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

Cityscape with Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

What to expect on this itinerary

Soak up spirit and passion on an 18-day South America adventure that takes you to historic capital cities, exotic countryside towns, and picturesque Patagonian regions. Admire the marvelous cultural atmosphere in Rio, Buenos Aires, and Santiago, witness the impressive Iguazu Falls and Towers of Paine, and cross the breathtaking glacial landscapes of El Calafate during your complete adventure in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.

Countries Visited

Argentina, Brazil, Chile

Places Visited

Rio de Janeiro, Puerto Iguazu, Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Torres del Paine National Park, Punta Arenas, Puerto Varas, Chiloe Island, Santiago

Suggested Duration

18 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Rio de Janeiro - Sailing in South America

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.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Tour
Day 2

Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer

Day 3

Puerto Iguazu - Breathtaking Views of the Iguazu Falls

Day 4

Puerto Iguazu - Scenes of Iguazu from Argentina

Day 5

Buenos Aires - Explore San Telmo and Beyond

Day 6

Buenos Aires - Visit a Traditional Argentine Cattle Ranch

Day 7

El Calafate - Relax on the Patagonian Border

Day 8

El Calafate - Picturesque Hike to Perito Moreno Glacier

Day 9

El Calafate - Cruise to Glacier Upsala and an Estancia

Day 10

Torres del Paine National Park - Head for Chile’s Patagonia

Day 11

Torres del Paine National Park - Witness the Towers of Paine

Day 12

Torres del Paine National Park - Expeditions on Horseback

Day 13

Punta Arenas - Witness the Magellan Penguin Colonies

Day 14

Puerto Varas - Visit Vincente Perez Rosales National Park

Day 15

Chiloe Island - Myths and Legends from Chacao to Castro

Day 16

Chiloe Island - Cross Lake Todos Los Santos by Catamaran

Day 17

Santiago - Discover the Cultural Depth of Chile

Day 18

Santiago - Visit Valparaiso and Vina del Mar

Trip Highlights

  • Sail across the sweeping sapphire waters of Guanabara Bay in the evening to capture Rio’s skyline, Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, and more from the sea
  • Ascend the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views of the cityscape and wander to Christ the Redeemer to admire Rio’s colossal emblematic sculpture
  • Bask in breathtaking views of the Iguazu Falls from the observation decks that overlook the natural world wonder on the Brazilian side of the South American border
  • Tour to the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls to see the scenes from a unique vantage point and appreciate the smaller but still significant falls that cascade the rainforest
  • Immerse yourself in the colorful Argentinian culture on a tour of San Telmo’s vibrant neighborhood and more landmarks peppering Buenos Aires
  • Spend time at a traditional Argentine cattle ranch, or estancia, and ride across the idyllic and unspoiled countryside on horseback before an authentic Asado, or barbecue, dinner
  • Peruse the picturesque pathways that weave through Argentina’s Patagonia to view the snow-covered plains surrounding the icy walls of Perito Moreno Glacier
  • Cruise across the glassy bay of Puerto Banderas to the immense ice-covered Glacier Upsala and tour an estancia stationed on the frosted landscape
  • Hike in Torres del Paine National Park along challenging or casual trails to the base of the Towers of Paine and ride horses in the illustrious reserve
  • Witness the immense Magellan Penguin colonies of Magdalena island on a day trip to the sparse but beautiful island and its iconic lighthouse
  • Cross the blackened volcanic landscape of Visit Vincente Perez Rosales National Park on a tour to the silver streams of Petrohué Waterfalls and the Osorno Volcano
  • Glide across the sparkling waters of Lake Todos Los Santos by catamaran on a scenic tour of Chiloe Island

Starting Price

$16,100 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 1091 reviews

Sherri K.
Brazil Vacation Review: Copacabana Beach, Iguazu Falls, Carnival, Cooking Class, 9 Nights

Zicasso's travel agent was a delight to work with. He was responsive in helping us plan an interesting itinerary.

We enjoyed our trip to Brazil.

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John V.
Brazil Tour Review: Rio de Janeiro, Paraty, Private Tour, Private Boat Ride, 8 Nights

It was a fantastic trip! Zicasso's travel specialist provided guidance on visiting not just Rio de Janeiro, but Paraty, a fishing village four hours away, and it turned out to be the highlight of the trip.

She scheduled a private boat tour of the bay and it was absolutely stunning; swimming on empty beaches and having a great lunch right over the water.

Additionally she booked a beautiful and relaxing hotel that had some of the best food of the trip. I would not have planned this without her help.

I recommend our travel company unreservedly; totally worth it!

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Mark L.
Brazil, Argentina, Chile Trip Review: Easter Island, 2 Weeks

I have already mentioned Zicasso to many others for planning their future trips.

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Keith M.
Argentina Vacation Review: Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Iguazu Falls, Lake District, Hiking, Local Cuisine, 9 Nights

We are basking in the memory of a simply amazing trip to Argentina with Zicasso... it was awesome. The responsiveness of our specialist and guides, and the attentiveness of service overall, was very noticeable throughout. In particular, there was a storm that hit in the days prior to our arrival in Bariloche (Argentine Patagonia Lake District) which impacted boat schedules, and behind the scenes, without us knowing, we were rebooked and rescheduled for various activities in a seamless fashion to ensure we got the hiking and other experiences we were hoping for. Great service!

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Dan S.
Brazil Trip Review: Amazon, 17 Days

We enjoyed the trip immensely. Zicasso's travel company was very helpful in recommending an itinerary and making it work for us.

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Michelle J.
Argentina Travel Review: Buenos Aries, Gaucho Experience, 6 Nights

Zicasso's travel specialist helped by booking and planning every aspect of our trip (flights, hotels, transfers, tours, etc), all based on my wishes, along with his suggestions. He also ensured we had time to relax between activities (so often, an agent books so many activities you don't get a chance to stop and sit, but we had a few hours each day to do so). From meeting us upon arrival to the constant communication during the trip, he made sure everything ran smoothly. We had to adjust a tour due to weather, but he was on top of it, ensuring we had other options for that day.

Our agent and his team made everything run smoothly and ensured we had a great trip to an area we were not familiar with.

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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