Argentina, Brazil & Amazon Adventure

Day 1 Tue: Arrive Buenos Aires

Welcome to Argentina’s capital, often referred to as the Paris of South America, a mosaic as varied and diverse as its culture. Built in the 19th Century, an era of plenty for the wealthy gaucho land barons of Argentina, this city of 10 million is a kaleidoscope of intimate places, events and interactions, each with a slightly different shade, shape, and character. Glass-sheathed skyscrapers cast their slender shadows over 19th century Victorian houses; tango bars hazed with the piquant tang of cigar smoke face dusty, treasure-filled antique shops across s the way; small, highly individualized neighborhoods, each proudly display its own characteristic colors and forms. Meet & greet services upon your morning arrival and transfer to the hotel.

This afternoon introductory city tour takes us along 9th of July Avenue, the widest in the world, with stops at the Plaza de Mayo where we view the Presidential Palace of "Casa Rosada" (Pink House) as it is called, before continuing on to the chic quarter of Recoleta with sidewalk cafes. Next we tour the famous cemetery, a necropolis of elaborate mausoleums, including that of Eva Peron.

We continue along the Palermo District with its elegant residences framed by wide green areas; reaching finally the district of Recoleta, the chic, most sophisticated neighborhood in the city, home to the Recoleta Cemetery, a necropolis of elaborate mausoleums, including that of Eva Peron. Next, it’s on to the modern district of Puerto Madero, a revitalized section of the city once an abandoned old dilapidated port now boasting elegant houses, offices, lofts, luxurious hotels and restaurants. Return to the hotel for overnight.

Day 2 Wed: Buenos Aires (Fiesta Gaucha)

Full day excursion along the famous Argentine rolling plains of the pampas, one of the most fertile natural prairies of the world, famous for its meat and cereal production, to visit to a typical "Estancia" (Argentine Ranch) for a “Fiesta Gaucha” (Barbecue Party) for a first hand view of the Argentine “gaucho” (cowboy) who will demonstrate their "criollo" horsemanship. Here we have the opportunity to taste the delicious, world-renown Argentine meats along with great wines. When lunch is finished we will enjoy a folk show where singers and dancers will perform typical folkloric dances. Later, you can stroll around the property, do some horseback riding or ride upon a horse and buggy or watch the “gauchos” performing their skills. A delicious tea typical of the area will be served until departure. Return to the hotel upon conclusion of this fun day in the countryside. (B,L)

Day 3 Thu: Buenos Aires (Dinner & Tango Show)

Today is at leisure for shopping, relaxing or take an optional tour. There are several neighborhoods offering a variety of boutiques, galleries, and antique shops. We recommend you walk along the famed pedestrian street Calle Florida bustling with office workers and tourists alike. Brimming with shops, boutiques, and restaurants, Calle Florida became a pedestrian-only avenue in the early 20th century and has since become one of the favorite hot spots for shopping in Buenos Aires.

Optional Visit Tigre & Delta Islands: Afternoon excursions to the suburbs and the Delta of the Parana River. The Tigre and the Delta islands is a unique region just 15 or so miles outside the hustle and bustle of the big city. We travel along the northern residential districts of the city and the suburbs for views of luxurious homes and mansions overlooking the River Plate. Continue to the Tigre district, home to summer residences, yacht clubs and rowing clubs, a weekend getaway for “porteños” (local residents of Buenos Aires). The islands of Paraná River Delta Tigre is the starting point for hundreds of islands forming up the Paraná River Delta at the mouth of Río de la Plata (River Plate). Tours along the Delta and to Martín García Island, a natural and historical reserve, start from the river port of Tigre. We enjoy a relaxing lunch and later afternoon return to Buenos Aires to get ready for this evenings festivity.

Buenos Aires is the birthplace of the Argentine Tango and remains the heart of the art form. Tonight is a special treat as we step into the Buenos Aires night making our way to the historical neighborhood of San Telmo to, El Viejo, the most traditional tango place in Buenos Aires, located in the heart of the most bohemian district of the city. Enjoy dinner sampling the famous Argentine beef followed by a show where we are mesmerized by sensual national dance… The Tango. (B,D)

Day 4 Fri: Buenos Aires / Iguassu Falls (Argentine Falls)

Bordered by Argentina and Brazil, Iguassu Falls is one of the world’s top ten natural wonders. Here you will be treated to a sensational sound and light show brought to you courtesy of Mother Nature. A show with no intermissions - 275 separate waterfalls, spanning two-miles, wider than Victoria, higher than Niagara and more magnificent than both. A two-hour flight takes us to Puerto Iguazu, where our local guide is waiting to take us the Panoramic Hotel.

