Impressions of South America
Impressions of South America
$4045
Impressions of South America
9 Days Starting in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and ending in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Visiting: Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Iguassu National Park, Buenos Aires
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LISAZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Impressions of South America" tour, a captivating journey through Brazil and Argentina. Begin in Rio de Janeiro, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Copacabana Beach. Experience the awe-inspiring Iguassu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides, and engage with the Guarani community for a unique cultural encounter. In Buenos Aires, immerse yourself in the passionate world of tango and visit a family-run gaucho ranch for an authentic Argentine experience. This tour offers a blend of cultural exploration, natural wonders, and local traditions, all while staying in carefully selected accommodations and enjoying expert guidance throughout your adventure.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and the Brazilian and Argentinean side of Iguassu Falls with a Local Specialist
- Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado Mountain, Iguassu Falls and San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the “gaucho” traditions
- See Copacabana Beach and enjoy a Tango and Dinner Show
Make Travel Matter®
Iguassu Falls: Visiting the ancestral Guarani community for an immersive MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Join the Guarani for a jungle walk, first greeted by an aboriginal "guide" who leads you through trails that surround and crisscross the village. Learn about the beliefs, myths, legends and the virtues of medicinal plants and their uses before visiting the temple in the heart of the jungle discovering the initiation and baptism rituals of the tribe. See the plantations, their homes and their hunting traps for different kinds of animals that they used in ancient times. Your visit ends with a display of handicrafts using resources such as wood, lianas, seeds, etc.
Buenos Aires: Visit a workshop where people with special abilities manufacture in an artisanal way the traditional shoe of the gauchos: "alpargatas", still used in the countryside and by many rural workers. Learn about the production process. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps the association to support youth and adults develop their abilities to make these traditional shoes and is the only factory offering disabled people job opportunities.
Be My Guest
Buenos Aires: Visit a family-run gaucho ranch for an energizing event of food, drink, music, dance and horseback riding demonstrations. Kick off with a lunch of empanadas, salads, asado meat of sausages, chicken and beef and drinks followed by flan with dulce de leche for dessert. You’ll even learn how to grill the asado. Discoveries continue over a demonstration of gaucho´s skill with horses and a lively show. Take time to wander among the historic, 150-year-old building past the cows and horses before taking home your keepsake leather accessory gift typical of this region.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
Accommodation Name: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
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 travelers.
Day 2: Rio De Janeiro Sightseeing And At Leisure
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
Accommodation Name: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 (marvelous 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.
Day 3: Rio De Janeiro Sightseeing And At Leisure
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
Accommodation Name: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
Meals Included: Breakfast
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!
Day 4: Rio De Janeiro – Iguassu Falls Connect With Locals
Location: Iguassu Falls
Accommodation: Hotel Mercure
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey into some of South America’s most beautiful natural landscapes taking a flight from Rio to Iguassu Falls, the UNESCO-listed magnificent falls that straddle the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Explore the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls, 'Big Waters', in Iguassu National Park with a Local Specialist. Hike to the cascading falls through giant clouds and sprays of water feeling refreshed in the humidity. You’ll learn that while hot and humid, this lush micro-climate supports diverse fauna in its subtropical rainforest of over 2,000 species of vascular plants. Conclude your day crossing the border to Argentina to your hotel.
Day 5: Iguassu National Park Argentinian Side With Local Specialist
Location: Iguassu National Park
Accommodation: Hotel Mercure
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get a different perspective of grandeur on the Argentinian side of the falls at the Devil's throat. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience finds you paying a visit to the Guarani community of Fortín M'bororé who open their doors to reveal the secrets of the jungle, their natural medicine, culture, songs, dances, crafts, philosophy and beliefs. Discover with the Guarani the "Spirit of the Trees", a walk where you learn to walk through the interior of the Jungle guided by aboriginal experts. This afternoon, join an optional experience on Gran Aventura boat tour or an Argentinean experience learning about Argentine culture, tasting local dishes in a five-course dinner, sampling four Argentinean wines and mingling with travelers from around the world.
Day 6: Iguassu Falls – Buenos Aires Dive Into Culture
Location: Buenos Aires
Accommodation: Alvear Art Hotel
Accommodation Name: Alvear Art Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a flight from Iguassu Falls to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Check into your hotel located in the heart of the cultural center at the historic Plaza San Martin and, with the rest of the day free, perhaps take a stroll around this upscale part of the city. This evening dive into culture watching the passionate fiery and precise steps of some of Buenos Aires most talented tango dancers. Here at El Viejo Almacen in the neighborhood of San Telmo, you’re in the most classic house of tango putting on shows since 1969 and preserving the architecture and atmosphere of Tango culture.
Day 7: Buenos Aires Sightseeing And At Leisure
Location: Buenos Aires
Accommodation: Alvear Art Hotel
Accommodation Name: Alvear Art Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take in the sights of Buenos Aires on a City Tour to the pink palace, cathedral and La Boca neighborhood. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore this exciting city on your own or join one of our tempting optionals. Head to the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta, a popular weekend getaway of scenery, summer residences, yachting and a chance to see another way of Argentine life. Or venture on a wine tasting trip to “El Querandi,” a big house located in the historical district and considered a living testimony of the city originally founded as a bar in 1920.
Day 8: Buenos Aires At Leisure Connect With Locals
Location: Buenos Aires
Accommodation: Alvear Art Hotel
Accommodation Name: Alvear Art Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Leave Buenos Aires to San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the gaucho traditions in the pampas region, for a tour along its quaint streets lined with silversmiths. Take part in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visiting a local project of the Local Association for disabled people who are keeping up the tradition of making the alpargatas shoes. Appreciate more artisans paying a visit to a local artist's studio observing how masterpieces are created. Cap off your day with a Be My Guest Experience, complete with sizzling asado steak, at a family-owned gaucho ranch where your watch cowboys show off the horsemanship accompanied by music and dance.
