Offering an outstanding introduction to Argentina and Brazil, this journey combines the elegance of Buenos Aires with exotic and flamboyant Rio de Janeiro and awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls, shrouded in mist with its thunders heard for kilometers. This is a trip that combines the best of two very distinct fascinating cultures – one vibrant, musical and intense in both nature and settings, and another much more European with some of the most dramatically beautiful scenery on the planet. We suggest this combination for travelers looking to combine two dramatically different countries that complement one another.
DAY;
1
DEPART FOR ARGENTINA
Evening flight to Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is a vibrant port city of some 13 million people, situated on the west bank of the tawny colored Río de la Plata, the widest river in the world. This Cosmopolitan city, the “cradle of tango” as it is called, is a superlative introduction to your exploration of Argentina. European in appearance, Buenos Aires can keep any culture-oriented visitor busy indefinitely. Different aspects of its architecture and the diversity of its districts and suburbs reflect times of grandeur and abundance, cultural influences and migratory waves. Buenos Aires has been a true melting pot of native inhabitants, Spanish, Italian, British, French, German,Central European, Jewish, Arabian, Greek, Japanese and more recently, Chinese and Korean immigrants.
Optional Activities:
Overnight
Meals
DAY;
3
BUENOS AIRES
Today, enjoy an afternoon tour of some of the most interesting and engaging neighborhoods in the city. “Four Balconies of Buenos Aires” is a half-day, private guided city tour (approx. 4 hr) featuring four parks and plazas of Buenos Aires (Plaza de Mayo, Parque Lezama and La Boca, Plaza San Martin and Recoleta). Your expert guide will introduce you to Argentina’s history, contrasts and contradictions, and the characteristic psychology of the “porteños,” the inhabitants of Buenos Aires. Your tour also includes a visit to Teatro Colon (shared). • Plaza de Mayo, the heart of the city of Buenos Aires both from the historical and political point of view and the site of its foundation • San Telmo (Parque Lezama), one of the oldest districts in the city, filled with artists’ ateliers and colorful houses with rambling architecture, antique shops and cobblestone streets • La Boca district, the birthplace of the Tango, and one of the oldest districts in the city; known for the colorful buildings residents construct from corrugated metal leftover from ships • Plaza San Martin and Retiro, shows the link between the Old South and the movement to the new residential areas, which occurred at the turn of the 19th century when Buenos Aires became more European • Recoleta, the sophisticated district in Buenos Aires with a strong French influence which can be seen in the architecture and avenues; known for the world famous Recoleta Cemetery where Evita Peron is buried Enjoy an evening Tango show or milonga from a menu of options, which we will suggest according to your tango tastes.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Palacio Duhau, or Faena Hotel, or Legado Mitico
Meals B,L
DAY;
4
BUENOS AIRES
Today can be enjoyed at your leisure, or you may take a full-day trip to an estancia in the Pampas countryside. Agriculture and the gaucho are tightly woven into the history of Argentina. One rarely sees this link from a visit only to Buenos Aires. We work with an variety of Estancias close to Buenos Aires to meet the tastes and preferences of our travelers.
Optional Activities:
Overnight La Bamba de Areco, or Ombu Areco
Meals B,L
DAY;
5
FLY TO IGUAZÚ
This morning, fly to the Iguazú Falls to visit the Brazilian side of these magnificent cataracts before crossing back into Argentina. Stay two nights on the Argentina side at a lodge either inside the park or just outside.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Awasi Iguazu or Belmond Iguazu
Meals B
DAY;
6
IGUAZÚ FALLS
Day at leisure to explore the Argentine side of the falls at your own pace. You may take the opportunity to experience the falls at dawn or sunset when the park is closed to other visitors. Take the ecological train across the National Park, skirting the Upper Iguazu River, to Puerto Canoas (20 minutes). Enjoy a pleasant stroll over the modern catwalks, that span the Upper Iguazu River, to the most breathtaking lookout point right over the Devil’s Throat falls. A water volume of approximately 1,000 m/sec thunders over the falls during the rainy season into the deep canyon. The water force is so great that rising mist prevents you from seeing the bottom. For your return route, you can take panoramic elevator or continue up the trail and stairs 35 ft above to the road, for those who prefer to exercise.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Awasi Iguazu or Belmond Iguazu
Meals B
DAY;
8
RIO DE JANEIRO
Start your morning with a visit to Corcovado mountain, site of the statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooking the city. Stop at a typical beach juice bar to taste fresh tropical juices and get a glimpse into the cariocas’ way of life (local residents). This afternoon, visit Sugar Loaf mountain by cable car.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Fasano Rio, or Copacabana Palace, or Windsor Atlantica hotel
Meals B
DAY
2

Quito
This morning, you are picked up for your half-day private guided tour of Quito, including a walking tour of its historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, the afternoon is at your leisure to spend relaxing or exploring the city further on your own.
Optional Activities:
Private tour of Quito’s colonial churches or insider’s look at the country’s finest Pre-Columbian art collection
Spectacular horseback ride in the high Andes near Quito
2-3 hour hike and birdwatching with Naturalist guide through nearby cloud forest to see hummingbirds and flora
Overnight Casa Gangotena, Plaza Grande, or similar
Meals B
all our
preferred
Hotels
and
villas
in Argentina
all our
preferred
Hotels
and
villas
in Argentina