Afternoon a comprehensive visit of the Argentinean Falls including a walk along lush tropical basin, over and under the splashing torrents of falling water. Beautiful flowers, ferns, tropical plants, butterflies and exotic birds add to the exciting experience of close contact with nature. A short train trip will take us to the pathways leading to the Devil’s Throat, one of the most impressive points where 14 separate falls cascade down 350 foot cliffs. (B)

Day 5 Sat: Iguassu Falls (Brazil Falls & Macuco Safari)

More than just a thundering water falls, Iguassu is also a national park of tropical forests sheltering more than 1,100 species of birds and mammals and this morning we cross the bridge (and border) to the Brazil side of the falls take an unforgettable Macuco Safari excursion combining nature and adventure. You are seated in an open trailer towed by jeep as we make our way through the forest viewing the exotic flora and fauna of the exotic remnants of the Atlantic Rainforest. At the end of the drive we walk through an old Indian track ending at the river shore along the Macuco Falls where we board zodiacs and travel upstream of the Iguassu River close to the thundering waters of the Iguassu falls. Following this visit we tour the Brazilin side of the falls for the best vantage points and panorama of the cascading falls before crossing back to the Argentine side and return to our hotel. (B,L)

Day 6 Sun: Iguassu Falls / Rio de Janeiro

Transfer to the airport on the Brazilian side for the flight to Rio de Janeiro. Meeting serives upon arrival and transfer to the Sheraton Hotel.

Rio … the very sound of it evokes images of sun, fun and rhythm of the sensuous samba. Blessed with a wonderful natural setting, nestled among towering hills and the sea, watched from above by Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, and surrounded by tropical forests and lagoons, Rio de Janeiro has transformed into one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Evening free and overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 7 Mon: Rio de Janeiro (Corcovado & Sugarloaf with Lunch)

This morning we drive through the fashionable Lagoa District to the base of Corcovado Mountain for a short train ride to the summit. Here, at 2,400 feet above the city stands one of South America's most famous landmarks, the 125-foot statue of "Christ the Redeemer". The panorama of the city below is testament to why most visitors consider Rio to be one of the most spectacular and beautiful cities in the world. Continue to have lunch at one of Rio’s famous Churrascaria’s (barbecue house) for a sampling of Brazil’s appreciation for beef and fun eating. Here you’ll be introduced Brazil’s national cocktail, the “Caipirinha”, a traditional Brazilian drink prepared with “cachaça” (made of sugar cane), once Brazil's best-kept secret, now it's the connoisseur's cocktail of choice from New York City to Miami. Continue our tour this afternoon as we drive along Copacabana and Ipanema, two of the world's most famous beaches as we make our way to Flamingo Park where we board the cable cars to ascend to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain - 1,200 feet of sheer rock overlooking Guanabara Bay for a breathtaking view of the beaches and sunset. Balance of day at leisure and overnight at the hotel. (B,L)

Day 8 Tue: Rio de Janeiro (Dinner & Carnival-style Show)

Today is free for more sunbathing, or to continue exploring the “Cidade Maravilhosa” (Marvelous City), at your own pace. Rio offers world-class restaurants, shopping, and varied active sports. Beaches are an integral part of the Rio’s envied lifestyle and we recommend you partake in the appreciation the Carioca (as the locals are called) have for the beach and related activities.

Optional Botanical Gardens Tour: Rio de Janeiro’s Botanical Garden is a true ecological sanctuary, one of the ten most important in the entire world. Declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, the park boasts some of the rarest species of plants from Brazil and other countries. The most popular exhibit in the park is the huge royal palms dating back to the period of King John VI. The greenhouse with bromeliads, orchids and other blossoms are also something you will not want to miss. Stroll around the Amazon section of the park and you will see rare species of flora from the Brazilian Amazon. The Garden is also well-known for its six beautiful ponds. The park is an excellent leisure option for children and adults as well as nature lovers. Visitors can stroll along the pathways of the park to the sounds of native birds like the “curios” and the “sabiás.” The exuberance of nature in all its color and glory provide images that will be etched in the memory forever.

