Argentina & Brazil: Tango, Glaciers & Iguazú

Day by day

The itinerary

1. Day 1 · Buenos Aires

   Arrive Buenos Aires

   Welcome to Ezeiza airport. After customs and immigration, and baggage collection, walk to the arrival hall where our private transfer representative awaits to transfer you to your hotel. Check in then spend the afternoon at leisure.

   Dazzler Recoleta / Amerian Park or similar

2. Day 2 · Buenos Aires

   Buenos Aires City Tour & Tango Show

   Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then join your guide for a private half day Buenos Aires city tour. We will discover the magic of Buenos Aires on a city tour on which you will visit the outstanding building of the ancient Council, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Capitol (better known as "Pink House"). The buildings that surround the "Mayo Square" consist of the above-mentioned spots. We will visit San Telmo area, one of the most antique districts of the city, as well as the Boca district, with its "caminito"- a picturesque pedestrian street, where you will find its colorful metal sheet tenements. Finally, the tour will lead us to the recently recycled district of Puerto Madero, old area of the Buenos Aires port. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. This evening you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to La Ventana or similar for dinner and a tango show - shared transfers The various Tango Houses, located in San Telmo, offer the possibility of admiring all qualities of tango in its different expressions. First category of tango dancers and singers as well as a tango orchestra, will let you enjoy and feel this particular Buenos Aires music at its utmost while having a drink or a wonderful dinner. Andean music, as well as typical argentine folk music, will also be performed to fulfill your expectations. Born around 1880, the tango was the vulgar dance and music of the capital’s "arrabales" or lower-class neighborhoods, blending gaucho verse with Spanish and Italian music. Carlos Gardel, the best representative of Tango music and singers, created the "tango-cancion" (tango song), taking it out from the brothels and tenements and into the salons of Buenos Aires. In the late 19th century, the "Great Village of Buenos Aires" was becoming an immigrant city, where frustrated and melancholic Europeans displaced gaucho rustics, who retreated gradually to the ever more distant countryside. The children of those immigrants would become the first generation of “porteños”, and the tango-song summarized the new urban style. Permeated with nostalgia over a disappearing way of life, the tango-show expressed the apprehensions and anxieties of individuals, ranging from mundane pastimes like horse racing and other popular diversions to more profound feelings towards the changing landscape of neighborhood and community, the figure of the mother, betrayal by women, and friendship or other important personal concerns. Return to the hotel at midnight.

   Dazzler Recoleta / Amerian Park or similar
   Breakfast, Dinner

3. Day 3 · Buenos Aires

   Buenos Aires: Full Day Shared Gaucho Party

   After breakfast, escape the city and travel back in time with this Gaucho Party tour at Santa Susana Estancia (operates on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays). Let us pick you up and transport you to an “estancia” or ranch for a fun-filled day. Once we arrive at Estancia Santa Susana, we’ll have some time to get to better acquainted with one another while indulging on unlimited handmade empanadas (turnovers), accompanied by wines and soft drinks. After the reception, you will have some free time to take in the sights, explore the area, go horseback riding, etc. The grounds are literally at your disposal. We would suggest a visit to the small chapel, then the small but very interesting museum, then a horse ride or cart rides and, of course, a visit to the gift shop where you can purchase traditional gaucho knives, boots, pants, scarves, hats and leather goods. You won’t go hungry on this tour. After our free time we will be invited to partake in an “asado” (BBQ), which is a traditional Argentinean barbeque that includes – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and dessert with coffee or tea. The fun doesn’t stop there; after lunch we will be treated to both a folkloric and a tango show. The cultural experience doesn’t end there. The real show will start when the gauchos come out to show you, their skills. They will demonstrate ring-races and horse mildness, among many other skills. This part of the day is also interactive, so you better have your boots on and ready to go. We return to Buenos Aires and due to traffic, you will be dropped off at a strategic point within walking distance to your hotel.

   Dazzler Recoleta / Amerian Park or similar
   Breakfast, Dinner

4. Day 4 · El Calafate

   Buenos Aires – El Calafate

   Check out of the hotel after breakfast and you are privately transferred to Aeropaque airport to check in then board the flight to El Calafate. On arrival and after baggage collection walk to the arrival hall where another of our representatives welcomes you then enjoy a shared transfer to the hotel.

