During our adventures, we'll also be crossing time zones. December through May is the wet season and the climate is very hot and humid, so also during the time we'll be visiting, Manaus is 1 hour behind New York, Rio de Janeiro is 2 hours behind New York (when it's noon in New York, it's 10am in Rio), and both Iguazu Falls and Buenos Aires are also 2 hours behind of New York (when it's noon in New York, it's 10am in Iguazu Falls and Buenos Aires). It's a little confusing, but the time differences are not that big which makes them more manageable.

MANAUS

BUENOS AIRES

Packing can be a bit challenging when traveling to different climate zones covered in this tour. In addition, there are so many great souvenirs to bring back with you from Brazil and Argentina, that it's good to have some space left in your suitcase. For domestic flights in Brazil and in Argentina, each passenger may check luggage weighing a maximum of 50lbs. For carry-on luggage, weight should not exceed 22lbs and the sum of its dimension (height + width + length) should be 45in at most, otherwise you will be responsible for paying the overweight luggage fee. You do not need any formal clothing for this trip. Some people like to dress up when they are visiting high-end restaurants, but this is optional. Since we'll be walking quite a bit, especially in Rio de Janeiro, you should pack your most comfortable walking shoes to bring with you. For navigating the walkways along the Iguazu Falls, shoes with good traction which also dry fast will be quite useful on the slippery and wet surfaces. Although it will be winter in North America, it will be spring in Brazil and in Argentina when we visit, so you should bring adequate sun protection and pack for a warmer climate. Also, don't forget a hat to protect your head from the strong equatorial sun and a pair of binoculars, as well as mosquito spray for the Amazon. For both the Amazon and the Iguazu Falls, an inexpensive raincoat will be a good item of clothing to have with you.

Visitors from the US, Canada, Japan and Australia need a valid passport, but visas are not required for Americans, Canadians, Japanese or Australians visiting for less than 3 months. Your passport must be valid for at least the dates of travel. 

Visitors to Argentina require a current passport, valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and with a minimum of two blank pages. Citizens of the US, Canada, and Australia do not require a visa to enter Argentina.

Before traveling abroad it's a good idea to make two photocopies of your passport, your driver's license and your credit cards. Leave one copy at home with a trusted person and another in your suitcase.

This tour starts in Manaus (airport code MAO), and ends in Buenos Aires (airport code EZE).

The tour starts at 1:00 PM, Sunday, December 1, 2024, and your flight should arrive no later than 11:00 AM. If you are prone to jet lag and travel fatigue or you want to acclimatize to the warmer climate, we recommend arriving a day early. We have arranged for individual airport transfers in accordance with your flight arrival time in Manaus, and you will be met by a chauffeur on your arrival.

This tour ends on Friday, December 13, 2024 in Buenos Aires. Most flights from Buenos Aires to North America depart late in the evening from Buenos Aires EZE Airport, you will have the day for individual exploration of Buenos Aires and maybe some last-minute shopping. 

If you need help with booking your flights to Brazil and from Argentina, please feel free to give us a call. Sights and Soul Travels' travel agent: Lisa Francois. You can contact Lisa through her travel portal: https://www.labelletravel.com/sights-and-soul by email: lisa@labelletravel.com or by phone: 252 289-1132.

To avoid paying the single supplement, we offer guaranteed roommate matching, and we will try to match you with a roommate of similar age. Otherwise, there are several single rooms available on this tour, but they tend to fill up early. Please keep in mind that all shared rooms are non-smoking.

The Wonders of Brazil and Argentina tour group is limited to the maximum of 16 women + the tour director. The minimum group size is 10 women + the tour director. In addition to the tour director, the travelers will be assisted by professional local guides and bus drivers, who will accompany the group throughout the tour.

