Enjoy The Best of South America on this incredible 22-day journey to Brazil, Argentina and Chile. Starting in Rio de Janeiro, your sightseeing takes you to Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountains and the famous Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches. You'll have four nights in Rio before heading to spectacular Iguassu Falls for one night, and then to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for four nights. Enjoy the wide boulevards and outdoor cafes of the "Paris of South America." An excursion to Uruguay gives you the chance to take a catamaran to Colonia de Sacramento. A trip to Bariloche will lead you to the glorious scenery of Argentina's Lake District. A scenic boat cruise will then take you to Puerto Varas, Chile, to absorb the beauty of its emerald lakes and snow-capped peaks. Visit the nearby seaport of Puerto Montt before completing your journey in the historic city of Santiago. You can start your vacation four days early in the Amazon (Manaus, Brazil) or add six days in Peru to your tour with exciting visits to Cusco, Machu Picchu and Lima.

Day 1 Arrival In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Welcome to South America’s largest and most populous country. Transfer in Rio from airport to hotel. You will be met by our bilingual guides and escorted to the hotel at Copacabana Beach. In the evening, you will participate in a welcome dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. (Dinner)

Day 3 Rio de Janeiro
A full day dedicated to touring the sites of Rio. Begin with a visit to the statue of Christ the Redeemer crowning CORCOVADO MOUNTAIN, a rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay below. Take the scenic cog railway ride to its top, where a 360-degree panorama affords sweeping views. Then drive along famous Ipanema and Copacabana beaches to the base of 1,300-foot SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN. Ascend by cable car to its summit for a bird’s-eye view of the sprawling city. From here proceed to bustling downtown Rio. View the Sambodromo and visit the CATHEDRAL. The rest of the afternoon is free for shopping and independent sightseeing. Tonight you might want to sample local cuisine in one of the excellent restaurants in nearby Leblon or Ipanema. (Breakfast)

Day 4 Rio de Janeiro
A day of leisure in one of the most exciting cities in the world or perhaps you may wish to enjoy an optional trip to historic Petropolis, once the site of the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II and now a mountain resort. Your Tour Director will help you plan your day. (Breakfast)

Day 5 Rio de Janeiro
This morning why not participate in the optional jeep tour to visit the Botanical Gardens, with its splendid orchid exhibit, and Tijuca National Park to view native flora and fauna, Later this afternoon enjoy a Guanabara Bay CRUISE offering you spectacular views of Rio and its beaches. Evening at leisure (Breakfast)

Day 6 Rio de Janeiro-Iguassu Falls
A morning flight from Rio takes you to IGUASSU FALLS. Spend the afternoon enjoying the magnificent panorama of waterfalls from the Brazilian side. Your local guide introduces the spectacle of this two-mile-wide torrential downpour, with some cataracts as high as 250 feet, which is nothing short of hypnotic. The clouds of spray, the incessant roar, and the surrounding luxuriant tropical growth make this an unforgettable natural wonder. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 7 Iguassu Falls-Buenos Aires, Argentina
Enjoy a closer perspective of this natural phenomenon this morning with a walking tour of the Argentine side of the falls. Then on to Iguazu International Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Reception and transfer to your central hotel. Evening at leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 8 Buenos Aires
Your included sightseeing this morning starts in La Boca, a colorful district and site of the city’s first port. A short walking tour of this unique neighborhood at the mouth of the river and then on to San Telmo—famous for its late colonial buildings and as a popular gathering spot for artists. At the Plaza de Mayo, see La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House) and the METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL, housing San Martin’s Mausoleum. Drive past the ornate Colon Opera House before reaching THE CEMETERY OF THE RECOLETA, the burial site of Eva Peron. As you enjoy your first look at this delightful capital city, your guide will provide you with historic facts along with entertaining and informative stories. You will hear about the immigrants who came from Europe and about Argentina’s intense and passionate political life which has inspired much of the country’s theatre and music. Dinner at a typical restaurant features succulent Argentine steaks and other specialties. The evening is topped off by a flawless PERFORMANCE of Latin America’s most sensuous dance—the tango! (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 9 Buenos Aires-Uruguay-Buenos Aires
Today a visit to another South American country, Uruguay. Travel by CATAMARAN to the World Heritage City of Colonia de Sacramento. Founded by Portuguese settlers from Brazil in 1680, this town held a strategic position as a smuggling outpost for transporting British goods across the Rio de la Plata into the Spanish colonies throughout the 17th century. Today its charm lies in its narrow streets and colonial buildings. Enjoy a guided tour and lunch before returning to Buenos Aires in the afternoon. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 10 Buenos Aires
Breakfast at Hotel's Restaurant, Free day for you to explore Buenos Aires. Optional tours will be available (Breakfast)

