TOUR CODE: 46350

GRADE: Ss/D

FEBRUARY 2015 16 days duration 20 Feb - 07 Mar

CLASSIC SOUTH AMERICA Fantastic wildlife and tropical beaches in between two iconic cities

ADK/ADK/JULY 2014 © Ramblers Worldwide Holidays 2014

HOLIDAY INFORMATION TOUR DESCRIPTION: This information is additional to our General Information Booklet, which is enclosed. Brazil and Argentina are huge countries with a myriad of attractions: from the beaches of Rio to the spectacular falls at Iguazú. We will take in some of their amazing highlights. We start in one of the world’s most spectacularly situated cities - Rio de Janeiro (2 nights). We can easily explore the colour and sights of the city, Sugar Loaf and the Corcovado, with its art deco statue of Christ; one of the most easily recognised land marks on the planet. When the hedonism of Rio gets too much we escape to an Atlantic island with a desert island feel, Ilha Grande (3 nights), where we follow lush, steamy forest trails to unspoiled beaches. No roads or wheeled vehicles here so walking is the way to get around. The paths are good and the beaches beautiful. Moving on down the coast we come to the old gold mining town of Paraty (2 nights). Here we have a chance to sample life as it used to be lived. For many the highlight of the holiday will be the visit to Iguazú Falls (2 nights). The Rio Iguazú tumbles over 2 kms of ledges and cliffs: at the heart of it all the Garganta del Diablo is a huge drop which will take your breath away. We will get to see the falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides, each offering a fascinating perspective of this world class natural attraction. From Iguazú we head out into the jungle that surrounds the falls to the Yacutinga Lodge (2 nights) for a classic jungle experience. We leave Iguazú and transfer to a large 4x4 for the journey to Yacutinga, about 80 km’s from the falls. It is well worth the trip as it is one of the most interesting jungle lodges in South America. The emphasis is very much on sustainability; the lodge building makes imaginative use of local materials and is a fascinating place to stay. There is a huge amount to see, take in, learn about and enjoy here. Finally we fly into Buenos Aires for 2 nights allowing us to take in something of the city. It was originally known as 'Santa Maria del Buen Aire' after the good winds that brought the original travellers to this region from the other side of the Atlantic. Renowned for its political dramas and positively alive with atmosphere, the city lies on the southern bank of the River Plate, and is now home to 40% of Argentina's citizens. Little of the original city founded by the Spanish explorer Pedro de Mendoza remains. Modern Buenos Aires was built in the early 20th Century and its centre, as in its colonial days, is the Plaza de Mayo. Following a rally in the square to celebrate independence from Spain in 1810, Argentines have poured into the plaza ever since to celebrate and decry both important national events and the nation's politicians. The Presidential Palace, the 'Casa Rosada' or Pink House, was made famous by the decamisados crying ‘Eva Peron’ in the musical Evita. We will have a guided tour, some free time and souvenir shopping in the capital, with the chance to experience an authentic evening Tango Show before flying home.

ADK/ADK/JULY 2014 © Ramblers Worldwide Holidays 2014

ITINERARY: Day:

Overnight accommodation:

Daily itinerary:

Meals:

Rio de Janeiro

Depart London Heathrow with British Airways on the day flight to Rio de Janeiro. We arrive in Rio late and hence we do not include dinner on the first night. It is assumed you will be tired and want to go to bed.

In flight

Rio de Janeiro

Rio is an iconic city. We will visit Christ the Redeemer at Corcovado and take the Cable Car to the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain. There should be time to enjoy a beautiful and relaxing walk along the coastline. We return to indulge in some free time soaking up the rays and watching the beautiful people on Copacabana Beach.

B, D

3

Ilha Grande

A leisurely start this morning before we drive out along the dramatic coastline and take the short (about 1 hour) boat trip to Ilha Grande and our hotel on the peaceful island at Vila Abraao. There are no cars here and life is as relaxed as anywhere in Brazil. We should have time to enjoy a short walk after dropping our bags at the hotel.

