Argentina & Brazil
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Sept 17 - Oct 1, 2013
Amazing is the best way to describe this trip, with the
incredible diversity of destinations and amount of territory covered!
It all started in Manaus in northern Brazil. There we took a private city tour, the highlight of which was a visit to Teatro Amazonas opera house. We later boarded a 16-cabin riverboat for a 4-day Amazon safari. We were very surprised we would be awakened at 5:30 each morning, but the sun rose early and it was good to beat some of the heat and get started on what would be a minimum of 3 daily adventures. Most of our touring was in our group’s dedicated motorized canoe and in it we navigated various tributaries of the Amazon. Our guide and boatman worked tirelessly to maximize our wildlife viewing. We saw frogs, pink dolphins, squirrel monkeys, sloths, caimans; toucans, canaries, parrots, macaws, vultures, woodpeckers, egrets, herons and other birds; giant ants, beetles, caterpillars, a tarantula and more. Early one morning we fished for piranhas, which we later fed to the dolphins. On land we took a jungle walk and visited an indigenous village. On board, we were treated to buffets at every meal; the delicious food was typical of the region, simple, yet well-seasoned and varied. And here we were introduced to—and fell in love with—Brazil’s national drink, the caipirinha! The cruise culminated at the Meeting of the Waters where the black Rio Negro and sand-colored Solimoes join to form the Amazon. The crew did nickname us the Amazonas……. At our next stop, Rio de Janeiro, we stayed at Copacabana where our Sunday morning walk revealed a slice of life at the beach! We toured several neighborhoods and ascended Sugar Loaf Mountain where we had panoramic views of the city. We also rode jeeps up Corcovado Mountain where the clouds parted just long enough for us to see and photograph the Christ the Redeemer monument. We continued on to Iguassu, Brazil and Iguazu, Argentina where we viewed the incredible Falls from both countries. Several of us took a helicopter flight for a breathtaking overview of the entire area. Our hotel rooms had a lovely view of the falls as well. Our final destination was Buenos Aires. We were introduced to this beautiful city with a private half-day tour that showcased public squares and parks and the impressive architecture; we also spent (not enough) time in the colorful La Boca district. On a separate day, we took an Eva Peron tour which focused on the museum that documents her life as well as Recoleta Cemetery that contains her tomb. We went on a day trip to a working estancia (ranch) where we were treated to a scrumptious asada (assortment of grilled meats) lunch. We were entertained by the gauchos’ horse-riding skills and games, rode horses and toured the grounds. We also day-tripped to Colonia, Uruguay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site a 1-hour ferry boat ride across Rio de la Plata. Most of the group took a private Jewish Heritage tour that chronicled the 1992-94 terrorist attacks on the Israeli embassy and an institute of Jewish culture. It took us to the Jewish district, Once, with its shops, synagogues, community center, museum and still lively garment district. In the evenings we attended a wine and tapas tasting featuring the Mendoza wine region, a dinner at a supper club in a private home, and a tango show complete with private lessons! Even 5 days weren’t enough to explore this city. In all we covered over 3000 miles and visited 3 countries. Everyone’s favorite portion seemed to be the Amazon, but it was difficult to compare since each destination was so unique and special. Our appetites whetted, we’re ready to see more of South America. |