Family holiday to Northern Argentina & Brazil

22 days – From €10,895 per person

driving – the Andes – off the beaten track – rainforests

Day 3 | Buenos Aires

Today, you’ll be taken on a special trip of the main sights of Argentina’s fascinating capital. You’ll set off by bike with your guide to the stylish Recoleta district, home to the famous Cementerio de Recoleta cemetery. Amongst other things, you’ll find Evita Perón’s grave in this cemetery. This city trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the historic San Telmo district, the birthplace of the tango. Your cycle trip ends at Plaza San Martín, from where you’ll be taken back to your hotel. In the evening, you’ll be taken on a trip of the city, stopping for a drink at two so-called ‘hidden bars’. These bars are modelled on the ‘speakeasy’ bars from the era of the North American Prohibition. These hidden gems of Buenos Aires’ nightlife are sometimes concealed behind an inconspicuous door. Sometimes you have to walk through a small shop to reach such a bar, or you may even need a password to get in.
Accommodation: Casa Sur Bellini | bed and breakfast

Day 4 | Buenos Aires – Salta

In the morning, you’ll fly to Salta. Your car will be waiting for you at the airport, ready to take you on your travels over the coming days. You’ll be staying just outside Salta in a beautiful, traditional finca. The owners, Valentina and Fabrizio, moved to Argentina from Italy (Milan) in 2006 to make their dream a reality. It’s no surprise they chose this stunning location in north-western Argentina. Here you can go for walks, enjoy superb horse riding and, in complete tranquillity, savour a traditional ‘parilla’ (grilled meat) with a good glass of wine. The beautiful garden features an unheated swimming pool. From here, enjoy the majestic views of the mountains.
Accommodation: Finca Valentina | bed and breakfast

Day 5 | Salta – Purmamarca

(approx. 320 km | 4-hour drive)
Today the adventure really begins! The guide who will be accompanying you on your trip will collect you from the hotel. Today’s drive is easy and a great way to get started and get to know the car. During today’s drive, you will reach a maximum altitude of 3,000 metres above sea level. The Quebrada de Humahuaca is a long valley not far from the Bolivian border, situated in the province of Jujuy, running north to south parallel to the imposing Andes mountain range. The area is renowned for its colourful mountain peaks, geological rock formations and historic villages. During this drive, you’ll experience the atmosphere of this most indigenous part of Argentina. You will visit the market in Huamahuaca to stock up on provisions. Here, you will take a short walk through a red gorge and explore the Pukara of Tilcara, a pre-Inca fortress. You will also make short stops today in the villages of Tilcara and Purmamarca.
Overnight: Hotel Mantial del Silencio | bed and breakfast

Day 6 | Purmamarca – San Pedro de Atacama

(approx. 350 km | 5-hour drive)
Today you’ll be driving at a maximum altitude of 4,700 metres above sea level. You’ll still be travelling exclusively on tarmac roads, but you’ll cross one of the highest mountain passes in the Andes: the Paso de Jama. This lies at an altitude of over 4,400 metres, taking you right across the Salinas Grandes salt flats. The route you’ll be taking today is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular in South America. You’ll pass majestic volcanic peaks and small mountain lakes, where large flocks of flamingos and groups of vicuñas gather to feed. After crossing the border between Argentina and Chile, you’ll enter the Atacama Desert, the driest place on earth. During the descent, you’ll enjoy views of, amongst other things, the cone-shaped crater of the Licancabur volcano.
Overnight stay: Noi Casa Atacama | bed and breakfast

Day 7 | San Pedro de Atacama

(approx. 220 km | 7-hour drive)
Today you’ll set off to explore the spectacular surroundings of San Pedro de Atacama. You’ll also encounter challenging unpaved stretches for the first time today. You’ll set off very early in the morning, before sunrise, for the El Tatio geyser field. Loosely translated, El Tatio means ‘godfather’. The geyser field is situated in the Andes Mountains in northern Chile at an altitude of 4,200 metres. With more than 80 active geysers, El Tatio is the largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere and the third largest in the world. It is a fantastic spectacle, especially at sunrise. The steam creates contrasting colours in the form of columns in the world’s highest geothermal area. You’ll walk along the trails through the geothermal field. After your visit to the geyser field, you’ll return to San Pedro de Atacama, where you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll head to the Valley of the Moon, just outside the village, where you’ll witness a stunning sunset. The setting sun bathes the rocky lunar landscape in countless shades of red, which change from moment to moment.
Overnight stay: Noi Casa Atacama | bed and breakfast

