Brazil, Argentina, Chile and cruises in Tierra del Fuego and Antarctic Peninsula

Hotel Arpoador

Rio de Janeiro - Tourist Hotel

Arpoador is a modern hotel with a relaxed, informal style symbolised by the casual designer uniforms worn by the staff. Ideally located between Ipanema and Copacabana, one side faces a busy street with large trees and the other side faces a charming pedestrian waterfront promenade along Ipanema beach and the sea. The hotel's restaurant room has a very pleasant veranda outside, with 10 tables, where you can sit, enjoy the food, the fresh air, sea breeze and ocean view; and literally step straight onto the promenade and onto the beach. Beware that the sea here is the open ocean with strong waves and currents. The restaurant serves breakfast and an excellent simple and creative menu of modern vegetarian dishes.

The rooms are modern, comfortable, functional and decorated in the contemporary minimalist style, with the standard rooms only 18 square meters; but with so much to do in Rio de Janeiro and nearby, you are unlikely to spend much time in the room.

Right at the top of the building, there is a small pool, bar, sitting area and magnificent view of the whole of Ipanema and Leblon with the city and the tall granite peak of Morro dos Dois Irmaos in the background. Within walking distance you have numerous bars, restaurants, cafes, shops and the famous beachfront walks along Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon beaches. This area is the perfect location for all the best attractions that Rio de Janeiro has to offer.

Accommodation includes room and breakfast.

Arena Copacabana

Rio de Janeiro - First Hotel

The Arena Copacabana is in a wonderful location overlooking Copacabana Beach.

The decoration is light and modern, with 135 comfortable and spacious rooms, fully equipped with WiFi, air-conditioning and sound proof windows.

The top floor terrace, pool and sauna have a panoramic view of the beach and the ground floor restaurant serves international cuisine.

Copacabana Palace

Rio de Janeiro - Deluxe Hotel

This grand, European-style hotel is a listed building with 226 rooms, a large swimming pool, fitness centre and sauna, rooftop tennis court, shops, business centre, piano bar and three of Rio's finest elegant restaurants.

All the rooms are large and spacious, decorated in a classic elegant style, fully air-conditioned with cable TV, electronic safe deposit box, voice mail, 24-hour room service, mini bar and complimentary WiFi. The separate Tower Annexe building is set back from the street and overlooking the pool, where all the rooms are suites with balconies.

La Reserva Virgin Lodge

Iguazu Falls - Tourist Lodge

Located in the forest outside of the town of Puerto Iguazu, and 15 minutes from the falls, La Cantera Jungle Lodge has rooms in a series of bungalows connected by raised walkways. The rooms are spacious and well appointed, with a balcony looking out into the forest as well as private facilities and air conditioning.

The hotel has a restaurant and a swimming pool with a terrace area for relaxing.

The rates include breakfast.

Gran Melia Iguazu

Iguazu Falls - First Hotel

Set within the Iguazu National Park the Gran Melia Iguazu Hotel is a three-story hotel with spectaculars views of the magnificent Iguazu Falls. It is the only hotel with rooms that look directly over the Falls.

The superb public facilities include an infinity pool with views of the Iguazu Falls, the Yasi Spa and health club, 4 bars (the rooftop bar is a great place to enjoy a drink and the fantastic views) and the Merkado Restaurant serving international and Argentine specialities. 

The hotel has 177 guest rooms split by deluxe, red level and suite categories. All rooms are air-conditioned and extremely well-appointed with private bathroom, king size beds, safe, mini bar, TV and luxury in room amenities. 

From the hotel, you can easily walk to the nearby trails to observe the Falls, ideal for those who want to beat the tourist crowds and have more flexibility. The hotel also offers tango lessons, yoga classes and photographic tours.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

Hotel das Cataratas

Iguassu Falls - Luxury Hotel

The iconic Belmond Hotel das Cataratas is the only hotel located overlooking the Iguassu Falls within the National Park. Restored to its original 1950s charm, the hotel’s hacienda-style exterior is matched by its warm, inviting interior design. The Hotel das Cataratas is a very special place to stay.

Public areas include a large swimming pool, the Ipe Grill, Itaipa Restarurant, Bar Taroba, shops, fitness centre, tennis courts and a beautiful spa.

