One Week in Argentina and Brazil

Bienvenidos. Welcome to Argentina. Your adventure begins with an orientation walk around Buenos Aires’ Microcentrodistrict at 1 pm. Your leader will be waiting in the lobby of your joining point hotel. Get your bearings around your accommodation and see a couple of sights along the way, like the historic buildings along the Avenida de Mayo, the Casa Rosada (Argentina's government house) and the famed Obelisk. In the evening, attend a group welcome meeting at 6 pm. Head out tonight and be swept away by the dance of love at an optional tango show.

Today is a free day in Buenos Aires. You can spend the day how you like and tick off all the best photo ops or talk to your leader for some fun ideas. If you’re a culture and history buff, you’ll want to walk among the mausoleums at the La Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of Eva Peron. There are also some great museums to check out in the Recoleta district. If you love art, hang out in the neighbourhood of La Boca, home to the colourful Caminito artists’ street. Maybe you’re a bit of a foodie, in which case you’ll want to kick back and take the time to sip a nice Malbec while enjoying a "Bife de Chorizo" in the Palermo neighbourhood. If in doubt, settle down at one of the many street side cafes and watch the world go by with the locals. In the evening you'll be taking an overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu (the Argentinian side of the falls).

As soon as you arrive at Puerto Iguazu bus station this morning, take a minivan across the border into Brazil and continue to your hotel in Foz do Iguacu. Depending on traffic, this should take about an hour. Close to the borders with Argentina and Paraguay, Foz do Iguacu is Brazil's gateway to the famous Iguazu Falls. If hotel rooms are ready when you arrive, you’ll be able to check in before heading out to explore the Brazilian side of the falls. From here, you’ll have panoramic views and the chance at a great Insta pic. Take an optional helicopter flight over the falls (at your own expense) for an unforgettable bird’s eye view. Depending on time, you can also visit the local bird park while you’re here.

Travel back to Argentina today to visit the falls from the other side. Following a series of boardwalks, it’s possible to get close enough to the thundering waters that you can almost touch them. At over 2 kilometres long, Iguazu Falls are actually a series of cataracts (not the kind your grandpa has). There are over 270 falls in total, with some reaching up to 80 metres in height. For a more exhilarating experience, take an optional Zodiac boat ride to the base of the falls and feel the water on your skin! In the afternoon return to Foz do Iguacu, where you’ll spend a second night.

Today you'll take an included flight to Rio de Janeiro. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get acquainted with this vibrant city. Home to one of the seven wonders, Rio has lots of day trip opportunities if you have the time. Depending on your flight time, you can explore Tijuca National Park and its lush rainforest, visit the botanical gardens for a relaxing walk, tour Guanabara Bay in a yacht or get the perfect pic at the Selaron Steps.

Today is a free day in Rio. People-watch on Copacabana or Ipanema beach, take a tour of the city, or if the time of year is right, check out a soccer game at the famous Maracana Stadium. Maybe take the tramcar up to the hillside neighbourhood of Santa Teresa or head up Corcovado Mountain, where you’ll find sweeping views over Rio from the foot of the Christ the Redeemer statue. As evening approaches, you can take the cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain to watch the sunset before partying in the samba clubs of Lapa. There is even an optional activity to visit the island of Ilha Grande, a paradise just a short boat ride away from Rio’s centre.

Today your South American adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time following check-out.