Essence of Argentina & Brazil

Fly to Argentina's flamboyant capital city Buenos Aires, arriving the same day due to crossing the International Date Line. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel to relax and refresh before the welcome dinner this evening.

An irresistible combination of Latin flair and European elegance, Buenos Aires is a delight to explore and that’s exactly what you’ll do today on a city tour. This will include the vibrant districts of La Boca, San Telmo and Recoleta. Later, enjoy a quintessential Argentine experience; the tango! Take a tango class in a local milonga (tango club) before sitting down to dinner and a sultry tango show.

Enjoy a day trip to Uruguay, taking a ferry across the Rio de La Plata to Colonia del Sacramento. A picture-perfect colonial town, Colonia was founded by the Portuguese in 1680 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beautiful Barrio Historico, which occupies a small peninsula that juts out into the river, is a maze of old cobbled streets that are a delight to wander. Admire the main square, see the ruins of San Francisco Church and visit the lighthouse amongst much more.

Spend the day just outside the city on the vast, fertile grasslands known as the pampas, on a traditional estancia (ranch). Here you’ll get some insight into the life of folk heroes, the gaucho and after a typical Argentinian asado lunch, there will be a fun folklore show.

Say farewell to Buenos Aires and board a plane over to Puerto Iguazu, the town closest to the incredible natural wonder that is Iguazu Falls. Upon arrival you have the rest of the day to yourself before dinner this evening in a local restaurant.

On the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu is the largest waterfall system in the world, with hundreds of cascades pouring off the edge of the Parana Plateau. Today you will wander along the Argentinian side of Iguazu which offers a fantastic overview of the whole of the falls and showcases its power and magnificence. Don’t miss the viewpoint of one of the falls’ most impressive sights, the Garganta del Diablo. This afternoon, take a unique opportunity to learn about the indigenous culture of the Mbororé Aldea people, who open the doors of their community and share fascinating stories of their ancestors, rituals, myths and legends. Finish the day with an interactive craft experience.

This morning, you will experience the Brazilian side of these spectacular falls. This side of Iguacu offers a completely different experience with paths and boardwalks to wander. These will lead you to some of the numerous smaller cascades that dance their way along gullies and through lush greenery. Afterwards, you will hop on a plane to Brazil’s ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’, Rio de Janeiro. You have the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps head to the world-famous Copacabana or Ipanema beaches to soak up the sunshine.

Climb onboard a jeep to venture to some of Rio’s many wonders! Drive about 20 minutes to Cosme Velho Street, then in Paineras station transfer into a van to ascend the Corcovado, on the peak of which Christ the Redeemer watches over the city, on the way you will pass through the lush vegetation of the Tijuca Forest. You can take the steps at the final stage to Christ the Redeemer however there is an escalator if you’d prefer. Next explore the 19th-century hillside neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, an area with a wonderfully bohemian atmosphere, where you’ll also have lunch in a traditional restaurant.

Ascend the heights of Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for breathtaking views over the city, its beaches and the surrounding bay and islands. Continue exploring, making sure to soak up the vibrancy of the atmosphere as you enjoy Rio’s sights, including the world-famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Later in the evening, transfer back to Copacabana to visit a samba club, where you can simply tap your foot to the infectious beat and watch the dancing, or dance the night away yourself!

This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to New Zealand, arriving home in 2 days due to crossing the International Date Line once again. (B)