South America Samba
9 Days from $1,517 per person
A discovery across South America's most influential and intoxicating countries, the icons of Argentina and Brazil like Corcovado Mountain, the Christ the Redeemer statue and Iguassu Falls by day.
Overview
A discovery across South America's most influential and intoxicating countries, the icons of Argentina and Brazil like Corcovado Mountain, the Christ the Redeemer statue and Iguassu Falls by day.
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Day 1: Arrive Rio de Janerio (3 Nights)
Welcome to Rio de Janerio. Get settled in at your hotel and start exploring before meeting your Travel Director this afternoon. -
Day 2: Rio de Janeiro Sightseeing and Free Time
Begin the day with a visit to the Cosme Velho district where you will board a cogwheel train. Wind your way through the Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain. Have a closer look at the tropical forest's lush vegetation and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Disembark at the top of Corcovado Mountain where you will stand next to one of the Seven Modern World Wonders: Christ the Redeemer. From here, you have unparalleled views of the "Marvellous City." After, drive along some of the most famous beaches in the world—Copacabana and Ipanema. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city at leisure.
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Day 3: Rio de Janeiro Free Time
Today, enjoy and explore. Maybe discover the charm and beauty of Santa Teresa, which originated around a convent during the 16th Century and is home to artists, galleries, museums and eateries, or relax on the beach. This evening, join your fellow traveling companions at a local churrascaria where meat is cooked in the churrasco style.
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Day 4: Rio de Janeiro – Iguassu Falls (2 Nights)
Fly from Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu Falls. Located where the Iguassu River empties its waters into the Parana River, the falls form the world's widest waterfalls. Settle into your hotel this evening where dinner is served.
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Day 5: Iguassu Falls and Free Time
This morning, enter Iguassu National Park on the Brazilian side of the falls. Walk the catwalk that leads to the bottom of Devil's Throat, enjoying magnificent views. Your afternoon is at leisure. Consider several optional experiences for your leisure time: embark on the Macuco Safari for an exhilarating ride to the base of the falls or visit Bird Park, home to more than 900 native birds while walking through subtropical forests.
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Day 6: Iguassu Falls – Buenos Aires (3 Nights)
Depart from your hotel with a quick customs stop. Cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge, the border between Argentina and Brazil. Once in Argentina, take a scenic drive up to the Argentinian Iguassu National Park. Visit the Argentinean Falls and visitor's center, then proceed to the river cascades and falls aboard the Ecological Jungle Train to the most impressive observation point, Devil's Throat. This afternoon, fly to Buenos Aires.
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Day 7: Buenos Aires Sightseeing and Free Time
Today, see the famous 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue in the world, and pass by the beautiful Colon Theater, the cultural pride of Buenos Aires. Arrive at the main square, Plaza de Mayo, which is surrounded by the Government House and the first City Hall. Stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral before continuing on through San Telmo, a historical neighborhood and the oldest district of Buenos Aires. Visit La Boca, a very colorful area of painted houses. Continue to Recoleta Cemetery, home to the grave of Eva Duarte, "Evita." This evening, enjoy dinner and a Tango show in historic Buenos Aires where the golden age of Tango shines once again. Experience the great Argentinean passion with a live orchestra and classic Tango dancers.
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Day 8: Buenos Aires Free Time
Set out into the city or join several optional excursions. Perhaps learn about the life of the Gauchos where you'll appreciate the charm of the Argentinean landscape as you travel to the Pampas. Round out your day in the countryside with a barbecue lunch, Argentinean wines, folk music, traditional dances and Gaucho games. Or consider an optional trip to Tigre and Delta Rio de la Plata, the aristocratic northern district of San Isidro. Enjoy a boat excursion around some of the stunning islands of this delta. Your Travel Director will be more than happy to help you plan your day.
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Day 9: Depart Buenos Aires
Hasta que nos encontremos de nuevo—until we meet again. Say goodbye to your Travel Director and new friends or extend your stay in Buenos Aires.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Intra-Air Included
Prices include economy airfare for any intra-trip flights required by this itinerary. For trip specific terms and conditions, please refer to the Dates & Prices tab.
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Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
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Please Note: Yellow Fever
We encourage our guests to consult a physician prior to travel to receive any vaccinations you may need. The Center for Disease Control currently recommends that anyone traveling to Brazil be vaccinated against Yellow Fever. Because of current limitations in the availability of Yellow Fever vaccine in the United States, travelers may need to contact a Yellow Fever vaccine provider well in advance of travel.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Jun 19 | 14 Jun 19 |
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$1,517pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 27 Sep 19 | 5 Oct 19 |
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$1,517pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 3 Oct 19 | 11 Oct 19 |
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$1,517pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now |
All prices are per person twin-share. Single rooms available at a supplement.
