Day 1 - 09/30/2014 - Depart U.S.

This Blog is a work in progress. I will be adding content to it,  before, during and after the trip.

Introduction

This is a trip report/blog of Grand Circle Travel's Discover South America: Chile & Argentina trip, with the Machu Pichu pre-trip extension and the Iguassu Falls post-trip extension. We have taken 15 previous trips with Grand Circle and its sister company Oversea's Adventure Travel and have been very happy with all of them, so we are definitely biased toward Grand Circle.

The normal flight itinerary for this trip from Boston is Boston-Miami-Lima outbound and Rio-Miami-Boston on the return. Since we were very unhappy with our return via Miami from Costa Rica in January, and to minimize hurricane risk, we chose to customize the air itinerary to Boston-New York-Lima outbound and Rio-New York-Boston on the return.

Many of the titles to the posts are of the format 'Day 9(3)...'. The 9 is counting from departure from Boston, while the 3 refers to the day number in the GCT itinerary.

10 days before departure, I received an email from our program director Amaranta Selby, welcoming us, also giving us a link to a blog with much pre-departure information for us. Click HERE to see this info.


Planned Itinerary

Board your flight to Peru late tonight.

Flights

American Airlines  1096	Boston (BOS)  September 30, 2014 07:05 PM Travel Time : 1 h 25 m Cabin Class : Economy Seat : unassigned	New York (JFK)  September 30, 2014 08:30 PM Booking Code : N Plane Type : 738
LAN Airlines  LA 2531 Operated b LAN Peru	New York (JFK)  September 30, 2014 11:55 PM Travel Time : 7 h 50 m Cabin Class : Economy Seat : unassigned	Lima (LIM)  October 1, 2014 06:45 AM Booking Code : N Plane Type : 763 Those Arriving from MIA will  probably arrive at 4:28

Day 2 - 10/01/2014(Wednesday) - Arrive Lima, Peru • Panoramic city tour

Planned Itinerary

Meals included: B
Accommodations: José Antonio Executive Hotel (Internet, Pool) http://www.hotelesjoseantonio.com/executive.html


Your flight touches down in Lima very early this morning. A Grand Circle representative will meet you at the airport and assist with the transfer to your hotel. Once you’ve checked in and enjoyed breakfast, you’re free to rest. Lunch is on your own; your Program Director can offer restaurant suggestions.

After lunch is a Welcome Briefing, followed by an afternoon panoramic tour of Lima. Begin at the Plaza de Armas, the seat of power for both secular and clerical authority, as evidenced by the Palacio Presidential, Palacio Municipal, and Archbishop’s Palace.

Enjoy an evening at leisure and dinner on your own.

Pre-Trip Notes

Forecast 57/71 Partly Cloudy

Take first diamox

Currency Conversion

1 USD = 3 PEN

Day 3 - 10/02/2014(Thursday) - Fly to Cuzco • City tour

Planned Itinerary

Meals included: B D
Accommodations: Eco Inn Cusco - Free Wi-fi 
http://ecoinnhotels.com/cusco/servicios/



Rise early for breakfast, and then transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco. You’ll arrive late morning, check in to your hotel, and have lunch on your own.

This afternoon’s highlight is an included city tour of Cuzco. You may feel that your flight to Cuzco was also a flight back in time, for here the civilization of the Incas—which once spanned a continent—surrounds you.

The Incan legacy greets you in the city’s architecture. While many structures bear the obvious marks of colonial design, chances are they were built on the foundations of Incan buildings. Try as they might to destroy all vestiges of a civilization they saw as “pagan,” Spanish conquerors met their match in Incan masonry.

On your tour, you’ll hear the stories behind some of Cuzco’s many lovely churches. For instance, the site of the Santo Domingo Church had for centuries been the sprawling Inca Temple of the Sun, or Qoricancha.

Gather with your Program Director and travel companions this evening for a Welcome Dinner.

