Icons of South America
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 15-day, 14-night journey through the heart of South America, where vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes and timeless traditions come together across Brazil, Peru and Chile. This carefully curated itinerary blends iconic highlights with moments of discovery, offering a seamless balance of guided experiences and leisure. From dynamic cities and ancient heritage to dramatic natural wonders and refined culinary scenes, each destination reveals a distinct character while contributing to a richly connected adventure. Designed for travellers seeking depth, contrast and comfort, this immersive tour promises a captivating exploration of three of the continent’s most remarkable countries.
If your itinerary includes domestic and/or regional flight tickets, as well as entry tickets to landmarks that require passport details, you must call Air Canada Vacations immediately upon receiving your booking confirmation. Failure to provide Air Canada Vacations with your passport details may result in the unavailability of domestic and/or regional flight tickets, and entry passes for certain landmarks included in your tour package. It is mandatory to call Air Canada Vacations at the number provided in your electronic confirmation as soon as your booking is confirmed to submit your passport details.
Important notes:
- The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day, or cancelled due to weather-related conditions.
- The itinerary above is subject to change without prior notice. The order in which destinations are visited, or day excursions occur, may change due to operational restrictions, such as weather and accommodation availability.
- Driving times indicated in your itinerary are approximate and may vary due to traffic and road conditions.
Format
Locations
- Brazil
- São Paulo
- Rio de Janeiro
- Foz do Iguaçu
- Argentina
- Buenos Aires
- Chile
- Santiago
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to South America, arriving in São Paulo and departing from Santiago (if the Flight & Hotel option is chosen)
- One-way flights in economy class from: São Paulo - Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro - Foz do Iguaçu, Foz do Iguaçu - Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires - Santiago
- Shared airport and sightseeing transfers, unless noted otherwise.
- 14 nights accommodation in your select category (4 nights in Rio de Janeiro, 2 nights in Foz do Iguaçu, 5 nights in Buenos Aires and 3 nights in Santiago)
- Daily breakfast
- Other meals as per the itinerary
- More Moments activities included:
- Rio de Janeiro City tour with Sugarloaf Mountain and cultural stroll through Rio’s Old Town and city centre
- Rio de Janeiro City tour with Corcovado Mountain and Christ the Redeemer
- Iguaçu Falls tour, Brazilian side
- Iguaçu Falls tour, Argentine side
- Buenos Aires half-day city tour
- Tango show and dinner experience in Buenos Aires
- Journey Through the Tigre Delta tour
- Santiago half-day city tour
- Hotel taxes
- Fees and service charges
- Service of an English or French-speaking local guide
- Entrance fees for the monuments mentioned in the itinerary
- Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro
Upon arrival at São Paulo International Airport, you will need to clear customs and immigration. Afterwards, you’ll collect your luggage and proceed to check in for your connecting flight to Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport.
Upon arrival, a dedicated driver will welcome you with an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name on it and will take you to your hotel to check in. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 2
Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast, your journey continues with an exhilarating city tour, featuring the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain. After descending Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car, your dedicated driver will take you on a guided cultural stroll through Rio’s historic Old Town, immersing you in the city's rich heritage.
Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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City tour with Sugarloaf Mountain and cultural stroll through Rio’s Old Town and city centre
Begin your adventure with a scenic cable car ride to Urca Mountain, the midway point between ground level and Sugarloaf. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing drink ($) and sample some of Brazil’s signature dishes ($) before continuing your exciting ascent to the summit of Sugarloaf.
Next, immerse yourself in the rich history of Rio with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of the old town and city centre, where iconic architecture and lively markets come to life. This unforgettable journey through Rio’s highlights promises a perfect blend of culture, breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable memories.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 3
Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast, your dedicated driver will pick you up for an exciting and memorable city tour, featuring the world-famous Corcovado Mountain and the iconic Christ the Redeemer.
Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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City tour with Corcovado Mountain and Christ the Redeemer
Your dedicated driver will take you to the base of Corcovado Mountain at the Corcovado Train Station, where you will board the train for a scenic ascent through the lush Tijuca Forest, making your way to the summit where the awe-inspiring Christ the Redeemer statue stands. Take in the panoramic views of Rio’s stunning coastline and cityscape, a sight as iconic as the statue itself.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy a final day in Rio de Janeiro at your own pace, a perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on the unforgettable moments of your journey. With no scheduled activities, the day invites you to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and embrace its easygoing rhythm.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Rio de Janeiro – Foz do Iguaçu
After breakfast and checking out, a dedicated driver will take you to Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport to catch your flight to Foz do Iguaçu International Airport.
Upon arrival, a dedicated driver will welcome you with an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name on it and take you to your hotel to check in. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
Foz do Iguaçu
After breakfast and checking out, a dedicated driver will take you to Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport to catch your flight to Foz do Iguaçu International Airport.
Upon arrival, a dedicated driver will welcome you with an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name on it and take you to your hotel to check in. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Iguaçu Falls tour, Brazilian side
Start your journey with a visit to the majestic falls. Stroll along peaceful paths that offer spectacular views of over 250 waterfalls, with millions of gallons of water cascading from the Amazon River. The trail leads to the heart of the action at the Devil’s Throat, the largest waterfall in the park. Feel the raw power of the water as it plunges 80 meters into the Iguaçu River, with a walkway bringing you right into the misty spectacle for unforgettable perspectives.
