Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Argentina – Buenos Aires – Iguazu – Brazil – Rio
100% customisable for you
It’s time to head to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Direct flights take around 13 hours, so make sure you’ve packed a good book and have a few films downloaded.
Upon arrival in the Argentine capital, a private transfer will take you to the lively Palermo district, where you'll settle in for four nights at a contemporary hotel. In the vicinity, you’ll find leafy parks, late-night cafés and colourful street art waiting to be discovered.
Today, you have the full day to explore the city at your own pace. The avenues that crisscross the city centre are a great place to begin– with teens in tow, wander down Avenida 9 de Julio, Avenida Corrientes and Avenida de Mayo. Then there's La Boca, a small, colourful and picturesque neighborhood, or the elegant Recoleta district with its distinguished cemetery: Eva Peron, Victoria Ocampo and Raul Alfonsin are laid to rest there.
The characterful neighbourhood of San Telmo is also well-known for its old streets and antique shops – if you’re here on a Sunday, be sure to catch the San Telmo Fair, where portenos (Buenos Aires residents) throng around the stalls, eager to find a bargain. Along the streets, popular musicians and tango dancers showcase their skills.
If you have any budding artists in the family, you also have the option to take a private guided street art tour today, to get to know the local artworks and artists.
You’ve explored on foot, so now it’s time to tour Buenos Aires by electric bike – the perfect way to explore the Argentine capital from end to end. Accompanied by a guide, discover the city's eclectic architecture, distinctive neighborhoods and magnificent parks. Among other places, you’ll pass by the Recoleta Cemetery, the Bombonera Stadium, La Boca and its ‘Caminito’(Little Walk), Puerto Madero and the legendary Plaza de Mayo.
Later this evening, sit down for dinner at one of the city's best parrillas (traditional steakhouses), housed in a typical 20th-century brick building in Palermo Viejo. Tuck into beautiful cuts of charcoal-grilled meat in a traditional setting: think walls of empty wine bottles, chandeliers, and waiters dressed in black. Grown ups, be sure to take the opportunity to sample some renowned Argentinian wines.
If you still have some energy left, tonight there’s also the option to watch some traditional tango.
It’s your final full day in the capital, so explore as much as you can. Perhaps you’d like to take a tour of Buenos Aires with a local, enjoy a guided tour of the Palacio Barolo or catch a football match in Maradona’s homeland – the choice is yours.
Later this evening, you have a table reservation at a rooftop restaurant in the heart of the capital. On the menu for the whole family: river views, a glittering skyline and distinctive Argentinian flavours (accompanied by refreshing cocktails for the adults). What better way to round off the first few days of your adventure?
Today, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your two-hour flight to Puerto Iguazu. Upon arrival, another transfer will take you to your hotel – ideally located for easy access to Iguazu Falls – where you’ll stay for the next three nights.
Straddling Argentina and Brazil, these famous falls are undoubtedly some of the most spectacular in the world. Thousands of tonnes of water cascade down every second in a thunderous roar, before rising gently in colossal clouds of spray. The most famous of these falls is called Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), and is the highest waterfall on the site, reaching a height of almost 300ft. Get your bearings this afternoon, and enjoy a delicious meal at your hotel before hitting the hay this evening.
Rise and shine, ready to explore Iguazu Falls on the Argentinian side today. After a short off-road excursion in Iguazu National Park – see who can be the first to spot some of the park's inhabitants: we’re talking red coatis, toucans, anteaters, capuchins, and maybe even tapirs – descend to the river to board a Zodiac. Bouncing over the rapids, the boat takes you right up to the falls (just make sure you remember a raincoat). It's also a chance to observe the gray-headed swifts that, nesting behind the curtains of water, flit to and fro through the gaps.
Today, you have another day to explore Iguazu Falls, this time on the Brazilian side. We’ve already arranged your tickets, so you’re free to discover the national park at your own pace. As you wander its winding trails and walkways, keep your eyes peeled for resident wildlife – some of the paths lead almost to the base of the falls.
If you want to see the fantastic falls from an even better angle, there’s also the option to take a helicopter tour over Iguazu.
Today, take a private transfer to Foz do Iguacu Airport in Brazil to catch your two-hour flight to Rio. Another private transfer will meet you upon arrival and take you to your hotel by Copacabana Beach for the final four nights of your trip.
Experience the vibrant Carioca (Rio de Janeiro residents) lifestyle this afternoon. Relax on the world-famous beach in front of your hotel, where you can enjoy (or observe) running and beach volleyball on the sand.
Indulge in churrasco (grilled beef) and cassava fries or sip Amazonian fruit juice in a shady Leblon backyard: the ideal introduction to one of the most captivating cities in the world.
This morning, head out on a private guided tour of Santa Teresa, a bohemian neighbourhood nestled against the hillside and reachable by tram.
As your guide will explain, ‘Santa’ (as it's known to locals) has more than one story to tell. In the 17th century, the nobility – particularly the Europeans – were quick to settle in the hills, before relocating to Brasilia which was made the capital in 1960. Vacant, the neighbourhood was quickly taken over by artists from all walks of life. Even today, a creative energy fills the air, from the cobblestone streets to the shaded squares. A must-see stop is the Chacara do Ceu Museum, where you can admire the works of Matisse, Picasso, Dali and Miro.
This evening, find out who’s the best dancer in the family and put your moves to the test at samba school. Samba, a dance of Brazilian origin known worldwide, takes centre stage every year during Rio's famous Carnival. This evening offers a unique opportunity to participate in a rehearsal at one of the city's most renowned samba schools, wheredancers share their knowledge and passion.
While in Rio, don’t miss Sugarloaf Mountain – we can arrange tickets for you today. At the mouth of Guanabara Bay, the iconic granite peak rises from the sea, towering almost 1,300ft above the lush landscape. The summit of this monolith is reached by two cable cars: the first cable car takes visitors to Morro da Urca at over 700ft high, offering a breathtaking view of the winding coastline below. A second cable car covers the rest of the way.
From the top of this granite colossus, the surrounding panorama unfolds like a painting. Admire the blue of the bay against the golden sand and the green of the trees – there’s no better place for a family photoshoot.
Later tonight, there’s the option to get to know Rio by night with a private guide (the tour can easily be tailored to teens).
With just one day left in vibrant Rio, we recommend heading to Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer. At the summit of Corcovado Mountain, the immense statue of Christ (standing at over 124ft high) is a striking symbol of the city and even Brazil itself. Its construction lasted about ten years and mobilised sculptors, architects and engineers from around the world. Inaugurated in 1931, this Art Deco statue is made of concrete and covered with a mosaic of soapstone, a material with unalterable colours, resistant to the most extreme weather and temperature changes.
This evening, toast to your trip with a farewell dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants – consult our jam-packed Dossier or ask your local Concierge for their recommendations.
Sadly, it’s time to wave goodbye to South America today. Enjoy one last dip in the ocean and stroll along Copacabana Beach before taking a private transfer to the airport. This evening, catch an 11-and-a-half-hour overnight flight back to the UK, which touches down tomorrow morning.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