Flights

LAN Airlines  LA 2027 Operated by LAN Peru

Lima (LIM)  October 2, 2014 09:40 AM Travel Time : 1 h 20 m Cabin Class : Economy Seat : unassigned

Cuzco (CUZ)  October 2, 2014 11:00 AM Booking Code : H Plane Type : 320

Pre-Trip Notes

Forecast 68/94 Mostly Sunny

Day 4 - 10/03/2014(Friday) - Cuzco • Sacsayhuaman & Kenko tour • Home-Hosted Lunch

Planned Itinerary

Meals included: B L
Accommodations: Eco Inn Cusco Free wi-fi
http://ecoinnhotels.com/cusco/servicios/


Your first stop this morning is the Sacsayhuaman fortress overlooking Cuzco. As you walk through this massive structure, consider first that Inca workers built its walls entirely by hand, securely fitting boulders weighing as much as 125 tons without a drop of mortar. Then recall that on these ramparts in 1536, the Incan armies of Manco Inca made their final, failed attempt to recapture their city from the Spanish in the bloodiest fighting seen in any Latin conquest.

Move on to the nearby ruins at Kenko, which once joined Sacsayhuaman as one of the central ritual sites for the Incan Empire. Along with its limestone ruins that hint at the labyrinth of underground passageways, the site includes animal carvings and an ancient amphitheater. Look forward to a rare firsthand contact with the Indian/Spanish blend of cultures within the Cuzco region, including a fascinating folk medicine healing ceremony.

Of all meals on your tour, today’s lunch may be the most engaging. You’ll be the guest of a local family, who will share their mid-day meal and their insights with you.

Later, spend the afternoon as you wish, with dinner on your own.

Pre-Trip Notes


Forecast 67/95 Mostly Sunny

Day 5 - 10/04/2014(Saturday) - Cuzco • Ollantaytambo village visit • Aguas Calientes

Planned Itinerary


Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: Santuario Hotel (W-Fi)
http://www.santuariohotel.com/


Rise early for breakfast before you encounter Incan heritage during your ride into the fertile Urubamba Valley. After your Ollantaytambo village visit, you’ll catch the train to Machu Picchu. As your train chugs along, look to either side and view dramatic gorges swathed in greenery.

Enjoy a boxed lunch while you ride the train to your hotel. You’ll check into your hotel before enjoying time at leisure in the town of Machu Picchu. Rest up for the next day's explorations of the famous ruins.

Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant.

Pre-Trip Notes


Time vs EDT -1:00
Forecast 61/76 Rain

Day 6 - 10/05/2014(Sunday) - Machu Picchu • Cuzco

Planned Itinerary

Meals included: B L
Accommodations: Eco Inn Cusco Free wi-fi
http://ecoinnhotels.com/cusco/servicios/


After breakfast, spend the morning exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu with your Program Director. As you take note of its scale, proportion and organic harmony with the mountains on which it’s perched.

Four sections—cemetery, jails, homes and temples—comprise the city. At the Temple of the Three Windows, the observatory and a peculiar stone block called the Intiwatana, you’ll see the central role the sun played in the life of the Inca, as well as the architecture of the city. The precision of the stonework—like all the stonework in the city—is practically beyond belief. And it again bears mentioning: This city in the sky was planned and erected entirely by hand, its stones bound together only by their own weight.

After lunch at a local restaurant, it’s back on board the train to Ollantaytambo, and then the bus to Cuzco. You’ll be back at your hotel in the early evening. Dinner tonight is on your own.

Pre-Trip Notes


Time vs EDT -1:00
Forecast 70/85 Tsowers

Day 7(1) - 10/06/2014(Monday) - Cuzco • Santiago, Chile

Planned Itinerary

Meals included: B
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Santiago (Inernet, Pool)
http://www.crowneplaza.cl/en-us/



After breakfast, your morning is at leisure. Transfer to the airport early this afternoon and board your flight to Santiago, Chile.

You will arrive in Santiago in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel. Your evening is at leisure, and dinner is on your own.

