When my baby smiles at me, I go to Rio! You’ll be smiling from ear to ear on this Globus Independent tour in Brazil and Argentina with plenty of much needed I-time in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and the Amazon Rainforest. And while it takes two to Tango, it only takes you to choreograph the perfect day on a Globus Independent tour in South America. Begin in the Amazon Rainforest with a Naturalist Guide and discover the flora and fauna that thrive in the Brazilian Amazon. From Brazilian barbecue, bathing beauties on the beaches, and the heights of Christ the Redeemer in Rio, and the roaring thunder of Iguassu Falls, Globus Independent tours give you the freedom to design your days and fill your nights with Latin flair. Your Local Guide is on hand with included sightseeing, while helping you make the most of your free time with optional excursions to spice things up with your own personal taste. With intriguing, inspiring, and incomparable adventures, feel free to follow your independent spirit on a vacation that’s all about you!
Your Globus Independent tour gives you the freedom to explore with the I-time you crave–with all the perks you'd expect from Globus. We take care of the details with included accommodations, daily breakfasts, select guided sightseeing, transportation and transfers between each city on your tour, and a Local Host in each city to assist you when needed. We’ll also handle flight arrangements and airport transfers at the beginning and end of your tour, if you wish.
Notes: Transportation is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary and includes private airport transfers to/from intra-vacation flights. Local Guide service is provided in Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, and Buenos Aires. A Naturalist is provided in the Amazon. Intra-vacation flights not included but can be added. For the Amazon adventure, guests should be prepared for eco-lodging due to their remote nature in the rainforest. Further, guests should be prepared for sustained walking, possibly muddy conditions, and have the ability to jump in/out of small watercrafts such as canoes and small fishing boats. Itinerary is subject to change in low or high-water situations.
• After arriving at your hotel, meet up for private city sightseeing to view vestiges of Manaus’ glory days during the rubber boom. Your first stop will be the famous opera house, built in 1896 with materials imported from Europe.
• Next, visit a bustling local market filled with regional foods and wares
Day 2 MANAUS–AMAZON JUNGLE
• Today, your “Meeting of the Waters” cruise passes by the impressive British-built Customs House and the floating port. Cruise along the chocolate-hued Rio Negro to its confluence with the yellow-gray Rio Solimões, where the two rivers form the mighty Amazon. For four miles, the differently shaded bodies of water flow side by side and never mix!
• After lunch on the river, explore a jungle island (water level permitting) with fascinating native flora and fauna.
• Later this afternoon, arrive at the Ecopark Jungle Lodge, situated on the banks of the Rio Negro inside the Amazon rainforest.
(B,L,D) BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 3 AMAZON JUNGLE
• Accompanied by a Naturalist, enjoy a guided jungle walk that introduces you to the flora and fauna that thrive in the Amazon.
• After lunch, depart the lodge and sail up the river to visit a Caboclo’s native Amazon village to learn about their traditions, costumes, and culture. Also, try your hand at piranha fishing!
• Later, visit the Monkey Jungle Reserve, where researchers work to rehabilitate captive primates and reintroduce them to the jungle. Here, you have the opportunity to see the feeding of spider, squirrel, woolly, and capuchin monkeys.
• This evening, maybe venture back out with your Naturalist via canoe into the flooded forest to appreciate the sounds of the jungle at night. Keep watch for small alligators (and other night creatures)!
(B,L,D) BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 4 AMAZON JUNGLE–RIO DE JANEIRO
• This morning, depart your Amazon lodge for a flight to fabulous Rio.
• Welcome to South America’s capital of glamour—Rio de Janeiro, where your Local Guide will be available with suggested activities during your free time.
(B) Breakfast
Day 5 RIO DE JANEIRO
• Today, your private tour takes you to the Cosme Velho district, where you board a cog-wheel train that will take you through the lush tropical vegetation of Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain. This rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay is one of the New7Wonders of the World and home to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, which affords sweeping views of the city and beaches below.
• The afternoon and evening are at leisure.
• Tonight, you may opt to join an outing to a fun churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats that are marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style.
(B) Breakfast
Day 6 RIO DE JANEIRO
• Enjoy a full day at leisure. Your Local Host will suggest some options for your free time.
(B)
Today’s I-Time Tips
This afternoon, you may elect to discover historic Petropolis, a mountain resort and site of the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II or take an optional excursion to visit iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain Breakfast
Day 7 RIO DE JANEIRO–IGUASSU FALLS
• Fly to Iguassu Falls. This masterpiece of nature encompasses 275 separate falls and spans almost two miles.
