Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro Trip Notes
Trip code: GSBR
Trip valid from: 01/10/2008
Trip valid until: 05/02/2012
Trip length: 12 days
Trip starts in: Buenos Aires
Trip ends in: Rio de Janeiro
Maximum group size: 16
Highlights
- Rio De Janeiro
- The Serra Verde Express
- UNESCO World Heritage-listed Iguaçu Falls
- Honey Island's Ecological Paradise
- Christ The Redeemer
- Colourful La Boca
- Recoleta Cemetery And Eva Peron’s Tomb
- The 'Devil’s Throat' Of Iguazu
- Argentina's Capital Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro are two of South America's most famous gateway cities. If you are pressed for time but would like to take in the major highlights of this region, then this short overland adventure between these two great cities is for you. Our trip begins in Buenos Aires, South America's most stylish city. We have time to explore this great metropolis before heading northwards to the borders with Brazil and Paraguay, and to the incredible Iguazu Falls. They are 20 metres higher than the Niagara Falls and the chance to get up close is bound to be a highlight of our tour. We explore the falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides, before travelling eastward to join Brazil's most spectacular train ride, the Serra Verde Express, as it winds its way down from the mountains and through pristine rainforests to the Atlantic coast. We enjoy a beautiful trek through the forest along the Itupava Colonial Trail, before descending to the seaside town of Paranagua and the World Heritage-listed Superagui National Park. Last but certainly not least is colourful and vibrant Rio de Janeiro, resplendent with its stunning setting and beautiful sandy beaches.
Itinerary
Buenos Aires
Your trip starts today in Buenos Aires. No activities are planned during the day, so you may arrive at any time. Please refer to your itinerary for the joining hotel name and address. Please note that there are two airports in Buenos Aires. The international airport is called Ezeiza and the domestic airport is called Aeroparque Jorge Newberry. There is a pre-departure meeting with your tour guide at 6:30pm this evening. Please check the notice board in the foyer of our joining hotel for any further details of this meeting and for any messages from your Imaginative Traveller's tour guide. Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents to the briefing.Buenos Aires - overnight bus
You will love Buenos Aires! Home to nearly 13 million people it is the world's tenth largest city. Vibrant and stylish, it boasts grand avenues, impressive colonial buildings, bustling streets, old-worldly cafes and a multitude of restaurants. A walking tour introduces us to the main attractions in the centre of town, but you also have time to make some great discoveries of your own. La Boca is an interesting neighbourhood famous for the brightly painted houses in a pedestrian walkway known as Caminito. Recoleta has an amazing cemetery that includes the tomb of Evita (Eva Peron). You might want to try the tango or perhaps enjoy the thrill of an Argentinean football match (season runs from March to December). Whatever you choose to do you are in for a great time! Late in the afternoon of Day 3 we head to the massive Retiro Bus Station, where we board an overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu. Please Note: If your group size is less than six passengers you will not be accompanied on the overnight bus journey. You will be farewelled by your Buenos Aires guide and met by another local site guide on arrival in Puerto Iguazu. (2B)Iguazu Falls - overnight bus
We arrive into Iguazu mid morning and check into our hotel before heading off by bus on the short drive to the Iguazu National Park and its spectacular waterfalls. 20 metres higher than Niagara Falls, Iguazu Falls are without doubt one of the most impressive in the world. Located at the confluence of the Rio Iguazu and the Rio Alto Parana, the water cascades over the edge of a 2.5 kilometre-wide plateau in 275 separate waterfalls. We spend the afternoon on the Argentine side of the falls before returning to our hotel in Puerto Iguazu for the night. The next morning we farewell our Argentine tour guide and meet our Brazilian tour guide, as we cross the border into Brazil. Our Brazilian tour guide will remain with us until the end of our trip in Rio de Janeiro. From the Brazilian city of Foz do Iguacu we visit the Brazilian side of the falls, where the panoramic views of the falls are breathtaking. In the evening we catch an overnight bus for the journey from Foz do Iguacu to Curitiba. (B)Curitiba - Atlantic Rainforest
