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BRAZIL & ARGENTINA ADVENTURE:
FROM THE AMAZON TO PATAGONIA

Weekly Departures October - April

T R I P  B A C K G R O U N D

Your cultural and soft adventure trip to Brazil and Argentina will provide you with an unending succession of highlights. In the Amazon, you’ll go jungle trekking, alligator spotlighting and piranha fishing, and you’ll learn jungle survival skills with expert naturalist guides. In Rio, you’ll enjoy a private samba lesson and explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. In Parati, you’ll see a magnificent, time-warped vista of colonial Brazil. In Iguacu Falls, you’ll be awestruck by one of the world’s natural wonders.

In Argentina, you’ll enjoy a private tango lesson in Buenos Aires; phenomenally scenic glacier hiking on Perito Moreno glacier; bicycling, whitewater rafting or horseback riding in the incomparably beautiful Lake District; a cooking workshop or arts and crafts tour in sophisticated Buenos Aires; and cruising alongside Patagonia’s wondrous glaciers.

Note: All included adventures are elective and low intensity.

I T I N E R A R Y

Note: We will gladly customize an itinerary to meet your preferences.

Fly to Manaus, situated in the heart of Brazil’s Amazon rainforest. Manaus first flourished during the rubber boom of the 1850’s, when enormously wealthy “rubber barons” built a lavish jungle city that rivaled European capitals architecturally and culturally. In the early afternoon, you’ll board the Santana III for a two night/three day Amazon cruise. (D)

Note: We can also offer a 3 night/4 day Amazon cruise aboard a more rustic vessel or a lodge based stay at either the Amazon Eco Park Lodge or Guanavenas lodge.

The Amazon jungle is the world’s largest and densest rainforest, with over 200 species of mammals and 1,800 species of birds. The Amazon also provides 30% of the world’s oxygen and 20% of its fresh water. Your cruise will penetrate the deeply hidden areas of the Amazon, revealing its lush vegetation and fascinating wildlife.

You’ll explore the flora and fauna of Lake January and Comprido Island by motorized canoe; observe “caboclos” living in stilt houses along the river; see gold prospectors; and watch fresh water dolphins playing in the wake of the boat. Highlights will include alligator spotlighting in a canoe and piranha fishing in the surrealistic waters of the Rio Negro. You’ll also go on easy jungle treks where you’ll observe wildlife, flora and learn about jungle survival techniques. You’ll also visit a local community called “Terra Preta” (Black Earth). And you’ll cruise to the “Wedding of the Waters”, where the coffee-brown Amazon (Solimoes) and the inky-black Rio Negro meet and flow side by side for 4-5 miles before intermingling.

The 95 foot Santana III is an “almost-first-class” boat that cruises at a maximum speed of 16 miles per hour. Its eight cabins have air conditioning, private bathrooms with showers, and queen-sized beds. The vessel has high quality naturalist guides, eight canoes, a music and television room, and a sundeck with bar and sunchairs. (B,L,D)

After lunch you will disembark and fly to Rio, where you will be met and transferred to your deluxe hotel near Ipanema. Sofitel Rio de Janeiro (B,L,D)

Rio has a magnificent natural setting, nestled between a dark blue sea studded with rocky islands, mountains covered with untouched jungle, and long stretches of soft sandy beaches. This morning, pass by Urca, Botafogo, and Flamengo beaches before touring colonial Rio and ascending Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for marvelous panoramic views of Rio. This afternoon, you’ll be treated to a private samba class! Tonight, dine on tasty barbecue at a typical “churrascaria” and then attend a colorful Samba show. Sofitel Rio de Janeiro (B,D)

Morning visit to the summit of Corcovado for stunning views of Rio that are altogether different from Sugarloaf. Then admire the mountainside Tijuca National Park, before passing by Barra, Gavea, Leblon, and Ipanema beaches.

This afternoon, you’ll visit the fascinating favelas of Vila Canoas and Rochinha, set amidst the wealthy Sao Conrado neighborhood. Sofitel Rio de Janeiro (B, L)

Note: Schedule-permitting, you’ll attend a fascinating Macumba (voodoo) ceremony this evening!

Accompanied by a private guide, you’ll drive southward along the Costa Verde, a breathtaking coastline of white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and mountains covered with tropical forests. Your destination is Parati, a lovely coastal village that was originally frequented by 17th century gold prospectors bound for Minas Gerais. Parati has been designated a National Historic Monument. Most of Parati’s residents continue to thrive on fishing and farming. You’ll discover Parati’s old-world charm on a walking tour of its baroque churches, charming squares, private mansions, and cobblestone streets (no cars permitted). On day 8, you'll enjoy a schooner cruise through the beautiful forested coves surrounding Paraty; you’ll also have an opportunity to swim off pristine beaches. Late afternoon transfer to Rio. Pousada de Sandi (in Paraty); Sofitel Rio de Janeiro (B-2,L-2)

