Samba, Tango & Chile

The capital of Chile enjoys a wonderful location, occupying the thin strip of land between the ocean and the Andes. To cross from Santiago into neighbouring Argentina involves a spectacular drive into the realms of the Condor. From the border post at 3015 metres there are views of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America, before the road descends towards the pampas and Mendoza, the second city of Argentina now famous for its vineyards and relaxed atmosphere.
In contrast the elegant city of Buenos Aires with its monumental Parisian 19th-century boulevards is as passionate and dramatic as the tango which epitomises it. Fascinatingly the city of Rio de Janeiro also takes on the characteristics of its own unique dance, the exuberant and colourful samba. From Sugar Loaf Mountain to the beaches of Ipanema, rhythmic music pervades daily life.

Whilst Buenos Aires was shaped by Italian immigration, Rio’s influences are Portuguese and African. Culturally and linguistically divided, the geographical boundary of these two countries is the River Iguassu which culminates in the mighty falls, considered to be one of the great natural wonders of the world and often described as an ocean plunging into an abyss.