Rio de Janeiro has a reputation as Brazil’s most exciting city and it’s not hard to see why. The former capital, is the second most popular city after Sao Paulo and is a heady mixture of breathtaking natural beauty, stunning cosmopolitan developments and legendary beaches. Your visit commences with a trip to Sugarloaf Mountain and we highly recommend taking the 394-metre cable car journey to the summit where you can marvel at the panoramic views of the surrounding bays, including Guanabara Bay. To truly immerse yourself in the Brazilian experience visit one of the many juice bars or have a plate of Feijoada – a stew of beans, beef and pork, which so happens to be the national dish. However, be aware that it is common that Brazilian vendors do not have change so break your bigger currency into smaller notes.
The next thing to see on your tour of Rio is the Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca Forest, site of the magnificent Christ the Redeemer statue. Standing at over 30 meters tall and almost the same in width it symbolises the Brazilian relationship with Christianity; Brazil has more Catholics than any other country in the world.
Your next port of call is the Brazilian side of Iguacu Falls. We strongly recommend that you jump on the last tram-line in Rio and set off to explore the lovely district of Santa Teresa.
Once a rendezvous for Rio’s elite, this quirky neighbourhood is now the centre of a vibrant artists’ community. Visit the Sélaron Staircase, a staircase with tiles from all over the world created by Chilean painter Jorge Sélaron and one of the newest tourist attractions in the city.
Your journey to Iguacu Falls can only be fully appreciated from both Argentina and Brazil. The Iguacu National Park is in both countries since the falls act as a natural border, and you will have the opportunity to witness the 275 jumps of water. In terms of surface water flowing over the falls, Iguacu Falls is more than twice as large as Niagara Falls. Over two days on both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of the falls you will experience the Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit and the most popular part of the falls – the Devil’s Throat.
The last leg of your journey is a trip to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Visit the Plaza de Mayo, home of the 1810 revolution and observe the Casa Rosada government palace and its famous balcony where the immortal Eva Peron addressed Argentina. Continue to travel to the La Boca neighbourhood, which in the late 19th century was an immigrant ghetto where Tango originated. From here, discover the Palermo neighbourhood with its elegant residences, eventually arriving at the district of Recoleta, the most refined neighbourhood in Buenos Aires. Use free time to visit the Malba Museum and if you feel courageous, attempt to cross Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world with an imposing sixteen lanes. It typically takes at least 2 traffic light rotations to cross.
Argentina does not have an obvious traditional cuisine. Argentinians love meat, so relax with a parallada or mixed grill and don’t refuse a mate (mah-tay) if offered. It’s the classic social ice-breaker in Argentina and the ideal way to sign off from your sojourn in to South America.
Enjoy your very own Rendezvous in Rio Brazil and Argentina
Choose our fully escorted tour of Brazil and Argentina which include all flights, accommodation, transfers and entry fees, English speaking guide and full ABTA and ATOL protection.
| Brazil and Argentina Tour |
10 days | from £1,889pp |