Although malaria in the Amazon is not very common, malaria prophylaxis (usually pills that you take daily) may be recommended by your travel doctor. Vaccination against yellow fever is required if arriving within 6 months after traveling to or transiting countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Panama (even if you do not leave the airport). There have been cases of Dengue Fever reported in Rio de Janeiro, and since there is no vaccine, the most important precaution a traveler can take is to avoid mosquito bites in dengue-prone areas. Try to remain in well-screened or air-conditioned areas, use mosquito repellents (preferably those containing a high level concentration of DEET) on skin and clothing, and sleep with bed nets. For more information, contact your travel doctor or travel clinic. Pack prescription medications in your carry-on luggage and carry them in their original containers, with pharmacy labels, otherwise they might not make it through airport security. Carry the generic name of prescription medicines, in case a local pharmacist is unfamiliar with the brand name. The Brazilian sun is very strong, particularly in summer (the North American winter), and sunscreen of at least SPF 15 should be applied frequently. While in the Amazon, all walks in the forest are accompanied by experienced guides, and most of the wild animals you may encounter are extremely wary of contact with humans; we'll also be in the wilderness, far away from areas where diseases are mostly found and far away from people.

Traveling in Argentina presents no health concerns. Argentina requires no vaccinations to enter the country, except for people coming from countries where yellow fever is endemic, such as Panama (even if it's only the airport to make a flight connection). The beautiful spring (November) blossoms bring with them pollen, and even people not usually affected by plants might be thrown off seasonally and by species of plants different from those in North America. It's a good idea to pack a decongestant with you, or asthma medicine if you require it. Walk defensively. Do not expect buses and taxis to stop for you when crossing the street. Always use a seat belt, even in taxis. Most visitors find that Argentine food and water are generally easy on the stomach. Water and ice are considered safe to drink. Vegetarians should take note that food that seems vegetarian often is not. Many drugs requiring a prescription in the United States do not necessarily need one in Argentina. So if you lose or run out of a medicine, it might not be necessary to schedule a doctor's appointment to get your prescription. Many pharmacies have staff members who speak English. The summer sun is hot and strong. It's best to bring sunblock, though it is available in stores and pharmacies throughout the country.

The tap water in Brazil is increasingly safe to drink. However, as a result of the treatment process it still doesn't taste great. To be on the safe side, drink bottled or filtered water (most Brazilians do). All brands are reliable; ask for agua sem gas for still water and agua com gas for carbonated water. However, you can certainly shower, brush your teeth, or rinse an apple with tap water. While on board the Amazon clipper cruise, the water is perfectly safe. The boat is equipped with a large dispenser of bottled water, kept full for the duration of the trip.

In Buenos Aires in Argentina, the water is perfectly safe to drink. But if you are traveling to more remote regions of Argentina, it's best to stick with bottled water for drinking.

Public toilets are rare in Brazil, except in shopping malls. You'll do better seeking out hotels and restaurants. Toilets in Brazil can be marked in a few different ways. Usually you will see mulher or an M for women and homem or an H for men. Sometimes it will read damas or D for ladies and cavalheiros or C for gentlemen. It's not a bad idea to carry some toilet paper with you as in many public restrooms, the toilet attendant doles out sheets only grudgingly.

Argentine restrooms have regular Western-style toilets, but cleanliness standards of public facilities vary hugely. You can find public restrooms in shopping centers, gas stations, bus stations, and some subway stations. Restaurant proprietors often don't complain if you ask to use the facilities without patronizing the establishment, but buying a coffee or a drink is a nice gesture. There's no guarantee of toilet paper, so carry tissues in your day pack. Alcohol gel and antibacterial hand wipes are also useful for sanitizing. Restrooms are usually labeled baño or toilette. Men's toilets are typically labeled hombres, often shortened to "H" (men), caballeros (gentlemen) or ellos. Don't get confused by an "M" on a door: it's short for mujeres (women), not "men." Damas (ladies) and ellas are other labels for female facilities.

Please keep in mind that some public toilets may require payment, so you should always have some coins in the local currency with you to pay for them.

In the 1980's, Brazil began to acquire a reputation for violence and poverty that forced the government to put serious funds and effort into improving the country's safety. Nowadays, though still not perfect by any means, Rio de Janeiro and Brazil's other big cities have bounced back to the point where they're as safe as other large cities in other countries. Statistically, big Brazilian cities still have very high crime rates, including high rates of violent crime. Most of that crime, however, takes place in the favelas and shantytowns of the far-off industrial outskirts. So unless you go wandering unaccompanied into a hillside favela (not recommended), you're unlikely to be affected. That said, in large centers such as Rio, common-sense rules still apply. Don't flash your valuables, and always have a few small bills ready in your pocket or bag to avoid pulling out your wallet in public places. By all means bring your camera or video camera, but keep it inside a backpack or purse, and only take it out when you want to use it. And though public transit is safe during the day and evening, watch for pickpockets when it gets really packed, and come nightfall, use taxis instead. Avoid dark alleys or deserted streets at night. Perhaps even more importantly, keep your wits about you in traffic! Brazilian drivers show no respect for pedestrians, and there's no such thing as pedestrian right of way. So be very careful when crossing the street, particularly at night when drivers will often run red lights. Also pay special attention when crossing one-way streets; many drivers, especially those who drive motorcycles or delivery bicycles, think that the one-way rule does not apply to them and will happily go the wrong way.