B, D

4

Ilha Grande

5

Ilha Grande

6

Paraty

1

2

7

Paraty

8

Puerto Iguazú

9

Puerto Iguazú

We will walk on some of the many paths that join the beaches and the high points on the island. Nothing gets done in a hurry here and we will fit in with this. We swim from one of Brazil´s most beautiful beaches before taking a boat trip home.

B, D B, D

We catch the ferry back to the mainland and savour a fine scenic drive along the superb Costa Verde on to Paraty. We should arrive early afternoon.

B, D

We make a diverting excursion with the locals on public transport down to the glorious beaches of Trindade for a last chance to walk the coastline and swim before we travel inland.

B, D

We will take a morning’s transfer to Sao Paolo where we catch the flight to our next destination, one of the greatest natural wonders of the Americas, Iguazú Falls (2 nights) straddling the Brazilian-Argentine border. We stay on the Argentinean side of the border but have plenty of chance to see the falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides during our stay.

ADK/ADK/JULY 2014 © Ramblers Worldwide Holidays 2014

B, D

B, D

Day:

Overnight accommodation:

Daily itinerary:

Meals:

10

Yacutinga Lodge

We drive the 80km’s out into the rainforest to get to the Lodge.

B, D

11

Yacutinga Lodge

You will have time to explore the jungle on foot and by canoe in the company of professional guides to help explain the ecology, diversity, beauty and fragility of the jungle during our time here.

B, L, D

12

Buenos Aires

We drive back to Puerto Iguazú to catch the flight to Buenos Aires arriving late afternoon.

B, D

Buenos Aires

A free day. Using the local commuter train we may join the Porteños at the delightful inland estuary of El Tigre, where we can enjoy a boat trip and have time for a relaxed lunch before visiting the converted fruit market, now a bustling craft fair. It may also be possible to visit the attractive town of Colonia across the Rio de la Plata in Uraguay, at your own expense. If you are considering the trip to Colonia please discuss this with your Ramblers Worldwide Holidays tour leader.

B, D

14

Buenos Aires

A full day in Buenos Aires for sightseeing, catching up on some last minute shopping or just to experience the city. A comprehensive guided tour will be offered in the morning. Tonight we also take in an evening ‘Tango Show’.

B, D

15

In flight

Free time before transferring to the international airport for our flight back to the UK.

B

13

16

Arrive London Heathrow.

WALKS AND EXCURSIONS: Each evening the leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. If you do not wish to join in with the suggested programme from a centre, please let the leader know. The holiday consists of a good mix of travelling, walking and sightseeing – it promises to be a great experience. Many of the walks will be fairly short – usually between one and four hours on undulating ground, and taken as a part of a varied daily programme. Much of the sightseeing in cities will also be on foot, and on uneven surfaces. There will be some ascents, although these will not be sustained! On Ilha Grande some of the walking is on paths of soft sand, which provides good exercise when walking.

ADK/ADK/JULY 2014 © Ramblers Worldwide Holidays 2014

TRAVEL INFORMATION: We will travel from London Heathrow to Rio de Janeiro and return from Buenos Aires to London Heathrow with British Airways. Travel within South America is by road and air. Details of your baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. If you are joining and leaving the holiday in South America, it is assumed, unless you advise us otherwise that you will meet the party at our hotel in Rio de Janeiro and leave at the hotel in Buenos Aires. If this is not your intention, please let us know in writing at least 5 weeks before departure. Due to baggage restrictions on flights within Brazil and Argentina, your luggage should be kept to a maximum of 20kg (44lbs). You should be able to lift and carry your own luggage. Although it is short distance from Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport city traffic can mean it can take up to an hour to get to our hotel.

