13 Days Classic South America Highlights

About the destination: Nestled in the central valley, Santiago, Chile's vibrant capital, offers a dynamic blend of history, culture, and modernity. As you arrive, the majestic Andes mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the bustling metropolis. Start your adventure in Plaza de Armas, the historic center of the city, where colonial architecture meets contemporary life. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National History Museum to delve into the rich past of this captivating city. For a panoramic view of Santiago, take a funicular ride up to Cerro San Cristóbal. From the summit, the city unfolds beneath you, framed by the distant peaks of the Andes and the urban sprawl. Nearby, the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista invites you to explore its vibrant street art, trendy cafes, and eclectic nightlife. Don’t miss La Chascona, one of Pablo Neruda’s intriguing homes, which offers a glimpse into the poet’s eclectic life. Santiago is also a culinary paradise for food enthusiasts. Stroll through Mercado Central to taste the freshest seafood or visit the trendy Lastarria district for a more upscale dining experience. Chilean cuisine, with its unique flavors and ingredients, promises to delight your taste buds. Be sure to try local favorites such as empanadas, pastel de choclo, and the world-renowned Chilean wine. Beyond the city's limits, Santiago serves as a gateway to numerous adventures. Head towards the Maipo Valley for an exquisite wine-tasting tour, or take a day trip to the coastal cities of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, Santiago’s diverse offerings ensure an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

About the destination: Mendoza is the capital of the province of Mendoza. The city, located below the stunning peak of Aconcagua, is one of the most beautiful cities in Argentina, with its shady avenues and numerous Plazas where people come together to enjoy the outdoor atmosphere of the city.Plaza Independencia, the biggest and most important square in the heart of downtown, is surrounded by beautiful buildings and restaurants, is a perfect starting point to explore the centre of Mendoza. However, Plaza España is probably the most beautiful square in the city. Plaza de España stands out for its pretty azulejos and shinning floor, the fountain and the gorgeous statue. The gigantic Parque General San Martín is the biggest and most beautiful of Mendoza and one of the city’s highlights. The park has beautiful streets and avenues surrounded by hundreds of species of plants and trees, several fountains, sculptures, gardens and an artificial lake. Wine tasting and visits to vineyards are top activities on visitors' itineraries as well as drinking and dining at any of the many bodegas found all over the city. With a laid-back atmosphere but a lively attitude, Mendoza, the land of sun and wine, is a delightful place to visit.

About the destination: The city of Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina. Approximately 3 million people live in this city. Including the metropolitan area, the total population of Buenos Aires is above 12 million, making it one of the 10 most populated urban centres in the world. Buenos Aires is a huge city, with plenty of neighbourhoods to visit and so much to see and do! The wonderfully colourful neighbourhood right next to the old port of Buenos Aires, La Boca is synonymous with both tango and football. With its multi-coloured houses and taverns, the neighbourhood maintains its tango tradition, football passion, and Italian roots. Today, it is one of the most important cultural centres and tourist attractions in Buenos Aires. Take a walking tour, watch a game at the famous Boca stadium or attend a local tango show. San Telmo, the oldest residential neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, exudes a special historical vibe. As one of the most important centres during the 19th century, San Telmo has preserved many of Buenos Aires’ architectural landmarks, museums, antique shops and old churches. Puerto Madero is a new neighbourhood full of restaurants and bars. It's nice to walk there in a sunny day, the view is pretty nice.Vibrant, nostalgic, seductive and dynamic, Buenos Aires is a European city with Latin-American flavour. Undoubtedly, a truly fascinating city.

About the destination: Montevideo, situated on the east bank of the Rio de la Plata, is the pleasant capital city of Uruguay. It is a modern and vibrant city with a lot of interesting places to visit, and some good beaches nearby. In the Ciudad Vieja,the old colonial city, located one side of Bahia de Montevideo, is full of beautiful colonial buildings, Spanish style squares and a number of impressive churches. The Casa Rivera and the Museo de Artes Decorativas should not be missed. At the heart of the district is the Plaza Independencia, with its palm-lined streets, and the somber Mausoleo Jose Artigas crowned by a 30-ton statue of the country's hero. Nearby Plaza Independencia you'll find the Palacio Salvo and the Puerta de la Ciudadela. Museumgoers will enjoy the collections of the Museo de la Historia del Arte and the Museo del Carnaval, which documents Montevideo's 100-year embrace of Carnaval. The Torre Antel offers splendid views of the city from the top. And make sure you take an evening to walk along and admire the sunset from the Rambla along the coast.Montevideo is not only the main city of Uruguay; it is its brain and soul. A friendly place, where you still can walk with no hurry, and everybody has time to have a coffee and a chat with a friend. Small buildings, several beaches, wooded parks and a pretty Old Town seduce the visitors.