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The falls are also the international border between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay and from Brazil we slip across the border to Argentina and stay at the Iguaçu Grand Hotel & Casino, simply because it really is the best the area has. The suites that we have reserved are light and airy and the facilities are everything you’d expect

And if there’s one thing you really must do before you die, it’s stay at the Copacabana Palace, slap bang on the beachfront that shares the same name. This iconic hotel surpasses its reputation: dignified, classic, comfortable and possessed of Brazilian style. Everyone will be accommodated in the recently-refurbished original part of the hotel and I defy anyone to take a stroll along the main corridor to check-out some of the former guests’ photo portraits, and not emerge with a broad grin!
The Copacabana is special.

Day 3
To get the most out of a visit to Iguaçu you need to visit the Falls not only from both the Argentina and Brazil sides, but also from above and below.
A short drive will take us to the railhead of the narrow-gauge track from where the miniature locomotive runs down to the board-walk. The path stands 2m above the river and leads out for over 1 Km right to the edge of The Devil’s Throat or “Garganta del Diablo”. To gaze down this waterfall, viewed from such close quarters, is a blend between sheer nightmare and awe-inspiring natural power.  The train returns us to the railhead where we rejoin the coaches to cross back into Brazil, drive around the edge of the gorge and see how things look from the opposite side. 80% of the Falls are in Argentina but the best photos are had on the Brazil side. There’s rather a neat little lift system that takes you right down to river level where we’ll pause for lunch at the uniquely placed Porto Canoas restaurant.
The grand finale of a visit to Iguaçu has to be the Macuco rigid-inflatable boat trip which charges upstream, against the current, right to the foot of the Devil’s Throat. This is an experience! Tons and tons of tropical river water deluging down at such close quarters is a blast to behold! (“wet weather” gear provided).
We return to the Grand and the rest of the afternoon is at leisure until drinks are served at 19:30 in the foyer of the Café Magic, followed by dinner at 20:00 (Dress code: smart casual; no jackets and ties required). The Argentine cabaret that accompanies dinner is based around the strong national tradition of Tango and local music. Tango dancers are on hand and for those lovers of ballroom dance, now’s your chance to dance with a professional.
For after dinner entertainment, the hotel casino is open all night.

Day 5
This morning you wake up in the Copacabana Palace, right on Rio’s, and probably the world’s, most famous beach. After breakfast you have the chance to visit Sugarloaf mountain. This is the rock pinnacle that stands between Rio and the Atlantic Ocean and was made famous in the 1979 James Bond film “Moonraker”. The same cable car still runs and takes you right to the top from where you can get your bearings: at your feet lies the city, stretching away to the west and surrounded by forest and steep-sided cliffs where you will be able to make out the infamous “favelas”; to the east lies the ocean and a scattering of small islands and inlets, all of which form the huge natural harbour of Guanabara Bay, spanned by the 8 mile Rio-Niteroi bridge. From this commanding vantage point we take a short helicopter ride down the coast and across the city to Rio’s other icon, Christ The Redeemer, or “Corcovado” to give it its Portuguese name. From the helipad we use 4x4 jeeps to climb the steep road to the 40 m statue itself. The views from here, looking back to Sugar Loaf, are stunning: few cities in the world share Rio’s natural setting, sandwiched between jungle-clad mountains and ocean.
Instead of returning to Rio, the jeeps take us deeper into the Tijuca forest to a small, secluded restaurant known as “Squirrels” where lunch will be served. For the more energetic, there’s the opportunity to stretch your legs and walk the final 20 minutes along jungle trails to the restaurant.
After lunch the jeeps swing south and east through the forest emerging at Leblon and Ipanema beaches where we pause for refreshment and to watch the hang-gliders launch from the 3,000 foot cliffs and land at our feet, right on the beach.

Day 6
Today is a free day set aside for shopping. Brazil is rich in precious stones and the local Stern’s has a fascinating tour of the workshops where you can see the craftsmen working. But be warned, this tour ends in the showroom and these guys are proficient at parting you from your fist full of dollars!
For those who prefer a steadier pace, the hotel has good facilities and there are a full range of spa treatments. Needless to say, there is the beach just across the road! Bathing is safe, the hotel has its own area on the beach and the attendants will supply deckchairs, umbrellas and towels.
Dinner this evening will be served in a colonial period mansion house just beyond Ipanema on the edge of the Tijuca forest.
The theme is “Carnival” and we have a full performance prepared including music and dance, and there will be two of the winning costumes which are huge, dazzlingly bright and proudly worn. There are a host of other ingredients, but more of that on the night!
“Carriages” are at 1am and for those who wish to continue there are a couple of all-night bars

Day 7
A leisurely breakfast before setting off for the airport for your flight home

Day 8
Arrive home at 07:00AM