Border information: if you are joining in Buenos Aires, you will most likely enter Argentina at Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also known as Ezeiza Airport (IATA code: BUE/EZE).Welcome to Buenos Aires, the wonderful capital of Argentina! There will be an important group meeting at 6:00pm at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting.Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Buenos Aires before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Buenos Aires.In Buenos Aires we will stay in a centrally-located hotel.
Today will be a free day to explore the incredible city of Buenos Aires, soak up the atmosphere of its streets, and discover its amazing culture, art, and music.
Today we have a full day drive north though the provinces of Entre Rios and Corrientes, aiming to reach the beautiful village of Yapeyú on the banks of the River Uruguay. Yapeyú is very famous amongst Argentines for being the birthplace of their national hero General Jose de San Martin, one of the liberators of South America from Spanish colonial rule.
Border information: Exit Argentina at Tancredo Neves, enter Brazil at Tancredo Neves.Today we cross the border into Brazil and drive to the city of Foz do Iguacu.
Today we will visit the Brazilian side of the phenomenal Iguazu Falls, to get some incredible panoramic vistas of the mighty waterfalls. There is also plenty of time to visit the bird park, take a helicopter ride over the falls, see the incredible Itaipu Dam, or quickly stop into Paraguay to pick up some bargains in the nearcy Ciudad del Este.
Today we will take a day trip back into Argentina to see the incredible Iguazu Falls from the other side. This is well worth doing as the views are even more spectacular, and you'll be able to look right down into the mighty Garganta del Diablo (the largest waterfall here) from a gantry walkway viewing point). We will have a full day at the Argentine side of the falls, allowing us lots of time to freely explore the site, hike some nature trails, or perhaps take an exhilarating (and very wet) boat ride!We will return to our base in Foz do Iguacu tonight.
Today we have a full drive day north to the Brazilian eco-tourism capital of Bonito.
We have two full days in Bonito to take part in the plethora of incredible optional activities here. You could go out on a world-class snorkelling trip, explore the nearby caves, or go abseiling down some of the largest waterfalls in the area, amongst many other possibilities!
Second free day for optional activities in Bonito.
Today we have a short drive to Brazil's amazing Southern Pantanal region, where we have a visit a local eco-tourism ranch (or 'fazenda').We will spend 2 nights here and have a fantastic package of included activities such as exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside on horseback, trips down the wildlife-abundant rivers in boats and canoes, and safaris on the ranch's trucks and on foot where we hope to spot capybaras, caimans, and (if we are very lucky) jaguars and ocelots. Our stay here is an incredible highlight!In the Southern Pantanal we will stay in dorm accommodation in a well equipped lodge with all the meals and activities included.
Full day in the Pantanal.
After our morning activities and one final lunch in our beautiful ranch, it is time to leave the Pantanal. We will start driving east towards Sao Paulo state, and wild camp or stay in a local pousada at the end of the day.
Today we will drive to the remote town of Brotas in southeastern Brazil.
Today is free to take part in optional adventure activities such as white water rafting or canyoning, or to simply relax by the pool!
Today we have a full day drive to the colonial town of Paraty on the Emerald Coast of the Atlantic!
Today we will have an included boat trip around the incredible islands and beaches off the coast.
Today we will have free time to explore the town, take a historical tour, walk along the stunning scenery of the coastline, head out snorkelling or diving, or simply relax on the idyllic beaches.
This morning we will drive to the incredible Rio de Janeiro, one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world! In Rio de Janeiro we will stay in a great hotel in the Flamengo district, close to the beach and the metro station.
Welcome to Rio Carnival, the biggest party on the planet!There will be an important meeting at 17:00 or 18:00, where you'll have a full briefing on how to make the most of your time in Rio and receive your tickets, maps, T-Shirt and souvenir booklet - please check the notice board in the reception area for other important information throughout the week.After the meeting we have a table booked at a nearby buffet restaurant, so you can get to know some of your fellow travellers.Our dedicated Carnival team will be on hand throughout the week for a few hours each day to provide any assistance you may need.There's a whole host of additional optional activities that you may like to take part in, such as 'Join the Parade', prior early booking is essential!If you are arriving early you may like to join a Market Tour or Jungle Tour.In Rio de Janeiro we will stay in a great hotel in the Flamengo district, accommodation is in twin or double rooms. Our hotel is close to the beach and the metro station. Our hotel check-in is from 2pm, and staff will be on hand to give you assistance.Border information: if you are joining in Rio de Janeiro, you will most likely enter Brazil at Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport.
Today we will visit the most iconic sights of Rio; the immense statue of Christ the Redeemer standing at 710m on Corcovado mountain and the Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain). We will have some time to explore these sights in our own time, you may even choose to take a helicopter ride!. We will also aim to see some other important landmarks such as the Maracanã stadium, Escadaria Selarón and the Lapa Arches. We will travel by minibus. (NB today's tour is unguided but you will be accompanied by our crew).This evening we will head out to Lapa for a night out in a samba club; Rio Scenarium, one of the City's greatest nightspots - it's an antiques warehouse, music venue, bar and restaurant all housed in a fantastic colonial mansion. There will be live samba music and DJ's on each floor. We will be hosting a beginners Samba Dance class in the late afternoon, why not sign up and learn some of the basic steps before hitting the town!
This morning why not glitter up and join us at one of the local 'blocos' or street parties, there will be live music, dancing and plenty of opportunities to get to know Rio and it's people! Blocos are great fun, crowded, hot and lively! The local 'cariocas' will be all dressed up, so make sure you come dressed to impress! In the evening it's time for the main event of the week - the parade in the Sambadrome. The top samba schools parade their fantastic floats and costumes and the party goes on well into the early hours of Monday morning. You'll be situated in Sector 11, close to the action.
This morning is free for you to recover from last night in the Sambadrome! It's a great chance to hit the beach, explore the city or simply have a lie in!In the afternoon you may wish to join us for a walking tour of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.Tonight we have the chance to re-visit the Sambadrome, this time in Sector 5 in the centre of the parade runway, to see the last 7 of the elite Samba schools parading. You even have the option to don a costume and take part in the parade itself, dancing your way down the Sambadrome runway - a once in a lifetime experience!It is important to pre-book these activities early.
Today you have free time to enjoy the activities, sights and sounds of Rio! Join a bloco, hit the beach or ride the tram to Santa Teresa. Rio has so much to offer other than it's carnival fesitivities. We will be organising some fun water based activities such as kayaking and paddle boarding (prior booking is essential).Tonight you have a free night to hit the town; head downtown and enjoy a Caipirinha under the iconic Lapa arches or join a bloco.
Border information: if you are leaving in Rio de Janeiro, you will most likely exit Brazil at Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport.The Carnival package finishes after breakfast today. Our hotel check-out is at 12pm.If you would like to extend your visit, why not speak to your Sales representative about joining one of our overland trucks to Buenos Aires or Salvador and beyond?!