We are met at the Santiago airport and transferred to our hotel. In the afternoon we will explore the historic and modern sights of Chile’s capital.

Today we visit one of the most important vineyards of Casablanca valley, Emiliana winery, specializing in organic wines. Continue our drive to Valparaiso, whose historic quarter was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Santiago late afternoon/early evening. (B,L)

This morning fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas. We are transferred to the pier to board your ship. During the night we cross the Strait of Magellan and enter the Whiteside Canal between Darwin Island and Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. (B,D)

Sail up Admiralty Sound. View snow-capped peaks of Karukinka Natural Park and deep fjords and broad bays of Alberto de Agostini National Park. We go ashore at Ainsworth Bay, which harbours copious bird life and a colony of southern elephant seals. Guided excursions to views of Marinelli Glacier and the Darwin Mountains. Travel to the Tucker Islets for a close-up view of Magellan penguins and other bird species. (B,L,D)

Today we enter the Pia Fjord and board the zodiacs for a Pia Glacier tour. Take a short hike for a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier or a longer more difficult walk up a lateral moraine of the old Pia Glacier. Continue along Glacier Alley, a passage featuring several impressive glaciers. (B,L,D)

Cruise into the remote archipelago that includes Cape Horn National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we go ashore. There is a permanent lighthouse, the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and Cape Horn Monument. Our last stop is historic Wulaia Bay where human history is as compelling as the natural environment. It was one of the largest Yámana aboriginal settlements and was visited by Charles Darwin. Visit the museum in an old radio station followed by a choice of three hikes of increasing degrees of difficulty. (B,L,D)

Today we arrive into Ushuaia about 08:30 and disembark. Travel from the pier to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Walk through forest and coastal paths with your guide who will point out the flora and fauna. Return to Ushuaia in the afternoon on The End of the World Train. (B,L)

This morning transfer to the Ushuaia airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. In the afternoon take a 2 hour guided walking tour, “The Forgotten Language of Trees”.to learn about the history and events that took place and helped shape the city of Buenos Aires. (B)

“The Four Balconies of Buenos Aires” is an exclusive visit in which your guide uses four parks and plazas to bring alive the city’s history, its everyday life and the peculiar psychology of the "porteño", the inhabitants of Buenos Aires. In the afternoon enter the ecological reserve, Costanera Sur Nature Reserve, a 350 hectare reserve that was once a landfill but is now filled with abundant pampa and over 200 species of birds. We may also see river turtles, iguanas and nutria (otters). (B)

A free day to explore the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires independently. (B)

Enjoy your last day in Argentina before transferring to the airport for your flight home or onward journey. (B)

Leslie Tuchek is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan Certificate in Ecological Education (CERTEE) 2003. She developed and guided tours for the University of Saskatchewan, Centre for Continuing and Distance Education. She is an avid birder and wildlife photographer and has hosted tours to Cuba, Peru, and Argentina for Worldwide Ecotours.

You are met at the Mataveri Airport on Easter Island and transferred to your hotel in Hanga Roa. Remainder of the day at your leisure.

Experience a full day historical tour on Easter Island. Begin with a visit to the unrestored platform, Ahus Vaihu in the bay of Hanga Te’e. Continue to Akahanga where the famous king Hotu Matua is supposedly buried. Proceed to Rano Raraku the quarry from which 900 stone statues were carved, 397 of them still lying or standing in various stages of construction at the bottom of an extinct volcano with a crater lake. After lunch continue to Ahu Tongariki, 15 restored moais, the largest restoration on the island. Visit Ahu Te Pito Kura or “Navel of the World”. End your day at the beach Anakena with its two restored platforms, Ahu Nau and Ature Huki. Enjoy a swim before heading back to your hotel. (B,L)

