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This tour is designed for anyone looking for the most incredible natural and cultural highlights of southern South America. Spend 18 days exploring the cultures of Chile and Argentina with the Andes as your perfectly picturesque backdrop. Get active in the adventure-sport-lover's paradise of Pucón, Chile and then stand in the mist of majestic Iguassu Falls, before moving on to find out once and for all why Rio de Janeiro is the cultural icon it's become. Enjoy free time to explore this amazing city. Don't leave any adventure-stone unturned; do it all.
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Drink wine in the Chilean countryside, snap a photo of colourful Valparaíso, get active in Pucón, saddle up on a ranch in Argentina, enjoy the energy of Buenos Aires, get a little wet at Iguassu Falls, walk the promenade of Copacabana Beach in Rio
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
We recommend bringing USD in cash for the Argentinean portion of this tour as it is easier than using a credit card or withdrawing ARS from an ATM. USD currency is accepted in travel agencies for booking optional activities.
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
17 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Night 3: Overnight bus, nights 4-5: Pucón.
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Barrio Bellavista
- Bellavista Neighbourhood Visit (Free)
Isla Negra
- Day Trip to Isla Negra
Huife Alto
- Soak in Natural Thermal Pools (40000CLP per person)
Pucón
- Whitewater Rafting Pucon (35000-28000CLP per person)
- Guided Huerquehue Park Visit (55000CLP per person)
- Volcan Villarica Hike (100000CLP per person)
Puerto Blest
- Puerto Blest and Cantaros Waterfall Navigation (90USD per person)
San Carlos de Bariloche
- Hiking
- Circuito Chico Tour (40USD per person)
Buenos Aires
- Tango Dinner Show
- Teatro Colón Tour (25USD per person)
- La Boca Neighbourhood Visit (10USD per person)
- Buenos Aires Guided City Tour
- Buenos Aires Bike Tour
Iguaçu Falls
- Iguassu Helicopter Ride (130USD per person)
- Iguassu Falls Bird Park Visit (120BRL per person)
Foz do Iguaçu
- Boat Tour of Iguassu Falls (75USD per person)
Paraty
- 4x4 Tour (150BRL per person)
- Kayaking (90BRL per person)
- Diving Paraty
- Paraty Boat Tour (150BRL per person)
- Horseback Riding Paraty (390BRL per person)
- Cachaça Distillery Visit (160BRL per person)
Trindade
- Trindade Day Trip (20BRL per person)
Ilha Grande
- Ilha Grande Boat Excursion (130BRL per person)
- Snorkelling Ilha Grande
- Hike to Pico do Papagaio (150BRL per person)
- Ilha Grande Diving
- Lopes Mendes Hike
Rio de Janeiro
- Rio de Janeiro City Tour (340BRL per person)
- Rio Football Game (500BRL per person)
- Rio Hang Gliding (980BRL per person)
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
17
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
Plane, public bus, shared van, ferry
Hotels (16 nts), overnight bus (1nt)
Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Latin America (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Santiago Region Winery Tour, Santiago
Your Discover Moment: Pucón
Your Discover Moment: Buenos Aires
Your Discover Moment: Paraty
Your Discover Moment: Ilha Grande. City tour of Santiago. Driving through the Seven Lakes district. Estancia visit and barbecue lunch (full-day). Iguassu Falls visit (Brazil and Argentina). Local flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Max 17, avg 12
1. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
2. LUGGAGE
Please Note: Aerolineas Argentinas allows 1 piece of luggage that weighs up to 15kg on internal flights. If luggage is overweight, the airline charges ARS $15,000 at check-in (approx. 20-25 USD) up to a max of 23 kgs per piece. Luggage over 23 kgs is not allowed for internal flights.
3. YELLOW FEVER
It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering the country visited. Please check in with your local health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.
4. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
If you would like to book an airport Arrival transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.
If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you, in the arrival hall in front of La Pica restaurant. There is only one exit for international flights. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local emergency number. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.
Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.
Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!
If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.
Please make sure to keep the stamped immigrations receipt you receive when you arrive into Chile. This receipt is required when leaving Chile.
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, however this is not always the case, and you may need warm clothes depending on the time of year you travel.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Please Note: Aerolineas Argentinas allows 1 piece of luggage that weighs up to 15kg on internal flights. If luggage is overweight, the airline charges ARS $15,000 at check-in (approx. 20-25 USD) up to a max of 23 kgs per piece. Luggage over 23 kgs is not allowed for internal flights.
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.
You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Please bear in mind that cost of living in the southern cone countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile) is much higher than the rest of South America, and more comparable with Europe. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
We recommend bringing USD in cash for the Argentinean portion of this tour as it is easier than using a credit card or withdrawing ARS from an ATM. USD currency is accepted in travel agencies for booking optional activities.
