Brazil Travel Ideas

Itinerary:

Day 1. Buenos Aires

Upon your arrival in Buenos Aires, we will provide assistance at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Buenos Aires. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Overnight hotel of your choice.

Day 2. Buenos Aires - City Tour

High lights of the city such as the impressive National Congress, the civic center - Plaza de Mayo (May Square), the Government House (Casa Rosada), the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo (Spanish colonial period City Hall). We will see the famous Colon Theatre one of the best Opera Houses around the world. Next, we will tour the traditional and historic San Telmo neighborhood. After that we will stop at La Boca neighborhood, first settlement for the Italian immigrants, where you will enjoy the colorful architecture.

We continue our tour passing by Puerto Madero on the way to Palermo the largest residential neighborhood of the city in which you are going to enjoy the Palermo Parks, City Zoo and the Planetarium. Finally, we will go to Recoleta, the most elegant neighborhood of the city (famous cemetery, boutiques, gourmet restaurants and side walk cafes).

Evening Tango and Dinner Show. Tango (the dance with the stop "Baille Con Carte") is one of the most fascinating of all dances. Originating in Spain or Morocco, the Tango was introduced to the New World by the Spanish settlers, eventually coming back to Spain with Black and Creole influences.

In the early 19th Century, the Tango was a solo dance performed by the woman. The Andalusian Tango was later done by one or two couples walking together using castanets. The dance was soon considered immoral with its flirting music! Ballroom Tango originated in the lower class of Buenos Aires, especially in the "Barrio de las Ranas". Clothing was dictated by full skirts for the woman and gauchos with high boots and spurs for the man.

The story of Tango as told is that it started with the gauchos of Argentina. They wore chaps that had hardened from the foam and sweat of the horses body. Hence to gauchos walked with knees flexed. They would go to the crowded night clubs and ask the local girls to dance. Since the gaucho hadn't showered, the lady would dance in the crook of the man's right arm, holding her head back. Her right hand was held low on his left hip, close to his pocket, looking for a payment for dancing with him. The man danced in a curving fashion because the floor was small with round tables, so he danced around and between them.

The dance spread throughout Europe in the 1900's. Originally popularized in New York in the winter of 1910 - 1911, Rudolph Valentino then made the Tango a hit in 1921. As time elapsed and the music became more subdued, the dance was finally considered respectable even in Argentina.

Styles vary in Tango: Argentine, French, Gaucho and International. Still, Tango has become one of our American 'Standards' regardless of its origin. The Americanized version is a combination of the best parts of each. The principals involved are the same for any good dancing. First, the dance must fit the music. Second, it must contain the basic characteristic that sets it apart from other dances. Third, it must be comfortable and pleasing to do.

Phrasing is an important part of Tango. Most Tango music phrased to 16 or 32 beats of music. Tango music is like a story. It contains paragraphs (Major phrases); sentences (Minor phrases); and the period at the end of the sentence is the Tango close.

For exhibition dancing, a Tango dancer must develop a strong connection with the music, the dance and the audience. The audience can only feel this connection if the performer feels and projects this feeling. So it is when dancing for your own pleasure – and your partner's! BD

Day 3. Buenos Aires - Iguassu Falls - Argentinean Side

After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Iguassu Falls (not included in the trip price) where you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Sheraton Iguassu Hotel - Falls View room. Tonight is free to enjoy the sounds of the mighty Iguassu Falls only steps from your hotel.

For an amazing panoramic view of Iguassu Falls please click here

Day 4. Iguassu Falls - Argentinean Side

Taller than Niagara Falls, twice as wide with 275 cascades spread in a horseshoe shape over nearly two miles of the Iguassu River, Iguassu Falls are the result of a volcanic eruption which left yet another large crack in the earth. During the rainy season of November - March, the rate of flow of water going over the falls may reach 450, 000 cubic feet (12, 750 m³) per second.

These matter of fact details do nothing to describe the grandeur of the falls, the tremendous amount of water (an average of 553 cubic feet per second) thundering down 269 feet, the tropical location and the sheer beauty that led Eleanor Roosevelt to say Poor Niagara. Four times the width of Niagara Falls, Iguassu Falls are divided by various islands into separate waterfalls.

