Argentina & Brazil 15 – 29 August 2018
South America has never been on top of my list and the reason is, it’s too freaking far away. I remembered going to Bolivia a few year back and it was a b*tch to get there. Don’t get me wrong, I had a great time but the flight was more than 25 hours. When I was offered a spot a month prior, I looked at the itinerary and thought to myself, just go and experience this you fool!
Day 1
Got dropped off early at the station and made my way to Sydney airport. Met up with the group and checked in. Our flight was fully booked but still got my aisle seat.
We stopped in Auckland for 2 hours and met up with the rest of the gang then got on to our next 11 hour flight to Santiago. Stopped another 2 hours in Santiago and finally arrived in Buenos Aires after 18 hours in total. The domestic flight was much smaller compared to the long haul one.
LATAM uses Dreamliner aircraft which is less noisy. Touch screen tv with a decent movie selection and a USB input so you can charge your phone or tablet. They also have a power outlet but shared between 2 seats which was a little bit annoying. The seat wasn’t that comfortable so I had little sleep. Food was average and they ran out of wine! How can you run out of wine!!!!!!! My life depends on it ;p
Our guide picked us up from the airport and it was freezing! Our 1st night hotel was at the Eurobuilding hotel. The room was decent and got a view of the city. Some of us decided to go out for a dinner. We wondered around a little bit and found a place where the locals were eating there so we just go ahead with it.
My first dinner had to be steak!!!! Had some wine and they also gave us free small wine to start as well.
Day 2
Woke up at 2am feeling super fresh but went back to bed til 5.30am. Hit the gym for a quick one cus I know that this trip going to be full on and lots of eating!
Breakfast was okay. Not a massive selection. We did the city tour, saw Casa Rosada, visited San Telmo area where there are little markets and shops ( make sure go there on the weekend). Buenos Aires reminds me of Europe so much and their architectures are spectacular!
When we went to La Boca, we stopped by and had some empanadas which was super delish. As soon as when I walked into the street, there was this girl in tango dress that put a hat on me which I declined at first but she forced me anyway. My friend took some pics and the girl ended up asking for 150peso which was about $6. I didn’t want to pay cus I thought it was cheeky of her to do that so I said 50peso but we kept arguing so I just gave her 100peso instead. I really left a bad 1st impression of La Boca but I’m glad it happened as now I can tell my clients don’t fall in the same trap. We walked around for a bit and everything were so colourful.
We then checked out Hotel Madero which the area is up and coming. Very nice area and reminded me of Brooklyn so much. We got the afternoon to rest then headed out to La Ventana for our Tango lesson, dinner and show. The lesson was a lot of fun and I couldn't keep a straight face because I kept laughing. Apparently my tango face is a bit out of date. Then we had dinner which I opted for the empanada, steak and pear in malbec wine with ice cream. Can't really say the meal was amazing but there was free flow wine! The show was amazing and when the lady who sang Don't cry for me Argentina came up, everyone was crying. It was very emotional. I really thought the show was done but it went on for another 30 mins which I thought was a bit too long.
Day 3
We did 2 more hotel inspections, chilled out at La Biela which was meant to be a famous cafe then visited La Recoleta Cemetery where all the rich and important people are buried here. It wasn't spooky and I thought people do really splash out their cash right left and centre to have something amazing there. Around 1pm we checked in at Palo Santo hotel which was so amazing! I wished we stayed here longer :(
I have been eating a lot of meat and wanted to have Japanese or Thai and the hotel happened to do Japanese! If you eat here and get the sushi, make sure to tell the chef not to put the passionfruit sauce. We then head out to the outlet near by which was dog friendly! I walked around for 15 mins and got over it. Walked back to the hotel and got lost for 30 mins. I nearly cry but eventually found it. We had dinner at La Mar which was a nice restaurants, good food with outdoor area and people smoke around you as well.
Tomorrow we are heading to Iguazu fall!
Day 4
We got the free morning so we biked it around the area. If I come back I’d stay around here again. Caught our flight to Iguazu on the Argentina side, checked in to Jardin Del Iguazu hotel and inspected Falls Iguazu hotel. If you are on a budget, Jardin is so so but don’t expect too much.
Funny story - Rosie had to stay in another hotel which it was near the boarder and her phone picked up the signal from Paraguay which they are 1 hour early than Argentina. When we picked her up, she thought she had another hour beforehand! Careful with your timing!
Day 5
Early rise for our Iguazu Fall day trip.
Our guide Ramon picked us up at 9am and only took 10 minutes to the national park. If you do this independently then you'd end up having to wait in the queue to get the tickets where tour guide has access to it straight away.
