Brazil & Argentina Experience (Until Jan 2014)

From the bikini’s, beaches & babes of Brazil, to Tango, beef & red wine in Argentina, on this 10 day experience you’ll live it all like a local. Starting in Rio de Janeiro, home to Carnival, Christo Rentendor & Sugarloaf, you’ll see all it’s legendary highlights up close. Hit up the beaches & islands of Buzios, before flying to Iguassu to experience the unbelievable falls from both sides. We’ll finish up in Buenos Aires, where you'll feel the cosmopolitan vibes as you venture into the heart of the city to see what makes it tick!


Length: 10 days
Accommodations: Hotel
as per itinerary
Meals: Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast
as per itinerary
Sightseeing: Brazil & Argentina, including Rio de Janeiro, Buzios, Iguassu Falls & Buenos Aires
Transportation: Private, air-conditioned coach, mini-coach or van

Return to Tour

Itinerary

  1. Day Icon-day1 Rio de Janeiro to Buzios

    Welcome to Brazil! First up today we'll stop and visit the Christ the Redeemer statue located atop ‘Corcovado’ and recently designated as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Not only will you be amazed by the sheer size of the monument, but also by the incredible view of Rio in its entirety. Then say 'bom dia' to the beach as we head to beach Buzios for our first 2 days on tour. Located on a peninsula and surrounded by more than 20 different beaches from small coves with white sand, to endless stretches of gold this is the perfect place for a little bit of R&R. This afternoon we’ll take to the water on a local boat, to visit two remote beaches and 4 different islands. Our stops include Joao Fernandes, Tartaruga, Armacao and Orla Bardot, named after ‘60’s starlet Brigitte Bardot who helped to bring Buzios its current level of fame. As we cruise from port to port, savor Brazil’s national drink with your welcome caipirinha while basking in the sun, stopping for a swim and taking in the stunning coastline and awesome beaches. Once we’re back on land you can head out for a tasty local meal. Buzios is the perfect place to try some delicious seafood that is on offered all along Brazil’s coast. Don’t forget, it’s a place to dress to impress, so maybe glam up & get ready for a night on the town.

  2. Day Icon-day2 Buzios

    If you’re keen, you can rise early and catch a gorgeous sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. For those that prefer to sleep in, don’t worry, today’s another day to relax, chill and do what you want. Head down to the beach and try surfing, get a bit of a workout with an ocean swim or simply read a book while working on your tan with a cocktail in hand. For those looking to head back out to sea, Buzios’ crystalline water provides a great opportunity to scuba dive providing a glimpse at the underwater fauna. Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced diver, there’s something to suit all tastes. For those looking for a little adventure, Horseback riding and rafting are also some ways you could spend your day. Tonight, you could take a stroll through town and check out all of the shops, restaurants and bars here, before settling on one to spend your last night in town.

  3. Day Icon-day3 Buzios to Rio de Janeiro

    Today, we say goodbye to the beach and hello to Rio! Home to the world’s largest Carnival celebration, the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the Brazilian bikini and of course some of the world’s best football (soccer) players, Rio goes off! You could take a trip to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain - climb 1299ft (396m) in glass-paneled cable cars to the summit for more astounding views of the city and its beaches. The trip is broken in two and if you take a break after the first car on Morro de Acucar you might meet some of the mountain’s naughtier residents, tiny monkeys who will be more than happy to steal your food. From evening football games, to bars, clubs and Favela parties, Rio’s nightlife will not disappoint. Just ask your Tour Manager for some cool places to head.

  4. Day Icon-day4 Rio de Janeiro

    After breakfast, you have a free day to explore or experience some of our fantastic optionals You could take a trip to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain - climb 1299ft (396m) in glass-paneled cable cars to the summit for more astounding views of the city and its beaches. The trip is broken in two and if you take a break after the first car on Morro de Acucar you might meet some of the mountain’s naughtier residents, tiny monkeys who will be more than happy to steal your food. Or you can visit the markets and shops throughout the city or just relax on the beach and watch the Cariocas, (residents of Rio), do what they do best, play football and practice Capoeira a martial art mixed with dance from the northeast of the country. You could also learn some tricks yourself if you’re keen.

  5. Day Icon-day5 Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu Falls

    Today we depart Rio to stay on the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls. Iguassu Falls border Argentina and Brazil, with awesome views from both sides, and you’ll experience them both! You could get things started with a different perspective of the falls on an optional helicopter flight, providing you with awesome panoramic views and photo ops. Although the parks on both sides are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, there is often debate about who has the better side of the Falls. We’ll leave it up to you, but it’s widely believed that that the view from the Brazilian side is second to none. Take in all 275 individual waterfalls that make up the falls and get an up-close view of the Devil’s Throat (the largest of the 275 falls). Later, make an optional stop at a bird sanctuary on the way back to town, where you can get up close to some of the Amazon’s famous residents like the toucan, Hyacinth Macaw and other tropical species living in their natural habitat. This evening we’ll check into our hotel and enjoy the Brazillian national drink, a caipirinha. This is followed by a not to be missed experience if your up for it, a Latin Dance dinner and show!

