Rio, Iguazu & Buenos Aires Tour

11 Days
From $ 1,549

About this SAAT Travel tour: Rio, Iguazu & Buenos Aires

The Rio, Iguazu & Buenos Aires tour combines two of South America’s most exciting cities with the awesome spectacle of Iguazu Falls. Starting things off in Rio de Janeiro you’ll visit all the highlights, including the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado and the iconic ‘Christ the Redeemer’. After soaking up the atmosphere of Rio you’ll fly west to Iguazu and spend a couple of full days taking in this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon. Last stop will be the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires, characterized by an exciting amalgamation of the old and the new Buenos Aires has a distinctive European style, and is full to bursting with museums, concert halls and top-class restaurants. On the Rio, Iguazu & Buenos Aires tour you’ll experience three very different South American highlights.

  • Day 1

    Touchdown in the Marvelous City


    Rio de Janeiro

  • rio copacabana view
  • Upon touchdown in Rio you will be welcomed by one of our representatives and shown to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to spend either relaxing at your hotel or heading out to explore the nearby beaches, boulevards and boutiques. Ask your specialist for recommendations of interesting places to visit. Sunset in Rio is spectacular and the best place to experience it is with the locals on one of Rio's many beaches. As the sun begins to set and the mountains cast long shadows over sea and sand under a stunning pink and golden sky, order yourself a caipirinha, sit back and enjoy the show.
  • Day 2

    Tijuca Forest & Corcovado


    Rio de Janeiro

  • rio statue day
  • After breakfast you'll begin your day with a trip through Tijuca, the largest urban forest in the world, which covers the mountains overlooking the city in a blanket of deep green. You'll then continue on to the top of Corcovado, the 710m mountain that is home to the iconic statue of 'Christ the Redeemer'. From here the views of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, the beaches and the Atlantic Ocean are breath-taking. You'll then return to your hotel and have the afternoon and evening free to enjoy the beaches, and perhaps head out to the dancing district of Lapa for a little Samba and a caipirinha or three. (Meals - B)
  • Day 3

    Sugarloaf Hike


    Rio de Janeiro

  • rio sugarloaf mist
  • The dramatic Sugarloaf Mountain is a well-known Rio landmark. Today, instead of standing in line to ride the aerial cable car with dozens of others, you will have the unique experience of reaching the summit on foot. Starting with a stroll along the beautiful shoreline to warm up, you'll begin a 300m hike to the stunning Sugarloaf summit. From the top the views over Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach and up to Corcovado are about as spectacular as you can get. This tour can be extended to a full-day adventure, either kayaking to an island five miles from Sugarloaf or rock-climbing and rappelling. Note: Those not up for the hike can opt to take the cable car to Sugarloaf's summit. (Meals - B)
  • Day 4

    Relaxing in Rio


    Rio de Janeiro

  • rio niteroi beach
  • A free day in Rio is full of possibilities - boat trips, hang-gliding, art tours, football matches, and of course the failsafe option of sun, sea and sand at one of Rio's top beaches. You could also head out of the city and spend a day in Petropolis, the mountain town where the Emperors of Brazil spent their summers, or pick up a new skill and take some Brazilian cuisine or dance classes. Other options include heading into the nearby mountains for whitewater rafting, horse-riding, mountain biking or trekking. Just let us know how you prefer to spend your time and we can help make it happen. (Meals - B)
  • Day 5

    First Glimpse


    Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls

  • iguazu postcard
  • After being picked up at your hotel in Rio and transferred to the airport you'll catch a morning flight to Iguazu, catching your first glimpse of the 275 separate falls as the plane comes in to land. Arriving in the early afternoon you will head straight out for a tour of the Brazilian side of the falls, following a short forest trail to a spectacular viewing point. Extra options include 10min helicopter flights over the dramatic falls, or boat rides that take you almost to the edge of the tremendous curtains of water. Later in the day you will be transferred to your hotel where you can spend the evening relaxing. (Meals - B)
  • Day 6

    Argentine Iguazu


    Iguazu Falls

  • iguazu devils throat
  • After breakfast you will be met for your tour of the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls. Beginning with a train ride to The Devil's Throat Falls, the highest of the 270, or so, separate falls that make up Iguazu. As the falling water pounds into the river below it created a roar that can be heard for miles around. The tour then continues on foot following a series of walkways built over the river, around and alongside the falls, allowing you to experience the majesty of Iguazu from very close up. Later in the afternoon you will be transferred back to your hotel for the evening. (Meals - B)
  • Day 7

    South to Buenos Aires


    Iguazu Falls to Buenos Aires

  • Recoleta Pilar Church
  • After breakfast you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, where you will be welcomed and shown to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to either relax at your hotel, or head out to explore some of the nearby neighborhoods. One option would be to visit Recoleta Cemetery where the famous grave of Evita Peron can be found, along with those of many other notable characters. In the evening we recommend you visit one of the city's famous steak-houses for a prime cut and a good glass of Mendoza Malbec. (Meals - B)
  • Day 8

    Late-night Tango


    Buenos Aires

  • ARBUE03-La-Boca-Caminito
  • Today you will have a guided tour of some of the city's distinct neighborhoods and important buildings, including La Boca, San Telmo, Palermo, the Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada and the cathedral. Later in the evening you will attend a 'Dinner and Tango' show, where you'll enjoy the very best of Argentine cuisine accompanied by some excellent wines. Following dinner the Tango show will begin; this passionate and intense dance is integral to Buenos Aires' history and culture, and over the course of the evening you'll have the opportunity to see various dance styles and to hear many of Argentina's most beloved numbers. (Meals - B, D)
  • Day 9

    Gauchos & the Pampas Plains


    Buenos Aires

  • Gaucho
  • The Argentine economy was once built on exports from the vast stretches of open plains, or Pampas, that cover much of its central interior. Today you will head out of the city to visit a rural estancia where you'll learn about the traditional gaucho way of life. You'll see the cooking techniques of the Asado (grill), before lunching on the delicious roasted meat and some top quality Argentine wine. You will also have the opportunity to experience folkloric dance and music performances, and have the chance to explore the estancia on foot or on horseback. (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 10

    BAires City Streets


    Buenos Aires

  • Colonia
  • This day is left free for you to enjoy Buenos Aires as you like, either exploring independently or taking one of our many extra options. If this day falls on a Sunday you could take a stroll around the San Telmo Flea Market. Alternatively, take a morning walk thorough Palermo Woods and the Rose Garden, before stopping for lunch and then visiting the Evita Museum or the MALBA Museum of Latin American Art in the afternoon. Another great option is to explore the Palermo neighborhood for a look around its many boutiques, bars and pavement cafes. (Meals - B)
  • Day 11

    Home or Onward


    Buenos Aires

  • Puerto Madero
  • After breakfast you will be transferred to the international airport (approximately one hour from the city center), either for your flight back home, or on to another one of South America Adventure Travel's exciting Latin American destinations. How about taking in the awe-inspiring spectacle of Patagonia?s glaciers or visiting Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes? (Meals - B)
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