SPLENDOURS OF SOUTH AMERICA

HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

CARNAVAL DEPARTURES
February departures coincides with the world famous Carnaval held in Rio. If you would like to enjoy this amazing spectacle there is an option to add on to your Splendours of South America Holiday of a Lifetime our Rio Carnaval package. For full details, click here.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Iguassu Falls, Argentina-Brazil Border

Bariloche, Argentina

Puerto Varas, Chile

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Goway's Promise of Something Special

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Splendours of South America

17 days

Santiago • Wine District • Puerto Montt • Chilean Lakes District • Andean Mountains

Bariloche • Buenos Aires • Iguassu Falls • Rio de Janeiro

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The following idea is very different to the other programs we offer to Latin America. It is Goway's specifically designated Holidays Of A Lifetime!

Carrying our promise of something special, Goway's "Splendours of South America" is the perfect introduction to South America. It highlights some of the regions and world's most famous sites and cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Bariloche, the Chilean Lakes District and Chile's Wine Region plus Santiago - this journey of discovery encapsulates all that this amazing continent has to offer.

Our professional Tour Director will take care of all the day to day details allowing you to enjoy the history, culture and natural beauty of each country visited.

Don't expect just another escorted tour... you are on the Holidays Of A Lifetime!

Day 1. Fly Hometown to Santiago
Depart your hometown for your flights to Chile, your first stop on our Splendours of South America Tour.

Day 2. Arrive Santiago (D)
Welcome to Chile! Upon arrival at the Santiago International Airport, we clear Customs and are met by a local Goway Travel representative who will assist us with our transfer to the hotel.

The capital of Chile, Santiago was founded by Pedro de Valdivia in 1541 and is located in the Central Valley between the Cordillera de la Costa and Cordillera de los Andes. Not only is Santiago the national capital, it is also Chile’s largest city where the majority of the economic, administrative, cultural, commercial, industrial and political activities of the country are concentrated.

This afternoon we will take a sightseeing tour of Santiago visiting the historic centre of Santiago including views of the Palacio de la Moneda and the Plaza de Armas where the Cathedral, National History Museum and the Central Post Office are found. We continue to the Parque Forestal, the Fine Arts Museum and the bohemian area of Bellavista before climbing the San Cristobal Hill to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Next we visit the Pre-Columbian Art Museum where we find a collection of pieces from various Pre- Hispanic cultures including the oldest mummies of the world. Our tour finishes with a visit to the craft village of Los Graneros del Alba before returning to the hotel Tonight we enjoy a “Welcome to Chile” dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Ritz-Carlton Santiago (2 nights)

Day 3. Day Tour to Valparaiso and Vina Del Mar (BLD)
After breakfast, we travel towards the Pacific Coast, through the valley of Casablanca, known for its vineyards. On arrival at the coast, we visit the town of Viña del Mar with its pretty parks and floral ornaments. We continue travelling to the picturesque port of Valparaíso, founded in the 16th Century. The oldest part of town was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003. The town is built on many hills which are accessed by narrow streets, long stairways and a series of lifts which were built towards the end of the 19th Century. Lunch is included today in Valparaiso in a beautiful restaurant overlooking the harbour. This afternoon en route back to Santiago, we take time to visit a local vineyard for a tour and wine tasting before heading back to our hotel.

This evening we transfer to our dinner venue in Borderio for some authentic Chilean food.

Day 4. Fly Santiago to Puerto Montt & Coach to Puerto Varas (B)
This morning we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Puerto Montt. Upon arrival, we are met by our local guide and transferred to our hotel in Puerto Varas where we have time to check-in and relax before our afternoon tour.

Our afternoon tour will show us the highlights of Puerto Montt, the main service centre of this region. We will visit the beachside village of Pelluco and the Tenglo Canal before arriving in the picturesque village of Angelmó where it is possible to try some freshly caught seafood or shop for wooden and woolen souvenirs which are locally made. From here, we travel along the scenic lakeside road heading back to Puerto Varas. Before arriving back at our hotel, we stop at the Phillipi Hill viewpoint which overlooks the town and the lake and has wonderful views of the Osorno Volcano in the distance.

