GLOBUS 2026: South American Odyssey with Easter Island (SGE2)
19 days from Rio de Janeiro to Santiago
Triple the sights, sounds, and sizzle on this South American vacation through three of the continent's most scintillating countries. As you samba through Brazil, tango through Argentina, and cueca through Chile, your toes will meet the liveliest of dance floors, the sandiest of beaches, and the most storied of streets. Guided visits to the vibrant cities of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Santiago are perfectly balanced with quieter excursions to lush rainforests, chic waterfront resorts in Patagonia, and even a rural Argentine ranch where you can saddle a horse and be a beret-wearing gaucho for the day. Traditional open-fire barbecues and crispy empanadas are sure to satisfy your appetite for the cowboy life throughout this South American journey, while getting your fill of scenic wonder by witnessing both sides of thundering Iguassu Falls and cruising Patagonian fjords beneath the soaring peaks. Leave no stone uncovered on the hunt for archaeological treasures on the world's most isolated inhabited island. Home to the world's largest open-air museum and nearly 1,000 mysterious Moai statues, Chile's Easter Island is an intriguing extension to your South America vacation.
Call 1 (888) 828-8747 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18853755
- Tour Operator
- Globus
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2024
- Duration
- 19 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
Day | Destination | Description |
Day 1 | Rio de Janeiro | Welcome to Rio de Janeiro! At 3:30 pm, meet your Tour Director for a drive along Ipanema and Copacabana beaches to the base of 1,300-foot-high Sugarloaf Mountain. Ascend by cable car to its summit, where you can take in spectacular vistas of the city. Next, toast the start of a memorable vacation with [LF] caipirinhas, a traditional Brazilian cocktail, from atop Sugarloaf Mountain during a cocktail party. LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES A once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits atop Sugarloaf Mountain overlooking Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views as you join a private cocktail party with your fellow travel companions. Toast with a traditional caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail, made with fresh lime, cachaca (a distilled sugarcane spirit), and sugar. Deliciosa! |
Day 2 | Rio de Janeiro | Heavenly ViewsThe city's landmark, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, crowns Corcovado Mountain, a rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay below. A scenic ride by cog railway leads to the top, where a breathtaking 360-degree panorama affords sweeping views. From here, proceed to bustling downtown Rio, where modern office towers stand next to relics of the Portuguese colonial past. View the Sambodromo and visit the Cathedral. The afternoon is at leisure for you to experience this vibrant city on your own. Tonight, it's a fun outing to a churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Soar to the summit of Corcovado Mountain by cog railway to reach the site of the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. This crowning jewel of Rio and Brazil was constructed between 1922 and 1933. The statue of Jesus Christ stands 98 feet high (or 124 feet including the pedestal) with an arm span of 92 feet wide. Towering over the city, this piece of art is truly an engineering marvel and was even voted one the New7Wonders of the World. |
Day 3 | Rio de Janeiro | Beaches, Boutiques & Bites A full day at leisure to enjoy Rio. Relax on one of the world-famous beaches or take advantage of the world-class shopping or fine dining. (B)FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE Spend free time in Rio de Janeiro with an optional excursion to Petropolis, (mountain resort and former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II). This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO app. |
Day 4 | Iguassu Falls | What a Rush!A flight from Rio takes you to Iguassu Falls. Experience the clouds of spray, the incessant roar, and the surrounding luxuriant tropical growth that make this an unforgettable natural wonder. Head into Brazil's Iguassu National Park to enjoy the magnificent panorama of waterfalls from the Brazilian side. Your Local Guide introduces the spectacle of this 2-mile-wide rushing torrent. With some cataracts as high as 250 feet, Iguassu Falls is nothing short of hypnotic! (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Explore incredible Iguassu National Park (Brazilian side) and walk the pathways skirting Iguassu Falls. Watch for amazing wildlife in this protected area, including toucans, agoutis, giant otters, anteaters, tapir, and even jaguars! |
