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Brazil/Argentina/Chile/Peru

Gems of South America: Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, Rio & Beyond

Program No. 25623RJ
Delve into the cultural treasures of South America by climbing to Machu Picchu, learning the samba in Rio and the tango in Buenos Aires and enjoying lunch in a local Chilean home.
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  • A colorful Valparaiso hillside is dotted with historic buildings and a church steeple under a clear blue sky.
  • An aerial view of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, showing the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the city, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Guanabara Bay.
  • A man wearing a yellow shirt and a white fedora plays a banjo on a cobblestone street with colonial architecture in the background.
  • A group of travelers listens to a tour guide in a sunny plaza in downtown Santiago, Chile, with historic and modern buildings behind them.
  • An older man in a baseball cap stands next to a large bunch of bananas at a busy outdoor market, looking down at his phone.
  • A light blue bowl holds a serving of ceviche with a yellow sauce, garnished with fresh greens, with a fork and knife beside it.
  • A woman in a red jacket smiles while standing in front of the ancient ruins and green terraced hills of Machu Picchu.
  • A smiling couple in sun hats stands on a walkway overlooking the powerful, misty Iguazu Falls surrounded by lush jungle.
  • Two Peruvian women wearing traditional shawls and hats look out over a golden field toward a majestic, snow-capped mountain range under a clear blue sky.
  • The ancient stone ruins of Machu Picchu sit on a green terrace with a dramatic, steep mountain peak rising in the background.
  • A classical stone statue of a woman holding a child overlooks other elaborate mausoleums at the Recoleta Cemetery.
Small GroupCity DiscoveriesMulti-City DiscoveriesNew
Length
20 days
Rating
New
Activity Level
Starts at
9,999
Flights start at
1,100
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
20 days
19 nights
What's Included
37 meals ( 18B, 13L, 6D )
4 expert-led lectures
24 expert-led field trips
4 flights during the program
4 hands-on experiences
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
18 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
This is an international travel day; no meals or program activities are scheduled. Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Participants who have purchased Road Scholar airfare will have the transfer included from airport to hotel. Your Meet & Greet staff will be after the Custom Area holding a Road Scholar sign.
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Getting on/off the motor coach; driving approx. 16 miles total; about 1 hour combined, with stops for field trips. Walking up to two miles total throughout the day; periods of standing up to an hour at a time at the museum, some stone steps without railings. Terrain may be rough and uneven.
Breakfast:
At hotel.
Morning:
Orientation: 8 AM at the hotel. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from the Group Leader as well as local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Unless otherwise specified, transportation during your program will be provided by air-conditioned bus. Our buses do not include onboard toilets; however, stops built into the schedule are generally every 1.5 to 2 hours of travel. Meals will feature local cuisine. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. After our Orientation meeting, we will have our first field trip. Start the program at a leisurely pace, savoring Lima, a capital city that stands alone in the Americas with an uninterrupted architectural legacy spanning 4,000 years. It belongs to an exclusive group of just six capital cities worldwide that share this extraordinary heritage. We will start our exploration at "Huaca Pucllana," an ancient pre-Inca archaeological marvel distinguished by its striking adobe pyramid and a captivating history that stretches back over 1,500 years.
Lunch:
Lunch at Café del Museo. With its charming ambiance, the café offers picturesque views of the museum's enchanting gardens and the majestic vice royal mansion, which serves as the museum's backdrop.
Afternoon:
Then, we will continue to Museo Larco, the nation's most significant compilation of pre-Columbian artifacts. With its origins dating back nearly a century, the museum was established by Rafael Larco Hoyle, a trailblazer in Peruvian archaeology. Embark on a captivating exploration spanning over 5,000 years of ancient Peruvian history. Delve into the profound connection between pre-Columbian societies and the natural world, all expertly illuminated through an engaging guided tour led by the museum's curator.
