With so many incredible countries to visit, we understand that choosing your next holiday destination can be a difficult process. Using the real itineraries of our clients, we have put together a series of blogs designed to help you visualise and start planning your very own trip. Please remember that all of our holidays are tailor-made meaning that you have the freedom to do as much or as little as you like during each section of the trip.
Buenos Aires
If South America is on your must-see list, then this 20 night itinerary may just whet your appetite to get planning! You will begin in Buenos Aires, a thriving portside capital defined by rich history, vibrant culture and strong European influence. Some of the city’s highlights include the buzz of the La Bombonera Stadium; tango and milonga venues such as the Bohemian La Catedral; and heritage architecture such as that at the Cementerio de la Recoleta, where visitors can wander through a ‘city’ of massive statues and marble mausoleums. We would recommend dinner at the Rojo Tango, located in the eclectic Faena hotel, which has earned a very special place in the history of tango.
Horse and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a day indulging both passions at Puesto Viejo Estancia, home to the nations famous sport – polo. Here you can try the sport for yourself during lessons with an expert, and watch professional polo club members play in an adrenaline fuelled match.
Accommodation – Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires. Situated in the exclusive Recoleta neighbourhood and set in a combination of an early-20th-century mansion and a contemporary high-rise, the Four Seasons offers the best of modern comfort with European-style glamour, as well as having a stunning roof-top swimming pool.
El Calafate
You will then take a short flight to El Calafate, the starting point for a visit to Los Glaciares National Park. One of the most unforgettable landscapes the country has to offer, witness the immense Perito Moreno Glacier and its huge blue icebergs which float on the milky turquoise waters. Coupled with the sound of huge pieces of ice cracking off and falling into the lake it becomes an almost otherworldly experience. Experience this incredible landscape further with a full day Minitrekking -the walk begins with a picturesque route through the forest and along the ‘beach’ whilst your guide points out the different species endemic to the icy landscape. The climb itself will involve donning crampons over your shoes to embark on your trek across the Glacier. With the walk taking just under an hour, this is the perfect adventure to take in the natural wonderland that surrounds you without exhausting yourself.
Accommodation – Eolo Lodge. This Relais & Chateaux hotel is conveniently located halfway between the city of El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park, yet far from the commotion of the tourist activity in the area. The 10,000 acres property is a paradise for horseback riding, mountain bike rides, trekking, and bird watching.
Mendoza Wine Region
From one scenic landscape to the next, Mendoza Wine Region is your next stop on this itinerary. Known as the city of eternal sunshine, Mendoza town is both the capital of and gateway to this region, which offers optimum conditions for grape cultivation and wine production. Your days here will be spent in a more relaxed manner with wineries to visit and stunning landscape to explore, if required, add a dash of adrenaline with an afternoon rafting in the beautiful Potrerillos area.
Accommodation – Cavas Wine Lodge. Nestled in a 55 acre vineyard, Cavas Wine Lodge is surrounded by first-class wineries and the magnificent Andes Mountain range. Rooms at the lodge have spectacular views of the mountains, each of which include a large private deck, spa style bathroom, outdoor shower, private plunge pool and wood burning fireplace.
Puerto Iguazu
A four hour flight takes you to your next stop in Puerto Iguazu, a charming tourist city that serves as the gateway to the magnificent Iguazu Falls. People from all over the globe visit this National Park to catch a glimpse of the breath-taking waterfalls and to explore the surrounding scenery - we recommend taking a helicopter ride to really appreciate the scale of the site.
Accommodation – Awasi Iguazu. Located just 20 minutes from Iguazu Falls Awasi’s new 14-room lodge is situated on the banks of the River Iguazu, surrounded by the Atlantic Rainforest. Each villa is assigned with a private guide and 4 wheel drive, allowing guests to explore at their own pace.
Rio de Janeiro
The remainder of this holiday will be spent in Brazil’s second-largest city, Rio de Janeiro. Renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain and the statue of Christ, this city is one of the world’s most popular city destinations. The Christ is reached by train and offers incredible views from its 710 metre height. From there you can see the various beaches, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the Maracaná stadium and the city centre. After exploring Copacabana beach, witness another great view of the city from the Sugar Loaf Mountain; take a cable car to the top. Add a dose of culture to your trip with a visit to the Historical Centre, home to two of the most important museums in the city – Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow) and Museu de Arte do Rio (Museum of Art).
Accommodation – Belmond Copacabana Palace. Superbly positioned overlooking the sea, this glamorous landmark in Rio has been welcoming the rich and famous since its Art Deco doors swung open in 1923. The magnificent pool, with its adjacent super-cool Bar do Copa, are where Brazil’s style setters gather to soak up the sun. The hotel’s restaurants are also destinations in themselves, whether for great local dishes or fine Italian dining in the Hotel Cipriani Restaurant.
Ready to start planning your South American adventure? Call our travel experts on 01993 227376.