8 Days: Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires

Tour overview:

South America has an abundance of alluring destinations, but no two cities in this vast continent beckon with more excitement than Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. You’ll see the best of these fabulous international meccas along with a trip to spectacular Iguassu National Park and a hike to breathtaking falls.

Day 1 - Arrive Rio de Janeiro

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 - Rio de Janeiro – City Tour / Corcovado

Your morning tour features a ride by cable car to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain. Take in spectacular views of the city from Corcovado to Guanabara Bay and Niteroi Bridge. Later, drive along the Leblon and famous Ipanema beaches before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch, visit Corcovado, upon which stands the statue of Christ the Redeemer. En route, see Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and the traditionalCosme Velho neighborhood. Take a cogwheel train to the famous statue and enjoy the stunning vista before descending. (BL)

Day 3 - Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax and pursue independent activities. (B)

Day 4 - Rio de Janeiro / Iguassu Falls

Fly to Iguassu. Transfer to your hotel, which overlooks the famous Iguassu Falls. Later, take a walking tour with a local guide along the Brazilian side of the amazing waterfalls, one of the natural wonders of the world. Tonight, enjoy a barbecue dinner and Latin show at the Rafain Hotel. (BD)

Day 5 - Iguassu Falls – Iguassu National Park Excursion – Buenos Aires

Travel by coach to the Argentine side of the falls. Continue on to Iguassu National Park to enjoy a guided walking tour of this natural wonderland. Later this afternoon transfer to the Iguazu airport on the Argentinian side of the falls to board the flight to Buenos Aires. Welcome and transfer to you hotel. (B)

Day 6 - Buenos Aires – City Tour

Your guided sightseeing tour of Buenos Aires includes a stop at the Plaza de Mayo, where you will find the pink-colored Casa Rosada. See the balcony where Eva Peron and her husband addressed the crowds below. Next, see the Cabildo (town hall) and Metropolitan Cathedral before heading to the districts of San Telmo and La Boca. You will also visit the cemetery of Recoleta, which is the burial site of Eva Peron. Continue along Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world. Finally, stop at Palermo before returning to your hotel. This evening, enjoy dinner at one of Buenos Aires’ excellent restaurants. Experience Argentina’s sensual music, dance and culture during a full tango show. (BD)

Day 7 - Buenos Aires – Estancia

Venture out of the city today on a full-day visit to a historic, working estancia in the Argentine pampas—the great plains that sweep through hundreds of miles of the country’s heartland. Savor an asado barbecue lunch cooked over an open fire, and witness traditional gaucho riding skills, music and the romantic rural way of Argentine life. (BL)

Day 8 - Depart Buenos Aires

Your day is at leisure, giving you time for independent activities. Later this evening, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home. (B)