Dinner:
On your own to explore the local cuisine. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Getting on & off a bus and walking approximately 1/2 mile (one km) for one hour on flat terrain. Driving approx. 10 miles total. Do not forget to refill your water bottle.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our journey this morning leads us through the storied streets of downtown Lima, a city that once stood as the capital of the viceroyalty Spain established in 1532. Our first pause takes us to the venerable Plaza de Armas, the beating heart of the city. Here, you'll traverse the square on foot, soaking in the rich history that surrounds you. As you explore, marvel at the magnificent exteriors of the Government Palace, the City Hall, and the surrounding buildings, all resplendent exemplars of the enduring colonial architectural opulence that graces Lima to this day. Continuing this immersive journey, we'll explore the sacred halls of the Cathedral, an emblem of the city, boasting a rich history and intricate craftsmanship that speaks volumes of the era's devotion and artistry. Moving forward, we'll head to La Casa Aliaga. For over 480 years and across 17 generations, no other dwelling in the Americas has been home to a family as consistently as the De Aliaga residence in Lima. Erected adjacent to the Government Palace in 1535 by Jerónimo De Aliaga y Ramírez, trusted captain of Pizarro, this dwelling stands as a gem of colonial and republican architecture. We'll explore its chambers, corridors, and courtyards, a harmonious fusion of styles spanning Renaissance, Cusco Baroque, and Iberian Moorish, among others, owing to renovations over the years. Amidst this ambience, we'll unravel the stories behind the array of paintings, silverware, furniture, and precious artifacts. A visit to the chapel, a space graced by Peruvian luminaries such as Saint Rose of Lima, the Americas' first saint and a family friend, will conclude our journey through history.
Lunch:
Following our exploration of colonial Lima's most iconic buildings and plazas, we'll make our way to Barranco, a vibrant neighborhood known for its artistic spirit. Here, we'll participate in a hands-on Peruvian gastronomy class, where we'll master the art of crafting their iconic dishes.
Afternoon:
We will explore Barranco's charming streets, a haven for artists, photographers, and writers. We'll meander through quaint, tree-lined avenues flanked by historic Republican-era houses, taking in breathtaking views and visiting the iconic Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs). To delve deeper into the artistic heritage of Peru, we'll venture into a couple or more of the neighborhood's art galleries and concept stores, discreetly nestled along Barranco's unassuming streets, gaining insights into the creative minds of our renowned Peruvian artists in the realms of plastic arts and design. We will have some free time before returning to the hotel to explore Barranco. At the Hotel we will have a Lecture about "Rise and fall of the Inca Empire" delivered by an expert.
Dinner:
On your own to explore the local cuisine. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. You might like to take a walk along the ocean boardwalk. Prepare for checkout and our flight to Cuzco in the morning.
Activity Note
Driving approx. 50 miles total throughout the day; about three hours combined, with stops for field trips. The flight is about 1.5 hours. Walking up to two miles; periods of standing up to one hour at a time at Pisaq Ruins. Unpaved paths, cobblestone streets, uneven curbs, and some stone steps without railings. Walking and standing for 45 minutes at a place where the terrain may be rough and uneven. Don't forget to refill your bottles before leaving the Hacienda.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After an early check-out from the hotel, transfer to Lima Airport and board the flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, the capital city of the Incas and now itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transfer to Sacred Valley
Lunch:
We'll pause for a delightful lunch at local Hacienda, a colonial estate from the 20th century. Within its charming walls, a cozy atmosphere accompanied by baroque and classical melodies awaits, making your mealtime truly exceptional. The hacienda's lush surroundings, boasting vibrant orchards and gardens, showcase the impeccable taste of its owners, Maria del Pilar and Yussef Sumar, who will personally host us and join us during lunch, a fantastic meal that offers a mix of comforting flavors and elegant presentation, with organic ingredients sourced from the estate itself. We'll immerse ourselves in its historical significance and the natural beauty the Sacred Valley embraces. Furthermore, you'll get a chance to see the Hacienda Sarapampa's vast fields of giant white corn, a unique crop that thrives in the Sacred Valley thanks to the nurturing waters of the sacred Urubamba River.
