Impressions of South America

4.7Based on
9 daysDuration
Group TourJoin a group of travelers
48 peopleMaximum group size
5 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Highlights

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.

Rio de Janeiro: Head to a relaxed beachside setting for a hands-on introduction to Brazil’s iconic caipirinha. Learn how to muddle lime, sugar and cachaça to perfection as a Local Specialist shows you the ropes. Then step behind the bar and create your own, mastering the balance of flavours that make this refreshing cocktail a national favourite.

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.

Rio de Janeiro: Ride Brazil’s first cable car to Urca Hill, then on to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, 396 m (1,299 ft) above sea level. With your Travel Director, take in views over Botafogo Cove, Copacabana and Guanabara Bay, and hear how the mountain earned its name during the sugar trade, when moulded sugar mirrored its shape.

Corcovado: Climb into the clouds to the top of Corcovado Mountain to visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer. You’ll ride the Corcovado Railway, the first electrified railroad in Brazil, and an icon itself. The railway is actually older than the monument and even transported the pieces of the monument. The train has taken popes, kings, princes, presidents, artists, scientists - and now you - since its start in 1884. You’ll feel good about your travels too knowing that this electric train doesn’t pollute the surrounding Tijuca National Park. As you ascend 2,379 feet, consider the history of Christ the Redeemer built from 1926-1931, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and one of the most famous Art Déco sculptures. Gaze out the window at the views of the Rio de Janeiro and, at the top, stand beneath the famous statue’s feet looking up to its top of 98 feet high.

Iguassu Falls: Join a Local Specialist who will guide your exploration of the Brazilian side of the falls in this massive park spanning the border between Argentina and Brazil. The region hosts a variety of wildlife including tapirs, giant anteaters, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars, caymans and 400 species of birds - so be on the lookout for that special photo-op. Given Iguassu’s support of extreme habitats and diverse species, it’s no wonder it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Iguazú Falls: Join a local specialist for a walk along the long catwalk suspended above the swirling waters of the Iguazú 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.

Buenos Aires: Experience the beauty of the Tango and learn about it's traditions. 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.

Buenos Aires: Embark on a Buenos Aires City Tour with a Local Specialist. 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. See the pink palace, the seat of the Argentine national government and president's office whose balcony Juan and “Evita” Perón addressed the people in the 1940s and 1950s. Visit the cathedral and wander through the lively and colourful La Boca neighbourhood lined with restaurants, street artists and local art around every corner.

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 centre. 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, jewellery and other traditional items.

Iguazú 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 and seeds.

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.

Explore Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and the Brazilian and Argentinean side of Iguazú Falls with a Local Specialist

Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado Mountain, Iguazú Falls and San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the “gaucho” traditions

See Copacabana Beach and enjoy a Tango and Dinner Show

Itinerary

From Manaus to Buenos Aires, the "Impressions of South America" tour is your gateway to the continent’s most dynamic highlights, designed with seasoned explorers in mind. Over nine days, witness the dazzling spectacle of Iguassu Falls, feel the rhythm of Rio’s legendary Copacabana, and immerse yourself in Buenos Aires' magnetic tango culture. The itinerary blends moderate adventure with unforgettable sightseeing: stroll Rio’s vibrant streets, marvel at the wildlife and kaleidoscopic flora of Iguassu National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and savor the local flavors in each city. This guided group trip includes comfortable hotel stays, convenient transportation, and carefully curated meals, ensuring you can focus on the continent’s natural and cultural wonders. The tour’s unique selling point is its seamless fusion of iconic city life and awe-inspiring natural beauty—delivering the quintessential South American experience in less than two weeks.

day 1 - Arrive Rio de Janeiro

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 dinner with our Travel Director and fellow travellers.

Meals:Dinner
Location Visited:Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation:Windsor Excelsior Copacabana

day 2 - Rio de Janeiro Sightseeing and At Leisure

Join your Travel Director and ride the historic cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain, pausing at Urca Hill before reaching the summit for sweeping views over Guanabara Bay and Copacabana. Hear how this iconic peak got its name during Brazil's sugar trade era. After a drive past Ipanema and the Copacabana beaches, your afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps choose an Optional Experience to the Selarn Steps, a colourful mosaic staircase and local landmark. This evening, you could choose an Optional Experience if you wish: enjoy Brazilian flavours and a performance at the city's famous Roxy Dinner Show.

Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation:Windsor Excelsior Copacabana

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!

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation:Windsor Excelsior Copacabana

day 4 - Rio de Janeiro Iguaz Falls Connect with Locals

Journey into some of South America's most beautiful natural landscapes taking a flight from Rio to Iguaz 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 Iguau 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.

Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Rio de Janeiro, Iguazú Falls
Accommodation:Hotel Mercure

day 5 - Iguaz National Park Argentinean Side with Local Specialist

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 Fortn M'boror 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 Argentinian wines and mingling with travellers from around the world.

Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Iguazú Falls
Accommodation:Hotel Mercure

day 6 - Iguaz Falls Buenos Aires Dive Into Culture

Take a flight from Iguaz 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. 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.

Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Iguazú Falls, Buenos Aires
Accommodation:Intercontinental

day 7 - Buenos Aires Sightseeing Connect with Locals

Take in the sights of Buenos Aires on a City Tour to the pink palace, cathedral and La Boca neighborhood. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax and explore this exciting city on your own. This evening enjoy the passionate fiery and precise steps of some of Buenos Aires most talented tango dancers.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Buenos Aires
Accommodation:Intercontinental

day 8 - Explore San Antonio de Areco

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.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
Location Visited:Buenos Aires, San Antonio de Areco, Buenos Aires
Accommodation:Intercontinental

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 on your included transfer for your flight home or choose to extend your stay.

Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Buenos Aires
Impressions of South America

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What's Included

Accommodation
Cherrypicked hotels, all tried and trustedAll hotel tips, charges and local taxesOn occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Transport
Luxury airconditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)A Trafalgar bonus all IntraAir Flights: Rio de Janeiro to Iguazú and Iguazú to Buenos Aires, including porter service at all airports
Guide
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Others
All porterage and restaurant gratuitiesMustsee sightseeing and surprise extrasAudio headsets for flexible sightseeingOptional Experiences and free time

What's Excluded

Monthly Price Comparison

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