Day 5 | Iguassu Falls | Taking the Plunge Today, journey across the Brazilian border by motorcoach to the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls, where you will take the Ecological Jungle Train and enjoy a closer perspective on a walking tour of the falls. Meander along the walkways from atop the falls and enjoy an exhilarating view looking over the precipice of the falls as the water plunges to the rocks below. You will also have the chance to walk through the rainforest on the lower falls trails that will bring you up close to some of the smaller cataracts. Return to the hotel, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Iguassu National Park (Argentinean side) - From this side of the falls you get a bird's-eye view from the catwalks perched over part of the Devil's Throat, where 14 waterfalls drop more than 300 feet into the Devil's Gorge below. A completely different perspective from that of Brazil's side which is why you always need to see both sides of the falls! |
Day 6 | Buenos Aires | The Boulevards of Buenos AiresThis morning, cross the Brazilian border into Argentina by motorcoach to transfer to the Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. After arriving, an orientation walk acquaints you with the 'Paris of South America' and its wide boulevards and outdoor cafes. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS Elegant European architecture, epicurean cuisine, and a cafe culture to rival any rue de Paris, Buenos Aires is a city of leisurely afternoons sipping cafe con leche or the choicest Argentinian wines. |
Day 7 | Buenos Aires | Dining, Dancing & DazzlingYour sightseeing starts in La Boca, a vibrant district and site of the city's first port. Take a short walking tour of this unique enclave and then on to San Telmo, famous for its late-colonial buildings and a popular gathering spot for artists. At 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 Teatro Colon opera house before reaching Recoleta Cemetery, burial site of Eva Peron. Next, [LF] learn how to make a traditional Argentinean dish during your empanada cooking class. After an afternoon at leisure, top off the evening at a famous Tango club. The Tango and Argentina go hand in hand and tonight you will [LF] visit a local milonga, or tango house, where professional tango dancers teach the traditional techniques of the Argentine Tango. After your lesson, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring Argentine steaks and other local specialties. Top off the evening when the professionals delight you with a Tango Show featuring the dance as it has evolved through the ages! (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Immerse yourself in Argentina's culinary culture when you learn how to make empanadas. This hands-on cooking class teaches you the different fillings and the various 'repulga' techniques (how to close the empanada.) After perfecting your creation, enjoy your homemade empanada and a glass of Malbec. |
Day 8 | Buenos Aires | Ranch Life Today, head into the heart of the pampas (grasslands) and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of rural, country life at a working [LF] Argentina estancia (ranch). After a traditional welcome with empanadas and local beverages, get acquainted with the lifestyle of real gauchos (cowboys) on a carriage ride through the pampas. Later, at lunch, enjoy an authentic feast, complete with world-renowned Argentine beef, salad, desserts, and live music and dance by the gauchos themselves. Top off the day with an equestrian demonstration by the gauchos before saying adios to the countryside and heading back to the city. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Argentinean Estancias date back to the 16th Century during Spanish colonization when conquistadors where gifted land to raise and breed cattle. Today, these lands and traditions that go along with them have been passed down from generation to generation. Today, you step into the traditional, local life of a gaucho and embrace Argentinian heritage. |
Day 9 | Bariloche | Patagonian Pleasures Fly south to Bariloche in Patagonia on the shores of fjord-like Lago Nahuel Huapi in the heart of Argentina's Lake District. Arrive in the early evening and join your Tour Director for a leisurely stroll through the picturesque town. See the city hall, the clock tower in Municipality Square, and the famous chocolate factories. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS You are in Argentina but, you feel like you are in a small town in Switzerland when in Bariloche! Use your time here to sample its famous chocolate, sip locally crafted beer, dine on world class cuisine, and take in the breathtaking views of this Patagonian mountain town. |
Day 10 | Bariloche | Alpine TreasuresThis chic alpine resort boasts some of the most glorious scenery in the country. Cameras should be ready for today's guided sightseeing including a chairlift ride to a lookout point at Cerro Campanario. You'll want to capture the vistas of surrounding lakes and Andes mountain peaks. The tour continues with a leisurely drive around the Llao Llao Peninsula, Lago Moreno, and Lopez Bay followed by lunch at a local restaurant. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Sit back and relax on the 7-minute chairlift ride to the Campanario summit at 3400 feet. From here you will experience the best views in Patagonia. Take in the sweeping vistas of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, and lush forests. |
