BRAZIL, ARGENTINA and CHILE WITH BUZIOS and ATACAMA DESERT (ISRQ2012)

Day 1:
Arrive Rio de Janeiro–Buzios, Brazil. Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, where you will be met by your Local Host and transferred by private car on a leisurely drive to the sophisticated coastal town of Buzios. Once a sleepy fishing town, Buzios was made famous when French starlet Brigitte Bardot stumbled onto its sandy beaches in 1964. Today, it’s considered Rio’s premier beach resort, offering paradise for those who appreciate an all-season climate, fine restaurants, arts, and ecology.

Day 2:
Buzios. Enjoy a day at leisure to relax. Perhaps explore one of its 26 beaches, and see how this peninsula resembles a small island and is often likened to Saint Tropez. (B)

Day 3:
Buzios–Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free time this morning before your transfer back to Rio de Janeiro, South America’s capital of glamour! Your Local Host will be available with suggested activities during your free time. Tonight, you may opt to join an outing to a fun churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style, followed by a Samba show, where the sheer vitality of this country explodes in a colorful extravaganza. (B)

Day 4:
Rio de Janeiro. An included city TOUR takes you to bustling downtown Rio, where modern office towers stand next to relics of the Portuguese colonial past. View the Sambodromo and the Cathedral before visiting 300-foot-high SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN. Ascend by cable car to its summit, where you can savor spectacular vistas of the city and beaches. The afternoon and evening are at leisure. (B)

Day 5:
Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy a full day at leisure. Your Local Host will suggest an optional Jeep tour to the rainforest in the middle of the city, Tijuca National Park and its bird sanctuary. This afternoon you may elect to discover historic Petropolis, a mountain resort and site of the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II. (B)

Day 6:
Rio–Iguassu Falls. Fly to IGUASSU FALLS at the crossroads of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. This masterpiece of nature encompasses 275 separate falls and spans almost two miles. The afternoon is dedicated to enjoying the spectacle of this 2-mile-wide torrential downpour. With some cataracts as high as 250 feet, it’s nothing short of hypnotic. The clouds of spray, the incessant roar, and the surrounding luxuriant tropical growth make this an unforgettable natural wonder. (B)

Day 7:
Iguassu Falls. This morning, take the Ecological Jungle TRAIN and tour the Argentine side of IGUASSU FALLS with numerous walkways that wind under the crashing water. (B)

Day 8:
Iguassu Falls–Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fly to Buenos Aires, proud capital of the vast country that occupies most of the southern part of the continent. After arriving at your central hotel you will have time to become acquainted with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards and outdoor cafés. Enjoy an evening at leisure. (B)

Day 9:
Buenos Aires. Included SIGHTSEEING this morning starts in the colorful La Boca district, site of the city’s first port. Take a short walking tour of this unique neighborhood, then on to San Telmo, famous for its late-colonial buildings and a popular gathering spot for artists. At the Plaza de Mayo, see La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House) and the Metropolitan Cathedral, which houses San Martin’s Mausoleum. Drive past the ornate Colon Opera House before reaching the CEMETERY of the Recoleta, burial site of Eva Peron. Spend the afternoon at leisure. This evening, perhaps savor the city’s atmosphere on an optional dinner at a local restaurant followed by a performance of Latin America’s most sensuous dance—the Tango! (B)

Day 10:
Buenos Aires. Today is at leisure. Your Local Host will suggest an optional excursion to the Pampas. Experience Argentine country life as you visit an estancia (ranch). Get acquainted with the lifestyle of the gauchos and enjoy a barbecue lunch and the warm hospitality of your hosts before returning to the city. (B)

Day 11:
Buenos Aires–Santiago, Chile. Depart this morning on a scenic flight over the Andes before arriving in Santiago, Chile’s capital. This country is more than 10-times longer than wide, with 2,650 miles of beautiful Pacific coastline. (B)

Day 12:
Santiago. Located in the center of the country and perched between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, Santiago has evolved as the country’s political, commercial, and cultural capital. Step back into the 16th century on your guided TOUR as your Local Guide traces the city’s history and heritage. Start at La Moneda, the official Government Palace, and nearby San Cristobal Hill with its landmark statue of the Virgin Mary. Your tour ends at the Plaza de Armas, the main square, with a visit to the 18th-century CATHEDRAL. This evening, consider the optional Chilean Folkloric Dinner Show. (B)

