15 days - Journey Latin America
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15 days 12:06 10-03-2021
We are the UK’s No.1 specialist in travel to Latin America As our name suggests, we are single-minded about Latin
and have been creating award-winning holidays to every America. This is what sets us apart from other travel
corner of the region for over four decades; we pride companies – and what allows us to offer you not just a
ourselves on being the most knowledgeable people there holiday but the opportunity to experience something
are when it comes to travel to Central and South America extraordinary on inspiring journeys throughout Mexico,
and passionate about it too. Central and South America.
A passion for the region runs Fully bonded and licensed Our insider knowledge helps you go
through all we do beyond the guidebooks
All our Consultants have lived or ATOL-protected We hand-pick hotels with character
travelled extensively in Latin America and the most rewarding excursions
On your side when it matters
Up-to-the-minute knowledge Let us show you the Latin America
underpinned by 40 years' experience Book with confidence, knowing every we know and love
penny is secure
12:06 10-03-2021
12:06 10-03-2021
Discover South America's most prestigious cities with cultural highlights and world class restaurants, Iguazú Falls tumbling over a
granite cliff shrouded in steaming rainforest and the quaint colonial port of Paraty with neat cobbled streets and whitewashed
cottages. But in Brazil there has to be some beach-time and here we have chosen for you a real unspoilt hideaway, Ilha Grande,
just a couple of hours from Rio but a world away with its timeless tranquillity.
Transfer to your hotel close to Recoleta district, evocative of the
capital's French or Italian influence, where Evita Perón was laid to
rest. During the winter months, wealthy female residents parade the
streets in their fur coats and improbable, towering hairstyles, and
take afternoon tea in the city’s ornate salons which mingle with
newer fast food outlets in this city of economic and social contrasts.
Buenos Aires is an elegant, cultured and cosmopolitan city famed for
its interesting museums and the fascinating port district of La Boca,
with its cobbled streets and brightly painted houses. It was here that
the tango was born, and Diego Maradona honed his footballing skills.
The centre of town, focused on the Plaza de Mayo. is home to the
colonial heartland, government buildings and churches, as well as
chic shopping districts, which have a nostalgic Parisian feel. San
Telmo, cradle of the tango and a folksy quarter with many art
galleries, lively bars and restaurants and many antiques shops,
perfect for a wander around.
Guided walking tour of Retiro and Recoleta districts. Buenos Aires
has always aspired to be one of the world's leading cities, never more
so than in the early 20th century when the city's aristocracy enjoyed
an unprecedented prosperity. Looking to the Old World for
inspiration, leading families sought to replicate the graceful
architecture of belle époque France, covering the upmarket
residential areas of Retiro and Recoleta with palatial façades lining
shady cobbled boulevards.
This walking tour takes you to former palaces and mansions which
now have much more practical functions; the Military Society, the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the national parks HQ. The
Academicist-style Retiro station, built according to British design
and with British materials, nevertheless is inspired by the lost
illustrious French gares. After this, follow the meandering Arroyo
street with its art galleries, and finally stroll down Alvear Avenue, a
small-scale Champs Elysées.
12:06 10-03-2021At leisure in Buenos Aires. Stroll around Puerto Madero, the
refurbished port district where former dock installations and
features have been preserved alongside a string of excellent
restaurants and loft conversions. Beyond the city limits, consider a
trip across the River Plate to Colonia in Uruguay. Travel along a
forest-fringed estuary, dotted with upmarket residences, to this
peaceful little port, where you can wander among cobbled streets
lined by colonial houses, or have a meal or drink in the yacht club.
Alternatively, venture into the watery delta to the small town of
Tigre, set on the banks of the Luján river. Have lunch at one of the
restaurants on the shores of the Río Paraná, while watching
fisherman at work and river-craft gliding by. A third choice would be
a trip out to one of Argentina’s famous estancias (ranches) on the
grassy plains of the pampas.
In the evening, we'll take you to one of the city's tango halls for a live
performance and dinner. Before things get going, you'll have the
chance to take a few steps yourselves during a group tango class for
beginners. You can of course opt out if your prefer.
Fly to Puerto Iguazú in the subtropical northeast corner of
Argentina (2 hrs). Your hotel is a short stroll from the Iguazú Falls;
it’s the only property inside the national park on the Argentine side.
This means you have the advantage of being able to get down to the
water’s edge before the day visitors.
The Iguazú Falls are one of the most extraordinary natural
phenomena in the world. A total of 275 falls thunder over a rust-
coloured cliff surrounded by dense tropical forest. The U-shaped
Devil’s Throat is the most dramatic sight, here the frothing water of
the Iguazú river crashes over a 1.5km wide precipice and columns of
vapour are thrown skyward. Elsewhere the river flows decorously
through the rainforest breaking up into dozens of smaller cascades.
