Private Tour Highlights
- Meandering through the winding streets and staircases of Valparaiso, marveling at the colorful architecture along the way.
- Lapping up views of Bariloche’s immaculate Nahuel Huapi Lake, its sapphire waters framed by emerald forest and jagged mountain peaks.
- Drinking in views of the immaculate Puerto Varas Lake with Osorno Volcano as an imposing backdrop.
- Marveling at the intricate footwork of tango dancers at a prestigious show in Buenos Aires, performed by the most talented in the city.
- Walking the cobblestone streets, forts and buildings of Colonia's Old Town for a real-life history lesson.
- Getting up close to the imposing Iguazu Falls on a boat ride upriver, taking in its awe-inspiring beauty.
- Soaking up Rio’s buzzing energy on a private tour of the city, encompassing important sights like Cinelandia Square and the Metropolitan Cathedral, with its famous stained-glass windows.
Tour Overview
Explore the spectacular sights of South America in this trip which combines Chile, Argentina and Brazil with a fantastic side trip to Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo in Uruguay. Yampu travelers will cross the border to Argentina by lake, from Argentina to Uruguay by river and from Argentina to Brazil via Iguazu Falls. We will also visit Santiago, Buenos Aires, Puerto Varas, Bariloche, Iguazu Falls and finally Rio de Janeiro.
Inclusions
Note:
* One-day lake crossing operates only from September to April. Between the months of May and August, it operates as a two-day tour with an overnight in Peulla. If trip falls within these dates, we add an extra day to the itinerary at a further cost of $135 per person (includes dinner and hotel accommodation in Peulla). Two-day lake crossing can also be arranged at any time of year.
Package Price: From £$ 11935
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Flight to Chile
Overnight flight to Santiago.
Overnight flight to Santiago.
Santiago
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Upon arrival in Santiago, airport reception and transfer to the selected hotel in the heart of the city.
This afternoon, enjoy a private city tour of Santiago. The tour starts from the Funicular de Santiago (Gondola), which provides a stunning and panoramic view over the city from the top of San Cristobal Hill. Travel to the heart of the city and Plaza de Armas, the spot from where the city has grown throughout the centuries. Each Latin city has a Plaza de Armas because when cities were founded, their centers also contained the armory and military bases - hence the name Plaza de Armas (Plaza of Arms). Visit some of the more important buildings such as the Cathedral, the City Council, the Central Post Office and the National Historical Museum.
Continue to the Presidential Palace "La Moneda"; the current seat of the government. Wander the streets that were once elegant at the beginning of the 19th century, and are now a commercial center. Also visit some of the original colonial neighborhoods such as Concha y Toro Square. Characterized by its cobbled streets and old mansions that reflect the elegance and richness of the early twentieth century, the neighborhood grew to prominence between 1870 and 1876 with the influx of wealth from mining and the discovery of silver. Many Chileans achieved great wealth, including Enrique Concha y Toro, founder of the famed winery.
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Private Casablanca Valley with Valparaiso and Vina del Mar
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This morning be met at the hotel and transferred to the Casablanca Valley, approximately 50-miles (80-kilometers) from Santiago. The Casablanca Valley is one of Chile’s most important regions for cultivating the grapes that produce crisp white wines, most notably Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Here, enjoy a tour, tasting and lunch at one of the local wineries situated along this thriving wine route.
After lunch, leaving the Casablanca Valley, visit Valparaiso, the oldest and most important port in Chile. There will be the opportunity to walk along the city’s winding streets and enjoy the scenery and culture of this charming port-city. Continue to Vina del Mar, a resort city that was founded in 1874, and is famous for its beautiful gardens and flower clock. Late in the afternoon, return to the hotel in Santiago. Lunch is included today.
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Puerto Montt
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Transfer to the airport and take the flight to Puerto Montt. Upon arrival, enjoy a tour of Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas. Begin the tour at the highest point in Puerto Montt, to see the most beautiful view of the city, the ocean and Tenglo Island. From there, go to the Main Square and the Cathedral to enjoy the German-influenced architecture of the houses, gardens, and buildings. Continue on to Angelmo, a city famous for its handcrafts, gift shops, and City Central Market.