Day 13:
Santiago. 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. Drive through the undulating hills of Chile’s wine country to the historic port of Valparaiso, and continue along the coast to nearby Viña del Mar. This chic seaside resort with palm tree-lined avenues and lovely villas truly deserves the sobriquet “Pearl of the Pacific.” (B)

Day 14:
Santiago–Calama–San Pedro de Atacama. Fly to Calama, where you will be met by your Local Host, who will transfer with you to San Pedro de Atacama, one of Chile’s most important archaeological centers. A guided walking TOUR of the village introduces you to this center of Indian culture in the Atacama Desert. Visit the FATHER LE PAIGE MUSEUM to see ancient artifacts and mummies. Later, experience MOON VALLEY, known for its moonscape at sunset. (B)

Day 15:
Atacama Desert. Visit the huge ATACAMA SALT LAKE, an inland sea dating back millions of years. The flatness, clearness, and emptiness here are overwhelming. Next, see the Miscanti and Meñiques Lakes, set at the base of two immense volcanoes. These high plains lakes are fringed with salt deposits and surrounded by brilliantly colored clumps of coirón plants, creating a unique visual experience. (B)

Day 16:
Atacama Desert. Very early, depart for a visit of the impressive TATIO GEYSERS at an altitude of 14,176 feet above sea level. On the way back to San Pedro, stop at the PURITAMA HOT SPRINGS, where you have the chance to relax in the hot spring water pools! (B)

