The perfect introduction to South America, this 11 day trip takes you to the highlights of the continents three most exhilarating cities: cultural Santiago, cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, and the spectacular beaches and awe inspiring sights of Rio de Janeiro. To complete this unforgettable experience, make a visit to majestic Iguazu Falls
Itinerary Highlights
- Explore the cultural city of Santiago, including the impressive Plaza de Armas and Santa Lucia Hill.
- Suspend yourself over the highest of Iguazu Falls at the inspiring Devil’s Throat.
- Explore Buenos Aires and experience one of Argentina’s best known contributions to culture – the Tango.
- Visit Rio’s iconic sites, including Copacabana Beach, Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive in Santiago
- Day 2: Santiago City Tour
- Day 3: Fly to Rio de Janeiro
- Day 4: Corcovado & Santa Teresa
- Day 5: Sugarloaf Mountain
- Day 6: Fly to Foz do Iguazu & Brazilian Falls Tour
- Day 7: Argentinean Falls Tour
- Day 8: Fly to Buenos Aires
- Day 9: San Telmo & La Boca City Tour & Dinner and Tango Show
- Day 10: Recoleta & Palermo City Tour
- Day 11: Depart
Tailor made suggestions for this itinerary
- Enjoy the sun at some of Brazil's best beaches in Ilha Grande & Paraty.
- Spend a few days in the oasis town of San Pedro in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile with our Magic of Atacama.
- Add on a few extra days to explore Uruguay.
- Visit an estancia in the beautiful Argentinean countryside!
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1 - Santiago: Arrive in Santiago
Arrive in Santiago
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Chile's capital city is surrounded by an extraordinary set of snow-capped Andean mountains to the east and a smaller coastal range to the west. It is truly a beautiful sight. The city offers one of Latin America's most cosmopolitan, vibrant and artistic city centres so your stay here is sure to be an exciting one.
Day 2 - Santiago: Exclusive Santiago Tour
Exclusive Santiago Tour
Let us introduce you to the classic city we know and love on this 6 hour tour exploring the city's most popular sights along with some of our personal favourites. Chile´s rich cultural heritage comes to life as we visit the iconic symbols of the city, including La Plaza de Armas (the main square), La Moneda (the government palace), the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral and the spectacular Cerro Santa Lucia, where the city was founded in 1541.
We continue to the bohemian area of Bellavista and climb the San Cristobal hill for a panoramic view of Santiago with the Andes Mountains in the background. We'll also visit the Orient Sector, the most modern area of the city, with its impressive high rise buildings and classy boulevards before we offer you a choice of the activities designed to enhance your Santiago experience.
You'll be given the option (you can decide on the day) to visit the picturesque Los Dominicos craft market where we can walk through the artisan village and enjoy a tasty empanada at one of the outdoor cafés, discover Santiago's impressive pre-Columbian museum, explore the historic Lastarria Neighbourhood or take a walking tour through the Mercado Central, Chile's largest fresh seafood market where you can try some of the local cuisine on offer. If you'd like to visit all these places then just let us know in advance and we can extend your tour to do this.
On completion of the tour you'll be returned back to your hotel and have free time to further explore the city at your leisure.
* As an alternative to this traditional city tour, we can also offer the city tour as a walking or bike riding tour. Let us know if you'd like more details on these options.
Breakfast included.
Day 3 - Santiago: Depart Santiago / Fly to Rio de Janeiro
Depart Santiago
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
Fly to Rio de Janeiro
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Golden beaches and lush mountains, samba-fueled nightlife and spectacular football matches, Rio is sure to be one of the highlights of your South American adventure. This evening you are at your leisure. We recommend trying a local churrasco (Brazilian BBQ) for dinner.
Breakfast included.
Day 4 - Rio de Janeiro: Corcovado tour & Santa Teresa
Corcovado tour & Santa Teresa
Leave the hotel in the direction of the Cosme Velho neighborhood to board the train, which will take us up the beautiful mountainside before arriving at the feet of Christ the Redeemer, one of the seven "New Wonders of the World," located 2,300ft above sea level. There will be available time here to enjoy the most famous panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro, also known as the "Marvelous City."
From here, drive to the tram station to embark on a tour through Santa Teresa, a traditional neighborhood located high up on the city's hills, overlooking downtown and Guanabara Bay. Home to several Twentieth-century mansions, cultural houses, galleries, and gourmet restaurants, Santa Teresa's charming cobbled streets are also a haven for local artists and intellectuals.
