In Search Of Iguassu - Rio to Buenos Aires

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Rio de Janeiro

Today is an arrival day, so there are no planned activities; we will be leaving Rio by midday on Day 2. Our journey sets out from the most famous of Brazilian cities and one of the most memorable cities in the world, Río de Janeiro. "God made the world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio." So say the Cariocas, residents of this beautiful city. Brilliant, white beaches at Copacabana and Ipanema, deep blue waters of the Atlantic, the luminescent green of Guanabara Bay, the bare blue slopes of the Sugar Loaf and the steep green hills behind combine to make Rio unique. Standing over it all, atop Corcovado, is the huge statue of Christ the Redeemer, the best place from which to appreciate the city. From the top of the Pao do Açucar (Sugar Loaf), which can be reached by cable car, you will see superb panoramic views of the city and area. Head to some of the famous beaches, and prepare yourself for an experience unlike anything else on Earth.

Day 2-4 Ilha Grande

From Rio we head south along the Atlantic coast to the port of Angra dos Reis, and onward by ferry to Ilha Grande. Known for its beauty there are over 100 beaches to choose from. Relax and enjoy a cool Caipirinha or try surfing, it's up to you.

Day 5-6 Paraty

Further down the mainland coast we encounter the quaint colonial town of Paraty, an architectural gem famous for its churches. Take a trip to visit an old Fazenda to sample cachaca or enjoy a boat ride to visit some of the many secluded beaches outside of town.

Day 7-10 Iguassu Falls

After Paraty we head west to the magnificent Foz do Iguaçu, or Iguassu falls, which borders Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. In order to see the falls properly you need to view them from both the Brazilian and the Argentine side. The Brazilian side offers the grand overview, and the Argentine side a closer look. The best time of the year to see them is from August to November, as from May to July you may not be able to approach the swollen waters on the catwalks. We include a visit to both the Argentine and Brazilian side of the Falls and spend a couple of days to take full advantage of the many opportunities and activities, which include an exhilarating optional boat tour at the falls or a trip to the bird sanctuary on the Brazilian side of the falls.

Day 11 Salto

From Brazil we cross through Argentina into Uruguay, and stay in the city of Salto for some welcome relaxation in the thermal baths… or go have a blast at the water park!

Day 12-14 Montevideo / Colonia

As we continue through Uruguay we spend some time in the capital city Montevideo, by far the country's largest city, founded by the Spanish in 1726. Over half of the population (about 1 million) lives here and the city dominates the commercial and cultural life of the nation. It's very lively and modern with many architecturally interesting buildings, yet the city also maintains a very quiet atmosphere. There are several good museums not to be missed, as well as some very good beaches just outside the city.Lastly travel along the shores of the Rio de la Plata to the charming colonial city of Colonia del Sacramento. Experience the relaxed, pleasant Uruguayan culture and stroll down its cobble-stoned streets before crossing into Argentina.

Day 15-16 Buenos Aires

Cross the Rio de la Plata by ferry to reach the dynamic city of Buenos Aires. There is much to do in this vibrant metropolis, with plenty of museums, theatres, and historical areas. Known as the ‘Paris of the Americas,’ Buenos Aires is full of life. Be sure to visit the districts of La Boca, Recoleta, and San Telmo, or catch a tango show at one of the many famous tanguerías or tango houses. Wander the pedestrian walkways and see some dancing in the streets. Whatever you do, Buenos Aires is sure to leave lasting memories.The capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires is the ultimate cosmopolitan city, and many travellers find that it has more in common with the cities of Europe than the rest of South America. Nearly 40 per cent of Argentina’s 33 million citizens live in Greater Buenos Aires, and the Porteños are justifiably proud of their home. The city is comprised of a number of distinct neighbourhoods, some of which have become top tourist draws. For many, the highlight of their time in the capital is a visit to San Telmo for the weekend antiques market and street artists’ displays. La Boca was originally settled by the successive waves of immigrants that contribute to the capital’s unique character. Its brightly coloured walls and buildings draw Porteños and tourists alike. Posh Recoleta, with its cafés, museums and cemetery, is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon. During colonial days, Buenos Aires was the seat of the Viceroy of La Plata. Almost completely rebuilt since the turn of the century, the heart of the city is the Plaza de Mayo, with the historic Cabildo (Town Hall), where the Independence movement was first planned, the Casa Rosada (Government Palace) and the Cathedral, where San Martín, the father of Argentine independence, is buried. When you are done exploring, settle your weary feet and enjoy a drink in one of the many sidewalk cafés and restaurants, and you will begin to understand the contemplative Argentine way of life. Buenos Aires is also your chance to try the succulent bifé and parrilladas, so dig in and enjoy!

Trip Details

Accommodation	Simple hotels (14 nts), night Bus (2 nts). Note: Accommodation can be quite basic/multi-share at times.
Departure	Departures vary
Group Size	Max 15, Avg 10
Meals Included	No meals included.
Reverse Itinerary	This trip also runs in reverse - see trip code JBR.
StartFinish	Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires
Testimonial	"The trip was fantastic from start to finish- so many fantastic places. Highlights were Iguassu falls, Rio and Uruguay." - Callum Tierney travelled on In Search of Iguassu
Transport	Public bus, Train, Ferry, Walking.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-12-12	2008-12-28	5
2008-12-26	2009-01-11	7+
2008-12-29	2009-01-14	5
2009-01-12	2009-01-28	7+
2009-01-23	2009-02-08	3
2009-02-06	2009-02-22	7+
2009-02-09	2009-02-25	7+
2009-02-15	2009-03-03	5
2009-02-25	2009-03-13	7+
2009-03-11	2009-03-27	7+
2009-03-20	2009-04-05	7+
2009-03-25	2009-04-10	4
2009-03-30	2009-04-15	7+
2009-04-03	2009-04-19	7+
2009-04-15	2009-05-01	7+
2009-04-20	2009-05-06	7+
2009-04-29	2009-05-15	7+
2009-05-01	2009-05-17	7+
2009-05-04	2009-05-20	7+
2009-05-15	2009-05-31	7+
2009-05-23	2009-06-08	7+
2009-05-29	2009-06-14	7+
2009-06-01	2009-06-17	7+
2009-06-12	2009-06-28	7+
2009-06-17	2009-07-03	7+
2009-06-26	2009-07-12	7+
2009-07-06	2009-07-22	7+
2009-07-09	2009-07-25	7+
2009-07-20	2009-08-05	7+
2009-07-24	2009-08-09	7+
2009-08-10	2009-08-26	7+
2009-08-17	2009-09-02	7+
2009-08-24	2009-09-09	7+
2009-08-31	2009-09-16	7+
2009-09-20	2009-10-06	7+
2009-10-07	2009-10-23	7+
2009-11-25	2009-12-11	7+
2009-12-12	2009-12-28	7+
2009-12-23	2010-01-08	7+
2010-01-09	2010-01-25	7+
2010-01-27	2010-02-12	7+
2010-02-17	2010-03-05	7+
2010-03-04	2010-03-20	7+
2010-03-26	2010-04-11	7+
2010-04-20	2010-05-06	7+
2010-05-06	2010-05-22	7+
2010-06-03	2010-06-19	7+
2010-06-24	2010-07-10	7+
2010-07-12	2010-07-28	7+
2010-08-18	2010-09-03	7+
2010-09-28	2010-10-14	7+
2010-10-26	2010-11-11	7+
2010-11-17	2010-12-03	7+
2010-12-04	2010-12-20	7+

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