Day 17:
Atacama Desert. Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
5/19/2012 - 6/5/2012	$4,499
5/20/2012 - 6/6/2012	$4,499
5/21/2012 - 6/7/2012	$4,499
5/22/2012 - 6/8/2012	$4,499
5/23/2012 - 6/9/2012	$4,499
5/24/2012 - 6/10/2012	$4,499
5/25/2012 - 6/11/2012	$4,499
5/26/2012 - 6/12/2012	$4,499
5/27/2012 - 6/13/2012	$4,499
5/28/2012 - 6/14/2012	$4,499
5/29/2012 - 6/15/2012	$4,499
5/30/2012 - 6/16/2012	$4,499
5/31/2012 - 6/17/2012	$4,499
6/1/2012 - 6/18/2012	$4,499
6/2/2012 - 6/19/2012	$4,499
6/3/2012 - 6/20/2012	$4,499
6/4/2012 - 6/21/2012	$4,499
6/5/2012 - 6/22/2012	$4,499
6/6/2012 - 6/23/2012	$4,499
6/7/2012 - 6/24/2012	$4,499
6/8/2012 - 6/25/2012	$4,499
6/9/2012 - 6/26/2012	$4,499
6/10/2012 - 6/27/2012	$4,499
6/11/2012 - 6/28/2012	$4,499
6/12/2012 - 6/29/2012	$4,499
6/13/2012 - 6/30/2012	$4,499
6/14/2012 - 7/1/2012	$4,499
6/15/2012 - 7/2/2012	$4,499
6/16/2012 - 7/3/2012	$4,499
6/17/2012 - 7/4/2012	$4,499
6/18/2012 - 7/5/2012	$4,499
6/19/2012 - 7/6/2012	$4,499
6/20/2012 - 7/7/2012	$4,499
6/21/2012 - 7/8/2012	$4,499
6/22/2012 - 7/9/2012	$4,499
6/23/2012 - 7/10/2012	$4,499
6/24/2012 - 7/11/2012	$4,499
6/25/2012 - 7/12/2012	$4,499
6/26/2012 - 7/13/2012	$4,499
6/27/2012 - 7/14/2012	$4,499
6/28/2012 - 7/15/2012	$4,499
6/29/2012 - 7/16/2012	$4,499
6/30/2012 - 7/17/2012	$4,499
7/1/2012 - 7/18/2012	$4,499
7/2/2012 - 7/19/2012	$4,499
7/3/2012 - 7/20/2012	$4,499
7/4/2012 - 7/21/2012	$4,499
7/5/2012 - 7/22/2012	$4,499
7/6/2012 - 7/23/2012	$4,499
7/7/2012 - 7/24/2012	$4,499
7/8/2012 - 7/25/2012	$4,499
7/9/2012 - 7/26/2012	$4,499
7/10/2012 - 7/27/2012	$4,499
7/11/2012 - 7/28/2012	$4,499
7/12/2012 - 7/29/2012	$4,499
7/13/2012 - 7/30/2012	$4,499
7/14/2012 - 7/31/2012	$4,499
7/15/2012 - 8/1/2012	$4,499
7/16/2012 - 8/2/2012	$4,499
7/17/2012 - 8/3/2012	$4,499
7/18/2012 - 8/4/2012	$4,499
7/19/2012 - 8/5/2012	$4,499
7/20/2012 - 8/6/2012	$4,499
7/21/2012 - 8/7/2012	$4,499
7/22/2012 - 8/8/2012	$4,499
7/23/2012 - 8/9/2012	$4,499
7/24/2012 - 8/10/2012	$4,499
7/25/2012 - 8/11/2012	$4,499
7/26/2012 - 8/12/2012	$4,499
7/27/2012 - 8/13/2012	$4,499
7/28/2012 - 8/14/2012	$4,499
7/29/2012 - 8/15/2012	$4,499
7/30/2012 - 8/16/2012	$4,499
7/31/2012 - 8/17/2012	$4,499
8/1/2012 - 8/18/2012	$4,499
8/2/2012 - 8/19/2012	$4,499
8/3/2012 - 8/20/2012	$4,499
8/4/2012 - 8/21/2012	$4,499
8/5/2012 - 8/22/2012	$4,499
8/6/2012 - 8/23/2012	$4,499
8/7/2012 - 8/24/2012	$4,499
8/8/2012 - 8/25/2012	$4,499
8/9/2012 - 8/26/2012	$4,499
8/10/2012 - 8/27/2012	$4,499
8/11/2012 - 8/28/2012	$4,499
8/12/2012 - 8/29/2012	$4,499
8/13/2012 - 8/30/2012	$4,499
8/14/2012 - 8/31/2012	$4,499
8/15/2012 - 9/1/2012	$4,499
8/16/2012 - 9/2/2012	$4,499
8/17/2012 - 9/3/2012	$4,499
8/18/2012 - 9/4/2012	$4,499
8/19/2012 - 9/5/2012	$4,499
8/20/2012 - 9/6/2012	$4,499
8/21/2012 - 9/7/2012	$4,499
8/22/2012 - 9/8/2012	$4,499
8/23/2012 - 9/9/2012	$4,499
8/24/2012 - 9/10/2012	$4,499
8/25/2012 - 9/11/2012	$4,499
8/26/2012 - 9/12/2012	$4,499
8/27/2012 - 9/13/2012	$4,499
8/28/2012 - 9/14/2012	$4,499
8/29/2012 - 9/15/2012	$4,539
8/30/2012 - 9/16/2012	$4,539
8/31/2012 - 9/17/2012	$4,539
9/1/2012 - 9/18/2012	$4,539
9/2/2012 - 9/19/2012	$4,539
9/3/2012 - 9/20/2012	$4,539
9/4/2012 - 9/21/2012	$4,539
9/5/2012 - 9/22/2012	$4,539
9/6/2012 - 9/23/2012	$4,539
9/7/2012 - 9/24/2012	$4,539
9/8/2012 - 9/25/2012	$4,539
9/9/2012 - 9/26/2012	$4,539
9/10/2012 - 9/27/2012	$4,539
9/11/2012 - 9/28/2012	$4,539
9/12/2012 - 9/29/2012	$4,539
