18 Days Exploring Capital Cities and Patagonian Peaks in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile

Your South American escape will begin in Brazil’s bustling seaside city, Rio de Janeiro. Rio’s colorful atmosphere will seduce you as you arrive and transfer to accommodation around the corner from the beaches, historic neighborhoods, magnificent Brazilian mountains, and beneath the open arms of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. You will drop off your belongings and transfer to the nearest dock, and then sail across Guanabara Bay to bask in the views of Rio’s skyline with the soaring summit of Sugarloaf Mountain rising in the distance. The islands, forts, and sparkling sea will backdrop your evening cruise.

After breakfast, your guide will escort you to the base of Sugarloaf Mountain, where a cable car will take you to the top of the giant formation. A short walk further will lead you to observation decks that share panoramic views of the cityscape, mountains, and sea. You will continue to the Tijuca Rainforest and cruise through the wilderness sanctuary by cog train en route to the Christ the Redeemer statue on top of Corcovado Mountain. A Ginga Tropical Show this evening will showcase the vibrant carnival culture and historic Brazilian folklore.

The Iguazu Falls of Peurto Iguazu welcomes travelers from all over throughout the year, and it retains status as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It borders Brazil and Argentina, with vantage points and slices of wilderness paradise on either side for you to explore. After arriving, you will transfer to accommodation in and amongst the lush forests and then continue along a walkway past the canyon to a deck overlooking the iconic Devil’s Throat. Watch in awe as the immense sheet of falling water plummets into the gorge below, and rainbows form in the mist.

Today, you will explore the Argentinian side of the Iguazu Falls and wander through the illustrious forest landscape along shady pathways weaving in and out of the canopy. Tropical birds will sing from the trees, and the sound of the falls will echo through the forest as you make your way closer to Devil’s Gorge on a narrow-gauge train. By the end of your adventure, you will arrive at a balcony overlooking the thrashing falls and then continue downstream to the Iguazu River banks and through the Three Musketeersrs’ Falls.

Your Argentinian adventure will continue after breakfast as you transfer to the country’s captivating capital city, Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is a hub of cultural activity, and a city tour will let you explore the diversity of its vibrant districts. Embrace the bohemian vibe of San Telmo as you browse boutiques, pop-up galleries, antique dealers, and street art murals from Plaza Dorrego and beyond, and then view the ostentatious mausoleums of Cementerio de la Recoleta. In the evening, a tango experience at a chic venue will showcase Argentina’s cultural rhythm.

An Argentinian estancia is a Latin American cattle ranch, and they provide insight into the country’s rural customs and serve the finest Argentinian steaks. You will enjoy a private day tour of a famous estancia nearby Buenos Aires built in the 19th-century. Its beautiful architecture sings of the era, and the family that runs the ranch will invite you to experience estancia life through food, horseback riding, and entertainment from gauchos, Argentine equestrian experts. Dinner will be a traditional barbeque known as an Argentine Asado.

Set within Argentina’s Patagonian region, El Calafate is a stunning escape from the bustling cities and a chance to admire the mesmerizing Patagonian ice fields and sweeping pastures. El Calafate is a gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, home to the impressive icy landscapes from Argentina to Chile. You will check into a lavish accommodation around the corner from the momentous Perito Moreno Glacier and enjoy a quiet evening relishing the luxuries of your far-flung home away from home. Tonight is an opportunity to relax and unwind in anticipation of the Patagonian adventure ahead.

Today will mark your first adventure beyond the South American cities to the sprawling ice fields of Patagonia in Argentina. An experienced guide will lead you from your accommodation along the quiet roads that zigzag through the mountain range to a vista point where you will hop out and hike a pasarelas, or walkway, along the foot of the Perito Moreno Glacier. You will watch as the ice breaks off the glacier and falls into the water below, creating a hollow echo and massive splash in the natural sapphire dam. The views are breathtaking, and you will capture remarkable photography.

You will wake up to the sweet sounds of birds singing from the trees as the sunshine envelopes Patagonia in golden light. After breakfast, you will transfer to Puerto Banderas and sail from the docks past icebergs to the face of Glacier Upsala, a momentous strip of ice that reflects blue hues against the white, icy backdrop. Your adventure will culminate at a charming Argentine estancia positioned on the glacier for lunch. Here, ATVs will give you access to the glacial landscape, and you will cross mountainous roads to the continental ice shelter and enjoy views of Lake Guillermo.