Petty crime has increased in Argentina as a result of the country's economic crisis. Travelers should be especially alert to pickpockets and purse snatchers on the streets of big cities and on buses and trains. You should take care not to be overly conspicuous, walking in pairs or groups when possible. Never walk around with your passport, as to lose it is a major headache. In Buenos Aires, you should never take taxis off the street. You should call for a radio-taxi instead.

Both Brazil and Argentina are fairly safe for women travelers, but as with other Latin American countries, single women and a few women traveling together will undoubtedly attract masculine attention. It's usually rather harmless - Brazilian and Argentine men, it seems, have an insurmountable urge to flirt, but they take rejection well. If you are not interested, just say so or walk away if necessary, and that is usually enough. The downside is that it's difficult for a woman to go out for a drink by herself and not receive attention. If you're not comfortable with this, you may want to stick to higher-end restaurants or hotel bars. Women in groups of two or three often link arms or hold hands as a sign that they are not interested in male attention. At night, taking taxis is safer than walking by yourself. The Metrô in Rio has women-only cars (painted pastel pink) for the exclusive use of women travelers during rush hours.

During the Wonders of Brazil and Argentina tour, we will travel by a clipper boat down the Amazon river, by a private bus, and by plane from Manaus to Rio, Rio to Foz do Iguazu and from Iguazu Falls to Buenos Aires. We also expect to be walking quite a lot, although at a leisurely pace. To be able to fully enjoy the tour and participate in scheduled activities, you need to be able to walk, at a leisurely pace, up to 5 miles on most days in Rio, Iguazu Falls and Buenos Aires, frequently on uneven surfaces. During the Amazon cruise, there will be opportunities to join short hikes through the rainforest. You should be able to stand unassisted for up to 30 minutes, you should be able to climb stairs, get in and out of vehicles, including boats without assistance and manage your own luggage without assistance. During our time in Iguazu Falls, we will walk on uneven surfaces, often wet and slippery. Overall, this trip is not strenuous, although it is filled with outdoor activities in spring weather.

The weather in Manaus and in the Amazon doesn't vary much throughout the year, although December through May is the wet season and the climate is very hot and humid. The average low temperature is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit and the average high temperature is in the low 80's.

Rio De Janeiro has a tropical climate and little variation in weather over the year, with August's high temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit and lows at 67.

Iguazu Falls has a warm, humid, and mostly temperate climate year round with no dry season. The summer months of December through February tend to be hot. Average highs in August reach 77 degrees Fahrenheit, with lows in the high 50's.

Buenos Aires has a humid subtropical climate that is mild with no dry season, and it's constantly moist with year-round rainfall. In Buenos Aires during December average daily high temperatures increase from 78°F to 82°F and it is overcast or mostly cloudy about 31% of the time.

Most cellular phone companies in North America offer worldwide service, including Brazil and Argentina. Check with your cellular phone company before traveling. Internet service is readily available in both countries, and the hotels where we'll be staying will have free WiFi internet access for their guests. There will be no Internet service nor cell phone coverage during the Amazon Expedition part of the tour.

Brazil's electric current varies from 100 to 240 volts, and from 50 to 60Hz; even within one city there can be variations, and power surges are not uncommon. For laptops or battery chargers, bring an adaptor that can handle the full range of voltage. Most hotels do a good job of labeling their outlets, but when in doubt check before plugging in! Brazilian plugs usually have three prongs: two round and one flat. Adapters for converting North American plugs are cheap (R$3) and widely available. The Amazon Clipper Premium and the hotels where we'll be staying in Brazil have American style outlets, so converter is not necessary.