Afternoon:
Our journey will take us to Pisac, the Inca archeological site, which is considered one of the best-preserved in Peru. All the site is spread over a vast green area of the entire mountain. The entire archaeological site is surrounded by numerous agricultural terraces that blend harmoniously with the landscape. We will have an overview of the site as a visual introduction to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will continue to the Urubamba Valley to check in at our hotel and rest after this exciting day. At arrival to the hotel and after check-in, enjoy some time at leisure to visit the gardens and rest.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Driving approx. 30 miles total throughout the day, about 2 hours combined, with stops for field trips. Walking up to two miles total over the course of the day; periods of standing; approx. three hours spent on our feet; rocky terrain with steps sans railings. Parking lot for vehicles might require extra walk due historic town regulations.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Our day commences by exploring Ollantaytambo, a living testament to the Inca culture's legacy, safeguarded by an imposing fortress. Here, we unveil an expansive archaeological marvel, once a tambo, a haven for royal entourages on arduous voyages. Remnants of its past stand strong: resilient walls and vigilant towers that once shielded it from threats. Ollantaytambo echoes the essence of an authentic Inca village, mirroring a meticulously planned grid layout. Its cobbled pathways intersect, accompanied by meandering water channels that have quenched the land's thirst for centuries. Historic records from the royal archives affirm its purpose as a haven for Inca nobility. Evident in the precision of its urban design and the intricate artistry etched into its stone facades.
Lunch:
We will have lunch before continuing our exploration.
Afternoon:
We will head to the Sacred Valley Project, an educational initiative that provides local female students from low-income families with board and opportunities to further their schooling. While here, we will visit with the dorm mother and director of the project to learn about the work they are doing. Our next stop will be Urubamba Market. Colorful fruit and vegetables line up alongside large sacks of flour and grain, which teeter beside rows of slaughtered guinea pig, chicken, and beef ready for cooking. Household goods also make an appearance in the form of lengths of rope, plastic buckets, sweeping brushes, and various paraphernalia. We will afterward return to the hotel.
Dinner:
Dinner on your own.
Evening:
At leisure, be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning. Remember your big suitcase will rejoin you in Cuzco meanwhile pack and overnight bag with all you need for the next two day. Do not forget medicines and an extra shirt and pants in case it rains.
Activity Note
Driving approx. 19 miles to train station; about one hour. Getting on/off train; ride is approx. 28 miles; about 1.5 hours. Use of public bus; short walk to bus stop; ride is approx. 5.5 miles each way to/from ruins; about 1/2 hour on dirt road. Walking approx. 2.5 miles total for the day; about three hours at Machu Picchu; rocky terrain with slopes, no handrails; maximum elevation of approx. 7,988 feet. Luggage will be transported via private vehicle; pack a day bag for the journey.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Once checked out of the hotel and having left the big luggage to be taken to Cusco, we will transfer by motor coach to the train station for our railway ride to Aguas Calientes. At arrival in Aguas Calientes, our night bag will be taken to the hotel so we can continue to Machu Picchu. After a short ride by shared shuttle bus, we will arrive at the gate of the archeological site, where we will have our lunch.
Lunch:
Lunch box.
Afternoon:
Now, we are ready to explore Machu Picchu, built more than 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains. A symbol of the Incan Empire and built around 1450 AD, Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. We will depart our hotel and take the train to Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu. En route, our local expert will provide an introduction to Machu Picchu, including the history of the community and the ruins. Arriving in Aguas Calientes, we will walk from the train station to local buses that transport visitors to the entrance of the citadel. Explore the astonishing ruins of Machu Picchu on foot with our Study Leader and learn about its construction during the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, agricultural and urban aspects, and possible reasons why the Inca abandoned it. Hiram Bingham of Yale “discovered” the lost city in 1911, though in fact it was never lost to local people. It was the biggest archaeological news in the world until the discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922. We will return to Aguas Calientes to recover our strength after this marvelous exploration.
