Please note: A visa is required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders to enter Brazil. A reciprocity fee is also due upon entry into Argentina (and Chile on tour extension). Please see Passport & Visa section under Travel Guide for more information.

Though they share a border—and a waterfall—Brazil and Argentina could not be more different. Brazil is the embodiment of all things sensuous—from its sultry samba and cool bossa nova to its annual Carneval. While Argentina, with its European flair and its smooth-as-silk tango, delivers elegance, refinement and a natural beauty that’s all its own.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Rio de Janeiro

Day 2 - Rio de Janeiro

Day 3 - Rio de Janeiro

Day 4 - Rio de Janeiro

$59 USD

Corcovado & Beaches Board a cog-wheel train in the Cosme Velho district this morning and ride through Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain. Here, climb steps or take an elevator to the summit, where you’ll stand next to the statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the Modern Wonders of the World. Enjoy lovely city views as you descend before hitting Rio’s beaches.

Day 5 - Rio de Janeiro

$79 USD

Petropolis On this full-day excursion, you’ll leave the bustle of Rio behind as you venture out into the Brazilian countryside. Lunch is included.

Day 6 - Iguassu Falls

Day 7 - Iguassu Falls

Day 8 - Buenos Aires

$45 USD

Dinner in Buenos Aires There is no better city in South America—or even the world—to experience refined European cuisine juxtaposed with the vibrant flavors of indigenous South American foods. Enjoy this elegant meal with a glass of Argentina's renowned Malbec wine.

Day 9 - Buenos Aires

Day 10 - Buenos Aires

$129 USD

Argentinian Estancia Leave the bustle of Buenos Aires for the peace of the pampas. Journey out to the Estancia Santa Susana. As you tour the estancia you’ll learn about the gaucho’s daily life, and you might even take a horse ride into the untamed countryside. Come together for a rustic asado, or barbecue, lunch, followed by a folklore show before returning to the city.

Day 11 - Buenos Aires

Day 12 - Buenos Aires

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 USD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 USD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 USD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 USD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

Health

Travelers should be aware of high-altitude conditions in Brazil and Argentina. Travelers (especially those with heart or lung conditions) are encouraged to take precautions and consult with their personal health-care providers before undertaking high-altitude travel. The best way to prevent “altitude sickness,” which sometimes results in headaches and nausea, is to make sure that you are well hydrated throughout your stay.

Sightseeing might involve walking on some uneven terrain (see “Walking on Tour”), and travelers should be in reasonable shape. While no vaccinations are required, it’s always advisable to check with your doctor at least eight weeks prior to departure for recommendations.

In order for you to stay healthy throughout your South American tour, we recommend the following:

• Drink bottled water. Refrain from drinking tap water, including when brushing teeth.
• Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they are cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
• Bring a small first-aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication and any prescription medications.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Round-trip flights arrive in Rio de Janeiro and depart from Buenos Aires. Flights from Rio to Iguassu Falls and from Iguassu Falls to Buenos Aires are also included in your trip cost. All other transportation is by private motorcoach.

Rio de Janeiro is a large, busy city and while walking is possible in most areas, you may want to explore on your own by public transportation. Local buses are the best way to travel around town.

Buenos Aires is a large city set up on a grid, much like New York City. While most of the city is pedestrian-friendly, you can always hop on the metro or on a bus to get around town.

Clothing & Packing Tips

Clothing
Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. Binoculars may be handy for a closer look at the wildlife and views from the Iguassu Falls. Insect repellent and long clothing are also strongly recommended on excursions to Iguassu Falls and Iguassu National Park.

It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, remember to bring something more formal to wear. Also, remember that it is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (entrance may be denied on this basis).

Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitter for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!

Packing Tips
Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping.

We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage. 

Currency

The Brazilian real and the Argentinian peso are the currencies you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available at your destination, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. The most efficient and cost effective method is using ATMs, which are widely available in both Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires (mostly on the Visa and Plus international networks). We also recommend that you take credit cards. We suggest informing your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they don’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.

Please note: It has been increasingly difficult to exchange traveler’s checks outside of Brazil and Argentina’s major cities—both at banks and shops—and they often attract higher fees.

Tipping