Highlights of South America Tour

Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Tour Begins

Welcome to Buenos Aires. Stretching along the banks of the Rio de la Plata, the “Paris of South America” is a mosaic of European-styled architecture and South American spirit. Meet your fellow travellers and enjoy a cocktail reception at your beautiful hotel located in the heart of the chic Recoleta neighbourhood. Tonight, head to La Ventana Tango House, located in the San Telmo neighbourhood in a beautifully restored building, and savour Argentine cuisine and wine before witnessing a stunning tango performance. Today dinner will be included.

Day 2: Buenos Aires

Start your day with a panoramic tour of lively Buenos Aires. Visit the Palermo district and Recoleta Cemetery, where Evita Peron rests. Drive along the famous Avenida 9 de Julio; view the Teatro Colon opera house; the Metropolitan Cathedral, the former church of Pope Francis I; and the Presidential Palace - “La Casa Rosada” - at Plaza de Mayo. Explore San Telmo, the oldest neighbourhood of the city and the birthplace of tango. Then, continue to the La Boca and the Puerto Madero neighbourhoods. The remainder of the day is yours to create your own adventure. Maybe you’ll stroll through San Martin Park or Calle de Florida, a shopper’s paradise; or take the optional Tigre Delta trip where you’ll pass by an array of historic mansions before boarding a cruise through the canals. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 3: Buenos Aires - San Antonio de Areco - Buenos Aires

This morning we cross the Argentine Pampas, the nation’s version of the “wild west.” Embark on a guided tour of the charming country village of San Antonio de Areco, the birthplace of gaucho traditions. Visit with some of the local artisans and silversmiths before heading to a typical estancia where you’ll dine on a hearty asado lunch – a traditional Argentine barbecue. Whilst on the ranch, it’s your choice! Go horseback riding through the countryside or take a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride. Meet authentic gauchos who will share stories about what life is like in the countryside. You’ll get the chance to relax on the estancia grounds before heading back to Buenos Aires for a free evening. Tonight you may choose an optional home-hosted wine pairing dinner at a local chef’s home. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

Day 4: Buenos Aires - Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Fly to Iguazu Falls – located at the crossroads of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay – hailed as the most beautiful waterfalls in the world and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Board the Rainforest Ecological Train inside the national park on the Argentine side and walk to the platform overlooking powerful Devil’s Throat. Discover unparalleled views of five waterfalls as they plummet into the Iguazu River. Cross to the Brazilian side and check into your resort. Cap off your day with a relaxing dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Iguazu Falls

Soak up the breathtaking views of the waterfalls from the Brazilian side. Join your local guide as you discover how Brazil and Argentina have both fought to protect the beauty and raw power of the falls by making each side a national park. You will see first-hand why Eleanor Roosevelt, upon seeing Iguazu Falls, exclaimed “Poor Niagara.” The afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the many amenities at your resort or you may choose an optional jungle boat ride at the base of the falls. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 6: Iguazu Falls - Rio de Janeiro

Fly to Rio de Janeiro. Magnificent views, beautiful beaches, flamboyant Carnival costumes, great cuisine and friendly people make Rio the cultural capital of Brazil. Venture to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking views. Check into your beachfront hotel in the exclusive Leblon neighbourhood. Learn how to craft caipirinhas – Brazil’s famous cocktail made with sugar cane liquor and lime.* Then, cap the night off at Rio Scenarium, a lavishly decorated restaurant and music venue in the historic Lapa district. Meet local Cariocas (the name for people from Rio de Janeiro) for a night of dinner, music and dancing. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 7: Rio de Janeiro

Journey to Corcovado by train to see Christ the Redeemer, one of the largest Art Deco statues in the world. Take in the panoramic vistas from Tijuca Forest National Park and 360-degree views around the city. Then spend time with locals at one of the city’s open-air markets. Break into small groups with market guides as you discover and taste over a dozen different types of exotic fruits from Brazil. Your afternoon is at leisure. Relax by the beach at your resort or take a shuttle to Copacabana. Or, perhaps take an optional jeep ride through the Tijuca forest followed by a visit to historic Santa Teresa. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 8: Rio de Janeiro

This morning, step behind-the-scenes at Carnival and meet the artists who are designing the floats, costumes and dances year-round in preparation for Rio’s biggest event. This evening gather to enjoy a panoramic city tour that includes a visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral with architecture that was inspired by a Mayan pyramid. Stop by the Maracanã football stadium, which hosted the 2014 World Cup finals, before continuing on to the Carnival parade route, the Sambadrome. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a farewell feast in a typical Brazilian churrascaria. Indulge in wine and meats slow-roasted to perfection. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 9: Rio de Janeiro - Tour Ends

Your tour ends this morning. For guests with evening flights, you may choose an optional visit to the famous Botanical Gardens along with a cruise of Guanabara Bay, or perhaps a historic walking tour of the waterfront district which underwent a fantastic transformation for the 2016 Olympics. Today breakfast will be included.

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• Days 1 – 3: Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta, Buenos Aires
• Days 4, 5: Mabu Thermas Grand Resort, Foz do Iguazu
• Days 6 – 8: Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort, Rio de Janeiro