Flights

Flight	Depart	Arrive
LAN Airlines  LA 2016 Operated by LAN Peru	Cuzco (CUZ)  October 6, 2014 07:35 AM Travel Time : 1 h 25 m Cabin Class : Economy Seat : unassigned	Lima (LIM)  October 6, 2014 09:00 AM Booking Code : H Plane Type : 320
LAN Airlines  LA 631	Lima (LIM)  October 6, 2014 11:55 AM Travel Time : 3 h 35 m Cabin Class : Economy Seat : unassigned	Santiago (SCL)  October 6, 2014 05:30 PM Booking Code : N Plane Type : 320

Pre-Trip Notes

Time vs EDT +1:00
Forecast 53/78 Sunny

Currency Conversion 

1 USD = 600 CLP

Day 8(2) - 10/07/2014(Tuesday) - Arrive Santiago, Chile • Chilean Family Winery

Planned Itinerary

Meals included: B L
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Santiago (pool, Internet)
http://www.crowneplaza.cl/en-us/


This morning, enjoy a Welcome Briefing, during which you'll learn some more details of what's to come in South America, before embarking on your tour of Santiago.

Home to a third of Chile's 16 million people, Santiago rests at the confluence of the Mapocho and Maipu rivers, surrounded on all sides by Andean peaks. To be sure, it's a breathtaking setting for a capital that has witnessed a remarkable history—from settlement by conquistadores in 1541 to the Marxist, military, and finally, democratic governments of the 20th century.

This morning, pass through Providencia, a district of great tradition and strong commercial and social activity. Then begin your included city tour with a ride through the residential districts of Bellavista, Vitacura, and Las Condes, where you will see beautiful homes and parks. As you continue, you'll see several historic monuments and buildings, including the Palacio de la Moneda, the current seat of the government. Stop for a stroll at the city's most important plaza, the Plaza de Armas, which has been the heart of Santiago since its origin in 1541. Ringing the plaza are many important buildings that are considered national monuments. Here you see the Correo Central (main post office), Iglesia Catedral (Cathedral Church), the Municipalidad de Santiago (City Hall), and the National Historic Museum. Nearby, you find the Mercado Central (Central Market), an elegant wrought-iron structure inaugurated in 1872 as the site of a National Exhibition. Now it is the city's central market, filled with colorful stalls and seafood eateries (called marisquerias).Here, you’ll enjoy an included lunch.

Tonight, enjoy a discussion on Chilean history and the country's most controversial leaders: Allende and Pinochet.

Pre-Trip Notes

Time vs EDT -1:00
Forecast 50/72 PCloudy

Day 9(3)- 10/08/2014(Wednesday) - Santiago Highlights city tour • Chilean History discussion

Planned Itinerary

Meals included: B L
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Santiago (Pool, Internet)
http://www.crowneplaza.cl/en-us/


This morning, enjoy a Welcome Briefing, during which you'll learn some more details of what's to come in South America, before embarking on your tour of Santiago.

Home to a third of Chile's 16 million people, Santiago rests at the confluence of the Mapocho and Maipu rivers, surrounded on all sides by Andean peaks. To be sure, it's a breathtaking setting for a capital that has witnessed a remarkable history—from settlement by conquistadores in 1541 to the Marxist, military, and finally, democratic governments of the 20th century.

This morning, pass through Providencia, a district of great tradition and strong commercial and social activity. Then begin your included city tour with a ride through the residential districts of Bellavista, Vitacura, and Las Condes, where you will see beautiful homes and parks. As you continue, you'll see several historic monuments and buildings, including the Palacio de la Moneda, the current seat of the government. Stop for a stroll at the city's most important plaza, the Plaza de Armas, which has been the heart of Santiago since its origin in 1541. Ringing the plaza are many important buildings that are considered national monuments. Here you see the Correo Central (main post office), Iglesia Catedral (Cathedral Church), the Municipalidad de Santiago (City Hall), and the National Historic Museum. Nearby, you find the Mercado Central (Central Market), an elegant wrought-iron structure inaugurated in 1872 as the site of a National Exhibition. Now it is the city's central market, filled with colorful stalls and seafood eateries (called marisquerias).Here, you’ll enjoy an included lunch.

Tonight, enjoy a discussion on Chilean history and the country's most controversial leaders: Allende and Pinochet.