The electrical current in Argentina is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC), so most North American appliances can't be used without a converter. Older wall outlets take European type plugs, with two round prongs, whereas newer buildings take plugs with three flat, angled prongs or two flat prongs set at a "V" angle. Electricity is a hit-and-miss thing in Argentina. Brief power outages (and surges when the power comes back) are fairly regular, so it's a good idea to unplug your laptop when leaving your hotel for the day.

The language of Brazil is Portuguese. If you speak Spanish, you will certainly have an easier time picking up words and phrases. In the large cities you will find people in the tourism industry who speak good English, but in smaller towns and resorts English is very limited. Brazilian Portuguese is very close to Portuguese from Portugal, but if you're looking for study material before you visit, keep in mind that there are quite a few differences between the two.

The official language of Argentina is Spanish, and it is spoken by most Argentines. English is commonly used by anyone working in the tourism or hotel industry, thus you will have little trouble traveling in Argentina. Just speaking a few words of Spanish will make Argentines immediately friendlier and impressed because your attempt implies a respect for their culture.

The official unit of currency in Brazil is the Real (pronounced Ray-all; the plural is Reais, pronounced Ray-eyes) and is made up of 100 centavos. Traveler's checks are not accepted at most shops and hotels, and the best way to get cash is by withdrawing from the plentiful ATMs found everywhere in Brazil. You need to have a four-digit PIN, and you should check with your bank to make sure that your card will be accepted. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted credit cards, and most shops and restaurants will take them - just be aware that you can often negotiate a better price if you pay in cash.

The official Argentine currency is the peso, made up of 100 centavos. Money is denominated in notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 pesos; and coins of 1, 2, and 5 pesos, and 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos. U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Argentina, and often preferred. Some restaurants and tourist focused businesses may have their prices posted in both pesos and dollars. ATMs in Argentina are not reliable and we do not recommend using them. The best option is to bring US dollars with you to use in Argentina. Credit cards are commonly accepted, but some small businesses will give you a better price if you pay cash or they may refuse credit cards altogether. You cannot use credit cards in taxis or at most attractions.

The tips for all group meals at restaurants as well as tips for guides and drivers are included in the cost of your tour. However, gratuities for the Amazon rangers and the cruise staff are not included. The amount is at your discretion, but we recommend $10 - $20 per person per day. When on your own, taxi drivers both in Brazil and in Argentina do not get tipped; just round up the amount to facilitate change. In Brazil, porters get tipped R$1 to R$2 per bag and maids get tipped R$2 per day. In Argentina, porters get tipped $1US to $2US per bag and maids get tipped $2US pe day. Hotel room service usually includes the 10% service charge on the bill. When dining on your own, it's expected that you will leave a 10% tip. At the conclusion of the tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director a gratuity. We recommend $15 per person per day if you feel that her services enhanced your experience of visiting Brazil and Argentina.

Shopping in Brazil is quite an experience, and Rio is most famous for its incomparable beachwear and gemstone jewelry, both of which are exported globally. Other good local buys include shoes, Havaiana flip-flops, arts and crafts, coffee, local music, and summer clothing made with natural fibers. With lots of low-quality merchandise around, the trick to successful shopping in Rio is knowing where to find high-quality items at reasonable prices. Ipanema is Rio's most fashionable shopping district. Its many exclusive boutiques are in arcades, with the majority along Rua Visconde de Pirajá. Copacabana has souvenir shops, bookstores, and branches of some of Rio's better shops along Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana and connecting streets. For cheap fashion finds and Carnival costumes, head to the maze of shopping streets behind the Uruguaiana metro station.

No trip to Argentina is complete without picking up some souvenirs to take home with you, and there are many options. Obviously leather is one of the things that Argentina is most famous for. It's readily available and priced depending on its quality. A tub of Dulce de Leche is a good idea for gourmands. Espadrilles are another popular gift from Argentina. They look good and are very comfortable. A mate set is a unique gift and they go from antique collectors items to mass produced ones. Wine from Mendoza is another idea, as is recorded tango music and urban street art.

Manaus | Rainforest | Amazon Flora | Amazon Orchids | Amazon Fauna | Rio de Janeiro | Buenos Aires | Iguazu Falls | The Guarani Tribe and the Iguazú River | Gaucho Culture | Tango | Mate Ritual | Colonia del Sacramento (Urugway) | Books & Movies 
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