Travel Dates
Departing 4th Jul 2020
Tour Provider: Intrepid
Region:
Duration: 7 Days
Day 1 / Buenos Aires
Bienvenido! Welcome to Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is the ultimate cosmopolitan city, with Latin passion, European elegance and its own distinctive style. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6pm. Your leader will leave a note at the hotel reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. If you arrive early, why not visit San Telmo and its weekend antiques market and artists' displays – it's a great chance to acquaint yourself with some portenos (local residents). Alternatively, visit Recoleta (the grand cemetery) or perhaps Casa Rosada (the Pink House).
Day 2 / Buenos Aires
Today explore Buenos Aires on a full-day tour with a local guide. Starting in Plaza de Mayo, we will visit the Cabildo, the Colonial Ton Hall, The metropolitan cathederal and the Presidential Palace. Wander the cobbled streets of San Telmo, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires, then onto La Boca where we will visit the iconic Caminito Street, which gives the neighbourhood its distinctive spirit. We will then then continue on to the Barracas neighbourhood, which is a charming area off the well trodden tourist path. We will stop for lunch at a local NGO ( non Government Organisiation) that has a market selling produce grown less than 30 minutes away by small producers. You will have the opportunity to learn about the history of this project, and the purpose of this cooperative and enjoy a homemade lunch made with agroecological products here, whilst also being able to participate in the preparation of some food! Lunch consists in empanadas or pizzas + alfajores for desert + nonalcoholic drinks. You will also be invited to try the local mate tea! After our lunch, we will continue towards Retiro and Recoleta, where we will learn about the local wealthy families of Argentina, who sought to build a smallâ€scale Paris in the heart of Buenos Aires. Then we’ll visit the unique Recoleta Cemetery, a true labyrinth of ornate mausoleums. There, we’ll make a stop at the grave of Eva Peron, one of the country’s most recognizable icons. We will also see the Floralis Generica, a huge metal flower located in Palermo. We’ll see French palaces in Palermo Chico and beautiful parks designed by Carlos Thays. After your day of sightseeing, get ready to be captivated by Argentina’s most famous dance; the Tango. In a private space a professional Tango couple will explain the dance’s origin and history, as well as demonstrating the intimately fluid movements for you. You will then be invited to join an hour long beginner’s class to learn some of the basic techniques and understand the rhythm.
Day 3 / Iguazu Falls (Brazilian side)
Fly to Puerto Iguazu in the northeast corner of Argentina today. The mighty Iguazu Falls straddles the border of Argentina and Brazil, and the group will be visiting the falls from both sides. The falls are over 2 km in length and consist of 275 falls in total, some of which stretch up to 80 metres high. This makes them higher than Niagara Falls and wider than Victoria Falls. Head across to Brazil to admire panoramic views of the waterfalls. Take an optional helicopter flight over the top of the falls for a more panoramic view. Tonight, spend the night in a hotel in Foz do Iguazu (Brazil)
Day 4 / Iguazu Falls (Argentinean side)
A visit to the Argentinian side of Iguazu today allows you to get up close to the waterfalls via a series of boardwalks. According to Guarani legend, Iguazu Falls was created when the serpent god M’Boy, enraged by the betrayal of a chieftain’s daughter who was promised to him, split the river in half. For a more exhilarating experience, take an optional Zodiac boat ride to the base of the falls. Visit a Guarani community to meet some of the region’s few remaining indigenous people. Return to our hotel on the Brazilian side of the falls.
Day 5 / Rio de Janeiro
Take an early morning flight from Foz do Iguacu to Rio. The locals say that 'if God made the world in six days, he devoted the seventh to Rio'. The day is yours to do what you like. For relaxation and people watching, head to the beaches of Copacabana or Ipanema. If the time of year is right, check out a football game or a Carnival rehearsal. As evening approaches, perhaps take the cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain to watch the sunset before getting sweaty with the locals in the samba clubs of bohemian Lapa.
Day 6 / Rio de Janeiro
It's an early start this morning, as we embark on a full-day guided tour of Rio. Starting at Corcovado Mountain for sweeping views over Rio from the base of the Christ the Reedemer statue before the crowds arrive. Discover the eclectic architecture, restaurants and art galleries of the artistic neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. Then continue on to by the famous Selaron Steps to see artist Jorge Selaron’s gift to the Brazilian people. We finish the day with a a walking tour of the Port area. This area, a little more off the beaten track, has been recognized for its cultural and historical importance as it was a main Port for the slave trade in Brazil. We will be joined by a local guide from the Pretos Novos institute, which aims to preserve the cultural heritage found in the Port area. On the walk, learn about the story of how the African slaves arrived to Brazil, the horrific conditions they endured on the journey over, how they were sold and, eventually, how they resisted and became free. Their story is intrinsically connected with the history of samba and Brazilian culture.
Day 7 / Rio de Janeiro
Today your adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned for the final day so you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you wish to stay on in Rio please advise at the time of booking and we can arrange additional accommodation and Urban Adventure activities for you.
Travel from the bright lights of Buenos Aires to Rio
Get a taste of the rhythms of Argentina and Brazil on this southern adventure journeying from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro, taking in the spectacular Iguazu Falls along the way. From tango to samba, Spanish to Portuguese, and Malbec wine to caipirinhas, these two countries are sure to have you enthralled in their passionate zest for life.
Your Guided Holiday Includes:
Price based on 04 Jul 2020 departure. Alternate departures available from 28 Mar – 18 Dec 2021, call us for a price.
Trip Highlights:
Included Activities:
Conditions apply. Subject to availability and change without notice. Full supplier conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at the time of publication. Prices are per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated and displayed in AU$. Member savings are calculated using the original advertised price.