From there, travel along the Pan-American road for 18 kilometers until reaching Puerto Varas, also known as "The City of the Roses." Here, visit the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which was built in the Baroque Style in 1915. Continue to the Old Neighbourhood and then to the shore of the beautiful Llanquihue Lake. Depending on the weather, one can see the Osorno Volcano and its melting ice. Transfer to the hotel in Puerto Varas.
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Lake Crossing to Bariloche
Today's tour begins by bus from Puerto Varas, taking the road via Ensenada. On arrival at Petrohue, board the catamaran which takes travelers across All Saints Lake, also known as Esmeralda Lake, until reaching the tiny village of Peulla. Enjoy lunch before continuing the journey by vehicle to Puerto Frias in Argentina, where a boat takes off to Puerto Alegre. Travel by bus to Puerto Blest. Continue on Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Panuelo. The last stage of the journey, from here to Bariloche, is done by vehicle.
Today's tour begins by bus from Puerto Varas, taking the road via Ensenada. On arrival at Petrohue, board the catamaran which takes travelers across All Saints Lake, also known as Esmeralda Lake, until reaching the tiny village of Peulla. Enjoy lunch before continuing the journey by vehicle to Puerto Frias in Argentina, where a boat takes off to Puerto Alegre. Travel by bus to Puerto Blest. Continue on Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Panuelo. The last stage of the journey, from here to Bariloche, is done by vehicle.
Bariloche
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This morning is free to enjoy Bariloche and the fabulous views of the Andes across the blue waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Bariloche and its surrounding area are evergreen forests, snow-capped peaks, deep blue or transparent green lakes, spring flowers and alpine architecture. In the afternoon, be met at the hotel by a Yampu representative for a private transfer to the airport for a flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, be met at the airport for reception and privately transferred to the hotel for an evening at leisure. ...read less
Buenos Aires
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Today, take a city tour of Buenos Aires. Visit the most famous districts of Buenos Aires, discovering the history and modern life of this world renowned city. The tour provides an in-depth introduction to its architecture, the culture of its people, its anecdotes and secrets. To be put simply, Buenos Aires is exceptional: dynamic, sophisticated and awe-inspiring . The city offers an exquisite combination of a European atmosphere and the charm of Latin American cities. Begin the tour at the famous Plaza de Mayo before venturing out to the old tango districts of Buenos Aires: Monserrat, San Telmo and la Boca. Move on to the busiest areas - Puerto Madero, Retiro and Plaza San Martin - and continue to districts with wonderful green spaces and old residences: Palermo and Recoleta.
Tonight, enjoy an evening of Tango. Witness an unforgettable tango show performed by the best dancers and singers in Buenos Aires, while enjoying a delicious meal with Argentinean wine. After the show return to the hotel.
Note: There are several venues in the city, each offering something unique. Yampu includes the El Querandi or Esquina Carlos Gardel in the 3 and 4-star option with shared transfers, and the Rojo Tango or Gala Tango for the 5 star and deluxe options with private transfers. Estimated pick up time from the hotel is between 7.30 and 8.30 pm; dinner is served between 8:30 pm and 10:15 pm, and the tango show starts around 10:15 pm and lasts until 11:30 pm. Please see below for detailed information on each venue and discuss with a Yampu travel consultant is a specific preference.
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Fiesta Gaucha
Full-day excursion to an estancia for a typical barbeque lunch and a folklore/gaucho show. Learn about the customs of the Argentinean gauchos, and their amazing abilities on horseback. The meat will be cooked a lo gaucho outdoors on the barbeque. Lunch and drinks included. Afternoon, return to Buenos Aires. Duration: 6 hours. Operates every day except Monday.
Full-day excursion to an estancia for a typical barbeque lunch and a folklore/gaucho show. Learn about the customs of the Argentinean gauchos, and their amazing abilities on horseback. The meat will be cooked a lo gaucho outdoors on the barbeque. Lunch and drinks included. Afternoon, return to Buenos Aires. Duration: 6 hours. Operates every day except Monday.