9/13/2012 - 9/30/2012	$4,539
9/14/2012 - 10/1/2012	$4,539
9/15/2012 - 10/2/2012	$4,539
9/16/2012 - 10/3/2012	$4,539
9/17/2012 - 10/4/2012	$4,539
9/18/2012 - 10/5/2012	$4,539
9/19/2012 - 10/6/2012	$4,539
9/20/2012 - 10/7/2012	$4,539
9/21/2012 - 10/8/2012	$4,539
9/22/2012 - 10/9/2012	$4,539
9/23/2012 - 10/10/2012	$4,539
9/24/2012 - 10/11/2012	$4,539
9/25/2012 - 10/12/2012	$4,539
9/26/2012 - 10/13/2012	$4,539
9/27/2012 - 10/14/2012	$4,539
9/28/2012 - 10/15/2012	$4,579
9/29/2012 - 10/16/2012	$4,579
9/30/2012 - 10/17/2012	$4,579
10/1/2012 - 10/18/2012	$4,579
10/2/2012 - 10/19/2012	$4,579
10/3/2012 - 10/20/2012	$4,579
10/4/2012 - 10/21/2012	$4,579
10/5/2012 - 10/22/2012	$4,579
10/6/2012 - 10/23/2012	$4,579
10/7/2012 - 10/24/2012	$4,579
10/8/2012 - 10/25/2012	$4,579
10/9/2012 - 10/26/2012	$4,579
10/10/2012 - 10/27/2012	$4,579
10/11/2012 - 10/28/2012	$4,579
10/12/2012 - 10/29/2012	$4,579
10/13/2012 - 10/30/2012	$4,579
10/14/2012 - 10/31/2012	$4,579
10/15/2012 - 11/1/2012	$4,579
10/16/2012 - 11/2/2012	$4,579
10/17/2012 - 11/3/2012	$4,579
10/18/2012 - 11/4/2012	$4,579
10/19/2012 - 11/5/2012	$4,579
10/20/2012 - 11/6/2012	$4,579
10/21/2012 - 11/7/2012	$4,579
10/22/2012 - 11/8/2012	$4,579
10/23/2012 - 11/9/2012	$4,579
10/24/2012 - 11/10/2012	$4,579
10/25/2012 - 11/11/2012	$4,579
10/26/2012 - 11/12/2012	$4,579
10/27/2012 - 11/13/2012	$4,579
10/28/2012 - 11/14/2012	$4,579
10/29/2012 - 11/15/2012	$4,579
10/30/2012 - 11/16/2012	$4,579
10/31/2012 - 11/17/2012	$4,579
11/1/2012 - 11/18/2012	$4,579
11/2/2012 - 11/19/2012	$4,579
11/3/2012 - 11/20/2012	$4,579
11/4/2012 - 11/21/2012	$4,579
11/5/2012 - 11/22/2012	$4,579
11/6/2012 - 11/23/2012	$4,579
11/7/2012 - 11/24/2012	$4,579
11/8/2012 - 11/25/2012	$4,579
11/9/2012 - 11/26/2012	$4,579
11/10/2012 - 11/27/2012	$4,579
11/11/2012 - 11/28/2012	$4,579
11/12/2012 - 11/29/2012	$4,579
11/13/2012 - 11/30/2012	$4,579
11/14/2012 - 12/1/2012	$4,579
11/15/2012 - 12/2/2012	$4,579
11/16/2012 - 12/3/2012	$4,579
11/17/2012 - 12/4/2012	$4,579
11/18/2012 - 12/5/2012	$4,579
11/19/2012 - 12/6/2012	$4,579
11/20/2012 - 12/7/2012	$4,579
11/21/2012 - 12/8/2012	$4,579
11/22/2012 - 12/9/2012	$4,579
11/23/2012 - 12/10/2012	$4,579
11/24/2012 - 12/11/2012	$4,579
11/25/2012 - 12/12/2012	$4,579
11/26/2012 - 12/13/2012	$4,579
11/27/2012 - 12/14/2012	$4,579
11/28/2012 - 12/15/2012	$4,579
11/29/2012 - 12/16/2012	$4,579
11/30/2012 - 12/17/2012	$4,579
12/1/2012 - 12/18/2012	$4,579
12/2/2012 - 12/19/2012	$4,579
12/3/2012 - 12/20/2012	$4,579
12/4/2012 - 12/21/2012	$4,579
12/5/2012 - 12/22/2012	$4,579
12/6/2012 - 12/23/2012	$4,579
12/7/2012 - 12/24/2012	$4,579
12/8/2012 - 12/25/2012	$4,579
12/9/2012 - 12/26/2012	$4,579
12/10/2012 - 12/27/2012	$4,579
12/11/2012 - 12/28/2012	$4,579
12/12/2012 - 12/29/2012	$4,579
12/13/2012 - 12/30/2012	$4,579
12/14/2012 - 12/31/2012	$4,629
12/15/2012 - 1/1/2013	$4,629
12/16/2012 - 1/2/2013	$4,629
12/17/2012 - 1/3/2013	$4,629
12/18/2012 - 1/4/2013	$4,649
12/19/2012 - 1/5/2013	$4,649
12/20/2012 - 1/6/2013	$4,649
12/21/2012 - 1/7/2013	$4,649
12/22/2012 - 1/8/2013	$4,649
12/23/2012 - 1/9/2013	$4,649
12/24/2012 - 1/10/2013	$4,649
12/25/2012 - 1/11/2013	$4,649
12/26/2012 - 1/12/2013	$4,649
12/27/2012 - 1/13/2013	$4,649
12/28/2012 - 1/14/2013	$4,649
12/29/2012 - 1/15/2013	$4,699
12/30/2012 - 1/16/2013	$4,699
12/31/2012 - 1/17/2013	$4,699
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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