Best of Argentina and Brazil
9 days / 8 nights
Experience the highlights of these two neighboring countries, Brazil and Argentina, with a stimulating mix of city, nature, beach and culture. Buenos Aires' sultry tango culture and European architecture is alluring; Iguassu's thundering waterfalls are a spectacle not to be missed and Rio de Janeiro's vibrant and tropical atmosphere has all of the ingredients for a perfect ending.
9 days / 8 nights
Experience the highlights of these two neighboring countries, Brazil and Argentina, with a stimulating mix of city, nature, beach and culture. Buenos Aires' sultry tango culture and European architecture is alluring; Iguassu's thundering waterfalls are a spectacle not to be missed and Rio de Janeiro's vibrant and tropical atmosphere has all of the ingredients for a perfect ending.
9 days / 8 nights
Experience the highlights of these two neighboring countries, Brazil and Argentina, with a stimulating mix of city, nature, beach and culture. Buenos Aires' sultry tango culture and European architecture is alluring; Iguassu's thundering waterfalls are a spectacle not to be missed and Rio de Janeiro's vibrant and tropical atmosphere has all of the ingredients for a perfect ending.
Itinerary Highlights
Take in the beauty of both Argentine and Brazilian culture and its natural landscapes on this 9-day journey. First, learn about the history and people of Buenos Aires, also known as porteños, as you walk amongst the cobbled stoned streets shadowed by its elegant buildings. In the evening, experience the most sultry and authentic tango show in the city. Continue to the iconic Iguassu Falls on the Brazilian side, experiencing the full force of Iguassu Falls on a boat tour and 4x4 in the surrounding jungle. Top it off with a trip to Rio de Janeiro, the "Cidade Maravilhosa" (marvelous city), world famous for its striking cityscapes, beautiful beaches and lively samba evenings. Visit Christ the Redeemer and venture off the streets with your expert guide to secret stops that only locals know of, for a fascinating cuisine tour of Brazil.
Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy your arrival day at leisure to explore on your own or rest after your long flight.
Overnight at Hub Porteño (no meals)
Day 2: Exploring Buenos Aires
Following breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel for your private city tour. This in-depth tour begins in Plaza de Mayo, the historical, political and cultural center of the city. In its surrounding areas you can see Casa Rosada the actual seat of Presidential Palace, the Cabinet and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Continue to the famous neighborhood of San Telmo, one of the oldest in the city, settled at the end of the nineteenth century by aristocratic families and currently home to a lively nightlife and a weekly Sunday antiques fair. Going further south, you will arrive at the picturesque and colorful port neighborhood of La Boca (with its famous street “Caminito”) before moving onto the trendy modern neighborhood of Puerto Madero, the seaside neighborhood set on Rio de la Plata. The tour concludes with a visit to the city´s two most upscale and European-esque neighborhoods of Palermo and La Recoleta. You will return to the hotel for a free late afternoon and evening.
Overnight at Hub Porteño (Breakfast)
Day 3: Evening Tango Show
Enjoy your day of leisure, exploring the corners of the city that you have not yet visited, or immersing yourself in those you have.
In the evening, dress up for Argentina's Rojo Tango show, known as Argentina's best dancers, singers and musicians. Tango is the musical art form in Buenos Aires, originating in the 1880 ghettos, then populated by Italian and Spanish immigrants, Africans and gauchos. Each song has a story to tell about the city, its history and its people. In spite of its growing popularity in ghettos and brothels of the 1920s, tango rose to the salons of the upper class. In the spirit of its history, you will be transferred to the chic Faena Hotel to witness the sultry musical art form of Argentina. Dinner at the show can be included, but we do recommend dining at a local parrilla (steakhouse) in the area of Puerto Madero for a more local and authentic experience. Transfers can be rearranged accordingly.
Overnight at Hub Porteño (Breakfast & Dinner)
Day 4: Depart to Iguassu Falls, Brazil
Following breakfast, you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Iguazu Falls on the Argentinian side (flying time approx. 1hr 50min). Upon arrival in Iguazu, you will be met by your private driver who will transfer you across the border to the Brazilian side of Iguazu. This evening is yours to rest and enjoy the spectacular views of the falls from the hotel.
