Laid-back Montevideo is home to nearly half of Uruguay’s population. The relatively small capital is the nation’s only major city, yet visitors do not come here in search of the hustle and bustle of a large metropolis. It is said that Montevideanos themselves travel to Buenos Aires and São Paulo when they crave big city excitement. As Uruguay’s cultural, political and economical center, the city boasts a good number of monuments, museums and impressive architecture.
Experience the extraordinary natural beauty and wildlife of South America during this memorable journey to Iguazú Falls ~ one of the great natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 80m high and 3km wide, the Iguazú Falls span the border between Argentina and Brazil and is made up of many cascades that generate vast sprays of water producing one of the most spectacular waterfalls known to mankind.
The Iguazú River Delta is located in the center of a sub-tropical forest spanning 457,000 acres and possesses unique characteristics that have made it an important economic and ecological reserve for its neighboring countries. On this overland adventure you will visit the northeastern section of Argentina - an area that is inhabited by over 400 different varieties of birds and marks one of the most beautiful landscapes of the world.
Note: There is extensive walking at Iguazú, the pathways can be uneven in places, and you are very likely to get wet from the spray of the falls.
Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
DAY 1
Disembark in Montevideo and transfer to the airport for a flight to Iguazú falls via Buenos Aires.
Upon your arrival at Iguazú, you will be transferred to the National Park.
The name Iguazú means Great Waters in Guarani. This natural wonder is taller than Niagara Falls, twice as wide and combines 275 falls in a massive, magnificent cascade stretching for nearly 1.7 miles. Situated on the border between Argentina and Brazil, its waters pass over lush, sub-tropical greenery.
Proceed to a prime location close to the falls where the group will enjoy an exclusive set up of cocktails.
Next, take a ride on the Iguazú Eco-Train to visit one of the wonders of the world, the impressive Garganta Del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). At sunset, this may be one of the most breathtaking sights you may see during your tour – this is where the Iguazú River crashes down almost 80 meters, usually forming rainbows!
Finally, head over to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 2
After breakfast at your hotel, return to Iguazú National Park where you will walk along the upper and/or lower catwalks, discovering the falls from several different vantage points.
Following a buffet lunch inside the park, enjoy a motorized boat cruise (zodiac adventure ride) which allows you to view the falls from water level and get close enough to feel the spray and energy created by this great mass of falling water. Please note that you may get extremely wet on the zodiacs depending on how close your boat gets to the falls. Along the way, your guide will explain all about the trees, birds, falls and more.
Note: Dry bags are provided for belongings. The zodiac loading area is not accessible to wheelchairs. There are approximately 100 steps down / up to reach the boats with no ramps. The zodiac tour is optional and any guests wishing to remain ashore can do so. There are shaded areas and benches to sit on throughout the park. Guests may wish to carry some dry clothing or bring a bathing suit to change into after this adventure.
After the tour, walk back to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for a flight to Montevideo via Buenos Aires.
Once in Montevideo, transfer to Punta del Este where you will re-embark the ship. The drive is approximately 2 hours.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1 – timings below are subject to actual flight times
10:30am Disembark in Montevideom Uruguay and proceed to the airport
11:45pm Flight from Montevideo to Buenos Aires, Argentina (flight details TBA and subject to change)
TBA Arrival in Buenos Aires and possibly change planes
TBA Flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazú , Argentina (flight details TBA and subject to change)
4:00pm Arrival at Iguazú and transfer to the National Park
4:30pm Cocktails at the falls
5:00pm Eco-Train to Garganta Del Diablo
TBA Proceed to your hotel for check-in
8:30pm Dinner at your hotel
Overnight at Melia Iguazú Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 2
7:00am Buffet breakfast at your hotel
8:30am Return to the park and visit the lower and upper circuits
12:00pm Buffet lunch inside the park
2:00pm The Great Adventure Navigation – motorized zodiacs
4:00pm Return to your hotel
8:00pm Dinner at your hotel
Overnight at Melia Iguazú Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3 – timings below are subject to actual flight times
7:00am Buffet breakfast at your hotel
7:30an Check out and transfer to the airport
9:00am Flight from Iguazú to Buenos Aires, Argentina (flight details TBA and subject to change)
TBA Arrival in Buenos Aires and possibly change planes
TBA Flight Buenos Aires to Montevideo, Uruguay (flight details TBA and subject to change)
TBA Arrival in Montevideo, collect luggage
TBA Transfer to the pier in Punta del Este (2-hour drive)
TBA Approximate arrival at the port and re-embark the ship
Expected Weather:
Seasons in South America are exactly opposite of those in North America. Rain can fall at any time of the year, and you should expect a hot humid climate. The average high is 90°F /32°C and the average low is 65°F /18°C during the summer months.
What to Bring:
Light loose clothing, swimsuit, comfortable, rubber-soled shoes and a light rain jacket are recommended, as there is quite a bit of walking involved at the Falls. You are very likely to get wet from the spray of the falls.
Local Currency:
The official Argentine currency is the Peso. USD are accepted in most places.
Electricity:
220 volts A.C. (50 Hz). We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for electronic devices.
Luggage:
As you will be flying on a domestic flight, the luggage restrictions are as follows:
5kg/11lbs of carry-on luggage
15kg / 33lbs of checked-in luggage
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which the cruise line nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required
Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality for any of the countries visited on this program.
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time or incorrect names on flight tickets will result in either denial of travel or ticket re-purchase and guests will be responsible for any fees incurred.
Accommodation:
Gran Melia Iguazú
Ent A Parque Nacional Iguazú S/N, N3370 Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina
Phone: +54 3757 49-1800
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If a similar hotel is required it will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change in advance. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests
•2 nights at the Gran Melia Iguazú – Falls View Room with breakfast daily
•Lunches and dinners including wine and non -alcoholic beverages
•Cocktails by the falls
•All transfers with English speaking guide
•Excursion to Argentine Falls with Devils Throat
•The Great Adventure Navigation – zodiac tour
•Eco-Train ride
•Economy class flights per the itinerary – direct flights not guaranteed
•Local escort for the duration of the program
Land Program Excludes:
•Any meals or beverages not listed above
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Excess or overweight luggage fees on flights
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
•Visa fees if required
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
