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From natural wonders to some of the region's most vibrant cities, experience the riches of South America on this comprehensive adventure that takes you from Chile to Argentina and Brazil. Enjoy the perfect combination of guided excursions and free time to explore the beauty of some of the world's most breathtaking wonders-northern Patagonia and Iguassu Falls. Sip wine in Santiago, learn to tango in Buenos Aires and live it up in beachside Rio. Travel days are well paced and include short flights, allowing you the time to really experience the region's highlights-in comfort and style.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Afro-Brazilian Community Visit, Paraty
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Maipo Valley Wineries Tour, Maipo
Your Discover Moment: Buenos Aires. Arrival transfer. Winery tour in the Maipo Valley. Half-day cultural tour with visit to Angelmó fish market and traditional curanto meal. Visit Petrohue Falls. ‘Cruce de los Lagos' lake crossing by ferry. Buenos Aires city tour. Tour of Iguassu Falls from Argentina and Brazil. Visit an Afro-Brazilian community and enjoy a local meal. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
USD $36
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, also known as the CEO (Chief Experience Officer). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Taste the best Chilean wines at their source, visit local villages and enjoy a traditional meal, appreciate the beauty of the Lake District by scenic ferry, marvel at the mighty Iguassu Falls, sip caipirinhas on a Brazilian beach, savour a local meal in an Afro-Brazilian community.
14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
Max 16, Avg 10.
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops
An arrival transfer is included with all Comfort-Class tours when you arrive up to three days prior to the tour provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation in our joining point hotel or when you arrive on Day 1 of the tour. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.
Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day in which no activities are planned.
Your CEO will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Your Leader will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip.
SANTIAGO AIRPORT "LANDING FEE": Please be advised that Chile's international airport in Santiago charges a steep arrival fee to people of certain nationalities. At the time of writing, this fee was $132 USD for Canadians, $160 USD for US citizens, and $95 USD for Australian citizens; there is currently no fee for EU or New Zealand citizens. This is payable immediately upon arrival before proceeding through immigration. Once this fee is paid, it is valid for the duration of the passport. Please check with your local embassy/consulate for the exact amounts.
ARGENTINA'S "RECIPROCITY FEE":
Effective January 7, 2013 all US, Canadian and Australian citizens are required to pay a reciprocity tax in order to enter Argentina. This reciprocity tax must be paid in advance online with a credit card. Cash at the border or airport is not accepted.
Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Comfortable buses, ferry, plane, private van, walking.
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Comfort hotels (14 nts).
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
1. TRAVEL DAYS
This trip covers a lot of ground and there are a couple of long travel days. These travel days are always balanced out by relaxing, well-paced days to ensure full enjoyment and the visited destinations more than make up for any long travel experienced.
2. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this trip is a combination of multiple G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments.
3. WEATHER
In the winter season (May-August), it is still possible to make the ferry/bus Lake crossing in 1 day. However, in the rare instance of extremely poor weather, the trip may have to include an overnight along the way OR your CEO may decide to make the transfer by bus only. This would be a rare occasion, but if it is necessary, it in always in consideration of safety.
4. LUGGAGE WEIGHT ALLOWANCE
Please note that Aerolineas Argentinas allows 1 piece of luggage that weighs up to 15kg on internal flights. For every extra kilo the airline will charge $10 per kg at the time of check-in.
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Office Buenos Aires, Argentina
During office hours (Weekdays 9am-6pm Local Time)
From outside Argentina: +54 11 2150 2581
From within Argentina, but outside of Buenos Aires: 011 2150 2581
After hours Emergency number
From outside Argentina: +54 9 11 3425 0380
From within Argentina, but outside of Buenos Aires: 011 15 3425 0380
G Adventures Local Representative (Rio)
From Outside of Brazil: (0054) 9 11 3 425 0380
If using Brazilian SIM card purchased outside or Rio: 031 9 11 3 425 0380
If using Brazilian SIM card purchased in Rio: 9 11 3 425 0380
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Isla Chiloé
- Chiloé Island Excursion (150USD per person)
Puerto Blest
- Puerto Blest Visit
Buenos Aires
- Tango Dinner Show
- Buenos Aires Guided City Tour
- Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
Tigre
- Tigre Delta Excursion
Iguaçu Falls
- Iguassu Falls Bird Park Visit (60BRL per person)
- Iguassu Helicopter Ride (460BRL per person)
Puerto Iguazú
- Iguassu Falls Visit (70USD per person)
Paraty
- Paraty Bay Boat Tour
- Cachaça Distillery Visit (90BRL per person)
Rio de Janeiro
- Samba Show (200BRL per person)
- Rio de Janeiro City Tour (240BRL per person)
16
The currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso (ARS), in Chile the Chilean Peso (CLP) and in Brazil, the Brazilian Real (BRL)
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.
You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Please bear in mind that cost of living in the southern cone countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile) is much higher than the rest of South America, and in the case of Argentina, more comparable with Europe. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
We do not recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are very difficult to change in country.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Arrival day, no activities planned. The day is free to spend at your leisure exploring the city until our welcome meeting this evening.
Santiago is Chile's largest city and capital, with internationally recognized vineyards and Andean ski resorts very close by. Possible day trips include a trip to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, Chile's premier beach resort, and to Isla Negra, Pablo Neruda's seaside home.
Should you want more time to explore Santiago and do optional day trips, we highly recommend you book additional pre-nights.
Experience a wine tour with tastings in Maipo Valley, Santiago's famous wine region.
Head out on a full-day excursion to the Maipo Valley area for an in-depth look at the region that produces such fine quality wines. Chilean wine is top-notch, with only France and Italy selling more wine worldwide. Visit some of the vineyards that are not only well-known internationally, but best-equipped for attending to visitors and situated in the midst of stunning scenery. Learn more about the process from local experts, taste a range of wines including the Carmenere, Chile's signature grape.
Flight and transfer to Puerto Varas, in the stunning Chilean Lake District, enjoy views of the Osorno Volcano. Take a cultural tour and enjoy a traditional lunch.
There are few areas in the world that can match the Chilean Lake District for scenic grandeur. Enjoy picture perfect views from snow-capped mountains to deep-blue and emerald lakes, smoking volcanoes, forests and glaciers.
Today is free to explore on your own. Opt to take an excursion to Chiloé Island.
Travel by bus and ferry to Bariloche, Argentina. Visit the Petrohue Falls, then enjoy the sights from the ‘Cruce de los Lagos', considered one of the most scenic cruises in the world.
The Approximate journey time today is 10-11 hours. This journey is by comfortable bus and scenic ferry and crosses the Chilean/Argentine Border. Travel time is approx. and based on time of year and weather conditions. During certain times of the year, the ferry cannot be used, in which case we will travel overland by bus.
Free time to explore this stunning region. Opt to take a boat excursion to visit Puerto Blest, hike or explore the town.
Bariloche in many ways resembles the alpine resorts of Europe. Sample a beef parrillada, or a variety of fresh salmon or lake trout, then work it off during a day hike around Cerro Catedral or while practicing your salsa at one of the town's salsotecas. Careful-Bariloche is also famous for its quality and quantity of chocolate!
Fly to Buenos Aires. Opt to enjoy a tango dinner show, take a city tour or enjoy free time to explore the many neighbourhoods and museums.
Fly north to the buzzing metropolis that is Buenos Aires. Known as the ‘Paris of the Americas', Buenos Aires is a vibrant city full of life.
When you are done exploring, settle your weary feet and enjoy a drink in one of the many sidewalk cafes and restaurants and you will begin to understand the contemplative Argentine way of life. Since Buenos Aires will be your last chance to try the succulent beef, chicken and chorizo parrilladas, dig in and enjoy!
Free day to explore this charming city. Opt to visit San Telmo for the antiques market and street arts displays. Or the Posh Recoleta area, with its cafes, museums and cemetery, is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.
Enjoy a city tour of the ‘Paris of the Americas' visiting key sights and neighbourhoods. Optional tango dinner show or visit the Eva Perón museum.
Known as the ‘Paris of the Americas', Buenos Aires is a vibrant city full of life. Visit the districts of La Boca, Recoleta, and San Telmo or catch a tango show at one of the many famous tanguerías.
Wander the pedestrian walkways and see some dancing in the streets. Whatever you do, Buenos Aires is sure to leave lasting memories.
Transportation can very on this day, depending on the size of the group we may take taxis or private mini-bus, we may even jump on the very fast and convenient metro.
Fly to Iguassu Falls for 2 days of exploration. Visit the Brazilian side of the falls for a panoramic view.
Fly north to the Iguassu Falls area, near the borders of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. Cross the border from Argentina to Brazil to experience the panoramic view of the falls. Spend around 3 hrs at the Brazilian side of the falls.
Return to the Argentine side of the falls to explore the trails, and opt to do a helicopter or boat tour of the falls. Return to Foz for the night.
Explore trails directly over the falls of the Devil's Throat - the highest and deepest of the falls. Other trails allow access to the stretch of falls across the forest on the Argentine side.
Note: If you have booked the Iguassu Falls Boat Ride Theme Pack, you will do it on Day 4 when visiting the Argentine side of the falls.
Fly to São Paulo and continue by van to Paraty. Opt to visit the cachaça distilleries or take a boat into the bay to explore the nearby islands and beaches.
Paraty's bay is filled with more than 65 tropical islands and dozens of beaches. Each offers something different, and are covered with vegetation that remains lush and colourful year-round. The bay's water is always the right temperature for swimming, diving, and snorkelling.
Enjoy a visit to a nearby Afro-Brazilian community for a unique cultural interaction.
Carry on by private van to Rio de Janeiro for free time to explore the city using our centrally located hotel in Copacabana as a base. Optional city tour or Samba show.
Continue along the coast through superb scenery before rounding the cliffs at Vidigal. Get a first glimpse of one of the most memorable cities in the world: Brazil's ocean-side jewel, Río de Janeiro.
Enjoy any free time by exploring the wonders that this city has to offer from our centrally-located hotel in Copacabana. Opt to take a city tour.
Depart at any time.
It is highly recommended to book post-accommodation in Rio on Day 8 to have another day to enjoy the sights of the city at your own leisure.
Details
Duration: 15 Days
Trip Type: Small Group
Physical Grading: 2 - Light
Merchandising: Top Seller
Service Level: Upgraded
15 day tour
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