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South American Adventure

Alex Vlas

Alex Vlas

31 Dec 2023

Embark on a thrilling 28-day journey through Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Santiago. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, explore iconic landmarks, and indulge in delicious cuisine. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Trip to Rio de Janeiro

Day 1Modern Art and Theatrical Wonders in Rio de Janeiro
+

$53

Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro
Contemporary art museum with striking architecture & a water garden, plus a theater & lecture halls.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
$15
11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro
Storied, Parisian-style theater from 1909 offering ballet & classical-music performances plus tours.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$25
13 - 20 min

~

Directions

Praça XV de Novembro
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
15 - 22 min

~

Directions

Royal Portuguese Reading Room
Neo-Manueline-style library with ornate decor & a vast collection of volumes by Portuguese authors.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$13
15 - 22 min

~

Directions

Praça Mauá
Expansive plaza in a revitalized port area with striking modern museums, public art & bay views.
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
•
Free
Day 2Iconic Bridges and Cultural Traditions in Rio de Janeiro
+

$63

·

$ 8

Ponte Pres. Costa e Silva (Rio-Niterói)
This 8.26-mile concrete bridge between Rio & Niterói is one of the longest in the world.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
18 - 22 min

~

Directions

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária
Stately church with a mix of baroque & Renaissance styles, featuring bell towers & marble interior.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Rio Star
Giant observation wheel measuring 88 meters high, with vistas over Rio & its landmarks, plus a cafe.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$50
16 - 20 min

~

Directions

Centro Luiz Gonzaga de Tradições Nordestinas
Handicraft stalls & restaurants serving Northeastern dishes at a sprawling market with music.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
Free
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

National Museum of Brazil
Massive science museum with exhibits on zoology, archaeology, geology, paleontology & anthropology.
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
•
$13
Day 3Cathedrals, Museums, and Imperial History in Rio de Janeiro
+

$38

·

$ 4

Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro
Distinctive, modern Catholic cathedral resembling a pyramid, inaugurated in 1979.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Museu de Arte do Rio
Unique Brazilian art exhibits are showcased in a striking complex of historic & modern architecture.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$18
12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB)
Art galleries, cinema & theater in a 1906 neoclassical building, managed by the Bank of Brazil.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Paço Imperial
Royal residence dating to 1754 that's now a cultural center with contemporary-art exhibits & events.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
•
Free
41 - 50 min

~

Directions

Niterói Contemporary Art Museum
Large collection of modern art in an iconic building by the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer.
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
•
$20
Day 4Lagoons, Mountains, and Natural Beauty in Rio de Janeiro
+

$36

·

$ 4

Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
Seawater lagoon that is the site of several OIympic & Paralympic rowing & canoeing events.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Parque Natural Municipal da Catacumba
Walking paths wind through this vast, tree- & plant-filled park featuring sculptures & scenic views.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Pedra do Arpoador
Rocky peninsula & a busy surfing spot, offering sunset views from its walking paths.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
27 - 33 min

~

Directions

Sugarloaf Mountain
This 396m-tall peak on a peninsula jutting out into the ocean features a cableway & sweeping views.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
$36
Day 5Fortresses, Beaches, and Coastal Delights in Rio de Janeiro
+

$13

·

$ 4

Fortaleza de Santa Cruz da Barra
Fortress on a rocky point at bay entrance offering guided tours & scenic view of Sugarloaf Mountain.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
76 - 92 min

~

Directions

Copacabana Fort
Fortress backdrop for the triathlon & paratriathlon transition area, road cycling & the marathon.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$13
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Ipanema Beach
Long, popular stretch of beach known for sunbathing, along with soccer & volleyball.
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•
Free
Day 6Beaches, Gardens, and Breathtaking Views in Rio de Janeiro
+

$49

·

$ 4

Praia da Urca
Small beach for sand & water activities beside large cliffs, with nearby bars & restaurants.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
14 - 21 min

~

Directions

Sugar Loaf cable car
Rising above Guanabara Bay, this stone mountain is reachable by gondola & offers expansive views.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$36
22 - 27 min

~

Directions

Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro
Historic park featuring diverse flora & fauna, a scientific research institute & garden trails.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$13
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Mirante do Leblon
Seafront observation deck on a beachside boardwalk, with palm-shaded cafes & sunset panoramas.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
•
Free
Day 7Sun, Sand, and Iconic Landmarks in Rio de Janeiro
+

$74

·

$ 4

Copacabana Beach
Iconic, 2.2-mile beach features a wide, sandy expanse, bustling promenade, food kiosks & hotels.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
19 - 23 min

~

Directions

Parque Lage
Park with wooded trails, Christ the Redeemer statue views & a cafe & art school in an old mansion.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
•
$8
67 - 100 min

