Please note: A visa is required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders to enter Brazil.

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

Board an overnight flight to Brazil.

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. (B in flight, D)

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. (B)

Day 4 - Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy a free day to discover the vibrant corners of Rio, or 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. (B)

$59 USD

Corcovado & Beaches Board a cog-wheel train in the Cosme Velho district and ride through Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain, where you can climb the steps or take an elevator to the summit.

Day 5 - Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy a free day to discover the vibrant corners of Rio. Or, you can opt to drive up the Serra dos Orgãos through the Atlantic Rainforest to the Imperial City of Petropolis, where you’ll visit the summer palace of Emperor Pedro II, the cathedral, and the Crystal Palace. Lunch is included on this excursion. (B)

$75 USD

Petropolis Drive up the Serra dos Orgãos through the Atlantic Rainforest to the Imperial City of Petropolis, where you’ll visit the summer palace of Emperor Pedro II, the cathedral and the Crystal Palace. Lunch is included.

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. (B, D)

Day 7 - Iguassu Falls

One of South America’s most mythic natural wonders, Iguassu Falls is gorgeous. 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. (B)

Day 8 - Buenos Aires

Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina, this morning, and begin exploring the city on your own. South America’s most European city, Buenos Aires is known for its elegant culture. As a cosmopolitan city, it weaves multitudes of people, cuisines and cultures into a traditional and modern tapestry. It is in turn charming, vibrant and dynamic. Tonight, choose to enjoy an optional dinner in one of Buenos Aires’ best restaurants. (B)

$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

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. (B)

Day 10 - Buenos Aires

Opt to leave the bustle of Buenos Aires for the peace of the pampas. On this full-day excursion, you'll journey out to the Estancia Santa Susana. Gauchos, or cowboys, will welcome you with a refreshing drink. Tonight, end your South American journey at a Farewell Tango Show & Dinner at El Viejo Almacen, a complex devoted to the tango. (B, D)

$109 USD

Typical Argentinian Estancia On a tour of Estancia Santa Susana, learn about daily life, take a horse ride into untamed countryside and savor a barbecue lunch.

Day 11 - Buenos Aires

Enjoy a free day to explore the city before transferring to the airport for your departure, or board your flight for our extension in Santiago, Chile. (B)

Day 12 - Buenos Aires

Arrive home.

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

In order to enter Brazil and Argentina, 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. 

A visa is also required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders to enter Brazil. We recommend that you obtain an individual visa prior to departure through one of our recommended providers:

U.S. Citizens: Zierer Visa Service (1-866-788 1100; www.zvs.com/home.aspx?login=73041. If you get to a page requiring a log in, please use code 73041.) 

Canadian Citizens: Visa Connection (1-416-506-8787; www.visaconnection.biz)

If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the relevant embassies as soon as possible 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.

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

At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend $2 per person per day for your driver and $4 to $6 per person per day for your tour director.