Morning flight to Iguacu Falls. Eleanor Roosevelt once remarked that Iguacu Falls make Niagara look like a dripping faucet. Indeed, Iguacu Falls are 60 feet higher than, and twice as wide as, Niagara Falls. Today, your walking tour of the Brazilian side will provide you with phenomenal panoramic views of the falls. This evening, enjoy a special dinner show at the Rafain churrascaria. Hotel Das Cataratas (B, L, D)

On the Argentine side of the falls, you'll take a short train ride before hiking the catwalks over, under, and into the falls. You'll enjoy wonderful views of “Devil’s Throat” fall, the world’s most voluminous waterfall in terms of flow per second. Then explore San Martin Island for more lovely views of the falls. Hotel Das Cataratas (B)

Fly to Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel. Known as the “Paris of South America”, Buenos Aires is a marvelous city with wide boulevards, large parks, sidewalk cafes, tango parlors, and ornate buildings with roccoco and baroque decorations. This afternoon, enjoy a private tour of the city, led by a spirited guide who will use four of BA’s parks and plazas to introduce you to Argentina’s history and culture. This evening, enjoy a churrascaria dinner and Tango show at an authentic Argentine tango house. Loi Suites Recoleta (B, D)

This morning you may choose from several activities -- an Argentine cooking workshop, an art tour, a literary walking tour or a bicycling excursion. The cooking workshop, taught by a renowned Argentine chef, will teach you how to cook several Argentine specialties, which you will then savor with fine Argentine wine. The modern and colonial art tour will visit the Malba museum, a silver artist in San Telmo and Fernandez Blanco museum. The literary walking tour examines the works of Borges or Julio Cortazar, visiting places that appear in these authors’ novels. The bicycling tour will take you through the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve and other scenic and safe areas of the city

This afternoon you may enjoy a private tango lesson with an accomplished instructor (surcharge applies), an "Evita" walking tour or an educational wine-tasting session. Loi Suites Recoleta (B)

Note: Another option is to visit an authentic 19th century estancia to experience the gaucho lifestyle.

Morning flight to Calafate. Originally settled by British and Australian farmers, the entire area has a unique ambiance and diverse wildlife. Calafate, situated on the shores of Lago Argentino, is the gateway to Glaciers National Park. Imago Hotel & Spa - 5 stars (B, D)

Note: You may stay at Los Notros for a surcharge for $425 per person (for all three nights).

Your boat launch to Perito Moreno glacier will offer panoramic and close-up views of the 180 foot high, 3 mile wide, and 20 mile long glacier. Perito Moreno is considered by many to be the most beautiful glacier in the world. Upon reaching the glacier, you will then embark on a phenomenally scenic and easy glacier trek (2 hours; you will be given crampons). Periodically, you will hear the thunderous sound of 100 foot stalactites breaking apart from the glacier and plunging into the lake, pushing huge waves toward shore.

Following the mini trek, you’ll be taken to a series of boardwalks and viewpoints overlooking the north face of the Perito Moreno glacier. Enjoy stunning views of mountains, forest, and Lago Argentino. Imago Hotel & Spa - 5 stars (B, L,D)

This morning, you'll be transferred to the tiny port of Puerto Bandera, where you'll board a comfortable modern catamaran for cruise on Lago Argentino.  You'll cruise past icebergs of different shapes and colors to the 100-foot high Upsala glacier.  Covering an area of 500 square kilometers, Upsala is the largest glacier in South America.  You'll then proceed along the Spegazzini arm of the lake to the Estancia Cristina which is surrounded by towering ice-capped mountains and glowing ice-blue bergs.  Established in 1918 and originally dedicated to sheep breeding (25,000 species), this Estancia is only accessible by boat and has, therefore, remained one of the most pristine places in Patagonia. 

Upon arrival, you may choose between three excursions. Your first option is to take an adventurous 4x4 scenic sightseeing drive to the Continental Fields refuge. You will then enjoy an easy 15 minute hike to the Upsala Glacier lookout for wonderful views of the eastern face of Upsala glacier, the Patagonian Ice Fields and the Murallon and Don Bosco mountains.

Your second option is to enjoy a medium intensity hike to Fossils Canyon by way of the Upsala Glacier lookout point. The canyon offers many interesting marine fossils that were exposed by glacier related erosion. It is a unique valley within the National Park.   

Note: You may extend your stay in Patagonia by visiting Mount Fitzroy and/or staying at Hosteria Helsingfors, situated in the northern region of Glaciers National Park.

Fly to Bariloche, a delightful lakeside town nestled in the Argentine Lake District. You will be met and privately transferred to the spectacularly beautiful Llao Llao peninsula. This region, called “Little Switzerland”, is world-renowned for its snow-capped volcanoes, glittering emerald lakes, imposing waterfalls, deep woodland meadows, and navigable blue rivers. Llao Llao Resort (B)

Note: Depending upon air schedules, you may need to overnight in Buenos Aires, flying to Bariloche early next morning.

Today, choose between two activities. First, you may travel to a beautiful area of Nahuel Huapi National Park for an exciting, low-intensity whitewater rafting trip (class 2-3 rapids) down the Rio Manso. Scenery is spectacular. Observe river otters, condors, woodpeckers, deer, foxes, and mountain lions and cats. Also enjoy impressive views of Tronador volcano (11,722 ft).

