Impressions of South America

Launch your leisurely exploration of South America to the sultry beats of the Bossa Nova and Samba. A local host will take you to your hotel where you’ll enjoy superb ocean views of Copacabana beach and its beautiful people, just minutes from downtown Rio. This evening, we enjoy a festive dinner with our Travel Director and fellow travelers.

Join your Travel Director and ride the historic cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain, pausing at Urca Hill before reaching the summit for sweeping views over Guanabara Bay and Copacabana. Hear how this iconic peak got its name during Brazil’s sugar trade era. After a drive past Ipanema and the Copacabana beaches, your afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps choose an Optional Experience to the Selarón Steps, a colorful mosaic staircase and local landmark. This evening, you could choose an Optional Experience if you wish: enjoy Brazilian flavors and a performance at the city’s famous Roxy Dinner Show.

Hands outstretched, the iconic Christ the Redeemer welcomes you to the hunched outcrop of Corcovado, sharing his impressive panoramic view of a city that loves to celebrate. This afternoon, soak in the shores of Copacabana and Ipanema. Kick back and watch tanned sun-worshippers playing volleyball and sip a caipirinha or two, which you’ll learn to mix this evening, followed by a sizzling barbecue at a local churrascaria Regional Dinner. Bom proveito!

Journey into some of South America’s most beautiful natural landscapes on a flight from Rio to Iguazú Falls, the UNESCO-listed magnificent falls that straddle the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Explore the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls, 'Big Waters', in Iguaçu National Park with a Local Specialist. Hike to the cascading falls through giant clouds and sprays of water feeling refreshed in the humidity. You’ll learn that while hot and humid, this lush micro-climate supports diverse fauna in its subtropical rainforest of over 2,000 species of vascular plants. Conclude your day crossing the border to Argentina to your hotel.

Get a different perspective of grandeur on the Argentinian side of the falls at the Devil's Throat. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience finds you paying a visit to the Guarani community of Fortín M'bororé who open their doors to reveal the secrets of the jungle, their natural medicine, culture, songs, dances, crafts, philosophy and beliefs. Discover with the Guarani the "Spirit of the Trees", a walk where you learn to walk through the interior of the Jungle guided by aboriginal experts. This afternoon, join an optional experience on Gran Aventura boat tour or an Argentinean experience learning about Argentine culture, tasting local dishes in a five-course dinner, sampling four Argentinian wines and mingling with travelers from around the world.

Take a flight from Iguazú Falls to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Check into your hotel located in the heart of the cultural center at the historic Plaza San Martin and, with the rest of the day free, perhaps take a stroll around this upscale part of the city. Or venture on a wine tasting trip to “El Querandi,” a big house located in the historical district and considered a living testimony of the city originally founded as a bar in 1920.

Take in the sights of Buenos Aires on a City Tour to the pink palace, cathedral and La Boca neighborhood. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax and explore this exciting city on your own. This evening enjoy the passionate and precise steps of some of Buenos Aires most talented tango dancers.

Leave Buenos Aires to San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the gaucho traditions in the pampas region, for a tour along its quaint streets lined with silversmiths. Take part in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visiting a local project of the Local Association for disabled people who are keeping up the tradition of making the alpargatas shoes. Appreciate more artisans paying a visit to a local artist's studio observing how masterpieces are created. Cap off your day with a Be My Guest Experience, complete with sizzling asado steak, at a family-owned gaucho ranch where your watch cowboys show off the horsemanship accompanied by music and dance.

Our South America adventure comes to an end this morning. Say a fond hasta luego to Buenos Aires and newfound friends, transferring to the airport on your included transfer for your flight home or choose to extend your stay.