The elegantly furnished rooms are either junior suites (35m2) or Cataratas suites (65m2). All are air-conditioned, with private bathroom, living room, minibar, TV and luxury toiletries.

The hotel has extensive and beautiful gardens, from where you can walk directly to the falls at your leisure. There are several activities available including helicopter rides over the falls, guided walks in the early morning, during the day or at night and birdwatching tours. For the more adventurous, white water rafting is great fun.

Voted the 2nd best hotel in South America in the 2024 Conde Nast Readers Survey.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

Awasi Iguazu

Iguazu Falls - Luxury Hotel

Awasi Iguazú is located on the Argentinian side of the Iguazú Falls. The hotel has the same philosophy as all Awasi hotels: assigning a private vehicle and guide per room to provide guests with personalised services and tailor-made experiences. 

The 14 suites (including one master suite) are located in a private reserve on the edge of the River Iguazú, just 15 minutes from the falls. Each room is stand-alone, and built on stilts for minimal environmental impact. Guests have their own independence and privacy whilst also being able to enjoy the communal area of the Main Lodge. As well as private excursions to the falls, Awasi Iguazú offers unique and innovative jungle excursions, which allow guests to experience not only the falls, but also the fauna, flora and indigenous cultures of the surrounding Atlantic Rainforest.

The rates include airport transfers, lodging, all meals, private excursions and all drinks.

Cyan Hotel de las Americas

Buenos Aires - Tourist Hotel

An elegant hotel with spacious rooms and situated in the heart of the Barrio Norte, an elegant residential and commercial district, within comfortable walking distance of the exclusive shops of the Santa Fe and 9 de Julio avenues. All 162 rooms have private facilities, TV and telephone, mini-bar, and air-conditioning. There is 24 hour room service, a restaurant, two bars and a weekend tango show.

Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel

Buenos Aires - First Hotel

The Loi Suites Hotel is located in the Recoleta area of Buenos Aires, close to the best shops and the trendy cafes overlooking the park.

The hotel has 112 air-conditioned rooms and suites combining style, comfort and technology. All decorated with tasteful beiges and creams creating a relaxing home away from home. T

There is a restaurant, bar, superb indoor heated swimming pool and health club.

The rates include breakfast.

Alvear Palace Hotel

Buenos Aires - Deluxe Hotel

In 1932 a classic was born in Buenos AIres, the Alvear Palace Hotel, a genuine palace right in the heart of the city. Constructed of materials imported from France, the hotel became one of the most characteristic buildings in town, strictly keeping the Louis XVI style.

Situated in the elegant quarter of Recoleta, close to the Park, lined with excellent restaurants and street cafes. Rooms are spacious and service and decor are first class. Public areas include 2 restaurants, 3 bars, a cafe, spa and heated indoor swimming pool.

The rates include breakfast.

Hosteria Las Lengas

Bariloche & Lake District - Tourist Lodge

Located in the village of San Martin de los Andes, at the foot of the mountain you will find Hosteria Las Lengas, in a lush corner of a quiet road, three blocks from downtown and five from Lake Lacar. 

The rooms have private bathroom, TV, safe, hair dryer and minibar.

A cozy lodge with excellent services, with a lounge, bar, restaurant, sauna and swimming pool. 

Accommodation includes room and breakfast.

Sol Arrayan Hotel & Spa

Bariloche & Lake District - First Hotel

Located in the heart of Argentine Patagonia, Sol Arrayán Hotel and Spa is less than a mile away from the centre of Villa La Angostura. The resort overlooks the Nahuel Huapi lake, with 42 rooms leaning on a hillside, affording all its guests an incomparable view, with the snowed mountain peaks reflected on the lake. It is surrounded by hundred-year-old trees - the highlights being myrtle (arrayán) specimens, which are unique to the region. The grounds lead to an exclusive beach on the lake shore.

All 42 hotel rooms overlook the lake and are equipped with TV,Telephone, free WI-FI and a  safe. The resort has a restaurant, swimming pool and spa services.

Accommodation includes room and breakfast.

Hotel Nahuel Huapi

Bariloche & Lake District - First Hotel

Located in the heart of Bariloche city, 200 metres away from the Francisco Moreno Museum of Patagonia and the Bariloche Atomic Centre. The lake is a 7 minute walk from the hotel.

