Total Solar Eclipse Tour Destination: Argentina & Brazil
TravelQuest last journeyed to these two beautiful countries in November 1994 to experience the total solar eclipse of the Sun. A quarter-century later, we look forward to once again sharing some of our favorite highlights, from the beaches and samba rhythms of Rio de Janeiro to the cosmopolitan elegance of Buenos Aires to some of the world’s largest waterfalls at Iguazu – which you’ll view from both Argentina and Brazil on platfo ...Show more
When you land in Rio de Janeiro (airport code: GIG), our TravelQuest representative is on hand to arrange the easy transfer to your hotel. For the balance of the day, take a stroll on Copacabana beach – right outside your door – and explore this justly celebrated city on your own.
Now it’s time to get an entirely new angle on Iguazu – during a full-day visit on the Argentine side of the falls. Crossing the Brazil-Argentina border by motor coach (with some brief immigration formalities), we ride a scenic railway into the park, then walk a nature trail just above the fast-moving Iguazu River. Our destination is the most dramatic section of Iguazu, the Devil’s Throat, where you can look right down into the massive rush of water cascading over the canyon walls. From that lifetime highlight, you head straight on to another: After lunch we change into our swimsuits and then drive through rainforest to the river’s edge, where we board specially outfitted inflatable powerboats for an excursion to the underside of the falls. Starting out in calm waters, we cruise slowly upriver into the roiling base of Iguazu, snapping photos – and getting marvelously wet – as our boat passes through swirling clouds of spray. Don’t worry, the tropical daytime temperatures combined with the river’s warm waters keep things comfortable. The thrill of passing right through the world’s largest waterfalls is an experience you’ll never forget.
Today we fly from Iguazu via Buenos Aires to the resort town of San Carlos de Bariloche, in Argentina’s pristine Patagonia wilderness. Our hotel offers excellent views of the nearest mountain peaks, Cerro Lopez and Tronador, while the surrounding landscape is dotted with beautiful glacial lakes such as Moreno and Nahuel Huapi.
This morning we venture into the wilds around Barlioche, exploring the shores of Nahuel Huapi on winding roads and trails beneath the snowcapped peaks. After lunch, we visit an Alpine-style village founded by German and Swiss settlers, where you’ll find shops selling locally made crafts, outdoor apparel and artisanal chocolates. In the evening, join us for an expert briefing on tomorrow’s total solar eclipse.
We take advantage of this morning to discover Manaus, learning about the large-scale rubber cultivation that made Brazil one of the world’s richest countries during the 19th century. After lunch, we board our river cruise ship (either the Amazon Clipper Premium or the MV Otter) to begin our journey up the Rio Negro. And then in the evening, we set off from the ship in boats to explore remote tributaries, accompanied by an otherworldly chorus of Amazon wildlife.
Rising early, we once again head out in canoes, scanning the trees along the river’s edge for a diverse array of tropical birds, including parrots and toucans. Later, join us for a rainforest walk, with more chances to spot exotic wildlife while breathing in the scents of jungle flowers, succulent fruits and towering hardwood trees. Enjoy a swim off the ship before lunch, then relax on deck as we navigate through Anavilhanas National Park, one of the world’s largest freshwater archipelagos. Once again, our canoes enable us to venture deep into the labyrinth of waterways, encountering an amazing profusion of flowers, birds and aquatic life.
