Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, and Buenos Aires

Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

10 Days/8 Nights

From $2,769 per person

(Dbl. Occupancy, Not Incl. Airfare)

Daily Departures Throughout the Year

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Overview

Brazil and Argentina are the two largest countries in South America and offer some amazing destinations. Beginning in Rio de Janeiro, you will enjoy its famous beaches, Samba music, Christ the Redeemer statue (Corcovado), and Sugarloaf Mountain. You will then visit the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls on the border with Argentina, and Buenos Aires, with its rich history, fascinating neighborhoods, and Tango music. The last part of your trip will be a visit to an authentic estancia outside of the city to experience the Gaucho lifestyle.

Lodging and Meals: This tour includes accommodations for 8 nights (3 nights in Rio de Janeiro, 2 nights in Iguazu, and 3 nights in Buenos Aires), and 11 meals (8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners).

Best Time to Go: October-April.

Destinations: South America, Brazil, and Argentina.

Interests: Adventure, Culture & History, and Sun & Beach.

Places Visited: Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, and Buenos Aires.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Rio de Janeiro.

Depart to Rio de Janeiro via overnight flight.

Day 2: Rio de Janeiro-Ginga Tropical Show.

After passing through immigration and customs, proceed to the reception area, where our inbound services representative will be holding a sign with your name on it. You will be greeted and then transferred to your hotel.

In the evening, you will see the Ginga Tropical Show at the Teatro Fashion Mall. The show perfectly combines a variety of Brazilian dances that developed from African rhythms via the slave trade and from the natives that lived in Brazil before colonization. Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Notes: 1.) Check-in time in Rio de Janeiro is typically 2:00 PM. We can request early check-in for you but cannot guarantee it. 2.) The Ginga Tropical Show is available on Saturday evenings. We can offer an alternative activity for other nights of the week.

Day 3: Rio de Janeiro-City Tour-Christ the Redeemer Statue (Corcovado)-Sugarloaf Mountain.

This tour begins with a panoramic city tour of downtown Rio de Janeiro, passing by the Sambodrome and the pyramid-shaped Metropolitan Cathedral. You will pass Cinelandia square, and historical buildings such as the Municipal Theatre, the National Library, and the National Museum of Fine Arts. Then, you will go to the Cosme Velho train station. The cog wheel train will climb up through the Tijuca Rainforest and bring you to the steps of the Christ the Redeemer Statue (Corcovado). At 2,300 ft. above sea level, you will have a breathtaking view of the City of Rio de Janeiro, the Guanabara Bay, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the nine mile Rio-Niteroi Bridge, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, and the Atlantic Ocean. Barbeque lunch.

In the afternoon, you will drive along Rio’s famous beaches to the Praia Vermelha cable car station where you will be taken to the Urca Mountain (mid-way station) with its gardens and look-out points. Then, the second part of the ride will take you to the peak of Sugar Loaf Mountain, 1,300 ft. above sea level. Overnight in Rio de Janeiro. (B,L)

Day 4: Rio de Janeiro.

Free day. Overnight in Rio de Janeiro. (B)

Day 5: Rio de Janeiro-Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side).

Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguazu Falls. Upon arrival, you will have a 1 and ½ hour tour of the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. Located in Iguazu National Park, these spectacular falls are comprised of 275 individual cascades, and are more than 1.90 miles wide and 260 ft. high. You will walk along the main trail (one mile) on a catwalk above the lower Iguazu River to the series of falls that comprise the Devil’s Throat. Then you will take an elevator to an observation deck for a spectacular panoramic view of the falls. At the end of this tour, you will be transferred to your hotel on the Argentinian side. Overnight in Puerto Iguazu. (B)

Day 6: Iguazu Falls (Argentinian Side)-Great Adventure Tour.

In the morning, you will return to Iguazu Falls to view the falls from the Argentinian side and for the Great Adventure Tour. On the Argentinian side of the falls, you will visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the biodiversity of the jungle and the culture and history of the surrounding area. You can also take the Ecological Forest Train to the Garganta del Diable (Devil’s Throat) Station and the Cataratas Station, which will take you to the upper and lower circuits, and other walking trails.

In the afternoon, you will have the Great Adventure Tour. First, you will ride semi-rigid zodiac boats to reach the bottom of San Martin, Bosetty, Tres Mosqueteros and Canon de Garganta del Diablo falls and down the river rapids up to Puerto Macuco (two miles from the falls). Then, you will ride in an open jeep along the rainforest, observing the local flora and fauna with the aid of specialized guides. Overnight in Puerto Iguazu. (B)

Day 7: Iguazu Falls-Buenos Aires-Tango Dinner Show.

Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Our inbound services representative will be holding a sign with your name on it at the reception area. You will be greeted and then transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you will enjoy a typical Argentine dinner and wine, and a Tango show with a re-creation of the original style and melancholic rhythms of the 1940’s. The impressive lyrics will be interpreted by some of the best singers in the city. You will also hear some folk music from the Altiplano region of the country. Overnight in Buenos Aires. (B,D)

Day 8: Buenos Aires-Panoramic City Tour.

In the afternoon, you will have a panoramic city tour of Buenos Aires. This tour will cover the most important sights in the city. You will visit the impressive National Congress (the Parliament), the Civic Centre, Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, the headquarters of the executive branch of the government, and the town Hall. You will also see one of the best Opera Houses in the world. The tour will continue with a visit to the neighborhood of San Telmo, and you will learn about its history. On Sundays, you will be able to enjoy a flea market. You will go next to La Boca, known for its colorful architecture and for being the first port in Buenos Aires. This neighborhood was originally settled by Italian immigrants. You will also visit the Palermo and Recoleta areas of the city and modern neighborhoods such as Puerto Madero, with big mansions and great parks. Overnight in Buenos Aires. (B)

Day 9: Buenos Aires-Fiesta Gaucha.

In the morning, you will have an excursion to the Argentine countryside to enjoy a day on a ranch ‘estancia’ and discover its traditional dance and music, and experience a true ‘Festival Gaucho’. Typical ‘empanadas’ (meat pies) and superb Argentinean wine will be offered. Later, you will enjoy a delicious Argentine-style barbecue. This will be followed by a folkloric show with singing and dancing, a demonstration of the gaucho (cowboy) skills of horseback riding and rodeo, a horse exhibition, and ‘the sortija’ (ring race). You may also ride a horse or typical carriage to have a better feel for the gaucho’s way of life. Overnight in Buenos Aires. (B,L)

Day 10: Buenos Aires.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to your final destination. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's Included

Price Includes

  • South American Vacations’ expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
  • Airport/hotel transfers including baggage handling.
  • Hotel accommodations including taxes and service charges.
  • Excursions as indicated on the itinerary including all applicable entrance fees.
  • Meals as indicated on the itinerary.
  • Local, English-speaking tour guides.

Price Does Not Include

  • International airfare.
  • Domestic airfare.
  • Brazilian visa.
  • Meals not indicated on the itinerary.
  • Gratuities, gifts, and personal items.
  • Travel insurance.

We will be happy to quote the cost of airfare and travel insurance and to make these arrangements for you.

Accommodations

Rio de Janeiro

Puerto Iguazu

Buenos Aires

Additional Details

Group Private: All airport/hotel transfers are private.  In Rio de Janeiro, the Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain excursion is a group tour for single passengers and 3 Star accommodations, and private for 4 Star, 5 Star, and Deluxe accommodation levels.  In Iguazu Falls, all tours are private except for the Great Adventure Tour.  And, in Buenos Aires, the Tango Dinner Show (transfers) and Panoramic City Tour are group tours for single passengers and 3 Star accommodations, and private for 4 Star, 5 Star, and Deluxe accommodation levels.  The Fiesta Gaucha excursion is a group tour.

Elevations: N/a.

Passport/Visa: For Brazil, U.S., Canadian, and Australian citizens require a valid passport (for the duration of their stay) and visa (effective October 1, 2023), sufficient funds, and a return ticket for stays of up to 90 days. EU Citizens are only required to have a valid passport (for the duration of their stay), sufficient funds, and a return ticket for stays of up to 90 days. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months of valid term beyond your departure date. Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the Brazilian embassy in their country before traveling. For Argentina, U.S., Canadian, Australian, and EU citizens require a valid passport (for the duration of their stay), sufficient funds, and a return ticket for stays of up to 90 days. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months of valid term beyond your departure date. Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the Argentina embassy in their country before traveling.

Travel Insurance: In order to protect your travel investment from unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. We offer Allianz Global Assistance’s Classic Comprehensive and other plans. The Benefits and Coverage Limits are summarized on our Travel Insurance page. Call your travel counselor if you have any questions or to purchase a plan.

To Book This Trip: We require a non-refundable deposit of $500 per person plus the cost of the international airfare (if we make the arrangements for you). The balance of the trip cost is due 60 days prior to departure.

Have Questions? Call 1-888-268-9753 to Speak to An Expert.