Brazilian and Argentinian Adventure
Trip highlights
- Seek out the sights and learn the samba in Rio de Janeiro
- Witness the dramatic Iguassu Falls up close
- Explore the distinctive districts of Buenos Aires
- Dance the famous tango with expert Porteños
- Gain insight into the culinary traditions of Argentina
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Private transfers
- Private tours and experiences
- Full support from your travel designer and concierge
- Help with restaurant recommendations and reservations
- Days 1–4 Rio de Janeiro
- Days 4–6 Iguassu Falls
- Days 6–9 Buenos Aires
- Days 1–4 Rio de Janeiro
- Days 4–6 Iguassu Falls
- Days 6–9 Buenos Aires
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Three days in Rio de Janeiro
The ‘Marvellous City’, Rio de Janeiro, is yours to discover on a myriad of cultural, historial, culinary and activity based tours. As Brazil’s second-largest city, it’s often mistaken as its capital for the richness of culture found here.
Explore the colourful streets, which host the famous annual carnival, enjoy the breathtaking views from Corcovado Mountain where at 710 metres high the statue of Christ is surrounded by wide, open terraces where you can get unbeatable vistas of the city; the southern neighbourhoods of Copacabana and Ipanema, the lagoon, the Sugar Loaf and the town of Niterói.
There will also be time to stroll and relax on the famed Copacabana Beach and hear the incredible historical stories of the city. Learn about art and culture in Santa Teresa and the tales of Brazilian gold leaving the old port bound for Europe.
Where you could stay
Rio de Janeiro
Overview
Located at the best end of Copacabana beach (adjacent to Ipanema) the Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema is one of the best beachfront hotels on this strip. Rooms are high quality having been recently refurbished in a modern style with the luxury amenities that you expect in a 5 star hotel.
The views from the hotel are stunning and many of the rooms have balconies. The rooftop pool is a great place to unwind and the hotel’s restaurant is one of the very best in the city.
→ Find out moreRio de Janeiro
Overview
An iconic hotel for an iconic city, the Copacabana Palace is synonymous with Rio de Janeiro and is very much a destination in itself.
The rooms, facilities and service here are truly first class and you will feel very special lounging in the beautiful pool area, which is one of the most elegant in all the city.
The hotel is a short distance from the more fashionable districts (Copacabana no longer being the top of the pile) and you may find yourself making a short taxi ride to the best restaurants, bars and beaches.
Service at the Copacabana Palace is the best in the city.
→ Find out moreRio de Janeiro
Overview
The Fasano Rio is the most stylish hotel in Rio. Set on Ipanema beach front and designed by Phillipe Starck, this is a stunning property. The Fasano brings an air of understated cool and luxury that has been somewhat lacking in some of the other beach-front hotels in Rio.
The rooms are immaculately decorated with a combination of period pieces, original artwork and chic-modern style. We recommend the Deluxe sea view category or above. Each has a private balcony with views out to sea and king size beds with Egyptian cotton sheets and goose down pillows. For that extra touch of luxury and pampering, there is also butler service.
The facilities include an excellent bar, perhaps the city’s best seafood restaurant and a stunning rooftop infinity pool.
→ Find out moreRio de Janeiro
Overview
Set in the charming old colonial neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, this hotel offers a different approach to the Rio experience away from the high rise beach hotels. The location up on the hill offers a great viewpoint from which to admire the city and an oasis of calm in which to relax.
The hotel has full spa facilities, beautifully decorated rooms, and a great pool area. Formally a colonial farm house, the building has been carefully restored and converted with its history in mind and a light modern touch; using old woods and natural fabric but cut with clean modern lines. Rooms are also equipped with all modern comforts that you would expect in a contemporary luxury hotel.
→ Find out moreRio de Janeiro
Overview
Emiliano Rio enjoys one of the city’s most coveted locations, right on Copacabana Beach. It is contemporary and cool, and embodies everything that is so wonderful about this South American city.
There are 90 suites and apartments, many of which have balconies and beautiful ocean views. Decor is simple and elegant, the light bright colour scheme perfect for enhancing the blue skies and golden sands that surround the hotel.
Emile Restaurant specialises in carioca cuisine, using local, small scale producers to showcase the best of the city. Sip a cocktail at the Emile Bar then head up to the rooftop for light, healthy bites and a dip in the beautiful swimming pool that looks out over Copacabana.
There is an incredible spa located on the 11th floor offering a range of revitalising treatments as well as space to simply uwind and relax.
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The Explorer
The Dancer
Rio city tour
Meet with your Carioca guide for a bespoke city tour covering the Santa Teresa neighbourhood, often referred to as the Montmartre of Rio. Then, the centre, with narrow 19th-century streets with magnificent Baroque churches and the ruins of the old port. Of course you must visit Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain, Rio’s most famous attractions.