  6. Day Icon-day6 Iguassu Falls

    Get ready for an awesome day at Iguassu. First up, we’ll cross into Argentina and visit their side of the Falls. You could feel the spray of the falls on a speed boat ride, or take a zodiac boat ride across to San Martin Island for a swim just down from the falls or a walk along the system or trails and catwalks that bring you up-close with some of the smaller waterfalls. If you feel like a wander, there’s a short hike to the edge of the Devil’s Throat. We have all day, so you can do it all if you want to. Later, we’ll say farewell Argentina and it’s back to Brazil for another night of wining, dining and dancing. For the carnivores amongst the group, Brazilian churrasquerias (steak restaurants) will make sure that you are not lacking for good beef on this side of the border.

  7. Day Icon-day7 Iguassu Falls to Buenos Aires

    Jump on a flight from Puerto Iguazu and say 'hola' to Argentina and Buenos Aires! Argentina is known as the Country of Seven Continents, the diversity of landscapes here is super cool. You’ll find rainforest, plains and deltas, red sand desert, the southern Lakes District of Patagonia including Ushuaia the world’s most southern city. You’ll also find the Andes and Aconcagua (the western hemisphere’s highest peak), and let’s not forget Iguassu Falls. We’ll arrive in the capital city, Buenos Aires, known as South America’s most cosmopolitan city and paradise for the urbanite. As a refuge for many Europeans after the Second World War, its diversity is reflected in its people, an awesome melting pot of Spanish, Italian, German, Slavic and Syrian descent. Buenos Aires is perfect for unleashing the culture vulture within! It is the birthplace of Tango and there is a love of music, art, dance and of course football! The Argentines also love to dine and no visit to the capital would be complete without trying their world-renowned beef and of course, their delicious red wine.

  8. Day Icon-day8 Icon-day9 Buenos Aires

    You have 2 full days to explore this amazing city. Your second day in BA is a day to enjoy the city your way. We’ll give you some ideas of how to spend it, doing stuff like visiting Colonia, Uruguay, going horseback riding with a gaucho at an Estancia (Ranch), or kayaking to the River Delta area of Tigre. If hanging in town is what you’re after, there are loads of options. Check with your Tour Manager what is going on in town, there might be a football (soccer) game on, maybe rub elbows with the city’s elite while drinking champagne at a polo match or try your luck at the racetrack. For those interested in hitting the shops there is fantastic shopping in the boutiques and galleries that line La Florida, one of two pedestrian streets in the city centre. You could also visit the historic Gran Café Tortoni where you can ask for a ‘café con leche’ (Spanish for coffee with milk.) Tonight, head out and find a local night spot to get a taste of Argentina’s famous beef, or try some of the homemade pizza and pasta that is the pride of the Italian population found in BA (Buenos Aires). On your third day we explore another side of the city with an included half-day city bike tour. We’ll visit the Historic Centre, San Telmo, the renowned neighborhoods like the colourful La Boca, including Maradona’s Statue at Boca Juniors stadium, Caminito and other neighborhoods and areas such as Puerto Madero with its trendy shops and cafes. To bring all of the best of the Portenos (people of Buenos Aires) together any visit to Buenos Aires wouldn’t be complete without a night of Tango, on us! We’ll take you to a Tango show and dinner where you’ll be able to get down and learn this intense dance for yourself. At dinner you’ll have the chance to taste some Argentine wine, food and of course experience an authentic tango show that originated in Buenos Aires. After the show, your Tour Manager can recommend one of the many bars, lounges or clubs for those looking to experience Buenos Aires’ pumping nightlife. Whatever you choose remember to save a little bit of energy for your final night together out on the town!

  9. Day Icon-day10 Depart Buenos Aires

    Don’t forget to swap addresses with your mates and Tour Manager, as our South American adventure ends this morning after breakfast.

Tour Map

Tour Map

Highlights

All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!

Included
  • Buzios: Schooner sailing cruise to beaches & islands
  • Iguassu Falls: Visit Iguassu National Park (Parque Nacional do Iguaçu - Brazilian side)
  • Iguassu Falls: Visit Iguassu National Park (Parque Nacional Iguazú - Argentinian side)
  • Buenos Aires: Visit the neighbourhoods of Recoleta, Palermo Chico & Palermo Lagos y Bosques
  • Buenos Aires: City cycling tour
Accomodations
  • 9 nights twin-share hotel accommodation
  • 12 meals: 9 breakfasts & 3 dinners
  • An experienced & professional Tour Manager
  • English speaking local guides
  • 2 flights & transfers
  • Transport in a private air-conditioned coach, mini-coach or van
  • Sightseeing tours of all major areas
  • Local taxes & service charges
Contiki Difference

Optional Excursions

Buzios: Learn to surf lesson ($145 BRL)
Learn to surf lesson
Rio de Janeiro: Cable Car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain (Estimated $100 BRL)
Cable Car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain
Rio de Janeiro: Hang gliding (Approx. cost from: 315 BRL)
Hang gliding
Iguassu Falls: Helicopter flight over the falls (Approx. cost: 230 BRL)
Helicopter flight over the falls
Iguassu Falls: Speed boat ride to the falls ($350 BRL)
Speed boat ride to the falls
Buenos Aires: Argentine Experience ($459 ARS)
Argentine Experience
Buenos Aires: Day trip to Colonia, Uruguay (Approx. cost: 1,000 ARS)
Day trip to Colonia, Uruguay