A sunny city square with a tall monument in the center, where locals sometimes dance tango, surrounded by grand historic buildings, including a yellow neoclassical structure and ornate white high-rises under a bright blue sky.

Tango, Samba & Waterfalls

*Example by 4 travelers in 4★ accommodation, low season. Flights priced separately. Get a quote for 1 to 99+ below

Summary - Tango, Samba & Waterfalls

Tours to Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls, Plus Rio de Janeiro: The City of Tango, Tropical Waterfalls, Atlantic Rainforest & Marvelous Rio

On our classic Tours to Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls titled Tango, Samba, and Waterfalls, experience all the best classic Argentina Tour destinations all packed into one!

Highlights

  • Buenos Aires City Tour
  • Tango Show & 3-course Dinner in Buenos Aires
  • Iguassu Falls Tour - from Brazilian & Argentine sides!
  • Historic Port of Antonina
  • Scenic Train Ride through the Atlantic Rainforest
  • São Paulo City Tour
  • Rio de Janeiro City Tour including Sugarloaf & Corcovado Mountains

Included

  • 9-Nights accommodations
  • All breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinners
  • All tours, transfers, entrance fees, and train rides
  • English-speaking tour guides

Sample Itinerary

A large ornate fountain with statues, reminiscent of waterfalls, stands before a grand domed building, surrounded by historic architecture and trees, all illuminated against a clear evening sky.
Day 1

Arrive in Buenos Aires and be warmly welcomed by your guide, then transfer to your hotel. Take some time to settle in then set off on a guided Buenos Aires city tour. Step back in time and visit the historical landmarks of the beautiful Casa Rosada and the bustling Plaza de Mayo where the 25 May 1810 Revolution took place. Spend a few free hours relaxing in a bar or restaurant in the upscale Puerto Madero on the waterfront. On Sundays, there’s also a chance to browse for unique items at the San Telmo Antique market.

A river bordered by trees and docks, with boats docked along the shore and people rowing and riding boats on the water—perfect for a peaceful break during your coast to coast tour under a bright, partly cloudy sky.
Day 2

Get out of the city and head to the lush, verdant Tigre Delta, just a short drive from Buenos Aires. Follow the lead of the locals and enjoy a slower pace of life by lazily coasting along zigzagging rivers and stopping to appreciate the still serenity of the landscape. In the evening, return to Buenos Aires and get ready for a 3-course dinner and authentic Tango Show.

Note: The Delta Tour does not operate on Sundays. Vegetarian options are available at the dinner and tango show.

 

Tourists stand on a boardwalk in Argentina’s Land of Contrast, surrounded by lush greenery overlooking massive waterfalls and a rainbow at Iguazu Falls, with mist rising and forest in the background.
Day 3

Head to the airport for the flight to Puerto Iguazú. Peer out the windows to spy the majestic Iguassu Falls from above. Greet your friendly guide at the airport and be escorted to your hotel. Be astounded by your first glimpse of this Natural Wonder of the World on the Brazilian side of the national park. Embark on a guided visit of Brazil's Iguassu National Park. Study the exhibits at the visitor’s center and board a bus to visit various vantage points that will reward you with a panoramic view of the Falls. Stare in amazement at the Devil's Throat, the grandest waterfall, a roaring cascade of torrential whitewater plunging down an incredible 72 meters.

Several powerful waterfalls cascade down rocky cliffs surrounded by lush greenery. Below, three boats with tourists—many on a Brazil Train Tour—approach the base of the falls, creating white spray in the turbulent, greenish water.
Day 4

Make the most of your final full day in the Iguazú National Park at the incredible Falls. On the Argentine side, experience the sight of the Devil's Throat from a distance. Venture out onto the catwalks that cross the water at the base of the Falls. To get up close to the cascades and be soaked by the spray, step aboard a boat on the Macuco Safari and cruise beneath the water.

A metal railway bridge stretches across a dense, green forest, surrounded by tall trees, lush vegetation, and the distant sound of waterfalls echoing through the landscape.
Day 5

Travel through the heart of the Atlantic Rainforest to Curitiba this morning. Etch into your memory the scenic sight of rolling green mountains, fertile farmlands and a subtropical forest full of Araucária trees. Check into your hotel in Curitiba after the pleasant and leisurely journey.

A person stands indoors, holding up a smartphone to take a photo of scenic mountain waterfalls visible through a window on a bright day.
Day 6

Discover the highlights of Curitiba, Morretes and Antonina in the Serra do Mar region. The full-day tour passes by the popular meeting place of Tiradentes Square, the stately Guaira Theater and the Museum of Oscar Niemeyer. Stop to visit the classic Wire Opera House and leafy, green spaces of Tangua Park, Tingui Park and the Botanical Garden. Next, visit the lovely historic port town of Antonina. Transfer to Morretes and spend a few free hours to explore this tranquil colonial town. Enjoy lunch by the river, a typical tasty barreado of slow-boiled beef and seafood. Return to Curitiba via a tourist class 3-hour train ride through the Serra do Mar passing through lush rainforest and winding around mountains and over bridges.

A sunny city square with historic buildings, a yellow theater, a tall ornate monument with statues, and a large white classical building under a bright blue sky. The lively scene hints at the passionate spirit of tango as cars and people bustle in the background.
Day 7

Arrive in the contemporary commercial hub of São Paulo and explore the largest city in Brazil. During a guided city tour, visit historic landmarks such as Paulista Avenue, the cultural Liberdade Japanese district, the grand Sé Cathedral and the Patio do Colégio where São Paulo was founded by the Jesuits. Discover the busy financial district of São Paulo and appreciate the detailed and striking Art Deco and neo-Baroque architecture.