Day 8 | San Pedro de Atacama – Tolar Grande

(approx. 360 km | 7-hour drive)
This day is likely to be one of the most intense of the entire trip. You’ll drive around 250 km on unpaved roads. You’ll head to Sico Pass, an unpaved mountain pass with a summit at over 4,000 metres, following a route that was once used to transport trade goods by llama. The Miscanti and Miniques lagoons form one of the most beautiful landscapes, with dark blue water, a cobalt-blue sky, flamingos and majestic volcanic peaks. Once back on the Argentine Plateau, the landscape will change completely. The Labyrinth Desert, a desert of fossilised dunes formed from clay and smelting-spool crystals, is the only marine sedimentary deposit in the Puna. You will stay in the small village of Tolar Grande, one of the most remote hamlets in Argentina.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina | bed and breakfast

Day 9 | Tolar Grande – El Peñon

(approx. 350 km | 6.5-hour drive)
Today you’ll drive along a beautiful route towards the hamlet of El Peñon. The crossing of the Arizaro salt flats resembles the ancient route of the Arians, shepherds who led caravans of animals through Chile. Arizaro means ‘vultures’ graveyard’. This name dates back to the period when many animals died whilst crossing the salt flat, which ultimately provided a rich source of food for the vultures. Mina Casualidad, now a ghost town, was an important mining town until 1979. Its location, at the foot of sulphuric acid-rich mountains and on the edge of the Salar de Río Grande, offers one of the most spectacular views of the Puna. A secondary road, opened by miners searching for copper and gold, will lead you on to Aritca Cone, a pyramid-shaped hill standing in the middle of the Arizaro salt flat. Antofalla is an important and spectacular example of a Puna oasis. In the middle of a dry desert lies a green valley, thanks to a natural source of pure water, full of Alamos, Molles and Suces trees. Antofalla, together with Antofagasta and Santa Rosa, was an important stopover for llama caravans, linking this part of the Andes with the Atacama Oasis. The oasis lies right on the edge of the world’s most extensive salt flat, between red mountains and lava flows.
Accommodation: El Peñon Hosteria de Altura | bed and breakfast

Day 10 | El Peñon

(approx. 130 km | 4.5-hour drive)
Your adventure today begins on the outskirts of Campo de Piedra Pómez, as you reach the Carachi Pampa basin. It is a strange yet beautiful landscape formed by eroded rocks. The rock seen here (pumice) was formed during a volcanic eruption in which molten lava, containing a large amount of gas, cooled so rapidly that the gas bubbles did not have time to escape and remained trapped within the rock. The volcanic explosion that took place here was so powerful that, had anyone been able to witness it, it would have resembled the mushroom-shaped cloud produced by an atomic bomb. The Puna wind – a dry, harsh wind that has free rein in this barren landscape – erodes the rock, creating bizarre rock formations. An impressive landscape. You’ll drive on to a strange landscape of white labyrinths and sand dunes, which is yet another remarkable sight. You’ll return to El Peñon to enjoy the sunset there.
Overnight stay: El Peñon Hosteria de Altura | bed and breakfast

Day 11 | El Peñon

(approx. 150 km | 8-hour drive)
You will visit a high-altitude Andean lake: the Laguna Grande reserve, a place of unique beauty that harbours fragile environmental treasures. It is a salt lake situated at an altitude of 4,150 metres, along a route leading to the crater of the Galan volcano. This volcano was first discovered a few years ago and, with a crater measuring no less than 34 kilometres in diameter, Galan is considered the largest volcano in the world. In winter, the water freezes completely, but in spring it becomes the largest gathering place for Puna flamingos, also known as the lesser flamingo. It is also the summer habitat for the Andean flamingo and a breeding ground for the southern flamingo. You will then visit Cerro Galán, one of the largest volcanic craters in the world and the largest in the Andes (measuring 34 by 24 km). The crater has walls reaching heights of up to 5,000 metres and a central peak of 5,912 metres; the crater floor lies at an altitude of 4,500 metres. The crater contains a lake, Laguna Diamante, which is home to many flamingos and ducks thanks to the shelter from the wind provided by the crater walls.
Accommodation: El Peñon Hosteria de Altura | bed and breakfast