We arrive in Curitiba in the early morning. Here we recommend that you leave some of your excess luggage in storage (approx US$3 per day) to lighten your load, as the next three days are full of activities on the move. From the main railway station in Curitiba we board the train for an incredible ride through the Atlantic rainforest to Marumbi State Park. The ‘Serra Verde Express’ is one of Brazil's most famous train rides and has linked Curitiba with Paranagua since 1885. Beautiful rainforests and superb mountain and riverine scenery make for an exciting and spectacular journey. We disembark at Marumbi and begin an easy trek along the Itupava Colonial Rainforest Trail. From here we continue for another three hours down to our 'posada' or lodge, situated on the edge of the rainforest in the town of Porto de Cima. Accommodation in the lodge is on a twin or triple share basis, depending on room availability. In the afternoon there is time to relax, swim or embark on further exploration of the rainforest.Morretes - Honey Island
We head into Morretes and discover the charm of this small historical town before taking a boat to Ilha do Mel - our home for two nights. This beautiful island is a great place to relax, swim, fish, party or just laze around on sensational sandy beaches. During our stay we have time to visit the historical fortress and the Enchanted Grotto. It is worth noting that the views from the lighthouse are quite amazing. Our accommodation at the hotel here is based on multi-share rooms. (2B)Honey Island - Curitiba - overnight bus
We have the morning free to make the most of our time on Honey Island before boarding the boat back to Morretes and catching the local bus back to Curitiba. Here we collect our stored luggage and catch the overnight coach service bound for spectacular Rio de Janeiro. (B)Rio de Janeiro
Nothing quite equals the excitement and setting of Rio de Janeiro. Known as ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’ (the Marvellous City), Rio is truly a feast to the senses. A Portuguese navigator landed in the area in January 1502 and mistaking the bay for a river named it Rio de Janeiro which means 'River of January'. During the 17th century Rio became an important sugar town and port, but the city really flourished with the gold rush at the beginning of the 18th century. In 1763 the city took over as the colonial capital and remained the country's capital until the creation of Brasilia in 1960. Rio is characterized by beautiful sandy beaches with rolling surf and towering mountains forming spectacular backdrops. The inhabitants of this city pursue pleasure like no others and we have two days here to soak up all that Rio is famous for. During our stay we visit the statue of Christ the Redeemer that stand on top of Corcovado. In our free time we also have plenty of opportunities to visit the other major sites. The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, Sugarloaf Mountain and the sound of samba all combine to make for a colourful and unforgettable end to our epic adventure. (B)Rio de Janeiro
Your short overland adventure comes to an end after breakfast. (B)Itinerary Variation
While the information presented here details our planned itinerary, including routes taken, activities included, accommodation and meeting times, please accept that unforseen changes may occur. We are constantly on the lookout to improve our program and further enhance your experience. Naturally, we will keep you up to date with any last minute amendments to your tour.About The Imaginative Traveller
Our aim has always been to provide exceptional travel experiences. We believe that adventure travel should be stimulating, and that it should give you an authentic experience of a place. We want our travellers to relish the amazing diversity of countries and cultures the world has to offer. Our focus is on innovation, not imitation.
Obsessed with quality
One of our strengths has been our obsession with quality. We've always believed that our commitment to you doesn't end as soon as you've paid for your holiday. On the contrary, it is just beginning. Whilst most operators simply get a local company to handle the day to day operation of their tours, we do it all ourselves. We have managers for each of our key destinations around the world and all our small groups are escorted by our own leaders. Our local teams include guides, drivers, administration staff and contacts in the local community who help us ensure that our adventures are active and involving.
For comparability, all prices in this dossier are quoted in one currency. We use the US Dollar since that is familiar to most. However, once on tour you will need to pay for all goods and services in the local currency. See your Country Dossier for details of exchange rates.