Please note that Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay tips to Travel Director and Driver $92 per person.
Airport Transfers: Complimentary transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Land and Intra-Air: Prices include economy air and air-related charges for flights between Rio de Janeiro - Iguassu and Iguassu - Buenos Aires, and require purchase of round trip air travel on LATAM between your gateway city and the itinerary's start and end gateway cities (ticket number required). If flying with another airline between your gateway city and the itinerary's start and end gateway cities, the above prices will be higher.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements. Visas cannot be issued upon entry to the country.
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Breakfast Daily
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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Personal Flight Options
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
Meal Summary
8 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners.
Sightseeing Highlights
Rio de Janeiro
- Explore iconic sights such as Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches, Christ the Redeemer and the stunning Tijuca Forest on your cogwheel train.
Iguassu Falls
- Step out onto catwalks along the world's widest cascading waterfalls and be awed by Devil's Throat before boarding your jungle train through the tropical Iguassu National Park.
Buenos Aires
- Discover Recoleta Cemetery, the Plaza de Mayo and 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue in the world before being whisked away to your dinner and Tango show, where you travel back to the glory days of this colorful city.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Intra-Air Included
Prices include economy airfare for any intra-trip flights required by this itinerary. For trip specific terms and conditions, please refer to the Dates & Prices tab.
-
Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
-
Please Note: Yellow Fever
We encourage our guests to consult a physician prior to travel to receive any vaccinations you may need. The Center for Disease Control currently recommends that anyone traveling to Brazil be vaccinated against Yellow Fever. Because of current limitations in the availability of Yellow Fever vaccine in the United States, travelers may need to contact a Yellow Fever vaccine provider well in advance of travel.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Intra-Air Included
Prices include economy airfare for any intra-trip flights required by this itinerary. For trip specific terms and conditions, please refer to the Dates & Prices tab.
-
Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
-
Please Note: Yellow Fever
We encourage our guests to consult a physician prior to travel to receive any vaccinations you may need. The Center for Disease Control currently recommends that anyone traveling to Brazil be vaccinated against Yellow Fever. Because of current limitations in the availability of Yellow Fever vaccine in the United States, travelers may need to contact a Yellow Fever vaccine provider well in advance of travel.
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Passports and Visas
U.S. citizens traveling to Brazil and Argentina must have a current passport valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. You can find information on how to apply for a passport here, and how to renew a passport here. Travelers visiting Brazil will also need an entry visa. We will send you application forms to complete to obtain your visa prior to departure. Visa costs and entry requirements can change at any time. Please visit travel.state.gov to learn more.
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Currency
The currency in Brazil is the real and in Argentina is the peso. It’s generally a good idea to carry some cash on you while you travel; however, you will be able to pay with your debit or credit card in many places and will likely find a better exchange rate once you’ve arrived in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in Brazil and Argentina. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
One of the most enjoyable parts of traveling is sampling the local cuisine. Brazilian cuisine varies by region but the country’s most popular dish by far is feijoada, a rich stew of black beans and several cuts of meat that is typically served with rice, sautéed greens and orange slices. Brazil’s national cocktail is the caipirihna, made with cachaça, lime, and sugar cane.
Argentine cuisine is known for its traditional asado (Argentine barbecue) and many beef-oriented dishes. Empanadas filled with meat and cheese make a delicious meal or snack with a glass of local malbec. For an inexpensive lunch, try a choripan sandwich made with chorizo. Pizza and pasta dishes are also popular and reflect the influence of Italian immigrants on the country’s cuisine. For something sweet, try any dessert served with creamy dulce de leche.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. Sturdy walking shoes are important. Insect repellant and sunscreen may come in handy, as well as a light jacket and reusable water bottle. A more formal outfit will serve you if you plan on dining out in nicer restaurants. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
When dining out at restaurants on your trip it is appropriate to leave up to 10 percent gratuity.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend the equivalent of $4 per person/per day for your driver and $6 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is the equivalent of 1-2 dollars per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Intra-Air Included
Prices include economy airfare for any intra-trip flights required by this itinerary. For trip specific terms and conditions, please refer to the Dates & Prices tab.
-
Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
-
Please Note: Yellow Fever
We encourage our guests to consult a physician prior to travel to receive any vaccinations you may need. The Center for Disease Control currently recommends that anyone traveling to Brazil be vaccinated against Yellow Fever. Because of current limitations in the availability of Yellow Fever vaccine in the United States, travelers may need to contact a Yellow Fever vaccine provider well in advance of travel.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Rio de Janeiro
Guanabara Bay Cruise
Spend two hours sailing Guanabara Bay on a schooner. Take in the beautiful views of Rio de Janeiro with Sugarloaf Mountain towering in the distance. Pass the bay's islands and forts as you sail by picture postcard settings. Total duration is approximately 3 hours.