Tonight a feast for the senses as we begin our Rio by night experience. First, dinner at one of Rio’s famous restaurants, followed by a Brazilian Extravaganza show at Plataforma where you will be treated to the contagious rhythms of the Brazilian samba with the percussion instruments unique to Brazil. The show consists of lavishly and colorfully costumed dancers and musicians presenting the richness of the nation's musical and cultural heritage. The grand finale displays. Return to our hotel for overnight. (B,D)

Day 9 Wed: Rio de Janeiro / Manaus (City Tour)

This morning we fly to Manaus, Gateway to the Amazon. A short tour of the city that in its heyday (during the rubber boom years of 1890 to 1920) enjoyed unparallel prosperity. During that era Manaus indulged in construction projects resulting in floating docks to receive the world’s largest ships, lavish buildings such as the famed Opera House (The Amazon Theatre) built in 1896 with a neoclassic facade and art nouveau interior. It is one of the finest opera houses in the world. We will also visit the Indian Museum to learn about the tribes inhabiting the region. Overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 10 Thu: Manaus – Desafio Amazon Cruise

This morning we transfer to the pier to board the M-V Desafio. A recently renovated cruise yacht, Desafio yacht is over 108 feet long, fully air-conditioned with a sundeck, covered deck and bar, restaurant and salon. Each cabin has private bath, telephone and sound system. The Amazon River is one of Brazil's greatest symbols and one of earth's most endangered natural resource. Adorned by the surrounding magical rain forests, the river has a cast of over 1,500 tributaries, and is responsible for one-fifth of the world's fresh water and one-third of its oxygen. This afternoon we begin sailing the wondrous rivers and tributaries of this magnificent nature sanctuary for a first-hand view of some of the planet's most sacred assets. Here you will explore one of the most exotic, unexplored regions on our planet. After departure, a briefing with the details of our trip takes place as we navigate along the Negro River towards the “Meeting of the Waters”, a natural phenomenon that takes place at the confluence of the dark waters of the Rio Negro with the muddy waters of the Solimões River. Due to the differences in density, temperature and velocity the two rivers do not blend fully until several miles downstream creating this natural marvel. Continue navigating towards Lake January to view the huge Victoria Regia water plant. We will take our first canoe hike into the Amazon tributaries. A stop at an indigenous house to see their way of living is a must. After enjoying the beauty and the lavish green of the Amazon Forest from the deck, we will anchor at Praia do Tatú to stay overnight. Dinner is served during navigation. (B,D)

Day 11 Fri: Desafio Amazon Cruise

Early breakfast followed by a trekking tour to observe the local flora, one of the richest worldwide. Returning to our vessel and take some time for a swim. Lunch is served on board while we start navigating to Samauma Island, located in the Anavilhana Archipelago, the largest river archipelago in the world. This afternoon exploratory tour around the islands and lakes. After dinner we are treated to to a night concert courtesy of Mother Nature as we enjoy the sounds of the jungle forest night from our canoes. (B,L,D)

Day 12 Sat: Desafio Amazon Cruise

Early morning we depart the Anavilhanas Archipelago sailing towards Santa Maria, a typical Caboclo village where we will have the opportunity to see the Ribeirinho (indigenous people of the region) way of living. We continue sailing reaching Furo do Meio and lunch is served during navigation. In the afternoon, we will begin our fishing contest as we fish the notorious piranha. Return to the boat for beach swimming. After dinner we board our canoe searching and spotting of alligators by flashlights. Late evening return to the boat. (B,L,D)

Day 13 Sun: Desafio Amazon Cruise – Manaus / Miami

Early morning tour to admire the concert of the birds coming out of their night habitats and return to our vessel in time for breakfast. Sail back to Manaus for our boat transfer back to the pier and transfer to the airport for the flight home. (B)

Remarks

Not included: Meals unless included in the itinerary, beverages, travel insurance, gratuities of any kind, or items of person nature.

Note: US Citizens require Brazilian Visa for this program. Other citizens must check with the Brazilian Consulate for requirements.

Inquire about our special airfare on TAM or American Airlines for this program.