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.
Trip costs include:
- Round-trip air transportation with a major airline, airport transfers
- All internal flights
- The services of a bilingual Go Ahead Tour Director
- A licensed local guide in Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu and Buenos Aires
- 9 nights accommodation in comfortable, well-located hotels with twin beds and private bath or shower
- All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling and local taxes
- Buffet breakfast daily; 3 three-course dinners
- Private motorcoachGo Ahead travel gift and membership in our World Traveler Club, which includes credit toward your next tour
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Rio de Janeiro
Fly overnight to Rio de Janeiro.
Day 2 - Rio de Janeiro
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, the Marvelous City. A Go Ahead representative greets you and escorts you to your hotel. Meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s Welcome Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner
Day 3 - Rio de Janeiro
Brazil’s most famous resort city, Rio de Janeiro is a wonderful blend of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers. Explore it all on this morning’s guided tour, from Candelária Church and the Opera House to Carioca Square and the 17th century Church of Santo Antonio. Next, drive through Flamengo Park on your way to Sugar Loaf Mountain. Travel by cable car to its summit for spectacular city views.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 4 - Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy a free day to discover the vibrant corners of Rio. Alternatively, opt to 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 the lovely city views as you descend before hitting Rio’s beaches.
Included meals: breakfast
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$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.
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Day 5 - Rio de Janeiro
Embark on another free day in Rio. Or, you can opt to drive up the Serra dos Orgãos, where you’ll make your way through the Atlantic Rainforest to the former imperial retreat of Petropolis. Here you’ll visit the summer palace of Emperor Pedro II, the cathedral and the Crystal Palace. Lunch is included on this excursion.
Included meals: breakfast
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$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.
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Day 6 - Iguassu Falls
Say goodbye to Rio and board your flight for Iguassu this morning. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Tonight, immerse yourself in the rhythms of samba, tango and Paraguayan music during a Dinner and Show at Plaza Foz.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 7 - Iguassu Falls
One of South America’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, Iguassu Falls is like no other cataract in the New World. Drive through Iguassu National Park, a sub-tropical paradise, to the Brazilian side of the falls for an incredible first look at the falls. Then cross the border over the Tancredo Neves Bridge into Argentina for even better views, especially those from Devil’s Throat.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 8 - Buenos Aires
Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina, this morning, and begin exploring the city. Known as “the Paris of the South,” Buenos Aires is renowned for its elegant culture. A city of immigrants, it weaves multitudes of people, cuisines and cultures into a vibrant and modern tapestry. Tonight, opt enjoy dinner in one of Buenos Aires’ best restaurants.
Included meals: breakfast
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$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.
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Day 9 - Buenos Aires
Embark on a guided tour of Buenos Aires and get to know the city where the tango was born. Begin at Plaza de Mayo to see the Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo. Then, continue to the historic neighborhood of San Telmo before exploring the colorful streets of La Boca. Next, drive along 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest street in the world, to Palermo and its beautiful parks. End your tour in aristocratic Recoleta to visit the grave of Eva Perón.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 10 - Buenos Aires
Enjoy a free day to discover the many wonders of Buenos Aires. Or leave the bustle of Buenos Aires for the peace of the pampas on today’s fullday optional excursion. Journey out to the Estancia Santa Susana, where the gauchos, or cowboys, welcome you with a refreshing drink. 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. Tonight, end your South American journey at a Farewell Tango Show & Dinner at El Viejo Almacen, a complex devoted to the tango.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
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$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.
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Day 11 - Buenos Aires
Enjoy a free day to explore the city before transferring to the airport for your departure, or continue on the extension to Santiago, Chile.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight)
Day 12 - Buenos Aires
Arrive home this morning.
Extend Your Stay
Add 3 nights in Santiago for only $799 USD (Single room: add $230 USD)
Ancient and modern stand side by side in the heart of Santiago, an elegant and cosmopolitan South American city. Located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, Santiago offers easy access to Chile's Pacific beaches and Andean ski resorts. Known for its diverse and eclectic neighborhoods abounding in gorgeous architecture and even better food, Santiago is also a perfect place to immerse yourself in the wine culture of Chile. Who knows, you might discover the next great vintage!
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
Passport Information: In order to enter Brazil and Argentina (and Chile on tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a
valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home.
Upon arrival in Argentina, travelers from the following countries must pay the corresponding
reciprocity fee listed below:
• Canadian passport-holders = $70.00
• United States passport-holders = $131.00
Please note that rates are subject to change based on reciprocity.
Upon arrival in Chile (on tour extension), travelers from the United States and Canada must pay a
reciprocity fee of $131.00. This one-time charge is good for the life of the passport.
Visa Information:
In addition, U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling within Brazil are required to carry a
visa.
We recommend that U.S. & Canadian citizens obtain a visa through Zierer Visa Service (1-866-788-1100;
www.zvs.com/tourkits).
If you opt to apply for your visa directly with the Brazilian consulate and require additional assistance and/or documentation from Go Ahead Tours, a special arrangements fee of $95 per person may be charged.
If you’re not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the Brazilian, Argentinian and Chilean consulates for your specific entry requirements.
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.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/ CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.