Classic South America - 12 days Santiago to Rio de Janeiro

At 18:00, join your Travel Concierge and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.

Enjoy a cocktail reception followed by a Chilean seafood lunch at Mestizo Restaurante, where international gastronomy enhances traditional Chilean cuisine, resulting in delicious ceviches, main dishes, and desserts.

Meet a Local Expert for an in-depth city exploration. Start out at the heart of the city, seeing the Chilean University, San Francisco Church and the Santa Lucia Hill. Then visit the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral. Cross the Mapocho river to the bohemian Bellavista district on the way to San Cristóbal Hill, where you will have the best views of Santiago and the Andes Mountains.

From Santiago, head west towards Valparaíso. Pass by the main square where you can see the monument honoring the 1879 Naval Battle of Iquique. Declared a World Heritage by UNESCO, Valparaíso offers unique ocean landscapes with colorful neighborhoods, picturesque cobblestone streets, and old cable cars. 

Begin with a glass of rosé before crafting elegant Chilean dishes under the guidance of a private chef. Then indulge in a five-course wine-paired lunch and a private winery tour, a masterclass in culinary sophistication.

Savor a delicious meal, and enjoy fabulous live music, solo singers and a breathtaking display of authentic tango at Rojo Tango.

Take a tour of this historical and prestigious opera house and explore the Main Hall, Foyer, Bustos Gallery and the Golden Hall.

Head to Fogón Asado, opening exclusively for Luxury Gold this afternoon. Indulge at a restaurant that presents a new way of living the traditional Argentine 'asado'. During this experience, see, feel and taste the unique grilling techniques. Sip on a welcome cocktail and meet the chef. Start an exquisite 6-course tasting menu that includes the best cuts of meat, fire-roasted seasonal vegetables, traditional recipes, and much more that brings 'asado' to new heights.

Meet the local gauchos and learn about the traditions of these South American Cowboys on a horseback ride. 

Explore the beautiful ranch on a leisurely walk, learning all about the gaucho lifestyle.

Get a taste of gaucho life with a delicious asado Highlight Lunch.

Head to the Argentinean side of Iguassu Falls and view the unfathomable Devil's Throat with a Local Expert.

Enjoy dinner with wine surrounded by a subtropical forest at Ipe Grill where you'll choose from a selection of traditional Brazilian barbecue or international cuisine.

Step through the doors into a world of understated luxury. The luxurious Belmond das Cataratas is the only hotel inside the National Park and sits alongside the falls. Soak up the jungle chorus while you float in the pool, stroll gardens bejeweled with orchids and sip caipirinhas as the sun goes down. Embark on the ultimate adventure at South America's first and only Forbes Five Star hotel, and you’ll never want to leave.

Walk the cascading edge of Iguazú’s Brazilian side with a Local Expert, where panoramic views and mist-laced trails reveal the full drama of the falls. Gaze out toward San Martin Island and feel the thunder at the base.

On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, see several native birds in their natural habitat. One of the largest bird parks in Latin America, the Bird Park is an integrated conservation center for birds of the Atlantic Forest and is home to 120 species of birds. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Experience sightseeing with a Local Expert and a cable car journey to the lofty heights of Sugarloaf Mountain with fast-track admission.

Visit this beautiful library that was built in the heart of Rio by the Portuguese monarchy.

Visit the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil, one of the most important cultural centers in the country. Admire the Art Deco design by Francisco Joaquim Bethencourt da Silva.

Relish a beautifully curated three-course lunch, where every dish served to guests is also shared with the community. Enjoy a private meet and greet with the chef, who brings this inspiring culinary initiative to life. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps fund training and solidarity meals, offering nourishment and opportunity through exceptional dining. Your visit directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. 

Your dinner is served at the French-Brazilian L'Etoile Restaurant. Enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean from the 26th floor as you toast to your journey.

Enjoy an exclusive encounter with Musician Cecelo, a renowned guitarist, music historian and studio owner from Ipanema. In the birthplace of Bossa Nova, gain rare insight into the rhythm and soul of this iconic genre as Cecelo shares stories and the sounds that shaped its legacy — culminating in a private performance, accompanied by Brazil’s signature caipirinha cocktail.

Take a train ride up Corcovado Hill through the Tijuca National Forest to the open arms of Christ the Redeemer and magnificent views over the legendary bay.