Accommodation: Cumbres Patagonicas Hotel (2 nights)

Day 5. Full Day Tour of The Puerto Varas Region (BLD)
This morning we travel to Pargua where we will board a ferry for our cruise to the second largest island in Chile, the Island of Chiloe. From here, we travel to the port of Caulin where it is possible to see local wildlife and enjoy a tasting of the local oysters (optional). Our next stop is at Ancud to visit the Plaza de Armas (main square) and the Regional Museum of Ancud where there is an exhibition of local history and a Courtyard of Myths where various stone replicas of characters who are featured in the many myths and legends of the island are depicted. Lunch is included while we are in Ancud. On our return to Puerto Varas, we visit the interesting Punihuil Penguin Colony. Dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant.

Day 6. Coach Puerto Varas to Peulla (BL)
Today we begin our travel over the Andean Lake system from Chile en route to Argentina through the National Parks of Vicente Pérez Rosales (Chile) and Nahuel Huapi (Argentina). We travel along the southern shore of the lake to the Petrohué Falls before travelling by boat from Petrohue on the edge of the All Saint’s Lake to Peulla. We arrive at our hotel in the early afternoon where we will enjoy a relaxing lunch followed by an afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: Natura Hotel (1 night)

Day 7. Coach Peulla to Bariloche (BD)
After a hearty breakfast, we continue over the Andes Mountains to the border of Argentina at Puerto Frías a small lake which is often ice covered. After clearing Customs, we take the short ferry crossing before hopping on our coach for a brief coach journey to Puerto Blest. In Puerto Blest, we have time for a lunch stop and a visit to the Cantaros Waterfall before sailing on Nahuel Huapi Lake to Puerto Pañuelo. Upon arrival in Puerto Pañuelo, we will be met and transferred to Bariloche and our hotel. After such an incredible day, we will all be able to relax over dinner at our hotel.

Accommodation: Villa Huinid (2 nights)

Day 8. Full Day Bariloche Touring (B)
We spend today exploring the scenic beauty of Bariloche and the surrounding countryside. Located in the heart of Nahuel Huapi National Park, lying on the southern shore of the lake, Bariloche unfolds its beauty along one long coastal avenue named Exequiel Bustillo. The city consists of streets packed with old and charming stone and wood houses where, at each corner, beautiful sights and landscapes abound. Our day also includes a visit to Villa La Angostura, an alpine village famous for its chocolate, beer and trout! Before returning to our hotel, we also take time for a ride on a scenic chair lift for amazing panoramic views of the mountains and valleys below.

Day 9. Fly Bariloche to Buenos Aires (BD)
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight over the mountains and down to the vast pampas of Argentina as we make our way to the cosmopolitan capital, Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free.
Tonight we dine at a local Parrilla (steak house).

Accommodation: Park Tower (3 nights)

Day 10. Day Trip to Colonia, Uruguay (BL)
After breakfast this morning, we transfer to the ferry terminal for the high speed ferry journey across the River Plate to Colonia, Uruguay. Colonia was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese and is a quaint town with narrow cobble-stoned streets flanked by whitewashed buildings. It is a cultural jewel and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. We will have time to explore Colonia on our own as well as enjoy a fabulous lunch at a local winery before we return by ferry to Buenos Aires and our hotel in the late afternoon. Our evening is free.

Day 11. Full Day Buenos Aires Sightseeing (BD)
Our touring today includes a visit to La Boca, the oldest, most colourful, and most authentic neighbourhood in Buenos Aires. The neighbourhood was settled and built by Italian immigrants that worked in the warehouses and meatpacking plants in the area. La Boca is also an artist colony. Later, we visit Casa Rosada where Evita waved to the crowds from the balcony. Casa Rosada is also the official home in Buenos Aires of the president of the Republic Argentina. Built in 1580, it was designed by Don Juan de Garay. Its characteristic colour (that gives it its name) was chosen by Domingo Faustino Sarmiento in 1873 and never changed. Next we visit the Plaza de Mayo, which has played a fundamental role in almost all the important political and social events in Argentina's history.