~

Directions

Christ the Redeemer
Giant, 30-m-tall mountaintop statue of Jesus Christ, accessed by train & offering city views.
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$66
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Mirante Dona Marta
Cliffside lookout point offering expansive, panoramic views of Rio & the Christ the Redeemer statue.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
•
Free
Day 8Parks, Ruins, and Historical Charm in Rio de Janeiro
+

$0

·

$ 4

Parque Brig. Eduardo Gomes (Aterro do Flamengo)
Sprawling city park with sports fields & a beach, plus a modern art museum, theaters & restaurants.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Parque das Ruínas
Park with an art gallery built around the ruins of a mansion, plus live outdoor concerts & a cafe.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Arcos da Lapa | Aqueduto da Carioca
18th-century aqueduct with 2 rows of arches, now serving as a bridge for a tram.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
16 - 20 min

~

Directions

Quinta da Boa Vista
Municipal park featuring a zoo & an archaeological museum housed in former royal palaces.
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
•
Free
Day 9Chinese Vista, Olympic Legacy, and Barra da Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro
+

$0

·

$ 4

Vista Chinesa
Belvedere at 380m featuring a 1903, Chinese-style pavilion with views of the mountains, city & sea.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
33 - 40 min

~

Directions

Praia da Barra da Tijuca
Wide, bustling stretch of sand lined with food kiosks, open sea views & a relaxing vibe.
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
29 - 35 min

~

Directions

Parque Olímpico
Sprawling sports complex built for the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games, with arenas & a velodrome.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•
Free
Day 10Parks, National Reserves, and Beach Bliss in Rio de Janeiro
+

$13

·

$ 4

Parque Madureira
Long, narrow park with various sports fields & courts, plus streams, gazebos, trails & play areas.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
72 - 87 min

~

Directions

Tijuca National Park
Urban rainforest with hiking, waterfalls, birdwatching & vista points of Rio's iconic sights.
10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
•
$13
39 - 47 min

~

Directions

Praia do Pepê
Sandy strip with a trendy clientele, snack kiosks & bars, popular for surfing & water sports.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
•
Free

Budget breakdown: $622 In total

Activities & Food:$557
Transport:$65

Trip to Buenos Aires

Day 1Modern Art and Theatrical Wonders in Rio de Janeiro
+

$0

·

$ 1

Cementerio de la Recoleta
Built in 1822, this statue-rich cemetery features mausoleums of many notables, including Eva Perón.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Centro de Arte Contemporáneo - Universidad Nacional Tres de Febrero MUNTREF
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
Day 2Iconic Bridges and Cultural Traditions in Rio de Janeiro
+

$13

·

$ 1

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
One of Latin America's largest public art collections, set in a converted drainage pumping station.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$13
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pilar
Completed in 1732, this colonial church features ornate altars & a small museum for religious art.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Obelisco
Unveiled in 1936, this landmark obelisk made from Cordoba white stone is a popular meeting place.
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
Day 3Cathedrals, Museums, and Imperial History in Rio de Janeiro
+

$20

·

$ 1

Centro Cultural Kirchner (CCK)
Expansive beaux arts cultural center showcasing a variety of musical performances & art exhibits.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires
Modern museum showcasing 20th century & newer Latin American artwork, cultural events & films.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$20
Day 4Lagoons, Mountains, and Natural Beauty in Rio de Janeiro
+

$0

Centro Cultural Recoleta
The 1732 building, one of the city's oldest, is a cultural center with concerts, classes & exhibits.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
12 - 18 min

~

Directions

Fundación arteba
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
Day 5Fortresses, Beaches, and Coastal Delights in Rio de Janeiro
+

$3

·

$ 1

Casa Rosada
Venerable, pink-colored palace that houses the presidential office & features guided tours.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Plaza de Mayo
City square named after 1810 revolution that took place here, leading to Argentina's independence.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Museo Moderno
Museum showing modern works by Argentinean & international artists from the mid-20th century onward.
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$3
Day 6Beaches, Gardens, and Breathtaking Views in Rio de Janeiro
+

$0

·

$ 1

Congreso de la Nación Argentina
Neo-classical Argentinian parliament building open for tours of its chamber & Eva Peron's pink room.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral
The former seat of Pope Francis, this cathedral has a history dating back to the early 17th century.
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
•
Free
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Pirámide de Mayo
19m-tall obelisk originally built in 1811 in honor of the anniversary of Argentina's May Revolution.
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
•
Free
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Puente Transbordador
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
•
Free
Day 7Sun, Sand, and Iconic Landmarks in Rio de Janeiro
+

$8

·

$ 1

Usina del Arte
Early 20th-century electrical power plant-turned-arts venue, with 2 auditoriums & gallery space.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
Free
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Museo Nacional del Cabildo de Buenos Aires y de la Revolución de Mayo
Museum in a former colonial government building showcasing Argentine heritage pieces.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$8
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