Your second option is a very scenic drive (Small Circuit) through Nahuel Huapi National Park, skirting Lake Nahuel Huapi and proceeding on to Llao Llao peninsula. You’ll then ascend through a forest of evergreen coihue trees for wonderful views of Lake Moreno, Victoria Island, and several snowcapped Andean peaks, including Tronador. Then take a chairlift (elective) to the summit of Campanario Hill for panoramic views. Llao Llao Resort. (B,L)

Again, two choices! First, you can take an exceptionally scenic full-day lake tour from Bariloche to Peulla (on the Chilean border), traveling by launch across Lake Nahuel Huapi and Lake Frias.

Your second option is an easy horseback riding excursion along the very picturesque western steppes of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Escorted by a guide, you'll traverse portions of the beautiful Jones ranch, still owned by the pioneering American family who arrived here at the turn of the century. Midway through your ride, enjoy an "asado criollo", or Argentine barbecue. The horses are easy to ride and very well maintained. Total time on horse: 2 1/2 hours. Llao Llao Resort. (B,L)

Today you’ll head for the Tronador Volcano region via an exceptionally scenic road that parallels the entire length of Gutierrez and Mascardi lakes. Macardi is known as the “seven-colored lake.” At Tronador, you will explore Ventisquero Negro, or the Black Glacier, a mass of ice descending directly from Mount Tronador. A day of tremendous scenery. Llao Llao Resort. (B,L)

Note: If time allows, you might consider adding two nights to explore the incredibly scenic Villa La Angostura region which also offers upscale accommodations (Relais at Chateau), kayaking, bicycling, horseback riding and hiking. Call for more information.

Fly to Buenos Aires and connect with your flight to the U.S. (B).

Land Cost Includes:
o All elective "soft" adventures (canoeing, hiking, rafting, horseback, glacier trekking)
o Accommodations (18 nights) in first class hotels and a comfortable Amazon cruise vessel
o Most meals (37)
o All transfers and land transportation
o Mostly private and some small group touring with a bilingual guide
o Entrance/park fees

Call 1-800-869-0639 Request Information

General Information

Trip Grade: Easy. Emphasis is on culture and soft adventure. All included adventures are elective and low-intensity. They include jungle trekking, alligator spotlighting, piranha fishing, glacier trekking, horseback riding and canoeing. Some discomfort may result from the elements, cultural differences, rough roads and schedule changes.

Land Cost Includes: All vehicle transportation and transfers as stated in the itinerary; accommodations in first class hotels and a comfortable Amazon cruise vessel (based on double occupancy); 37 meals as detailed in itinerary; entrance/park fees; service and handling charges; mostly private touring and some small group touring.

Land Cost Does Not Include: Airfares (quoted separately); meals not included in itinerary; excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; laundry, passports, personal insurance, other personal items; airport departure taxes; hotel nights en route or return.

Accommodations: Accommodations are based on double occupancy in first class hotels and a comfortable Amazon cruise vessel. If traveling alone, a single supplement charge will be assessed.

Reservations and Payments: A deposit of $400 with the completed reservation form will ensure you a place on this trip.. Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of two travelers. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

Cancellations and Refunds: The initial deposit for the trip is refundable up to 90 days before departure, less a $200 handling fee. Any cancellation occurring between 60 and 89 days will result in a cancellation penalty of $400 (the full deposit) based on nonrecoverable deposits and expenses. Any cancellation occurring between 30 and 59 days will result in a cancellation penalty of 50% of trip cost. Unless a suitable replacement can be found, there will be no refunds for any cancellation within 29 days of departure. There are no refunds for any unused meals, accommodations or other trip activities. In certain cases, the cancellation policies of NEI's subcontractors will supersede NEI's policy.
Insurance: Trip cancellation, accident and baggage insurance are recommended and will be offered to all participants. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly advised; this will protect you in the case of cancellation due to personal or family illness.

Responsibility: Nature Expeditions International is responsible for conducting this trip as outlined in the published itinerary. It reserves the right, however, to cancel the trip should it become affected by conditions beyond the company’s control. In such an event, NEI will return all monies paid to it by the affected participants as full and final settlement.

NEI also reserves the right to substitute other lodging during the trip or to change the trip leader(s), itinerary, or travel arrangements if the staff believes it is in the best interest of all participants. In addition, NEI may decline to accept or retain any member or prospective member of an announced trip. Full refund for the unused portion of the expedition will be paid to the affected participant in such an event.

Airline Clause: All arrangements for airline transportation are made by the respective airlines, which companies shall not have or incur any responsibility or liability to any person taking an expedition except their liability as common carriers. Nor shall such carriers be or be held responsible for any act, omission, or event occurring after the passenger has disembarked from the conveyance. The usual passage contract in use by the carrier, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between said carrier and the passenger. All rates are based on tariffs currently or those tariffs to be placed in effect and are subject to adjustment in the event of changes therein. The air transportation services of any IATA/ARC member may be used.