Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay

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Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay Day 1 ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA Arrival to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Clear Immigration and Customs.

In the afternoon, pick up at your hotel for a Half day guided tour of Buenos Aires, where you will know the most traditional n eighborhoods of Buenos Aires.

Be it for its splendid and varied architecture, with its old Colonial buildings, French palaces and state- of- the- art skyscrapers; for its vibrant nightlife and endless cultural options; or maybe

1 Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay Day 1 ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA Arrival to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Clear Immigration and Customs. Upon exiting the Customs Hall, you are met b y your guide xx, and transferred in a private vehicle to your hotel. In the afternoon, pick up at your hotel for a Half day guided tour of Buenos Aires, where you will know the most traditional n eighborhoods of Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is one of the most fascinating cities in both Latin America and the world. Be it for its splendid and varied architecture, with its old Colonial buildings, French palaces and state- of- the- art skyscrapers; for its vibrant nightlife and endless cultural options; or maybe just for the rich identity of the Porteños, who proudly b ear the European h eritage of their ancestors, more and more visitors are coming to visit. Our journey starts at Plaza de Mayo, the city s foundational site and witness of our country s political history. There we ll visit the Pink House, our Presidential Palace, the Cabildo, our primitive town hall, and the Neoclassical- styled Metropolitan Cathedral, the final home of Argentina s founding father, José d e San Martín. We ll then head for San Telmo, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. It used to be the residential district favored by the upper class until late 19th century, when a yellow fever epidemic caused the wealthier families to leave northwards. The area was marginalized until the 1970s, when many artists and artisans came to San Telmo to install their workshops. Nowadays, thanks to its amazing architecture and hip atmosphere, this ancient neighborhood is really blooming. We ll walk its cobbled streets, where the city s Colonial past seems to come back to life, making a stop at Plaza Dorrego, best known for its traditional antiques fair, held every Sunday. Leaving San Telmo behind, we ll continue southwards to La Boca, one of the city s most authentic and charming n eighborhoods. It is a working class district, heavily shaped b y Italian immigrants who came to our country in large numbers during the last quarter of the 19th century. Here, we ll make a special visit to the mythical Caminito Street, which sums up everything that gives La Boca its d istinctive spirit: the s trong passion for soccer, the h eavy presence of art and color, and the Tango- esque atmosphere. Heading back north a cross the river, we ll pay a visit to Puerto Madero, the latest addition to the city s barrios. In 1991, its huge warehouses and s ilos where remodeled and redesigned, to finally integrate the river to the city and to create a new corporative, residential, hotel and gastronomically 1

After visiting the impressive Plaza San Martín, where Jorge Luis Borges used to take his walks, we ll stroll down Avenida Alvear, chosen by the world s most distinguished brands to install their

2 district, which has become the playground for the pretty Porteños and the international jet- set. In Retiro and Recoleta, we will learn about the dream of our local aristocrats in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when they sought to build a small- scale Paris in the heart of Buenos Aires. After visiting the impressive Plaza San Martín, where Jorge Luis Borges used to take his walks, we ll stroll down Avenida Alvear, chosen by the world s most distinguished brands to install their exclusive boutiques, looking up to see the many wonderful French style palaces which nowadays house a number of embassies. Then we ll visit the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, one of the city s oldest churches, which dates to the Colonial era. Finally, we ll admire the celebrated Recoleta Cemetery, a true labyrinth of ornate mausoleums. We ll make a stop at Eva Peron s grave, one of the country s most recognizable icons. We ll come across sumptuous French palaces again in Palermo Chico, the area of Palermo best known for its large parks designed by celebrated landscape architects, such as the illustrious Frenchman Charles Thays. Overnight at the Hotel in Buenos Aires Day 2 BUENOS AIRES Enjoy your day at leisure to independently explore the city or arrange for an extra excursion. Overnight at the Hotel in Buenos Aires Day 3 SAN MIGUEL DEL MONTE, BUENOS AIRES Transfer to Estancia Candelaria del Monte in San Miguel del Monte. Candelaria del Monte is a sophisticated lodging with an elegant interior but its biggest appeal are the friendly, young owners whose attention to detail will ensure a very memorable stay. It is run by two artists who will do all they can to make your stay as memorable as possible. The Estancia is located in San Miguel del Monte, 120 km from the centre of Buenos Aires. It's a working Estancia offering a range of included activities such as horse- riding, bird watching, and polo matches (depending on the season). The house itself has a long glassed hallway that connects different wings. It has many colonial characteristics and the rooms have delightful individual touches, which may or may not appeal to everyone but are certainly unique. The grounds are vast and full of different kinds of trees, where it is so easy to find a corner where you can be undisturbed for hours. They also host a large swimming pool, ideal for cooling off in the Argentine summer where you should not be surprised if you are joined by Shetland ponies (although not actually in the water)! Meals are based around the traditional Argentine asados (barbecues) and pucheros (stews) but they also serve Patagonian lamb and trout, and 2

On arrival you are met by your guide and transferred to your h otel.

