Day 1
Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
A local host will transfer you to your hotel, from where you will enjoy superb ocean views of Copacabana Beach, just minutes from downtown Rio. This evening, you’ll enjoy a festive welcome reception with your travel director and fellow adventurers.
Food included at the Welcome Reception.
Overnight: Arena Copacabana or similar
Day 2
Rio de Janeiro
Spend some time exploring Rio at leisure this morning after breakfast; you’ll then join your travel director for a city tour – see the 18th century Carioca Aqueduct, the colonial Candelaria Church, and the heart of the Rio Carnival – the Sambodromo. Soar high above Guanabara Bay as you journey to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car, where you’ll experience a ‘pinch me moment’ as you look over the spectacular bay and city vistas. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Breakfast included.
Overnight: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana or similar
Day 3
Rio de Janeiro
Your day will start at the foot of the iconic Christ the Redeemer, sharing his impressive panoramas of the city that loves to celebrate. This afternoon, spend some time people-watching on the pristine shores of Copacabana and Ipanema with a refreshing caipirinha, which you will learn to mix this evening, followed by a sizzling barbeque for dinner.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Overnight: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana or similar
Day 4
Rio de Janeiro – Iguassu Falls
Spend some free time soaking up the laid-back ambience of the city before heading to a local Samba school to see their preparations for Carnival Week. You’ll then head to the airport to catch a flight to Iguassu Falls, which straddle the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. This evening, you’ll enjoy dinner with the group.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Overnight: Bourbon Cataratas Resort Iguassu Falls or similar
Day 5
Iguassu Falls
The lush, tropical jungle and stunning waterfall landscapes of the UNESCO-listed Iguazu National Park provides the perfect sanctuary for rare wildlife, plant and bird species. You’ll explore the Brazilian side of the falls today with a local specialist, walking through the rainforest to the base of the falls before enjoying a delicious lunch with an impressive backdrop of the gushing waterfalls.
This afternoon is free to spend at the resort relaxing, or you may wish to enjoy an optional excursion; from dinner and a show at Churrascaria Rafain, or a fascinating visit to a local tropical bird reserve, home to more than 500 species.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Overnight: Bourbon Cataratas Resort Iguassu Falls or similar
Day 6
Iguassu Falls – Buenos Aires
Crossing the Argentinian border, you’ll join a local specialist for a picturesque walk along a series of bridges suspended over the swirling waters of Iguassu River. Witness the intense crush of water cascading down Devil’s Throat Falls before boarding an open-air ecological jungle train for a unique perspective of the falls’ mighty forces. You’ll then head to the airport to board a flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital city.
Breakfast included.
Overnight: Alvear Art Hotel or similar
Day 7
Buenos Aires
Today will be spent with a local specialist on a paseo. Wander through the picturesque boulevards of this beautiful capital, admiring the blend of European and Latin American influences found in the architecture. This evening, you’ll delight in a delicious regional meal of Argentine Asado, and watch the passionate, fiery steps of the cities most talented Tango dancers at a vibrant show.
Optional excursions during the day include a fiesta and BBQ lunch served family style by Gauchos, or cruising along the Tigre Delta.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Overnight: Alvear Art Hotel or similar
Day 8
Buenos Aires
Known as the ‘Paris of South America’, you’ll have a day at leisure to delve into the treasures of artisan markets and patio shops nestled into rustic, colonial buildings in San Telmo. Refresh with a divine dulce de leche ice cream at the famous Café Tortoni before taking some more time to explore the city’s colourful neighbourhoods and vibrant art scene. For lunch, we recommend trying one of Buenos Aires’ renowned culinary specialities – a perfectly grilled, succulent cut of steak served in a Parrillas (steakhouse), found on practically every corner of the city.
Tonight, you will join a local family in Palermo Soho for a delectable farewell dinner of home-made family dishes paired with local wine. Learn the secrets of kneading country bread, and witness how typical Argentinian crafts are made.
Breakfast and farewell dinner included.
Overnight: Alvear Art Hotel or similar
Day 9
Depart Buenos Aires
Your South American adventure comes to an end this morning. Say farewell to Buenos Aires and your newfound friends, transferring to the airport for your return flight.
Breakfast included.