Pre-Trip Notes

Time vs EDT -1:00
Forecast 49/71 Mostly Sunny

Full Moon

Day 10(4) - 10/09/2014 (Thursday) - Santiago • Valparaiso tour • Graffiti Art of Valparaiso activity • Lunch in a local home

Planned Itinerary

Meals included: B L
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Santiago (Pool, Internet)
http://www.crowneplaza.cl/en-us/



Today, set off to the Chilean northwest on a full-day tour to Valparaiso. Valparaiso is an important Chilean port city (and a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site), where 17 hills tower over the "basin" district. The city's distinctive features include meandering cobblestone streets and ancient ascensores—electric cable cars that climb into hillside neighborhoods and afford splendid sea views. You'll ride one of these ascensores up the hill for one of the many views of Valparaiso, then walk through the colorful streets, known for the colorful public art on the walls. Learn more about this cultural heritage during an exclusive Graffiti Art of Valparaiso Discovery Series event. You'll visit a local artist's studio, and also have the chance to contribute to a work in progress.

Afterwards, enjoy lunch in a local home. You'll learn about Chilean culture during this unique visit, and have the opportunity to spend time eating home-cooked food and talking about life in modern-day Chile. Then, you'll go to a lapis lazuli shop to learn about this valuable local export.

Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Pre-Trip Notes

Time vs EDT -1:00

Temp at 9:00AM 10/20 45F Fcast 45/75 Fog

Day 11(5) - 10/10/2014(Friday) - Santiago • Puerto Montt city tour • Puerto Varas • Chilean rodeo demonstration & dinner

Planned Itinerary

Meals included: B D
Accommodations: Hotel Bellavista (Free Wi-Fi, Sauna)http://www.hotelbellavista.cl/


After an early breakfast, transfer to the Santiago airport for your group's flight to Puerto Montt, where you'll arrive in the early afternoon. Upon arrival, embark upon a sightseeing tour of the city and then visit the unique museum of the German Family Collection, showcasing the area’s cultural heritage.

After checking into your hotel in Puerto Varas, you’ll enjoy a taste of everyday, family-centered Chilean life as a guest at a local horse-breeding ranch. During this exclusive Discovery Series event, you’ll see how a farm family lives and works—and witness a Chilean rodeo demonstration as well. Enjoy a tasty homemade meal at the ranch in the company of these welcoming people.
Flights

Flight	Depart	Arrive
LAN Airlines  LA 69	Santiago (SCL)  October 10, 2014 10:45 AM Travel Time : 1 h 45 m Cabin Class : Economy Seat : unassigned	Puerto Montt (PMC)  October 10, 2014 12:30 PM Booking Code : H Plane Type : 320

Pre-Trip Notes

Time vs EDT -1:00

Temp at 9:00AM 10/20 50F Fcast 50/57 Overcast

Day 12(6) - 10/11/2014(Saturday) - Puerto Varas • Petrohue Falls • Mapuche Discussion

Planned Itinerary

Meals included: B D
Accommodations: Hotel Bellavista (Free Wi-Fi, Sauna)
http://www.hotelbellavista.cl/



This morning, gather for an exclusive Discovery Series discussion on the fascinating Mapuche people native to this area. While the Mapuche only make up about four percent of Chile's total population, their traditions surrounding the extended family and their agricultural customs have had widespread influences.

Then depart for Petrohue Falls, where you can explore the lush setting surrounding the rapids. Petrohue Falls is located just a short distance downstream from Lake Todos los Santos, and the chute-like waterfall is supported by basaltic lava. Enjoy the views of Osorno Volcano in the distance.

Later, enjoy a visit to Angelmo Fish Market with your Program Director. Walk amidst the bustling stalls and browse some of the local seafood found in the nearby Chilean lakes. Perhaps sample the local curanto stew, a mixture of meat, seafood, and vegetable, and admire an array of dried shellfish. Then you’ll enjoy some time at leisure and lunch on your own in the area.

You'll also have a presentation about tomorrow's travel through the Andes, to prepare you for what promises to be a rewarding and scenic, if long, day. Enjoy a pisco sour tasting with your Program Director, then savor dinner at local restaurant.

