Discover Argentina & Brazil
8 Apr 2016
Argentina and Brazil are alluring countries that beat to their own intoxicating rhythm - captivating travellers with their vibrancy, mystical natural beauty, enchanting mix of cultures, and unique wildlife and landscapes. Each country is a kaleidoscope of exotic cultures, charming villages and stately colonial cities, spectacular scenery, unique wildlife and wilderness, art, music, dancing, handicrafts and delicious food. The history and heritage of much of Argentina and Brazil is a result of the conquest by the Spanish and Portuguese - today reflected in the strong European influence and culture of its major cities.
Discover one of the largest river system’s in the world with a leisurely canoe trip down the Amazon River or trek through the jungle in the world’s largest rainforest. Enormous and wild, the Amazon Rainforest is considered “the lungs of the earth”. It’s the most diverse ecosystem there is where you can find anacondas, monkeys, butterflies, birdlife and nearly 40,000 plant species. The massive rainforest covers half a billion square kilometres and spans nine countries with 60% of it in Brazil alone. The region contains over 300 indigenous tribes. Incredibly, around 70 of these tribes have yet to make formal contact with the outside world.
Almost a continent within itself, Brazil’s best-known city is Rio de Janeiro. A beautiful city with a stunning expanse of beaches, all overlooked by Sugarloaf Mountain and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Every February, Carnival fever takes over and the world’s biggest party comes to life. A five-day celebration, held 40 days before Easter to mark the start of Lent, it’s an extravagant occasion awash with music, parades, drinking, samba and sequins!
After all that partying, relax in the charming beach resort town of Buzios, known for its historic Portuguese past and crystal clear waters, or travel south to take in the splendour of the impressive Iguassu Falls.
Argentina evokes thoughts of cowboys, the tango and the romance of Evita. A country rich in contrasts, it has a European feel and a people with a true passion for life. With an array of natural wonders, from snow-capped Andean mountain peaks to the Pampean plains where Gaucho Cowboys tend to their herds, in the north lie tropical jungles and Iguassu Falls, whilst the south is home to Patagonia where its monumental beauty lies in deep isolation.
A culture lover’s delight, Buenos Aires is a charming, bustling and sophisticated blend of Spanish, French and Italian architectural styles and is home to the tango. Stroll along café-lined boulevards where the sounds of tango echo from dance halls or shop at designer boutiques in glamorous Recoleta. Dine in a Parilla, famed for their Argentine beef and finish off with popular local drink, Yerba Mate.