Day 9: Depart Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
-
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
-
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels that are tried and trusted.
-
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Porterage and gratuities at restaurants are included in the tour package.
-
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour.
-
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of the evening meals are included.
-
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
-
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
-
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation
Travel is in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
-
A Trafalgar bonus all Intra-Air Flights
All Intra-Air Flights from Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu and Iguassu to Buenos Aires, including porter service at all airports, are included.
-
Optional Experiences and free time
The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
What's Not Included
-
Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
-
Visa fees
Visa fees for entry into Brazil and Argentina are not included.
-
Optional excursions
Optional excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Dining Summary
- 1 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Regional Dinner (RD)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
- Rio de Janeiro: At dinner there will be a mixology demonstration where you will learn how to mix a caipirinha, the national cocktail of Brazil.
- Buenos Aires: Experience the beauty of the Tango and learn about its traditions.
- Buenos Aires: Uncover San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the “gaucho” traditions in the “pampas” region. Walk around the small village’s cobblestoned streets appreciating its quaint historical center. See the main square, the church, and meet some of the locals along the way. Also known as the ‘Cradle of Tradition’ the colonial town was founded over 280 years ago and is filled with old bars (“pulperías”) and artisan shops with over 30 silversmiths. Known as “platería criolla”, the traditional Argentinean silverworks include knives, jewelery and other traditional items.
- Buenos Aires: Visit a gaucho painter’s studio to view his works, appreciate the diverse subjects of his paintings, learn the history of the gaucho town followed by a fascinating drawing demonstration.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with air-conditioned coaches and Wi-Fi, and enjoy all intra-air flights from Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu and Iguassu to Buenos Aires, including porter service at all airports.
Accommodation
Stay at the Windsor Excelsior Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, offering superb ocean views of Copacabana beach, and the Hotel Mercure near Iguassu Falls. In Buenos Aires, enjoy the comfort of the Alvear Art Hotel, located in the heart of the cultural center.
Check out our Q&As
-
What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to a family-run gaucho ranch in Buenos Aires where you can enjoy food, music, dance, and horseback riding demonstrations. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the traditional shoe-making process of the gauchos at a workshop in Buenos Aires, which supports people with special abilities. Additionally, there is a mixology demonstration in Rio de Janeiro where you can learn to make a caipirinha, and a tango show in Buenos Aires.
-
What kind of local interactions can I expect during the tour?
You will have the chance to connect with locals at a family-run gaucho ranch in Buenos Aires, where you can enjoy traditional food and watch gaucho demonstrations. In Iguassu Falls, you will visit the Guarani community for an immersive experience, learning about their culture, beliefs, and traditional practices.
-
What are some of the natural attractions included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, as well as the breathtaking Iguassu Falls, where you will explore both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides. You will also have the opportunity to hike through the subtropical rainforest in Iguassu National Park.
-
Are there any special dining experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a Regional Dinner at a local churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro, where you can enjoy a barbecue and learn to mix caipirinhas. In Buenos Aires, you will have a Be My Guest experience at a gaucho ranch with a traditional asado lunch, and a tango dinner show at El Viejo Almacen.
-
What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
The tour offers accommodations at cherry-picked hotels, such as the Windsor Excelsior Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Hotel Mercure in Iguassu Falls, and Alvear Art Hotel in Buenos Aires. These hotels are tried and trusted, ensuring a comfortable stay.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026 Dec
2026
Friday - Saturday
Jan 17, 2025 - Jan 25, 2025Friday - Saturday
Feb 14, 2025 - Feb 22, 2025Friday - Saturday
Mar 07, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025Friday - Saturday
Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025Friday - Saturday
Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025Friday - Saturday
Apr 25, 2025 - May 03, 2025Friday - Saturday
May 09, 2025 - May 17, 2025Friday - Saturday
May 16, 2025 - May 24, 2025Friday - Saturday
Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025Friday - Saturday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025Friday - Saturday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Friday - Saturday
Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Friday - Saturday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025Friday - Saturday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Friday - Saturday
Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Friday - Saturday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Friday - Saturday
Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Friday - Saturday
Oct 24, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025Friday - Saturday
Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025Friday - Saturday
Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025Friday - Saturday
Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025Friday - Saturday
Jan 23, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026Friday - Saturday
Feb 20, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026Friday - Saturday
Feb 27, 2026 - Mar 07, 2026Friday - Saturday
Mar 06, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026Friday - Saturday
Mar 13, 2026 - Mar 21, 2026Friday - Saturday
Apr 10, 2026 - Apr 18, 2026Friday - Saturday
Apr 24, 2026 - May 02, 2026Friday - Saturday
May 08, 2026 - May 16, 2026Friday - Saturday
May 15, 2026 - May 23, 2026Friday - Saturday
Jun 05, 2026 - Jun 13, 2026Friday - Saturday
Jun 12, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026Friday - Saturday
Jun 19, 2026 - Jun 27, 2026Friday - Saturday
Jul 10, 2026 - Jul 18, 2026Friday - Saturday
Jul 24, 2026 - Aug 01, 2026Friday - Saturday
Aug 07, 2026 - Aug 15, 2026Friday - Saturday
Aug 21, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026Friday - Saturday
Sep 04, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026Friday - Saturday
Sep 25, 2026 - Oct 03, 2026Friday - Saturday
Oct 02, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026Friday - Saturday
Oct 09, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026Friday - Saturday
Oct 23, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026Friday - Saturday
Nov 06, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026Friday - Saturday
Nov 13, 2026 - Nov 21, 2026Friday - Saturday
Dec 04, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.