Pre-Trip Notes

Time vs EDT -1:00

Temp at 9:00AM 10/20 45F Fcast 45/75 Fog

Day 13(7) - 10/12/2014 (Sunday) - Puerto Varas • Cross the Andes • Bariloche, Argentina

Planned Itinerary

Meals included: B D
Accommodations: Cacique Inacayal Hotel (Pool. Spa, Fitness Center, Wi-Fi)
http://www.hotelinacayal.com.ar/


Be prepared for an early start and a long—but very rewarding—day of travel today. You'll travel by motorcoach for about nine hours while making a passage through the Andes from Chile into Argentina. En route, you'll stop at Villa la Angostura in Argentina for lunch on your own. Despite its location in the mountains, this tiny village is warm and inviting, and you'll enjoy strolling through it after lunch.

Arrive at your hotel in Bariloche in the early evening, just in time for an included dinner.

Pre-Trip Notes

Time vs EDT +1:00

Temp at 9:00AM 10/20 44F Fcast 40/57 Passing Clouds

Day 14(8) -10/13/2014 (Monday) - Bariloche • Panoramic tour & visit to Campanario Hill • Local brewery

Planned Itinerary

Meals included: B L
Accommodations: Cacique Inacayal Hotel


Today Patagonia bids you bienvenidos as you awaken in Bariloche. Officially called San Carlos de Bariloche, this city is a curious amalgam of cultural influences. Its buildings recall the Austrian Tyrol in their design. Many of the ranches dotting the outlying Patagonian plains remain English-owned and run, worked by Chilean peons from over the border. (Film buffs: This is the territory where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid made their real-life last stand.)

Bookended by stark granite peaks and mirrored in 40-mile-long Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche is, quite literally, a breath of fresh air. Discover this on a panoramic tour this morning, which includes a visit to Campanario Hill. You’ll go on to take in breathtaking views of the lake. Ride a chairlift to the top of Campanario Hill for spectacular views of the mountains (if the weather is clear). The lake is studded with fir tree-covered islands. After that, you will enjoy an exclusive Discovery Series visit to a traditional brewery, where you'll have lunch and learn how this family prepares local beer.

This afternoon, enjoy time at your leisure. Dinner is on your own tonight. Pre-Trip Notes

Time vs EDT +1:00


Temp at 9:00AM 10/20 61F Fcast 57/68 Sunny

Currency Conversion

1 USD = 8.4 ARS

Day 15(9) - 10/14/2014(Tuesday) - Bariloche • Nazis in Patagonia discussion • Patagonian ranch visit • Optional Floating in the Limay River cruise

Meals included: B L
Accommodations: Cacique Inacayal Hotel (Pool, Spa, Fitness Center, Wi-Fi)
http://www.hotelinacayal.com.ar/

This morning, enjoy an exclusive Discovery Series discussion on the Nazi presence in Patagonia during World War II. Later, you'll depart for the Patagonian steppe, where you'll be the guests on a Patagonian working ranch. You’ll have the opportunity to tour the ranch and its grounds, learn about life in the windy Patagonian steppes, and enjoy a traditional lamb barbecue lunch.

The afternoon is free for your own discovery. Perhaps you will visit the Museo de la Patagonia, with its archaeological, historical and cultural displays, or enjoy a walk through the beautiful City Center. Or you can join us for an optional Floating in the Limay River cruise, to enjoy the steppe landscape and fresh air while you float along by raft.

Dinner is on your own this evening.

Pre-Trip Notes

Time vs EDT +1:00

Temp at 9:00AM 10/20 61F Fcast 57/68 Sunny

Day 16(10) - 10/15/2014 (Wenesday) - Bariloche • Buenos Aires • Tango lesson • Optional Tango Show & Dinner

Planned Itinerary

Meals included: B
Accommodations: Panamericano Buenos Aires or similar (Pool, gym, pay wi-fi)
http://www.panamericano.us/2014/


After breakfast, you’ll have some time to bid Bariloche adios before transferring to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. You'll arrive in the late afternoon and continue to your hotel.

