Discover South America: 10-Day Tour from Istanbul

Arrival in Rio de Janeiro

Depart from Istanbul (IST) for São Paulo (GRU) at 10:05 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 15. After a flight of approximately 13 hours and 40 minutes, arrive at São Paulo Guarulhos Airport at 17:45 local time.

Following the connection, depart from São Paulo (GRU) for Rio de Janeiro (GIG) at 22:30 on GOL Airlines flight G3 1046. After landing at Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport at 23:40, transfer to the hotel by private vehicle.

Stay overnight at Windsor Excelsior Copacabana or a similar 4-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer

After breakfast, we head to Rio de Janeiro's most famous landmark, the Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Hill. One of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the statue is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Located within Tijuca National Park, it stands at an altitude of 710 metres.

We take the historic train through the forest to the summit. From beside the Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue, we enjoy panoramic views of Rio. From here, we can see Copacabana, Ipanema, Sugar Loaf and Guanabara Bay together.

We then begin our city tour. We get a panoramic view of Maracanã Stadium, one of the key venues in Brazilian football. Our tour also includes the Sambadrome Carnival Grounds, where Rio Carnival performances take place, the modern, pyramid-shaped Metropolitan Cathedral and Cinelândia Square, the city's historic cultural centre.

We have lunch at the famous Brazilian Churrascaria restaurant. The meal features an unlimited meat menu and dishes from Brazilian cuisine, with hot cuts of meat carved and served at the table.

After lunch, we visit the Santa Teresa district, Rio's arts centre, known for its colourful houses, nostalgic tram and bohemian atmosphere.

After returning to the hotel, there is free time in the evening. Guests who wish can explore Rio's nightlife or take a walk along Copacabana Beach.

We stay at the 4-star Windsor Excelsior Copacabana hotel.

Sugar Loaf and Selarón Steps

After breakfast, depart for the Sugar Loaf (Sugar Hill) tour. The cable car ascent takes place in two stages. The first cable car takes you to Urca Hill, where there is a short stop for panoramic views of the surroundings. The second cable car takes you to the summit of Sugar Loaf. From a height of 420 metres, enjoy views of Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach and the ocean.

Then continue exploring Rio's historic districts. Visit the Lapa district, one of Rio's cultural centres. See the Lapa Arches (Arcos da Lapa), formerly used as an aqueduct, which gradually became a symbol of the bohemian street. The next stop is the Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón), one of Rio's most photographed sites. Chilean artist Jorge Selarón created this work by placing ceramic tiles from 60 countries around the world on 215 steps.

After lunch at a local restaurant, take in panoramic views of Flamengo Park and Botafogo Beach. Take a short walk along Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches to observe Rio's beach life.

Return to the hotel and enjoy free time. In the evening, guests who wish can watch a samba show at one of Rio's famous samba clubs (optional).

Overnight at the Windsor Excelsior Copacabana hotel. The hotel has 4 stars.

Arrival at Iguassu Falls

Check out of the hotel early in the morning and transfer to Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport.

Depart from Rio for São Paulo at 06:20 on GOL Airlines flight G3 1523, arriving at 07:40. After a short connection, depart for Foz do Iguaçu at 09:00 on GOL Airlines flight G3 1170. Arrival is at 10:50.

After being met at the airport, head directly to the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls for a tour. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Iguassu Falls is a natural water system consisting of approximately 275 separate waterfalls.

See the falls from different angles along the walking trails. At Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo) in Iguassu, take in the panoramic view and experience the power of the water up close.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant around midday. After lunch, the optional Macuco Safari Boat Tour is available to guests who wish to join. This boat tour takes you right beneath the falls. The Macuco Safari Boat Tour costs 170 USD per person and is paid for separately.

After the tour, transfer to the hotel for a short rest. Dinner is served at one of Iguassu's well-known Churrascaria restaurants, with an unlimited meat menu.

GOL Airlines flight G3 1523 operates from Rio de Janeiro (GIG) to São Paulo (GRU). Departure is at 06:20 and arrival is at 07:40.

GOL Airlines flight G3 1170 operates from São Paulo (GRU) to Foz do Iguaçu (IGU). Departure is at 09:00 and arrival is at 10:50.

Accommodation is at the 4-star Hotel Vivaz Cataratas in Iguassu or a similar hotel.

