Discover the amazing energy of Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Rio de Janeiro on a seven-day Premium adventure. Follow the footsteps of the Buenos Aires portenos during dinner at a local home and a lively tango dancing lesson, then weave through the city’s European -influenced streets and lesser-known neighbourhoods with the guidance of an experienced local leader. See the power of Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian and Brazilian sides, then get swept up in the magic of Rio de Janeiro, from the impressive Christ the Redeemer (one of the Seven Wonders of the World) to local cafes and art galleries. This snapshot of Argentina and Brazil’s highlights will be sure to have you planning your return.
- Day 1 - Buenos Aires
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Argentina. You’ll arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. If you arrive early, maybe head to a local rooftop bar and enjoy the views of Buenos Aires with a cocktail. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After, head to the home of a porteno (person from Buenos Aires) for a traditional asado (barbecue) feast. Chat with your friendly host about all things Argentina while tucking into a spread of meats, provoleta cheese and plenty of local wine. If you want to keep the evening going, you could go to a post-dinner tango show.
Special information: It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you’re going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
- Day 2 - Buenos Aires
Discover the history, cultural influences and architectural heritage of Buenos Aires on a city tour with a local guide. Visit La Boca (famous for its brightly painted houses) and the original town hall and presidential palace known as the Pink House at Plaza de Mayo. Walk through the historic Monserrat and San Telmo neighbourhoods and pass by the facade of the Recoleta cemetery. Head to a mate tasting next and learn about the cultural significance of this traditional, caffeine-rich herbal beverage, Argentina’s national drink – and try it for yourself. You’ll also explore the seven-story Teatro Colon – one of the world’s finest opera houses, with marble staircases, stained-glass windows and gold leaf–adorned balconies. After an afternoon of free time, regroup in the evening for the El Ajibe tango show in the heart of San Telmo. Watch the fun live performance while you tuck into a three-course a la carte meal with malbec and chardonnay wines – if you’re feeling inspired, maybe try out a few moves on the dance floor!
- Day 3 - Iguazu Falls - Brazilian side
This morning, transfer to the airport and board a flight to Puerto Iguazu in Argentina. You’ll spend the next two days exploring Iguazu Falls in depth, seeing them from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. Although you’re flying into Argentina, today will be spent exploring the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, which offers unforgettable panoramic views. At over 2 km (1.2 mi) in length, and made up of 275 waterfalls, Iguazu is taller than Niagara Falls and spans a wider area than Victoria Falls! For a bird’s-eye view, you can also opt to take an optional helicopter flight. Later, you’ll check into your Feature Stay – perfectly located near the entrance to Iguazu National Park and surrounded by native forest, this is your home for the next two nights. Enjoy some quiet downtime at the hotel’s pool and spa tonight or simply kick back with your camera roll.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
The flight from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu has a strict luggage allowance of 15 kg (33 lb) one piece for checked luggage.
Depending on the immigration queues at the border, there may not be enough time to do the optional activities listed.
- Day 4 - Iguazu Falls - Argentinian side
Rise and shine for an early departure to the Argentinian side of the falls, where you can get close to this incredible feat of nature. There’s a system of boardwalks on the Argentinian side of the falls that allow you to access some incredible viewing points, or you could take an optional Zodiac ride beneath the cascades. This afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a Guarani community – one of the few remaining original inhabitants of the region. Meet with a member of the community to learn about the native tools used for daily activities. Your host will show you around and provide insight on the Guarani way of life while explaining how they have preserved their traditions on the edge of one of the world’s most popular attractions. Return to your hotel for a leisurely evening.
- Day 5 - Rio de Janeiro
Today, take a flight from Foz do Iguacu to Rio de Janeiro. When you have settled into your hotel, join your leader on an orientation walk to get a feel for this lively city and learn a little about its layered history. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace. You might like to head down to the famous white sands of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches for a snapshot of local life. If you’d like to listen to some live music, head to Lapa and join the locals for some dancing.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours if a direct flight is available. Currently, there are fewer flight schedules operating, and you may need to fly via Sao Paulo, which takes approximately 4 hours.
- Day 6 - Rio de Janeiro
Today, you’ll get to know the sights and sounds of Rio during a full-day tour with your leader. Visit Corcovado Mountain for expansive views over the city from the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue – one of the Seven Wonders of the World! Next, head to the creative neighbourhood of Santa Teresa and continue to the famous Selaron Steps to see Chilean artist Jorge Selaron’s famous artwork. After a stop for lunch, visit the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain and enjoy the views. Its name comes from the mountain’s resemblance to a traditional sugarloaf – a tall cone of refined sugar that was popular in the Caribbean and Brazil until the late 19th century. After your tour, take the afternoon to relax, hit the beach or explore further. This evening, maybe go for a final dinner with your group and toast to a brilliant adventure.
- Day 7 - Rio de Janeiro
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay in Rio de Janeiro, please speak to your booking agent to arrange additional accommodation in advance.
0800 110 108
info@mondotravel.co.nz