   Kosten Aike/ Mirador del Lago 4 * or similar
   Breakfast

5. Day 5 · El Calafate

   El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier

   This morning enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing on a shared full day Perito Moreno Glacier tour. This park has been declared as a Mankind Heritage site by UNESCO. Those glaciers that named it (about 47) show us a 10-thousand-year-old world: cold and wild. The most famous one is Perito Moreno Glacier located in the southwestern end of Argentino Lake, 80 km away from El Calafate. This glacier is so-called due to a great Argentinian explorer from last century and is one of the few glaciers that is still moving in the world. That is why it has become one of the most spectacular natural shows in South America. From time to time its 60-m-high snout releases some ice walls as huge as buildings that fall into Rico Bend or Canal de los Témpanos (Ice floes Channel) and then they continue sailing along the channel to the main area of the lake. However, that is not all. The glacier, while moving forward, comes closer to the Magallanes Peninsula, in the opposite lake bank as well as footbridge and viewpoint area. This cycle takes from 4 to 6 years, and it eventually separates the lake into two areas. Rico Bend is dammed up, and it increases about 35 m over its average level. Its water slowly pierces its way through the glacier snout until it makes it fall. This show is breathtaking. Water morphs into terrific waves so the whole process restarts. Return to the hotel after the tour.

   Kosten Aike/ Mirador del Lago 4 * or similar
   Breakfast

6. Day 6 · Ushuaia

   El Calafate – Ushuaia

   Check out of the hotel after breakfast and you are transferred (shared) to El Calafate airport to check in then board the flight to Ushuaia. On arrival at Ushuaia airport pick up your checked luggage then walk to the arrival hall where you will be welcomed by our representative, holding a paging board with your name on it. You are then assisted with your luggage thereafter transferred (shared) to the hotel for check-in.

   Cilene del Faro/ Del Fuego 4 * or similar
   Breakfast

7. Day 7 · Ushuaia

   Ushuaia: Half Day Shared National Park Tour & Beagle Channel Navigation with Extension to See the Penguins

   Breakfast at the hotel. Depart the hotel on a shared tour. The area is specially known because of the rareness of the animal and vegetable life and as the only park of the country that has an extended maritime coast. Inside this national park, next to the city of Ushuaia (just 6,87 miles away), we will be able to watch lakes, small lakes and rivers. Here guanacos, red foxes, beavers and condors live together among forests of cherry trees, lenga trees and Antarctic Beeches (in Spanish ñires). It is the only national park of the country that has a marine coast. During the tour we go deep into the rugged topography and along the crossing mountain roads towards the “Lapataia” River, where we have an excellent view of the Green Small Lake and the Lapataia Bay. Over there we will have a clear idea of the original inhabitants (Onas or Yamanes), since the place keeps several archaeological zones. During the tour, we will visit the Train Station of the Southern Fuegian Railway – Station of the end of the World – and we will make a stop (optionally) to take the train that covers the National Park along forests and peat bogs. The narrow-gauged convoy will guide us through the old alignment that the prison train had, which was used for the work of the prisoners. Finish the tour at downtown. Proceed to local pier to take the national through Beagle Channel. Beagle Channel Navigation with Penguins (Shared Service) We will be able to watch from a close distance some seals, penguins and different species of seabirds. The tour starts at the tourist port of Ushuaia. From this site, the landscape is a combination of sea and mountains and the mounts of Olivia and Five Brothers as well as the Ranchs Fique and Túnel can be seen. Continue your tour to the centre of the Beagle Channel, reaching the Lighthouse Les Eclaireurs, in the homonym archipelago. This lighthouse sometimes is mistaken with the one of “the end of the world”, which is located at the States Island and shows the sailors the access to the Ushuaia Bay. Sail around Wolves Island and see a beautiful colony of sea lions – the South American sea lions and the South American fur seals– in their permanent habitat. The catamaran continues the trip towards the Birds Island, where one can match the majesty of the Imperial and Magallanes Cormorants, albatross, petrel birds, Squas birds and 20 different species of seabirds. Later on, sailing through Paso Chico, we will return to Ushuaia, with a view of the beautiful frame that Martial Mount and the homonym glacier give to the city. End your tour at the local pier and walk back to the hotel which is close to the port.

   Cilene del Faro/ Del Fuego 4 * or similar
   Breakfast

8. Day 8 · Puerto Iguazú

   Ushuaia – Iguazú

   Check out of the hotel after breakfast and you are transferred (shared) to Ushuaia airport to check in then board the flight to Iguazu via Buenos Aires. On arrival and after baggage collection walk to the arrival hall where another of our representatives welcomes then you are transferred (shared) to the hotel.