The Argentinean side provides an intimate touch with the falls. Many walking trails were paved throughout the reserve, and a free train brings visitors from the gate to the falls themselves. These facilities allows a close encounter with the falls. Walking through the parks makes it possible to enjoy the rich flora and the huge amount of beautiful birds, butterflies (over 500 types in the area) and other animals.

The most impressive fall in the area is called La Garganta del Diablo, meaning "the Devil's throat".

Excitement lovers can take a speed boat along the Devil's canyon up to the Garganta del Diablo falls. (not included in the trip price)

Return to your hotel. B

Day 5. Iguassu Falls - Brazilian Side

Today you are transferred to the Brazilian side of the falls where you visit the falls before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Rio.

Upon your arrival in Rio de Janeiro, you are transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. B

NOTE: You will require a Brazilian Visa for your entry into Brazil - even for a day visit!

For an amazing panoramic view of Iguassu Falls please click here

Day 6. Rio - Corcovado - Sugar Loaf - Rio

"Be warned: Rio's powers of seduction can leave you with a bad case of saudade (indescribable longing) when you leave. Planted between lush, forest-covered mountains and breathtaking beaches, the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) has many charms at her disposal.

Although joie de vivre is a French invention (as is the bikini), it's the Cariocas (Rio dwellers) who've made it their own. How else to explain the life-lusting zeal with which the city's inhabitants celebrate their days?

While large-scale festivities like Carnaval make Rio famous, there are countless occasions for revelry – Saturday at Ipanema Beach, a fiesta (party) in Lapa, soccer at Maracana, or an impromptu roda de samba (samba circle) on the sidewalks of Leblon, Copacabana or any other corner of the city.

The spectacular landscape is another of Rio's shameless virtues. Verdant mountains and white-sand beaches fronting deep blue sea offer a range of adventure: surfing great breaks off Prainha, hiking through Tijuca's rain forests, sailing across the Baia de Guanabara (Guanabara Bay) or rock climbing up the face of Pao de Açucar (Sugarloaf Mountain)."
TAKEN FROM THE LONELY PLANET BRAZIL

We spend to day exploring two of the city's and the world's most famous sites: Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain.

CORCOVADO Imagine that! A hug of 30 meters from christ the redeemer?

It's frequently said that God is Brazilian. The real truth is unknown, but at least a piece of him is in the Rio de Janeiro statue, christ the redeemer, or in Portuguese, Christ o Redentor. Towering above the marvelous city with open arms for, giving it forever a permanent hug. From one hand to the other, measuring almost 30 meters.

Since it was placed on top the 2, 300-ft peak of Corcovado mountain in 1931, this figure has been one of the most famous symbols of Rio. It stands 100 ft tall on a 20-ft pedestal, weighs 700 tons, and is visible night and day from most of the city's neighborhoods.

On top of Corcovado Mountain, immortalized in corcovado song by Joao Gilberto, a penitent Christ the Redeemer opens his arms to all of Rio de Janeiro. The left arm points to the Rio de Janeiro's north zone (zona norte), the right to the south zone (zona sul), while the saintly perch offers spectacular views of Ipanema, the Maracana soccer stadium and the Serra do orgaos mountain range. A cogwheel train (20-minute ride) will take you up the 710 metres to the statue of Christ. Finally at the top of several flights of steps you are beneath the almost 40-metre tall statue of Christ with the whole of Rio at your feet. The spectacle is truly incredible.

SUGAR LOAF
Sugar Loaf, located in Urca, between the two hills, Urca and Dog Face, is considered a historical land mark. It was from its base that Estacio de Sa, when disembarking on March 1, 1565, pronounced the location of the future city of Rio de Janeiro.

The cable car was inaugurated, for the first time, in 1912. In 1972, the construction of a new aerial route was completed, using new standards and modern technology. Now, one million people a year are transported up to the summit of Sugar Loaf in cable cars with a capacity of seventy five passengers per trip. Among other attractions on top of Urca Hill are a panoramic restaurant and an amphitheater. From the top of Sugar Loaf, one can appreciate the unique beauty of Guanabara Bay, Niteroi and some historical landmarks such as Santa Cruz Fort and Fiscal Island.

The second stage the "Sugar Loaf" trip offers an incomparable panoramic view of Rio's skyline from one side – on the other visitors eyes fly over the open sea, covered with an abundance of green islands lost in an endless blue sky. At sundown the city pulls all its punches offering a stunning sunset over one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Overnight hotel of your choice. B

Day 7. Rio

Today is free to explore the magical city of Rio at your own pace. Shopping, markets, restaurants, beaches, art galleries are but just a few of the options available today.