PASSPORTS & VISAS: Please refer to Section 2 of the enclosed General Information Booklet. On arrival in Brazil you will be issued with an entry/exit card, valid for 90 days. Please do not lose this, as it is required for completion of exit formalities. It is advisable to carry a photocopy of your passport with you - the police are liable to ask for identification at any time. For checking into a hotel passports are essential. We recommend carrying your passport in a waist or under-arm pouch. Passport, visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP, or can be obtained from the Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA). In addition, general travel advice is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

LOCAL CURRENCY: Please refer to Section 2 of our General Information Booklet for details. There are no import restrictions for currency in Brazil or Argentina. The currency in Brazil is the Real. ATMs are conveniently located in Rio and Paraty and this is the easiest way to obtain cash. Credit cards are generally accepted at tourist shops, and can be used for buying US dollars from a bank. There will be difficulty exchanging travellers' cheques outside major towns.

ADK/ADK/JULY 2014 © Ramblers Worldwide Holidays 2014

The currency in Argentina is the Peso, however, US dollar cash can be used in many places in Argentina. It is useful to have some local currency as well; as museums, local transport and National Parks will not accept the dollar as payment. US dollars and euro can be changed easily in Buenos Aires, sterling less easily. Please check with your leader as to the best times and places to change currency. ATM facilities are available in Buenos Aires. Most hotels used accept MasterCard and VISA credit cards.

PERSONAL EXPENDITURE All organised excursions mentioned in the itinerary are included in the holiday cost. There is very little additional cost to be paid locally in regards to the noted itinerary, however if you wish to take any optional excursions, or visit sites not mentioned, these will be at your own expense. It is difficult to estimate an allowance for spending money, however about £150-£200 per person for the trip should be sufficient for lunches, drinks, any optional visits, and personal tips. In order to simplify tipping, we strongly recommend that you allow your leader to take care of making sure tips are given to hotel and restaurant staff & to local guides and drivers. This will be done using some funds provided by Ramblers Worldwide Holidays plus, if you wish, a contribution from you, which he/she will collect during the holiday. We suggest an amount of £45 per person for this, although this is a discretionary amount. Please note that the estimation of local costs relating to this holiday is based on currency exchange rates valid at the time of the publication of this Holiday Information sheet. Any fluctuations in exchange rates may impact on this estimation of local costs. Please check with your bank or foreign currency provider prior to your holiday to enable you to plan your spending.

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS: Accommodation is in comfortable tourist class hotels and lodges in twin bedded and single rooms with shower and wc. Electricity supply is generally 110V AC at 50 HZ. Hotel Argentina R. Sen Vergueiro Rio de Janeiro Brasil

Tel: +55 21 2558-7233 Website: www.argentinahotel.com.br

Pousada Recreio da Praia Vila Abraao Ilha Grande

Tel: +55 24 3361-5266 e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ilhagrandeon.com.br/recreiodapraia/

Pousada Conchas de Paraty Rua das Acácias, 11 - Caborê Paraty RJ Brazil

Tel: Web: E-mail:

ADK/ADK/JULY 2014 © Ramblers Worldwide Holidays 2014

+ 55 24 3371-2799 www.conchasdeparaty.com.br [email protected]

Hotel Esturion Av. 3 Fronteras 650 Puerto Iguazu Argentina

Tel: +54 37 5742 0100 Website: www.hotelesturion.com/

Yacutinga Lodge Puerto Iguazu Argentina

Website: www.yacutinga.com E-mail: [email protected]

Hotel Dazzler San Martin San Martín 920, Buenos Aires Argentina

Tel: +54 11 5256 7700 Website: www.dazzlertowersanmartin.com

Breakfasts and dinners are included in the holiday charge. Lunches are not included, (except for two days at the Yacutinga Lodge. Please note meals start with breakfast on Day 2 and finish with breakfast on Day 15. Both Brazilians and Argentineans love steaks and red meat in general. You will see superb quality meat dishes. However times are changing and vegetarians will find more and more choice.

