Great Rail Journeys
Discover South America
16 daysfrom $8,012
Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour
Classic South America & the Rio Carnival
Join us on a spectacular tour which combines the natural wonders of Brazil, Argentina, and Patagonia with the fabulous city of Buenos Aires and the dazzling Rio Carnival.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Rio de Janeiro
Arrival in Rio, free day to feel the magic and explore
Make your own way to the 5-star hotel overlooking Copacabana beach for the first of three nights. Free time to explore and soak up the Carnival atmosphere.
- Day 2overnight: Rio de Janeiro
Tour of Rio, Sugarloaf Mountain, and grandstand seats at the Carnival
Guided tour of downtown Rio, then a gondola lift up Sugarloaf Mountain. Evening dinner and grandstand tickets to the Carnival Winner's Parade at the Sambadrome.
- Day 3railovernight: Rio de Janeiro
Free morning, tour of Corcovado Mountain to Christ the Redeemer
Free morning, then the Corcovado Rack and Pinion Mountain Railway up Corcovado Mountain to the Christ the Redeemer statue. Visit to some of Rio's beaches; group dinner.
- Day 4overnight: Iguazú Falls (Puerto Iguazu)
To the magnificent Iguazú Falls
Internal flight to Iguazú Falls; transfer to the 5-star hotel set in subtropical forest for two nights, with dinner at the Naipi restaurant.
- Day 5overnight: Iguazú Falls (Puerto Iguazu)
Viewing the Brazilian side of the Iguazú Falls
Guided tour of the Brazilian side of the Iguazú Falls, with paths and catwalks for panoramic views. Three-course dinner at the hotel.
- Day 6railovernight: Buenos Aires
The Argentinian side of the Falls & onwards to Buenos Aires
Guided tour of the Argentinian side of the Falls, including the Devil's Throat via a gas-propelled train. Internal flight to Buenos Aires; dinner at a local steakhouse; check in to the central hotel for two nights.
- Day 7overnight: Buenos Aires
Guided tour of Buenos Aires
Guided tour: La Recoleta, Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada, Puerto Madero, San Telmo, the Metropolitan Cathedral. Evening tango lesson, group dinner and an Argentine Tango show.
- Day 8overnight: Bariloche
Bariloche, the Andes and Patagonia's Lake District
Flight to Bariloche for a two-night stay in the foothills of the Andes. Afternoon scenic excursion: Lake Nahuel Huapi, Playa Bonita, Campanario Hill chairlift, downtown Bariloche.
- Day 9railovernight: Bariloche
The Old Patagonian Express, La Trochita narrow-gauge train
Scenic drive along Route 40 to El Bolson and El Maitin for lunch, then a journey on La Trochita, the narrow-gauge steam train made famous by Paul Theroux's 'The Old Patagonian Express', ending in Esquel.
- Day 10overnight: El Calafate
El Calafate, gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier
Flight to El Calafate on Lake Argentino; transfer to the hotel in Alto Calafate for two nights.
- Day 11overnight: El Calafate
Encountering the Perito Moreno Glacier
Guided tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, including the Curva de los Suspiros viewpoint and a nautical boat safari to Los Témpanos canal.
- Day 12overnight: Ushuaia
To Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city
Free morning, then an internal flight to Ushuaia; transfer to the 5-star hotel overlooking the sea for two nights.
- Day 13railovernight: Ushuaia
The 'End of the World Train'
Excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park (Ensenada, Acigami Lake, Lapataia Bay, Lake Roca), including a ride on the heritage 'End of the World Train' on the Southern Fuegian Railroad. Afternoon sail across the Beagle Channel to spot wildlife.
- Day 14overnight: Buenos Aires
A morning in Ushuaia then return to Buenos Aires
Free morning in Ushuaia, then an early evening flight back to Buenos Aires; transfer to the hotel by coach.
- Day 15
Homeward bound
After a final breakfast, transfer independently to the airport in Buenos Aires for your flight home.
Included
- Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
- 14 nights' 4 & 5-Star hotel accommodation
- Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks
- All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
- Breakfast each day, 1 lunch and 10 dinners
- All tour excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
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