Argentina & Brazil Perfect Combination: City, Iguazu Falls and Beaches

Sightseeing tour of this cosmopolitan city with a such rich heritage and influence of diverse immigrants who shaped Argentina’s capital. Visits include the historic Plaza de Mayo square, a place of many influential political manifestations through Argentine history, and flanked by Casa Rosada (“Pink House” – the Government House), the Cabildo (the old City Hall), and the Cathedral. San Telmo neighborhood, one of Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhoods, has preserved most of its architectonic heritage and boasts lovely cobblestone streets lined with colonial houses. Puerto Madero, a modern, well-heeled district, known for its nightlife. Palermo neighborhood with its elegant residences set among large green spaces. Also, discover exciting visual creations of street graffiti artists that have recently captured the attention of top fashion designers worldwide for collaborating work. This is a unique tour intended to show a less-known side of this vibrant city to admire a growing movement of street graffiti art, and big murals in Buenos Aires, and hear fascinating stories from their artists. Return to hotel.

Enjoy a private original experience in the Pampas region outside of Buenos Aires. San Antonio de Areco still maintains an atmosphere of a 19th century town with its narrow colonial streets, churches, bars and museums, making it an ideal place to breathe in the gaucho spirit and its traditions. The day starts with morning tour of the town to discover the Argentine traditions. Enjoy an “asado” (a typical Argentine barbeque) at the Estancia, prepared and charmed by the gaucho´s hospitality. Vegetarian, pescetarian and celiac options are available on request.

La Bamba is one of the oldest colonial style estancias in Argentina, less than 2 hours outside of Buenos Aires. Its origins date back to 1830 when it served as one of the post houses on the “Camino Real” (Royal Road) that linked Buenos Aires to the north of the country. The former stables, “La Pulperia” is the oldest building on the property, dating back to the 19th century when they gave shelter to the gauchos and their horses.

At the beginning of the 20th century the property was converted into a luxurious and comfortable ranch. In 2009, the estancia was completely renovated while preserving its colonial features.  La Bamba offers many activities, including excursions on horseback, by carriage, or mountain bike. There is also an Argentine bowling lawn. Relax with a hot stone massage or take a dip in the large swimming pool. La Bamba de Areco also serves as the base for the international La Bamba de Areco Polo team. The property includes two polo fields; during polo season, watch a game or even join a training session! Return to the hotel. 

Visit the Argentine side of the falls, inside Iguazu National Park, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Board an open train from the visitor center station to the Cataratas Station (a 15-minute ride). Here, follow a pleasant easy walking path along the upper and lower trail and through the forest with numerous lookout points close to many of the 275 waterfalls, some 70 m/200 ft high. Lush rainforest, packed with varieties of ferns, orchids, begonias, birds and butterflies. Board the train once more to Garganta Station, following a 1200 m/4000 ft walkway to the Devil’s Throat lookout. Be prepared to get wet and witness the impressive thunderous churning water below. Return by train to the Visitor’s Center.

Entrance fee to National Park included. Lunch not included.

This circuit offers an exciting adventure inside the Argentine National Park, near the Iguazu Falls area. Travel in specially conditioned 4WD vehicles guided by expert bilingual local guides, exploring the exuberant and well-preserved ecosystem of the region. A short walk through the forest leads to the Iguazú River to board a zodiac boat for a 30-minute thrilling boat ride with a close-up look below San Martín and Bozzetti Falls. Tour time: 2hrs. Return to hotel.

Difficulty: A 150-meter staircase and 2km of white waters. Trip restricted to children under 12 years old; pregnant women; people with osteoporosis, neck, or back conditions or surgery; people with heart conditions or surgery; people with COPD or neurological condition or surgery; and any person with any physical, cognitive, and/or sensorial disability unable to react in a nautical emergency in rapids of the lower Iguazú River.

Note: We recommend wearing a good pair of trainers or walking shoes. Getting wet at some point is certain so make sure to have the necessary protection for cameras or other equipment (plastic bags, rain covers for your backpack, bathing suit, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat are highly recommended).

Cross the Brazilian Border and start the tour in Foz de Iguazú National Park, one of the largest nature reserves in Brazil. Take a leisurely stroll along the path on the Brazilian side of the falls for panoramic frontal views of San Martin Island and the imposing Bozzeti, Two Sisters, San Martin and the Three Musketeers waterfalls, located on the other side of the border. The path leads to the viewing platform with an astonishing view of Devil’s Throat, the most impressive fall. Permanent rainbows above the falls add an aura of magic and beauty to this wonderful landscape.

Entrance fee to National Park included. Lunch not included. Return to hotel.

Parque das Aves comprises 16.5 hectares of lush Atlantic Rainforest, home to thousands of birds from hundreds of species from all four corners of Brazil and other parts of the world, many of them endangered. Immerse into aviaries to feel the beat of wings from vibrant macaws or look up-close into the eyes of a toucan. There is plenty to feel and enjoy from the work of this institution to preserve the region’s fauna and flora, caring for birds no longer in condition to live in their natural habitat, and providing an environment where they can survive.

Visit Rio’s trendy downtown neighborhood of Lapa and spend the evening listening to samba music at Rio Scenarium, a popular nightlife destination of Rio. An eclectic venue, a mixture of antique shops and live music housed in a beautifully restored historical building packed with whimsical furniture and antiques. Private transfers are included.

Rio de Janeiro is a city blessed with beautiful views, impressive mountains, and lush Atlantic rainforest. The highlight of this tour is a visit to Rio de Janeiro’s iconic monument, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, on top of Corcovado Mountain (2,300 feet above sea level). Drive through the residential neighborhood of Laranjeiras and quaint Cosme Velho, lined with lovely 19th-century mansions, to the Corcovado train station. Board a cogwheel train for a 15-minute ride through the Tijuca Forest National Park, the largest urban forest in the world with more than 8,000 acres of Atlantic rainforest in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. At the hilltop enjoy 360º views of the city of Rio de Janeiro. The return itinerary leads through the Rebouças Tunnel and along the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, a heart-shaped body of water lined with luxury apartment buildings and gracious mansions, set against the backdrop of the Tijuca Forest. Return to the hotel.

Lunch is not included.

Tour duration: 4 hours.

A walk around downtown Rio offers a great opportunity to get a taste of Brazil’s history, culture and traditions. The oldest part of Rio de Janeiro boasts many beautiful buildings from Brazil’s colonial and gold rush era, including the São Bento Monastery and the Imperial Palace. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Viennese-style 19th century Café Colombo. After lunch explore the charming hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. Once home to upper-class residents, Santa Teresa is now an artistic hotspot. Admire the beautiful architecture and take in the fabulous views of the city and bay below. Also visit the Carmelite convent and the famous Selarón Staircase, a colorful tile mosaic created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón.

Lunch included without beverages.