DAY 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
![Arrive in Rio de Janeiro]()
Welcome to bustling Rio! Your tour begins in one of the most iconic seaside city in Brazil. Arrive early to explore, or make your way straight to the hotel to meet up with your tour leader at 18:00. Set out with the group to enjoy a welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant this evening.
Experiences
Welcome Dinner. Welcome Dinner: Eat local on your first night in Rio de Janeiro! For the Brazilians, mealtime is a family event. Your welcome dinner involves a traditional Brazilian barbecue at a local Churrascaria restaurant. As the name states in Portuguese, churrasco involves meat roasted over charcoal, served with a side of grilled vegetables, garnishes, salads and a variety of traditional desserts. In combination with the warm-hearted culture of the locals, it makes for an unforgettable experience.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Mirador
DAY 2: Rio de Janeiro City Tour
![Rio de Janeiro City Tour]()
Meet up with your local guide after breakfast for a full-day tour of Rio. The city is scenic to the core and the coach stands ready to take you along the main avenues, from where pedestrian footpaths will lead you deeper into the magic. Tick off a few bucket list items today - we'll be visiting the Christ the Redeemer statue on top of Mount Corcovado. The Escadaria Selaron staircase and Santa Teresa neighborhood are also on our list. Grab lunch on the go and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Experiences
Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer Statue entry and visit. Visit the most iconic monument of Rio and Brazil - the statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor). Designed by engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, the 125 ft/38m tall Christ the Redeemer statue offers the most breathtaking views from where it stands on top of mount Corcovado, overlooking the city below. Brazil is a religiously diverse nation and considers the arms-open-wide gesture of the statue as one of welcoming and peace.
Visit the neighborhoods of Santa Teresa and Lapa & Rio de Janeiro’s tiled staircase. See a different and more quiet side of the cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city), as you meander the streets of hillside neighbourhood, Santa Teresa, and the downtown neighborhood of Lapa. Santa Teresa is a quiet, bohemian area with winding streets, colourful colonial houses, a charming yellow tram and a village-like spirit. Also see the connection between the two neighbourhoods: the 125-step Selarón staircase (Escadaria Selarón) made with colourful mosaic tiles and mirrors.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Mirador
Optional Excursions
- Lunch at Carretao de Ipanema i US$32
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 3: Rio de Janeiro: Free Day
![Rio de Janeiro: Free Day]()
Free day in Rio! Go your own way or join in on the Rio Plus tour. This exciting excursion will take you up Sugarloaf Mountain in a cable car with a local guide by your side. Tuck into an authentic Brazilian lunch and make your way to downtown Rio afterward. Visit the Museum of Tomorrow, the Sao Bento Monastery and Gabinete. Join the group for an optional dinner this evening or do your own thing - it's up to you.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Mirador
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 4: Rio de Janeiro - Paraty
![Rio de Janeiro - Paraty]()
Wave Rio a fond farewell as we journey down the Costa Verde (Green Coast) of Brazil. Drink in epic scenery on the drive - oceans, dense jungles and more. Arrive in Paraty, a beautiful colonial port town. Check in at the hotel and take an orientation walk with a local guide. Marvel at the cobbled streets and pretty architecture. Tonight you can head out on your own, or opt in on a dinner at a local restaurant.
Experiences
Paraty walking tour. Follow a local guide around Paraty and discover why Paraty was so affluent during the gold, coffee and cachaça periods. This gorgeous colonial town is situated in the perfect spot for spectacular views of the surrounding Atlantic ocean and jungle. The historic centre, a UNESCO heritage site, boasts beautifully preserved architecture, cobblestone roads and churches. Cars were banned from the historic core, so you can expect quiet surroundings with welcoming locals.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Pousada do Principe
DAY 5: Paraty: Free Day
![Paraty: Free Day]()
Take the day to explore Paraty at your leisure. The town forms part of the Serra da Bocaina National Park so there is plenty of natural beauty to explore. Think beaches, islands and waterfalls. The historical town also boasts plenty of lovely buildings and historical attractions. Keen on an organised outing? Opt in on a boat tour to Passeio de Escuna or hop aboard a 4x4 for a guided drive.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Pousada do Principe
Optional Excursions
- Jeep Tour in Paraty i US$49
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 6: Paraty - São Paulo
![Paraty - São Paulo]()
Leave Paraty behind and venture to the megacity of São Paulo. The buzzing financial hub of Brazil is a sight to see. Follow in the footsteps of a local guide to learn more about the city. Stop at the famous Mercadão (a sprawling food market) for lunch. Tonight you can take time for yourself or join the group for an optional dinner.
Experiences
São Paulo City Tour and visit to the Mercadão. São Paulo is quite simply enormous. It’s the biggest city in Latin America and the Southern hemisphere to be exact. Upon arrival, set out with a local expert to find out more about the history and economy of the city and see the points of interest. Then stop at the Mercadão, a famous food market, for lunch. This municipal market is the perfect spot if you want to see and taste all kinds of South American foods - from north to south. Look out for the famous Mortadella sandwich, codfish and prawn pastries, and cashew fruit.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Sleep Inn Guarulhos
DAY 7: São Paulo - flight to Foz do Iguaçu - Iguassu Falls Brazilian side
![São Paulo - flight to Foz do Iguaçu - Iguassu Falls Brazilian side]()
Up and at 'em - we're off to Guarulhos Airport to catch a flight to the Brazilian city of Foz do Iguacu. Upon arrival, head straight for the world-famous Iguaçu falls in Iguaçu National Park. It's the largest waterfall system in the world, and a breathtaking sight to behold. You can even follow pathways all the way to the mist-shrouded foot of the falls. Head back to the hotel after the tour and get ready for a delicious Brazilian barbecue dinner.