Tourists gather at the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, under a blue sky with wispy clouds as the sun sets—an unforgettable moment on the Brazil Gold Route or a highlight of any Rio New Years Tour.
Day 8

Wake up early amongst the chaotic excitement of São Paulo before flying to Rio de Janeiro, the "Marvelous City”. Begin with a tour of the Tijuca Forest and the Corcovado Mountain, from where the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue overlooks the city sprawl and the sparkling Guanabara bay. Built in 1922, this imposing statue has been declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

A cable car ascends Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, overlooking lush green forests and blue ocean—a breathtaking view just a short trip from colonial highlights and the famed Brazil coffee region.
Day 9

Explore the highs and lows of the eclectic city of Rio de Janeiro. Follow your guide and visit historical landmarks and golden beaches, then glide up the mountainside in a cable car gondola to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, a granite peak overlooking Guanabara Bay. Enjoy panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro's winding coastline and lush subtropical forests. In the afternoon, relax at your hotel or on the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Finish off your day by tasting tantalizing authentic barbecue at the Churrascaría Palace, a delicious restaurant that offers a fantastic Brazilian BBQ buffet.

Fireworks explode in the night sky above a vibrant, brightly lit city, reflecting over the water with a dark mountain silhouette in the foreground, while distant waterfalls shimmer beneath the bursts of light.
Day 10

This afternoon, depart for home or your next South American destination. This 10-day tour of the highlights of Brazil and Argentina is easily customizable. We recommend taking the journey during Rio Carnival, Rio New Year's, or Oktoberfest. Or, you can add on our Rhythms & Diamonds tour to see Salvador da Bahia.

Tango, Samba & Waterfalls
Start Planning This Tour
Name(Required)
A person in an orange shirt stands outdoors in a green, leafy area, holding a brown hat near their head—capturing the spirit of a fabulous trip through the vibrant landscapes of South America.

Vijayakumar R

"We are back after 3+ wonderful weeks in S America. Fine food, super sights and of course excellent company of classmates from 40 years ago...."
A smiling couple takes a selfie outdoors with trees behind them, a large glacier, and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky on their South American honeymoon.

Jessica Huck

"The highlight was Patagonia and staying at EcoCamp in Torres Del Paine park..."
A fabulous vicuña with light brown and white fur stands on rocky ground in a dry, open landscape with sparse vegetation, capturing an amazing moment in time.

Janet Baker

"We would definitely use SouthAmerica.travel again..."
A group of people stand together posing for a photo with the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and lush mountains in the background, capturing one of their most unforgettable experiences under a bright sky.

Rashmi and Bharati Shah

"Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Amazon, Rio, Copacabana, Iguazu Falls..."
A scenic view of Rio de Janeiro’s Sugarloaf Mountain at sunset, with well-organized boats on the water and city buildings in the foreground. The sky is tinged with pink and purple hues.

Lynn Zhang

"My travel consultant Izabela was very helpful in choosing those beautiful attraction sites...."
A person wearing a hat and blue shirt stands near a turquoise glacial lake, surrounded by snow-capped, jagged mountain peaks under a clear blue sky, capturing memorable moments in nature’s grandeur.

Nancy Schafer

"Hiking on the glacier was one of the highlights...."
A person walks on a sandy beach during their Brazil trip, carrying items, with a large rocky mountain and city buildings in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Archana Manocha

"The tour guides were very friendly and informative and were always on time...."
A group of six people pose together, smiling, in front of the ancient ruins and jagged peaks of Machu Picchu on a bright, sunny day during their amazing trip.

Simonetta Leveque

"The guides really took care of us and did a great job knowing where each person was. They were amazing...."
A train crosses a red bridge over a blue river, with trees and rocky mountains in the background under a clear sky.

Diana Pulvirenti

"Thank you so much for a memorable trip for my mother...."
Six children stand together outdoors on a wooden platform; one child on the left holds a large guitar, and the others stand close by. Surrounded by lush greenery and trees, they look like friends enjoying an awesome trip and sharing a memorable travel experience.

Meng Tao

"The tour guides, and people in South America in general, were very friendly...."

Estimated Tour Price Without Flights

Prices vary according to several factors including: season, number of people traveling, shared vs private excursions, when you book and rooming arrangements. These are from prices based on low season.

We can customize anything for any time of year! Contact us for an exact quote for your trip.

⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐
Budget
From US
$3388
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Basic
From US
$4090
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐➕
Superior 👍
From US
$4756
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deluxe
From US
$5741
Per Person

*Budget generally includes excursions in group, Superior & Deluxe private excursions, & Basic is a best mix (varies by itinerary & excurion)

Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!

⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐
Budget
From US
$3006
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Basic
From US
$3536
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐➕
Superior 👍
From US
$4029
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deluxe
From US
$4990
Per Person

*Budget generally includes excursions in group, Superior & Deluxe private excursions, & Basic is a best mix (varies by itinerary & excurion)

Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!

⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐
Budget
From US
$2821
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Basic
From US
$3265
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐➕
Superior 👍
From US
$3634
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deluxe
From US
$4595
Per Person

*Budget generally includes excursions in group, Superior & Deluxe private excursions, & Basic is a best mix (varies by itinerary & excurion)

Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!

South America Travel Guide PDF Cover Page.
Download your free

South America Travel Guide

Download our FREE South America Travel Guide and get inspired to explore to South America. Browse through 26 pages of travel planning tips and ideas – a great resource for planning your dream vacation.
  • Colorful maps and images
  • Unique hotels within South America
  • Inspiration for cruises, remote lodges and trains
  • Wine, golf and adventure ideas
  • 24 top tours of South America