Colonia del Sacramento
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Morning transfer to the port to take the ferry to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. Colonia is a lovely little city located across the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires. Visit the historic areas of the town with its quaint streets and friendly people. Highlights of the tour include the Parque de Ferrando, the bullfighting ring of the Real de San Carlos, the historic neighborhoods, and the beautiful walk down the Rambla Costanera. After lunch, take a shopping tour at the native market, Feria de la Ciudad. Overnight in Colonia. ...read less
Colonia at Leisure
Day of leisure to enjoy Colonia, with its cobbled and narrow streets flanked by whitewashed buildings. In the late afternoon, transfer to Montevideo. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Day of leisure to enjoy Colonia, with its cobbled and narrow streets flanked by whitewashed buildings. In the late afternoon, transfer to Montevideo. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Montevideo
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Enjoy a city tour of Montevideo. Begin by visiting the old city to walk through the Plaza of the Constitution, the Matriz Church, Club Uruguay, the historic municipal buildings and the local market at the port. Next, visit Solis Theatre, the Plaza of Independence, the former government buildings and the Salvo Palace. While heading toward a beautiful section of the city called El Prado, admire the beautiful works of architecture and botanical gardens. The tour finishes off with a drive through the city’s neighborhoods, beaches and coastal houses. In the evening, transfer to the hotel. ...read less
Iguazu Falls
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Iguazu Falls. Upon arrival in Iguazu, take a private transfer to the hotel in Puerto Iguazu (Argentinean side). Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Explore the area or just relax.
Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Iguazu Falls. Upon arrival in Iguazu, take a private transfer to the hotel in Puerto Iguazu (Argentinean side). Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Explore the area or just relax.
Argentina Side
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Today, explore the Argentina side of Iguazu Falls. Arrive at the New Visitors Center where travelers will board the train that goes to Cataratas Station (8 minutes away) or take a short walk through the Green Trail that leads to the beginning of the path towards the Upper and Lower trails. Otherwise the same train goes on to Garganta Station. UPPER CIRCUIT: The 800 meters of catwalks are detached from the jungle's surface so as to protect the fauna by preventing disruption of their natural trails. From this circuit there is an upper view of the falls, enjoying their magnificence with a panoramic view. LOWER CIRCUIT: 1600 meters of catwalks, also detached from the jungle's surface, enjoying a view from below and around the falls. This circuit provides a unique experience of feeling part of the natural surroundings, watching and sensing their magnitude from up close. DEVIL'S GORGE: Departing from Cataratas Station, the train goes to Garganta Station in about 18 minutes. Then a walk along the catwalks, some 1200 meters over the islands, takes travelers to the Devil's Gorge. After finishing the circuits, travelers must go back to the Visitors Center where vehicles are waiting for their return.
This afternoon, enjoy the Great Adventure group tour combining a jungle trip with a boat trip to the falls. The excursion begins in the jungle of the National Park in 4 x 4 trucks without roofs for the best visibility of the trees. There will be excellent opportunities for photos. Departing the trucks, take a zodiac boat to the lower Iguazu River upstream for more panoramic views of the Falls. Be prepared to get wet during this adventure! After the tour, return to the hotel.
Note: Not permitted, are: children under 12 years of age, pregnant women, people with spinal or cardiac conditions, or anyone who would be physically unable to respond in case of a nautical emergency. Please ask your travel consultant about this. ...read less
Brazil Side
Morning, guided tour to the Brazil side of the waterfalls. The thunderous crash of tons of rushing water against basaltic rocks amidst the jungle of birds, butterflies, and orchids will take one’s breath away. After the excursion, be transferred to the airport for the flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival in Rio, reception at airport and transfer to the hotel.
Morning, guided tour to the Brazil side of the waterfalls. The thunderous crash of tons of rushing water against basaltic rocks amidst the jungle of birds, butterflies, and orchids will take one’s breath away. After the excursion, be transferred to the airport for the flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival in Rio, reception at airport and transfer to the hotel.