You can usually spot colourful toucans and many other exotic birds
perched in the foliage above the tumultuous waters.
12:06 10-03-2021At leisure to explore the falls. You might start with a visit to the
National Park Visitor Centre, where there is a display illustrating the
biodiversity of the region’s tropical rainforest, and from here a little
train chugs to Cataratas Station where the Upper Walk begins. This
sequence of causeways and passarelles links dozens of tiny basalt
islands at the top of the sheer rock face and the walkways cross the
myriad of streams of the Iguazú River as they cascade over the lip of
the precipice: the water thunders on to the rocks below.
The train continues to Devil’s Throat Station and from here a
kilometre-long walkway leads across the river to the thunderous
Garganta del Diablo(Devil’s Throat). From this spectacular vantage
point you can feel the incredible power of the water, and the flow is
mesmeric as it plummets into the vortex below(Our tip: walk down
the path beside the railway track before the service starts in the
morning and you’ll be at the usually crowded Garganta all alone).
Guided transfer across the border into Brazil, with a stop en route to
see the falls from the Brazilian perspective. Fly to Rio de Janeiro (2
hrs) and transfer to your hotel in Copacabana. Rio is the most
beguiling, seductive, intriguing and beautiful city on the continent.
But it is a multi-layered place: the gulf between the rich and the
poor is the greatest of all Latin American countries. Sumptuous
apartments overlook the sparkling bays against a backdrop of half-
built slum dwellings, favelas, which cling precariously to the hillsides.
Rio enjoys a truly awesome location among towering jungle-clad
granite mountains, fringed by white-to-toffee coloured sandy
beaches that swoop down into the Atlantic surf.
Visit the world-renowned, hump-backed Sugarloaf Mountain,
between the city centre and Copacabana beach in the picturesque
bay-side arty quarter of Urca. Its peak is reached by a spectacular
cable-car journey (made in two sections), and has views over
Copacabana beach, the pinnacle of Corcovado mountain with the
illuminated Christ figure on top, the waters of Guanabara Bay and
the lush forested mountains beyond. These are especially magical
against a tangerine sunset when the twinkling lights of the city are
coming on.
12:06 10-03-2021Take an exhilarating guided tour by an open-topped jeep through
tropical fruit-laden vegetation up the sheer-sided Corcovado
mountain to drink in the views from beside the famous Christ the
Redeemer statue on the peak.
Continue to Santa Teresa, the colonial heart of the city which sits on
a hill close to the Cathedral in the busy centre. This is a popular
residential area for artists and TV personalities who occupy the
stately shaded houses lining its cobbled streets. There are plenty of
old-fashioned bars, or bodegas. (The ancient rickety tram which
climbed around impossibly steep lanes has been renovated). The
streets are lined by high walls sheltering museums, parks, art
centres, smart restaurants and one or two luxury hotels.
Private transfer by car down the coast to Paratí, (4-4.5hrs). The
winding road is bordered by steep mountains covered in lush Atlantic
forest on one side, and the ocean on the other. This enchanting bay-
side town is steeped in history; Paraty means ‘river of fish’ in the
indigenous Tupi language.
The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s not hard to
see why, as you wander through its local boutique-lined cobbled
streets, explore glorious baroque churches and check out the local
art work in one of the many contemporary galleries. The divine blue,
gold and white painted Portuguese architecture has been carefully
preserved, and the centre of the town is vehicle-free. There are also
some excellent places to eat freshly caught fish on the sea-front. The
bay itself is dotted with tropical islands and, rising some 1000m
behind the town are forested mountains intersected by rivers and
waterfalls.
12:06 10-03-2021Cruise in a romantic traditional schooner. There are 65 unspoilt,
jungle-clad tropical islands in this bay off Brazil's Emerald Coast and
200 white-gold to russet, pristine beaches around their secluded
shores. On deck, there is plenty of room to sunbathe and watch the
exotic and beautiful scenery drift by. Fruit and drinks are served on
board, and a buffet lunch is provided on the boat or one of the
islands.
You will need to take sun-protection cream, towel and sunhat in
addition to beach gear. Perhaps the most rewarding is the swimming:
here you are far from the Atlantic rollers and currents of Rio; the
jade green water is sparkly clear and bubbling with fish: bring goggles
or a snorkel mask.
Transfer by road and boat to Ilha Grande, on the route back to Rio
(3.5hrs). This, the largest of many rugged, forested little islets
studding the bays. This exquisite island is much undeveloped,
because of its somewhat gruesome history: in the 16th and 17th
centuries it was home to a notorious prison, closed in 1994. Now
much of the forested inland territory is preserved in an ecological
reserve. There are a number of low-key but very agreeable barefoot
beach-side pousadas.
