show in Buenos Aires, tour of Iguazu Falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides, and a full day tour of Rio de Janeiro including a traditional Brazilian BBQ lunch
✓ 11 nights in central hand picked 4-star accommodation throughout
✓ Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 3 dinners with paired wines
✓ Fully escorted by an expert, English-speaking guide in each country (excluding internal flights)
✓ All internal domestic flights included
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
✓ Option to add on Machu Picchu with our 18 Day Taste of South America & Machu Picchu Premium Small Group Tour
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Santiago!
The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this cosmopolitan city.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
After breakfast, meet your local tour leader who will brief you about the upcoming activities. Begin a captivating full-day walking tour of Santiago, exploring the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Our first stop is Santa Lucia Hill, where Conquistador Pedro de Valdivia founded the city on February 12, 1541.
Next, we stroll through the bustling "Paseo Ahumada," Santiago's main shopping and commercial district, and visit iconic landmarks such as the "La Moneda" government palace and the Stock Exchange. Continue to Plaza de Armas, home to Santiago’s majestic Cathedral, before transferring to the other side of the city for a visit to the stunning Parque Bicentenario. Nestled on the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal, this 27-hectare park is home to over 4,000 trees, including 1,300 native species protected by the Chilean Ministry of the Environment.
Relax by the North Lagoon, where you'll have the opportunity to spot black-necked swans, flamingos, coots, and herons. In the afternoon, return to your hotel, with the remainder of the day at your leisure.
This evening, enjoy an Inspiring Taste with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant paired with some of the finest Chilean wines found in the local area.
Inspiring Highlights
Today will be an early start, as you are transferred to the airport to board your flight to Mendoza, one of the most picturesque cities in Argentina and one of the largest wine producing areas in Latin America.
As such, Mendoza is one of the nine Great Wine Capitals, and the city is an emerging enotourism destination and base for exploring the region's hundreds of wineries located along the Argentina Wine Route.
Upon your arrival at Mendoza airport, you will be met by your local driver and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, meet your tour leader for an orientation walk around the city.
Tonight the evening will be free at your leisure to further get to know the city.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 23kg (51lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble free.
Today is free for you to explore the beautiful wine country on your own.
Alternatively, you may wish to join the optional tour below.
This evening enjoy an included dinner at a unique location, where regional cuisine is still valued, accompanied by the best wines.
Today you will enjoy tasting various varieties of wines and lunch in a place surrounded by vineyards. Enjoy a fully guided tour of two of the region’s favourite wineries. Learn of the different varieties and methods used at each winery, tour the vineyard and cellars and enjoy a tasting of their varieties. At the end of the tour, in the last winery, a first-class lunch with matching wines will be served.
Meeting Point: Hotel
Includes: Transfers, wine tasting, lunch and guide
Start Time: 09:30am
End Time: 5:30pm
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Buenos Aires where, at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel located in the heart of the downtown district.
Born on the banks of Río de la Plata, Buenos Aires is a city of contrasts. Avenues which display sensational European buildings and architectural pieces of work and neighbourhoods oozing with intense cultural, artistic and gastronomic surprises around each corner.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
On your departure from Mendoza you will say goodbye to your tour guide, and your group will be met by a local guide in Buenos Aires, who will meet and greet you, coordinate your activities in town and be reachable to assist you as needed.
Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 15kg (33 lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble free.
After breakfast, meet your local guide and fellow travellers to discover Buenos Aires through the eyes of a local on a half day city tour covering all the main sites. Start off by visiting Plaza de Mayo, the heart of Buenos Aires and the place where the city was founded. Then, head to Puerto Madero, known as the gateway of the founders of Argentina. There you will appreciate the transformation of one of the most modern neighbourhoods in the city. Continue to La Boca and Caminito, where you will feel Argentinians’ passion for football. Pass by the Bombonera Stadium and the Riachuelo River, populated by Italian immigrants.
Next, a visit to San Telmo, the place where the elegant and sensual dance of tango, originated. Finally visit Palermo and Recoleta to learn more about Porteños’ customs, habits and behaviours, also pass by the Recoleta Cemetery (entrance ticket is not included) and the beautiful Floralis Generica.
Tonight, enjoy an Inspiring Site with a special Tango-show and dinner at one of the city’s premier theatres. You will be escorted from your hotel to the historic venue showcasing the authentic representation of Buenos Aires culture through the ages. With an array of artists on stage you will experience tango orchestras, a collection of folk music, dancers and singers all while feasting on international and local Argentinian dishes and a selection of Argentine wine.
Following the show, you will be transferred back to your hotel for the evening.
Inspiring Highlights
Today is free for you to explore Buenos Aires on your own.
Transfer to the airport today for your included flight to Puerto Iguazu where on arrival you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel.
Welcome to Iguazu Falls - one of the most famous world-wide attractions! Made up of 275 individual waterfalls, they are divided between Argentina and Brazil and provide vastly different views and experiences depending on which side they are viewed from. In the "Land of the Falls," you can revel in the splendour of the natural forests, rivers and lakes.
The flight to Puerto Iguazu is approximately 1.5 hours long. On arrival you will be transferred across to the Brazil side of the falls for your accommodation.