El Molino Patisserie
Imposing art nouveau building from the early 20th century that housed an Italian confectionery.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
Day 8Parks, Ruins, and Historical Charm in Rio de Janeiro
+

$0

·

$ 1

Edificio Plaza San Martín
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Palacio San Martin
French classical state building constructed in 1909, also housing a law library & art collections.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
7 - 9 min

~

Directions

CCAM - Centro Cultural Argentino de Montaña
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
Day 9Chinese Vista, Olympic Legacy, and Barra da Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro
+

$24

·

$ 1

Teatro Colón
This grand theater (circa 1908) known for acoustics hosts classical music, operas, ballets & tours.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$24
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Edificio Kavanagh
Imposing art deco apartment building dating from 1936, formerly highest skyscraper in Latin America.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
Day 10Parks, National Reserves, and Beach Bliss in Rio de Janeiro
+

$0

·

$ 1

City Park Buenos Aires
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Serrano
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free

Budget breakdown: $622 In total

Activities & Food:$557
Transport:$65

Trip to Santiago

Day 1Modern Art and Theatrical Wonders in Rio de Janeiro
+

$13

·

$ 2

Museum of Memory and Human Rights
Modern museum commemorating the victims of human rights violations committed from 1973 to 1990.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$13
32 - 39 min

~

Directions

Metropolitan Park of Santiago
Giant urban park featuring cable cars, a zoo, forest, green space, historic statues, pools & more.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
Day 2Iconic Bridges and Cultural Traditions in Rio de Janeiro
+

$25

·

$ 6

Quinta Normal Park
Popular green space with museums, paddle boats, a fountain for children to play in & food vendors.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino
Elegant museum housed in an 1805 building & featuring exhibits of pre-Columbian artworks & a shop.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$25
5 - 6 min

~

Directions

Parque Forestal
Narrow park dating from 1905 & featuring sculptures & a winding path past museums & attractions.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
Free
9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Bicentenario Park
City green space with a dog agility course & sports/picnic areas, plus walking paths & a playground.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
•
Free
Day 3Cathedrals, Museums, and Imperial History in Rio de Janeiro
+

$13

·

$ 4

Parque Fluvial
Riverfront park with paved paths, boat rentals at a man-made lagoon & night-time light shows.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

National Museum of Natural History
Vast museum founded in 1830, showing fossils, a whale skeleton, dioramas of Chilean wildlife & more.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$13
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

La Moneda Cultural Center
Modern cultural center with rotating art exhibitions & film screenings, plus dining & shopping.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
Free
Day 4Lagoons, Mountains, and Natural Beauty in Rio de Janeiro
+

$18

·

$ 2

Cementerio General
Vast cemetery from 1822 with ornate graves of Evita & other historical figures & offering tours.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
34 - 41 min

~

Directions

San Cristóbal Hill
Landmark hill accessible on foot with a statue of the Virgin Mary, gardens, a zoo & city views.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
$18
Day 5Fortresses, Beaches, and Coastal Delights in Rio de Janeiro
+

$38

·

$ 4

National Aerospace Museum
Aeronautical & space heritage museum with aircraft halls, flight history exhibits & a kids' corner.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$13
8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Parque Bicentenario de Cerrillos
Elongated green space with playgrounds, picnic tables & an artificial lake for kayaking.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
33 - 40 min

~

Directions

Parque Acuatico Acuapark El Idilio
Water park with multiple slides, pools, athletic fields & picnic areas, plus food for sale.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
$25
Day 6Beaches, Gardens, and Breathtaking Views in Rio de Janeiro
+

$38

National Museum of Fine Arts
Modern & contemporary works by Chilean & international artists showcased in a grand 1910 building.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$13
12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Municipal Theatre of Santiago
Long-running neoclassical arts complex built in 1857, presenting opera, choir & ballet performances.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$25
11 - 16 min

~

Directions

La Moneda Palace
Elegant building dating from 1805 that houses the office of Chile's president; tours offered.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
Free
Day 7Sun, Sand, and Iconic Landmarks in Rio de Janeiro
+

$13

·

$ 4

Santa Lucía Hill
Urban hill with a picturesque, manicured park featuring terraces, fountains & a summit viewpoint.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$13
25 - 30 min

~

Directions

Parque Padre Hurtado
Spacious park with bike paths, a mini golf course, skating rink & amphitheater, plus a cafeteria.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Parque Mahuida
Nature park with multi-use trails & 3 event facilities, plus sports fields & horseback riding.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•
Free
Day 8Parks, Ruins, and Historical Charm in Rio de Janeiro
+

$0

·

$ 2

Parque Inés De Suárez
Leafy park with fountains, table tennis & an avenue of palms, popular with joggers & dog walkers.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
16 - 20 min

~

Directions

Juan Pablo II Park
Scenic green space offering a pond with a fountain, a playground & large sculptures.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free

Budget breakdown: $622 In total

Activities & Food:$557
Transport:$65