Brazil and Argentina Highlights

Experience the delights of South America`s two most emblematic countries, each with their own inimitable histories, cultures, exciting capital cities, and profusion of natural wonders. Taste the fun and colour of life in Rio and Buenos Aires, and visit the wonders of the Iguazu Falls on the border of the two countries, and the equally-renowned Perito Moreno glacier in Patagonia.

Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
Upon arrival in Rio, our representative will be waiting for you at the airport and he will take you to your hotel.

Day 2: Rio (Full day Sugar Loaf & Corcovado / SIB)
Corcovado and Sugar Loaf are the two largest tourist attractions in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The Corcovado, that holds the Statue of Christ Redeemer, is the face of faith and sympathy of the Carioca people. Sugar Loaf, in turn, is a tourist complex in a privileged location because of its panoramic view. Our tour includes the ride out the hotel in the morning and the visit to the Sugar Loaf where we have a panoramic view of Guanabara Bay, Copacabana, Urca, Botafogo, Flamengo and its surroundings. The visit continues in a vehicle with air-conditioning through the Flamengo Park, Downtown and Maracana Stadium. In the afternoon we stop for lunch at a buffet restaurant (drinks not included) and then climb the Corcovado in the historical train (“Electric Car"), stopping a few feet away from the access stairs of the statue of Christ the Redeemer where we have a wide view of Rio de Janeiro, with its beaches and mountains. Finally, at the end of the tour, we pass by the beaches of Sao Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana. Tour is group basis. Overnight at your hotel.

(Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 3: Rio
Free day to relax or explore the area on your own. Overnight at your selected hotel.

(Included meals: Breakfast)

Day 4: Rio - Iguazu (Brazilian falls)
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguazu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Then our trip begins at the Iguazu National Park where we will drive through the lush, subtropical vegetation of the park en route to the falls. We will take a stroll on the trail that descends down the canyon, to offer panoramic views of more than 240 falls. We will then take the glass elevator up the cliff face for an exquisite view from the upper deck. The Iguassu National Park along with its “sister” park in Argentina form the most significant remaining rainforest in the southern cone of South America which along with the waterfalls, have been declared a National Heritage Site by UNESCO. For passengers staying at Hotel Das Cataratas, the tour departs from the hotel. We will end the tour with a visit to the artisans fair.

(Included meals: Breakfast)

Day 5: Iguazu / Argentine falls with great adventure tour
Today, we will cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge, heading towards the Iguazu National Park in Argentina. At the entrance, a small train will take visitors on a tour through the park, making 2 stops. We will follow the pathways to the top of the waterfalls that provide spectacularly unique views of the ‘Cataratas’, amidst the abundant nature filled with orchids, colorful birds and other wildlife. The highlight of the tour is a visit to the suspended platform at the very brink of the ‘Garganta do Diabo’ waterfall (Devil’s Throat) – the largest fall in the park. This tour highlights the Argentinean side of Foz do Iguazu.

The Great Adventure Boat Tour (group basis)* is unique, and combines the whole essence of the 240 waterfalls and surrounding Jungle of the Iguassu National Park in one tour. The tour is offered daily, every hour, and departs from the Head Office or The Visitors Center. The tour starts by entering the jungle from the “Sendero Yacaratía” trail with special transportation that allows a panoramic view of the surrounding nature along with experienced and knowledgeable guides. After an 8 km truck ride, we will arrive at the Puerto Macuco Base, at a floating platform where the second part of the tour begins. With motor-boats, we will take visitors 6 km through the Canyon of the Iguazu River, through the rapids, up until the falls. After enjoying the view from the calm side of the San Martin Island, we will sail to the “Tres Mosqueteros” waterfall, where the Brazilian and Argentinean sides of the Garganta do Diabo waterfall (Devil’s Throat) can be clearly appreciated. After that, we will sail along the shore of the island until we get to the most exciting part of the tour where we face the San Martin waterfall, a wonderful and unforgettable experience, for it’s the largest waterfall any motor-boat can approach safely. When the tour is complete, passengers will disembark at the base of the lower circuit where visitors can follow the trail back to the park. *The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Transfer back to your hotel.

(Included meals: Breakfast)

Day 6: Iguazu - Buenos Aires
Transfer (group basis) to airport for flight to Buenos Aires. Arrival at Aeroparque airport (local). Assistance on arrival by one of our representatives, who will take you to the hotel. Our representatives will help with check-in procedures.Accommodation at the hotel.

(Included meals: Breakfast)

Day 7: Buenos Aires / City tour
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, depart on a guided tour to the most important places in the Capital Federal. The tour includes the National Congress, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Government House and the area of Plaza de Mayo. You will be at the heart of the Tango activity where these sensuous dance is performed in the street for passers by to enjoy in the traditional neighborhood of San Telmo, where this typical dance dwells. Then you will visit La Boca and stop at this colorful suburb of the city adopted years ago as his home by the first Italian immigrants. Today is home for important artists. Then, a visit to Palermo is scheduled, a residential neighborhood with parks and elegant buildings. Finally, you will visit the sophisticated Recoleta, one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in which among other attractions, you can take a look at the famous cemetery alongside fine restaurants and cafes. Free time afternoon. Accommodation at the hotel.