We do not recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are very difficult to change in country.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition.
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for approximate daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Arrive at any time.
Arrival day, no activities planned. The day is free to spend at your leisure exploring the city until our welcome meeting this evening. Santiago is Chile's largest city and capital, with internationally recognized vineyards and Andean ski resorts very close by.
Should you want more time to explore Santiago and do optional day trips, we highly recommend you book additional pre-nights.
Explore some of Santiago's neighbourhoods on a city tour, visit the Museum of Memory and try some local specialties. After, take a public bus to the seaside town of Valparaíso where brightly coloured houses perch on the hills.
Enjoy a free morning in Valparaiso to soak it all in. Later, head to the Casablanca Valley, stop at a winery to indulge in a wine tasting. After, head back to Santiago with free time before boarding an overnight bus to Pucon.
Enjoy free time in Pucon, try whitewater rafting or explore the area by foot.
Enjoy another free day to take part in the many activities on offer in Pucón. Opt to hike Villarica volcano (it's active!) or soak in the nearby natural thermal pools.
Cross the Andes to Argentina. Travel by local bus to San Martin and take a private van the rest of the way to Bariloche in the Lake District with a local guide.
Transfer to a Gaucho Ranch just outside of Bariloche. Enjoy a barbecue for lunch and take to the saddle with a Gaucho by your side.
Enjoy a free day to explore the beautiful area in and around Bariloche. Take a hike in the countryside or wander the town, known for its shops and in particular, artisan chocolate.
Fly to Buenos Aires. Opt to enjoy a Tango show and dinner.
Fly north to the buzzing metropolis that is Buenos Aires, it is a vibrant city full of life.
Opt to pre-book the "Buenos Aires Tango Experience" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Enjoy a free day to explore beautiful Buenos Aires. pre book a city bike tour, or an evening Tango experience for the true Buenos Aires experience.
Fly to Iguassu (Argentinean Side) and cross the border into Brazil by private vehicle and witness amazing panoramic views of the falls. Spend the next two full days exploring the area around the falls.
After settling in, opt to partake in one of the adventurous activities offered in the area like, a helicopter ride over the falls or a visit to the nearby bird park.
The luggage restrictions for all Aerolineas Argentinas flights are 15kg for checked baggage and 5kg for carry-ons.
Return to the Argentine side to explore the trails. Opt for a boat tour to get a close look at the falls. Return to the Brazilian side for one more night in town.
Explore trails that will bring you directly over the falls of the Devil's Throat-the highest and deepest of the falls. Other trails allow access to the stretch of falls across the forest on the Argentine side. Opt to take an inflatable boat to the base of the thundering falls.
Fly to São Paulo and continue by van to Paraty. Wander the cobblestoned streets and shops of this gorgeous coastal town and its historical centre, designated as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Enjoy a free day to explore Paraty. Opt to visit the cachaça distilleries or take a boat into the bay to explore the nearby islands and beaches.
Paraty is a quaint colonial town renowned for its architecture-the pace might be slow but there's a lot to choose from. Considered one of the world's most important examples of Portuguese colonial architecture by UNESCO, the historic centre is a well-preserved national historic monument, and today has been closed to vehicles to preserve its laid-back colonial ambiance. Opt to take a boat trip in the bay, kayak, go horseback riding, or take a jeep tour.
Opt to pre-book the "Paraty Caipirinha Boat Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Continue by van up the coast and take a ferry to Ilha Grande. Opt to hike to remote beaches and enjoy free time to relax and explore the island.
A short, scenic drive along the coast takes us to Angra dos Reis. Board the ferry to Ilha Grande-home to some of Brazil's most beautiful beaches.
Enjoy free time to soak up the sun, snorkel, hike and cruise to various beaches, not to mention feast on fresh seafood and sip caipirinhas in the plaza in the evenings.
Enjoy a free day in Ilha Grande. Optional activities include hiking Pico Do Papagaio or to Lopes Mendes, snorkelling or relaxing on the beach.
Carry on by ferry and van to Rio de Janeiro. With free time, explore the city on an optional city tour.
Travel back to the mainland by ferry before continuing north along the coast. Enjoy the incredible scenery before rounding the cliffs at Vidigal. Get your first look at one of the most memorable cities in the world-Río de Janeiro.
Depart at any time.
There are no planned activities today so feel free to book onward travel at any time. Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Details
Prices from: €3929.00
Duration: 18 Days
Service Level: Standard
Physical Grading: 2 - Light
Trip Type: Small Group
Travel Style: Classic
Prices from: €3929.00
18 day Classic tour
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