Impressions of South America
Experience Overview
From the vibrant shores of Copacabana to the thundering Iguassu Falls, South America waits! Your nine-day South America tour sees you visiting Rio's most exciting places, watching riveted as dancers perform an unforgettable tango in Buenos Aires, and admiring the vibrant colors and wildlife of UNESCO-listed Iguassu National Park.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
- Buenos Aires: Visit a family-run gaucho ranch for an energizing event of food, drink, music, dance and horseback riding demonstrations. Kick off with a lunch of empanadas, salads, asado meat of sausages, chicken and beef and drinks followed by flan with dulce de leche for dessert. You’ll even learn how to grill the asado. Discoveries continue over a demonstration of gaucho´s skill with horses and a lively show. Take time to wander among the historic, 150-year-old building past the cows and horses before taking home your keepsake leather accessory gift typical of this region.
Dive into Culture
- Rio de Janeiro: At dinner there will be a mixology demonstration where you will learn how to mix a caipirinha, the national cocktail of Brazil.
Iconic Experience
- Rio de Janeiro: Journey high above Guanabara Bay first to Urca hill and then the top of Sugarloaf at 1,299 feet above sea level for views of Botafogo cove, Copacabana, and Guanabara Bay. Take in all the dramatic views with plenty of photos knowing you’re a part of history. This Cable Car linking Urca hill to Sugarloaf Mountain built in 1912 was the first Brazilian cable car and the third in the world. You’ll also learn the story of the name Sugarloaf, the most popular version saying that from the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries, at the peak of sugar cane production, the mounds of refined sugar resembled the shape of the mountain itself. A sweet story with a stunning view.
- Corcovado: Climb into the clouds to the top of Corcovado Mountain to visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer. You’ll ride the Corcovado Railway, the first electrified railroad in Brazil, and an icon itself. The railway is actually older than the monument and even transported the pieces of the monument. The train has taken popes, kings, princes, presidents, artists, scientists - and now you - since its start in 1884. You’ll feel good about your travels too knowing that this electric train doesn’t pollute the surrounding Tijuca National Park. As you ascend 2,379 feet, consider the history of Christ the Redeemer built from 1926-1931, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and one of the most famous Art Déco sculptures. Gaze out the window at the views of the Rio de Janeiro and, at the top, stand beneath the famous statue’s feet looking up to its top of 98 feet high.
- Iguassu Falls: Join a Local Specialist who will guide your exploration of the Brazilian side of the falls in this massive park spanning the border between Argentina and Brazil. The region hosts a variety of wildlife including tapirs, giant anteaters, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars, caymans and 400 species of birds - so be on the lookout for that special photo-op. Given Iguassu’s support of extreme habitats and diverse species, it’s no wonder it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Iguassu Falls: Join a local specialist for a walk along the long catwalk suspended above the swirling waters of the Iguassu River. View the chaotic crush of water pouring down Devil's throat falls. Then board an open-air ecological jungle train for a different perspective of the mighty cascades.
- Buenos Aires: Experience the beauty of the Tango and learn about it's traditions. Here at El Viejo Almacen in the neighborhood of San Telmo, you’re in the most classic house of tango putting on shows since 1969 and preserving the architecture and atmosphere of Tango culture.
- Buenos Aires: Embark on a Buenos Aires City Tour with a Local Specialist. Walk through the wide boulevards of this beautiful capital admiring the spirit of a city whose European and Latin American influences can be seen around every turn. See the pink palace, the seat of the Argentine national government and president's office whose balcony Juan and “Evita” Perón addressed the people in the 1940s and 1950s. Visit the cathedral and wander through the lively and colorful La Boca neighborhood lined with restaurants, street artists and local art around every corner.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Iguassu Falls: Visiting the ancestral Guarani community for an immersive MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Join the Guarani for a jungle walk, first greeted by an aboriginal guide who leads you through trails that surround and crisscross the village. Learn about the beliefs, myths, legends and the virtues of medicinal plants and their uses before visiting the temple in the heart of the jungle discovering the initiation and baptism rituals of the tribe. See the plantations, their homes and their hunting traps for different kinds of animals that they used in ancient times. Your visit ends with a display of handicrafts using resources such as wood, lianas and seeds.