Day 11 | Puerto Varas | Peak PerfectionSet out today for your [LF] Andes Lake crossing! Board a boat for the cruise across Lago Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Blest. Proceed by motorcoach and see emerald lakes, thick pine forests, and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes Mountains. Look out for soaring Osorno Volcano as you cross Lago Todos los Santos by catamaran. Skirt the southern shore of Lago Llanquihue on the way to Puerto Varas. Drive to your hotel along the rosebush-lined streets of this lakeside resort. (B,L,D)LOCAL FAVORITE NATURAL WONDERS Why go around the Andes Mountains when you can cut a path directly through them? That's exactly what you will do today on a full-day Andes Lake Crossing from Argentina to Chile! Sail across glacial lakes, travel through national parks, stop on a remote island for lunch, watch for giant condors, and cruise past active volcanoes into Chile. Today will be an unforgettable adventure. |
Day 12 | Santiago | Summits & SeasYour morning tour of the nearby seaport of Puerto Montt in Chilean Patagonia 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. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLOCAL TASTES Discover a wide variety of fresh seafood during your visit to the local market in the seaside village of Angelmo near Puerto Montt. If seafood isn't your preference, you'll also find fruits, vegetables, cheese, meats, handicrafts, and much more. |
Day 13 | Santiago | Santiago Especial Today, your Local Guide traces the city's history and heritage on a guided city tour. Start at La Moneda, the official Government Palace, before heading to the Plaza de Armas, the main square, with a visit to the 18th-century cathedral. Conclude your tour of Santiago with lunch at a local restaurant, including a glass of regional wine. Return to your hotel for a free evening. Your Tour Director will have recommendations on how to spend your evening. (B,L)ENHANCED FREE TIMESIGHTS & CITY LIGHTS Chile's capital city shines amid the heights of the Andes and the horizons of the sea with plenty of head-turning panoramas. If you've got a head for nightlife, Santiago's streets are brimming with restaurants, bars, and cafes. Explore the Barrio Bellavista where trendy restaurants, bars, discos, music venues, street art offer something for every taste. |
Day 14 | Santiago | Hasta Luego, Chile 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. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner to celebrate a great touring adventure. (B,D)FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE Take an excursion to Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. Drive through the hills of Chile's wine country to the historic port of Valparaiso, and continue along the coast to nearby Vina del Mar. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app. |
Day 15 | Easter Island | Welcome to Easter Island!Fly from Santiago to Easter Island, considered the world's largest open-air museum, boasting over 400 moai, ruins, and temples. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORY & MYSTERY Check off this bucket list destination when you travel to the most remote island in the world. Located 2,200 miles off the coast of Chile, this island is a territory of Chile but, feels more like Polynesia. At the time of the arrival of the Europeans in the 18th Century, the island had been completely decimated of all resources, the population was no larger than 700 people, the now famous moai toppled, and history forgotten. Many mysteries endure around the island's history. |
Day 16 | Easter Island | Curious Quarries Your first stop on your private tour will be Ahu Vaihu, where eight large moai lie in ruins. Continue on to Ahu Akahanga. According to legend, this is the burial site of the first king of Easter Island (Hotu Matu'a). Next, at the Rano Raraku quarry, you'll find 394 statues in various stages of completion. It appears that the moai production was abruptly abandoned, leaving us a frozen snapshot that reveals how the moai were carved out of volcanic rocks. At Ahu Tongariki, see 15 beautifully restored moai, and at Ahu Te Pito Kura, see the largest moai ever transported and erected. Last stop is the beach of Anakena, where King Hotu Matu'a first landed on Rapa Nui. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE Over 600 massive volcanic rock sculptures pepper the island, with many dating back to 700 AD. Each of these structures, some close to 40 feet tall and 80 tons, were carved from one single rock. If an imperfection was found, it was abandoned. It remains an enigma how these massive moai were transported from there quarries. Now you get the opportunity to stand next to one and come up with your own theory! |
