Transport

2 flights (longest 2hrs).

Accommodation

At all levels, we prefer smaller hotels with some local character; whether boutique, one of a local chain or independent. On the odd occasion where we use an international chain, we choose properties with some historic or other unique features.

This holiday offers economical mid-range accommodation. We have chosen modern and well-equipped hotels in convenient practical locations.

Meals

Breakfast daily.

Guides

We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.

Summary Of Nights

10 days, 9 nights: Buenos Aires 3; Iguazú 3; Rio 3.

Currency

The unit of currency in Argentina is the Argentinean peso; Brazil is the Brazilian real (plural reais).

How To Take It

Cash machines are available in all major cities and towns, and so taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip, and in most shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds. We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency, and possibly some travellers’ cheques, though these are gradually falling out of use (American Express are the most widely accepted). Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can take sterling, but the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available, restricting the number of places where you can change money.

For our latest currency advice for Argentina please see our FAQs section.

Daily Spend

It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$50-70 per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants and you will pay considerably more.

Tipping

Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income. We recommend approximately $10 per person for a half day and $20 for a full day for guides and half that for drivers.

Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.

Insurance

Travel insurance is essential. 

Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.

Airport Taxes

If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.

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There are no long days of travel on this trip.

This holiday is suitable for all, including families (although you cannot book the latter with us online unless you require accommodation based on double occupancy rooms). If you are a single traveller or have a disability or other special requirements, please call us.

In the summer months of December to March the weather is extremely hot and humid, you might bear this in mind if travelling with small children or elderly persons.

Climate

In Buenos Aires, October to November and March to April see temperatures between 15 and 25°C and a good deal of sunshine. January to February is hot, with temperatures over 30°C.

In tropical Rio and Iguazú, December to March are the hottest and most humid months, with temperatures sometimes reaching 40°C, and rain which falls in heavy showers. From June to September, temperatures are more moderate (18-23°C) and there is plenty of sunshine, but cold fronts can usher in periods of up to several days of cloud and drizzle.

Clothing And Special Equipment

In the southern hemisphere summer it will be hot in the cities – Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro – so take loose-fitting light clothing for maximum comfort. An umbrella is a good idea in case of a tropical shower.

At the Iguazú Falls you can get very wet from the spray. Some clients like to take dry clothes in a dry bag.

If you plan to go to good restaurants or out on evening entertainment trips, you might bring something a bit smarter as well (although formal attire will not be required).

Strong, comfortable footwear is essential and you should bring insect repellent, sun block and sun glasses. You should take swimwear for the beach.

Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in South America.

Vaccinations

Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following; typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. For specific requirements you must consult your GP.

As of 2018, visitors to Brazil travelling on our holidays should be protected with a vaccination against yellow fever, and carry the corresponding certificate. In April 2013, the World Health Organisation Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation concluded that a single primary dose of yellow fever vaccine is sufficient to confer sustained immunity and lifelong protection against yellow fever disease, and that a booster dose is not needed.

You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.

Visas

Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.

If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.

Optional Excursions

There are a number of optional excursions available on this holiday, many of which can be booked in advance with us – please contact us by phone or email to add these activities to your holiday. Most of these excursions may also be booked locally through our local representatives once you are in Latin America. Alternatively you may use any of the many local companies but Journey Latin America cannot guarantee the quality or safety of these and cannot accept responsibility if anything goes wrong or is not up to your expectations.

A budget of around USD$200 should cover participation the following options, but prices can fluctuate depending on the number of participants and time of year, and so cannot be provided accurately until travel commences. The list below is only a guideline.

• Bike tour of Buenos Aires. 
• Dine at a live tango show, Buenos Aires. 
• Tango lessons, Buenos Aires. 
• Visit the quirky bird park, Iguazú 
• Cable car up Sugar Loaf Mountain, Rio. 
• Bike tour of Rio’s beaches. 
• Samba show, Rio.