- Buenos Aires: Visit a workshop where people with special abilities manufacture in an artisanal way the traditional shoe of the gauchos: "alpargatas", still used in the countryside and by many rural workers. Learn about the production process. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps the association to support youth and adults develop their abilities to make these traditional shoes and is the only factory offering disabled people job opportunities.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and the Brazilian and Argentinean side of Iguassu Falls with a Local Specialist
- Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado Mountain, Iguassu Falls and San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the “gaucho” traditions
- See Copacabana Beach and enjoy a Tango and Dinner Show
- Buenos Aires: Uncover San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the “gaucho” traditions in the “pampas” region. Walk around the small village’s cobblestoned streets appreciating its quaint historical center. See the main square, the church, and meet some of the locals along the way. Also known as the ‘Cradle of Tradition’ the colonial town was founded over 280 years ago and is filled with old bars (“pulperías”) and artisan shops with over 30 silversmiths. Known as “platería criolla”, the traditional Argentinean silverworks include knives, jewelery and other traditional items.
- Buenos Aires: Visit a gaucho painter’s studio to view his works, appreciate the diverse subjects of his paintings, learn the history of the gaucho town followed by a fascinating drawing demonstration.
Trip Details
Product Code: 19254
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Luxury
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 125.490A
Starts: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Finishes: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- A Trafalgar bonus all Intra-Air Flights: Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu and Iguassu to Buenos Aires, including porter service at all airports
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6,214 ($690 /day)
Itinerary
Launch your leisurely exploration of South America to the sultry beats of the Bossa Nova and Samba. A local host will take you to your hotel where you’ll enjoy superb ocean views of Copacabana beach and its beautiful people, just minutes from downtown Rio. This evening, we enjoy a festive dinner with our Travel Director and fellow travelers.
Accommodation: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
Meals: Dinner
The rhythm of Rio is yours to explore this morning. Join your Local Specialist to delve into the captivating contrasts of Brazil’s cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city). See the 18th-century Carioca Aqueduct, colonial Candelaria Church, and the home of the Rio Carnival, the Sambodromo. Journey high above Guanabara Bay and summit Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car for a 'pinch me moment' of inspiring bay and city views. Spend the evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
Meals: Breakfast
Hands outstretched, the iconic Christ the Redeemer welcomes you to the hunched outcrop of Corcovado, sharing his impressive panoramic view of a city that loves to celebrate. This afternoon, soak in the shores of Copacabana and Ipanema. Kick back and watch tanned sun-worshippers playing volleyball and sip a caipirinha or two, which you’ll learn to mix this evening, followed by a sizzling barbecue at a local churrascaria Regional Dinner. Bom proveito!
Accommodation: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey into some of South America’s most beautiful natural landscapes taking a flight from Rio to Iguassu Falls, the UNESCO-listed magnificent falls that straddle the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Explore the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls, 'Big Waters', in Iguassu National Park with a Local Specialist. Hike to the cascading falls through giant clouds and sprays of water feeling refreshed in the humidity. You’ll learn that while hot and humid, this lush micro-climate supports diverse fauna in its subtropical rainforest of over 2,000 species of vascular plants. Conclude your day crossing the border to Argentina to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Mercure
Meals: Breakfast
Get a different perspective of grandeur on the Argentinian side of the falls at the Devil's throat. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience finds you paying a visit to the Guarani community of Fortín M'bororé who open their doors to reveal the secrets of the jungle, their natural medicine, culture, songs, dances, crafts, philosophy and beliefs. Discover with the Guarani the "Spirit of the Trees", a walk where you learn to walk through the interior of the Jungle guided by aboriginal experts. This afternoon, join an optional experience on Gran Aventura boat tour or an Argentinean experience learning about Argentine culture, tasting local dishes in a five-course dinner, sampling four Argentinean wines and mingling with travelers from around the world.
Accommodation: Hotel Mercure
Meals: Breakfast
Take a flight from Iguassu Falls to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Check into your hotel located in the heart of the cultural center at the historic Plaza San Martin and, with the rest of the day free, perhaps take a stroll around this upscale part of the city.
Accommodation: Alvear Art Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Leave Buenos Aires to San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the gaucho traditions in the pampas region, for a tour along its quaint streets lined with silversmiths. Take part in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visiting a local project of the Local Association for disabled people who are keeping up the tradition of making the alpargatas shoes. Appreciate more artisans paying a visit to a local artist's studio observing how masterpieces are created. Cap off your day with a Be My Guest Experience, complete with sizzling asado steak, at a family-owned gaucho ranch where your watch cowboys show off the horsemanship accompanied by music and dance.