Dinner:
On your own. Many options walking distance from the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking approx. 2 miles total throughout the day, about one hour combined, mostly flat, paved terrain. Getting on/off a train; the ride is approx. 28 miles, about 1.5 hours. Driving approx. 51 miles total throughout the day; about two hours combined, with stops. Porters will handle luggage. Do not forget to refill your reusable water bottle.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Upon checking out of the hotel, we will walk a short distance to board the train for transfer from Aguas Calientes Station to Ollantaytambo, where we will connect with our motor coach for the remainder of the ride to Cuzco. We will then make a visit to the Traditional Textiles region, where we will learn from a member of the community who will introduce us to this time-honored cultural art form and provide a demonstration. The arts of dyeing, spinning, and weaving are a means of interpreting Incan culture through traditional customs. Techniques, designs, and quality, which were once taught to every female child. After a short ride we will make a stop in Moray, a remarkable archaeological site with stepped circular terraces believed to have been used for experimental agricultural purposes by the Incas.
Lunch:
Special lunch box in Sacred Valley.
Afternoon:
Transfer to the Hotel in Cuzco where we will arrive at the end of the afternoon. Check in and rest.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure, prepare for checkout and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Driving approximately 3.5 miles total for the day; less than 1 combined, with stops for field trips. Walking approx. 4 miles total; about 3 hours total throughout the day; periods of standing at field trip locations. Transfers to the airport for the included flight to Lima.
Breakfast:
Hotel Buffet
Morning:
With our local expert, we will visit the Cathedral, which contains some of the best manifestations of colonial goldsmithing and wood carving, as well as a valuable collection of canvases from the Escuela Cusqueña (Academy of Cusco). Afterwards, we will visit the Qoricancha Palace, which was the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Dedicated to Inti, the Sun God, the walls and floors were once covered in sheets of solid gold. We will have some time to take a look around the market with our local expert and Group Leader before exploring the temple and learning about its history. Next, we will continue for an independent walking exploration of the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, where extremely large stones are seamlessly built into walls and terraces providing views of the valley to the southeast, and which was once used as a protective fortress guarding the city.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
At leisure for your own independent exploration of Cuzco. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist you in organizing this free time according to your own interests. A couple of suggestions to keep in mind are San Pedro Market, where you'll find a wide variety of local goods (remember you're traveling to Chile the next day, and you might not be able to carry vegetables or prohibited items). San Blas, the bohemian and artist neighborhood, is another option, as well as a visit to the Compania de Jesus (Jesuit Church) located in the main square or the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art (MAP).
Dinner:
On your own to explore all the option around the hotel. Peru is worldwide known as the Gastronomy Paradise.
Evening:
At leisure. Get ready for tomorrow flight.
Activity Note
Today is a long travel day; the flight from Cuzco to Lima departs very early in the morning and the flight into Santiago arrives in the evening. Airline schedules are beyond the control of Road Scholar. Driving approx. four miles to airport; about 1/2 hour. Flight from Cusco to Lima is approx. 1.5 hours; Lima to Santiago is approx. 3.5 hours for a total of roughly 5 hours airborne; responsible for own luggage in airport. Driving from airport to Santiago hotel is approx. 12 miles, 45 minutes.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel and transfer to Rising early, we will transfer to the airport in Cuzco for the flight to Lima and await our connecting flight to Santiago, Chile.
Lunch:
On your own during the layover at the airport in Lima, Peru.
