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From the vibrant shores of Ipanema to the thundering Iguassu Falls, South America waits! Your nine-day tour sees you going behind-the-scenes at Samba school in Rio, watching rivetted as dancers perform an unforgettable Tango performance in Buenos Aires, and admiring the vibrant colours and wildlife of UNESCO-listed Iguassu National Park.
From the vibrant shores of Ipanema to the thundering Iguassu Falls, South America waits! Your nine-day tour sees you going behind-the-scenes at Samba school in Rio, watching rivetted as dancers perform an unforgettable Tango performance in Buenos Aires, and admiring the vibrant colours and wildlife of UNESCO-listed Iguassu National Park.
Launch your leisurely exploration of South America to the sultry beats of the Bossa Nova and Samba. A local host will take you to your hotel where you’ll enjoy superb ocean views of Copacabana beach and its beautiful people, just minutes from downtown Rio. This evening, we enjoy a festive Welcome Reception with our Travel Director and fellow travellers.
The rhythm of Rio is yours to explore this morning. Join your Local Specialist to delve into the captivating contrasts of Brazil’s cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city). See the 18th-century Carioca Aqueduct, colonial Candelaria Church, and the home of the Rio Carnival, the Sambodromo. Journey high above Guanabara Bay and summit Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car for a 'pinch me moment' of inspiring bay and city views. Spend the evening at leisure.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 3
Rio de Janeiro Sightseeing and At Leisure
Hands outstretched, the iconic Christ the Redeemer welcomes you to the hunched outcrop of Corcovado, sharing his impressive panoramic view of a city that loves to celebrate. This afternoon, soak in the shores of Copacabana and Ipanema. Kick back and watch tanned sun-worshippers playing volleyball and sip a caipirinha or two, which you’ll learn to mix this evening, followed by a sizzling barbecue at a local churrascaria Regional Dinner. Bom proveito!
Spend your lazy moments in Rio soaking up the laid-back carioca life before you Connect With Locals at a local Samba School to see their preparations for Carnival Week. You’ll learn how to sway those hips to the tunes of Mais que nada and The Girl from Ipanema during your visit. From the intoxicating beat of Rio to the thundering roar of Iguassu, we fly to the magnificent falls that straddle the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. This evening, we’ll enjoy dinner together, pondering Rio’s party vibe and the inspiring force of nature nearby.
The tropical jungle and waterfall landscapes of the UNESCO-listed Iguassu National Park provide sanctuary for rare wildlife, bird and plant species, which share their home with us today as we explore the Brazilian side of the falls with a Local Specialist. We’ll walk through the rainforest to the base of the falls before indulging in lunch at a local restaurant against the impressive backdrop of the falls. Spend the afternoon at your resort relaxing or join one of our optional experiences, including a jetboat ride (WAIVER REQUIRED) to the base of the falls or a visit to a tropical bird reserve, home to more than 500 species of birds.
This family owned park is home to more than 900 native birds from 150 species. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour along a well-marked trail through subtropical forests. Enter aviaries to get more of an up close and personal view of the birds. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours.
Adult Price: $55.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Dinner and Show at Churrascaria Rafain
Journey through South America Culture with a folkloric performance of Samba, Tango and Paraguayan Music while enjoying at traditional Brazilian barbecue dinner. Total duration approximately 5 hours. Gratuity Included (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $120.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Dinner and Show at Churrascaria Rafain
Journey through South America Culture with a folkloric performance of Samba, Tango and Paraguayan music while enjoying a traditional Brazilian barbecue dinner. Duration approximately 5 hours. Gratuity Included (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $112.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Iguassu Falls – Buenos Aires
Crossing the Argentinian border, we join our Local Specialist for a walk along the long catwalk suspended above the swirling waters of the Iguassu River. View the chaotic crush of water pouring down Devil’s Throat Falls, then board an open-air ecological jungle train for a different perspective of the mighty cascades. Our Iguassu adventure at its end, we’ll board a flight to Buenos Aires, South America’s most stylish city and home to the melancholic Tango.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Alvear Art
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 7
Buenos Aires Sightseeing and At Leisure
Our day together is spent on a paseo with a Local Specialist. We’ll walk through the wide boulevards of this beautiful capital admiring the spirit of a city whose European and Latin American influences can be seen around every turn. This evening, we linger over a delicious Regional Dinner and Dive Into Culture watching the passionate, fiery and precise steps of some of Buenos Aires’ most talented Tango dancers.
Enjoy a great day as you head out into the pampas to visit an authentic 3,000 acre (1200 hectare) working estancia (Argentinean ranch) that dates back to the late 19th century. A BBQ will be served family style by Gauchos. Enjoy activities throughout the day including a folklore show, carriage rides and horse demonstrations. Total duration is approximately 7 hours. (For Private Trafalgar Transportation, a Minimum of 15 Guests is Required.)