Adult Price: $58
Santa Teresa Walking Tour
Discover the charm and beauty of Santa Teresa, which originated around a convent during the 16th Century. Once home to upper-class residents, Santa Teresa is now home to many artists with studios, galleries, museums and inviting eateries. Admire the bohemian atmosphere and beautiful architecture. Learn about the history of the area as you make your way around the neighborhood with your guide. Located on a high hill overlooking Rio, you'll have a perfect view of the city and bay below. Total duration is approximately 3.5 hours. Gratuity Included. (Minimum 6 Guests)
Adult Price: $44
Ginga Tropical Show
Ginga Tropical celebrities the diversity and culture of the Northeast, Amazon, Pampas, Bahia and Rio de Janeiro through music and dance. Bohemian culture, folklore and mystical rituals are represented by the drummers and beautiful dancers dressed in carnival costumes. Total duration is approximately 3 hours. (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $112
Half Day City Tour including Sugar Loaf
Begin your tour in the heart of Rio, where colonial Rio meets modern skyscrapers. See the Paço Imperial palace, the first residence of the Royal Family, Banco do Brasil Cultural Center and the Candelaria Church. Proceed to Presidente Vargas Avenue, built to create access from the suburbs to the commercial center of the Capital in the early nineties, passing through the popular market and Tiradentes Square. See the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro, Rio's aqueduct, Santo Antonio Church, BNDES and Petrobras buildings reaching Lapa, the most popular nightlife point in Rio. You will have panoramic views of the Municipal Theater (Teatro Municipal), the National Library and the City Council building—all of them inspired in the European 18th-century style. Afterward, drive through Flamenco Park, then ascend Sugar Loaf. This famous mountain is reached by cable car 1,200 feet high, an experience you will never forget. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity Included (Minimum of 15 guests to operate)
Adult Price: $69
Iguassu Falls
Bird Park
This family-owned park is home to more than 900 native birds from 150 species. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour along a well-marked trail through subtropical forests. Enter aviaries to get more of an up close and personal view of the birds. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours.
Adult Price: $55
Dinner and Show at Churrascaria Rafain
Journey through South America Culture with a folkloric performance of Samba, Tango and Paraguayan Music while enjoying at traditional Brazilian barbecue dinner. Total duration approximately 5 hours. Gratuity Included (No Minimum)
Adult Price: $120
Buenos Aires
Fiesta Gaucha With BBQ Lunch
Enjoy a great day as you head out into the pampas to visit an authentic 3,000-acre working estancia (Argentinean ranch) that dates back to the late 19th century. A BBQ will be served family style by Gauchos. Enjoy activities throughout the day including a folklore show, carriage rides and horse demonstrations. Total duration is approximately 7 hours. (For Private Transportation, a Minimum of 15 Guests is Required.)
Adult Price: $170
Tigre Delta
Head to the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta on this outing. This area is a popular weekend getaway for Buenos Aires residents. The delta features pretty scenery, lovely summer residences, relaxing vibe, yachting and a chance to see another way of Argentine life. Your tour includes a cruise on the delta and if you are visiting on Saturdays, you can stroll through the local outdoor market. Total duration is approximately 4 hours.
Adult Price: $74
Lima
La Dama Juana Restaurant And Folklore Show
La Dama Juana Restaurant combines typical Peruvian food with traditional folkloric dancing. The food is served buffet-style in clay pots. As you dine, watch the energetic dancers perform colonial and Inca ceremonial dances. The costumes are colorful, and the music is lively. Gratuity included. Total duration is approximately 3 hours. (Minimum 4 Guests)
Adult Price: $65
Magic Circuit Of The Water
The Magic Circuit of the Water is the world's largest fountain complex of beautiful interactive fountains featuring swaying water, colored lights and lasers dancing with the music. The Magic Fountain forces water to a height of more than 250 feet. This optional experience is available Wednesday to Sunday. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours
Adult Price: $27
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Intra-Air Included
Prices include economy airfare for any intra-trip flights required by this itinerary. For trip specific terms and conditions, please refer to the Dates & Prices tab.
-
Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
-
Please Note: Yellow Fever
We encourage our guests to consult a physician prior to travel to receive any vaccinations you may need. The Center for Disease Control currently recommends that anyone traveling to Brazil be vaccinated against Yellow Fever. Because of current limitations in the availability of Yellow Fever vaccine in the United States, travelers may need to contact a Yellow Fever vaccine provider well in advance of travel.