3 vegetarians will of course be accommodated on request. Overnight for 1 night, all meals and estancia organized activities included. Overnight at the Estancia Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included Day 4 BUENOS AIRES I GUAZU Pick up a t the Estancia for your flight to Iguazu. On arrival you are met by your guide and transferred to your h otel. The unbelievable Iguassu Falls (Foz do Iguacu - Portuguese, Cataratas del Iguazu Spanish) are located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, and often h eralded as the most b eautiful falls in the world and are a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Upon seeing Iguassu for the first time, first Lady Eleanor Roosevelt reportedly exclaimed "Poor Niagara!" Vastly larger than North America's Niagara Falls, the Iguassu Falls are made up of 275 separate cataracts that stretch for 2.5 miles, plunging 269 feet into the Iguassu River. In the afternoon enjoy your half day tour on the Brazilian waterfalls which are as amazing as Argentine waterfalls, and then enjoy the Iguazu forest excursion. They are located within the Iguazu National Park and 25km from Foz do Iguaçu downtown. The tour begins with a 1km walk during which the biggest waterfalls of the world can be fully appreciated, with 275 falls reaching a total width of 2700m. We can see a panoramic view of the Argentine Falls, a side view of the Devil s Throat and a view of the four falls that b elong to Brazil. Overnight at the hotel in Iguazu Breakfast included Day 5 - IGUAZÚ Pick up a t your hotel by your guide for your full day tour on the Argentine waterfalls. Today, enjoy a comprehensive private guided tour of Iguassu Falls appreciating the falls from the Upper and Lower Circuit trails and the Devil's Throat. Start with a walk on the Green Path through the thickness of the jungle, where you can s ee b irds, butterflies and a marsh. Along the Upper Circuit catwalks, you will be able to s ee the magnificent panoramic views of the falls and the delta of the Iguazu River formed b y a number of luxuriant islands. 3

The 90- metre Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Gorge) and the sight of vast curtains of white froth that seem to hang suspended in mid- air before plunging far down into distant spray instill you with a

4 Then, board the tiny Green Train of the Jungle and head straight to the last Devil's Throat station. From there you will walk the 1.1 km (0.6 miles) elevated walkway over the upper Iguazu River that puts you right on top of the giant waterfall. The 90- metre Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Gorge) and the sight of vast curtains of white froth that seem to hang suspended in mid- air before plunging far down into distant spray instill you with a strong sense of vertigo, a terrifying attraction that draws you ever closer to the fragile rails of the balcony overhanging the main falls. The Devil's Gorge is possibly the most spectacular of the 275 waterfalls that make up this astounding complex of cascades arrayed in a 4 km- wide horseshoe shape across the Iguazú River which flows down from the Serra do Mar Mountain in Paraná, Brazil. This sudden deep drop was caused by a geological fault possibly the result of a volcanic eruption some years earlier, although due to the natural process of erosion, geologists calculate that the actual edge has moved back 23 kilometres from its point of origin and will continue to do so. Next, the Great Adventure excursion, a unique and exciting excursion shared with other guests that combines the whole essence of the Iguassu National Park in one ride: the jungle and the waterfalls. It starts from the operator's Head Office or The Visitors Center, entering the jungle from the "Sendero Yacaratía" trail with special transportation that allows a panoramic view of the environment along with experienced guides that give a lot of explanations as well as the legend of this spectacular place. After an 8 km truck ride, we arrive at the Puerto Macuco Base, which is 100 meters away from the Infirmary and Service Station, and 100 meters of stairs ahead is the floating platform where the second part of this ride begins. With motor- boats, we take visitors 6 km through the Canyon of the Iguassu River, until the falls, from these total, 2 km are river rapids. After enjoying the view from the calm side of San Martin Island we sail to the "Tres Mosqueteros" waterfall, at that point, the Brazilian and Argentinean sides and the Devil's Throat can be clearly appreciated. After that, we sail along the shore of the island until we get to the most exciting part where we face the San Martin waterfall, a wonderful and unforgettable experience, for it's the largest waterfall any motor- boat can approach safely. Duration of the Great Adventure Excursion is 1 hour. There are 100 meters of stairs to descend. The ride is not recommended for pregnant women and people with physical / medical problems. YOU WILL GET WET ON THIS EXCURSION! PONCHOS ARE PROVIDED. The Great Adventure Excursion ends at the base of the lower circuit where visitors reintegrate the trails. Along the Lower Circuit, stroll along a group of paths strategically distributed where you can see the most amazing views of the falls and be in contact with nature in each charming corner of the jungle. Overnight at the hotel in Iguazu Day 6 IGUAZU BUENOS AIRES RIO DE JANEIRO Pick up at your hotel for your flight to Rio de Janeiro, via Buenos Aires. On arrival you are met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. 4

Rio de Janeiro is Brazil's primary tourist attraction and resort. It is surrounded by mountains, forests, beaches, lagoon and all sorts of tropical vegetation.

Rio de Janeiro - a city of contrasts, color, lifestyles and dazzling scenery that will always fascinate and make one long to be there.

Visit the most famous attraction in the city, the "wonder of Rio, better known as Christ the Redeemer, elected the seventh wonder of the modern world.

5 Rio de Janeiro is Brazil's primary tourist attraction and resort. It is surrounded by mountains, forests, beaches, lagoon and all sorts of tropical vegetation. The city sports world- class hotels, approximately 80 kilometres of beachland, and the famous Corcovado and Sugarloaf mountains. Rio de Janeiro - a city of contrasts, color, lifestyles and dazzling scenery that will always fascinate and make one long to be there. Overnight at the hotel in Rio de J aneiro Breakfast included Day 7 RIO DE JANEIRO Pick up a t your hotel for your half- day excursion to the Mount Corcovado and to the center of the city. Visit the most famous attraction in the city, the "wonder of Rio, better known as Christ the Redeemer, elected the seventh wonder of the modern world. Located at an altitude of 710 meters, is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city. From the summit, the view is heavenly. The ascent is by car. It stands out as an eco- tour as the Corcovado National Park is part of the Tijuca Forest - the largest urban forest in the world. Discover why Rio de Janeiro is considered the "marvelous city!" Itinerary: Rise through the Corcovado Parque da Floresta da Tijuca and return to hotel. Directions: Parque do Flamengo, War II Memorial, Museum of Modern Art, Metropolitan Cathedral. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Rio de J aneiro Breakfast included Day 8 RIO DE JANEIRO Pick up a t your hotel for your half- day excursion to the Sugar Loaf and some Beaches. Scenic drive through the center of the city of Rio de Janeiro, modern architecture, ancient and modern. Then visit the Sugar Loaf (395m). The mountain is located in the middle of Guanabara Bay, the climb is done in two stages to the peak of the mountain and offers a wonderful view and unforgettable views of the city. Historical places can be spotted from there, like the Duomo and 5

On arrival you are met by your guide and taken to enjoy a city tour.

6 the Municipal Theatre. Itinerary: Beaches in São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, Leme, Urca. Overnight at the hotel in Rio de Janeiro Day 9 RIO DE JANEIRO MONTEVIDEO PUNTA DEL ESTE Pick up at your hotel for your flight to Montevideo. On arrival you are met by your guide and taken to enjoy a city tour. Overnight at the hotel in Punta del Este On the banks of the Río de la Plata, Montevideo first existed as a fortress of the Spanish Empire and developed into a major port city in the mid- 18th century. European immigrants, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, and British, influenced the city's architecture, and a walk around the capital reveals architectural styles ranging from colonial to Art Deco. Indeed, the richness of Montevideo's architecture is unrivaled in South America. After, you are driven to Punta del Este, where you will stay for the next 3 nights. Day 10 PUNTA DEL ESTE Enjoy your day at leisure to independently explore the city or arrange for an extra excursion. The beautiful sunsets in the port of Punta del Este, La Barra or Jose Ignacio are other spots not too far away (by car), from Punta del Este itself. Go to the beaches, being a peninsula you have two coastlines, one of them is pretty quiet and calm (called "mansa"), and the other one is windy, with some surf spots (called "brava"). Famous beaches includes: "La playa de los Dedos" (The finger beach"), which is near the main street in Punta del Este, close to a surf spot, and it has a giant hand emerging from the sand. In La Barra the Bikini Beach is famous because of the models and famous people that go there. The endless beaches, beautiful seaside mansions, tree- lined streets, chic boutiques, stylish people. Overnight at the hotel in Punta del Este 6

7 Day 11 PUNTA DEL ESTE Enjoy your day at leisure to independently explore the city or arrange for an extra excursion. Overnight at the hotel in Punta del Este Day 12 PUNTA DEL ESTE MONTEVIDEO BUENOS AIRES, DEPART ARGENTINA Pick up by your guide to be taken back to Montevideo, where you will board the flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival, board your homebound flight. 7

8 Recommended options for Hotels in Buenos Aires (of many to choose from): 5* hotels: Alvear Palace Hotel (Recoleta) Caesar Park (Recoleta) Sofitel Buenos Aires (Retiro) 4* hotels: Loi Suites (Recoleta) Nuss Hotel (Palermo Soho) Dazzler Tower San Martín (Downtown) Dazzler Suítes Recoleta (Recoleta) 3* superior: Ayres Libertad (Downtown) Ayres de Recoleta (Recoleta) Dazzler Tower Maipu (Centro) Recommended options for Hotels in Iguazu (of many to choose from): 5* hotels: Sheratón Iguazu Iguazú Grand 4* hotels: Panoramic Loi Suítes Iguazú Amerian Recommended options for Hotels in Rio de Janeiro (of many to choose from): 5* hotels: Sheratón Iguazu Iguazú Grand 4* hotels: Panoramic Loi Suítes Iguazú Amerian Recommended options for Hotels in Punta del Este (of many to choose from): 8

9 5* hotels: Sheratón Iguazu Iguazú Grand 4* hotels: Panoramic Loi Suítes Iguazú Amerian About the excursions and transfers: Excursions and transfers can both be made on regular and private basis. 9

Avanti Journeys - South American Triangle:

9 Days/8 Nights Departs Daily from the US Avanti Journeys - South American Triangle: Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, and Buenos Aires One of our most popular programs, the South America Triangle will give