¡Hola, and welcome to Buenos Aires! Your adventure begins in Argentina’s capital city, home to over 11 million ‘portenos’ – or residents of the port – and arguably one of the most fascinating cities in Latin America. Upon arrival at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), you’ll transfer to your hotel in the city, where your tour begins.
In the evening, choose to join your tour leader for an optional dinner reservation at the spectacular Fogón Asado, where you can sample traditional Argentine barbeque paired with the best local wines (subject to confirmation).
Wake up in the heart of Argentina and explore Buenos Aires’ history on a half-day city tour, covering Plaza de Mayo, famous La Bombonera football stadium and the rainbow-coloured streets of Caminito. Visit the grave of Eva Peron at Recoleta Cemetery and the revamped dockside barrio at Puerto Madero before pausing to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Next, dust off your dancing shoes and prepare to tango. After being treated to a riveting performance by a duo who have danced together for more than 15 years, you’ll take part in a beginner’s class, immersing yourself in the cultural heritage of Argentina firsthand.
Concluding your first full day, it’s time to sit back and enjoy dinner and a live show at La Ventana, a restored tenement right in the heart of San Telmo. One of the oldest in Buenos Aires, this neighbourhood abounds with original architecture, cobbled streets and ornate, historic fountains. Enjoy the menu of traditional Argentinian food and wine as you take in a sensational performance of tango and Argentine folklore.
Discover the unique, unexpected landscape outside the city with a guided boat tour of the Tigre Delta, located just 30 minutes north of the city. Along one of the largest river deltas in the world, these shores are frequented by city dwellers seeking a cool and quiet getaway. While navigating the rivers and small channels in between, you’ll immerse yourself in Tigre’s local culture, observing life on the riverfront and the surrounding ecosystem.
Disembark and let your guide whisk you away to satisfy your taste buds at a local restaurant. Later this afternoon, return to your hotel for the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Gather your energy over a refreshing breakfast before being escorted to your domestic flight to Puerto Iguazu (IGR), home to Iguazu Falls. The largest broken waterfall in the world, these powerful torrents sprawl across almost three kilometres of the triple frontier of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.
Arrive in the afternoon and take private transport as a group to the five-star Sanma Hotel, crossing over to the Brazilian side of the border. Here, you’ll have time to settle in before tomorrow’s adventures.
Today you will visit one of the great wonders of the natural world, Iguazu Falls. Cross back to the Argentinian side of the breathtaking waterfalls with your choice of three separate walking trails and allow the surrounding jungle of the national park to embrace you. Take the lower circuit to revel in the falls’ great magnitude, or opt for the upper circuit to breathe in the misty air and see things from a different perspective.
No visit to the Iguazu Falls is complete without a stop at Devil’s Throat, where you can stand moments away from the thundering cascades of water tumbling to the depths below. Included in today’s excitement is a boat tour with La Gran Aventura, which moves you beneath the falls’ rushing waters, offering a captivating glimpse at this force of nature.
If you enjoyed yesterday’s up-close visit to the Argentinian side of Iguazu, get ready to be astounded by the panoramic Brazilian side. After taking in expansive views, you’re due for a quick flight to the unimaginably beautiful Rio de Janeiro, home to over six million ‘Cariocas,’ or Rio natives.
Known as the holiday capital of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is one of South America’s most enchanting cities. From sandy white beaches to the winding streets of the favelas, there is much to see and do.
Upon arrival you will be escorted to your stay at the grand Miramar Hotel by Windsor, situated on the famous Copacabana Beach.
This morning, take a tour of Rio’s historical centre, starting on Rua Primeiro de Marco, the city’s very first commercial street, built in the 18th century. Drive to Avenida Presidente Vargas, another must-see area downtown that connects several major landmarks. You’ll see the Metropolitan Cathedral, the beautiful Roman arches of Carioca Aqueduct, the baroque Convento do Santo Antonio, and the impressively well-balanced, brutalist Petrobras and BNDES buildings.
Drive through Lapa, the most popular nightlife hotspot in town, before visiting one of Rio’s oldest neighbourhoods, Santa Teresa. High on a hill overlooking the city, this area is home to many artists, galleries, studios and restaurants. The tour concludes with a visit to the late painter and ceramicist Jorge Selaron’s Staircase, a community masterpiece decorated with over 2000 brilliantly coloured tiles from around the world. The open-air mosaic took 23 years to complete as the artist dealt with a constant lack of funding. However, visitors supported his hobby by gifting him tiles when they stopped through.
After returning to the hotel, you have the afternoon free to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, considered the most popular beaches in South America.
On your last full day of this magnificent tour, prepare for awe as you embark on a visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – Christ the Redeemer, towering over Rio. Perched on top of Mount Corcovado, a visit to the statue requires traversing one of the largest urban forests in the world. You’ll find spectacular, panoramic views of the city up here, too.
Continue on to Urca, where cable cars await to bring you to the Sugarloaf Mountain summit, sitting at 396 metres high and presenting a bird’s eye view of Guanabara Bay. The afternoon is yours to enjoy, but don’t ruin your appetite as the evening is booked with a farewell dinner at Espaço 7zero6, a restaurant located on the rooftop of the Praia Ipanema Hotel featuring truly incredible views.
Your tour through Argentina and Brazil has come to an end. After a final breakfast, you will be transferred to Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG) for your onward journey.