Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Rio

Head out with your guide and driver to explore some of the more interesting southern neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. You’ll start with the Plaza de Mayo Square which houses the the Cabildo, the Casa Rosada presidential house and the old city council for a look at official Buenos Aires. Continuing south, you’ll walk through San Telmo, Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhood that’s known for its extensive contemporary art museums and it’s Sunday market. After some time to explore the galleries, you’ll head to La Boca for an explosion of color at its iconic “Caminito”. Afterward heading north back toward your hotel, you’ll see the old port as well as the newest area of the city, Puerto Madero, as well as Retiro and the Plaza San Martín area.

Afternoon at leisure. This evening, take in the Rojo Tango at the Cabaret of the Faena Hotel in Puerto Madero. Here you’ll enjoy dinner followed by an intimate show featuring skilled dancers, vocalists, and musicians.

Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore this incredible city on your own.

Known as Argentina’s most traditional cuisine, parrilla restaurants are a truly authentic way to get to know the culture and food of the country. Some of the best restaurants are away from the tourist areas of the city and are where the locals go. This afternoon you’ll visit three different authentic local parrilla restaurants with tastings of food and wine at each, as well as a stop at a local ice cream shop or ‘heladeria’ to cap off the tour.

After checkout, private transfer to the Buenos Aires city airport for your nonstop flight (not included) to Iguazu.

On arrival into Puerto Iguazú airport on the Argentina side of the falls, your Awasi Iguazú driver will welcome you outside baggage claim for your 30-minute private transfer to the lodge. Located just 20 minutes from the world’s largest waterfalls, the luxury 14-villa lodge is situated on the banks of the Iguazú River surrounded by Atlantic rainforest. Each villa is assigned its own private guide and 4WD vehicle, allowing you to explore at your own pace, visiting where you want on your own schedule! all meals are included at this Relais & Chateaux property.

A day of activities with private guide and 4WD chosen from the wide array of Awasi Iguazú excursions. Your Exeter Latin America travel designer will send you the full menu of excursions once your trip is confirmed with deposit, but you’ll craft your personalized itinerary on arrival at the lodge based on your preferences as well as weather conditions. Each day you’ll be able to choose one Full Day or two Half Day excursions, some of them available exclusively to Awasi guests!

A day of activities with private guide and 4WD chosen from the wide array of Awasi Iguazú excursions. Your Exeter Latin America travel designer will send you the full menu of excursions once your trip is confirmed with deposit, but you’ll craft your personalized itinerary on arrival at the lodge based on your preferences as well as weather conditions. Each day you’ll be able to choose one Full Day or two Half Day excursions, some of them available exclusively to Awasi guests!

Meet your English-speaking driver for your private land transfer across the border to the Foz do Iguazu airport, for your flight (not included) to Rio de Janeiro.

Rio de Janeiro, the previous capital of Brazil for centuries, is one of the most-visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere. It is known for its picturesque landscapes of mountains and seaside, as well the famous attractions like Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, and the neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana. Rio de Janeiro lives up to its nickname of the “Cidade Maravilhosa” or “The Marvelous City.”

Meet your English-speaking driver just outside baggage claim (holding a sign with your name on it) for your private transfer to the Fasano Hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure to settle in and explore Rio on your own.

This morning, meet your guide at the lobby and head to the Corcovado Mountain, where the Christ the Redeemer statue is located – Rio’s most famous postcard image. You will board a historic train that goes uphill through the forest until you reach this important landmark and its sweeping views of the city.

Then, continue on to Santa Teresa to see a smaller and more intimate neighborhood of Rio that makes you feel truly apart of the culture and lifestyle of the city. As the home to many artists and chefs, you can see the art along the street, smell the foods from nearby restaurants, and hear the music playing from local homes.

This afternoon, you’ll have an enlightening tour of Rio’s historic city center. Discover how this city came to be, born as an unexpected result of the Portuguese crown’s escape from Europe during Napoleon’s invasion. Explore the heart of Rio, the first area to be developed due to its safer location away from the shore, when exploring these distant lands was a challenge.

To cap off the day, you’ll visit the uniquely shaped Sugar Loaf Mountain – whose name comes from the cone-like molds that were once used in the production of sugar in the 16th century. Sugar Loaf Mountain is one of Brazil’s most famous tourist attractions. Aboard the cable car to the top, you’ll be given a unique view of the mountain and the city behind you through the glass walls of the car.

Join your guide in the lobby and embark on a journey to Sítio Roberto Burle Marx, an extraordinary destination that showcases the life and work of an iconic landscaper from the 20th century. Immerse yourself in a sprawling area of 100 acres, home to over 3,500 species of tropical and subtropical plants. Discover harmonious gardens, nurseries, lakes, art collections, and an impressive library, all blending seamlessly with the native vegetation.

Afterward, some beach time like a local! The bustling beaches of Ipanema, Copacabana and Leblon are packed in the summer, so we suggest you instead enjoy the breathtaking Prainha and Grumari beaches, known for their exquisite beauty just outside the Rio city limits. While out here, your guide can recommend a hilltop beach restaurant with terrific views, before you return to the city. (Lunch not included.)

This morning your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for your private transfer to the airport for your journey home.