South America Discovery
Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil
From thundering Iguassu Falls, to the vibrant lure of Copacabana beach and the natural wonders of Tijuca National Forest, South America has it all. Indulge on an authentic Asado Porteno in Buenos Aires with a local chef, and the regional flavours of Mendoza, Argentina’s revered wine region. Along the way, your backdrop will be made up of the snow-topped Andes, white-sand beaches, lush land and diverse architecture, all served with a sprinkling of Latin flare.
Pricing
Classic group tour starting at $8,441* CAD per person, based on double occupancy
11 Days – Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro
Activity level: Balanced
Unique Insight experience
RIO DE JANEIRO: Enjoy a guided visit to Rio’s Botanical Garden, a preservation site for a rare collection of bromeliads and orchids, as well as old trees and exotic plants.
Top rated highlights
BUENOS AIRES: Later, visit the historic Mercado San Telmo. Built in 1897, this indoor market is situated in the tango district, in the heart of the San Telmo neighbourhood. You’ll find everything from fresh fruit and spices, to vintage clothing, antiques and crafts here.
COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO: Visit the city of Colonia del Sacramento, with its cobbled streets and historic buildings. Now a UNESCO World heritage site, this colourful destination was originally founded by the Portuguese in the 1600s.
MENDOZA: A day made for budding wine connoisseurs, enjoy an informative winery tour with Malbec tastings.
IGUAZU FALLS: Take in breathtaking views of the jungle and falls, before heading out with a Local Expert to explore the Argentinian side of the park.
IGUAZU FALLS: Today you’ll take a guided visit to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. The walk is shorter but no less impressive, allowing you to see all the cascades at once.
RIO DE JANEIRO: In the morning, take a tour of Tijuca Forest National Park, where you’ll find Mount Corcovado, home to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.
RIO DE JANEIRO: Conclude your day with a cable car ride up to Sugarloaf Mountain.
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Buenos Aires
Meals
Dinner with Wine
Description
Welcome to Buenos Aires. Nicknamed the “Paris of South America”, this glamorous destination really does live up to its European counterpart. Neoclassical, art nouveau and art deco buildings line its streets, attracting equally as sophisticated travelers. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your luxury hotel, the Alvear Icon. Located on the banks of the Río de la Plata in Puerto Madero, it’s a modern venue that offers panoramic views of the city. Relax and unwind before meeting your Travel Director and fellow guests for a private Welcome Reception with drinks. You’ll have the opportunity to mingle before sitting down to a Welcome Dinner with wine.
Accommodation: Alvear Icon, Buenos Aires (or similar, 3 nights)
Day 2
Buenos Aires
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Start your first full day in Buenos Aires with a city tour. Key sights to take in include the Metropolitan Cathedral, Casa Rosada and Plaza de Mayo. Witness a private demonstration and performance by professional tango dancers and musicians at an authentic “conventillo” in La Boca, where you will be introduced to this passionate dance and music. Later, visit the historic Mercado San Telmo. Built in 1897, this indoor market is situated in the tango district, in the heart of the San Telmo neighbourhood. You’ll find everything from fresh fruit and spices, to vintage clothing, antiques and crafts here. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Asado Porteno (Argentinian barbecue) with local chef, Luis.
Day 3
Buenos Aires – Colonia del Sacramento – Buenos Aires
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Today you’ll travel across the Rio de la Plata, otherwise known as the River Plate, by ferry. Visit the city of Colonia del Sacramento, with its cobbled streets and historic buildings. Now a UNESCO World heritage site, this colourful destination was originally founded by the Portuguese in the 1600s. Enjoy lunch with wine at a local olive oil farm. In the afternoon, take a guided walking tour of the protected old city and its 16th century buildings. It’s your third and final night in Bueno Aires, why not head out into the city to watch a tango performance or ask your Travel Director where it’s best to head for dinner?
