Brazil & its neighbors

This tour takes you to Brazil and its southern three neighboring countries: from the fabulous city of Rio de Janeiro you travel via the impressive waterfalls in Foz do Iguaçu to Southern Brazil, a region settled by European immigrants. Experience the uniqueness of Paraguay with its expansive forests and grasslands and the vibrant metropolis of Buenos Aires. Travel back in time in the city of Montevideo.

TRAVELOGUE

Day 1: Rio de Janeiro
Upon arrival transfer from the airport to the Hotel.

Day 2: Rio de Janeiro
Today you visit Rio’s landmark mountains, the Corcovado (2300 ft) and Sugar Loaf (1300 ft). You reach the top of the Corcovado by scenic cogwheel train. The spectacular ride through lush green tropical rainforest makes you forget that you are in the heart of a metropolis with 7-million people. From the base of the 38 meter (125 ft) statue of Christ the Redeemer you have the most amazing panorama view of the city: admire Flamengo, Botafogo, Copacabana, Ipanema and other parts of the city, including the Sugar Loaf and Guanabara Bay. A cable car takes you to the top of Rio’s other landmark monument: Sugar Loaf Mountain. From here you can admire the city from a different angle.

Day 3: Rio de Janerio - Foz do Iguaçú
In the morning you are free to explore at your leisure. Afternoon transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Foz do Iguaçu falls. Arrival and transfer to the Hotel Continental Inn.

Day 4: Foz do Iguaçú
In the morning you visit what was once the largest hydro-dam in the world – Itaipú (no visits on Sunday). In the afternoon you visit the falls on the Argentinean side.

Day 5: Foz do Iguaçú - Bella Vista
After breakfast you see the impressive falls from the National Park on the Brazilian side. Depending on the water level, the falls consist of approximately 275 cascades that over more than 2 miles plunge from a height of up to 295 feet into the roaring Iguaçu River. Then we continue by car from Foz do Iguaçu across the border into Paraguay to the Hotel Papillon in Bella Vista.

Day 6: Bella Vista
In the morning you visit one of the largest Yerba Mate factories in Paraguay. Return to Bella Vista.

Day 7: Bella Vista - Trinidad - Buenos Aires
Today you explore the impressive ruins of the former Jesuit missions, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Trinidad. Then you cross the border into Argentina. From here we continue by bus to Buenos Aires (overnight bus). The bus has very comfortable almost fully reclining chairs.

Day 8: Buenos Aires
Arrival in Buenos Aires around 7 a.m., transfer to Hotel Viasui. In the afternoon you enjoy a city tour of the most important attractions of this metropolis. Visit the colorful portside neighborhood La Boca, the famous Recoletta cemetery where Evita Perón is buried, the elegant upscale neighborhood Palermo and the Casa Rosada. In the evening we take in a typical Tango Show.

Day 9: Buenos Aires - Montevideo
In the morning transfer to the harbor where you board the ferry to Montevideo. Transfer to Hotel NH Columbia.

Day 10: Montevideo
Enjoy a half-day city tour of the main attractions of Uruguay’s capital.

Day 11: Montevideo - Porto Alegre
In the morning transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Porto Alegre. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel.

Day 12: Porto Alegre
Visit the picturesque mountain towns Gramado and Canela, outside of Porto Alegre and explore the Bell’s Valley, São Leopoldo and Novo Hamburgo. Lunch included.

Day 13: Porto Alegre - Florianópolis
Transfer to the airport in the morning for your flight to Florianopolis. Arrival in Florianopolis and transfer to Hotel Jurere Beach.

Day 14: Florianópolis
Today you are free to spend at your leisure. Spend the day exploring the island‘s many fabulous beaches or visit the city.

Day 15: Florianópolis - Rio de Janeiro
Transfer to the airport, flight to Rio de Janeiro.

INCLUDED ITEMS

All flights within South America with Tam, as described/Economy Class

Brazilian airport taxes

Accommodations in good mid-class hotels; breakfast included

All other meals as described in the program

Excursions, transfers, sightseeing and admissions as described

English-speaking tour guide

NOT INCLUDED

Tips, drinks and personal expenses