Afternoon:
After arrival in Santiago, meet your local expert and begin to explore. Chile's capital city is a sophisticated, sprawling metropolis wedged between the Andes and the mountainous coastal range. It is home to 6 million Santiaguinos, a third of the country’s population. During our motorcoach field trip, we will see some of the city's most important landmarks, including the La Moneda presidential palace. Originally a colonial mint, it was designed by Italian architect Joaquín Toesca. We will take a walk through the Plaza de Armas main square, surrounded by beautiful buildings, then check in to the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel, enjoy a 3-course dinner with one mineral water.
Activity Note
The drive to Valparaiso is about 72 miles (116 km), approximately 1.5 hours. Walking up to two miles and standing up to two hours up and downhill.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach with our local expert for a field trip to Valparaiso. Valparaíso is Chile’s second-largest city. This historic port and university town is renowned for its more than 50 hills covered in quaint and colorful old houses. The hills are connected by an ingenious network of twisting streets, stairways, cable car lines, flower-filled balconies, and lookout platforms with spectacular views of the bay from which the city takes its name. Enjoy a walking field trip into the old Historic Quarter, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. We will also visit the “new” city, including the Plaza de la Victoria with its lovely Neptune Fountain, the famous Turri Clock Tower, the docks and fisherman's wharf, and the Naval Academy.
Lunch:
At a local home-hosted lunch, enjoy a typical Chilean lunch, plus a glass of a local drink called "terremoto" (earthquake) and a bottled water and soft drinks.
Afternoon:
We will drive along the coast a few minutes north of Valparaíso to reach Viña del Mar, founded in 1874, for an overview. The impressive and varied architecture of the Belle Epoque was influenced by French and Italianate styles of the period. Chile's premier coastal resort today is famous for its beaches and a bustling commercial sector. It is also known as the "Ciudad Jardín" (Garden City) thanks to lavish gardens that thrive in the subtropical atmosphere.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. There are numerous choices near the hotel to sample local cuisine.
Activity Note
Ascending and descending steps with hand baggage. Walking up to two miles on paved city streets. Opportunity to try tango dance steps.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, choose what you like from the buffet, assorted breads and pastries, scrambled eggs, fresh juice, coffee, tea, and milk.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel and transfer for our flight to Buenos Aires.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost, and you are on your own to enjoy what you like at the airport prior to boarding the flight; a light snack is served on board.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Dinner:
At a local Traditional Milonga (a place where locals dance tango), we will enjoy a 3-course dinner with wine, non-alcoholic drinks, and coffee or tea while watching a tango performance.
Evening:
Participate in a tango lesson.
Activity Note
Walking up to 1 mile and standing for about an hour at a time on paved cobblestone streets. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving approximately 2.5 hours. Walking up to 1 mile at a time and standing up to 1 hour at a time. Sidewalks, paved roads, and some uneven terrain. Do not forget to refill your reusable water bottle at the hotel before getting into the bus.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will start our exploration in the south part of the city, where it all started more than 300 years ago. Explore the San Telmo and La Boca neighborhoods and Plaza de Mayo. La Boca was founded by European immigrants, many from Italy, and is known for its vibrantly colored houses. It offers a vivid contrast with San Telmo, the city’s oldest neighborhood, with its colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, antique boutiques, and bohemian ambiance.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, enjoy a 3-course meal with locals of Buenos Aires. Through conversation, we will get to exchange stories and learn more about day-to-day life in the city and Argentina.
Afternoon:
Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You might like to suggest unraveling more historic treasures in the historic part of the city. Perfect opportunity to walk the San Telmo Flea Market or, within walking distance from the hotel, the "Recoleta Handicraft Market." Which are open on Sundays.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Activity Note
The drive into the countryside is about 50 miles, approximately 1.5 hours each way. Walking short distances and standing on unpaved ground at the ranch.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach for a full-day field trip to experience La Pampa, the province of estancias (colonial ranches) and gauchos (Argentinian cowboys). We will visit an estancia to learn about the local culture and gaucho life as we watch their horse riding skills, listen to songs strummed on the guitar, and encounter the tradition of Yerba Mate. Brewed from the dried leaves of an evergreen tree (Ilex paraguariensis), it has been used since ancient times and still today as both a stimulating beverage and in folk medicine. Yerba mate is sipped from a special gourd through a metal straw.