A samba class
Samba is the national dance of Brazil, a high-energy Latin dance, known most commonly from the dancers at Rio carnival. Some of Brazil’s best samba dancers will teach you some basic samba moves that you’ll be able to use later that day.
Two nights by Iguassu Falls
Enjoy this stunning natural wonder of the world, Iguassu Falls on a range of exciting tours like boat safaris or hikes through the surrounding national park. You can also experience kayaking trips, canopy zip-line adventures, specialist hiking trails and bird watching. A full day tour of the falls is essential, and this will take part in Argentina, however, the views of the falls from Brazil are spectacular. You’ll enjoy some free time to walk along the paths, surrounded in lush jungle, to see Falls on the Brazilian side.
Where you could stay
Iguazu Falls
Overview
Awasi Iguazu, a member of Relais & Chateaux, can be found on the banks of the river just 15 minutes from the famous waterfalls.
There are 14 spacious villas sat on stilts spread among the jungle, all positioned to ensure the utmost privacy while still being within easy reach of the main lodge. Each villa has its own plunge pool, outdoor shower and large living area.
A private guide and 4WD vehicle will be assigned to each villa, letting you explore at your own pace, visiting where you want, when you want, and for however long you want. Working with renowned biologists, a series of excursions have been created that go beyond the falls. Visit archaeological sites, trek through the jungle, head out bird watching, take a boat ride for a sunset picnic and much more. Return from your days out exploring the beautiful surroundings for a drink at the main lodge’s bar and long, relaxed meals in the restaurant.
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Iguazu Falls
Overview
The Melia Iguazu is the only hotel within the grounds of the national park on the Argentinean side of the Falls.
It has 169 modern rooms of a good standard – some of which feature views of the falls – which are only a short walk away.
There are a wide range of dining facilities, with the ‘Garganta del Diablo’ restaurant one of the best in the area, as well as swimming pools, spa and a gym.
→ Find out moreIguassu Falls
Overview
Actually inside the national park on the Brazilian side, this luxury property is ideally located. Walking out from the lobby one can hear the thunder of the falls and the hotel is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest.
The hotel has been recently refurbished throughout to a high standard and in keeping with the colonial mansion style of the hotel’s original design.
The hotel has large rooms with high ceilings, hard wood flooring and period style furniture. There is a large pool area in the rear to relax at with a drink after a day exploring the falls.
→ Find out moreExplore the Falls
A private tour of Iguassu Falls with an exhilarating boat trip
Meet your guide and together begin your exploration, mostly on foot, of the Argentine side of the Falls. Your tour will take place on the maze of pathways, bridges, platforms and viewpoints.
One of the most spectacular sights of the falls is the Devil’s Throat, which sees the largest flow of water and is reached by a short train journey. For those who want to stretch their legs, there’s the one kilometre ‘Sendero Verde’ walking trail. The walkway built over the Upper Iguassu River crosses several islands before reaching a strategic and dramatic lookout that rests on the side of the dramatic Devil’s Throat.
Three nights in Buenos Aires
Spend your time relaxing and exploring the wonderful city of Buenos Aires. Here you’ll set off on a tour of the colourful and history rich districts, which gave this city the moniker ‘The Paris of South America’.
While you’re here you will get the chance to soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful city, grab a partner by the hand to step in time to a tantalising tango and before you know it, you’ll have worked up an exceptional appetite. You’ll then conclude your journey with an indulgent exploration of traditional Argentinian cuisine.
You will also have our top recommendations for activities, restaurants and shopping so that you can make the most of your time here. Remember, we can always organise one of our privately-guided tours, personal shopping trips, wine tasting or even a trip out of the city to the surrounding Pampas region. Feel free to discuss your options with your travel designer.
Where you could stay
Buenos Aires
Overview
Hub Porteño is a historic property set on a quiet street in the heart of Recoleta, and feels more like a home than a hotel. There are just 11 rooms, bright and spacious and filled with antique furniture and more recent pieces from local artisans.
The hotel’s rooftop terrace is a beautiful spot with outdoor seating nestled among the lush greenery – a real city centre oasis. Here you can relax with a drink from the bar and a bite to eat or simply sit back with the morning paper. La Pecora Nera Grill specialises in new Argentinian cuisine while the cosy living room is the place to enjoy drinks and snacks.
There is also a wellness centre with a sauna, gym and treatment room.
→ Find out moreBuenos Aires
Overview
The Alvear Palace Hotel opened its doors in 1932 and has remained one of the city’s most iconic hotels ever since. Located in the exclusive Recoleta neighbourhood, everything about the Alvear is incredibly well thought through with lots of little touches that make it a really special place to stay.
The hotel’s 192 rooms and suites are impeccable designed with a mix of Empire, Louis XV and Louis XVI styles. Sumptuous fabrics and elegant furnishing are complimented by decorative arts and paintings by Argentinian artists. The larger lounge suites offer butler service so you can make the most of your stay.