Day 12 | El Peñon – Cafayate

(approx. 350 km | 6.5-hour drive)
After three days of intense journeys across the Argentine and Chilean highlands with your guide, you’ll return somewhat to civilisation. The tarmac road from El Peñon to the evocative Ruta 40 is a 150-kilometre route through spectacular scenery characterised by a grassy steppe landscape with Paja Brava grass. You’ll pass white lagoons and a deserted, narrow canyon with lush vegetation. At the end of the day, you’ll arrive in Cafayate with its green, sprawling vineyards. You’ll be staying at Viñas de Cafayate, a charming accommodation overlooking the vineyards.
Overnight stay: Viñas de Cafayate | bed and breakfast

Day 13 | Cafayate – Salta

(approx. 190 km | 3-hour drive)
Today you’ll drive back to Salta. The road to Salta is one of the most scenic routes in north-western Argentina, offering stunning views. You’ll pass through four different ecosystems, from the lush Yungas to an arid desert. From Piedra del Molino at 3,500 metres to Salta’s Valle de Lerma, where you’ll see condors soaring in the deep blue sky, as well as guanacos and wild donkeys amongst thousands of cardones, the local protected species of cactus. After about a 3-hour drive, you’ll arrive at your accommodation.
Overnight stay: Finca Valentina | bed and breakfast

Day 14 | Salta – Puerto Iguazu

In the afternoon, you’ll drive to Salta Airport (approx. 15 minutes’ drive), where you’ll return your car and board your domestic flight to Puerto Iguazu. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by one of our local staff and taken to your hotel. Iguazu National Park, in the north-east of the province of Misiones, is a region of wide rivers, reddish clay, a mild subtropical climate and a vast collection of gigantic, ancient trees. These well-preserved areas, situated on the border between Argentina and Brazil, comprise pristine subtropical forests and are home to over 2,000 species of plants and 400 species of birds, mammals and reptiles. Over the coming days, you will enjoy the famous Iguazu Falls, a magnificent natural wonder situated on the border between Brazil and Argentina. The sheer scale and beauty of these falls often defy the human imagination.
Accommodation: Hotel LOI Suites | bed and breakfast

Day 15 | Puerto Iguazu – Foz do Iguaçu

After breakfast, you’ll visit the Argentine side of the falls. When you look straight down into the ‘Garganta del Diablo’ (Devil’s Throat) from above, you’ll immediately understand how this section got its name. Here, nature reveals its true nature. It really is a unique experience to stand so close to this waterfall. You’ll end up getting soaked, mind you, but nature will see to it that the sun dries you off again! Afterwards, you’ll be taken to your hotel in Foz do Iguaçu, on the Brazilian side of the falls. Foz do Iguaçu lies on the border of the tri-border region of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Here, the Iguaçu River plunges into the Paraná River via no fewer than 275 waterfalls. With an average height of 80 metres, the Iguaçu Falls are wider than Victoria Falls, higher than Niagara Falls and, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful spectacles in the world. The lush green national park in which the waterfalls and Foz do Iguaçu are situated adds an extra dimension to this magnificent spectacle. The entire area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your charming hotel is the only accommodation situated in the Brazilian section of Foz do Iguaçu National Park with a direct view of the falls.
Overnight stay: Belmond das Cataratas | bed and breakfast

Day 16 | Foz do Iguaçu

As your hotel is situated within the nature reserve, you’ll also have the chance to view the waterfalls after closing time, once the other visitors have left. We recommend visiting the waterfalls in the morning, as the light reflecting off the water is at its most beautiful then. As the sun rises, rainbows appear on all sides. A path leads all the way down to the base of the thundering cascade, with several beautiful vantage points along the way. Today, you can explore the waterfalls on the Brazilian side at your leisure.
Overnight: Belmond das Cataratas | bed and breakfast