Your journey today will lead you from the Argentinian portion of Patagonia to Chile’s slice of the vast region. Glacial fjords and rainforests dominate this side of Patagonia, and you will spend the following three nights slowly absorbing Patagonia’s natural wonders and photographing the region’s indigenous wildlife. There is no better place to do this than Torres del Paine National Park and from a gorgeous premier accommodation hemmed in the immaculate landscape. This evening, you may enjoy some quiet time around the fire and share stories of your travels with hosts and other friendly guests.

Your stay in Torres del Paine is intentionally unplanned, giving you the ultimate freedom to explore Patagonia through the many exciting experiences available from your luxe accommodation. You may choose to wander the glacial region on a full or half-day hike to the massive granite towers that give the national park its name. Challenging and casual hikes to the Towers of Paine are available, giving you the flexibility to choose an adventure that suits your expectations. Regardless, the reward of the views remains the crux of any Torres del Paine hiking tour.

The spectacular scenery is yours to enjoy from the balcony of your gorgeous accommodation each morning as you sip a fresh cup of Chilean coffee or tea. You may also explore the immense ice fields of Patagonia on horseback, a unique opportunity that navigates the surrounding forests and glacial plateaus to viewpoints that share unparalleled panoramas of Patagonia. Gleaming glaciers, bobbing lakes, and craggy cliffs are among a few of the geological features to point out as you explore Torres del Paine and keep an eye out for the indigenous wildlife that calls the glacial fjords home.

You will wake up and enjoy your peaceful morning in Torres del Paine as the sunshine floods the icy landscape and begins to melt the frosty carpet. After breakfast, you will transfer to accommodation in Punta Arenas and then visit Magdalena island to see the Magellan Penguins. Enormous colonies call this protected slice of paradise home, and gather across the sparse plains around the local lighthouse. You will capture stunning wildlife photography from the lighthouse vantage point and swoon over the views before you return to Punta Arenas.

You will transfer to Puerto Montt this morning, meet your private transfer at the airport, and head for the ancient Chilean national park, Vincente Perez Rosales National Park. The Petrohué Waterfalls are an awe-inspiring natural spectacle that will seduce you this afternoon as you visit the hardened volcanic landscape of the national park. The unique terrain and natural wonders extend from the sparse plateaus to the base of Osorno Volcano, the sprawling ancient forests, and the volcanic beaches that hug the rivers and lakes.

You will head for the Pargua port after breakfast and board a ferry cruising across the shimmering waters to Chiloe Island, a pastoral region with charming towns and ancient wooden architecture dating back to the 17th century. You will delve into the island’s myths and legends as you explore the rustic neighborhoods, visit the humble fishing village of Dalcahue, and admire the palafitos, houses built on stilts, of Castro. Crafts and food markets will let you learn about the region’s wood and woolen production and distinct cuisine before you return to your accommodation.

There are few better ways to explore Chiloe Island than by catamaran, and you will spend your day after breakfast cruising the bright blue waters of Lake Todos Los Santos. The boat will bring you to a port in Peulla, where you will spend time exploring the traditional town and basking in the views of the soaring snowy peak in the distance. Many marvelous trails weave from the village’s borders through the greenery to observation decks and shady picnic spots within the forest. Along the way, you will spot indigenous animals and hear the songs of colorful birds.

Your South American adventure will culminate in the Chilean capital, Santiago. Your private transfer will take you from the international airport to gorgeous accommodation in a bohemian neighborhood around the corner from the action. You will drop off your luggage and tour Santiago, visiting the Moneda Palace, the Plaza de Armas, and the Cathedral. You will smell the beautiful blossoming flowers of Parque Forestal, snapshot the emblematic street art of Bellavista, and arrive at the summit of San Cristobal Hill for panoramic views before you have dinner at a gourmet restaurant.

You will transfer to the airport for your overnight flight later on in the day, and use the morning to see more of Santiago’s surrounding towns along the Chilean coast. You will view the colorful and eccentric architecture of Valparaiso from hilltops and explore the boutiques and evocative Museum of Pablo Neruda in Vina del Mar before you return to Santiago, collect your luggage, and transfer to the international airport for your flight home. You will leave South America having explored the essential capitals and picturesque Patagonian peaks.