Lunch:
At the estancia, enjoy a typical Argentine asado, a barbecue of meats and poultry with side salads and garnishes.
Afternoon:
Returning to the hotel at the end of the afternoon.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer some suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure, be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning. Be sure you dress to go to a tropical weather. Comfortable shoes, Poncho due we will be heading to the field trip from the Airport.
Activity Note
Get ready for a great but long day. Ascending and descending airplane steps with hand baggage. Walking up to two miles; humid, tropical climate; paved and unpaved paths, steps. Walking about 0.6 miles (1 km) each way to/from the viewpoint at the Rescue Center and walking up to 2 miles at Iguazu Falls National Park. Transfer to the Brazilian side involves Immigration and Custom.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, choose what you like from the buffet, assorted breads and pastries, scrambled eggs, fresh juice, coffee, tea, and milk.
Morning:
Transfer to the Airport on time to take the internal flight to Iguazu. At arrival to Iguazu we will met or local expert who will take us to the the main entrance of Iguazú National Park Falls ( Argentinean side) Iguazu Falls is a breathtaking wonder, the largest waterfall system in the world, consisting of approximately 275 individual waterfalls along 1.5 miles of the Iguazu River. Iguazu Falls is situated on the border of Argentina and Brazil, with each country offering unique perspectives and experiences
Lunch:
At a restaurant inside the park.
Afternoon:
Continuing exploring the Argentine side of the falls and its beautiful wildlife. The Devil's Throat is the most iconic part of the falls, is a U-shaped waterfall that's over 260 feet high and 2,300 feet wide. We will head to the Brazilian side. Check in to the hotel at early evening.
Dinner:
Dinner at the Hotel.
Activity Note
Walking about 1.5 miles and standing for approximately one hour in a humid and tropical climate. There are paved paths leading to Iguazu Falls and many sets of small steps; wet conditions at the falls.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will be transferred to the Brazilian side (going through Customs and Immigration).With your local expert, walk the long, paved path along the riverbank to view the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls. The one-way walk culminates with a spectacular 360-degree view. Be prepared to be wowed and to get wet!
Lunch:
Buffet at a restaurant near Iguaçu Falls.
Afternoon:
Heading back to the Argentinean side (going through Customs and Immigration). After some time to freshen up, we will gather for a presentation by our expert naturalist on the Atlantic Rain Forest and the Iguaçu Biosphere.
Dinner:
In town in a local restaurant.
Activity Note
Ascending and descending airplane steps with hand baggage. Walking up to 1 mile throughout the day, including up and downhill. Standing up for an hour at a time.
Breakfast:
At hotel.
Morning:
Transfer to Foz do Iguacu Airport on time to take your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Arrive at Rio’s Aeroporto International, Galeão Antônio Carlos Jobim (GIG), about 15 miles (24 km) from the program hotel.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Once checked in at the hotel and settled, we will board the private motor coach to drive to Sugarloaf Mountain. Sugarloaf rises 1,300 feet above the city of Rio de Janeiro, presenting a bird’s-eye view. It is named for its iconic shape, resembling the cones of sugar that were produced in the 16th century by the Portuguese during the heyday of the sugarcane trade in Brazil. We will ascend via large cable cars that each hold 75 people, over two legs of a journey that last a few minutes each. The first leg takes us to the top of Urca Mountain at 722 feet, with aerial views of Copacabana, the Christ statue, Niteroi Bridge, and Guanabara Bay. The second cable car travels to the top of Sugarloaf, where we have a thrilling 360-degree view of the region. Return to the hotel at sunset.