Sugar Loaf
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Today enjoy a private half day tour to Sugar Loaf with a private driver/guide. This tour begins with a stroll through downtown Rio, passing by the Sambodrome, and the Metropolitan Cathedral, in pyramid form, with an internal diameter of 96 meters and height of 80 meters. Get to know the traditional Cinelandia square with the historical buildings, the Municipal Theater, the National Library and the National Museum of Fine Arts. Take the Aterro do Flamengo to the neighborhood of Urca, to find one of the largest symbols of the city: Sugar Loaf. This visit is made in two steps by cable car. The first cable car takes passengers to Urca Hill which is 215 meters high and provides a beautiful view of the Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niterói Bridge, and Corcovado Hill. From this stage, a second cable car will take travelers 395 meters up to the top to find a splendid view of Copacabana Beach, the Santa Cruz Fortress, and some beaches of Niteroi.
Note: if one would like to experience a typical Brazilian lunch after the tour, please let Yampu know and it can be added.
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Corcovado
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Enjoy a private tour of Corcovado with a private driver/guide. The tour begins in Cosme Velho's neighborhood. The cog train rolls through the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world and up to the statue. Once there, enjoy a panoramic and extraordinary view of Rio, including Sugar Loaf, Guanabara Bay, beaches of the Southern Zone and Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. After the visit to Corcovado, the tour continues to the Sao Conrado area with a brief stop at Pepino Beach, where one can appreciate people hang gliding overhead. Transfer back to the hotel.
Tonight, be met at the hotel by a Yampu representative for a private transfer to the Scenarium Show (this tour does not include dinner). Located in the Lapa area, Rio Scenarium is one of the premier places to listen to the best of Brazilian music, and where the real carioca spirit of bohemian way of life can be felt. The venue is an antique shop during the day, and a live music bar during the night. The programming changes every month. The show ends around midnight.
Note: If one prefers a traditional samba performance on a stage, Yampu can include Rio Plataforma. After dinner, enjoy a Brazilian music presentation at the famous Rio Plataforma. Rio Plataforma is one of the premier places to listen to the best of Brazilian music. Please ask a Yampu travel consultant.
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Flight Home
This afternoon, transfer to the airport to take the international flight back home.
This afternoon, transfer to the airport to take the international flight back home.
Santiago, Chile
Puerto Varas, Chile
Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Colonia, Uruguay
Montevideo, Montevideo Department, Uruguay
Iguazu Falls, Misiones Province, Argentina
Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Places You'll See
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Santiago
As the political and cultural center of Chile, Santiago has much to offer. Relax at one of the many jazz clubs scattered throughout the city, or go for a wine tasting at one of the local wineries. Take a guided city trek to learn about the Chilean culture and their traditional meals. Or visit the summit of Cerro Santa Lucia for beautiful views.
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Puerto Varas
On the shores of Lake Llanquihue sits the City of Roses, Puerto Varas. Known for its German influence and architecture, Puerto Varas has spectacular views of the area including of the surrounding lakes and volcanoes. While visiting, take a hike up the volcanoes and witness the picturesque Petrohue Waterfalls.
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Bariloche
Located in the foothills of the Andes, Bariloche has a wide range of sites and activities. Hit the slopes at Cerro Catedral for a day of skiing, or visit in the summer for sun-bathing on the beautiful beaches of Playa Bonita or Villa Tacul. Take a refreshing dip in the cold waters, chilled by the surrounding melting snow.
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Buenos Aires
One of South America’s most stunning cities, Buenos Aires will charm and delight anyone who walks its dazzling streets. Enjoy watching a tango show or visiting the many shopping centers such as Alto Palermo, or Paseo Alcorta. Buenos Aires is also home to several music festivals such as Quilmes Rock, Creamfields BA, and the Buenos Aires Jazz Festival.
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Colonia
Colonia is a South American fishing village in spirit. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, its historic quarter is full of cobblestone streets, well-preserved colonial architecture, waterfront cafes and locals with plenty of intriguing stories to tell.
