Wings of the Condor

Days 1 to 3. Rio de Janeiro [B (Day 3 only)]

Depart on the overnight flight to Rio, where you spend the next two nights at the South American Copacabana Hotel, close to both Copacabana and Ipanema. Rio is surrounded by long golden beaches, the Atlantic laps at it from all corners and the wonderful Tijuana National Park is on its outskirts. Visit the park and take the cable car up the aptly named Sugarloaf Mountain, before finishing up on top of Corcovado next to the world famous statue of Christ.

Days 4 & 5. Iguazu [B]

After breakfast you transfer by air to the mighty Iguazu Falls where you spend two nights at the Sheraton Hotel.

Days 6 to 8. Ibera Marshlands [B, L (Days 7 & 8 only), D]

Today you cross into Argentina and continue south for five hours through the lush and fertile lands of the missionary region before arriving in the Ibera Marshlands. These marshes cover an area of 9,000 square kilometres most of which sees very few visitors. You will be based near the small town of San Juan Poriahu and stay in a traditional working Estancia, Pousada San Juan Poriahu. Wildlife-viewing in and around the marshlands is excellent. You will be able to explore on foot, by canoe or even on horseback and you may hope to see Black Caiman, Boa Constrictor and Capybara.

Day 9. Buenos Aires [B]

Depart for the town of Posadas to fly to Buenos Aires on the Atlantic coast where you spend the night at The Claridge. Visit the colourful district of La Boca, the antique stores in San Telmo or if you prefer, just relax in one of the many parks or by the dockside.

Days 10 & 11. Valdez Peninsula [B]

Today you fly to Trelew, two hours south of Buenos Aires - this is the gateway to Patagonia and to the wildlife of the Valdes Peninsula. Embark on a full day guided excursion around the peninsula and a half day tour to the Magellenic Penguin colony at Punta Tombo. Wildlife you may see on the peninsula includes Elephant Seals, Orca, and Southern Right Whales, Guanaco and Patagonian Foxes. You stay in the centrally located Hotel Valdes, in the coastal town of Puerto Madryn.

Days 12 to 14. El Calafate [B]

Return to Trelew for the flight to Rio Gallegos and then drive across the windswept plains to the small lakeside town of El Calafate, for a 3-night stay at Posada Los Alamos. This is the jumping off point for visits to the brilliant white glaciers of Perito Moreno and Upsala as well as to the many lakes and mountains of Los Glaciars National Park. Wildlife you may see here includes Blacknecked Swan, Black-Chested Buzzard and Andean Condor.

Day 15. Puerto Natales [B]

Puerto Natales is located over the border in Chile. It is a 4-hour drive from El Calafate during which time you may be lucky enough to get your first view of the mighty granite massifs that are the centrepiece of Torres del Paine National Park. Puerto Natales has a wonderful setting on an inlet from the Pacific Ocean where you spend the rest of the day. Spend one night at the Capitan Eberhard.

Days 16 to 19. Torres del Paine [B]

The Torres del Paine National Park is without doubt one of the world's premier national parks. It is located north of Puerto Natales and is a stunning mix of deep blue lakes, high peaks, ice fields and open valleys. You have four days to explore the park, during which time you can trek to the base of the mighty granite towers of Paine, take a boat ride along a glacial lake, travel by jeep to a glacier or simply watch condors circling above you. You spend four nights at Hosteria Las Torres.

Day 20. Punta Arenas [B]

Today you head for Punta Arenas visiting the breeding colony of Magellenic Penguins at Seno Otway Penguin Reserve en-route, for a 1-night stay at the Hotel Costa Australis.

Day 21. Santiago [B]

Fly on to Santiago where you spend your final night at the Hotel Fundador. Santiago is flanked by the Andes to the east and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is a modern cosmopolitan city and taking the funicular railway up to San Cristobal you will have spectacular panoramic views of Santiago and the surrounding Chilean countryside.

Days 22 & 23. Homeward [B (Day 22 only)]

Transfer to the airport in time for your homeward overnight