Overnight at The Belmond Hotel das Cataratas (Breakfast)
Day 5: Iguassu Falls - Argentinian Falls & Gran Aventura Tour
Fuel up with an early breakfast. Today, you will discover the Argentinian side of the falls. Together with your guide you will visit the Iguazú National Park – World Natural Heritage by UNESCO – visiting 275 waterfalls and getting to know its exotic flora and fauna. You will explore in a full, exciting day the famous sights, including Devil’s Throat & the Inferior and Superior circuits. Hop on a small, eco train that allows you to get as close as possible to the mighty falls. Take a light trek to powerful Devil's Throat.
You will then embarking on the Great Adventure Expedition, a combination of land and river rapids. This amazing opportunity allows you to travel through the stunning rainforest in 4X4 vehicles. A boat tour takes you sailing the rapids of Iguazú River until you get closer to some of the most extraordinary falls to experience “baptism in the mist”.
Return to your hotel for a final evening in Iguass at leisure.
Overnight at The Belmond Hotel das Cataratas (Breakfast)
Day 6: Brazilian Falls & Depart to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Following breakfast and check-out this morning you will visit the Brazilian side of the waterfalls. The sidewalks on the Brazilian side are placed directly in front of the Falls, boasting a truly impressive panoramic view from which you can fully appreciate the beauty of the falls in all its magnificence.
Consider heightening your experience with an optional helicopter ride for an unforgettable birds-eye view! This adventure includes a fascinating visit to a local bird conservation park.
After your visit you will be transferred to the Foz do Iguazu airport (Brazil), to catch your flight to the spicy city of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro! This evening is yours to discover what the buzz is all about!
Overnight at Miramar by Windsor (Breakfast)
Day 7: Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer
After breakfast, you will depart to Corcovado to visit the Christ Redeemer statue which sits 2,300 feet about sea level and was recently elected as one of the seven modern wonders of the world. Following a scenic drive along Rio´s beautiful lagoon and beaches to the foot of Corcovado, you will embark on a lovely train ride to the top of the mountain. Marvel at the breathtaking panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro that can only truly be appreciated from this historic site. Enjoy an afternoon of leisure with a stroll down the ¨Calçadao¨on Ipanema Beach, a trip to Rio´s world known shops or a bike ride through Rio´s various cycling paths.
Tonight is at your leisure, so we suggest getting a taste of Rio’s nightlife. There is no other place in the city that embodies the "alegria" or happiness of the Brazilian people more than the nightlife-centered neighborhood of Lapa. Once the sun goes down, this normally quiet neighborhood turns into a bustling and vibrant area full of restaurants, nightclubs and bars. The streets fill with cariocas and gringos alike, who flock to this Rio nightlife Mecca with one thing in mind: fun!
Overnight at Miramar by Windsor (Breakfast)
Day 8: Rio de Janeiro - Food Tour
You might want to eat a light breakfast, as today you will sample your way through the city! Join with other equally open-minded foodies for a fascinating cuisine tour of Rio de Janeiro. Taste the best of Brazilian cuisine – delicious street food, tasty bar snacks, amazing fruits and juices, weird Amazonian dishes, Brazilian crafted beer and cocktails. The tour isn’t just about eating – as your walk through the city, your guide will highlight stories behind the colorful street art and other points of interest (including the Carioca Aqueduct and Selarón Steps). Learn about the history of Rio, chat about life in the city today and get some insider tips on the best things to do in Rio.
Enjoy a final night in the “Cidade Maravilhosa”. on your own, taking advantage of those tips from your local food tour guide.
Overnight at Miramar by Windsor (Breakfast)
Day 9: Departing Flight Home
At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to the airport for your departing flight home.
Overnight at Miramar by Windsor (Breakfast)
What's Included
8 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)
Daily breakfast
Private scheduled guided touring as specified
All ground transfers between airports and accommodations (internal flights not included)
All entrance fees as mentioned on tour
*Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international or internal flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature