BRAZIL & ARGENTINA EXPLORER Departs: 04-14 OCT 17 (arrives AUS 15 OCT 17) Chimu and Air New Zealand invite you to join us to discover the highlights of Argentina and Brazil on this incredible educational. South America is a continent like no other, offering a variety of incredulous terrains, a host of differing cultures, a fascinating and unique range of wildlife, a gastronomic cuisine, an intriguing history and a range of unforgettable experiences.
BRAZIL & ARGENTINA EXPLORER Join us for this exciting 10-day journey to Argentina and Brazil to discover some of the highlights of these two spectacular countries. Starting in Buenos Aires, we explore the historic and cosmopolitan capital of Argentina, birthplace of the tango shows and art galleries. Located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, Buenos Aires has many fascinating neighbourhoods to explore including the colourful and lively La Boca. Later, flying to Iguazu we visit the incredible water falls that straddle the Argentine-Brazil border. After arriving to Paraty, we explore with a road journey that discovers steep mountains covered in lush forest and the small, historic coastal town. Explore Rio de Janeiro with a tour that makes its way to the bottom of Corcovado Hill, where we ascend the mountain by vehicle. Climbing 4km through the Tijuca Forest, the world s largest urban National Park. This 10 day excursion ends with views of the entire city from the famous Sugarloaf Mountain following a traditional Brazilian BBQ. DETAILED ITINERARY B= Breakfast / L= Lunch / D=Dinner DAY 1: Wednesday 04 October 2017 - Arrival in Buenos Aires Fly from Australia to Buenos Aires with Air New Zealand. Flight details: Air New Zealand from Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth or Sydney to Auckland. NZ30 WED 04OCT AKLEZE 2005 1550 Air New Zealand operates a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner 3-4 times a week into Buenos Aires. Sit back, relax and enjoy Air New Zealand s uniquely kiwi hospitality with return flights to Buenos Aires. The unique culture and central location make Buenos Aires the best place to start and end a South American adventure. With its vibrant, colourful and indulgent culture, it s the true heart of this continent. On arrival into Buenos Aires you will be met by a representative of Chimu Adventures and transferred to your hotel. Buenos Aires, Argentina s elegant, historic and cosmopolitan capital, is known as the Paris of the South due to its European atmosphere, with glamorous avenues lined with fashionable shops and Parisian-style restaurants and cafes. Located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, Buenos Aires has many fascinating neighbourhoods to explore including the colourful and lively La Boca, home to art galleries and tango shows; San Telmo with its restored mansions and antique stores and Recoleta, the city s most exclusive area. Overnight at Alvear Icon Hotel (D) Alvear Icon Hotel & Residences has been designed to enjoy the most incredible views of Buenos Aires. Opening in June 2017 with 159 luxurious rooms and suites. Located on the banks of the Rio de la Plata in Puerto Madero offering the most striking views of the city from the most cosmopolitan and highly developed district in Buenos Aires. Facilities include 4 bars, 4 restaurants, convention centre, spa & fitness centre. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at Restaurant El Mercado. El Mercado blends the energy of Buenos Aires legendary cantinas with the charm of Europe s open-air markets. This warm, intimate space features the best of Argentine cuisine.
Day 2: Thursday 05 October 2017 - Explore Buenos Aires A tour of Buenos Aires serves as a great introduction to this incredible city giving you a taste of its fascinating history, architecture, culture, inhabitants, anecdotes, and secrets. We will explore the busy centre, including the Plaza de Mayo, where the Casa Rosada Presidential Palace is located; the aristocratic North, including the Recoleta Cemetery, best-known for holding Eva Peron s grave; and the working-class South, such as the famous La Boca and San Telmo districts, heartland of the Tango. This evening enjoy an intimate and passionate tango show, housed in a cosy wood-panelled 19th century building in the heart of Buenos Aires s historic centre. The building has a colourful history as it was once a meeting point for poets and students. After being abandoned in the late 1970s, the bar was beautifully restored and reopened in July 1992 as El Querandí Tango Hall. The show, directed by Claudio Campos with musical arrangements by Ado Falasca, smoothly charts the history of Argentina s most authentic artistic expression from its origins to the modern day. With one of the most varied à la carte menus you will find at a tango show, the dinner is very good, and the show, at just over an hour long, is the perfect length. The three house singers, six dancers and four musicians put on a great show. Dinner starts at 8.30pm and the show at 10.30pm, finishing at midnight. At the conclusion of the show a private vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel. Overnight at Alvear Icon Hotel (B, D) Day 4: Friday 06 October 2017 - Depart to Iguazu You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Iguazu Flight details: AR1730 06OCT AEPIGR 1120 1310 On arrival at Iguazu Airport you will be met by a representative of Chimu and transferred to your hotel located on the Brazilian side of the falls. Please note you will be required to pay for the Iguacu National Park Entrance Fee which is approximately USD30 per person and must be paid in cash at the border. This transfer may take a little longer as you will be going through border control and crossing into Brazil so it s essential you have a valid Brazil visa. The spectacular Iguazu Falls that straddle the Argentine-Brazil border, are made up of 275 individual waterfalls lining a 2.7km wide horseshoe-shaped gorge. The Falls are located where the Iguazu River cascades over the edge of the Paraná Plateau. The falls can be viewed from both the Argentinian and the Brazilian sides, the Brazilian side offering a broader, panoramic view, with the Argentinian side offering a series of catwalks that allow you to experience the falls from close range. Overnight Belmond Hotel das Cataratas (B). Belmond Hotel das Cataratas is the only hotel located within Brazil s Iguassu National Park, an unrivalled location just a short stroll from the sensational waterfalls. Enjoy exclusive access to this magnificent sight in the evening and at dawn, when the park is closed to other visitors. A Portuguese-colonial residence, this is one of the most inspiring hotels in Brazil. The classic ambiance is redolent of lazy days lounging on a veranda or beneath sub-tropical palms. With 187 rooms and suites and 2 restaurants, bar, spa, heated swimming pool, gym and tennis courts and various gift shops.
Day 5: Saturday 07 October 2017 Explore Iguazu Falls Morning pick up from your hotel for a full day of exploring the Argentinean side of the Iguazu Falls. Beginning at the visitor s centre, take a ride on the Rainforest Ecological train before exploring the upper and lower circuit footbridges. The footbridges, which are raised off the jungle floor, provide panoramic views from above and below the falls. A visit to Devil s Gorge arguably the most spectacular falls, is one of the day s highlights. Board a boat for an authentic Iguazu Falls experience and expect to be drenched in this thrilling ride along the Iguassu River to the falls. Return to your hotel and remainder of the day is free. Overnight Belmond Hotel das Cataratas (B). Day 6: Sunday 08 October Depart to Sao Paulo This morning is free at leisure. There is time to do the following two activities which are easily accessible just outside the entrance to the National Park. Take the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas Shuttle bus to the entrance and then walk to either the Bird Park or Helipad. Visit the Parque das Aves (Bird Park) located in the middle of the rich and subtropical forest of Iguacu. Walk through 12 acres of subtropical forest, home to over 1320 birds from about 143 different species. The park is a refuge and sanctuary for many bird species including macaws, golden parakeets, harby eagles and toucans. Now you have explored the mighty falls by foot and boat and why not, take the third option by helicopter. Take a 10 minute helicopter flight over the Iguacu Falls and enjoy unparalleled views and photo opportunities as the helicopter hovers above the 82 meter waterfalls. This afternoon you will be transferred to the airport on the Brazil side for your onward flight to Sao Paulo. Flight details: JJ3180 08OCT IGUGRU 1721 1855 On arrival at Sao Paulo, you will be met by a representative of Chimu Adventures and transferred to your hotel. Overnight Marriott Sao Paulo Airport Hotel (B) The Marriott Sao Paulo Airport Hotel is conveniently located five minutes from the airport. Combining the functionality of an airport hotel with the exceptional service guests have come to expect from the Marriott brand. Hotel amenities include two acclaimed restaurants, an on-site business centre, outdoor swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness room. Ideal for a transit stop. Day 7: Monday 09 October Depart for Paraty This morning you will be collected from your hotel for the approximately four hour road journey to Paraty. Set against a backdrop of steep mountains covered in lush forest, the small, historic coastal town of Paraty is one of Brazil s gems. It was a port during the Brazilian Gold Rush and the cobbled streets of the colonial centre are lined with 17th and 18th century buildings and churches. Paraty sits on the Bay of Ilha Grande. The emerald green waters are dotted with tropical islands and lined with secluded beaches. Overnight at Pousada do Santi (B).
Pousada do Santi is a charming and colonial boutique guesthouse located in the heart of the historical centre of Paraty. Dating back to the 18th century, the hotel stands as an elegant inn with blue painted iron balconies, a white-washed exterior and yellow borders around the large windows. The hotel facilities include a swimming pool with a bar, sauna and steam room, a library and games room as well as a bar and restaurant. With only 26 rooms, it is a wonderful base for exploring this beautiful town. Day 8: Tuesday 10 October Explore Paraty This morning enjoy a walking tour of this historical town. You guide will take you back in time to the Portuguese discovery of Brazil and trace the development of Paraty through the sugar, gold and coffee economic booms. See the beautiful colonial architecture of the churches, museums and colonial homes. The streets are closed to motor vehicles so this walking tour is a delight. Remainder of the day at leisure to further explore Paraty (B). Day 9: Wednesday 11 October Depart to Rio de Janeiro This morning you will be collected from your hotel for the onward road journey to Rio de Janeiro. The journey will take approximately 4 hours and travel along the coastline. Known as the Cidade Maravilhosa, or Marvellous City, Rio never fails to amaze with its sandy beaches, carefree lifestyle and unparalleled natural beauty. As the capital of Brazil until 1960, Rio is today one of the most culturally and economically prominent cities in the country, receiving more tourists than any other part of Brazil. Overnight Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel (B, D). Since its Art Deco doors swung open in 1923, Belmond Copacabana Palace has been welcoming the rich and famous. A truly iconic citycentre hotel, Copacabana Beach only a heartbeat away, this is the best place to stay in Rio. Soak up the sun in the magnificent pool or join Brazil s style setters at the Piano Bar. And don t miss the hotel s top restaurants, whether for great local dishes or fine Italian dining at the Hotel Cipriani Restaurant. With 239 rooms and suites, each room is unique, featuring fine period furniture and original works of art with either charming city views or magnificent beach vistas. This evening, party like a Carioca at Rio Scenarium. Located in the neighbourhood of Lapa, it s a club, restaurant and antique warehouse all rolled into one and covers three sumptuous floors. Listen to the cream of Brazil s musicians play and dance the night away. Enjoy dinner at the hotel. Day 10: Thursday 12 October Explore Rio de Janeiro After breakfast, spend the day exploring Rio de Janeiro. The tour makes its way to the bottom of Corcovado Hill, where we ascend the mountain by vehicle. Climbing 4km through the Tijuca Forest, the world s largest urban National Park, arrive at the statue of Christ the Redeemer. After taking in the panoramic views, continue to the Maracana Stadium. We also pass the Sambadrome and the Metropolitan Cathedral, before passing through the bohemian neighbourhood of Lapa and its famous arches en-route to Copacabana. Enjoy a traditional Brazilian BBQ lunch before visiting famous Sugarloaf Mountain with views across the entire city. Afterwards return to the hotel. Overnight Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel (B).
Day 11: Friday 13 October Departure Day Morning at leisure before your afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires (B). Flight details: AR2251 13OCT GIGEZE 17502110 NZ030 14OCT EZEAKL 0105 (arrives SUN 15OCT) NZ 14OCT AKL to your capital city (ADL, BNE, OOL MEL, PER or SYD) - END OF SERVICES - COST: Participation cost AU$1,200 per person (twin-share). Refunded once post famil sales of $35,000 achieved. Inclusions: International flights including taxes with Air New Zealand (departure cities: ADL, BNE, OOL MEL, PER or SYD) Internal flights within South America as outlined Twin-share luxury accommodation Airport transfers and transportation as detailed on the itinerary Guided tours and entrance fees as stated on the itinerary Breakfast daily and other meals as stated Exclusions: Travel to/from the departure cities outlined above to join the educational Visa and reciprocity fees Meals not listed Optional activities or extras as outlined Any personal expenses or consumptions International travel insurance (Compulsory) Tips to drivers, guides, hotels and restaurants - please allow approx. US$20 per day (note: this will be collected as cash on day one and tipping kitty managed on behalf of the group) Notes: Baggage allowance on internal flights is 1 piece of 15 kg per passenger. Please pack accordingly. Entrance fee to Argentina National Park Iguazu USD 40 (paid locally) Entrance fee to Brazil National Park Iguacu USD30 (paid locally) Optional: Bird Park Iguacu Falls USD16 (paid locally) Optional: Helicopter Ride Iguacu Falls USD170 (paid locally) *Information is correct as at 22 June 2017 but subject to change. Contact us for more information.