All rooms are supplied with private bathroom, telephone, automatic wake up call service, central heating, colour cable TV and minibar. The hotel has the Del Lago Restaurant, lounge and cosy cafe/bar.

The hotel is one of the older hotels in Bariloche, built in the 1930's.

The rates include breakfast.

Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas

Puerto Varas & Lake District - Deluxe Hotel

A traditional-style hacienda in the centre of Puerto Varas, Hotel Cumbres offers a glorious panoramic view of Lake Llanquihue and the imposing volcanoes that surround it.

The 90 rooms are decorated with native woods and the combination of colours and textures characteristic of southern Chile. The best rooms have private balconies, perfect for admiring the spectacular views of Lake Llanquihue and its beautiful volcanoes. All are air-conditioned, with private bathrooms, bath with jacuzzi, FREE Wi-Fi, TV, minibar, safe and coffee maker.

The two restaurant highlights local ingredients and cuisine with lovely lakeside views, as is Araucaria Bar perfect for sharing and enjoying the fascinating views around you. 

There is also an indoor swimming pool, sauna, Spa (treatments extra) and a modern gym.

There is much to explore in the area, including excursions by car, guided trekking in the beautiful countryside or slopes of the volcanoes, horse-riding and mountain-biking.

The rates include breakfast.

Hotel Puelche

Puerto Varas & Lake District - First Boutique

The well-located Puelche Hotel is the first boutique hotel of its kind in Puerto Varas, with only 21 rooms, perfect for unwinding and connecting with an exuberant nature whilst taking advantage of the breadth of outdoor activities on offer. Sitting between Lake Llanquihue and the volcanoes of the snow-covered peaks of mounts Osorno, Calbuco and El Tronador, the enchanting town of Puerto Varas combines a rich and diverse legacy from its former German colonists with the impressive natural beauty of the region.

There are 21 rooms split up into 3 categories, all large and completely equipped. Each room has a partial view over Lake Llanquihue, a sitting room, extra-large twin or double beds and a bathroom with a tub. Plus TV, safe and hair dryer.

There is also a restaurant and bar specialising in gourmet hamburgers with an international appeal, together with a menu containing other culinary delights, besides a range of beers, wines and spirits.

Nearby attractions to explore are Lake Llanquihue, Chile’s second largest lake. The invigorating Petrohué Rapids are only 56kms from Puerto Varas, and Ensenada offers a relaxing day by the lake with a sandy beach and restaurants to enjoy.

The rates include breakfast.

Lago Grey Hotel

Patagonia and Torres del Paine - Tourist Hotel

Looking out across the lake, the hotel has been designed to blend in with the surrounding forest of lengua trees.

Its restaurant and bar overlook Glacier Grey and all the rooms are centrally heated. From here you can walk to Peninsula Grey, a craggy outcrop surrounded by icebergs, directly opposite the glacier face or get even closer by taking a boat trip from the lodge to the glacier.

The rates are on an all-inclusive basis, with transfers from Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales, boat trip to Grey Glacier, all meals and drinks from an open bar included.

Hotel Las Torres

Patagonia and Torres del Paine - First Lodge

The Hotel las Torres was once an Estancia that has now been developed for tourism with comfortable, purpose built accommodation with private facilities and heating; restaurant, bar and social area. The Hostel is ideally located for those wishing to trek along the Ascension River and up to the 'Towers', the rocky peaks with towering above a lake. Visits to Lago Grey on the other side of the park are possible with private transport and excursions arranged at the hotel.

The rooms of the hotel provide a cozy atmosphere, being the perfect setting to relax and enjoy after a long days excursion. Central heating, box spring beds, telephones and private bathrooms in a rustic yet elegant decoration provide the ideal ambience in our superior rooms for resting and preparing the next days activities.

Several services are available in the relaxing environment of your room, with a simple call you have the possibility of enjoying massages, food, wine and drinks.

Hostería Las Torres offers single, double twin, matrimonial and triple rooms in categories standard and superior.

Large variety of excursions

With over 25 excursions to choose from every day, passengers will have the opportunity to decide the next day's trip with the assessment of their guide. Many of the outings are very different to what is ordinarily offered in the park. Interesting Archeological areas visited on 4x4, private paths that climb to the base of mountain glaciers and the more subtle yet profound walk in the Lenga forests provide an in-depth view of the powerful nature in Patagonia.