The Iguazu Falls are located where the Iguazu River cascades over the edge of the Paraná Plateau, created by an enormous volcanic eruption more than 130 million years ago. Straddling the Argentine-Brazil border, the falls are made up of up to 275 individual waterfalls, lining a 2.7 km-wide horseshoe-shaped gorge. It’s a truly breathtaking sight to see the unyielding force of nature in such a magnificent setting.
After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 15kg (33 lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble-free.
If you require a Brazil visa, please ensure it allows for multiple entry as you will cross the border twice during your time in Iguazu.
On your departure from Buenos Aires, you will say goodbye to your tour guide, and your group will be met by a local guide in Iguazu, who will meet and greet you, coordinate your activities in town, and be reachable to assist you as needed. Local guides, frequently native to the area, lead tours at specific sites or attractions, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life.
These spectacular falls can be viewed from both sides; the Brazilian side offers a broader, panoramic view, and the Argentinian side offers a series of catwalks that allow you to experience the Falls up close.
This morning after breakfast you’ll explore Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian side. Beginning at the visitor’s center, you’ll take a ride on the Rainforest Ecological Train before exploring the upper and lower circuit footbridges. These footbridges, raised off the jungle floor, provide panoramic views from above and below the falls.
A visit to the monumental, roaring Devil’s Throat – arguably the most spectacular of the falls – is one of the day’s highlights. It’s the heart of the falls and the highest, at about 80 meters. The noise as these mighty falls plunge to the bottom of the narrow canyon is almost deafening. There’s the chance of getting under the falls, with an optional ride on the Gran Aventura.
You’ll return to the hotel in the afternoon.
Inspiring Highlights
Today, you’ll tour the relatively dry Brazilian side of the falls, with breathtaking panoramic views at every turn. Uninterrupted vistas of the Floriana Falls, the Devil’s Gorge Canyon and the Iguazu River are spectacular and guaranteed to impress.
To enhance your tour, you may wish to see the falls from another perspective with an optional Helicopter ride.
Following your morning tour you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro.
Bem vindo ao Rio - Welcome to Rio! On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel located just steps from the city’s dazzling iconic shoreline.
Nicknamed a cidade maravilhosa (the marvelous city), Rio de Janeiro is world-renowned for its dazzling landscapes and location, nestled between steep, green mountains and crystal-clear seas. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for not only its ‘staggeringly beautiful location’, but its cultural landscape. The city is full of energy. Cariocas, the locals of Rio, are known for their carefree spirit and charm.
Tonight will be an evening at leisure to explore this wonderful city.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 15kg (33 lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble free.
On your departure from Iguazu you will say goodbye to your tour guide, and your group will be met by a tour guide in Rio de Janeiro, who will meet and greet you, coordinate your activities in town and be reachable to assist you as needed.
This morning, you’ll meet your local guide and embark on a full-day tour of Rio de Janeiro to see the city’s famous landmarks, Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.
We’ll take a scenic drive from Copacabana Beach, continuing along Botafogo Beach and passing the imposing Guanabara Palace on the way to Corcovado Hill. At the top we’ll find the greatest national icon, Christ the Redeemer, standing tall over the city with arms outstretched. This giant Art Deco statue was recently named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The panoramic views of the city are lovely from up here, 709 metres at the summit.
We’ll then continue on to the district of Urca and the world-famous rocky peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, where you’ll board the first cable car to the top of Urca Hill, enjoying spectacular views of Guanabara Bay. A second cable car takes you on to Sugarloaf, with 360-degree views of the city and surrounding areas. Sugarloaf Mountain towers over the harbour, 400 metres above the mouth of Guanabara Bay.
Afterwards, we’ll pass through the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema en route to a traditional Brazilian lunch at a local churrascaria, an all-you-can-eat barbeque.
After lunch, we’ll visit the Maracanã Stadium, home of Bellini’s statue and the Hall of Fame. Brazilians also love their football (soccer) and this is their biggest stadium. Entrance to the stadium is not included. And there will be a stop at the Sambadrome, the stadium for the city’s main Carnival parade.
As we pass through the city’s historic centre, you’ll have a chance to see the Lapa Arches. Built in the middle of the 18th century, this aqueduct is an impressive example of colonial architecture and engineering. We’ll also make a quick stop to see the colourful Selaron Stairs, an amazing urban work of art by the late Jorge Selaron. These steps are decorated with more than 2,000 brightly coloured tiles and mirrors.
We’ll return to the hotel along Aterro de Flamengo (Flamengo Park), passing by the Monument to the Dead of World War II and the beaches of Flamengo and Botafogo.
Inspiring Highlights
Your tour concludes at the hotel after breakfast.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”2”
Leisurely Paced Tour: This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry and is a welcome way to show your appreciation. If you feel that your guide/s and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
The suggested tipping amounts for South America is AUD$5-7 per person per day for the guide and AUD$3 per person person day for your driver, to be paid in either local currency or USD, so you will need to convert your currency depending on your preference. Please note that this information is to be used as a guideline only and is subject to change based on the recommendations that we receive from our ground operator. Tipping is not compulsory and should be done at your discretion.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $845.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
4-20 people
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
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