Next, stop by Ruins Park ('Parque das Ruínas') to enjoy a spectacular view of Rio de Janeiro. Afterward, the Chácara do Céu Museum has a fascinating Brazilian and European art collection, highlighting Portinari, Di Cavalcanti, Matisse, and Modigliani.
The tour continues to Selaron staircase and Largo do Guimarães, considered the heart of the neighbourhood, with several bars and restaurants. After this tour, guests will certainly feel as though they know a little more about the history and culture of Rio de Janeiro.
Duration: approximately 6 hours.
Days of operation of Museums and Parks:
- Chacara do Ceu Museum from Wednesdays to Mondays, between 12 pm and 5 pm. Closed on Jan 01st, Dec 25th, and 31st.
- Ruins Park from Tuesdays to Sundays, between 9 am and 6 pm.
Breakfast included.
Day 5 - Rio de Janeiro: Half Day Sugar Loaf Mountain
Half Day Sugar Loaf Mountain
Over a million tourists every year visit the world famous Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), which has become an iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Rising up from a small peninsula at the entrance of Guanabara Bay, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated, refined sugarloaf. A cable car takes passengers to the top of Urca Hill, which rises 215 metres above sea level and offers spectacular views of the entire bay and its islands. From Urca Hill, passengers continue in a second cable car to the top of Sugarloaf, which rises 395 metres above sea level and offers a 360-degree view of the entire city, including Botafogo and Copacabana Beaches, Corcovado and downtown Rio.
Breakfast included.
Day 6 - Rio de Janeiro: Depart Rio / Arrival into Foz do Iguazu (Brazil) / Brazilian Iguaçu Falls Tour
Depart Rio
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.
Arrival into Foz do Iguazu (Brazil)
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to the falls.
Brazilian Iguaçu Falls Tour
Upon arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and taken on your tour of the Brazilian side of the falls. Here, you'll watch as 14 separate waterfalls drop with such force that a tall cloud of mist stays permanently suspended overhead. Great photo opportunities abound, however, raincoats are highly advisable!
At the conclusion of the tour you will be transferred to your hotel.
Breakfast included.
Day 7 - Puerto Iguazú: Argentinean Falls Tour
Argentinean Falls Tour
In the morning you'll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Iguazu National Park. From the entrance, a small train will take you on a tour of the park. On the first of two stops you'll follow pathways to the top of the Cataratas (“The Falls”) where you'll have a spectacular view of the falls and their surrounding scenery including an abundance of orchids, colourful birds and other native wildlife. The second stop occurs at La Garganta del Diablo (“The Devil's Throat”), the largest fall in the park and also the highlight of the tour. A suspended platform at the brink of the fall allows for a startlingly close view of this breathtaking natural wonder.
At the end of the tour you will be taken back to your hotel.
*For those who want a little more adventure, we recommend the Great Adventure Boat Tour, which enables you to gain a different perspective as you cruise on a motorboat underneath the falls.
Breakfast included.
Day 8 - Puerto Iguazú: Depart Puerto Iguazú / Arrive in Buenos Aires
Depart Puerto Iguazú
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.
Arrive in Buenos Aires
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Buenos Aires, capital of the Republic of Argentina and the country's largest city, is undeniably one of Latin America's hottest destinations. Located on the shores of the Rio de la Plata, the city's combination of European architecture and the passion of its people – the porteños (people of the port) – work together to create a colourful and dynamic modern city.
Breakfast included.
Day 9 - Buenos Aires: San Telmo and La Boca City Tour / Dinner & Tango Show
San Telmo and La Boca City Tour
This morning's excursion will introduce you to the magic of the Argentine capital. After being picked up from your hotel we start with a visit of 'San Telmo', the oldest barrio (neighbourhood) of Buenos Aires which is famous for its historic architecture, tango parlours and antique shops. We take our time and wander through the cobblestone streets learning about the history of the area and seeing its sights including its impressive old churches and its abundance of colourful street art.
We leave San Telmo and the tour continues past the many architectural highlights of Buenos Aires including the Palace of Justice, the Argentine National Congress building, the 'Cabildo (old town hall) and the presidential palace 'Casa Rosada' (pink house).