Explora Torres del Paine

Patagonia and Torres del Paine - Deluxe Lodge

Explora Lodges and explorations offer an award-wining all inclusive luxury experience. The lodge is located in the centre of Torres del Paine National Park, and designed so it interferes the least possible with its natural surroundings. It is an extension of the park with views of Macizo del Paine.

All rooms are heated and designed to take full advantage of the beauty of the surrounding landscape, ensuring deep rest after a long day of exploration and include private bathroom, hair dryer and large bath.

Public facilities include the restaurant, lounge, bar, spa, heated swimming pool and outdoor jacuzzi’s with stunning views.

Every evening of your stay, assisted by a trusted Explora guide, you will choose from a variety of exploration options your next day's experience. This could be a guided hiking, exploring by 4 x 4 vehicle, horse riding, the 4 day W circuit trek or self-guided treks.

The rates are on an all-inclusive basis with transfers, accommodation, all meals, all drinks and a choice of up to 40 guided activities to enjoy depending on the length of your stay.

Ventus Australis

Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego - First Cruise Vessel

The Ventus Australis is a brand new and state-of-the-art vessel, purpose built to cruise the fjords and channels of Tierra del Fuego in luxury and comfort. Up to 210 passengers sleep in a wide range of cabins, all with panoramic windows from which to observe and admire the changing Southern Patagonian scenery. 

The cruise are organized and managed by the Australis Expedition Group and consist of walks through trails in the native Chilean forest and visits to magnificent sculpted glaciers, with talks on the wildlife and plantlife of the area. A delicious whisky with the millenary ice, or a cup of hot chocolate will be served at the end of the excursions.

The four night cruises travel between Ushuaia in Argentine Tierra del Fuego and Punta Arenas on the Chilean side, allowing you to combine an Australis Tierra del Fuego cruise with some hiking in Torres del Paine, the pristine lakes and forests of the Lake District and the cosmopolitan cities of Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile.

See below for cabin details, itineraries and holiday ideas.

Stella Australis

Tierra del Fuego & Cape Horn Cruises - First Cruise Vessel

Deep in the far south of Patagonia is Tierra del Fuego. It is here where the custom-built Australis ships cruise the dramatic landscape of glaciers, rocky islands, calm canals and snow covered peaks at the junction of the Pacific, Atlantic and Antarctic Oceans

The Stella Australis is a luxurious, awe-inspiring cruise ship. The ship, constructed in 2010, consists of 100 cabins with a capacity of up to 210 passengers. During the cruise, there will be daily inland tours lasting approximately two hours.

These tours are organised and managed by the Australis Expedition Group and consist of walks through trails in the native Chilean forest and visits to glaciers. The tours include talks on the wildlife, flora and fauna of the area. A delicious whisky with the millenary ice, or a cup of hot chocolate will be served at the end of the excursions. 

You will travel between Ushuaia in Argentina and Punta Arenas on the Chilean side, with itineraries available in both directions.

Sea Spirit

Antarctica Cruises - First Expedition Ship

View the M/V Sea Spirit amazing Antarctica video

The 114 passenger M/V Sea Spirit is our favourite Antarctica expedition vessels for size and value allbeit, slightly old fashioned in decoration. It has a comfortable and welcoming feel, with spacious cabins, lounge areas and superior manoeuvrability. Guests are infused with an adventurous spirit by the enthusiastic crew and highly experienced guides, who lead excursions in the boats and shore landings on the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

The M/V Sea Spirit offers the unique opportunity to take a sea kayak on the water (i.e. no engine noise) and in addition, to sleep one night shore, (weather permitting) on the snow, with the ship anchored nearby. Check the video of these experiences by clicking the link at the top of this page.

There are a number of different suites to choose from, all with a minimum of 20 square metres, with en-suite facilities and either two porthole windows, a large picture window or, in the case of Deluxe and Premium suites, private balconies.

There are large communal areas, including an outdoor bistro, the Club Lounge and a library. A presentation lounge features state-of-the-art technology to facilitate informative discussions, lectures and social gatherings to prepare you for the upcoming excursions and reflect upon the unforgettable experiences enjoyed.

Download the Sea Spirit E-Brochure