Highlights of Rio de Janeiro Iguassu Falls & Buenos Aires

The Windsor Plaza Copacabana is an ideal place to stay for a leisure or business traveller. The hotel is perfectly located, within walking distance from the beach, cinemas, shopping malls, and theatres. Surrounded by Copacabana's exciting night life, it offers easy and fast access to downtown (10 minutes), to the domestic airport (10 minutes), and to Rio's international airport (20 minutes). Guest rooms and suites have been designed to meet the most demanding expectations and provide the maximum comfort for your stay.

Today, after breakfast, you will explore Rio, Corcovado; just a few of Rio's many world famous sites.

You begin with a drive through downtown Rio, passing by the Sambodrome, the Metropolitan Cathedral, visit the traditional Cinelandia Square with its many historical buildings, the Municipal Theatre, the National Library and the National Museum of Fine Arts.

From one stunning view to another it is now onto Corcovado to stand at the feet of the immense statue of Christ towering above the city of Rio with open arms.

After taking a cog railway to the summit, it is a short walk through the many stalls selling all incarnations of the statue of Christ where you come face to feet with one of the country's and world's most recognizable sites - the Statue of Christ the Redeemer.

From one hand to the other, the statue measures almost 30mts / 98ft. Since it was placed atop the 700mts / 2300ft peak of Corcovado Mountain in 1931, this figure has been one of the most famous symbols of Rio. It weighs 700 tons and is visible night and day from most of the city's neighbourhoods. With stunning views all over Rio it is a photo opportunity not to be missed and never forgotten. The spectacle is truly incredible.

Today, after breakfast, you will explore Rio, Sugar Loaf; just a few of Rio's many world famous sites.

You begin with a drive through downtown Rio, passing by the Sambadrome, the Metropolitan Cathedral, visit the traditional Cinelandia Square with its many historical buildings, the Municipal Theatre, the National Library and the National Museum of Fine Arts.

It is then onto the neighbourhood of Urca where one of the world's most recognizable landmarks sit: Sugar Loaf. The journey to the top is by cable car and is made in two steps. The first cable car takes passengers to Urca Hill which is 215 meters high and from where one can have a beautiful view of Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niteroi Bridge and Corcovado Hill. It is then onto the Sugar Loaf itself where panoramic views of downtown Rio, the city airport, Christ the Redeemer in the distance and Copacabana Beach are all on offer.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Strategically located on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, the Bourbon Cataratas Convention and Spa Resort occupies an area of 165 000 square meters. The hotel is close to the main tourist attractions of the triple border such as the majestic Iguassu Waterfalls, with its 295 dazzling waterfalls. The airport is just 20 minutes away from the hotel. All rooms have been specially decorated combining comfort and well-being so as to full fill the demands of a variety of styles.

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-metres cubed) 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.

Today is spent on the Brazilian side of the falls. The optional Macuco Safari and or the helicopter ride above the falls - available ONLY on the Brazilian side of the falls - are highly recommended (own expense).

The tour begins at the Visitor Center where you board the train at Central Station, some 400 metres away from the main gate. The train travels along Sendero Verde (Green Trail) finishing at Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) Station, the starting point of your journey. You will walk via the catwalks out and over the river, finally reaching Devil's Throat, the apex of the mighty Iguassu Falls.

It is a 70-metre-deep point where several branches of the Iguassu river converge, causing a violent but spectacular sight.

You will return to the station and re board the train to the Visitor Centre, and then to the start of the Upper Trail Walk. The Upper Circuit is a half-hour walk along a 1200- metre trail, with a low degree of difficulty and no stairs, which takes you deep into the jungle and over the precipice of the many falls on the Argentinean side.

Panoramic Hotel Iguassu is a sophisticated five star hotel that stands serenely on a privileged hilltop, commanding an enviable view of the landscape below. With the highest quality service, you will have the opportunity to enjoy its relaxed atmosphere in a stunning setting.

Featuring polished marble floors, sculpted wood paneling and ornamented pillars,Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta offers impeccable 5-star style and services, a swimming pool and gym facilities. Guests can unwind in the sauna room and stop by the gift-shop. Located in the prestigious Recoleta district, Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta is the perfect place for business meetings, conferences and social events. Characterized by its exquisite cuisine and friendly service, the hotel features 175 elegant and spacious rooms with welcoming and warm decor. Other services include the Agraz restaurant, Tea Lounge, Cheers Bar and La Patisserie.

Enjoy the highlights of the city such as the impressive National Congress, Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Spanish colonial period city hall, the Cabildo. You will see the famous Colon Theatre one of the best Opera Houses around the world. Next, tour the traditional and historic San Telmo neighborhood. After that, stop at La Boca neighborhood, first settlement for the Italian immigrants, where you will enjoy the colorful architecture.

Continue your 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, go to Recoleta, the most elegant neighborhood of the city with its famous cemetery, boutiques, gourmet restaurants and side walk cafes.

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. Enjoy this spectacle with a tasty dinner.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.