On this South America vacation, discover two of the great cities—Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires—at a more leisurely pace. On this tour, you’ll have plenty of free time in each city to explore and experience the varied restaurants, shops, and optional excursions. Dance the Tango in Buenos Aires; in Rio, sip caipirinhas, a popular Brazilian cocktail; listen to the sounds of Rio; and watch people play soccer and volleyball on famous Copacabana Beach. See the Cemetery of the Recoleta, where Eva Peron is buried. Did you know Eva Peron was the illegitimate daughter of a poor provincial family? She came to Buenos Aires at age 15 to try her luck as a radio actress, and by the time she died at age 33, she was declared the “Spiritual Leader of the Nation.” You’ll learn more about her life on your sightseeing tour in Buenos Aires.

A trip highlight is Iguassu Falls, one of the most spectacular sights on earth. Meaning “Big Water” in the local dialect, there are 275 falls that cover a distance of over a mile and a half. A photograph cannot accurately portray this breathtaking sight—you must experience it for yourself! Hear the deafening roar and admire the brilliant rainbows created by the clouds of spray.

From the vibrant cities to the scenic beauty, this vacation to Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, and Buenos Aires will leave you with vacation memories you’ll cherish for life.

Day 1 Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Welcome to South America’s largest and most populous country. This afternoon, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a drive along famous Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches to the base of 1,300-foot-high SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN. Ascend by cable car to its summit, where you can savor spectacular vistas of the city. Next, enjoy a special COCKTAIL PARTY on the beach, toasting the start of a memorable vacation with caipirinhas, a favorite Brazilian cocktail. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)

Day 2 Rio de Janeiro
The city’s landmark, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, crowns CORCOVADO MOUNTAIN, a rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay below. A scenic ride by cog railway leads to the top, where a breathtaking 360-degree panorama affords sweeping views. From here, proceed to bustling downtown Rio, where modern office towers stand next to relics of the Portuguese colonial past. View the Sambodromo and visit the CATHEDRAL. The afternoon and evening are at leisure for you to experience this vibrant city on your own. Tonight, you may opt to join in a fun outing to a churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style, followed by a Samba show, where the sheer vitality of this country explodes in a colorful extravaganza. (Breakfast)

Day 3 Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy a full day at leisure to fill as you wish. This morning, you may choose to join the optional Jeep tour to visit the Botanical Garden with its splendid orchid exhibit, and the dazzling green world of Tijuca National Park. This afternoon, sightseers might elect to discover historic Petropolis, a mountain resort and site of the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II. (Breakfast)

Day 4 Rio de Janeiro–Iguassu Falls
Fly to IGUASSU FALLS. The afternoon is dedicated to enjoying the magnificent panorama of waterfalls. The spectacle of this 2-mile-wide torrential downpour—with some cataracts as high as 250 feet—is nothing short of hypnotic. The clouds of spray, the incessant roar, and the surrounding luxuriant tropical growth make this an unforgettable natural wonder. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5 Iguassu Falls–Buenos Aires, Argentina
This morning, take the ECOLOGICAL JUNGLE TRAIN and tour the Argentine side of the FALLS before your flight to Buenos Aires, proud capital of the vast country that occupies most of the southern part of the continent. After arriving at your central hotel, an orientation walk acquaints you with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards and outdoor cafés. Enjoy an evening at leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 6 Buenos Aires
Your included sightseeing this morning starts in La Boca, a colorful district and site of the city’s first port. Take a short walking tour of this unique neighborhood at the mouth of the river and then on to San Telmo—famous for its late-colonial buildings and a popular gathering spot for artists. At the Plaza de Mayo, see La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House) and METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL, which houses San Martin’s Mausoleum. Drive past the ornate Colon Opera House before reaching the CEMETERY OF THE RECOLETA, burial site of Eva Peron. Spend the afternoon at leisure. This evening, savor the atmosphere of this cosmopolitan capital on your farewell evening excursion with dinner followed by a SHOW featuring flawless performances of Latin America’s most sensuous dance—the Tango! (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7 Buenos Aires
Today is at leisure, or consider an optional excursion to the Pampas. Experience the atmosphere of Argentine country life as you visit an estancia (ranch). Get acquainted with the lifestyle of the gauchos and enjoy a barbecue lunch and the warm hospitality of your hosts before returning to the city. (Breakfast)

Day 8 Buenos Aires–Homebound Flight
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

INCLUDED FEATURES

Rio de Janeiro
Welcome dinner; cocktail party on the beach; sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit Sugar Loaf and Corcovado Mountains and the cathedral

Iguassu Falls
Sightseeing with a Local Guide on both sides of the falls; Ecological Jungle Train

Buenos Aires
Walking tour; sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cemetery of the Recoleta; Tango show; farewell dinner

INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

MEALS
American breakfast daily and 3 three-course dinners including a welcome dinner in Rio and a special farewell dinner excursion in Buenos Aires

SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class
RIO DE JANEIRO Excelsior Copacabana (SF), IGUASSU FALLS Hotel Mabu Thermas (F), BUENOS AIRES Sheraton Libertador (SF)

Optional Excursions

Important Note: the following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation as they are the excursions that are being offered for this vacation in the current travel year. These optional excursions might or might not be offered next year, as well as new optional excursions might be offered. Information about what optional excursions will be offered for your vacation will be available later this year into next year. If no example excursions are listed, please check back later.

Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.

Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency.

CITY: Buenos Aires
Fiesta Gaucha
This full-day excursion is an ideal opportunity to absorb the atmosphere of rural life at a colorful feast in the heart of the Pampas. Lunch includes world-renowned Argentine beef and live entertainment by gauchos in their native costumes. You will also have the chance to take a horseback ride or carriage ride through the pampas!
Approximate value: USD $105 per person

CITY: Rio de Janeiro
Churascaria Dinner & Samba Show
Visit one of the city's finest churrascarias, where you are treated to a typical Brazilian dinner featuring an array of barbecued meats, salads, and sumptuous desserts. Then on to Rio's best samba show to experience the lights, colors, and music of Brazil.
Approximate value: USD $170 per person

Petropolis
A drive through the outskirts of Rio, up the Serra dos Orgaos on a winding, scenic road through the Atlantic Rain Forest will take you to the 'Imperial City of Petropolis', 810 m (2,660 ft) above sea level. We will visit the museum at the summer palace of former Emperor Pedro II of Brazil and the Cathedral with the tomb of the Emperor and his wife. You will see the highlights of this charming city, such as the 'Crystal Palace', mansions and buildings from imperial and modern times.
Approximate value: USD $64 per person

Jeep Tour And Botanical Gardens
Board your jeep for an exciting, guided ride to the Botanical Gardens, founded in 1808. Here you have time to walk around and take a look at this garden of more than 5,000 different varieties of tropical trees and plants. Finish the tour with unforgettable views of Rio.
Approximate value: USD $85 per person

Guanabara Bay Cruise
Guanabara Bay is the largest bay in the world based on volume of water, and has several islands such as the Governor's Island, Fundao and Snakes Island. While on this cruise, enjoy views of the beaches of Rio, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Fort of Santa Cruz. Light snacks included.
Approximate value: USD $70 per person

Rainforest Jeep Tour
Board your open jeep for an exciting, guided ride through Tijuca Rainforest, where it's possible to see the contrast between the "Stone jungle and a tropical forest in the middle of a big city." During your tour learn about the history of the reforestation process of the forest and the importance of the Atlantic Forrest. During this tour you will see different types of tropical fruits and trees as well as animals like monkeys, and various types of birds and butterflies.
Approximate value: USD $75 per person

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