Day 11 Buenos Aires-Bariloche
Today fly south to Bariloche on the shores of fjord-like Lago Nahuel Huapi in the heart of Argentina’s Lake District. Arrive in the early evening, with time to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque town center. See the city hall and the clock tower in Municipality Square, and admire the famous chocolate factories—each built like a Swiss chalet. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 12 Bariloche
This chic alpine resort boasts some of the most glorious scenery in the country. Cameras ready for today’s chairlift ride to a lookout point at CERRO CAMPANARIO. You’ll want to capture the vistas of surrounding lakes and mountain peaks. The tour continues with a leisurely drive around the Llao Llao Peninsula, Lago Moreno, and Lopez Bay. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 13 Bariloche-Puerto Varas, Chile
Board a boat for the CRUISE across Lago Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Blest, the first leg of a memorable journey to Chile. Then proceed by motorcoach through pristine wilderness adorned by emerald lakes, thick pine forests, and snow-capped peaks. Look out for soaring Osorno Volcano as you cross Lago Todos los Santos by FERRY. Then take pictures of the thundering PETROHUE RAPIDS and skirt the southern shore of Lago Llanquihue on the way to Puerto Varas. Drive to your hotel along the festive rosebush-lined streets of this lakeside resort. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 14 Puerto Varas-Puerto Montt-Santiago
Your morning tour of the nearby seaport of Puerto Montt takes you to the harbor brimming with fishing vessels and along a busy waterfront lined with seafood stalls. Transfer to the airport for your flight north to Santiago. Perched between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, Santiago has evolved as the country’s political, commercial, and cultural capital. Tonight dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 15 Santiago
After breakfast, you will do a half day city tour in Santiago. You will tour the main avenues in the city’s civic center. Highlights include La Moneda Palace, which was completed in 1805 (after more than 20 years of off-and-on construction). The neoclassical building was the home of Chilean presidents until 1958, and today is the seat of the government. Afterwards you continue exploring narrow streets, eventually arriving at the Plaza de Armas, a picturesque square surrounded by the 18th-century Cathedral Metropolitana, the National Historical Museum, and the central post office. Leaving downtown, you head toward Parque Forestal, which leads to the Fine Arts Museum, and Bellavista, the artsy, bohemian center of Santiago. You ascend Santa San Cristobal, a beautiful public park whose peak—the perfect place for a panoramic shot of the city—is crowned with a 118-foot statue of the Virgin Mary. Descend and travel the other direction to the neighborhoods of Pedro de Valdivia Norte, Las Condes and Vitacura, the modern commercial districts and great places for shopping. The afternoon and evening are at leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 16 Santiago
The day is free for independent activities. You may want to take advantage of an optional excursion to the beautiful coastal region west of Santiago. Drive through the undulating hills of Chile’s wine country to the historic port of Valparaiso, and continue along the coast to nearby Vina del Mar. This chic seaside resort with palm tree-lined avenues and lovely villas truly deserves the sobriquet “Pearl of the Pacific.” (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 17 Santiago-Lima, Peru
Today fly to Lima for an overnight. Reception and transfer to the Hotel (Breakfast)