The second largest city in Brazil and the state capital of Rio de Janeiro. It is best known for its beaches, Carnavals, football, music and its well protected forests. Commonly known just as Rio, it was the capital of Brazil for nearly two centuries during the 1800s, before Brasilia became the capital in 1960, it was a Portuguese colony and also when Brazil achieved independence. Tourists mainly get attracted to Rio not just because of it musical diversity and beaches but also because of its flora and fauna. The world's two largest forests are in Rio and that too inside an urban area.

Recently, the statue of Christ Redeemer was amongst the Seven Wonders of the World. Rio also boasts of having some of the world's largest football stadiums and as soccer is Brazil's national sport, wherever there is an open space you will constantly see children and youngsters playing their favorite game. Rio's nightlife is very famous all around the world and has some of the best pubs and clubs in town. Two of the best beaches on the earth Ipanema and Copacabana are in Rio and the white sands and blue waters draw a lot of attention from surfers, water sports lovers and other tourists who want to just enjoy a good tan.

Art and culture unite together and on display is Rio and Brazil's history around the museums and galleries. Shopping can be done in plenty as the range of prices varies from the expensive designer items to buying knick-knacks and souvenirs in the city centrum at a bargain. Same is for restaurants where one can taste all kinds of cuisines including local and Brazilian food that too at an affordable price.

The Carnavals of Brazil are the most awaited among visitors and dance, music and enjoyment that come along with it makes your stay worthy.

One of the densest cities in the world where rainforests and the seas come together, Rio is a city which one surely will fall in love with for its food, music, entertainment, art, culture and its outdoors.

At the end of your day of exploration you will be collected from your hotel for a night on the town including dinner and a cultural show. (Actual show is determined closer to your departure date)

Overnight hotel of your choice. BD

Day 8. Onward travel

Today you are transferred back to Rio airport to connect with your onward journey. B

NOTE: This itinerary can be done in reverse

PRICES FROM:

Exchange rates differ from time to time. For the most up-to-date prices of this holiday idea please fill out our Latin America Travel Quote form.

NOTES:

Please allow approximately $750USD for air between Buenos Aires - Iguassu - Rio (or v.v.)

• A US$132 for US Citizens, $70USD for Canadian Citizens reciprocity fee is payable in USD cash, Argentinean Pesos, Credit Card or Travelers Cheques on arrival.
• Argentinean international departure tax $25 USD
• Argentinean domestic departure tax $12 USD
• Local currency is Pesos
• Time Zone: GMT/UTC -3
• Dialing Code: 54
• Electricity: 220V, 60Hz
• Weights & measures: Metric

• Brazilian international departure tax $40 USD
• Local currency is Reals
• Time Zone: GMT/UTC -3
• Dialing Code: 55
• Electricity: 220V, 60Hz
• Weights & measures: Metric

DEPARTURES:

Departs daily

PRICE INCLUDES:

• All transfers
• All accommodation
• Buenos Aires city tour
• Tango Show & Dinner
• Visit to Argentina and Brazil side of Iguassu Falls
• Sugar Loaf, Corcovado and Rio City Tour
• All meals as listed B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

NOT INCLUDED

• Domestic Airfare
• Visa fees (if required)
• Passport & Visa Costs
• Vaccination Costs
• Personal Spending Money
• Meals where not listed
• Drinks
• International Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Airport departure taxes
• Border taxes or fees

Package Departures

Please call us to inquire about departure dates

8 - Our Antarctic adventure begins. Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands).
The flight takes a little under 2 hours. Upon arrival we will be able to tour around the area where the "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base and "Bellinghausen" Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation, by Zodiac boats, to M/V "Ocean Nova". BLD

9 - Our Antarctic adventure begins. Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands).
The flight takes a little under 2 hours. Upon arrival we will be able to tour around the area where the "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base and "Bellinghausen" Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation, by Zodiac boats, to M/V "Ocean Nova". BLD

10 - Our Antarctic adventure begins. Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands).
The flight takes a little under 2 hours. Upon arrival we will be able to tour around the area where the "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base and "Bellinghausen" Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation, by Zodiac boats, to M/V "Ocean Nova". BLD