Once we have gone through the entrance, we saw a few Coati aka raccoon roaming around eating the palm tree's seeds which was pretty cute but they can be aggressive and there were signage everywhere saying not to touch them as they can bite you.
We got to the train station, Ramon picked up the train ticket for us ( first come first served). It was a little chaotic but we all got seats together. The train took 15 mins to the next stop and we walked for another 20-30 mins to the Devil's throat.
Upon arrival, there were like millions of people there and everyone loves to push in for the best pic. I quickly went in, took a few pics and vids and spent 5 minutes just to soak it in. I'm not a big fan of crowd so happy to get out and watch the falls from distance.
I brought my poncho as well but didn't get to use it as it was only sprinkle with mist.
We walked back, stopped for lunch which there were a couple of places to eat. Everywhere was packed with people and hard to find a table. The wait wasn't bad actually, 15 mins max. I had bolognes and a cold beer for lunch.
After lunch, we had a choice of doing both lower and upper circuit but after the Devil's throat, we were tired from the hike and heat so we decided to only do the lower one which was still amazing. I'd personally like the lower one overall as it's less people and you get to see the panoramic view of the falls.
At 4pm, we drove to Iguazu Fall on the Brazil's side and stayed at the Bemond hotel which is the only resort in the National park. Super lux and super cool! If you are going to visit Iguazu falls, do the Argentina side first then Brazil. Stay at the Belmond for 2-3 nights to chill. The experience at the Bemond is unreal. Their staffs really went above and beyond to make our stay memoriable. I'd go back there again! Food were great and you can get cocktail for $10-$15 which is decent for a 5 stars hotel.
Day 6
Thanks to the lovely jet lag, I woke up at 5am again. Went to the gym and at around 6am it started to rain. What amazed me was that the staffs have put umbrella in the corridor so that guests can use it + they heated up the pool. Everything was well thought out!
Breakfast was amaze ball. They also serve champagne as well! Before we checked out, we inspected other room types. You must either stay in the room with the fall view or the plunge pool room!
Our guide picked us up at 12pm for our flight to Rio. Iguazu Fall airport is small and you need to be there 2 hours beforehand even it’s a domestic flight. They have security check before you check in and the line can be super long. There are 4 gates with a few shops. I was a bit hungry so I got Pringles as a snack. Didn’t realised that I got charge $8USD for it and was too embarrassed to return it lol.
Once we have arrived in Rio, our guide picked us up and took us to the Belmond Copacabana. The hotel is super grand but for some reason, I felt different with the staffs here compared to Iguazu Falls. I prefer the room there though. They have also given us a room gift of a Havianas thongs.
After check in, we went for a quick stroll to see the area but had to come back within 30 mins to do hotel inspection.
Day 7.
Time different between Sydney and South America are 12 hours apart which I wake up super early every morning. It's a good thing though cus I get to see more.
This morning I get to see the sun rise in Rio and the view was spectacular!
Started with buffet breakfast and ventured out to see the most iconic Christ the Redeemer. We took the train up. Make sure to sit on the left side so you have 5 seconds of the best view of the city.
When you get to the top, you can hike up for 10 minute to see the famous statue but beware that there are millions of people who want to take the best pic. I only lasted for 15 mins cus I got annoyed with the crowd but still managed to get a few good photos. The best part was seeing how people take their pics lol.
We then went to Escadaria Selarón, world famous steps in Rio. We lined up to take pic where Pharrel and Snoop dog shot their music vid. The art was quite interesting. Walking up to the top only took us 10 mins.
We did another hotel inspection at Hotel Emiliano which was such an amazing hotel. From outside, it looked like a space/weird looking building and once you entered, the design, furniture and everything was out of this world! I love every room, especially their rooftop pool/bar. Oh and every room uses Japanese toilet where the seats are heated and you have both water spray + dryer! Did I mention that every guests have personal butler? E.g. if you are having a sunset cocktail at the roof top and want to have a quick hot bath to relax before you go out, you can simply ask your butler to run your bath for you so you won't have to do it yourself!!!!!
We had an amazing lunch at the Emiliano, then checked in at Windsor California Hotel. Got a welcome champagne with a little drama on the side ;p
It was one of the ladies’ bday so I offered to swap my room with her since she’s on floor 2 where mine was 6. I know I know, I’m amazing.
This hotel also have a roof top pool/bar. Had my long island ice tea and went back to chill in the room. At night we went to Rio Scenarium which is a bar/restaurant in Lapa area. Everyone get given their own bill so they can pay individually. I had a few Caipirinha and did some salsa dancing. None of the girls dance which was a boo boo. I had a lot of fun I must say tonight.
