Spectacular South America: superlative falls, mighty glaciers and hypnotic cultural capitals
Tackling the continent’s two largest countries, this 14D13N journey will launch in “la Reina del Plata”, Argentina’s elegant capital city: Buenos Aires. Here you’ll cruise the broad Avenida 9 de Julio and indulge in world-class steaks and wines, while also experiencing first-hand the intoxicating charms of tango culture. Landing in El Calafate far to the south, you’ll then explore the awesome wilds of Patagonia – gazing at glaciers along breath-taking boardwalk trails and a pair of jaw-dropping boat tours. Returning north to Puerto Iguazú, you’ll next approach South America’s superlative falls, a series of dramatic cascades that carve a spectacular landscape along the Brazilian border. Shifting gears, your next flight will arrive in sprawling Rio de Janeiro, the “Marvellous City”, where Samba rhythms, barbeque buffets, fine museums and golden beaches await, along with an ascent to Sugar Loaf Mountain’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.
This journey outline is by no means fixed. As the traveller takes centre stage in our planning – from the type of lodging to daily activities – your journey will be crafted to suit you.
Day by Day Highlights
Day 1 Arrival in Buenos Aires
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel to rest after your flight in. Head to one of the city’s tango houses, indulge in exquisite food, and enjoy a live tango show.
Day 2 Buenos Aires
Drive along “9 de Julio”, the widest avenue in the world, and pass by the Colón Theatre, a stunning opera house. Visit Plaza de Mayo, where the Government House and the first City Hall are located. Here, step inside the Metropolitan Cathedral to appreciate its towering ceilings, striking stained glass, marble columns, and paintings. Afterwards, in La Boca district, enjoy a short stroll along “Caminito” and admire the colourful streets filled with souvenir shops and Tango dancers. Pass by the Boca Juniors soccer stadium before driving to the Puerto Madero area, a district made with recycled docks where some of the city’s best restaurants are located. Then, drive by the beautiful parks and green spaces in Palermo as you head to Recoleta, one of the city’s most glamorous spots. End your tour with a visit to the Recoleta cemetery, where many national heroes, presidents, well-known writers, scientists, and artists are buried here. Appreciate its ornate mausoleums, sculptures, and vaults made by local and international artists and visit Eva Perón’s grave.
Day 3 Buenos Aires
Head north to the capital’s outskirts. Tigre is a popular weekend getaway for many "porteños" and boasts summer homes as well as yacht and rowing clubs. Take a boat ride along the Paraná Delta and its channels, rivers, streams, and numerous islands, appreciating the lush vegetation along the way.
Day 4 Buenos Aires - El Calafate
Head to the domestic airport to board your flight to EL Calafate. El Calafate is a pleasant village located on the southern shore of Lake Argentino, about 80km from Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. Its strategic location between el Chaltén and Torres del Paine in Chile make it a great stop for Patagonian explorers and travelers. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed at the airport and taken to your hotel.
Day 5 El Calafate
Head towards the Los Glaciares National Park entrance. From here, visit one of Argentina’s natural highlights: the Perito Moreno Glacier. The glacier is 30km long, 5km wide and 60m high and is one of the few glaciers in the world that still constantly advances at about 2m per day. Keep your eyes open and watch the frozen walls slide down into the Argentino Lake. Walk along the boardwalks and stop at the different viewpoints to admire this breathtaking, dynamic, azure glacier.
Day 6 El Calafate
Depart from your hotel to Punta Bandera Port, where a boat awaits to take you towards the Upsala Glacier. Marvel at mountains, glaciers and enormous icebergs along the way. After entering Spegazzini Canal, you will have the opportunity to disembark. Take a pleasant trek along Bahía de Todos los Glaciares to Spegazzini shelter.
Day 7 El Calafate – Puerto Iguazu
You will be picked up and taken to the airport for your next destination, Puerto Iguazu. Puerto Iguazú is a small, quiet town located at the confluence of the Iguazú and Paraná Rivers, and serves as the gateway to the famous Iguazú Falls. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed at Puerto Iguazu airport and taken to your hotel.
Day 8 Puerto Iguazu
Leave your hotel and drive to the Iguazú National Park. From the visitor’s center, take the train and go to the Upper Circuit as you appreciate the panoramic views of the falls. Arrive at the Devil’s Throat, the park’s most impressive and immense waterfalls. From here, walk along the Iguazú River canyon for about 3km to the lower circuit as you admire the regional fauna and flora and feel the constant presence of the waterfalls.
Day 9 Puerto Iguazu
Drive through the National Park until you reach the Brazilian side of the falls. From here, walk along the paths and appreciate the lush vegetation, butterflies, and cascades. Take the 1,5km path that leads you to an amazing panoramic view of the Devil’s Throat. Appreciate the incredible scene that includes other iconic sites in Argentina like the Two Sisters and Bozzeti waterfalls, the Superior Circuit, and San Martin Island, where the movie “The Mission” was filmed.
Day 10 Puerto Iguazu – Rio De Janeiro
You will be picked up at your hotel and takento Foz Do Iguaçu airport for your flight to your nextdestination.
Day 11 Rio De Janeiro
Start your tour and drive through the Tijuca forest up the Corcovado Mountain. At the top of one of Rio de Janeiro’s most privileged belvederes, admire the famous Christ the Redeemer statue and the stunning views of the “Marvellous City”, as Rio de Janeiro is affectionately known as. Afterwards, drive along the city’s beautiful beaches to the Urca district. From here, take a cable car ride and appreciate the dramatic views surrounding the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain. End your tour in the downtown area and appreciate the city’s landmarks and some of its finest architecture like the Candelaria church and the Carioca aqueduct.
Day 12 Rio De Janeiro
Drive along the southern beaches to Santa Teresa, a district where tradition and a relaxed atmosphere blend perfectly. Admire the beautiful street art, galleries, and handicraft shops. Stop at one of city’s top attractions: the Selarón Steps. Made by Jose Selarón, the 215 colorful steps are covered in bright ceramic mosaics. Hit the trails in the Tijuca rainforest and walk to the beautiful Cascatinha Waterfall. Along the way, keep your eyes open for monkeys, birds, and beautiful flora.
Day 13 Rio De Janeiro
Enjoy your day at leisure. Located by the Atlantic Ocean, golden beaches adorn Rio De Janiero’s shores, with lush mountains in the backdrop. Dance to the rhythms of samba and old-school “bossa nova”, sip on a caipirinha, and appreciate the incredibly diverse architecture. Sail around Guanabara Bay, or learn about history and art at one of the city’s numerous museums.
Buenos Aires, El Calafate, PuertoIguazu, Rio De Janeiro
Recommended months to travel
The best time to visit Argentina is spring (October to mid-December) and autumn (April to mid-June).
The best time to visit Brazil is between November and March. These are the warmest months across the country, with temperatures between 27°C and 33°C — perfect for enjoying New Year and Carnival celebrations. Autumn season between September to late November is also a good time.
Level of difficulty
Easy to moderate
Indicative price
Price on request
This journey outline is by no means conclusive. It is just a guideline and can be tailored according to your comfort level, interests and preferences for every detail from accommodation to activities.