   O2 Hotel/ Panoramic Grand 4* or similar
   Breakfast

9. Day 9 · Puerto Iguazú

   Iguazú Falls: Argentine & Brazilian Sides

   This morning you will be transferred to the Argentina-Brazil border where after clearing customs and immigration continue to Iguassu Park and start your half day shared Brazilian Falls Tour. Walk to the giant balcony from where the waterfalls in all their extent can be viewed, having also the choice of observing them from more distant and wider angles. The area to be covered is made of an only circuit of footbridges that is located in front of the falls and offers a panoramic view which is really astonishing. The tour offers a wide route from which all the splendor of the landscape falls and waterfalls can be observed. The most spectacular panoramic views of the Iguazu Falls are from the Brazilian side, as it is said that 'Argentina puts on the show and Brazil enjoys the view'. Stop off at magnificent vantage points with your private guide on this half day exploration. Arrive at the Visitors Center, located at the National Park Do Iguaçu entrance. This center offers excellent infrastructure, with photographs of the Iguaçu Falls and panels with maps of the National Park. At the entrance you can also buy souvenirs, refreshments and use the restrooms. Start your tour walking to the magnificent Iguaçu Falls. Once there, you will start an easy walking tour on an approximately 1 km-hanging catwalk, which offers wonderful views of the Falls, a fantastic closeness to the waterfalls. This tour is completely different from the one on the Argentine side. The tour ends in the upper part of the falls, where you can access by stairs or a panoramic lift, while seeing the falls. From there, go along the hanging catwalk until you reach the panoramic view of the higher part of the Iguaçu River. After the tour, return to Iguazu (Argentinean side) and your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

   O2 Hotel/ Panoramic Grand 4* or similar
   Breakfast

10. Day 10 · Puerto Iguazú

    Iguazu

    Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and depart on a Scheduled full day Argentinean side of the falls tour. The Argentinean side of the falls provides a more intimate contact with the whole Iguaçu Falls experience. A free train carries visitors from the gate to the falls, themselves. The small open train has three different stations and travels through the tropical forest. There are also many paved walking trails throughout the reserve; you may choose to walk the 1/3 mile to the falls on a trail through the subtropical vegetation, perhaps catching glimpses of wildlife and certainly multitudes of butterflies. You are then presented with the choice of the upper or lower circuits. UPPER CIRCUIT: The upper circuit (Circuito Superior) consists of trails and bridges that run along the top of the falls. The views are FANTASTIC! This circuit is a bit less than 1/2 mile and has six lookouts and viewing areas. The catwalks present spectacular views of "Devil's Throat, the premier collection of fourteen of the highest most powerful of the falls. LOWER CIRCUIT: The lower circuit "Circuit Inferior) leads to the base of the falls, where undoubtedly, you will be moistened by the spray of the might falls. The entire loop is about one mile long. During the circuit, you will find yourself immersed in scenic nature full of sight, sounds, and aromas to entertain your senses. There are eight lookout points to gather in the majesty of the largest of the falls.

    O2 Hotel/ Panoramic Grand 4* or similar
    Breakfast

11. Day 11 · Rio de Janeiro

    Iguazú – Rio de Janeiro

    Check out of the hotel after breakfast and you are transferred (shared) to Iguassu airport to check in then board the flight to Rio de Janeiro. Welcome to Rio de Janeiro, “the most beautiful city of the world" according to the Cariocas. Rio enjoys a turquoise sea, stunning lagoons, awesome mountains and gorgeous sandy beaches. The best way to describe the Rio natives or Cariocas is people with uncanny good humor and contagious happiness. On arrival and after baggage collection, walk to the arrival hall where you will be met by our representative then transferred to the hotel. Check in then spend the rest of the day at leisure.

    PortoBay/ Arena Copacabana Hotel 4* or similar
    Breakfast

12. Day 12 · Rio de Janeiro

    Rio de Janeiro: Corcovado & Sugar Loaf

    Depart from the hotel after breakfast to visit the most famous landmarks of the city and see the natural beauty of Rio de Janeiro from up above. Over a million tourists each year visit the world famous ‘Pão de Açúcar’, (Sugar Loaf Mountain), which has become an iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Rising up from a small peninsula at the entrance of Guanabara Bay, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of a concentrated, refined sugar loaf. The journey to the top is made in glass cable-cars. The first cable-car takes passengers to the top of Urca Hill, which rises 215 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views of the entire bay and its surrounding islands. From Urca Hill, passengers continue in a second cable-car to the top of Sugar Loaf which rises 395 meters above sea level and offers a 360-degree view of the entire city including Botafogo and Copacabana Beaches, Corcovado Mountain and downtown Rio de Janeiro. Afterwards, descend the mountain and stop for a delicious lunch. From there passengers will be taken to the bottom of the Corcovado Hill. Embark on a comfortable train that ascends the mountain, where the statue of Christ the Redeemer is located 2,300 ft above sea level. The Christ statue, known as the “wonder of Rio”, was elected one of the 7 "New Wonders of the World". Upon arrival at the top, guests can use the panoramic elevators or escalators to arrive at the foot of the statute. There, passengers can enjoy a panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro and discover why it is called the "Marvelous City". Duration: approximately 8 hours

    PortoBay/ Arena Copacabana Hotel 4* or similar
    Breakfast, Lunch

13. Day 13 · Rio de Janeiro

    Rio De Janeiro

    Enjoy breakfast then spend the day at leisure.

    PortoBay/ Arena Copacabana Hotel 4* or similar
    Breakfast

14. Day 14 · Rio de Janeiro

    Depart Rio De Janeiro

    Check out of the hotel after breakfast and you are privately transferred to the airport to check in then start your homebound journey.

    Breakfast