For the essence of South America and to get to know some of its exciting cities, both very different from each other, it’s hard to beat the experiences of Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. And in South America Travel Specialist style, we heartily recommend spending a bit longer than usual in each city.

Many people rush through and have to leave just as they get to know the places they visit. In both Rio and Buenos Aires, there’s so much culture, art, dance, food and passion to enjoy the only question you’ll have is what to do next.

But wait, let’s not forget that a stop-off between the two cities is Iguazu Falls. It’s a pretty amazing place to break the journey. Stay next to the falls at Belmond Das Cataratas and explore both sides including the Devil’s Throat.

With insider city tours, music and dance, legendary world sights and natural wonders, this tour has it all.

Argentina and Brazil Experiences – Tour Highlights

• Stay in hip Palermo Soho in Buenos Aires and on Copacabana beach in Rio

• A Buenos Aires food and culture private insider excursion
  

• Stay next to Iguazu Falls at Belmond Hotel das Cataratas
  

• A guided Rio de Janeiro nightlife experience
  

• See Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf at the best times

• An authentic Brazilian BBQ on the bay
  

Suggested Itinerary – We customise this for you!

Day 1 – To Buenos Aires

Fly south overnight to Buenos Aires.

Day 2 – Buenos Aires

Arrive and transfer into the heart of the city, we’ll arrange an early room for you at Legado Mitico hotel. The location of the hotel in Palermo Soho is ideal for a first day’s relaxed exploration of Buenos Aires. Just hang out, nip into a coffee shop or a bar or two, get into the swing of this vibrant city some call the Paris of the Americas.

Meal: None

Hotel: Legado Mitico

Day 3 – Buenos Aires city exploration

See the different sides of Buenos Aires today with a private tour of the city with an expert guide. Head first to exclusive Recoleta and visit the elaborate cemetery and tomb of Evita Peron. Then it’s off into the political centre of the capital in Plaza de Mayo to see the Presidential Palace known as the Casa Rosada and Buenos Aires Cathedral. It’s a part of the city which has been witness to much of Argentina’s history.

Continuing on through the developed port area of Puerto Madero, it’s back to the neighbourhood vibe of Buenos Aires. Your guide will show you around San Telmo, the historic part of town of cobbled streets and where there’s a busy Sunday market. And close by there are the colourful streets of La Boca, the old port area now a colourful collection of street music and dance, after all this is where tango was born.

In the afternoon, your guide will take you to a local tango club. There’s no experience required as you will be warmly welcomed to learn a few first moves of the passionate tango dance. You’ll never watch Strictly the same way again! This authentic experience in a true local club will get you into the heart and soul of Buenos Aires. Don’t worry if you have two left feet, and equally if you are an expert – dive in! Either way, you won’t forget it.

The evening is free to enjoy Buenos Aires nights, there are some many amazing restaurants and to save any hassle we’ll give you a steer.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Legado Mitico

Day 4 – Buenos Aires foodie tour with an insider

Our advice is to have a small breakfast today. Then a bit later, get further under the skin of Buenos Aires with your personal city insider guide for a food and drink experience.

Get a hit of coffee in a place dating back to the 1930s dripping with history and character, then meet a café owner specialising in antique gaucho books and art,  could you get anything more Argentinian? Try traditional empanadas and of course, an Argentine steak is always on the list. There are funky pizzerias distinct to Argentina and it can all be finished off with Italian ice cream, in Buenos Aires style with dulce de leche flavour.

The food tour will take you with your local expert to places of the city off the beaten track that regular tourists won’t find. It’s not only about the food, it’s getting to know the culture and everyday life of this city, meeting the people and getting behind the scenes. The day will be designed around your personal tastes and interests, and no two days are the same.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and more

Hotel: Legado Mitico

Day 5 – Buenos Aires free day.

Spend a bit of time just enjoying the city buzz. Your guides over the last few days will have given you some little known tips about what’s on and what else might intrigue you. It really is a city of food, art, culture, music, dance and sport and it’s all very current.

Or get out of town and visit one of the old estancias. These exclusive ranches are an insight into the gauchos of the Argentina pampas.

For a final night in Buenos Aires, we’ll give you some restaurant and bar recommendations, naturally.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Legado Mitico

Day 5 – To Iguazu Falls

Fly north to tropical Argentina and the Iguazu Falls. You’ll be met on arrival for a private transfer and tours straight to the spectacular beauty of Iguazu Falls. There’s no need to wait around, see the spray as you approach and get straight into the national park.