Trip Grade
Wildlife
Take your pick: hunt for tigers in northern India, listen to monkey chatter and birdsong in the jungles of Costa Rica and Peru or gawp at the Galapagos’ diversity.
And of course, there's the big one: Africa. The names alone evoke images of wildlife: the Serengeti, Masai Mara, Kruger. And the reality’s even better. Africa’s got the lot, so go beyond the Big Five by hiking to close encounters with gorillas in Uganda’s forests, walking with lions at Zimbabwe’s Antelope Park, or canoeing past crocs on the Okavango Delta.
From the Cape’s loveable penguins to Egypt’s loping camels, Africa’s animals await.
Walking
Maybe you’re after a ramble through Morocco’s Dades Gorge, or a stroll in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands. Or perhaps something more energetic, a hike in South Africa’s spectacular Drakensberg Mountains or along a stretch of China’s Great Wall.
Whatever you want, the same principles apply: keep it simple, and slow it down. Stretching the legs is a great way to discover somewhere, whether a city’s downtown or remote countryside. You quickly get into the feel for how life’s lived, the local rhythm of where you’re travelling.
And there’s no better way of meeting locals – take a walk through African plains or South American valleys and you’ll soon be trying to hurdle language barriers with friendly villagers and farmers.
Culture
Whether you’re taking in man’s greatest works at places like Petra or Angkor Wat, experiencing grand set-pieces like the Trans-Mongolian Railway or trying your hand at regional specialities like tango in Buenos Aires, getting to grips with local cultures is what travel’s all about. A few tips from a guide and a sense of adventure are pretty much all you need.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get the lowdown on high Tibet among Lhasa’s magisterial temples; follow up Delhi’s eye-popping bustle with a fix of its fiery food; and mix manic markets and Incan masterpieces in Peru.
Fitness
The short trek along the Itupava Colonial Trail in Brazil is not particularly difficult; however you will be required to carry sufficient clothing and personal effects for three days until returning to Curitiba.
Included
An experienced local tour guide in Argentina and Brazil, and there will be the services of local site guides at some sites. All transportation, accommodation, sightseeing and meals as indicated.
Not included
International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, entrance to Sugarloaf, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.
Meals
8 breakfasts
Accommodation
3 nights Overnight bus,6 nights Budget/tourist class hotels,2 nights Multi-share accommodation
Single room supplement
Most of our travellers like the thought of travelling with a few like-minded souls. There are NO compulsory single supplements on most tours as we simply arrange twin shared accommodation for you and another tour member of the same sex. But don't worry if that doesn't appeal. We do understand there are times when you just want a bit of privacy and 'me' time so we are more than happy to arrange a private room upon request when you book.Transport
Boat,Bus,On foot
Entrance fees
Sugar Loaf US$25
Optional excursions
*prices below are guide only
Buenos Aires - Bike Tour- - US$30 (4 hours)
- - US$25
- - US$50-$170
- - US$70-$80
- - US$18
- - US$80-130
- - US$17
- - US$50
- - US$3
- - US$40
- - US$15
- - US$50
- - US$50
- - US$50
- - US$25
Responsible Travel - Travellers' Guidelines
At Imaginative Traveller we love helping our clients experience the beauty and cultures of the destinations we visit. However, hand in hand with this we have always been aware that we have a responsibility to minimise any negative impacts that tourism can bring.
Responsible Travel is twofold. It’s about taking people to the places they want to go in a safe and responsible manner but also about respecting and maintaining the natural and often delicate balance of the destination. Economic gain from tourism is often fundamental to a country, but should never be at the expense of its culture or the environment.
Our Aims
- It is our aim to provide journeys that have minimal negative and maximum positive impact on the places we visit.
- We do not believe that, as visitors, we should impose our own cultures on others; rather that we should experience foreign cultures and appreciate them for what they are.
