Overview Itinerary Dates & prices Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Rio, Iguazú Falls & Buenos Aires

with Argentinian Patagonia extension

Duration: 11 or 13 days
Group size: 15-35
Reviews: 40

Move from sophisticated cities to wet and wild waterfalls.

Take in all the highlights of Brazil and Argentina, from spicy and seductive Rio de Janeiro to elegant and refined Buenos Aires. Between these two cultural hot spots, you’ll experience the ultimate in outdoor adventure, with the chance to admire the formidable Iguazú waterscape from every angle.

Your tour package includes

8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfasts
1 lunch
2 dinners with beer or wine
3 guided sightseeing tours

Included highlights

Sugarloaf Mountain
Christ the Redeemer statue
Copacabana beach
Ipanema beach
Iguazú Falls

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Brazil today.

Rio de Janeiro3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro

Included meal: Welcome lunch

Welcome to Brazil! Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome lunch.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Rio de Janeiro

Included meal: Breakfast

Today, enjoy a cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain, then get to know Rio de Janeiro on a guided tour.

Halfway up the mountain, stop to take in scenic vistas of the Rio Yacht Club and Botafogo Bay
Continue to the top of the mountain, soaking in panoramic views of the city, beaches, and Atlantic Ocean
Return to Rio to admire the city's colonial architecture
Pass the National Library, Municipal Theater, Candelaria Church, and Tiradentes Palace
Admire the Escadaria Selarón and walk past the Museum of Tomorrow

Get a backstage look into Carnival culture on visits to a samba school and the barracão, a workshop where artisans craft parade floats and decorations.

Later, enjoy a free evening or add an excursion.

Rio by Night: Carnival Cultural Show & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 4: Corcovado & Rio beaches

Included meal: Breakfast

Head to the top of Corcovado Mountain for a guided tour of the iconic peak.

Hop aboard the cogwheel train, taking in the rainforest landscape of Tijuca National Park as you ride up the mountain
See the iconic Christ the Redeemer, a colossal Art Deco statue atop the summit
Pass Rio's white-sand beaches, including Ipanema and Copacabana

Enjoy a free afternoon or add an excursion.

Rio de Janieiro Sailboat Cruise

Excursion (additional cost)

Iguazú Falls2 nights

Day 5: Flight to Iguazú Falls

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Say goodbye to Rio and fly to Brazil's Argentine border, site of the thundering Iguazú Falls, for a guided tour.

Drive through Iguazú National Park, a subtropical paradise
Walk through forested footpaths on the Brazilian side of the falls for panoramic views of the waters

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Iguazú Falls

Included meal: Breakfast

Today, cross the border into Argentina and view Devil’s Throat, the most famous section of Iguazú Falls.

Take an ecological train through the park
Walk along a pathway to arrive in front of Devil’s Throat where can take photos of the incredible waterfall
Enjoy another train ride to see the upper section of the park, including the San Martín, Dos Hermanas, and Bozzetti falls

Buenos Aires3 nights

Day 7: Flight to Buenos Aires

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Buenos Aires, and spend the afternoon getting to know the Argentine capital at your leisure.

Enjoy a free evening in Buenos Aires or add an excursion.

Tango Show & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Buenos Aires

Included meal: Breakfast

Embark on a guided tour of the city where tango was born.

Head to Plaza de Mayo to see the Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Cabildo
Pass through the historic neighborhood of San Telmo before exploring the colorful streets of La Boca
Drive along 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest street in the world, to Palermo and its beautiful parks
Visit the aristocratic Recoleta neighborhood and the grave of Eva Perón

Day 9: Free day in Buenos Aires

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Spend the day exploring Buenos Aires on your own or add an excursion.

Later, celebrate your trip with your group at a farewell dinner.

Estancia Visit: Argentine Barbecue & Gaucho Show

Excursion (additional cost)

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 10: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend one final day exploring the city on your own. This evening, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Arrive Home

Day 11: Arrival at home

Arrive home after your overnight flight.

Extension to Argentinian Patagonia

Fly to the heart of Argentinian Patagonia for a tour of Los Glaciares National Park, home to a variety of wildlife, the Perito Moreno Glacier, and some seriously out-of-this-world views.

El Calafate2 nights

Day 10: Flight to El Calafate

Included meal: Breakfast

This morning, transfer to the airport to board your flight to El Calafate, located in the heart of Argentine Patagonia.

Day 11: Los Glaciares National Park

Included meal: Breakfast

Make your way to Los Glaciares National Park today for a close-up look at the growing Perito Moreno Glacier.

En route to the park, stop at Lago Argentino to take in the surrounding mountain views, keeping an eye out for the flamingos and condors that call the lake their home (seasonal)
Once in Los Glaciares, embark on a cruise along the Perito Moreno Glacier face
Take in views of the glacier from a scenic overlook and enjoy free time to explore the surrounding walking paths

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly back to Buenos Aires this morning. Then, relax in a dayroom before boarding your flight home tonight.

Flight Home

Day 13: Arrival at home

Arrive home today.

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Reviews

4.7 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Three Totally Different Experiences

09/29/2019 by 3rd time traveler Jim K.

Three totally different worlds, all in one tour. - The spectacular beaches and harbor in Rio de Janeiro - The Iguazu Falls and Rainforest - The beautiful City of Buenos Aires I was simply amazed at the natural beauty of Rio and Iguazu and the architectural majesty of Buenos Aires. I totally enjoy...

