The Wilderness Beyond: Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego & the Chilean Fjords

Peru’s capital city is tied strongly to its colonial past. Founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, who named it Ciudad de los Reyes (City of Kings), it served as a colonial stronghold until it was liberated in 1821 during the Peruvian War of Independence. Today, the city is a mix of old and new, as pre-Columbian buildings stand side by side with stately Spanish colonial homes and Baroque churches along Parisian-style streets. During your visit, be sure to stop by the UNESCO-recognized historic center, the San Francisco Monastery, Santo Domingo Church, the upscale Miraflores district, and the Baroque cathedral.

Argentina’s capital city retains a distinctly European flavor; some call it the “Paris of the South.” Italian- and French-style palatial architecture adorns the well-planned streets, radiating outward from the Plaza de Mayo, which commemorates the fight for Argentinean independence, and houses the seat of the current government. Travelers from around the world flock to Buenos Aires to visit iconic locations like the colorful and bohemian La Boca district, and Recoleta Cemetery, a baroque city of the dead where the famous first lady Eva Peron and other revered Argentinians have been laid to rest. Please note: This Stopover option is only available before the Chile pre-trip extension, but is not available before or after the main adventure or after the Iguassu Falls post-trip extension.

Bogotá is Colombia’s capital in the clouds: At 8,660 feet above sea level, it is the world’s third-highest capital city. Vestiges of Bogotá's colonial legacy can be seen and felt just about everywhere, from the graceful balconied homes that line the cobblestoned streets of the historic La Candelaria district to the neoclassical Catedral Primada in the popular Plaza de Bolívar. During your visit, perhaps you'll visit the 17th-century church perched atop Monserrate Mountain or trace the history of the Spaniards who made the city their home.

With a population of more than 12 million people, Sao Paulo is the most populous city in Brazil and the largest Portuguese-speaking city in the world. It also boasts the largest economy by GDP in Latin America and the southern hemisphere. This cosmopolitan metropolis is home to a variety of ethnicites, including those of the Arab, Italian, Japanese, and Portuguese diasporas. Visitors enjoy the magnificent architecture of the Sao Paulo Cathedral, the Monument to the Bandeiras, and the Sao Paulo Museum of Art.

From the famous 100-foot Christ the Redeemer statue to the passionate samba dance style that originated here, Rio de Janeiro's charm is undeniable. Ride a cable car up into the clouds to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain to experience the city from above and take in breathtaking views of Rio's harbor, considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Or, perhaps you'll spend your time on one of the many stunning beaches in the area, taking in all the natural beauty the area has to offer.

While Sucre is the official capital city of Bolivia, La Paz is the country's second-largest city, and is often considered its de facto capital. The city is shaped somewhat like a bowl, surrounded by the rugged landscape of the Altiplano. During your visit, you'll witness buildings that range from colonial cathedrals to the skyscrapers of the present day, bustling markets, and a warm, welcoming culture. Please note: This Stopover option is only available before the Chile pre-trip extension, but is not available before or after the main adventure, or after the Iguassu Falls post-trip extension.