Day 18 Lima-Cusco-Sacred Valley.
Early in the morning our staff will meet and transfer you to the airport for your departing flight to the Capital of the Incas Cusco. Upon your Arrival in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas, we greet you at the airport and transfer you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The scenery is unsurpassable, close and distant snow peaks glistening in the sun. Visit the Ancient Pisaq market, where many of the local Indians sell their hand made textiles. Lunch at the local hacienda restaurant and continue to Ollantaytambo the major Inca temple / fortress. Probably built by the great Inca ruler, Pachacuti in the 1460s, it was the site of Hernando Pizzaro’s defeat by Manco Inca in 1536. We have ample time to examine the complex and ponder its many mysteries before returning to the hotel at Sacred Valley. Dinner is at the hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 19 Sacred Valley-Machu Picchu-Sacred Valley
Early in the morning after breakfast we pick you up at your hotel and take you to the railway station for the tourist class train to Machu Pichu. Journey passes through picturesque Andean scenery, passing traditional villages, Inca ruins and rushing rivers. We'll descend 1300 meters through the Sacred Valley of the Incas and follow the Urubamba river until the final stop at Aguas Calientes. Reception and overnight at Aguas Calientes (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 20 Machu Picchu - Cusco
Early risers may walk through Machu Picchu in the mist to explore the ruins without crowds , we'll take the 20 minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu, perched 600 meters above the river. Our guide will explain you the history and the myths that surround this archeological wonder MACHU PICCHU! The famous lost city of the Inca is one of the most magical and mysterious places on Earth! Stand 2,430m above sea-level in the middle of a tropical mountain forest. In an extraordinarily beautiful setting, it was probably most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height, its giant walls, terraces and ramps seen as, if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna, the site is frequently shrouded in misty clouds pierced by the powerful equatorial Sun. Afterwards we take the bus for your return to the Aguas Calientes for lunch and return to Cusco. Reception and Transfer to the hotel (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 21 Cusco
Enjoy a free morning in Cusco to explore the city at your own pace. In the afternoon City tour of Cusco. This tour include: The Cathedral, Qoricancha, temple of the Sun, the most important of Inca ceremonial sites. Later you will continue to the most important site of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Qenqo and Puca Pucara. We return to the hotel (Breakfast)

Day 22 Lima – Flight Out
Transfer to the Airport for your flight to Lima, reception and guided sightseeing tour to the most attractive and important sites in Lima, the "City of Kings". The tour includes Lima's Historical Centre, passing by Plaza San Martin, Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the City Hall. We will visit the Convent and Church of San Francisco, the greatest monumental complex of Colonial Art in America and Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The tour includes a visit to the Basilica of 21 altars, Convent of Cloisters, Capitulary and Clementine Rooms, Chorus and Library of the monks, a Museum showing 11 paintings of the Rubens School, the Sacristy with paintings of Surbaran and Ribera, its great patio decorated with Seville tiles of the XVIth Century, Moorish arches and underground Catacombs. Larco is one of the few museums in the world where visitors can also choose to enter the storage area with its 45,000 classified archaeological objects. Its masterpieces are considered worldwide icons of pre-Columbian art, after being exhibited in the world's leading museums. Return to the airport for your international flight. (Breakfast) (optional extra night at Lima)

DEPARTING GROUP DATES: Daily

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS UPON REQUEST: Prices start from $ per person in double occupancy from Lima, Peru. This includes all meals from Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, accommodations as stated in the itinerary, domestic airfare, Flights from Bolivia to Argentina, Argentina Iguazu Falls and flight to Brazil, Vistadome Train, ground transportation during the tour, and guide services provided by our tour guide. It does not include airfare from your home to Lima and return from Rio de Janeiro, airport departure taxes, alcoholic beverages, special gratuities, phone calls, laundry, or items of a personal nature.
The single supplement for this tour no apply you will be charged a single supplement if you desire single accommodations.

TOUR REGISTRATION: To register for this tour, complete the Tour registration form and return it with a deposit of 50% per person. If registering by phone, the deposit must be received within 10 days or the space will be released. Full payment of the tour fee is due 60 days prior to the tour departure date.

