Iconic views of Copacabana, “the world’s most famous beach”; the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Buenos Aires, “the Paris of South America”; and the stunning scenes of Iguazu Falls, “the world’s largest waterfall system,” are the highlights of Gate 1 Travel’s Classic 10-Day Brazil and Argentina Tour.
An iconic city
Our tour began in Rio de Janeiro, the first city ever to be listed a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural landscape. We enjoyed walking Copacabana’s mesmerizing black and white stone mosaic promenade (a pattern mimicking the motion of the waves), passing by lively hotels, restaurants, and bars lining the three-mile beach. We were awed by the locals’ skill at footvolley, a sport combining volleyball and soccer.
Gate 1’s half-day tour of Rio included the cog railway ride to the top of Corcovado Mountain and the enormous Christ the Redeemer Statue. The statue, the largest Art Deco statue on the planet, is one of the “seven new wonders of the world.” The 360-degree view of the city and beaches was stunning.
We were then able to spend some time in the Ipanema section of Rio. This upscale neighborhood has a wonderful variety of shops, cafes, and lounges – and, of course, its famed beach. Consider a visit to the cafe Garota de Ipanema, “The Girl from Ipanema,” where the famous tune was written. This song helped launch the Bossa Nova craze, a musical blend of samba and jazz.
More stunning views of Rio, its beaches, and lush mountain terrain can be seen on Gate 1’s optional trip to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain – one of Brazil’s most iconic landmarks. Another optional tour is the Carnival and Samba experience, where you will be immersed in these icons of Brazil’s national identity.
Dining in Rio is a treat, as a wide variety world cuisines are featured in many of the restaurants along the beach. One Brazilian specialty, which was one of Gate 1’s included dinners, is dining at a Churrascaria – a famed Brazilian steakhouse. Meat lovers rejoice in the endless parade of barbequed meats sliced off the skewer right at your table. And be sure to try a Caipirinha – Brazil’s national cocktail.
The awesome power of nature
Our second South American destination was the magnificent waterfalls at Iguazu. A two-hour flight got us quickly to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which consists of over 275 separate cataracts across a span of two and one-half miles. These awe-inspiring falls are wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara Falls.
The first day at Iguazu is on the Brazilian side of the falls, where a walkway along the canyon has an extension to the lower base of the thunderous Devil’s Throat. Day two in Iguazu included tours of the Argentine side of the falls, where you walk along catwalks from the top of the falls to the lower circuit.
Buenos Aires’ European flavor
On our first day in Buenos Aires we enjoyed an afternoon and evening exploring some of the interesting neighborhoods of the “Paris of South America,” so named because of its elegant architecture, wide tree-shaded boulevards, striking monuments, and sprawling parks.
It was in Buenos Aires that our tour guide’s suggestions proved especially helpful. We enjoyed a stroll through the outdoor market in San Telmo and then a delicious dinner in the trendy Palermo neighborhood. Take some time to walk Palermo’s narrow streets and view the colorful buildings and many wall murals. Our guide’s tips for best places for dolce de leche ice cream and Fugazzeta, a cheese and onion pizza popular in Buenos Aires, were great. Be sure to sample some Malbec, Argentina’s world class wine.
Gate 1’s half-day City Tour introduced us to many of the city’s highlights, including Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Casa Rosada, the government palace. Here you can see the balcony where Eva and Juan Peron made their speeches. We especially enjoyed the colorful, working class neighborhood of La Boca with its many shops and cafes, and the home of one of the city’s famed soccer clubs, Boca Juniors.
An interesting stop took us to Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place for many of the most important Argentine historical figures, including Eva “Evita” Peron. The more than 6,400 vaults, all above ground, include numerous elaborate mausoleums in a variety of architectural styles. The cemetery is listed among “the 10 most beautiful cemeteries in the world.”
We learned some basic steps of the Argentine classic dance, the tango, at Gate 1’s dance lesson conducted by professional dancers. This was followed by a complete show of this cultural passion at the optional Argentine Dinner and Tango Show.
Another optional tour is the Gaucho Party at an authentic Argentine ranch. Learn about this equestrian way of life during a tour of the ranch, followed by a barbeque lunch and a folklore show with live music and more dancing.
Gate 1’s expert guides
Everything on our tour proceeded flawlessly due to Gate 1’s planning and the expertise of their travel guides. Our tour guide, Maxi, a native of Buenos Aries, was personable, humorous, and, above all, helpful. Whether it was advice for restaurants, sights to visit on our free time – even neighborhoods to avoid – Maxi’s suggestions were always spot on. Gate 1 also provided local guides in Rio and Iguazu, and they were also very personable as well as informative. Gate 1’s guides provided everything we needed.
Gate 1’s choice of hotels was excellent. Our hotel in Rio was just steps from Copacabana Beach; the one in Buenos Aires was a superior first class hotel ideally located in the city center near the Obelisk; in Puerto del Iguazu we stayed in a very comfortable superior tourist class hotel just over 300 feet from “The Three Borders” where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet.
If you’re thinking of traveling to Rio and Buenos Aires, we suggest you consider a Gate 1 Tour; they provide a well-organized, in-depth, and safe travel experience.
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