Contrasts of Brazil & Argentina
Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to the sophisticated capital of Argentina, often affectionately dubbed the “Paris of South America”. On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hand-picked hotel. Take time to settle in and unwind before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner.
After a Relaxed Start, gain a deeper understanding of Argentina's identity as you explore the capital with your Travel Director. A guided walking tour takes you through key Argentina attractions, to see Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada, the presidential palace, before visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Then, immerse yourself in Argentina's grilling culture for lunch at Fogón Asado. This unique dining experience reimagines traditional parrilla cooking, with chefs preparing premium cuts over an open flame, right before your eyes - a contemporary take on one of Argentina's most beloved culinary traditions. This reimagining of the traditional parrilla invites you to observe the techniques and traditions that shape Argentina's approach to cooking.
In San Telmo, experience an Insightful Encounter at El Viejo Almacén, one of the city's oldest tango venues, where dancers bring this expressive art form to life.
Leave the city behind as you journey into fertile lowlands, the Pampas, for a visit to La Bandada, a traditional estancia nestled among open plains and native woodlands. This family-run ranch offers a warm welcome and a glimpse into gaucho heritage, with a lunch of regional specialities served in a relaxed, rustic setting.
Later, personalise your experience with Insight Choice. Discover Argentina's national sport with an introduction to polo, where you'll learn about the rules, strategy and enduring popularity of the game (no riding required). Alternatively, step into the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class, where the estancia's chef shares the secrets behind Argentina's beloved empanadas.
Fly north to the province of Misiones, where the subtropical rainforest meets one of South America's greatest natural wonders. The Iguazú River plunges into a series of nearly 300 individual cascades, creating the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls – wider than Victoria and taller than Niagara. As you arrive in Puerto Iguazú, glimpse the region's rich biodiversity and striking red earth.
On the way to your hotel, you'll visit a forest-sheltered local market that supports sustainable producers and celebrates regional traditions. Here, enjoy an Insightful Encounter as you discover the story behind Argentina's most iconic drink - mate, a herbal infusion made from the native yerba mate plant. Learn why this energising tea is more than a beverage - it's a daily ritual and a symbol of hospitality across Argentina.
This evening, settle into your premium retreat and the only hotel located inside Iguazú National Park.
Explore the Argentinian side of Iguazú Falls with your Local Expert, where a network of trails and walkways reveals the raw beauty of this UNESCO-listed site. Feel the spray on your skin as you approach the roaring Devil's Throat, and witness the power of nature up close from multiple vantage points across the rainforest canopy and riverbanks.
In the evening, visit a local finca for a dinner steeped in regional flavour. Set amid native forest, this rural hideaway showcases seasonal produce and time-honoured recipes, offering a relaxed and authentic taste of Misiones province under open skies.
Wake inside Iguazú National Park and enjoy breakfast overlooking the rainforest canopy. Cross into Brazil with your Local Expert for a guided visit to the eastern side of the falls. The trail is shorter, but the perspective is broader. Here you can see the entire waterfall system at once, including San Martin Island, from panoramic viewing platforms.
Board your flight to Rio de Janeiro, where your hotel sits just moments from Copacabana Beach, one of the most famous attractions in Brazil. This iconic stretch of coastline has shaped the city's image for generations. From the rooftop, watch the sun dip behind the mountains, or head out to explore the rhythm of local life in the surrounding streets.
Explore Rio de Janeiro with your Local Expert, discovering neighbourhoods and landmarks that reveal the city's history, culture and striking natural setting. From colonial streets to coastal viewpoints, gain insight into the contrasts that shape life in Brazil's most iconic city. Enjoy Fast Pass Access as you ride the cable car to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views across Guanabara Bay and the surrounding peaks.
Later, during your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, go behind the scenes at Grande Rio Samba School to discover the story of samba, explore the creative workshop, try on Carnival costumes and join a samba class with a dancer.
This evening, perhaps join an Optional Experience blending bold Brazilian flavours and live performance at the atmospheric Aquele Abraço.
With your Local Expert, travel to the summit of Corcovado Mountain for a close look at Christ the Redeemer. Unveiled in 1931 after nearly a decade of construction, this monumental statue has become one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. Learn how its design blends engineering innovation with national identity, and take in views across Rio's natural amphitheatre of sea, mountain and city: a highlight among the many unforgettable things to do in Brazil.
Later, sit down to a traditional Brazilian barbecue at Assador Churrascaria. The rodízio dining style, where servers bring grilled meats directly to your table, reflects the country's long-standing love of communal meals. Located beside Guanabara Bay, the restaurant pairs classic dishes with one of Rio's most scenic settings.
It's time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your trip comes to an end. You can take an organised transfer to Rio de Janeiro's Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport or continue your exploration of Rio de Janeiro at your leisure.