Enjoy sophisticated French cuisine at La Bourgogne, and a decadent afternoon tea in L’Orangerie before sampling an expertly mixed cocktail at the lobby bar, which has long been a meeting place for well-known members of Buenos Aires society. Enjoying a tipple at the rooftop bar is also not to be missed, with its spectacular views over Alvear Avenue.
When you’re not out exploring all that the Argentinean capital has to offer, relax and unwind in the spa, wellness area, fitness centre and rooftop pool with adjoining pool bar.
→ Find out moreBuenos Aires
Overview
Located on the banks of the Río de la Plata River in the trendy Puerto Madero district, the cosmopolitan Alvear Icon Hotel is a modern high rise with fabulous views over the city.
There are 159 luxurious rooms and suites, all spacious, bright and stylish with marble bathrooms, warm fabrics, specially designed furniture and state-of-the-art technology.
The Icon is something of a dining hub with four restaurants. The Grand View, up on the 31st floor, looks out over the river and skyline, while Glitter is South America’s first deluxe glatt kosher restaurant. Milk & Co is a Kosher dairy bar with a delicious menu inspired in classic family recipes and the Sunny Yard is a relaxed venue for breakfast and lunch. There are also four bars.
A spa and wellness centre can be found on the 19th and 20th floors and includes a heated pool with retractable roof, sauna, steam bath, beauty salon, gym and a yoga room.
→ Find out moreBuenos Aires
Overview
Perhaps the best luxury hotel in Buenos Aires, the Four Seasons is really very suited to the luxury traveller. With beautifully decorated and well equipped rooms and communal areas, the sense of quality and refinement is pervasive throughout the hotel. They also have by far the best pool area in the city which has a strict guests only policy.
Service, as you might expect, is absolutely first class making this the hotel of choice in Buenos Aires for many visiting dignitaries and celebrities.
→ Find out moreBuenos Aires
Overview
The Faena Buenos Aires is a striking design hotel in the waterside neighborhood of Puerto Madero, the brainchild of local empresario Alan Faena and designer Philippe Starck.
The hotel is located in the restored El Porteño building, an enormous silo built in 1902 that produced grain for post-war Europe. The decor encapsulates the grandeur of the belle epoque that characterised Buenos Aires at the turn of last centrury. A red, black and white colour scheme runs through the hotel teamed with exposed brick walls and concrete pillars that hark back to its industrious past.
Rooms and suites are filled with eye catching touches such as hand embroidered throws and filifree mirrors and feature huge windows which look out over Ecological Reserve, the parks, Río de la Plata and the quaysides of Puerto Madero.
Eating and drinking at the Faena is a real treat. Enjoy fine dining at Bistro Sur where the menu is inspired by the finest seasonal Argentinian produce, or opt for something more casual at El Mercado which is inspired by the country’s famous cantinas and the open air markets of Europe. The Library Lounge is an intimate space filled with antique books and crysal chandeliers, while El Cabaret, inspired by the city’s 1920s tango clubs, is where you can catch the award-winning show, Rojo Tango.
The hotel also features a spa, fitness centre and an outdoor pool.
→ Find out moreMake it mine
The Tour
The Dancer
The Foodie
The Foodie
The Four Balconies City Tour
Explore the city’s most distinctive districts on a private tour with your expert guide, gaining a fascinating insight into its history, politics, art, architecture and culture. You’ll visit the foundation site of the capital at Plaza de Mayo, the oldest districts of Parque Lezama and La Boca, before moving on to Plaza San Martin and Retiro. Finally, the sophisticated neighbourhood of Recoleta, whose buildings and avenues were inspired by the French; it’s also home to the world-famous Recoleta Cemetery and Evita Peron’s Mausoleum.
An evening tango lesson and milonga
This evening you will enjoy a tango lesson to learn the basic steps of this sensual dance, synonymous with Buenos Aires before visiting a milonga to dance as the locals do. A milonga usually takes place in a tango club or coffee shop, or sometimes even outside in a plaza – a beautiful way to spend a summer evening. Dances of all levels join the milonga so it’s possible to watch some truly beautiful dancing as you sample a snack or enjoy a glass of red wine.
Alejandro Frango’s Argentine cuisine
Enjoy an introduction to the culinary traditions of Argentina on a tour of the Art Deco Mercado del Progreso, a local market rarely visited by tourists in the charming neighbourhood of Caballito. Here, your culinary expert and all-round local character, Alejandro Frango will teach you about the cuts of meat, wine, fruit, cheese and other daily products and how they are bought and sold. Following the market tour, you’ll sit down for a lovely lunch at a small but fantastic restaurant little known to newcomers.
Start planning
your adventure
How it works
- Simply click ‘Start Planning’ or give us a call.
- We’ll get in touch within 24 hours and work with you to perfect the details of your trip.
- Sit back and relax while we plan a bespoke itinerary for you.
Why book with Jacada
Pesonalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.