LOCALLY ESCORTED SMALL GROUP TOUR
Trip Length: 12 days
Trip Dates:
Nov 18-29, 2010
9 nights in First Class hotels | 20 meals
2010 Rates: $2995 double | $3895 single
Intra-tour flights: $650 (2 flights)
International Airfare is additional
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Salvador Da Bahia
Trip Length: 4 days
Trip Dates: Nov 28-Dec 2, 2010
3 nights in Boutique Hotel | 4 meals
2010 Rates: $625 double | $750 single
Intra-tour flights: $200 (1 flight)
| USA | |
| Arrive Buenos Aires | |
| Buenos Aires City Tour | |
| Buenos Aires San Telmo District & Tango Show | |
| Buenos Aires & Iguazu Falls | |
| Iguazu Falls & Rio de Janeiro | |
| Rio de Janeiro’s Sugar Loaf & Corcovado | |
| Rio de Janeiro | |
| Rio de Janeiro & Paraty | |
| Paraty | |
| Paraty & Rio de Janeiro to USA | |
Arrive USA |
For the gay traveler, there are no two countries more enticing than Argentina and Brazil. If not drawn to the beautiful people or the pulsating, sensual nightlife, then the gay traveler must be drawn to progressive attitude which has emerged very recently. Argentina is a land of extremes, its hectic urban centers contrasting with a staggeringly remote hinterland, and can be simultaneously hot in one region and cold in another. The one common thread is that the people possess a curiosity, passion, and fervor for life, most visible when it comes to football, the national obsession. Evita, the Tango, gauchos and estancias are the country’s clichéd attractions, but what strikes visitors most is that life here is for living – the fast pace only letting up for the afternoon siesta. Belonging to both Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls provides a fitting link of natural beauty between these two countries. Brazil is definitely one of the most attractive, enticing and exciting travel destinations in the world. It is a country delicately shaped by Mother Nature, known for its good-tempered and hospitable people, for the beauty and truly positive outlook on life of its inhabitants.
Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Arrive Buenos Aires Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for immediate check-in. Buenos Aires continues to be a wonderful combination of sleek skyscrapers, ornate friezes and turn-of-the-last-century grandeur - at once ultrachic and tumbledown, up-to-date and firmly planted in the past. Even before the recent financial troubles, there was always a spirit of malaise in B.A., as it is affectionately known locally, which may help explain the devotion to that bittersweet expression of Argentine popular culture, the tango. Performed in the streets, on stages, in cafes, the sorrowful and romantic nature of the dance is integral to the city. Your hotel is 725 Buenos Aires. Tonight we dine in the converted industrial area of Puerto Madero where many fashionable restaurants are located.
Hotel 725 Buenos Aires
Room Standard
Meals Dinner
Our tour will take you to all the major sights: the Teatro Colón Opera House, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Government Palace (Casa Rosada), the colorful La Boca district, the tough port barrio and colorful working class heart of Buenos Aires. The second part of your tour includes a visit to the Recoleta Cemetery, where Evita Peron is buried. You will also visit the Palermo neighborhood, located in the north side of the city. With nearly 350 acres of parks, wooded areas, and lakes, Palermo provides a peaceful escape form the rush of downtown. Return to the hotel. The afternoon is at leisure. You may wish to visit MALBA, the Museum of Latin American Art.
Hotel 725 Buenos Aires
Room Standard
Meals Breakfast
This morning visit the San Telmo District, birthplace of the tango. The area is a masterpiece not just for its soaring wrought-iron interiors, but for the atmosphere found here. Every Sunday, there is a special San Telmo market that opened in 1897. Half of the market is made up of things that locals need -- butchers, fresh-fruit-and-vegetable grocers, and little kiosks selling sundries and household items. The other half is collectibles and items of interest to tourists. Spend some time browsing through the items on sale in the market and in the wonderful antique shops that populate the neighborhood. You may find a treasured souvenir. Return to the hotel. Afternoon is at leisure. This evening depart for Rojo Tango at the fanciful Faena Hotel. Rojo Tango is set a a cabaret designed by Philippe Starck, evoking nostalgic times and showcasing a sensual production full of fantasy. Enjoy dinner and champagne while you watch 5 couples, 2 singers & a 5 piece orchestra perform the most exclusive tango show in Buenos Aires. After the show return to the hotel or go out on the town.