Hundreds of different cascades fall through the jungle. The crescendo is reached at the Devil’s Throat. The huge river falls over the canyon creating an awesome experience.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas

Day 6 – Iguazu Falls

Today is your own time. Your hotel is just a few minutes walk from the Brazil side of the falls. Here the views are in front of the huge cascades, and by staying at Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas, you can get in there before all the day-trippers arrive which is absolutely worth it.

Spend plenty of time at the falls, there’s a lot to explore. You can then relax by the pool and take lunch. And for some adrenaline you can take the speedboat on the Iguazu river up to the falls, or how about a helicopter flight over this world-beating spectacle?

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas

Day 7 – To Rio de Janeiro & Sugar Loaf

Fly to Rio and get on down to Copacabana Beach, for a 4-night stay at Porto Bay Internacional. Again, no need to rush Rio, we recommend plenty of time to see the famous sights, the beaches, new and old Rio and taste its flavours.

This afternoon you’ll be taken to Sugar Loaf Mountain on the cable car It’s a great time to visit near sunset when the lights of the city come up and you can see the statue of Christ the Redeemer and the mountains beyond. We always aim to do this, spread things out going to places at the right time, getting into the rhythm of Rio and not rushing.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Porto Bay Rio Internacional

Day 8 – Rio de Janeiro’s famous sites.

Set off in the morning with your private local guide through the steep streets of old Santa Theresa district, then take the train up the steep Corcovado Hill to see the famous Statue of Christ the Redeemer. The aim is to get there before the crowds, get plenty of selfies if you can fit it all in! And take in the breathtaking views all over the city.

Head into the city to see Rio’s grand historic centre and the amazing modernist architecture of the Cathedral.

Finish by Flamenco bay for another Brazil institution at Asador Rio, where you’ll be served a seemingly never-ending choice of meat at a Brazil barbeque by the bay. You certainly won’t need dinner. We recommend a walk along Copacabana beach this afternoon after all that food and to see the people of Rio at play.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Hotel: Porto Bay Rio Internacional

Day 9 – Rio de Janeiro at night

There’s a free day today. Relax in the rooftop pool with views across Copacabana, head over to Ipanema beach for boutique shopping and people-watching. We recommend a visit to the Museum of Tomorrow on the redeveloped waterfront. It’s a museum dedicated to the environment and sustainable development, so both fascinating and essential.

In the evening your guide will take you to taste Rio at night at the legendary Rio Scenarium. Your guide will take you to the Lapa part of town which always buzzes at night. Rio Scenarium is frequented by Cariocas and Gringos alike, it’s a cool rambling place feeling like an antique shop and bar and always jumping to the sounds of Brazilian samba, bossa nova and jazz. Your guide will be able to take you to all the best places.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Porto Bay Rio Internacional

Day 10  – Rio de Janeiro

No need to rush in the morning. Relax or explore places you will have heard about from your guide. Let South America Travel Specialist take you off the beaten track. For something active, there’s paddleboarding in the mangroves or kayaking in the bay.

For artists, check out the Street Graffiti tour or photography with an expert. And for something more hedonistic why not a craft beer tour where you’ll see a different side of Rio to the touristy stuff. If there’s a football match going on at the Maracana we can get you tickets and transfers.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Porto Bay Rio Internacional

Day 11 – Depart

Another morning awaits on Copacabana beach. Time for a bit of last-minute shopping, one last fresh coconut and a bit of hanging out before your private transfer to the airport. Check-in for your flight home, or let us know if you have a bit more time to get up to Brazil’s beaches?

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: None

Day 12 – Arrive home

Land back with the rhythms of tango and samba in your shoes.

Brazil Beach extension to Buzios

Day 11 – To Buzios

After a city and jungle journey, head along Brazil’s sweeping coastline to the resort of Buzios. This Mediterranean style resort was made famous in the 50s when Brigitte Bardot used to go. It’s changed a lot since but still retains a feeling similar to St Tropez, with boutique hotels and restaurants spread over sweeping bays. It’s a 3-hour journey by private car to Vila da Santa boutique hotel for a 3-night stay.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Vila da Santa

Days 12-13 – Buzios

Relax around the hotel and the 25 beaches along the peninsula. Explore the beach boutiques and cafes of Buzios town, and enjoy the laid-back Brazilian resort lifestyle.  We recommend renting a private fishing boat for a trip around the emerald islands scattered around the bay.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Vila da Santa

Day 14 – To Rio de Janeiro & Depart

Relax a little in the morning before a private transfer back to Rio to meet with your return flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: None

Day 15  – Arrival

Arrive this morning with memories of cities, jungle and beaches.