There’s nothing much to do apart from enjoy some of the
continent’s most beautiful beaches and coves, accessible by track or
boat. There are few roads connecting the tiny settlements and no
motorised vehicles are allowed. The Atlantic rainforest remains
largely untouched, although several walking trails have been
established, so you can appreciate prolific wildlife, including
hummingbirds. The only town, Vila do Abraão, consists of a few
houses and dirt roads. There are few facilities: no ATMs, and internet
access is patchy, but this is a real “getaway” place.
12:06 10-03-2021Transfer back to Rio for one last night and perhaps you’ll go out for a
final sumptuous waterside meal.
12:06 10-03-2021Services of our team of experts Walking tour of Retiro and International flights to Latin
in our London office Recoleta districts America
Services of Journey Latin Tango show (with optional group Tips and gratuities
America local representatives tango lesson) and dinner included
and guides
Meals other than specified
The Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls
All land and air transport Airport taxes, when not included
Cable car excursion to Sugar in the ticket
Accommodation as specified Loaf mountain
Jeep tour of Corcovado Optional excursions
Meals as specified mountain, Tijuca Forest and
Santa Teresa
Excursions as specified, including
entrance fees
Schooner boat cruise
Two flights (longest 2hrs); 2 scenic road journeys (longest 4hrs); 2 boat journeys (longest 1.5hrs).
We have chosen a variety of accommodation styles for your honeymoon, each with its own appeal: elegant, historic properties in
Buenos Aires and Paraty, a typically Brazilian pousada on Ilha Grande and modern resort-orientated hotels with spectacular
locations and good facilities at Iguazú Falls and Rio.
Breakfast daily, lunch day 10, dinner day 3.
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides
understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
15 days, 14 nights: Buenos Aires 3; Iguazú 2; Rio 3; Paraty 2; Ilha Grande 3; Rio 1.
There are a number of half, full-day or longer excursions or activities you may wish to consider in order to customise your
holiday to cater for your interests. Please contact us to discuss these further or to add them to your itinerary before you depart.
A selection of these include:
Bicycle tours in Buenos Aires.
Excursion to the delta town of Tigre, from Buenos Aires.
Tour of Boca Juniors football stadium or attendance at a match.
Helicopter ride over the Iguazú Falls.
Samba show, Rio de Janeiro.
12:06 10-03-2021The unit of currency in Argentina is the Argentinean Peso; Brazil has the Brazilian Real (plural reais).
Cash machines are available in all major cities and towns, and so taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most
convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip, and in most shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However,
since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds.
We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance),
which you can exchange into local currency, and possibly some travellers’ cheques (American Express are the most widely
accepted), though these are gradually falling out of use. Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be
refused. You can take sterling, but the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available, restricting the number of
places where you can change money.
For our latest currency advice for Argentina please see our FAQs section.
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$50 per day should cover the cost of meals
not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants and you will pay considerably more.
Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers
and the like. It is common to leave 10 - 12% in restaurants.
Travel insurance is essential.
Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the
ticket.
Given the spectacular size of both Argentina and Brazil, there is a fair bit of travelling on this holiday, but in short bursts, not
long days. Be prepared for the heat and some early mornings ahead of the excursions.
If you have a disability or other special requirements, please do call us.
In Buenos Aires, October to November and March to April see temperatures between 15 and 25°C and a good deal of sunshine.
January to February is hot, with temperatures over 30°C.
In tropical Rio and Iguazú, December to March are the hottest and most humid months, with temperatures sometimes reaching
40°C, and rain which falls in heavy showers. From June to September, temperatures are more moderate (18-23°C) and there is
plenty of sunshine, but cold fronts can usher in periods of up to several days of cloud and drizzle.
In Paratí and Ilha Grande, the verdant mountains can attract rain at any time but sunny days are frequent. The best weather is
Mar – May, a quiet season except over Easter.
12:06 10-03-2021In the southern hemisphere summer it will be hot in Buenos Aires so take loose-fitting light clothing for maximum comfort. An
umbrella is a good idea in case of a tropical shower.
At the Iguazú Falls you can get very wet from the spray. Some travellers like to take dry clothes in a dry bag.
If you plan to go to good restaurants or out on evening entertainment trips, you might bring something a bit smarter as well
(although formal attire will not be required).
Strong, comfortable footwear is essential and you should bring insect repellent, sun block and sun glasses. You should take
swimwear for pools.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to
come by in South America.
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following; typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. For specific
requirements you must consult your GP.
As of 2018, visitors to Brazil travelling on our holidays should be protected with a vaccination against yellow fever, and carry the
corresponding certificate. In April 2013, the World Health Organisation Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation
concluded that a single primary dose of yellow fever vaccine is sufficient to confer sustained immunity and lifelong protection
against yellow fever disease, and that a booster dose is not needed.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip
begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
12:06 10-03-202115 days
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