Dinner:
At local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking approximately 2.5 miles, standing up to an hour at a time.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Depart from the hotel with our local expert and private motorcoach to the historic center of Rio de Janeiro. We examine architectural style, noting fine examples of Baroque construction as we drive by the São Bento and Santo Antonio monasteries, which recall the times when Brazil was a colony of Portugal. The French influence may be seen in the 19th-century buildings such as the Municipal Theater and the Museum of Fine Arts. Leaving the coach, we walk along colonial avenues, squares, and back streets. Discover the important historical, political, and social events that have shaped Rio into one of South America’s most exciting cities. We continue strolling along the waterfront, through the newly renovated areas that feature beautiful murals by local artists. We will later board the local tram to return to the city center.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant located in the Historic Center.
Afternoon:
We will continue our exploration by visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro and discover an astonishing modern construction made of concrete and stained glass windows that was designed to echo the ancient Mayan pyramids. We will re-board our motor coach to continue on. Drive through the Sambadrome, then head to the Academicos de Grande Rio, the Samba School. During our samba school field trip, we will learn about one of the most exciting events of the year, Carnival. Rio’s Carnival derives from pagan celebrations of Ancient Greece that continued through Europe in the Middle Ages, arriving in Brazil through Portuguese colonization. Enriched with rhythms that came with the African slaves, the beat has been ingrained into local culture and can be heard and felt in every street carnival all over the city. The highlight of Rio’s carnival is the parade of the “samba schools” in the “Sambódromo” stadium built expressly for the parade. At a non-profit samba school, we will meet with locals who use the art and cultural aspects of Carnival to educate young people and their families from favelas. We will explore the samba school and learn about the history of samba and carnival parades. Later, we will return to the hotel and take some time to prepare for tomorrow’s departure.
Dinner:
On your own.
Activity Note
Walking up to two miles throughout the day, including up and downhill. Driving, with periodic stops and short walks of 15-30 minutes with some steps, mainly descending. Visits to the favelas are done by vans, as the area is inaccessible to motor coaches.
Breakfast:
At hotel.
Morning:
We will depart the hotel in vans with our Study Leader and local experts to explore Rio’s favelas. Stopping in Rio's largest and smallest favelas, we learn about the architecture, urbanization projects, the public services, security, and the local culture. We will walk through the commercial area of Rio's smallest favela and the narrow alleyways that provide insight into daily life. We will learn how peaceful and community-oriented each favela is and how visits support community projects in education. We will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best views overlooking Rio.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, choose what you like from the buffet of delicious, traditional Brazilian dishes. Among the extensive and varied selections are tutu, made of black beans and manioc flour, roasted and stewed meats, vegetables, salads, as well as a selection of desserts. Mineral water is included with other beverages available for purchase unless noted otherwise.
Afternoon:
We will reconvene with our motor coach and local expert for a field trip to Corcovado, with the gigantic statue of Cristo Redentor, Christ the Redeemer, on the summit. Constructed from 1922 to 1931, it has become an iconic image of Rio and Brazil. We will board the Swiss-manufactured cogwheel train for a scenic ride through the Tijuca National Park to reach the 2,329-foot-high summit of Corcovado, whose name means “hunchback” in Portuguese. The view from the top provides a spectacular panorama of Rio and its bays. Afterwards, descend the hill via the cogwheel train and re-board our private motor coach to return to the hotel.
Dinner:
Farewell dinner where we can exchange thoughts about the South American experience we all had together.
Evening:
Tomorrow is departure day so get ready to check out at official time retrieve everything from the safe box!
Activity Note
Check out.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Check out of the hotel. If you have purchased your air travel with Road Scholar, your Group Leader will inform you of the pick-up time to go to the airport. If you still have time in Rio until you have to go to the airport, enjoy the beach, the swimming pool, and leave your large suitcases in storage. Bring a carry-on with everything you'll need to enjoy your last hours in Rio, watching the sea across the hotel in Copacabana Beach.
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