This evening, join a tango lesson and learn the basic steps of Argentina's fiery, passionate, signature dance. Before it was a dance, tango was a sound—a composite of rhythms and voices born out of the slums of Buenos Aires, where a diaspora of Europeans, Africans, and idle, discharged local soldiers congregated and sang their tales of solitude and struggle. From the music emerged the dance, and that unique and passionate mix came to encapsulate, in the opinions of many, the Argentine national character.

Interestingly though, the tango was not always the celebrated tradition it is now. Many Argentines viewed its humble origins and sensual stylings as unsavory at best—and vulgar at worst. The tango had to cross the Atlantic and become the red-hot rage of Europe before it found favor in its native land. And in recent years, it has undergone a revival, receiving an injection of modern energy from artists like Astor Piazzola and receiving broader national (and international) exposure through TV, radio, and touring tango troupes.

While your steps may not be as sure as the most seasoned tanguero, you'll learn the basics during this special lesson—certainly enough to impress the folks back home.

Now that you've learned the basics of the tango, you have the opportunity to see how it's really done. Tonight, watch some of the best tango dancers and musicians in Argentina perform at a sophisticated supper club during an optional tango show and dinner.

Flights

Flight	Depart	Arrive
LAN Airlines  LA 4341 Operated by LAN Argentina	San Carlos Debariloche (BRC)  October 15, 2014 12:30 PM Travel Time : 1 h 59 m Cabin Class : Economy Seat : unassigned	Buenos Aires (AEP)  October 15, 2014 02:29 PM Booking Code : B Plane Type : 320

Pre-Trip Notes

Time vs EDT +1:00

Temp at 9:00AM 10/20 61F Fcast 57/68 Sunny

Day 17(11) - 10/16/2014 (Thursday) - Buenos Aires Highlights tour • Home-Hosted Dinner

Meals included: B D
Accommodations: Panamericano Buenos Aires or similar (Pool, gym, Pay Wi-fi)
http://www.panamericano.us/2014/


After breakfast, set off on an included half-day tour of Buenos Aires. You'll see the city's elegant mixture of Spanish Colonial architecture and several traditional European styles. Visit Avenida de Mayo, which runs into Plaza de Mayo, where many buildings important to Argentine history are centered. See the Casa Rosada (Government House); the Metropolitan Cathedral; and the Cabildo, the first City Hall built during Spanish rule.

Next, you'll visit La Boca, Buenos Aires' first merchant and fishing port. You'll have time to visit the famous Caminito, an outdoor museum and art show where painters offer their tango pictures, or stroll along the renovated waterfront promenade.

Your tour passes by the beautiful Colon Theater. Built in 1908, this is one of the world's most famous opera houses, and international stars vie to perform here as they do at Milan's La Scala and Vienna's State Opera House. Continue on to the final resting place of Eva "Evita" Peron, the Duarte tomb at the Recoleta Cemetery. The cemetery is in the Recoleta district, an area of elegant homes, fashionable restaurants and shops.

Lunch is on your own. The rest of your afternoon is at leisure for you to discover Buenos Aires.

The most memorable part of your visit to this charming city may well be tonight's dinner. Take a seat at the table of an Argentine family, share their evening meal, chat, learn about each other, and make new friends. Prepare yourself for an evening seasoned with good conversation and fellowship

Pre-Trip Notes

Time vs EDT +1:00


Temp at 9:00AM 10/20 61F Fcast 57/68 Sunny

Day 18(12) - 10/17/2014 (Friday) - Buenos Aires • School visit • Argentina Today discussion

Planned Itinerary

Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: Panamericano Buenos Aires or similar (Pool, gym, Pay Wi-Fi)
http://www.panamericano.us/2014/

Today, experience a change of pace from city life as you take a Discovery Series tour of the area where the Parana River empties into the Rio de la Plata on its way into the Atlantic, forming a huge delta. This exotic landscape is just half an hour from the city but seems a million miles away. Traditional houses on pilotes (stilts) are surrounded by lush subtropical vegetation, and are built on islands that are separated by a twisting maze of waterways.

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride in this scenic area, which is one of Latin America's most amazing wetland environments. You'll sail through the many islands that populate the rivers of the delta, and take in the lush, subtropical scenery and plant life. On the way back to Buenos Aires, you'll also visit a local school (when in session)  supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation, and have the opportunity to get to know students and teachers there. On your way back to your hotel, enjoy an included lunch.

