Essence of South America

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Belmond Copacabana Palace. A transfer is included from Rio de Janeiro International Airport to Belmond Copacabana Palace, an Art Deco landmark overlooking Copacabana Beach. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner with traditional entertainment.

Take to the skies in Rio this morning on a a two-stage cable car ride to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, where dramatic views of the surrounding landscape stuns at every angle and a bird's eye view provides you with an incredible vantage point above Guanabara Bay and the city at large. Next, head back down to ground level for a a private boat cruise on Guanabara Bay. Enjoy seaside glimpses of beautiful beaches, historic forts, a modern museum, outlying islands and the city skyline. Feast on a typical churrascaria barbecue lunch before returning to Rio. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Arise in amazing Rio for an unforgettable excursion up Corcovado Hill by train to Tijuca National Park to see the world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. Then discover the passionate nature of Rio's beloved Carnaval celebration, which draws visitors from around the world each year, on a visit to Samba City. A local guide leads you on a behind-the-scenes look at the business of Carnaval and the creation of its dazzling costumes and floats, which includes an exclusive samba performance. Have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel to spend the afternoon as you please. Dinner tonight is at a renowned local restaurant.

Taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide, Iguaçu Falls was named a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site and one of the "New Seven Wonders of Nature." You'll have to visit two countries to get a complete look at the falls – 275 cascades spread in a horseshoe shape across two miles of the Iguaçu River, straddling the borders of Argentina and Brazil. Today experience the Brazilian side, walking on paved trails with a local guide to the catwalks along the falls for amazing views of the thundering water. Your hotel is ideally located inside the national park with nature's wonders as a welcome showpiece.

Immerse in the natural splendors of the park your way today on a choice of excursions. Board a helicopter for a flightseeing ride over the falls; drive into the jungle for a jet boat ride to the base of the falls and "shoot the rapids" on the way back to the dock; or take a behind-the-scenes backstage tour of the Bird Park, a recovery and conservation center for exotic birds, where you will meet and perhaps feed toucans, flamingos and more. After time at leisure to do as you like, work up an appetite for our private tasting dinner tonight that immerses you in the culinary history of the different regions of Brazil.

Drive across the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the border into neighboring Argentina where you will experience the falls from a different perspective. Take a walk along the "Superior Circuit" on metal grated walkways and up steps for stunning views of the surrounding landscape, before lunch and an afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Settle in at the elegant Alvear Palace Hotel, a city landmark since 1932 and the "grande dame" of Buenos Aires hotels.

No doubt about it, Buenos Aires defines "sizzle"... and you'll discover why today when a local guide shows you the city. First up is a visit to Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa Rosada (government palace) where you'll see the balcony made famous by Evita Perón. Explore the colorful La Boca neighborhood, which is both a working class barrio and artist colony, and then enjoy lunch in the San Telmo District, a mix of colonial-style homes, narrow lanes, artist lofts and hip bars. This evening, experience the allure of the infamous tango when a superb show follows dinner in Buenos Aires.

This morning, set out on a walking tour of Buenos Aires, making a stop at the iconic Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva (Evita) Perón is laid to rest. Following your tour on foot, enjoy a privately guided visit to the Teatro Colón – the city's seven-tiered opera house that first opened in 1908 and ranks among the finest concert venues in the world. Its opulent stained glass, marble staircases, and excellent acoustics recently underwent a three-year refurbishment. The remainder of the day is free to explore Buenos Aires as you please.

Experience time-honored Argentine traditions today as you venture into the countryside to the artists' community of San Antonio de Areco for a very special visit with one of the most famous silversmiths in the country. The Draghi family has created priceless pieces in pure silver for celebrities and local gauchos alike, and today you'll have the opportunity to see the artists at work. Continue on to a traditional estancia (ranch) for lunch and a fascinating gaucho demonstration with a horse whisperer. Your evening is free to enjoy Buenos Aires as you like.

A morning flight brings you to Santiago in Chile and the final stop on our tour of South America. Drive south on the Pan-American Highway to the Millahue Valley in the heart of Chile's famous winelands for a two-night stay. Your hotel is acclaimed for its unique architectural design and on-site winery; enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight.

Immerse in the beauty of wine country today as you choose how you want to spend the morning. Saddle up for a guided horseback ride through the vineyards or pedal your way on a bicycle through vines meticulously grown and cared for. Or join us for a cooking class or a wine and chocolate pairing at the hotel. Everyone meets up for a wine pairing lunch before a tasting tour at the winery. A farewell reception and dinner features regional specialties and incredible scenic views.

Tour ends: Santiago. Drive to Santiago this morning for a city tour and lunch at The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, where day rooms have been reserved for you before your flight home. A transfer is included from The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago to Santiago Airport. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in.