Trip Inclusions
- Buenos Aires: Explore the capital's political and cultural landmarks with your Travel Director. See Casa Rosada, where leaders including Eva Perón addressed the nation from its now-famous balcony, shaping the country's political identity. Step inside the Metropolitan Cathedral, the former seat of Pope Francis during his time as Archbishop of Buenos Aires. In Plaza de Mayo, learn how this historic square has borne witness to Argentina's most defining moments—from the revolution for independence to the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, who protested the disappearance of their children during the military dictatorship.
- Iguazú Falls: Explore the upper and lower trails of Iguazú Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set in the Atlantic rainforest. From multiple viewing platforms, see how the falls shape the surrounding ecosystem. At the Devil's Throat, experience the most dramatic section, where half the river's flow plunges into a deep, narrow gorge – a defining feature of this natural landmark.
- Iguazú Falls: Walk a shorter but sweeping trail along the Brazilian side of the falls, where panoramic viewing platforms offer a full perspective of the entire cascade system. With your Local Specialist, take in views across the Iguazú River to San Martin Island and the Argentinian falls beyond. This vantage point reveals the scale and structure of this natural wonder in one frame.
- Rio de Janeiro: From colonial-era lanes to coastal viewpoints, join a Local Specialist to discover the contrasts between Rio's historic heart and its dazzling modern spirit.
- Rio de Janeiro: Visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World with your Local Specialist. Standing 38 metres tall on Corcovado Mountain, Christ the Redeemer offers far-reaching views over Rio's coastline and cityscape. Built between 1922 and 1931, the statue remains a powerful symbol of Brazil and a defining landmark in one of the world's most iconic cities.
- Buenos Aires: Experience the power and precision of Argentina's most evocative dance during a private performance at El Viejo Almacén, one of the oldest tango venues in Buenos Aires. This Iconic Experience brings you up close to the artistry, drama and cultural origins of tango in its true historic setting.
- Puerto Iguazú: Discover the story behind Argentina's most iconic drink – mate, a herbal infusion made from the native yerba mate plant. At Yabuticaba, Mercadito de la Selva, a Local Specialist explains how it's grown, harvested and prepared. Learn why this energising tea is more than a beverage – it's a daily ritual and a symbol of hospitality across Argentina.
- Rio de Janeiro: Ride the iconic cable car with Fast Pass Access to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain for sweeping views across Rio's dramatic coastline. From the top, see the city's contrasting landscapes unfold with granite peaks, golden beaches and the curve of Guanabara Bay. This elevated perspective offers a striking overview of the city's natural geography and urban sprawl.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Buenos Aires: Join the estancia's chef for a hands-on masterclass in one of Argentina's most beloved dishes. As you prepare pastry and fillings from scratch, discover how empanadas became a national staple – shaped by regional flavours and family traditions, and served everywhere from everyday meals to festive gatherings across the country.
- Buenos Aires: Delve into the fast-paced world of polo, Argentina's most prestigious sport. This hands-on session introduces the rules, tactics and cultural legacy of a game introduced by British settlers and embraced by Argentine elites. Without mounting a horse, you'll practise ball-handling skills on the ground and gain insight into why polo holds such enduring national prestige.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with a local specialty representing the destination
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Buenos Aires: Relax and unwind before meeting your Travel Director and fellow guests for dinner and drinks.
- Buenos Aires: Discover the bold flavours of modern Argentine cuisine at at Fogón Asado. This immersive dining experience reimagines traditional parrilla cooking, with chefs preparing premium cuts over open flame, right before your eyes – a contemporary take on one of Argentina's most beloved culinary traditions.
- Buenos Aires: Experience life on a traditional Argentine ranch in the Pampas. At La Bandada, connect with gaucho heritage, explore peaceful countryside surroundings and enjoy a homemade lunch of regional dishes, prepared with ingredients from the estancia's own land.
- Iguazú National Park: At a finca near Iguazú Falls, explore Guaraní food culture through a series of interactive stations. Taste heart of palm and cassava, sample tropical juices and cocktails, and see how an asado a la estaca is prepared. Sit down to a fire-cooked meal of regional meats and salads, served with local drinks and live music.
- Rio de Janeiro: Dine at one of Rio's most renowned rodízio-style grillhouses, located beside Guanabara Bay. At Assador Churrascaria, chefs prepare a variety of meats over open flame and serve them tableside, accompanied by traditional Brazilian sides. This is a classic local dining experience – a chance to relax, share stories and savour the flavours that define Brazilian hospitality.
- Dining Summary: 3 Dinners (D), 8 Breakfasts (B), 2 Lunches (L)
- Rio de Janeiro: Feel Carnival's heartbeat during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at a hands-on samba percussion workshop. Discover samba's roots, explore the instruments behind Carnival's unmistakable rhythms and try playing them yourself. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of music's place in Brazilian identity. This experience directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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Trafalgar The Americas (2027-28)
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Trafalgar. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