Next we visit ‘La Boca', the most picturesque of all neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires. This extravagant zone is completely different to the old and to the modern Buenos Aires and romantic stories tell us that tango was born in this working class area. We wander its famous street “Caminito” where you will have the chance to view the spectacle of impromptu tango dancing, street performers and have the chance to buy some local handicrafts.
On our way back to your hotel we pass through the newly restored Puerto Madero area where you can choose to be dropped off at for a nice meal by the waterfront. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure with the chance to visit some of Buenos Aires' many great museums or do some shopping.
Dinner & Tango Show
Tango expresses the heart and spirit of Argentina and no visit to Buenos Aires would be complete without it. This evening you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to La Ventana where you will experience the intimacy of this dance in equally intimate surrounds while you indulge in delicious Argentinean cuisine. At the end of the show you will be taken back to your hotel.
*Before the show you have the option of arriving before the others and taking a short tango lesson with a professional dancer or a wine tasting. This comes at an additional cost but if you would like to book either of these please let your consultant know.
You will be picked up from your hotel and taken back at the end of the tour along other passengers. We suggest to upgrade to a private transfer as the pick ups and drop offs could take a considerable time.
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 10 - Buenos Aires: Recoleta & Palermo City Tour
Recoleta & Palermo City Tour
This morning you will further discover what makes Buenos Aires great as we explore its better known and sophisticated districts; Palermo and Recoleta. We start with a drive through Recoleta with its open green spaces mixed in with elegant boutique shopping, cafés, embassies and impressive architecture. We visit such landmarks as the Pilar Church and Evita Monument before taking a short walk through the Recoleta cemetery where Evita's tomb can be found.
We continue on to Palermo which is Buenos Aires' largest neighbourhood, and also its trendiest. Here you will walk the streets which are full of beautiful parks, hip boutique hotels, chic restaurants and bars, and high fashion stores. Throughout the morning your knowledgeable guide will give you an insight into local life and excellent local cuisine and on completion of the tour you will have the option of being dropped off at an excellent restaurant for lunch or being taken back to your hotel.
* Please note entry to Recoleta Cemetery is an additional cost for foreign visitors. Entry during the tour is optional.
Breakfast included.
Day 11 - Buenos Aires: Depart Buenos Aires
Depart Buenos Aires
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.
Breakfast included.
- Day 1 - Arrive in Santiago
- Day 2 - Exclusive Santiago Tour
- Day 3 - Depart Santiago / Fly to Rio de Janeiro
- Day 4 - Corcovado tour & Santa Teresa
- Day 5 - Half Day Sugar Loaf Mountain
- Day 6 - Depart Rio / Arrival into Foz do Iguazu (Brazil) / Brazilian Iguaçu Falls Tour
- Day 7 - Argentinean Falls Tour
- Day 8 - Depart Puerto Iguazú / Arrive in Buenos Aires
- Day 9 - San Telmo and La Boca City Tour / Dinner & Tango Show
- Day 10 - Recoleta & Palermo City Tour
- Day 11 - Depart Buenos Aires
Departs daily
Season | Type | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
01 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025 | AUD$5371pp | ||
Comfort | AUD$5371pp | Contact us | |
Superior | AUD$5755pp | Contact us | |
Deluxe | AUD$6557pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Comfort
Santiago, Chile - Ladera Hotel
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Windsor California
Puerto Iguazú, Argentina - Jardin Del Iguazu
Buenos Aires, Argentina - Kenton Palace
Superior
Santiago, Chile - Hotel Cumbres Lastarria
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Porto Bay Hotel
Puerto Iguazú, Argentina - Falls Iguazu Hotel & Spa
Buenos Aires, Argentina - Eurobuilding Hotel
Deluxe
Santiago, Chile - Hotel Le Reve
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Miramar Hotel by Windsor
Puerto Iguazú, Argentina - Loi Suites
Buenos Aires, Argentina - Hotel Madero
Whats included?
- Accommodation with private facilities
- Hotel taxes
- Internal airfares*
- Entrance fees
- Tours with English speaking guides
- Transfers
- Meals as specified
What’s not included?
- International airfares to/from South America
- Airport entrance/departure taxes/hotel taxes
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
- *Internal airfare prices are based on your arrival into South America being with LATAM Airlines. Supplements may apply if you arrive with another airline.
- Hotel rates are based on lead-in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: South America
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