Inclusions
- Return International Flights
- Daily breakfast at all hotels
- 3 lunches
- 2 nights accommodation at 4 Star in Asunción
- Full-day Golden Circuit Tour featuring Basilica de Caacupé, Ypacarai Lake & Yaguaron Church
- 1 night accommodation at 4 Star in Encarnación
- Visits to historic Jesuit Missions at San Ignacio Guazú, Santa María de Fe, Trinidad (UNESCO), and San Ignacio Mini
- 3 nights accommodation at 5 Star in Iguassu Falls
- Full-day tours of Argentine and Brazilian sides of Iguassu Falls
- Exciting Macuco Safari boat ride under the falls
- Visit to Parque das Aves (Bird Park) in Foz do Iguaçu
- 3 nights accommodation at 5 Star in Rio de Janeiro
- Full-day Rio de Janeiro City Tour including Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf & Tijuca Forest
- Professional English-speaking local guides throughout
- All entrance fees to monuments, national parks, and attractions as per the itinerary
- Domestic flight from Iguassu Falls to Rio de Janeiro
- Border crossing assistance between Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil
- All airport transfers and intercity travel in comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicles
You'll Love
- Exploring Asunción’s colonial charm, from historic landmarks to the elegant Government Palace and Independence House.
- Discovering Paraguay’s Golden Circuit, where baroque churches, sacred basilicas, and serene lakes reveal the country’s spiritual soul.
- Visiting UNESCO-listed Jesuit Missions like Trinidad and San Ignacio Mini — remarkable remnants of South America’s colonial past.
- Standing in awe before the thundering Iguassu Falls, viewing them from both Argentina and Brazil for the ultimate experience.
- Feeling the adrenaline rush of the Macuco Safari boat ride, taking you right beneath the roaring cascades.
Overview
Discover the beauty, history, and spirit of South America on this fascinating journey through Paraguay and Brazil. Begin in Asunción, Paraguay’s capital, where colonial charm and cultural heritage come alive through its historic landmarks and grand architecture. Travel along the Golden Circuit, visiting baroque churches, traditional villages, and the spiritual heart of the country at the Basilica de Caacupé.
Continue south to Encarnación, home to the remarkable Jesuit Missions of San Ignacio Guazú, Santa María de Fe, and Trinidad — all testaments to Paraguay’s 17th-century religious legacy and now UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Next, journey to the world-famous Iguassu Falls, a natural masterpiece shared by Argentina and Brazil. Experience the sheer power of these falls from both sides, walk along scenic trails, and feel the thrill of the Macuco Safari boat ride that takes you close to the cascading waters.
Your adventure concludes in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, where golden beaches, lush mountains, and samba rhythms create an unforgettable atmosphere. Visit Christ the Redeemer, ride the cable car up Sugar Loaf Mountain, and enjoy a traditional Brazilian churrascaria lunch before relaxing at leisure on the iconic Copacabana Beach.
Blending culture, history, and nature, this tour offers a truly immersive experience of South America’s most enchanting destinations.
When/Date
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Asunción Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided city tour of Asunción, exploring both its modern and colonial quarters. Highlights include the Independence House, the National Cathedral, the Government Palace, the National Heroes’ Pantheon, and the old railroad station, home to one of the world’s oldest continuously running wood-burning locomotives. The rest of the evening is free to relax or explore the city at leisure.
After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion through Paraguay’s scenic countryside known as the Golden Circuit. This fascinating journey takes you through the Central Department surrounding Asunción, where history, spirituality, and tradition intertwine. Visit Baroque Franciscan churches, the Basilica de Caacupé (Paraguay’s most important religious shrine), the tranquil Ypacarai Lake, and the charming resort town of San Bernardino. Continue to Paraguari and Piribebuy before arriving at the magnificent Church of Yaguaron, a masterpiece of baroque art. Enjoy lunch en route and take time to browse local handicrafts before returning to your hotel in Asunción.
Today, depart Asunción and travel southeast toward Encarnación, a drive of approximately 230 miles. En route, stop to visit two significant Jesuit Mission towns. The first is San Ignacio Guazú, founded in 1609, featuring a beautifully preserved cloister, an impressive museum, and original clay portico walls. Continue to Santa María de Fe, founded in 1647, where the excellent museum displays sacred art and colonial relics from the Jesuit era. Along the way, you’ll also visit traditional handicraft and ceramics workshops. Lunch will be served en route. By afternoon, arrive at Hotel Papillon, located near the Trinidad ruins, and settle in for the night.
After breakfast, visit the Jesuit Mission of Trinidad, one of the most remarkable mission sites in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although never fully completed, its vast church and carved stone façades reflect the grandeur of Jesuit architecture. Later, cross into Argentina at Posadas and visit San Ignacio Mini, another well-preserved Jesuit mission restored by the Argentine government. Following your visit, continue north for approximately 180 miles to reach Iguassu Falls. Upon crossing the border into Brazil, meet your Brazilian guide and transfer to your hotel, the luxurious Hotel das Cataratas, situated within Iguassu National Park.
Today, explore the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls, offering a close and thrilling perspective of this natural wonder. Walk along the network of elevated boardwalks that bring you face-to-face with the thundering cascades, including the spectacular Devil’s Throat viewpoint. The falls, shared by Argentina and Brazil, consist of over 275 separate waterfalls plunging into the Iguazu River. Surrounded by lush rainforest, the area is home to colorful birds and exotic wildlife. Lunch is included during the excursion before returning to your hotel on the Brazilian side.
After breakfast, enjoy a different perspective of the falls from the Brazilian side, where sweeping panoramic vistas reveal the full majesty of this natural spectacle. Take the scenic walkways that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, and then experience the thrilling Macuco Safari, a motorized zodiac ride that takes you close to the base of the Macuco Falls — a true adrenaline rush! Afterwards, visit Parque das Aves, a beautifully maintained bird park featuring hundreds of tropical species from across South America. Lunch is included before returning to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro, the “Cidade Maravilhosa.” Upon arrival, you will be met and escorted to your hotel, the legendary Copacabana Palace, located on the world-famous Copacabana Beach. The afternoon is free to relax, stroll along the beachfront promenade, or enjoy a refreshing drink at a seaside café.
Today’s full-day excursion reveals the highlights of this vibrant city. Begin with a journey through the lush Tijuca Forest, followed by a scenic cogwheel train ride up Corcovado Mountain to visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Enjoy the panoramic views over the city and Guanabara Bay before continuing to Sugar Loaf Mountain, ascending via two-stage cable car to the summit for another spectacular perspective of Rio’s skyline. Lunch will be served at one of Rio’s famous churrascarias, where you can savor an endless variety of grilled meats and Brazilian specialties.
Enjoy a full day at leisure to experience Rio at your own pace. You might choose to relax on the beaches of Copacabana or Ipanema, explore the boutiques of Ipanema, visit the colorful Santa Teresa district, or take an optional excursion to the historic downtown or the botanical gardens. The day is yours to soak in the rhythm and beauty of this dynamic city.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Rio de Janeiro International Airport for your onward flight home, taking with you wonderful memories of Paraguay’s heritage, Iguassu’s natural splendor, and the vibrant spirit of Brazil.
