Impressions of South America

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. 

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.

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.

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. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

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. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.

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.