Hotel 725 Buenos Aires
Room Standard
Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer this morning to the domestic airport for a flight to Iguazú. Located near the junction of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, Iguazú Falls is among the greatest waterfalls in the world. There are 275 cataracts in all, stretching 2 miles from bank to bank and reaching a height of 300 ft. Check in to the hotel. After lunch, tour the Argentine side of the Falls. Walk along the upper and lower trails around the spectacular Iguazú Falls, admiring the whole system of more than 270 different falls. Also visit to the Devil’s Throat, the main fall of the Iguazú system, where you will see many species of wildlife such as toco toucans, parakeets, coatis, capuchin monkeys and several species of tropical butterflies. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.
Hotel Panoramic Hotel
Room Garden View
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departure to the Brazilian side of the falls (visa required), considered by most to be the most beautiful view. These falls are shaped in a semicircle 2.700 metres wide and reach 72 metres high. Depending on the river flow, the number of waterfalls can reach between 150 and 300 in number. Take the walkway along the river toward the falls and ascend by elevator. After lunch transfer to the Foz do Iguaçu airport for a flight to Rio de Janeiro. The spectacular beauty of Rio is legendary. This glamorous metropolis is kissed by the sun, scalloped by gorgeous wide beaches, and dotted with dramatic mountains. Yet its history marked it not as a playground but as an important port for the shipment of gold, gemstones, and coffee as well as a seat of colonial power. Transfer to the hotel which is located just opposite the gay beach on Ipanema Beach.
Hotel Ipanema Plaza
Room Superior
Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Depart the hotel and drive through the residential areas of Rio to reach the Urca district, where a cable car ascent is made in two stages to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain. The first stage of the ride goes to Urca Hill, where there are gardens and lookout points. For those who wish to venture even higher, the second cable car goes to the very top of Sugar Loaf itself – 1200 feet above the sea level – for breathtaking views of the sunset, city, harbor, and beaches. Afterwards drive to Cosme Velho to board the funicular railway for a 20-minute climb through Tijuca Forest. As the train climbs Corcovado (hunchback) Mountain, enjoy spectacular views of Rio and the Bay peeking through the dense vegetation. At the top of Corcovado, 2400 feet above sea level, is the majestic, 120-foot high statue of Christ with outstretched arms. The panoramic view is breathtaking. Descend by train again and return to the hotel via Rio’s famous beaches, including Copacabana and Leblon. This evening, dine at a trendy Brazilian “churrascaria.”
Hotel Ipanema Plaza
Room Superior
Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Today is at leisure to enjoy the beach or take optional trips around Rio. You might like to take jeep tour of a “favela” or para-glide over Rio’s famous scenery.
Hotel Ipanema Plaza
Room Superior
Meals Breakfast
Depart this morning for a 3 ½ hour drive along the ocean to the village of Paraty. In 1966 the historic colonial center of Paraty was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To preserve its unique pre-modern character, cars were banished from the old colonial core. In the heart of the city it's pedestrians only. This afternoon, we tour the village and check in to our centrally located hotel, the Pousada Porto Imperial. Dinner is at one of the fun restaurants in town.
Hotel Pousada Porto Imperial
Room Standard
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The region surrounding the city adds much to Paraty's quiet beauty. The hills are still mostly covered in lush green coastal rainforest, and the waters around Paraty, dotted with 65 islands, are tropical turquoise, warm, and crystal clear, perfect for snorkeling, swimming, or scuba diving. Our day is spent amongst these beautiful islands as we sail on a schooner. Stop for lunch on one of the islands and return to Paraty in the late afternoon.
Hotel Pousada Porto Imperial
Room Standard
Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Spend the morning relaxing or strolling through town. After lunch, depart for Rio de Janeiro and, later, to the airport for return flights to the USA. Those taking the Salvador, Bahia extension will fly to Salvador.
Hotel Pousada Porto Imperial
Room Standard
Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Arrive the USA.