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Montevideo
Uruguay’s capital city, Montevideo, is a great destination for culture and history buffs, as well as those enjoy music, tango, and nightlife. Visit the National History Museum Spread between five old historic houses. See the colorful homes of the Barrio Reus neighborhood, or bike along the Rabmbla. Purchase everything from t-shirts to kitchen supplies at La Feria Tristin Narvaja Flea Market.
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Puerto Iguazu
Just a short distance away from the Iguazu Falls, the beautiful city of Puerto Iguazu is full of wonderful sites and attractions. View the Museum of Images of the Jungle, a beautiful collection of woodcarvings. Look around at Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay all at the same time, at the Three Frontiers Landmark where the three countries meet.
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Rio de Janeiro
The largest Art Deco statue in the world, Christ the Redeemer, welcomes travelers to the famous city, Rio de Janeiro. Let the local music, art, and food capture your sense as you visit its sandy beaches or watch an enchanting samba show. Try your hand at trekking up Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain) for beautiful views of the bay and beyond.
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Testimonials
Barbara (Travel Agent)
Traveled January, 2012
I look forward to working with you on future itineraries
My clients just returned from their Uruguay trip. Everything was perfect!!!They loved their guide in Montevideo, loved the hotels and all went very well with the car and the driving itineraries. They especially loved the country and the people. This was a very positive commentary since they have traveled in South America previously and are very well traveled VIP clients. I look forward to working with you on future itineraries and relying on your contacts and expertise.
Traveled To
Repeat Client
Traveled November, 2012
We know who we will call when we are ready to go again
Our first trip with Yampu Tours was in 2003 when it was Kon-Tiki Tours and Travel. We contacted Jose Irauzqui and his team to create a special trip for us to Chile. (We travel by ourselves on a customized tour with a driver and an English speaking guide). We told Jose what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go, our time limits and anything else he needed to know and he and his staff went from there creating a wonderful trip with lots of memories for us. We were so impressed by the service we got that when we were ready to return to south-america to visit Peru in 2006, we immediately contacted Jose, who again came through for us. Most of our trips are ecological in nature. My daughter is an exotic animal veterinarian and we travel to see animals in the wild. All of our trips through Yampu have comprised an ecological component, which we have built our vacations around. Many of the ecological lodges we stayed in were small in size, so we start making our plans at the beginning of the year for a trip in the fall because of availability. We traveled with Yampu to southern Brazil in 2004, Peru in 2006, Argentina in 2007 and again to Peru in 2012. Some parts of our trips were done with groups, but on the most part, we had private customized tours. Yampu has a terrific network system of tour providers in all these countries and through five trips we have only had one complaint, which Yampu took care of when we returned. The problem was with a tour guide and therefore was beyond Yampu’s control until we got back as we did not complain at the time to the local agency. Next time we will handle it locally as Yampu provides you with a list of people to contact along the way. The number of fabulous, well-informed tour guides far outweighed that one incident. The above trips are just the ones my husband and I have gone on with our daughter through Yampu. My daughter has used Yampu for many trips throughout Central and south-america with her friends. We just returned from our second trip to Peru in November and she is off to Ecuador in January. We still have places in south-america we wish to visit, it is a big continent and very diverse. We know who we will call when we are ready to go again. We were very fortunate to find Yampu. And now Yampu has expanded to other parts of the world!
Traveled To
Sue
Traveled March, 2008
We really enjoyed all the hotels and the tours you recommended!
Thanks for checking in. We had an excellent time in Chile and Argentina. Everything worked out perfectly. It was very comforting to have someone meet us in each city and facilitate our tours, while allowing us plenty of time on our own. All of the transfers and pick-ups were perfectly on time and were with very kind and helpful guides and drivers. Our only problem was in Chicago on our way home when our flight was cancelled, but there was really nothing anyone could do at that point. Otherwise everything was great! We really enjoyed all the hotels and the tours you recommended and look forward to working with you again in the future. Thanks again!
Traveled To