Later, you will attend an exclusive Discovery Series discussion on Argentina Today, highlighting the current state of Argentina's economy and political scene.

Then toast your adventures and companions from your South American tour at tonight's Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Pre-Trip Notes

Time vs EDT +1:00

Temp at 9:00AM 10/20 61F Fcast 57/68 Sunny

Day 19(13) - 10-18/2014 (Saturday) - Buenos Aires • Fly to Iguassu Falls • Brazilian Falls

Planned Itinerary



Meals included: B
Accommodations: Bourbon Cataratas Resort & Convention Center or similar (pools, Fre Wi-Fi)
http://www.bourbon.com.br/en/hoteis-e-resorts/bourbon-cataratas-convention-e-spa-resort/


After breakfast, ride to the airport to meet your flight to Iguassu after your Discover South America: Chile & Argentina Land Tour. Upon landing, transfer to the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls, where you'll visit several platforms with fine views from different angles. You'll get close enough to the thundering torrents to feel the spray, and you may glimpse the park’s resident coatis (raccoon-like animals).

After an amazing afternoon at the falls, you’ll transfer to your hotel. Your evening is at leisure, and dinner is at your hotel.

Flights

Flight	Depart	Arrive
LAN Airlines  LA 4022 Operated by LAN Argentina	Buenos Aires (AEP)  October 18, 2014 09:05 AM Travel Time : 1 h 50 m Cabin Class : Economy Seat : unassigned	Iguazu (IGR)  October 18, 2014 10:55 AM Booking Code : B Plane Type : 320

Pre-Trip Notes

Time vs EDT +1:00


Temp at 9:00AM 10/20 68F Fcast 66/80 Broken Clouds

Currency Conversion

I USD = 2.36 BRL

Day 20 - 10/19/2014 (Sunday) - Argentinean Falls • Optional Great Adventure tour

Planned Itinerary

Included Meals B D  Accommodations: Bourbon Cataratas Resort & Convention Center or similar (pools, Free Wi-fi)
http://www.bourbon.com.br/en/hoteis-e-resorts/bourbon-cataratas-convention-e-spa-resort/

After breakfast, visit the Argentinean falls during an included tour. A network of catwalks gives you the chance to take a closer look. Your most spectacular view may well be that of “Devil’s Throat,” an array of 14 cataracts rumbling and tumbling 350 feet straight down.

Later, join an optional Great Adventure tour. Start by entering the jungle from the Sendero Yacaratía Trail, which takes you to the Puerto Macuco Base, and the dock where the second part of this ride begins. You'll then travel by motorboat through the Canyon of the Iguassu River to the falls. Then sail to the San Martin waterfall—the largest and most impressive waterfall here.

Or, spend your afternoon as you wish amid the thundering majesty of Iguassu.

Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Pre-Trip Notes

Time vs EDT +1:00

Temp at 9:00AM 10/20 68F Fcast 66/80 Broken Clouds

Day 21 - 10/20/2014 (Monday) - Iguassu Falls • Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Planned Itinerary

Meals included: B
Accommodations: Royal Tulip Rio de Janeiro or similar (Pools, Fee for internet)
http://www.royaltulipriodejaneiro.com/en

This morning is at leisure. Perhaps you'll take a swim in the hotel's pool, or relax and enjoy the garden areas.

This afternoon, transfer to the airport and fly to Rio de Janeiro.

Explore Rio independently, and enjoy dinner on your own. Your Program Director can offer dining suggestions.

Flights

Flight	Depart	Arrive
TAM  JJ 3189	Iguassu Falls (IGU)  October 20, 2014 03:05 PM Travel Time : 2 h 7 m Cabin Class : Economy Seat : unassigned	Rio De Janeiro (GIG)  October 20, 2014 05:12 PM Booking Code : Y Plane Type : 320

Pre-Trip Notes

Time vs EDT +1:00
Temp at 9:00AM 10/20 77F Fcast 74/89 Scattered Clouds

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