Our next stop is Recoleta, a truly European and luxurious neighbourhood that is packed with elegant restaurants, outdoor cafes, and bars. We take the time to enjoy a “coffee stop” at the famous Café Tortoni.

This evening we will be entranced by experts at one of Buenos Aires’ famous dinner and tango shows.

Day 12. Fly Buenos Aires to Iguassu Falls (BD)
Today we fly to one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world – Iguassu Falls. Taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide with 275 cascades spread in a horseshoe shape over nearly two miles of Iguassu River, the falls are 400 miles (890km) from their spring and have a water volume that varies from 300 to 6,500 cubic meters per second. The biggest attraction in Iguazu is the Garganta del Diablo, or the so called Devil's throat, where the biggest volume of water passes and creates the most memorable spectacle. The shear power of the falling water creates an impressive roar that can be heard from even a few miles away. We spend the afternoon walking the catwalks on the Argentinean side.
Tonight we enjoy dinner at our hotel near the falls.

Accommodation: Sheraton Iguassu (1 night)

Day 13. Fly Iguassu Fall to Rio de Janeiro (BLD)
After breakfast, we cross into Brazil and spend time exploring the Brazilian side of the falls on foot or by optional small boats. There is also a chance to take an optional helicopter tour over the falls. Lunch is included today at the falls before we are transferred to the airport for our flight to the magical city of Rio. Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel.

Rio de Janeiro is the cultural capital of Brazil. Rio’s architecture embraces churches and buildings dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries that blend in with the world renowned designs of the 20th century. Rio was home to the Portuguese Imperial family and capital of the country for many years and was influenced by Portuguese, English and French architecture. Today, these wonderful old buildings contrast with the high-rise, ultra-modern structures in a city that knows how to progress while at the same time preserving its past.

Tonight we take a short stroll from our hotel to our restaurant for a sumptuous “Welcome to Rio” dinner.

Accommodation: Windsor Atlantica Hotel (3 nights)

Day 14. Full Day Rio Sightseeing (BLD)
A great day today as we depart on a city tour which includes a breathtaking ride in a cable car to the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain for stunning, panoramic views of one of the world's most beautiful cities as well as a visit to Rio's giant Maracana Stadium which accommodates over 100,000 people and has been host to many championship games over the years including the 1950 World Cup of soccer and Pele's last game. Lunch is included today in one of Rio’s popular BBQ restaurants. Our final stop of the day is at Corcovado, Rio’s main attraction and one of the seven modern wonders of the world. At 710 m (2,329 ft) above sea level, this mountain supports the world famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. The 38 meter (125 ft) high statue weighs 1,145 tons (1,262 net tons) and was inaugurated in 1931. After a day of memorable and stunning sights, we will enjoy dinner and an entertaining Brazilian Cultural Show at one of Rio’s popular nightspots.

Day 15. Free Day in Rio (BD)
A free day in one of the world’s greatest cities! There is so much or so little to do… put on your swimsuit and relax on one of Rio’s famous beaches such a Ipanema or Copacabana, shop til you drop in all the boutiques and markets in and around the city, visit some of the colourful neighborhoods, take a day tour to Petropolis or just relax by the hotel pool!

Tonight we go out “on the town” for our “Farewell to South America” dinner at a restaurant located on famous Copacabana Beach.

Day 16. Fly Rio de Janeiro to North America (BL)
This morning we depart for a shopping tour at Ipanema where we have the opportunity to pick up any last-minute souvenirs for family, friends or ourselves! Lunch is included in Ipanema before we transfer to the airport to connect to our flights home.