• Upon arrival, you will be met by your Local Guide who will take you on a private tour dedicated to enjoying the spectacle of this 2-mile-wide torrent from the Brazilian side. See the mammoth series of waterfalls cascading over a precipice almost two miles wide and 250 feet deep. Walk into Devil’s Throat Canyon, where the clouds of mist, thunderous roar, and 180-degree rainbows surround you—an unforgettable experience!
(B) Breakfast
Day 8 IGUASSU FALLS. EXCURSION TO IGUASSU FALLS, ARGENTINA
• Your Local Guide will take you across the Brazilian border for a private tour of the Argentine side of the Iguassu Falls. Begin with a short ride on the open-air Ecological Jungle Train through the rainforest.
• From atop the falls, a series of boardwalks takes you above the falls to see the water crashing down more than 300 feet below into the Devil’s Throat.
• Return across the border to Brazil for a free afternoon and evening.
(B)
Today’s I-Time Tips
Your afternoon is free to explore, or you may opt to visit the Bird Park, home to many species of indigenous birds as well as flora from the area Breakfast
Day 9 IGUASSU FALLS–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
• Fly to Buenos Aires, proud capital of the vast country that occupies most of the southern part of the continent.
• After arriving at your central hotel, you will have time to become acquainted with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards and outdoor cafés.
(B) Breakfast
Day 10 BUENOS AIRES
• After breakfast, your private tour takes you along the widest avenue in the world to see the Teatro Colón Opera House, the pride of Buenos Aires. You’ll also visit the Avenida de Mayo and Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House), and the Cabildo, which was the first City Hall. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, which houses San Martin’s Mausoleum. Continue to the oldest district in Buenos Aires, San Telmo, then stop by vibrant La Boca and Palermo. Finish your city tour with a visit to Recoleta Cemetery, burial site of Eva Perón and a highlight of the city.
• This evening, you may opt to enjoy dinner and a traditional Tango show—Argentina’s famed passionate dance.
(B)
Today’s I-Time Tips
The Tango and Argentina go hand in hand. Tonight, perhaps opt to visit a local tango house, where professional tango dancers will delight you in Tango Show featuring the dance as it has evolved through the ages. Plus, dine on Argentine specialties and wine too! Breakfast
Day 11 BUENOS AIRES
• Today is free to explore this extraordinary city. Consider an optional excursion to visit a traditional estancia (ranch) to experience the lifestyle of the gauchos, or cruise down the Tigre River surrounded by beautiful landscapes and impressive homes.
(B)
Today’s I-Time Tips
Estancias date back to the 16th Century during Spanish colonization when conquistadors where gifted land to raise and breed cattle. Today, these lands and traditions that go along with them have been passed down from generation to generation. Today, you have the chance to step into the traditional, local life of a gaucho and embrace Argentinean heritage during an optional trip to an estancia Breakfast
Day 12 BUENOS AIRES
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.
(B)
Accommodations
Manaus
Brazilian Amazon
Rio de Janeiro
Iguassu Falls
Buenos Aires
Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus First-Class
Av Umberto Calderaro Filho, 817 - Adrianopolis Manaus Brazil
Located in the Adrianopolis district of Manaus nearby the Amazonas shopping center, the Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus features a rooftop pool with views of the city, on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and sauna.
Ecopark Jungle Lodge Best Available
Amazon Manaus AM Brazil
Inside the Amazon Jungle on the Rio Negro, enjoy daily excursions to learn about the flora, fauna, and indigenous tribes. Rooms feature private facilities and air-conditioning.
Hilton Rio Copacabana Moderate Deluxe
Avenida Atlantica 1020 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
Located just steps away from the famous Copacabana beach and waterfront, Hilton Copacabana offers two sparkling swimming pools, a full-service wellness spa, multiple restaurants and bars, beachside service at Copacabana's waterfront, and comfortable and cozy guestrooms with spectacular views.
Bourbon Cataratas Hotel First-Class
Rodovia Das Cataratas KM 2,5 Iguassu Falls PRA Brazil
The Bourbon Cataratas Resort Hotel, is strategically located near the main tourist sites of Iguassu. Exclusive and professional staff take care of every detail.
Loi Suites Recoleta First-Class
Vicente Lopez 1955 Recoleta Buenos Aires Argentina
Located 1.2 miles between Florida and Corrientes Avenue, Loi Suites offers opulent suites amidst the French homes and palaces of Recoleta. The English winter garden is where afternoon tea is served. The stylish, soft gray or beige rooms at the Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel include French windows that open to gardens. Each has a CD player, satellite TV, and air conditioning. Breakfast with croissants and a cheese plate are available to guests, and both are served in the garden. Fine dining and wines are offered at La Fuente. The Loi Suites' amenities include a gym and an indoor pool.