Day 4
Buenos Aires – Mendoza
Breakfast
It’s time to head to the wine country of Argentina, the city of Mendoza. Board your flight to this bustling location. From the Art Deco buildings that line its streets, to its quaint coffee shops and esteemed wineries, you’ll be taken to the heart of Argentinian culture.
Day 5
Mendoza
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
A day made for budding wine connoisseurs, enjoy an informative winery tour with Malbec tastings. Take in the area’s spectacular scenery, with the Andes as your backdrop, while you indulge on the rich, dark, fruity flavours of the region’s most famous beverage. End your experience in a fitting manner, with a Highlight Lunch and wine at the vineyard. Later, indulge in a delicious dinner with wine at Abrasado, an Argentinian barbecue and steakhouse. Situated in Downtown Mendoza, you’ll be close to some of the city’s best wine bars, stores and restaurants. Why not end the evening with a nightcap?
Day 6
Mendoza – Iguazu Falls
Breakfast
With over 270 waterfalls, rare flora and fauna, and lush rainforest, your destination really is as impressive as the photos suggest. Its name means “big water” in Guaraní language, with the falls landing in both Argentina and Brazil. Stay on the Argentinian side of the National Park for two nights, at the luxurious Gran Melia hotel. With two outdoor pools, a modern spa and a stylish interior, you’ll be able to rejuvenate in a fitting manner. Have a night at leisure and take in your beautiful surroundings.
Day 7
Iguazu Falls (Argentinian side)
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Take in breathtaking views of the jungle and falls, before heading out with a Local Expert to explore the Argentinian side of the park. Take an optional Gran Aventura boat ride to Devil’s Throat, the largest and perhaps the most famous cascade in the park. This u-shaped waterfall contains 14 falls in total and is more than 262 feet high. Your Highlight Dinner will be served at The Argentine Experience. The restaurant serves traditional Argentinian cuisine and your meal will come with unlimited wine.
Day 8
Iguazu Falls (Brazilian side) – Rio de Janeiro
Breakfast
Wake up inside the National Park and enjoy breakfast with a tropical view at your hotel. Today you’ll take a guided visit to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. The walk around the Brazilian side is shorter but no less impressive. The falls are further away but this allows you to see all the falls at once. Your Local Expert will show you panoramic views of San Martin Island, before you head to the airport for your flight to Rio. Move on to the capital of samba and the home of iconic Copacabana Beach, famous for its stretch of golden sand. Your luxury hotel is situated on the beach itself. The rest of the evening will be at leisure. Either relax at your hotel or head out and explore the area’s local nightlife.
Day 9
Rio de Janeiro
Breakfast, Lunch
With spectacular seaview rooms, you’ll start the day at your idyllic Fairmont hotel. Join a local botanist for an exclusive guided visit to Rio’s Botanical Garden, a preservation site for a rare collection of bromeliads and orchids, as well as old trees and exotic plants. Made up of museums, research and cultural centres, the park showcases over 6500 different species of plants, both local and foreign. Enjoy a Highlight Lunch with a caipirinha at Casa Camolese, a contemporary restaurant situated next to the garden. Conclude your day with a cable car ride up to Sugarloaf Mountain.
Day 10
Rio de Janeiro
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
In the morning, take a tour of Tijuca Forest National Park, where you’ll find Mount Corcovado, home to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Why not soak up the sun on Copacabana Beach or ask your Travel Director where is best to grab a coffee? In the evening, commemorate your holiday as you join your new friends for a memorable Celebration Dinner at a traditional Brazilian churrascaria.
Day 11
Rio de Janeiro
Breakfast
It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your trip comes to an end. Take our organised transfer to Rio de Janeiro-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport.
*Hotel rooms are subject to availability and are confirmed by the supplier at time of booking; they may be replaced by other hotel rooms of similar category at the sole discretion of the supplier.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “South America Discovery” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
An adventure designed specifically for you
Let us work with you to tailor a journey based on your travel style and interests. We can use the existing itinerary above as a foundation, or build one from scratch to create your ideal vacation. Connect with us to start the conversation.
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.