Day 17. ARRIVE HOME

PRICES FROM:

Exchange rates differ from time to time. For the most up-to-date prices of this holiday idea please fill out our Latin America Travel Quote form or call us on 1.888.469.2955.

Departure Dates Ex North America	Land Arrangements Commence	Twin	Single
17 Day Tour CAD Prices Land & Domestic airfares only
February 2, 2012***	February 3, 2012***	$10,989	$13,518
July 5, 2012	July 6, 2012	$10,989	$13,518
October 18, 2012	October 19, 2012	$11,069	$13,618
January 24, 2013***	January 25, 2013***	Request price	Request price
July 4, 2013	July 5, 2013	Request price	Request price
October 17, 2013	October 18, 2013	Request price	Request price

Departure Dates Ex North America	Land Arrangements Commence	Twin	Single
17 Day Tour USD Prices Land & Domestic airfares only
February 2, 2012***	February 3, 2012***	$10,989	$13,518
July 5, 2012	July 6, 2012	$10,989	$13,518
October 18, 2012	October 19, 2012	$11,069	$13,618
January 24, 2013***	January 25, 2013***	Request price	Request price
July 4, 2013	July 5, 2013	Request price	Request price
October 17, 2013	October 18, 2013	Request price	Request price

*** This departure can be extended to include the Rio Carnaval.

DEPARTURES - 2012 and 2013	THEMES
February 2, 2012	F
July 5, 2012	G
October 18, 2012	L
January 24, 2013	F
July 4, 2013	G
October 17, 2013	L

F (Food and Wine of the Region), G (Geography and History), L (Lifestyles and Native Cultures)

NOTES:

*** Carnaval Add On. These departures are 21 days in length due to Carnaval minimum night requirements.
If you wish to participate in the Carnaval Parade purchase of the respective costume must be done in advance and any costs associated with he purchase of the costume and participation is NON REFUNDABLE. Cost is +/- $400USD
Carnaval departure require an additional deposit of 15% to secure our accommodation in Rio and IS NON REFUNDABLE
There is an option to participate in the actual samba parade. There is the associated cost of the costume ($200 to $400usd). Please let us know when booking if this is an option you would like. It is a truly memorable experience and gets you into the heart of Carnaval!

A US$140 (subject to change) for US Citizens, $75USD (subject to change) for Canadian Citizens reciprocity fee is payable in USD cash, Argentinean Pesos, Credit Card or Travelers Cheques on arrival.
Argentinean international departure tax $29 USD (subject to change)
Argentinean domestic departure tax $12 USD (subject to change)
Local currency is Pesos
Time Zone: GMT/UTC -3
Dialing Code: 54
Electricity: 220V, 60Hz
Weights & measures: Metric

Chilean international departure tax $30 USD (subject to change). This fee should be included in your international airfare
US$140 (subject to change) reciprocity fee, payable in USD cash on arrival is charged. The receipt is regarded as a multiple entry visa and is valid until expiry of passport.
Chilean domestic departure tax $10 USD (subject to change)
Local currency is Pesos
Time Zone: GMT/UTC -4
Dialing Code: 56
Electricity: 220V, 60Hz
Weights & measures: Metric

HOTELS:

Santiago: Ritz-Carlton Santiago

Peulla: Natura Hotel

Puerto Varas: Cumbres Patagonicas Hotel

Bariloche: Villa Huinid

Buenos Aires: Park Tower

Iguassu Falls: Hotel Sheraton International Iguassu

Rio de Janeiro: Windsor Atlantica

INCLUSIONS:

For information on the inclusions for this special idea, click here.

NOT INCLUDED:

International airfares, air taxes and fuel surcharges, personal Insurance, optional excursions, meals not listed in the itinerary, items of a personal nature such as laundry, dry cleaning, phone calls, drinks excess baggage charges, local Government departure taxes not included in the cost of your ticket etc.

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARES: As travellers originate from different cities, we do not include the international air sectors in the above prices. As airfare experts, we will arrange the best routing and airline from your hometown. Please enquire.