Accommodation: Alvear Art Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Take in the sights of Buenos Aires on a City Tour to the pink palace, cathedral and La Boca neighborhood. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore this exciting city on your own or join one of our tempting optionals. Head to the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta, a popular weekend getaway of scenery, summer residences, yachting and a chance to see another way of Argentine life. Or venture on a wine tasting trip to “El Querandi,” a big house located in the historical district and considered a living testimony of the city originally founded as a bar in 1920. This evening enjoy the passionate fiery and precise steps of some of Buenos Aires most talented tango dancers.
Accommodation: Alvear Art Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our South America adventure comes to an end this morning. Say a fond hasta luego to Buenos Aires and newfound friends, transferring to the airport for your flight home or choose to extend your stay.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Trusted Customer - Traveled, October 2024
Great service, our travel director *Personal information removed by Feefo* was outstanding, she was so friendly, Knowledgeable, approachable and caring. During the last few days of our trip, I got sick and she attended to my needs like I’m her family member. She made sure I got examined by a doctor and that I was comfortable. She is one of a kind, an asset to Trafalgar. Love her. I give her 10 stars for her excellent service.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/28/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, December 2024
The guide was very good. However, note the tipping adds to the total cost of your travel so budget accordingly. Trafalgar expects to tip for days the guide is not with you, which we should not have to pay them, and the bus driver However, the service of the guide was exceptional. Our guide was*personal information removed by Feefo* Itinerary was good, as I like some extra time for self to explore the places. We had enough days in each city to explore by ourselves.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/25/2025
Ilya Kagan - Traveled, April 2024
Wonderful experience!!!! Excellent tour guide, beautiful hotels!!! Brazil/Argentina/Iguazu falls was a fantastic trip. Our tour guide, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was kind and easy going but very accommodating and thorough. We were never rushed but well organized. The hotels were new and centrally located, the people in the group were easy going and pleasant. I highly recommend this tour!!! Well organized. In today’s economy, well worth it. Go and enjoy!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/10/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, October 2024
Wonderful Impressions of South America. Our tour director, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was knowledgeable and attentive. He went out of his way to help make everyone's trip a positive one. I missed my original airport transfer and he arranged to have someone else meet me at the airport, which was a huge stress reliever for me. All of the guides and drivers were professional and personable. It was nice to have each day's itinerary planned and to also have options. Most days worked like clockwork and *Personal information removed by Feefo* pivoted when needed. This was my first experience with a travel company. I've been back home for two weeks and I am still reviewing photos, recounting my adventures with family and friends, and conversing with my fellow travelers. The trip was full of popular sites, unforgettable cultural experiences and delicious food and wine. The guides were not only knowledgeable but also clearly loved sharing their countries and cultures. It was a wonderful introduction to South America!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/28/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
A definite 10! I would highly recommend Trafalgar to anyone. The quality of their tours, detail to personal attention are superb. Add to that the tour guide who has this same personal attention. We fast became close friends with the guides as they are so personable. We loved *Personal information removed by Feefo* & *Personal information removed by Feefo*!! Felt sad saying farewell to them both! The itinerary was perfect in length of stay in each location.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/10/2024
M Keith - Traveled, November 2024
This trip was amazing. The director, guides and drivers provided excellent customer service. Iguazu Falls definitely a must to add on your bucket list. Thank you Trafalgar for this memorable trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2024
Anand Sathe - Traveled, November 2024
It covered all the major attractions. The tour guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* was great and so were the fellow travelers. We had lot of fun.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/26/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, November 2024
This is my sixth trip with Trafalgar and one of my favorites. From the moment we arrived there was a representative waiting for us at the airport who took care of us until we arrived at the hotel. We used the “free time” to go to Samba City on our own before meeting our guide *Personal information removed by Feefo*. *Personal information removed by Feefo* was an excellent guide who gave us plenty of information about the city and about the optionals. We skipped several optionals and only did the boat at the Iguazú falls (highly recommended) and the dinner in Argentina. This gave us plenty of free time which we loved. We spent a whole afternoon at Copacabana beach across the hotel. Great experience. Hotel selection was good. And at the end our local guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* took us to the airport and didn’t leave us until we were at security. Great trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, October 2024
Splendid tour from Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu to Buenos Aires. We had an outstanding tour director and very capable tour guides. Trafalgar had to make adjustments due to a transportation workers strike in Argentina. They handled it effectively. This is a marvelous tour of Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides, and of Buenos Aires. Highlights were the Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian side and the tango show in Buenos Aires.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2024
Herbert Duvernay - Traveled, October 2024
Yes, an exceptional experience, would recommend to others.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2024
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