Next, you’ll experience the thrill of the Macuco Safari. You’ll drive through the jungle in an open jeep, guided by an expert who shares insights about the local ecology. You’ll then continue on foot to the Iguaçu River before boarding a motorboat that takes you even closer to the waterfalls, where unique photo opportunities await.
The adventure concludes at the Bird Park, located near Iguaçu National Park. You’ll observe vibrant birds flying through the tropical forest, offering a colourful and memorable finale to your day.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7
Foz do Iguaçu – Buenos Aires
After breakfast and checking out, your driver will take you back for another exciting tour of Iguaçu Falls, this time exploring the Argentine side. Don’t forget to bring your passport.
Afterwards, your driver will take you to Foz do Iguaçu International Airport to catch your flight to Buenos Aires.
Upon arrival, a dedicated driver will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name on it and take you to your hotel to check in. Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Iguaçu Falls tour, Argentine side
Embark on an adventure to the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls, where breathtaking views and thrilling encounters await. Stroll along lush trails that lead to stunning vantage points, including the iconic Devil's Throat, and feel the exhilarating mist of the cascading waters. Immerse yourself in the vibrant rainforest and discover the incredible wildlife that thrives in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Buenos Aires
After breakfast, get ready for a half-day city tour that will showcase the highlights of South America’s most cosmopolitan city.
In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture with a spectacular tango show and dinner.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day city tour
Explore the 9 de Julio Avenue, where the renowned Colón Theater and the Obelisk are located. After, visit the Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by important historic buildings like the Casa Rosada, the Cathedral and the City Hall. A visit to Plaza San Martín, Alvear and Plaza del Congreso is also on the agenda. The tour will then take you along the old-fashioned Avenida de Mayo and the dynamic Avenida Corrientes. Explore neighbourhoods filled with colours and history, like La Boca and San Telmo, the sumptuous neighbourhoods of Palermo and Recoleta and the modern Puerto Madero.
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Tango show and dinner experience
Enjoy a delicious dinner as you experience Argentina’s spirit firsthand at a restaurant where you will indulge in a delicious meal. After dinner, enjoy a spectacular tango performance by world-class dancers, singers and musicians.
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Days 9 and 10
Buenos Aires
Enjoy two full days at leisure in Buenos Aires, giving you the perfect opportunity to soak in the city’s unique energy and vibrant atmosphere at your own pace. With no set itinerary, these days invite you to relax, explore freely and savour the rhythm and charm that make the city so captivating.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 11
Buenos Aires – El Tigre – Buenos Aires
After breakfast, meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and embark on an exciting tour of the *Tigre Delta and its islands.
* Network of islands and waterways formed by the Paraná River near Buenos Aires, Argentina. It’s a lush, intricate region of rivers, streams and islands, famous for its natural beauty, wildlife and charming riverside towns.
Following the tour, return to your hotel, passing by elegant residential areas and impressive homes. Along the way, you’ll also catch a glimpse of the Presidential Residence.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Journey Through the Tigre Delta tour
Start your adventure with a scenic 1-hour drive from Buenos Aires to the town of Tigre, where you will board a tourist boat to explore the Delta and its islands. Discover the unique life of the isleños, the people who live on the islands, and learn about their customs, culture and way of life. On the return drive to Buenos Aires, pass by the elegant residences of the northern suburbs and the charming San Isidro neighbourhood, with a glimpse of the Presidential Residence, Quinta de Olivos, along the way.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 12
Buenos Aires – Santiago
After breakfast and check out, your driver will transfer you to Ministro Pistarini International Airport for your flight to Santiago, the capital of Chile.
Upon arrival, you’ll clear customs and immigration, collect your luggage and meet your local representative holding a sign with your name. They will escort you to your transfer to the hotel for check-in.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 13
Santiago
After breakfast, you’ll meet your local tour guide in the hotel lobby for a captivating half-day city tour, exploring the city’s most iconic sights and hidden gems while learning about its rich history and vibrant culture.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. For those wishing to further immerse themselves in the local culture, optional tours ($) are available and can be arranged and paid for locally through your representative.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day city tour
Begin your exploration with a captivating tour of the historical centre, starting at the iconic Plaza de Armas. This expansive square transports you back to a bygone era, allowing you to imagine the vibrant scene of bustling markets and merchants wandering along its cobblestone streets. As the heart of the city, the Plaza de Armas has long served as a central hub, a place where history and daily life intersect. Surrounding the square are several remarkable monuments, including a tribute to Santiago’s founder, Pedro de Valdivia, as well as the majestic Royal Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago and the elegant Central Post Office Building—each reflecting the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 14
Santiago
Enjoy a full day at your own pace in Santiago, where the rhythm of the city is yours to follow. Whether you choose to relax, wander or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere, the day is entirely yours to shape.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 15
Santiago – Canada
After breakfast and check out, your transfer will take you to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport for your return flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 people
Important Information
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Daily departures –from October 25, 2025 – Mar 27, 2026 & Oct 25, 2026 – Mar 27, 2027
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Tours Exclusions:
- Gratuities
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Meals outside of the ones mentioned within the itinerary above
- Transfers for any optional activities, and any other transfer services required outside of the itinerary above
- Entrance to other landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional activities and excursions
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Plane from: São Paulo - Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro - Foz do Iguaçu, Foz do Iguaçu - Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires - Santiago
Car for all airport-hotel, inter-city and sightseeing transfer services