Machu Picchu - Buenos Aires - Iguassu Falls - Rio de Janeiro - Salvador - Amazon Rainforest
Experience this deluxe tour to see the most famous sights of South America! First explore Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas" in Peru (Pre-extension!). Then get a taste of Argentina: Enjoy sights, sounds & shopping in Buenos Aires, the "Paris of the Americas" before we show you both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the majestic Iguassu Falls.
Take an unforgettable railway journey over the jutting Atlantic Rainforest Mountains, and view a mix of landscapes! The contrasts of Brazil become evident as you travel from natural wonders through high-tech farmlands to the industrial megalopolis of Sao Paulo.
Before you travel to Salvador - the capital of Bahia - get some unforgettable impressions of the marvelous city Rio de Janeiro. Sugar loaf and Corcovado Mountain are just a must! And last but not least take your adventure trip to the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest (Post-extension!).
Your Itinerary
Day 1, Saturday: Depart from home on your South American adventure!
Day 2, Sunday: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Begin your tour in the European-style capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, known as "the Paris of the Southern Hemisphere". Arrive in time to opt for a visit to San Telmo Antique market! Check in to your hotel Pestana Buenos Aires****. Tonight enjoy the included steak dinner and Tango Show!
Day 3, Monday: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Explore this elegant city! Half-day sightseeing includes the Casa Rosada, the well-known stage for Evita Perun's plea, "Don't cry for me Argentina", as well as the history-laden Plaza de Mayo. The newly-rebuilt port area Puerto Madera with its restaurants and bars is a nice place to have lunch. The afternoon is free for exploring the on your own.
Day 4, Tuesday: Iguassu, Brazil
Depart today for Iguassu. Upon your approach to the Airport, your pilot might tip his wings to give you your first view of the magnificent Iguassu Falls and the surrounding natural park of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Transfer to the fabulous Hotel Internacional Foz***** and check in to your Deluxe Room. Feast on a included Brazilian dinner tonight after a relaxing swim in the pool.
Day 5, Wednesday: Iguassu, Argentina & Brazil
Today's full day excursion shows you the Falls from both sides. First, cross into Argentina for a walk above the falls, wider and more powerful than Niagara. A boat guides you to an island to get a close-up view of the Falls from below. The mist of the Falls engulfs you on the Brazilian side, as you walk out onto a platform and into the garganta do diabo, the 'devil's throat'. Opt for the Macuco Safari - a boat ride under the Falls on the Brazilian side.
Day 6, Thursday: Curitiba, Brazil
The rolling landscape on today's journey is interrupted only by mountain chains, rich farmland and patches of original subtropical forest, with the unique Araucria trees. Arrive in Curitiba, named best-organized city in South America, now a model for many Western industrialized nations! The city has grown 10-fold in the past 20 years, using innovative ideas to manage its substantial growth.
The capital of the state of Paran• is a melting pot of such diverse cultures as Dutch, Polish, Arabian, German, Ukrainian, Italian and Japanese cultures, amongst many others! Check in to your hotel Pestana Curitiba****. Tonight's included dinner will give you a taste of the region's mix of cultures.
Day 7, Friday: Railway journey to Antonina, Brazil
Morning sightseeing gives you a view of Curitiba, including the glass Opera House, before heading down to the coast for a stroll along the historic promenade of the Port of Antonina. After lunch, board the scenic historic railway as it winds its way from sea level up 1200m (3/4 of a mile high!) over the Serra do Mar mountain chain back to Curitiba.
Day 8, Saturday: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Head for Sao Paulo, the world's second largest city & South America's industrial powerhouse south of the Rio Grande! 4000 deadly poisonous snakes welcome you on our sightseeing including the Butant Institute, the world-famous research lab specializing in anti-venom research.
Continue downtown to see the "Paulistas" as they work and live in this surprisingly well-organized metropolis. Sightseeing includes the Contemporary Art Museum, Basilica and the Teatro Municipal. The hotel Pestana São Paulo**** is your stay for tonight. Relax and enjoy the included dinner after check-in!
Day 9, Sunday: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Welcoming you to the 'marvelous city' Rio de Janeiro is your bilingual Tour Director who will escort you to your hotel on the Copacabana, the Pestana Rio Atlantica*****. The afternoon is free for a stroll, some shopping or relaxing on the beach or at your rooftop pool! Meet your fellow travelers for a complementary caipirinha before attending a Rodizio, an All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Barbecue (included).
Day 10, Monday: Rio de Janeiro - Sugar Loaf
The panoramic view from the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain is the highlight of today's sightseeing tour. Board a funicular to reach the summit with its 360 spectrum of golden beaches, green forests and a thriving metropolis that has earned Rio de Janeiro the title of the world's most beautiful city.
Sightseeing continues with a tour of Rio's historical past. Learn how Portugal's prince scandalously broke all family ties and declared himself Emperor of Brazil. In the afternoon heat, everything slows down, and the Cariocas (as the people of Rio call themselves) head for the beach!
Day 11, Tuesday: Rio de Janeiro – Corcovado
Christ the Redeemer keeps an eye on Rio from an elevation of 710m (2340ft). Board the "tremzinho" (cogwheel railway) up to the top of Corcovado Mountain for a bird's eye view from the center of the city!
Day 12, Wednesday: Salvador da Bahia, Brazil
Depart for your flight to Salvador. Nowhere is the diverse face of Brazil more prevalent than in the first capital of the country. Salvador, the present capital of the state Bahia, is a mix of rich colonial houses, churches and a mix of African and Indio rhythms.
At the airport, your Tour Director is waiting beyond customs to transfer you to your hotel Pestana Bahia***** overlooking the bay. The afternoon is free for exploring the city on your own or relaxing at the beach.
Day 13, Thursday: Salvador da Bahia, Brazil
After a hearty Brazilian breakfast, depart for your lively tour of Salvador. Visit Pelourinho, the restored historical, which the UNESCO declared a World Heritage Cultural Site. This evening opt for a Bahia by night excursion including dinner and Candomblé-Show.
Day 14, Friday: Depart for home or your post-extension to the Amazon Rainforest.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
US $3,565 / EU ˆ2,536
Sgl + US $1,005 / EU ˆ715
Single Traveler* US $5,970 / EU ˆ4,248
Including:
- 12 Days/ 11 Nights
- 6 Dinners
- 11 American/Brazilian Buffet Breakfasts
- All Transfers**
- Bilingual Tour Direction
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Argentina
Brazil
Peru
Cultural Journey
Ecotourism
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