HEALTH & FITNESS Whilst the water supply is fine for drinking you may prefer to drink bottled water. Bottled pure water is inexpensive and widely available in shops, at hotels, and on the coach. Make sure you only buy sealed bottles. Exercise caution with what you eat to avoid upset stomachs and stay away from unpeeled fruit, salads and do not have ice in your drinks. Hot, fresh cooked food, where possible, is best. You should be in a reasonably fit state of health for this holiday. The itinerary involves much travelling, some early mornings and the walking will be of Grade D standard. On some days, when we travel between different centres, travel will take up most of the day. We’ll make frequent stops to stretch out legs and for refreshment on these days. You may wish to visit the website www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk, which is provided by the NHS Scotland, and gives vaccination, disease and malaria and yellow fever advice for this holiday. Using this information in conjunction to speaking with your GP or nurse will help keep you healthy while travelling. In Iguazú rooms are air-conditioned so easy to protect from mosquitoes. In Yacutinga although there is no air conditioning rooms are provided with very effective mosquito netting so windows may be left open for ventilation with confidence.

ADK/ADK/JULY 2014 © Ramblers Worldwide Holidays 2014

CLIMATE, CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT: Please aim to travel reasonably light with a suitcase and rucksack or holdall, for passport, valuables and of course, the essential camera! Lightweight walking boots with ribbed soles are recommended and they should already be worn in. Strong walking shoes may also be adequate. We recommend you take a waterproof jacket, trousers, some long-sleeved shirts, together with thin jumpers, woollen socks, shorts and lighter tropical clothes, swimwear and a towel, small first aid kit and sewing kit are also advisable. In Yacutinga the power supply is not 100% reliable so a torch (ideally a head torch) is essential. As mentioned the rooms are well protected by mosquito nets but strong insect repellent is essential for walking in the jungle The following websites give an idea of the climate of the area: http://www.myweather2.com/ http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/

TRAVELLING LIGHT As we travel between six hotels, and you will have to handle your own baggage, please try to travel reasonably light. You should be able to lift and carry your own luggage. At some hotels, the coach may have to stop some distance short of the hotel entrance due to narrow access roads. Also, within some of the hotels themselves, there may be some long walks between the rooms and entrance area, which may include steps.

PERSONAL SAFETY: When walking around the cities, please take the usual personal safety precautions. Please take sensible precautions such as leaving your credit cards and passport in the hotel safe and avoiding displays of wealth such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches. It’s also a good idea not to carry more cash on you than you will reasonably need for each day. We recommend to all our groups travelling in major cities that a money belt is used as there is the occasional unpredictable problem with pickpockets. We advise particular caution in Rio.

ADK/ADK/JULY 2014 © Ramblers Worldwide Holidays 2014

INSURANCE Please make sure that your insurance for this holiday covers you for guided walking below 2000m.

LANGUAGE: Any knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese would be useful…

MAPS & SUGGESTED READING: Maps and books of Brazil or Argentina may be obtained before departure from specialist map sellers such as The Map Shop 15 High Street Upton upon Severn, Worcs. WR8 0HJ Tel : 01684 593146 Fax : 01684 594559 Website: www.themapshop.co.uk Information can be found on the following websites: Brazilian Tourist Board Argentina Tourist Board

www.brazil.org.uk/tourism/index.html www.turismo.gov.ar/

The “Bradt” guide to Argentina provides very well-researched and interesting background reading for this holiday. Ramblers Worldwide Holidays have especially negotiated a 25% discount on all Bradt guides for you as a thank you for your custom – so please go to the Bradt Guide website www.bradtguides.com and enter the code RWH25 when ordering to claim your discount. Revisions to this Holiday Information sheet Please note that this Holiday Information sheet may be periodically updated and reissued. In most cases any revisions will be minor and the overall nature of the holiday will be unchanged. Should we need to make a major change to the holiday arrangements between you booking your holiday and your date of travel we will notify you to specifically draw your attention to any significant change. You may wish to review the latest version of the Holiday Information sheet online prior to travel. PLEASE QUOTE YOUR HOLIDAY CODE & BOOKING REFERENCE NUMBER IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE. WE WISH YOU AN INTERESTING AND ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY AND WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS UPON YOUR RETURN!

ADK/ADK/JULY 2014 © Ramblers Worldwide Holidays 2014