(Included meals: Breakfast)

Optional (not included):
Evening trip to the elegant Casa de Tango "Esquina Carlos Gardel" to enjoy the glamour, excitement and sophistication of the best Music in Argentina.

Day 8: Buenos Aires / Free day
Breakfast at the hotel, Free day. Accommodation at the hotel.

(Included meals: Breakfast)

Optional (not included):
We suggest you will go on a tour to Fiesta Gaucha. You will visit an Estancia Argentina "Don Silvano", located in San Antonio de Areco, to enjoy a perfect day in the  country and discover aspects of the life of the traditional character the Argentinean Gaucho. You will experience a horseback riding exhibition and you will enjoy a banquet of "empanadas" and a delicious "grill" with an excellent Argentine wine.

Day 9: Buenos Aires - Calafate 
Today you will be transfered to the airport. At the arrival in El Calafate you will be received by one of our representatives, who will take you to the chosen hotel. Accommodation at your hotel.

(Included meals: Breakfast)

Day 10: Calafate / Perito Moreno glacier  
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Today, you will leave in the morning to visit the enowned Perito Moreno glacier, unique on the planet in its constant forward movement. Along the road you will discover many Andean pre-cordillera sites that are worth sight seen or recording on camera and by the Argentino Lake you will access the National Park “Los Glaciares”. Along Brazo Rico River you will start to spot the floating icebergs until you finally be able to grasp in all its awe this natural wonder considered World Heritage by the United Nations. You will take the paths and enjoy some time to observe and to have lunch. (Lunch not included). Then, in the afternoon you will go back to the hotel. Accommodation at your hotel.

(Included meals: Breakfast)

Day 11: Calafate / Free day
Day at leisure. Accommodation at your hotel.

(Included meals: Breakfast)

Optional (not included):
All Glaciers Tour. You will leave on a tour to Los Glaciares National Park. You will board the ship and navigate among the icebergs of various spectacular patterns of shape and size. The glaciers that you will visit are: “Upsala” “Spegazzini” and “Onelli”. You will disembark in Onelli bay to go on an atractive trekking y take pictures or capture on video fabulous landscape. Lunch time. (Lunch not included) You will go back to the hotel in the afternoon. Accommodation at your hotel.

Day 12: El Calafate - departure 
At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take yor flight back to Buenos Aires, then transfer (without guide) from local to international airport, to connect with your international flight.

(Included meals: Breakfast)

Price includes:
Transfers, tours, daily breakfast, ground transportation as indicated on itinerary, excursions with English speaking local guides. Other meals as specified each day. Entrance fees. Services in private basis unless it is indicated as shared (group or SIB).

Price does not include:
Airfares, airport departure taxes Hotel taxes, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, personal expenses (laundry, beverages, telephone, etc).

Local flights (not included):
Rio - Iguazu
Iguazu - Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires - El Calafate
El Calafate - Buenos Aires

Notes:
- Prices in USDollars, minimum 2 passenger/s.
- A supplement may apply for solo travellers.
- A supplement will apply from Oct 1 to Dec 20, 2012.
- Official English / Spanish speaking local guide on tours.
- Triple rooms normally with 2 beds only, hotels don´t guarantee 3 beds.
- Specific properties may be replaced for others of same quality.
- Check in at hotels is normally at 3pm. Check out at 12.00 (noon)
- The order of the itinerary may be altered according to flight schedules.
- All prices may vary on special holidays, Carnival, Easter week and/or long Weekends.
- Private services except: Full day Sugar and Corcovado (Rio) / Great Adventure boat tour (Iguazu) / Transfer out (Iguazu).
- The itineraries are planned with great care, although, for operational and/or weather reasons, it may be necessary to change the sequence of activities in the itinerary or the specified route and visits, and though such cases are exceptional, in general the itinerary should be treated only as a basic guideline.
- Category of hotels is based on standards of the country (only to be used as a guide). One star being the most limited of services and, five stars having superior amenities and closer to international standards.
- Domestic flights are not included in the package price because their prices vary unpredictably and can only be fixed at the time of reservation.
- Please note that availability for the suggested properties have been consulted; however, no holds have been placed, therefore this option is still subject to availability, which can change at any time and without notice.
- Upgrades are available such as superior room types (at some hotels), different hotels, additional activities during free time, transfers in SUV or 4x4 vehicles, charter flights, helicopter transfers and additional tours for a supplemental cost.
- Remember to contact  directly the embassy or nearest consulate to reconfirm this and if there is any other special requirement to enter the country (ies).
- We strongly recommend that prior to travel you purchase an appropriate travel insurance policy to cover delays, cancellation charges, cancellation of services, loss or theft of luggage or personal effects, medical expenses, accident and others. One option to try: http://www.columbusdirect.com/index.cfm?sourcecode=latdis
- Also please note: In some cities like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, São Paulo etc the hotels charge a Tourism City Tax (per room and per night), on behalf of the Conventions Bureau. Prices vary depending on hotel category, from USD$2 to $7). These taxes are not included on hotel rates and may change without previous notice. (Hotels charge this tax directly).