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A luxury design concept hotel in the Center of Buenos Aires. All guest rooms are very spacious and designed to provide the utmost comfort. Moreover, 725 Buenos Aires offers a restaurant, spa, swimming pool, solarium, gym, sauna, bistro-bar, a business center and reading room. |
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Originally built in the 1940's and newly redesigned, the Panoramic Hotel Iguazu features colonial architecture with modern decor. Its location is on a hill on the coast of the Iguazu River. From here guests at the hotel can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of three countries: Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. |
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As close to a gay hotel that Rio has to offer, the Ipanema Plaza Hotel is located just across the street from the gay beach and attracts a large gay clientele. This four star hotel is equipped with all the necessary amenities and comforts. |
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The Pousada Porto Imperial, situated in the historical center, has kepts its colonial style full intact, with ambiences decorated in excellent taste. All the 44 rooms have telephone, air conditioning, cable TV, minibar, safe and private bathroom. For the additional comfort of guests, the lodge offers a living room, bar, games and reading room, internal garden, swimming pool with hydro, sauna, room service 24 hours and Sushi Bar. |
Double |
Single |
$2995 |
$3895 |
Intra-tour Flights: $650 additional (2 flights) |
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*All intra-tour airfares are subject to change until ticketed. These flights are in economy class and are not included in the Tour Rates and must be purchased with the tour. |
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Single rates can be avoided if you are willing to share. We will be happy to match you with another single traveler who also wishes to share. If no share is available, the single rate will apply. |
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Special Note - Rates are based on current rates and currency exchange rates at the time of publishing the tour on-line. Rates are subject to change until final payment has been made. |
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Accommodations as listed in the itinerary on bed and breakfast basis Meals as described in the itinerary Arrival and departure transfers for those who purchase international air through Coda Tours. If air is not purchased through us, transfers may be charged additionally Sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary Expert, English-speaking guides to conduct the sightseeing Local or American tour manager on minimum participation Comfortable air-conditioned transportation Domestic water available during sightseeing & touring.
International & intra-tour airfares. Visa and passport expenses. Meals not mentioned in the itinerary. Drinks with meals unless specified. Trip interruption & cancellation insurance. Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes, wireless service and gratuities to guides and drivers.
A Brazilian visa is required for American or Canadian passport holders. Travelers of other nationalities should check with the appropriate Consulate or Embassy for requirements. Please see the bottom of this page for a link to our recommended visa service.
None required or recommended. It is recommended you have your regular vaccinations up-to-date before traveling. For further information, visit the Center For Disease Control website.
Delta Airlines, Tam Airlines, American Airlines, Aerolineas Argentinas are among airlines that can be used for this trip. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to try to use Frequent Flyer Miles for free tickets or upgrades or the American Express Platinum card 2-4-1 program.
All departures are guaranteed on a minimum of 14 participants. A small group charge will be assessed for fewer than 15 travelers. This tour can be operated as a Private Tour, can be customized and repriced based on final itinerary.
Arrive Salvador and transfer to the hotel, A Casa das Portas Velhas.
Hotel A Casa das Portas Velhas
Room Superior
Meals Breakfast
This morning head towards the Cidade Alta (uptown.) On the way stop at the Farol da Barra (Barra Lighthouse) for a panoramic view of the entrance to Baía de Todos os Santos (All Saints Bay.) Continue along the Vitoria Corridor for a look at some imposingly large houses. Arrive in the historical section – the Pelourinho. From a lookout you can observe the lower city and port, the Mercado Modelo and the Lacerda Elevator, connecting the 2 parts of the city. From this point, the rest of the visit is on foot. Crossing Terreiro de Jesus square, visit the Church of Saint Francis (1713), considered to be the best example of Portuguese baroque style and the most magnificent in Brazil. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening you may wish to take an optional Bahian Folk show with an introduction to the Orixás, the principal divinities of Candomblé and Capoeira, a fighting style introduced to Brazil by the African slaves as a means of defense.
Hotel A Casa Das Portas Velhas
Room Superior
Meals Breakfast
Depart from the hotel for a panoramic tour of Salvador. Begin in the Boca do Rio district passing the beaches of Salvador: Ondina, Rio Vermelho, Pituba, Jardim de Alah and Boca do Rio. Pass through the modern section of Salvador near the Convention Center and Antonio Carlos Magalhães Avenue. Continue to Dique do Tororó where you can see the twelve sculptures of the “orixás” (African gods) signed by the artist Tati Moreno. Finally stop at the 18th-century Bonfim Church. Finally visit the Mercado Modelo, where you can shop for Bahian handcraft and lace. Return to the hotel.
Hotel A Casa Das Portas Velhas
Room Superior
Meals Breakfast
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for return flight to the USA.
Meals Breakfast
Hotel A Casa Das Portas Velhas
"A Casa das Portas Velhas" (House of Old Doors) is all about tradition and local culture. The building itself is a XVIII century manor that was restored into a charming hotel. In order to preserve the atmosphere of an authentic manor from the past, the installations feature selected antiques and a very strict art concept, without compromising on comfort. This is literally a house of old doors (a rough translation of the hotel's name), since actual old doors from all over the historic centre were restored and extensively used in the unique decoration.