Day 17 | Foz do Iguaçu – São Paulo – Paraty

Today you’ll fly from Foz do Iguaçu to São Paulo and be transferred to your hotel in Paraty. The journey takes you along one of the most beautiful routes in Brazil. From the top of a mountain plateau in the Serra do Mar mountain range, you’ll travel through the Atlantic Rainforest. You’ll travel along modern motorways, passing through the town of Mogi das Cruzes on your way to the coastal town of Bertioga. This is certainly one of the most spectacular descents in Brazil. Whilst surrounded by tropical rainforest, you’ll have views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s well worth stopping here for a moment to enjoy the unique view. Once you’re back on the road, you can take in the natural beauty of this route: mountains, forests, bays, beaches, islands, rivers and waterfalls! In Paraty, you’ll be staying at Pousada Literaria, an elegant pousada situated in the colonial centre of Paraty. The pousada has a lovely atmosphere that reflects the art and culture of Paraty.
Overnight stay: Pousada Literaria | bed and breakfast

Day 18 | Paraty

Today’s programme features a relaxing boat trip. Paraty has 65 small islands off its coast and many beaches of unparalleled beauty. The lush vegetation surrounding the bays lends the whole area a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere. The waters are perfect for snorkelling. During this boat trip, you’ll visit three islands, spending around three quarters of an hour on each to snorkel or simply enjoy a swim in the lovely water. The exact locations where the boat stops will depend on the weather conditions.
Accommodation: Pousada Literaria | bed and breakfast

Day 19 | Paraty – Rio de Janeiro

From Paraty, you’ll be taken to the ‘Marvellous City’, Rio de Janeiro. You’ll be staying at Mama Ruisa, situated in the Santa Teresa district. This small-scale boutique hotel is an oasis of tranquillity and sophistication in the bustling metropolis that is Rio. From the hotel’s lush green garden and various rooms, you’ll enjoy spectacular views over the city and the famous Guanabara Bay. Hotel Mama Ruisa exudes a typical ‘Carioca’ atmosphere. In the evening, you’ll get to know the Cariocas’ nightlife. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll visit Rio’s less touristy spots featuring live music. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the informal culture of Rio’s nightlife. Which spots you end up visiting is a surprise, but you’ll visit at least two places, which could range from a small pub, an outdoor samba party, or a public stage with live music (such as samba or forró). You’ll enjoy watching the Cariocas dance so beautifully.
Accommodation: Mama Ruisa | bed and breakfast

Day 20 | Rio de Janeiro

Today you will visit Parque Lage, an old sugar mill dating from Brazil’s colonial era. The gardens surrounding the sugar mill form part of Tijuca National Park, situated on the slopes of Corcovado Hill. The estate is surrounded by lush Atlantic rainforest. You’ll make a short stop at the Tijuca Forest, the largest and most picturesque urban forest in the world. Here, you’ll visit, amongst other things, the Cascatinha waterfall, which was depicted by the famous French painter Nicolas Antoine Taunay. You will visit the ‘fairy forest’ and the gardens of Tijuca’s secluded Mayrink Chapel. You’ll walk along a path leading to the summit of the 693-metre-high ‘Pedra Bonita’. From here, you’ll enjoy a stunning panoramic view of, amongst other things, the Barra da Tijuca coastline, the Gávea rock, São Conrado beach and the Tijuca Forest. You’ll end the day with a boat trip to Ilha da Gigóia, where you’ll find mangrove forests and a variety of wildlife, including capybaras, caimans and many species of bird.
Accommodation: Mama Ruisa | bed and breakfast

Day 21 | Rio de Janeiro – Amsterdam

Your unique journey through Argentina and Brazil comes to an end today. You will be taken to Rio de Janeiro airport, where you will board your intercontinental flight to Amsterdam.

Day 22 | Amsterdam

You will arrive in Amsterdam today.