Adult Price: $170.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Tigre Delta
Head to the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta on this outing. This area is a popular weekend getaway for Buenos Aires residents. The delta features pretty scenery, lovely summer residences, relaxing vibe, yachting and a chance to see another way of Argentine life. Your tour includes a cruise on the delta and if you are visiting on Saturdays, you can stroll through the local outdoor market. Total duration is approximately 4 hours.
Adult Price: $74.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Buenos Aires At Leisure
Get under the skin of Buenos Aires today - a full day to pursue your own interests in the 'Paris of South America'. Delve into the treasures of artisan markets and the patio shops of rustic colonial buildings in San Telmo or enjoy delicious dulce de leche ice-cream at the famous Café Tortoni. Feeling adventurous? Consider an optional trip into the countryside to a traditional estancia (ranch) - a unique opportunity to share a drink with the local gauchos (cowboys) and learn about their lives. Admire their consummate horsemanship during a lively equestrian show before sitting down to a traditional parrillada (barbecue) lunch. Tonight, we Connect With Locals, joining a local family in Palermo Soho for a Be My Guest experience with a Farewell Dinner of delicious family dishes paired with local wine. Learn the secrets of kneading country bread and see how typical Argentinian crafts are made.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 9
Depart Buenos Aires
Our South America adventure comes to an end this morning. Say a fond hasta luego to Buenos Aires and newfound friends, transferring to the airport for your flight home or choose to extend your stay.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 5
Bird Park
This family owned park is home to more than 900 native birds from 150 species. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour along a well-marked trail through subtropical forests. Enter aviaries to get more of an up close and personal view of the birds. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours.
Adult Price: $55.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Dinner and Show at Churrascaria Rafain
Journey through South America Culture with a folkloric performance of Samba, Tango and Paraguayan Music while enjoying at traditional Brazilian barbecue dinner. Total duration approximately 5 hours. Gratuity Included (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $120.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Dinner and Show at Churrascaria Rafain
Journey through South America Culture with a folkloric performance of Samba, Tango and Paraguayan music while enjoying a traditional Brazilian barbecue dinner. Duration approximately 5 hours. Gratuity Included (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $112.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Fiesta Gaucha With BBQ Lunch
Enjoy a great day as you head out into the pampas to visit an authentic 3,000 acre (1200 hectare) working estancia (Argentinean ranch) that dates back to the late 19th century. A BBQ will be served family style by Gauchos. Enjoy activities throughout the day including a folklore show, carriage rides and horse demonstrations. Total duration is approximately 7 hours. (For Private Trafalgar Transportation, a Minimum of 15 Guests is Required.)
Adult Price: $170.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Tigre Delta
Head to the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta on this outing. This area is a popular weekend getaway for Buenos Aires residents. The delta features pretty scenery, lovely summer residences, relaxing vibe, yachting and a chance to see another way of Argentine life. Your tour includes a cruise on the delta and if you are visiting on Saturdays, you can stroll through the local outdoor market. Total duration is approximately 4 hours.
Adult Price: $74.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
A Trafalgar bonus all Intra-Air Flights: Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu and Iguassu to Buenos Aires, including porter service at all airports
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
Impressions of South America trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Trip Rating
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5
Rio hotel is amazing overlooking the beach.very friendly tour director made the trip memorable
Our travel director is very friendly and informative . Giomis amazing tour coordinator . Enjoyed the barbecue dinner in Rio. igausufalls Macau safari. Is phenomenal .buenosaires family dinner last day is not the great with private family . It’s not a good experience. Can make it something else. Samba school visit in Rio is very informative and amazing.
The hotels were good. Travel Director,Coach Driver and Local guides were professional. I would have preferred to have been able to spend more time on the Argentinian side of Iguasu Falls. However, I was also disappointed that some optionals were not offered , like the tour to the favelas. As for the optional tour to the pampas (Estancia Susanna), I was shocked at the lack of safety in the horseback riding activity.It should have been checked if any one is riding a horse for the first time. There should have been a quick briefing on the activity and at least some basic instructions given. I had assumed that someone would be leading the horse. When I had trouble staying on the horse during the ride , the "gaucho" who was leading the ride could not speak English and just kept shouting in English which I could not understand. To make things worse, he was only one gaucho in charge of all the riders. Luckily for me, another tourist near me knew how to ride and was helping me. It was a terrifying experience for me. In fact, apparently someone had fallen off the horse on that day. I would recommend this tour but not the optional.
The Travel Director was informative and entertaining. She was also mindful of my dietary restrictions and made sure I was accommodated. I like that the seating in the bus was rotated on a daily basis.
Land and Intra Air: prices include economy air and air-related charges for flights between Rio de Janeiro - Foz do Iguacu and Cataratas del Iguazu - Buenos Aires and require purchase of round-trip air travel on LATAM between your gateway city and the itinerary's start and end gateway cities.
Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Note: For water activities on Day 5, participation is at your own risk and a signed liability waiver will be required.
Passport: Guest passport information for flights is required at time of final payment.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.