Arrival in Buenos Aires

After breakfast, cross the border from Brazil into Argentina and transfer to Iguazú Airport (IGR). Depart for Buenos Aires at 11:25 with Aerolíneas Argentinas. After a flight of approximately 2 hours, arrive at Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) at 13:25.

After being greeted at the airport, begin the Buenos Aires city tour directly. The tour includes visits to Plaza de Mayo, the historic square where the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed, and Argentina's Presidential Palace, Casa Rosada (Pink Palace), where Evita addressed the public from the balcony.

La Boca and Caminito Street reflect Argentina's football and tango culture and are known for their colourful streets, street performers and tango shows. The tour continues through the San Telmo neighbourhood, known for its colonial architecture and antique shops. Visit the Recoleta district and Eva Perón's Mausoleum, Evita's monumental tomb in Recoleta Cemetery.

After the tour, check in at the hotel. Enjoy free time in the evening.

Stay overnight in Buenos Aires at Kenton Palace Hotel or a similar 4-star hotel.

Tigre Delta tour

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off on a tour of the Tigre Delta to see the natural beauty of Buenos Aires. In the delta formed by the Paraná River, we observe small islands, waterways and life along the river.

During the Tigre Delta Boat Tour, we travel deeper into the delta to see traditional houses built over the water, floating markets and the surrounding natural scenery. At Puerto de Frutos market, we shop for handmade products and traditional souvenirs. We explore San Isidro, a district of Buenos Aires, with its colonial architecture and historic character.

We have lunch at the riverside Villa Julia Restaurant in the Tigre Delta.

In the afternoon, we return to Buenos Aires for a short walk in the Recoleta district. We see Eva Perón's mausoleum in Recoleta Cemetery, one of the well-known historic cemeteries in Buenos Aires. We then explore Alvear Avenue, home to luxury shops.

There is free time in the evening. Guests who wish can attend a tango evening (optional).

We spend the night at the 4-star Kenton Palace Hotel.

Arrival in Santiago

In the morning, we depart from Buenos Aires for Santiago, the capital of Chile. Our LATAM Airlines flight departs from Buenos Aires (EZE) at 10:02 and arrives in Santiago (SCL) at 12:27. After passport control and baggage collection, we begin our Santiago city tour directly.

On our tour, we see Santiago's historic centre and Plaza de Armas, Chile's most important square, the Metropolitan Cathedral from the colonial period, and the Government Palace (La Moneda), which has witnessed Chile's political history. We take the cable car up San Cristóbal Hill to see panoramic views of Santiago and the statue of the Virgin Mary.

We have lunch at a local restaurant and sample Chilean cuisine. In the afternoon, we explore the Bellavista district, home to artists, and its bohemian streets. Afterwards, we transfer to the hotel and rest.

We stay in Santiago at Hotel Plaza San Francisco or a similar 4-star hotel.

Valparaíso and Viña del Mar

After breakfast at the hotel, we set out to explore two important cities on Chile's Pacific coast.

Our first stop is the port city of Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colorful houses, narrow streets and historic elevators (funiculars). The city is known for its murals and street art. Here, we visit La Sebastiana Museum, the former home of Nobel Prize-winning Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. The colorful house stands on a hill overlooking the sea.

We then continue to Viña del Mar, Chile's most popular seaside town, known for its summer houses and beaches. One of the town's landmarks, the Flower Clock (Reloj de Flores), is a large clock made with real flowers.

We have lunch at a local seaside restaurant, enjoying Chile's famous seafood. In the late afternoon, we return to Santiago and transfer to the hotel, followed by free time.

We spend the night at the 4-star Hotel Plaza San Francisco.

Flight home to Istanbul

After the final breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport. Depart for Istanbul at 11:40 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 16. The flight makes a short technical stop in São Paulo.

THY flight TK 16 departs from Santiago (SCL) and arrives in Istanbul (IST). Departure is scheduled for 11:40 and arrival for 11:20 (+1). The night is spent on board.

Arrival in Istanbul

We arrive at Istanbul Airport at 11:20 local time. Our tour ends after passport control and baggage collection.

We conclude our 10-day South America journey with memories of Rio's lights, the power of Iguassu, the rhythm of Buenos Aires and Santiago's views of the Andes. See you on your next trip.