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Awesome!!!!!

07/24/2019 by 3rd time traveler Marie D.

What a fabulous trip! Except for Delta which delayed us and we lost our first day in Rio....but our tour director Juan Paublo made sure we saw what we missed the first day. Juan Paublo was very knowledgable as well as our local guides. We met a great group of folks on this tour and we had such a gre...

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Fast and furious in Rio

06/19/2019 by 2nd time traveler Rev M.

Visit to Rio very good with 2 exceptions - unable to go to top of Christ the Redeemer Statue - no hand rails, elevator not working. Unable to see the new Catholic Cathedral - too late in the date - closed. Visit to Falls - opportunity for surpassing my fear of heights - made the walk with help of lo...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 06/19/2019

Dear Rev Anderson, Thank you so much for taking t...

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Best time of my life!

06/18/2019 by 2nd time traveler Diana M.

I would TOTALLY travel with Go Ahead again! This was my first time traveling by myself to a different continent and I'm so glad I chose to do it with Go Ahead. Everything about the trip was perfect! Let's start off with having the most amazing Tour Director in Juan Pablo. That man was super genuine,...

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Brazil, Iguasu Falls, and Argentina.

08/02/2018 by 2nd time traveler Marilyn R.

Our trip was delayed by an unexpected flight cancellation. Our tour director, Emiliano, was on top of it and arranged for our transport to pick us up at the airport the following day. He then arranged for us to make up what was missed. My traveling friend and I were pleased with the hotel quality in...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 08/02/2018

Dear Marilyn, We are so glad to hear that Emiliano...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Arena Leme Hotel

This eco-friendly hotel is located in the Leme neighborhood. Guests enjoy a bar, a restaurant, and beach views. Nearby, you’ll find Forte Duque de Cax...

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Recanto Cataratas Thermas Resort

This contemporary hotel is located in Portal da Foz. Guests enjoy a water park with thermal pools, a poolside bar, and multiple restaurants. Nearby, y...

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Grand Brizo

This modern hotel is located on 9 de Julio Avenue. Guests enjoy a bar, restaurant, and fitness center. Nearby you’ll find Plaza de Mayo, Mercado San T...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

Local weather

El Calafate, Argentina

Weather averages

Today
High 52°F Low 38°F

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Weather averages

Today
High 97°F Low 77°F

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Weather averages

Today
High 85°F Low 73°F

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

This tour visits Brazil and Argentina. In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens to enter any of the countries on this tour. At this time, Argentina has suspended the reciprocity fee for both U.S. and Canadian travelers. As of June 17, 2019 Brazil no longer requires U.S. or Canadian citizens to obtain a visa for stays under 90 days.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 2.5 hours daily across uneven terrain, including paved roads, cobblestone streets and slippery walkways, with some hills.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Rio de Janeiro and depart from Buenos Aires. A representative from Go AheadTours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
Flights from Rio to Iguazú Fallsand Iguazú Fallsto Buenos Aires are included in the price of your tour. A round-trip flight from Buenos Aires to El Calafate is also included in the price of the tour extension.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for detailed information regarding baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 total inches (length + width + height).
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. Comfortable, casual clothing and a sturdy pair of walking shoes are a must for sightseeing.
A lightweight jacket is recommended, as the temperatures will change with the elevation throughout your tour.
A sun hat, sunglasses, and rain gear will help you stay comfortable in all types of weather. You may also wish to pack a swimsuit.
Long pants, long-sleeved shirts and insect repellent are recommended for certain activities.
Binoculars are handy for a closer look at local wildlife and scenery.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.

Health

At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
The Brazilian government strongly recommends that travelers receive a yellow fever vaccination before visiting certain areas of Brazil. While it is not required by the Brazilian government, Go Ahead Tours requires travelers to either receive the vaccination or provide a written notification that they understand and accept any associated risks if they choose not to be vaccinated. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider with any questions or concerns around receiving the vaccination. Visit cdc.gov/yellowfeverfor more information.
Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
Drink bottled water only. Refrain from ingesting tap water, including when brushing your teeth.
Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they’re cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

The cuisine of Brazil varies from region to region. Some staples like beans, coconut, dende oil, codfish, and shrimp, can be found throughout. The caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail, is made with cachaça (a clear spirit distilled from sugar cane, like rum) mixed with sugar, mint, and lime.
In Argentina, perhaps the most common dish is the asado, a series of salt-rubbed meats, ribs, and chorizo sausages cooked over a fire pit on metal grills and crosses. For dessert, try dulce de leche, a sweet honey-and-milk paste, in pastries.

Electricity & air conditioning

Brazil operates on 110-220 volts and uses Types C or N plugs with two round pins or three round pins, respectively.
Argentina operates on 220 volts and use Types C or I plugs with two round pins or three flat pins, respectively.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in some South American hotels may not be as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply. In more remote locations, internet access may be limited and is not guaranteed.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Argentina is three hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and two hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET). Argentina currently does not observe Daylight Saving Time, though the country decides on a year-by-year basis.
Brazil spans four time zones. Rio de Janeiro is 3 hours behind GMT and two hours ahead of ET.
From March through November, when it’s noon in New York City, it’s 2pm in Rio and Buenos Aires. From April through October, when it’s noon in New York City, it’s 1pm in Rio and Buenos Aires.

Currency

You will use the Brazilian real in Brazil and the Argentine peso in Argentina.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa. or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

Dates & prices

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20202021

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2020