Experiences
Visit the Iguaçu Falls in Iguaçu National Park. Foz do Iguaçu is located on the triple borders or Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina. Depending on the rainfall, there can be between 150 en 300 waterfalls at the time of your visit. This experience gives you a chance to enter the national park and explore to your heart’s content. Iguaçu Falls is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience. Entry included.
Brazilian barbecue dinner: Eat local on your first night in Iguazu! Your dinner this evening involves a traditional Brazilian barbecue at a local Churrascaria restaurant. The experience involves different types of meat roasted over charcoal, served with all you can eat sides of vegetable, salad and traditional desserts.
Local Brazilian Dining Experience. On Day 9, enjoy a jolly night out as you sit down for a traditional Brazilian meal at a family home with home-made Brazilian food, unlimited caipirinhas (Brazil’s national cocktail) and beer. (took off contentful)
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Viale Tower
Optional Excursions
- Rafain Dinner and Show i US$75
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 8: Foz de Iguaçu (Paraguay) : Free Day
![Foz de Iguaçu (Paraguay) : Free Day]()
The world is your oyster today - there are so many excursions to choose from! Make your own way or go on an organised adventure. Visit the amazing local bird park (150+ species!) or take a helicopter ride over the falls. Alternatively, add a day trip to a completely different country to the lineup. Head to Paraguay via the International Bridge of Friendship, crossing the Paraná River to enter Ciudad del Este. Shop at local markets. Visit the Itaipú Dam hydroelectric power plant. Back in Brazil, we'll meet up with the group for a Rafain show and dinner experience.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Viale Tower
DAY 9: Foz do Iguacu (Brazil) : Free Day
![Foz do Iguacu (Brazil) : Free Day]()
Enjoy another day of exploration around Foz do Iguacu. There are various optional excursions on offer. Head on a guided tour to the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls. Peruse the various walkways and trails on offer, or take a ride on the gas-powered train in the park. You could also venture right up close by opting in on the Great Adventure boat tour. Or you could stick around in Brazil to enjoy other local outings. Meet up with the group this evening for a special Brazilian dining experience.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Viale Tower
Optional Excursions
- Half Day Argentinean Falls Trip i US$78
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 10: Iguassu Falls - flight to Buenos Aires
![Iguassu Falls - flight to Buenos Aires]()
Rise and shine! We're off to Puerto Iguazu airport to catch a flight to Buenos Aires. This vibrant city holds countless attractions. Stock up on snacks before we leave (no lunch stop today!). Transfer to the hotel upon arrival. Head out on a solo exploration mission, or simply take it easy. The next two days will be jam-packed. Dinner is included tonight at a restaurant near our hotel.
Experiences
Buenos Aires Dinner. Enjoy your first meal in Argentina! The cuisine here has been heavily influenced by waves of European migration over the last century and often includes dishes with Spanish, Italian and German roots. Grilled meats, pastas, empanadas and sweet desserts are widely offered. How about a glass of Argentinian wine to complement your first meal in the country?
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Imperial Park HotelOptional Excursions
- A Day At The Pampas Santa Susana Ranch i US$123.50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 11: Buenos Aires City Tour
![Buenos Aires City Tour]()
Ready, set, explore! Today we uncover the must-see attractions and hidden delights of the Argentine capital. Follow in the slipstream of a local guide. Discover the famous Buenos Aires Obelisk. Encounter the Plaza de Mayo, the colourful La Boca, the cobblestoned foundational San Telmo and Recoleta cemetery. And so much more! Grab lunch on the go. This evening there is an optional dinner and a tango show on offer.
Experiences
Buenos Aires City Tour. Buenos Aires is a city with the vibrancy of New York and the spirit of Paris at the pace of Latin America. This full-day tour will take you through the city’s best-known streets, show you the most popular sights and give you a taste of the real Buenos Aires. Iconic sights covered on tour include Avenida 9 de Julio (9 July Avenue), Plaza de Mayo, the Obelisk of Buenos Aires, the La Boca and San Telmo Neighbourhoods, and the famous Recoleta cemetery.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Imperial Park Hotel
DAY 12: Buenos Aires: Free Day
![Buenos Aires: Free Day]()
Free day in Buenos Aires! Take your pick of a bunch of things to do in the bustling Argentinian capital. Seek out must-sees like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Or how about a tango lesson or cooking experience? Alternatively, head off on an organised excursion to a classic guest ranch (estancia) in the countryside. Learn more about the Estancia culture, enjoy authentic local food and watch folk dancing. As always, you will be welcomed with open arms by the locals. Join the group for a lovely dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Imperial Park Hotel
DAY 13: Buenos Aires - Tour End
![Buenos Aires - Tour End]()
After spending your final night in Buenos Aires, the tour comes to an end at breakfast this morning. If you wish to take a transfer to Ministro Pistarini International Airport or Aeroparque Airport, you can book it with your Expat Explore agent. Have a safe onward journey!
Experiences
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Don't forget to exchange contact details with your new found friends before you head home.