Iguassu and Beyond

Itinerary

Day 1 Rio de Janeiro

Our journey sets out from the most famous of Brazilian cities and one of the most memorable cities in the world, Río de Janeiro. Today is an arrival day, so there are no planned activities; we will be leaving Rio by midday on Day 2. "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. Enjoy two days soaking up sun, snorkelling, hiking and cruising to various beaches, not to mention feasting on fresh seafood and sipping caipirinhas in the plaza in the evenings.

Day 5-7 Paraty

Return to the mainland and take a bus down the coast to the quaint colonial town of Paraty, an architectural gem famous for its churches. Wander the cobblestone streets, take a boat trip to the nearby islands in the bay, or visit one of the many white sand beaches that make Brazil famous.Paraty is a lovely colonial town 125 miles from Rio de Janeiro on Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil's southeastern coast. It lies on the border between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states, and is a favourite with those looking to ‘get away from it all’—Brazilians and visitors alike.In the 1700's when the mines of Minas Gerais were pouring out gold, the perfect bay of Paraty was a busy port, the second most important in Brazil during the Golden Century. The historic centre is a well-preserved national historic monument, and today has been closed to vehicles.Founded in 1531, the founders named it Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, with Our Lady of the Medicines as the patron saint, and they built the main church in her honour. Enlarged and remodelled over the years, the church is now the focal point of the annual Festa de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios on September 8. The festival has been celebrated for over 300 years since a wealthy and reverent benefactor, Maria Jácome de Mello, donated the land to the town for the church, requesting only an annual mass in return. The mass has grown into a procession of the wooden effigy of the Virgen though the town, adorned with gold and silver jewellery.

Day 8-10 Foz do Iguaçu

Inland to Sao Paulo by bus to catch our flight to the city of Foz do Iguaçu.The torrential Iguassu River crosses the State of Paraná in Southern Brazil from East to West. A few kilometres before its junction with the Paraná River it forms one of the most splendorous natural beauties of the world: Iguassu Falls. Over 2.7 kilometres long and an average flow of 1.750 m3/s, this wonder is located in a very special place. The contrast between the green of the vegetation and the dark colour of the basalt rocks with whirring waters plunging from a 72 metre high cliff is magical. At Iguassu there are 275 falls in all, spread over a 3-km area, some over 80m (262.4 ft) in height, making these cataracts wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara! It should come as no surprise that UNESCO declared the region a World Heritage Site in 1986.Originally “discovered” in 1541 by the Spaniard Juan Alvar Nuñez, he named the falls Saltos de Santa María. The name we use today means “great waters” in the Tupi-Guarani tongue. The falls are protected by two National Parks—one in Brazil and another in Argentina. Tours utilise trails and catwalks adapted to the landscape of the area, and walking is easy for all ages; guided tours of the complex are available several times a day. 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. Experience an exhilarating optional boat tour or helicopter trip for a bird's eye view, or simply marvel at nature’s breadth and the roar of the falls.Also of interest in the area is Itaipú, the largest hydroelectric complex in the world, just a short distance outside of Foz de Iguacu.

Day 11-13 Mercedes-Esteros del Iberá

Cross into Argentina and visit the fascinating Jesuit ruins of San Ignacio and Santa Ana on the way to Colonia Carlos Pellegrini in the heart of the Esteros del Iberá reserve.The Esteros del Iberá is the largest reserve of fresh water in Argentina, and in size and diversity is comparable to Brazil's Pantanal wetlands. It is also the largest protected area in the country, comprising almost one-quarter of the province of Corrientes. With luck and the help of your experienced guide you may see some of the reserve's most famous residents: the howler monkey, marsh deer, capybara, neotropical otter and mained wolf. The area also boasts 300 different species of bird, muscovy ducks, lizards and caymans.Travel overnight by bus to the capital, Buenos Aires.

Day 14 Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the ultimate cosmopolitan city. 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 artistís 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, and it is here that the world-class football team, Boca Juniors, plies its trade. A Sunday afternoon match at the fabled Bombonera is not to be missed. Posh Recoleta, with its cafes, 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.Enjoy a city tour to get acquainted with the city. When you are done exploring, settle your weary feet and enjoy a drink in one of the many sidewalk cafes and restaurants and you will begin to understand the contemplative Argentine way of life.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Simple hotels (13 nts), bus (1 nt).
Departure	Departs twice monthly
DepEnd	Sun-Sun
Group Size	Max 15, Avg 10
Included Highlights	-Entrance and visit to Iguassu Falls-Entrance and Visit to Jesuit Ruins-Esteros del Iberá wetlands excursion-Buenos Aires city tour
Local Payment	USD250
Meals Included	No meals included
Reverse Itinerary	This trip also runs in reverse - see trip code SABR.
StartFinish	Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires
Transport	Public and private bus, ferry, local flight.
Brochure Intro	A 15-day exploration of Argentina and Brazil. From learning to tango in vibrant Buenos Aires, to enjoying the splendour of the mighty Iguassu Falls, and experiencing the friendliness of Rio de Janeiro's Cariocas, this compact trip will pack in some of the best highlights these two fascinating South American countries have to offer.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-10-05	2008-10-19	7+
2008-10-12	2008-10-26	7+
2008-11-09	2008-11-23	7+
2008-11-16	2008-11-30	7+
2008-12-14	2008-12-28	7+
2008-12-21	2009-01-04	7+
2009-01-18	2009-02-01	7+
2009-01-25	2009-02-08	7+
2009-03-01	2009-03-15	7+
2009-03-08	2009-03-22	7+
2009-04-05	2009-04-19	7+
2009-04-12	2009-04-26	7+
2009-05-10	2009-05-24	7+
2009-05-17	2009-05-31	7+
2009-06-14	2009-06-28	7+
2009-06-21	2009-07-05	7+
2009-07-19	2009-08-02	7+
2009-07-26	2009-08-09	7+
2009-08-23	2009-09-06	7+
2009-08-30	2009-09-13	7+

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