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Essence of South America

Code: Tauck-ES2025

A 12-Day Tauck Tours tour starting from $9,990.00

Dates & Prices

Start Date End Date Brochure Price Action
2025-09-13 2025-09-24 9,990.00 Get A Quote Best Value  
2025-09-20 2025-10-01 10,990.00 Get A Quote Best Value  
2025-09-27 2025-10-08 12,490.00 Get A Quote Best Value  
2025-09-29 2025-10-10 11,390.00 Get A Quote Best Value  
2025-10-04 2025-10-15 12,490.00 Get A Quote Best Value  
2025-10-11 2025-10-22 12,490.00 Get A Quote Best Value  
2025-10-13 2025-10-24 11,390.00 Get A Quote Best Value  
2025-10-18 2025-10-29 12,490.00 Get A Quote Best Value  
2025-10-25 2025-11-05 12,490.00 Get A Quote Best Value  
2025-11-15 2025-11-26 12,490.00 Get A Quote Best Value  
2025-11-29 2025-12-10 11,390.00 Get A Quote Best Value  
2025-12-15 2025-12-26 12,490.00 Get A Quote Best Value  
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Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.



All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability and are quoted in U.S. Dollars. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.

Escorted Tour Highlights

Countries Visited:

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, South America

Cities Visited:

See Description


Sightseeing Highlights

A special visit to a silversmith and lunch at an estancia where gauchos and a horse whisperer demonstrate their skills

A walk along the base of thundering Iguazú Falls during two nights at a hotel with views of the waterfall

Overview

From the eastern coast of Brazil by way of Patagonia and the Andes, through some of South America's most breathtaking scenery to the western coast of Chile, explore the essence of each destination with unique travel experiences you wouldn't have access to on your own. 

From the eastern coast of Brazil to Argentina and the western coast of Chile, explore the essence of each destination with unique travel experiences that bring you to the best each country has to offer.  One of our most comprehensive South American tours inspires with 12 days of in-depth discoveries of natural and architectural wonders throughout Brazil, Argentina and Chile. Spend multiple nights in world-class cities at fine hotels in the heart of each city. View spectacular Iguazú Falls; sample the fine wines of Chile and famous Argentinian beef; get a behind-the-scenes look at Rio's colorful Carnaval; feel the passion and the heat of the tango and the samba; visit once of the most famous silversmiths of Argentina, the Draghi family; and so much more.


Year Round Offers

  • Special Savings for Single Travelers
  • Seasonal Price Savings for specific dates
  • Special Savings for Groups of 8, 10++

Essence of South America Day 1: Arrive Rio de Janeiro

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.


Overnight: Belmond Copacabana Palace
Meals Included: D

Day 2: Sugarloaf Mountain and a cruise

Your morning in Rio begins with a private boat cruise on Guanabara Bay. Enjoy seaside glimpses of beautiful beaches, historic forts, a modern museum, outlying islands and the city skyline. Next, dramatic scenic views await at the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain where a two-stage cable car ride takes you up a quarter mile into the air to see what the birds see as they fly over Guanabara Bay and the city. Feast on a typical churrascaria barbecue lunch before returning to Rio. The rest of the day is at your leisure.


Overnight: Belmond Copacabana Palace
Meals Included: B, L

Day 3: Summit of Corcovado & Samba City

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. Enjoy a walking tour of Rio's historic downtown, including the Cathedral and other Belle Époque landmarks. 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.


Overnight: Belmond Copacabana Palace
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 4: Fly to Iguaçu Falls

Taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide, Iguazú 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 Iguazú 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.


Overnight: Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 5: Discover the Falls your way

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.


Overnight: Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 6: Cross Over Into Argentina

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.


Overnight: Alvear Palace Hotel
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 7: Buenos Aires allure
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.
Overnight: Alvear Palace Hotel
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 8: Visit a silversmith and a horse ranch
Experience time-honored Argentine traditions today as you venture out to the countryside to the artist community of San Antonio de Areco for a very special visit with one of the most famous silversmiths in the country. The Draghi family have created priceless pieces in pure silver for celebrities and local gauchos alike and today you will 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.
Overnight: Alvear Palace Hotel
Meals Included: B, L

Day 9: The Opera House

Today begins with a privately guided, behind-the-scenes tour of Teatro Colón, the city's seven-tiered opera house that first opened in 1908, and ranks among the best 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.


Overnight: Alvear Palace Hotel
Meals Included: B

Day 10: Fly to Chile
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.
Overnight: Vik Chile
Meals Included: B, D

Day 11: Chilean Wine Country, your way

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.


Overnight: Vik Chile
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 12: Travel home from Santiago
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.
Overnight:
Meals Included: B, L



All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability and are quoted in U.S. Dollars. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.

Tauck Tours

On-Tour Air included (3 flights)

Three nights in Rio de Janeiro on Copacabana beach, featuring dazzling oceanfront views

A three-night stay in Buenos Aires featuring a private visit to Teatro Colón Opera House, and dinner and a tango show

Private tour of Rio's Samba City for a behind-the-scenes look at Carnaval costumes, floats and sensational samba dancing

Private cruise on Guanabara Bay for breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro

A tour and gourmet lunch at a renowned Chilean winery to discover the secrets of Chile's fabulous wine during two nights in Santiago

Airport transfers upon arrival and departure

28 meals; gratuities to local guides, service charges, taxes and porterage



All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability and are quoted in U.S. Dollars. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.

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From: $9,990.00

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