South America Part III: 3 Countries – Ecuador, Chile, Argentina (16-Day Tour)

Meet at the international airport. Our professional tour leader will assist with check-in and boarding formalities. We then board an international flight to Ecuador.

Ecuador, located on the equator, is often referred to as “the Centre of the World.” Once the northern capital of the Inca Empire, Quito is known for its well-preserved colonial Spanish and ancient architecture. In 1978, the city was designated a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site.

Upon arrival, we begin our sightseeing tour of the historic Old Town, including visits to Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañía de Jesús Church, Presidential Palace, El Panecillo (Virgin of Quito Monument).

After breakfast, we visit the Equator Monument and Intiñan Solar Museum located along the “Path of the Sun.” Here, the guide will demonstrate fascinating equator-related experiments, such as balancing an egg upright—an activity unique to this geographical location.

You’ll have the rare opportunity to straddle both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at once, one foot in each!

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for a flight to the Galápagos Islands, famously associated with Darwin’s studies on natural selection and evolution.

Upon arrival, visitors may opt to get a passport stamp featuring the iconic Galápagos giant tortoise. Transfer by private coach to a unique island-style hotel.

After lunch, visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station, where you can observe giant tortoises up close.

The islands are home to rare and unique species such as Giant land and marine tortoises, Frigatebirds with bright red throat pouches, Blue-footed boobies with bright blue feet that resemble rain boots, Exotic marine iguanas and many other endemic species

There are 24 species of reptiles, all of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Each morning after breakfast, take a speedboat to explore different islands as part of your eco-tour. The Galápagos archipelago is uniquely located at the intersection of cold and warm ocean currents—the Peruvian (Humboldt) Current from the south and the Equatorial Current from the north—creating a nutrient-rich marine environment where both cold- and warm-water species thrive.

For two consecutive days, snorkeling gear is provided, and guests may enjoy complimentary snorkeling to observe marine wildlife in their natural habitat.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and a vibrant Pacific port nicknamed “The Pearl of the Pacific.” Known for its colorful hillside houses and well-preserved colonial Spanish architecture, Guayaquil offers a charming blend of history and energy.

Upon arrival, enjoy a guided city tour including City Hall, Malecón 2000 Riverside Promenade, July 9 Avenue, San Martín Square, The brightly painted houses atop Santa Ana Hill.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Santiago, the capital of Chile.

After arrival and dinner, check in to Holiday Inn Santiago or a comparable hotel.

This morning, fly to Punta Arenas, gateway to southern Chilean Patagonia. Upon arrival, enjoy a short city tour before continuing the journey into one of the world’s top five natural wonders: Torres del Paine National Park.

Located at the southern end of the Andes, this stunning national park is known for its dazzling blue glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, majestic waterfalls, pristine forests, and rich wildlife. Designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1978, it is home to the famous Cuernos del Paine (Paine Horns)—striking horn-shaped mountain peaks.

Overnight at a scenic lakeside lodge within the park.

After breakfast, explore the breathtaking landscapes of Torres del Paine: Snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, Cascading waterfalls and Unique wildlife including Andean condors and guanacos (Patagonian llamas)

This morning, continue touring the area around Lake Pehoé, famed for its sapphire-blue waters. Then pack up and depart by coach for Argentina, passing through the magnificent Andes Mountains.

Enjoy spectacular views of rugged snowy peaks as you cross the border into Argentinian Patagonia. Your destination is El Calafate, the gateway town to the region’s legendary glaciers. Located at the foot of the Andes and surrounded by forests and lakes, the scenery here is truly picturesque.

Today, travel to the renowned Los Glaciares National Park to visit one of the world’s most famous natural wonders – the Perito Moreno Glacier.

This glacier stretches 35 km long and covers an area of 195 square kilometers. Its front face alone spans nearly 5 km wide and rises 60 to 100 meters high. From the glacier viewing platforms, you’ll witness the spectacular natural phenomenon of ice calving, where massive chunks of ice crack and fall into the lake below.

After a boxed lunch, guests have the option (at their own expense) to join the Mini Ice Trekking Adventure: Take a boat across the lake and walk through the forest and with the help of professional guides, strap on special crampons and hike across the ice itself, a once-in-a-lifetime experience on this majestic glacier

After breakfast, transfer to the pier and board a specially designed glacier cruise to explore Lake Argentino, the third largest lake in South America.

As you cruise through this breathtaking region, you’ll pass dramatic snow-covered mountains, glaciers, and dense forests. The lake is dotted with countless massive, crystal-blue icebergs, shimmering like floating sculptures.

The highlight is Upsala Glacier, the largest in the area: Covers 595 square kilometers, Front face stretches nearly 7 km wide and Towering at 80–100 meters high.

As the boat approaches, the sheer scale of this ice giant will leave you breathless.

The journey continues past Agassiz Glacier, leading into the picturesque Lake Onelli (Lago Onelli)—a scene straight out of a painting—where you’ll view three stunning glaciers: Glaciar Agassiz, Glaciar Bolado, Glaciar Onelli

Enjoy free time in the morning for souvenir shopping along Calafate’s main street, where you can find unique local crafts and gifts.

Around midday, transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.

After breakfast, begin a city sightseeing tour of Buenos Aires, often called the “Paris of South America.” Visit major highlights such as: Teatro Colón (One of the world’s top three opera houses), Obelisk of Buenos Aires, Congress Square and Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace).

Welcome home! Arrival at Toronto Pearson International Airport.