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Santiago- Grand Hyatt, (2 nights) Condé Nast Traveler Gold List ’06
Acknowledged as one of South America’s finest hotels, Hyatt Regency
Santiago is located in an exclusive residential neighborhood minutes away
from downtown Santiago.
Puerto Varas – Hotel Colones del Sur (1)
Bariloche – Llao Llao Hotel (2), Leading
Hotels of the World ‘06
Set in Nahuel Huapi Park in northwestern Patagonia, the hotel, a
National Historic Landmark, commands truly breathtaking views of crystal
blue lakes, snow covered mountains and unexplored forests. The Canadian
lodge-style architecture is complemented by interiors replete with
Argentine ranch furnishings.
Buenos Aires, Argentina - Alvear Palace Hotel (2)
Condé Nast Traveler Gold List ’06, Leading Hotels of the World ‘06
A true Palace that opened its doors in 1932, it is located in the heart
of the Recoleta, the most refined quarter in Buenos Aires. Frequent guests
include the Emperor and Empress of Japan, the King and Queen of Spain,
Jacques Chirac, Arthur Miller, and Ted Turner.
Iguassu Falls – Iguazu Grand Hotel (2),
Leading Hotels of the World ‘06
The only resort that gathers elegance, pleasure and entertainment and
that is located only 10 minutes from the breathtaking falls.
Rio de Janeiro - Copacabana Palace (3), Orient-Express
Hotel, Leading Hotels of the World ’06
South America’s grandest hotel, superbly located opposite the famous
Copacabana Beach, yet only minutes from the center of Rio de Janeiro.
Built in the early 1920s, this impressive Mediterranean style building is
famous for its superb cuisine and impeccable service.
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Day
1 (Wednesday) USA – Santiago
Depart USA on your overnight
flight bound for Chile.
Day 2 (Thursday) Santiago
 Arrive
in Santiago, where you are taken by private car to your hotel, the
Grand Hyatt, a new architectural landmark located in a smart
residential district. Take your time to settle into your inviting
split-level guest room, relax beside the pool or in the beautifully
landscaped garden before joining your travel companions for cocktails and
an à la carte dinner at the hotel. (D)
Day 3 (Friday) Santiago
From its rather humble beginning, Santiago
has become a city more enlightened and abreast of the modern world than
those of the more northern South American republics.
It has a stunning location, set amid a
range of very impressive mountains. Although it is a widespread city, its
center - punctuated by the Plaza de Armas - is rather small. In this
historical plaza are the city’s most important public buildings, you see
the Cathedral, the National History Museum, and the former National
Congress building. You also visit the Palacio de La Moneda – the
residence of Chile’s former presidents.
Chilean wines are considered the best in
South America and are highly regarded throughout the world. This
afternoon, you drive outside Santiago to visit one of the major wineries,
where you see the wine aging process and participate in a wine tasting.
This evening, you dine at a local
restaurant where you may select from local dishes, such as curanto,
a delicious stew of fish, shellfish, and potato accompanied by special
bread called milcao. A selection of local wines complements the
assorted courses. Afterward, sample some of the pastries that are so
popular here. (B,L,D)
Day 4 (Saturday) Santiago
– Puerto Montt – Puerto Varas
 After
breakfast this morning, you board a flight for Puerto Montt – a major
gateway in the southern Lake District. It occupies a narrow coastal plain
with hills rising steeply behind it. This town was settled by German
colonists in the mid-19th century. Its older architecture is
middle European; the shingled houses have high-pitched roofs and lovely,
ornate balconies.
You make the short drive northward to
Puerto Varas, which sits on the shore of Lake Llanquihue, and was an
important lake port during the 19th-century German
colonization. Unlike most Chilean cities, it has a rather irregular street
layout because of the hilly topography and curving lake shoreline. It is a
thriving, beautiful city with roses growing abundantly along its streets
and a captivating view across the lake toward Osorno Volcano. You check
into the Hotel Colones del Sur and dine this
evening on local cuisine; try the salmon, which is raised locally. (B,L,D)
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