Day 8
We had a free morning so check out Ipanema beach which was much quieter than Copacabana. I think it was more for the local to hang. I personally would stay in Copacabana as you have more restaurants, little bars etc. Did another hotel inspection at Portobay hotel which was renovated last year so everything is newer. The suites are nice and you must try their linguini truffle at their restaurant!
After lunch, we went to Santa Teresa where you can get unique souvenirs by local artist. The area was cute, hip and cool. I wish we had more time to walk around but had to go to the Sugarloaf Mountain for the sunset which was beautiful and something you have to put on your to see list!
Today was our last night and we planned to go out, have dinner and check out the local market but after spending 8 days travelling around, I needed to rest and have some ME time. I got 2 of my fav long island ice tea and spaghetti Bolognese by room service. Ohhhh what a life eh????
Travelling is fun and I have seen so many places in a short period of time but I was ready to come home.
Day 9
Last day, home time! :)
I woke up with excitement cus it's home time! I missed my little fur baby, bed and just being at home.
We went to Havianas shop to change the thongs then did a quick pit stop at one of the beach bar to have our last Caipirinha. After we checked out, we went to the Olympic Boulevard and saw some really cool art. It was nearly 40 degree on our last day!
At 3pm we headed to the airport for our 25 hours flight home.
I was willing to pay for an upgrade but unfortunately our ticket was not an upgradable ticket :( booooooooo
We had a rowdy crowd on our Rio – Santiago flight which annoyed the crap out of everyone. So glad they weren’t coming to Sydney otherwise I’d really loose it. Stopped by Santiago for another 2 hours and didn’t sleep much on my way back to Auckland. When we arrived in Sydney, I was so happy to be home!
Overall,I had a fantastic trip and cannot wait to send clients to Argentina and Brazil!
Thank you once again to Eclipse Travel & Rosemary for this amazing experience!
Summary
Stay
Eurobuilding Hotel, Buenos Aires: 7/10. A little bit run down but overall was comfy to stay.
Palo Santo Hotel Palermo, Buenos Aires : 15/10. Really cool eco-friendly hotel with free bike hire, cool and hip neighbourhood.
Jardin Del Iguazu, Puerto Iguassu: 2/10. Very simple but good for 1 night before you check out Iguazu fall on Argentina side.
Belmond Das Cataratas, Foz do Iguazu : 99/10. I’m in love with this place and now I understand why people love to stay there. The whole experience was unreal. The check in staffs were so friendly, the welcome drink and just having the falls in front of your door step just simply amaze ball.
Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro: 9/10. Perfect location on Copacabana beach. Celebrities love to stay here.
Windsor California, Rio de Janeiro: 7/10. Good location, nice roof top, decent price for room service and drinks.
Activities
Buenos Aires - We did city tours cathedrals, Casa Rosada, La Boca, La Recoleta Cemetery and Tango lesson with dinner and show.
Iguazu Falls on the Argentina - was a lot of fun. Devil’s throat was spectacular. The lower circuit was good as well as you get to see the falls in panoramic view. Would have been great if we had the chance to do the boat ride into the falls.
Rio de Janeiro – Caught the cable up to see the Christ the Redeemer, sunset at Sugarloaf Mountain Ipanema beach, Santa Teresa , Lapa for nightlife and Escadaria Selarón.
Highlights
Staying at the Belmond in Iguazu fall on the Brazil side was out of this world. It was really nice, peaceful and you don’t have any crowd so you can enjoy the view.
The view on top of Sugarloaf was amazingly beautiful. You get to see the whole Rio!
Recommendations
South America is a long way from Australia. It was nearly 25 hours there and back so if you can affort to fly premium or business class then DO IT!!!!
Definitely start Iguazu Falls from the Argentina side first. Your tour guide can get access to the National Park ticket quicker than doing it independently. Get there early and do the Devil’s throat first, lunch, lower circuit and boat trip is a must ( prepared to get wet as you will go into the water fall). Once you are done, try to leave around 3.30pm latest and head to Belmond Iguazu Brazil’s side to catch the sunset. I’d stay here for at least 2 nights in either the Fall Suite or plunge pool suite.
In Rio, stay at Emiliano hotel as it’s very new, modern with a nice roof top pool overlooking Copacabana beach. Guests have their personal butler so if you go for a swim and want a bath later, your butler will do this for you. Netflix is also available.
Santa Teresa is good for unique souvenirs by local artist. Have lunch, walk around and catch the tram down.
Eclipse Travel specialise in South America and Africa. They are a small tailor made wholesaler and each team members are quick, professional, passionate about the destinations and efficient. They use reputable local operators and I cannot recommend them highly enough.