AIR INFORMATION: Sun God Expeditions Tours E.I.R.L is a full-service travel agency and we will be happy to make any domestic or international air travel arrangements from your home and return. Please feel free to contact us to confirm your air arrangements.

CLIMATE: There are five climatic regions in Brazil: equatorial, tropical, semi-arid, highland tropical and subtropical. The seasons are the reverse of those in Europe and the United States. Cities such as Sao Paulo and Brasilia, on the plateau, have a mild climate with temperatures averaging 66°F (19°C). Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Natal and Salvador on the coast have warmer climates balanced by the Trade Winds. Rio, for example, has an average temperature of around 80°F (26°C) which will climb to over 100°F (high 30s) during the summer months. In the southern Brazilian cities of Porto Alegre and Curitiba, the subtropical climate is similar to parts of the US and Europe, with frosts occurring in the winter months (July to August) when temperatures can fall below freezing. Summers are hot, however. Despite the popular image of the Amazon as a region of blistering heat, temperatures rarely rise above 90°F (32°C), and days are generally warm, wet and humid. The region has two seasons: a rainy season (November to May) and not-so-rainy season (June to October). Argentina’s elongated geography ensures that the country has a diverse climate. The north is subtropical with rain throughout the year and is best visited between May and September when the heat and humidity is less oppressive. The south has a sub-arctic climate and is best visited in the summer (December to February). The central area is temperate, but can be hot and humid during summer and cool in winter, Chile has a mountain climate with snow in the higher reaches. The north is desert, warm during the day but very cool at night. The central part has a Mediterranean climate with a rainy season between May and August. The south is cold, bitterly so in winter, and often wet.

CURRENCY: Nuevo Sol; as of February, 2006, $1 USD = 3.42 Nuevo Sol. Local currency and USD are available from ATM’s at Lima airport and major cities, The Brazilian monetary unit is the real (BRL), plural reais. There are 100 centavos to the real. The US dollar is also welcome in most tourist establishments, the Argentinian Nuevo Peso is the official currency, the US dollar is the best foreign currency to take with you as it offers the best rate of exchange, but most foreign currencies can be exchanged with little difficulty, The Argentinean Peso (ARS) is divided into 100 centavos, The local currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP), which is divided into 100 centavos.

DOCUMENTS: For U.S. citizens, a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure is required. Non-United States citizens should check with their local Peruvian consulate or embassy. A visa is not required; a tourist card will be issued by the airline. To Brazil require a 90 day tourist Visa and for Argentina most foreigners do not require a visa, only a tourist card, which is issued at no cost upon entering the country. Bolivia, most nationalities do not require a visa for stays less than 30 days, but please consult your embassy for current requirements

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

• Departure tax: Lima/USA $28.25 as of August 2005. This may be paid in Peruvian Soles or U.S. dollars.
• Electric Current: 220 Volts (flat pin plug).
• Peru Time: Eastern Standard Time,
• Brazil Time, spans four time zones: Rio and Sao Paulo: GMT -2 (GMT -3 April to October); Brasilia and Belem: GMT -3 (GMT -2 October to March); GMT -4 in the West.
Electricity: Brazil has a variety of electrical voltages, sometimes within the same city, the better hotels offer 220 volts. If not, transformers are available in electrical stores. Outlets often accept a variety of plug types but the two-pin type is standard.
Language: The spoken language in Brazil is Portuguese, however Spanish and English are also widely used in the cities.


• Argentina Local Time, GMT -3, Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Most hotels and offices use the three-pin flat type plug however most older buildings have the two-pin round type.
• Chile Local Time, Mainland is GMT –5 (GMT –4 from the second Sunday in October to the second Saturday in March). Easter Island is GMT –7 (GMT –6 from the second Sunday in October to the second Saturday in March).

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are standard

Before booking, it is important to have read and understood the Terms and Conditions. Please bear in mind that significant price reductions are available for groups.