Impressions of South America

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: Miramar by Windsor, Ocean View Room

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: Miramar by Windsor, Ocean View Room

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.

Optional Excursions:

Santa Teresa Walking Tour – discover the charm and beauty of Santa Teresa, once home to the upper-class residents, the town is now home to many artists with studios, galleries, museums and inviting eateries. You’ll learn about the area’s fascinating history as you make your way around the neighbourhood with your guide; located on a high hilltop overlooking Rio, you’ll delight in mesmerizing vistas of the city and bay below.

Visit to a Favela – Visit one of the cities hillside favelas, Rocinha, on this half-day tour. See the everyday lifestyle of the locals who live in this dense favela, stopping at a community school along the way with the chance to purchase handicrafts made by the children. With a local expert guide, you’ll explore the favela, interact with the locals and gain a new understanding of Brazilian culture.

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Overnight: Miramar by Windsor, Ocean View Room

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: Wish Resort Foz do Iguassu

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 helicopter flightseeing, an exhilarating jet boat ride to the base of the falls, or a fascinating visit to a local tropical bird reserve, home to more than 500 species.

Breakfast and Lunch are included.

Overnight: Wish Resort Foz do Iguassu

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.

Optional Excursions:

Bird Park – This family owned park is home to more than 900 native birds from 150 species. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour along a well-marked trail which leads through luscious, subtropical forests. Enter the aviaries to gain an up-close perspective of the birds.

Macuco Safari – This adventure begins in an open-air wagon as you journey through lush, sub-tropical forests. You’ll then hike down the canyon, where the Macuco Falls tumble over basalt cliffs into the Iguassu basin. Here, you’ll board a custom-designed inflatable motorboat for a 20-30 minute exhilarating ride to the base of the falls.

Breakfast included.

Overnight: Intercontinental Buenos Aires

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.

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Overnight: Intercontinental Buenos Aires

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.

Optional Excursions:

Fiesta Gaucha with BBQ Lunch – Enjoy a great day out in a traditional 3,000 acre countryside working estancia (ranch) that dates back to the late 19th century. A delicious BBQ will be served for lunch by the Gauchos (locals), and you’ll enjoy a selection of activities throughout the day including a folklore show, carriage rides and horse demonstrations.

Tigre Delta – Head to the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta, a popular weekend getaway spot for the locals. The delta features stunning, picturesque scenery, beautiful summer residences, a relaxing ambience, yachting and a chance to see another way of Argentine living. This tour includes a cruise on the delta, and if you’re visiting on a Saturday, you can stroll through the local outdoor market.

Breakfast and Farewell Dinner included.

Overnight: Intercontinental Buenos Aires

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.