- Whilst it is our aim to show destinations and cultures in a positive light, we do not believe in papering over the cracks or shielding visitors from the realities of life. This does not mean, however, that we condone or endorse certain situations or regimes that may be in place.
Our guidelines are meant not as rigid instructions but rather as suggestions to make our holidays more enjoyable – for everybody. As cultural and environmental sensitivities vary from country to country more specific guidelines can be found in our individual country and trip dossiers.
Travellers' Guidelines
Before you depart try to spend some time familiarising yourself with the destination you will be travelling to – their culture and customs. The country dossiers on our website offer detailed information about all the regions we visit. They also include some useful phrases in the local language for you to use on your trip! A few words of the local language can open up many more opportunities for you to interact with the people you will meet.
Although it is tempting to give out pens, sweets and money to people begging, and particularly tempting to give to children, we feel that this encourages a begging mentality and has a long-term negative impact on communities. If someone begging earns more than someone in the same community who works this can discourage local employment. If children regularly bring home money it may discourage their parents from sending them to school. It is of course your own personal choice but you could consider giving to registered charities or contributing to our Responsible Travel fund instead. Money donated through our fund to our worldwide projects is matched pound for pound by Imaginative Traveller and used to help local grassroots projects.
Always ask permission to photograph local people and respect their decision if they would prefer not to have their picture taken.
Respect local dress codes, especially at religious sites. Our tour leaders are always on hand to give you advice about this.
In many of the countries we visit you might see examples of animal cruelty (for example dancing bears, performing monkeys and snake charmers). Please do not take photographs of this or offer money as it encourages the activity.
Respect the environment you are in. It sounds obvious but do not throw litter, take it with you or use rubbish bins! You may see locals throwing rubbish on the street but do not follow their example!
When shopping in countries where haggling is the norm – enjoy it and only pay what you feel is a fair price for the goods you are purchasing. However, remember that the shopkeeper does have to make a living so do stop once you have reached a price you are happy with. Bargaining should be fun but always remember that a small amount can mean much more to the vendor than to you.
Endeavor to take home souvenirs made locally; the money you spend can be very important to the local communities. However, do use your common sense and don’t buy anything that you think might be made out of endangered animals or plants.
To help keep as much money as possible in the host country - try to eat in locally owned restaurants and order local drinks and produce rather than international brands.
In hotels do be conscious of how much water you are using. Many of the areas we visit regularly have shortages; try not to have hour long showers! Don’t leave lights, air conditioners or fans on when you leave the room – you wouldn’t at home!
Respect the environment you are in, especially when in national parks or reserves. Pay attention to rules about keeping on paths, keeping a distance from animals and not removing any of the natural habitat.
Relax and immerse yourself in the differences of the culture you are in – you’ll be back home in the familiar soon enough (and wishing you were still on holiday!). These cultural differences are part of what makes your experience special.
If you would like to offset the carbon dioxide that will be produced on your flights you can do this on our website (on our Responsible travel page). We work with climatecare, who will reduce the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide that you produce in another part of the World through their emission reduction projects. These projects are low carbon efficient technologies in developing countries and not only serve to reduce emissions but also help to spread the adoption of low carbon technologies and improve the quality of life for local communities. Details of climatecare’s projects can be found on their website.
If you would like to contribute to our Worldwide projects, helping communities all over the World, you can also do this on our website or with a sales consultant. Please refer to our responsible travel page on the website for details of our current projects. Any donation you make will be matched £ for £ by Imaginative Traveller (up to a maximum of £1000).
Have a great trip!
Please do let us know if you have any comments about responsible travel at rto@imtrav.net
The Imaginative Traveller & Gecko's Adventures This trip is operated by our partner company, Gecko's Adventures. Gecko's is an Australia based company with more than 10 years experience in adventure travel and they share our ethos for offering unique holiday adventures. As this is a code shared departure you can expect there to be both Imaginative Traveller and Gecko's travellers on your trip.Last updated: 16/02/2012
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