Day 17 | Easter Island | Cauldrons & Cryptic Carvings This morning, your private tour visits the Rano Kau Volcano, with a caldera that contains one of the island's freshwater lakes. At the nearby ceremonial village of Orongo, see the restored houses and remains of an ancient Ahu. Head to Ana Kai Tagata, an ancient cave with wall paintings on the rock. This afternoon, visit Ahu Akivi, with seven restored moais in the middle of the island. According to legend, the statues represent the seven scouts sent to Easter Island by King Hotu Matu'a. Finally, visit the Puna Pau topknot quarry with its red scoria stone, where the Pukaos on top of the moai were made. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Hear the legend of The Birdman Competition on an excursion to the sacred site of Orongo, where an ancient annual competition began at the sacred site of Orongo and was used to determine the Birdman, a sacred position, for the year. The challenge required contestants (appointed by a sponsor) to descend the steep cliffs from Orongo, swim offshore to an islet, and wait for the first tern egg of the season, and then return it safely to their sponsor at Orongo. Upon delivery of the egg, the sponsor became a leader of the island for the year. |
Day 18 | Santiago | Hasta Luego, Chile!Return to Santiago for a final night in Chile (B)FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE Upon your arrival back to Santiago, you may enjoy a night of relaxation or a night on the town where the city lights up with a vibrant nightlife. Ask your Tour Director for suggestions or refer to your GlobusGO mobile app for maps and tips. |
Day 19 | Santiago | Safe travels until we meet again!Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- US$ Price Details
Gratuities for Tour Director, drivers, and local guides are available for pre-purchase.Prices are for all land arrangements including intra-vacation flights and taxes.Travel Terms & Conditions
The purchase of any travel services offered by Globus, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Participant) and Globus, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit Amounts (Air & Land), Final Payment Dates, Confirmations, Invoicing, Cancellation Fee Schedules, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation Eligibility & Reductions, Force Majeure, Special Needs and Participation Requirements, Information required for Reservations and Travel, On Trip Experience Information, Safety & Medical Care, River Cruising, Trip Documents, Service Inquires After Your Trip, and Responsibility.
Important Notes- Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Globus to reserve space for you. View Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions and items not included in the price.
- The hotels and accommodations listed are provisional and subject to change and may be substituted with properties of similar standard. Hotels are confirmed approximately 30 days prior to departure and can be found in your travel documents, but are not guaranteed until check-in.
- Additional airline-imposed fees for seat assignments may apply and are not included in your total package cost. Please refer to carrier websites for seat assignment policies and applicable pricing.
Booking your Vacation with Air
Our volume buying power saves you money. We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city. Globus offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Early Airfare Price Guarantee locks in a price that is guaranteed not to increase. Air pricing and schedules are available approximately 330 days prior to last travel date in the itinerary. At that time the best air price will be utilized and a new invoice with the air cost and confirmed schedule will be sent. The identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier?s codeshare partner, will be assigned and disclosed at this time. If the guaranteed price is the lowest, the schedule with the lowest fare per contracted classes of service will be booked. Any voluntary change to the confirmed flights negates the guaranteed price and is subject to air pricing at the time of the change.
Guaranteed air-inclusive prices - air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. Additional per person, non-refundable, non-transferable deposits and payments are required for your international flights and/or for intra-trip air. These are in addition to the land deposits and payments. Air-inclusive trip pricing is guaranteed upon receipt of deposit or payment in full for the entire reservation as advised during the booking process. Deposit amounts for air range from $300 per person up to the full ticket price. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus a non-refundable per person service fee of $30 (North/Central America), $50 (Europe/Middle East) or $80 (all other international destinations). Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Once your airfare is confirmed and Globus has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.
Air-Inclusive Vacations ? Applicable Taxes & Fees
Air-inclusive vacations include government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the participant at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.
"Starting at" Disclaimer
The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include International airfare. If a price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s) ? please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Globus).