This morning visit the extinct volcano Rano Kau with its stunning views of the whole island and the Pacific Ocean. Water has accumulated in the caldera of the crater and is covered by many floating islands of totora reeds. It is also the largest freshwater body on the island and once supplied the drinking water for Easter Island. Continue to the ceremonial village of Orongo where the birdman competition took place in the spring. The purpose was to see who could collect the first sacred egg of the manutara bird and determine the island’s king. The importance of this ceremony can be seen in remarkable petroglyphs. Enjoy spectacular views of the islets Motu Nui, Motu Iti and Motu Kao Kao. Then visit the unrestored Ahu Vinapu. The ahu displays expert stonemasonry consisting of large, carefully fitted slabs of basalt reminiscent of pre-Inca architecture. Last stop is Ana Kai Tangata cave with its paintings. There is much speculation around the name which translates to Man Eats Cave. Remainder of the day yours to explore this magical island. (B)

Today drive to restored Ahu Akivi with 7 Moais. Legend says that these statues represent the 7 explorers who were sent to Rapa Nui by King Hotu Matua. Proceed to the unrestored Ahu Hanga Poukura. Then visit the quarry, Puna Pau, with its red scoria stone and where all the Pukaos (topknots of the Moai) were made. Your final visit is to the ceremonial site of Tahai which comprises 3 ahus, Ko Te Riku, Tahai and Vai Ure. Ko Te Riku is the only statue with eyes. See also the remains of a houseboat, a stone house and a jetty built from rocks. Remainder of the day yours to explore the island independently. (B)

Today transfer to the Mataveri Airport for your return flight to Santiago. (B)

You are transferred from your Buenos Aires hotel to the domestic airport for your flight to Iguazu Falls. Flight time to be advised. Upon arrival into Iguazu Falls you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Optional Excursion: Visit to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. You will need a visa to enter Brazil. Currently the cost of a Brazil visa is about $45USD per person. (B)

This morning meet your guide for Iguazu National Park visit on the Argentina side. Voted as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Iguazu Falls is undoubtedly the most visited place in the Argentina and one of the most imposing natural attractions in Argentina. Begin your tour of Iguazu Falls National Park at the Visitor’s Center with detailed exhibits about the biodiversity of the jungle and the culture of the region. From the Visitors Center you can walk around trails or take a picturesque train. Stroll around the upper and lower walkways for varied views of the falls, including the impressive "Garganta del Diablo" (Devil's throat). Optional Excursion at an Additional Cost: On the way back from Garganta del Diablo you can choose to return along the Iguazu River in a zodiac rowed sedately by a guide who points out birdlife, caiman and turtles. Here, well away from the falls, the river is still and peaceful. (B)

Today transfer to the Iguazu Falls airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires. (B)

You are transferred from your Buenos Aires hotel to the domestic airport for your flight to Corrientes. Flight time to be advised. Upon arrival into Corrientes you are met at the airport and transferred to Rincon del Soccoro. The estancia, a former cattle ranch, is located on the edge of the Ibera Marshes. Activities include tours of the estancia (walking or horseback), a boat ride through the marshes and a nocturnal safari drive. The birdlife is abundant on the property. You may wake up to a greater rhea munching on grass outside your room or spend time admiring herons, cormorants, egrets, and other birds found a short walk from the main house. Remainder of the day to wander the area around the lodge. (B,L,D)

A full day to explore the Ibera Marshes. Begin the day with a boat tour of the Ibera Marshes. Flowering aquatic plants and fauna such as Black Caiman, Roseate Spoonbills, Maguari Storks, Whistling Herons, Anhinga, Marsh Eagles, and Painted Turtles are abundant. If you are lucky, you may see the rare marsh deer which is in danger of extinction. Optional Activity at an additional cost: Horseback riding is recommended as it increases the chance of seeing wildlife. The horses are available for all riding abilities and the riding tack and guiding are excellent. Most rides are about 1.5-2 hours but longer rides and night rides can be requested. (B,L,D)

Free day to explore independently or relax. (B,L,D)

Enjoy your last morning at Rincon del Socorro before transferring to the Mercedes bus station. Board the overnight bus to Buenos Aires. The overnight bus includes extendable reclining seats up to 180 cm, curtains for privacy, blankets and pillows, and cold or hot meal with water and coffee. (B,L)

You are met at the Buenos Aires bus station and transferred to your hotel. Early check-in at the hotel. Remainder of the day to explore Buenos Aires.