Brazil to Patagonia
Brazil to Patagonia
Tour Price: $5,295 (Standard) $5,795 (Deluxe Views in Rio & Iguazu Falls)
*maximun 10 people, based on double occupancy, Airfare is not included.
(revised dates)
April 6-20, 2013 – This tour gives you the spectacular Rio de Janeiro scene from chic Ipanema Beach to the Christ Redeemer Statue and Guanabara Bay, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. You’ll also experience the 2.5 mile long, thunderous Iguazu Falls and the magnificence of Patagonia’s Fitzroy Range in one of the worlds most impressive color displays. The tour includes more than just natural wonders; you’ll also experience the rich cultural life and European architecture of Buenos Aires.
Itinerary
4/6/2013 —We leave Denver on 4/6 or meet you in Rio on 4/7.
4/7 —Arrive in Rio de Janeiro early morning.
4/7–4/9 We will stay 2 nights on Ipanema Beach, named after the “Girl from Ipanema”. The favored destination has a magnificent beach and tree lined streets with open air cafes, restaurants and bars.
The photography group, led by Mike David and a private local guide, will spend the late afternoons photographing one of the most epic scenes in the world: Corcovado Mountain, the location of the Christ Redeemer statue looking over Rio De Janeiro including Sugarloaf Mountain. As a possible optional activity, you may join Mike in photographing the famous Christ Redeemer Statue from a helicopter. We will also take a early morning tour with a private local guide around some of the city’s many fascinating neighborhoods looking for some unique photo opportunities. In addition we will take an early morning walking tour around Ipanema Beach, where you will see some very interesting characters to photograph.
The adventure group, led by Connie David and a private local guide, will take a ½ day city tour including Rio’s iconic Sugerloaf Mountain, ride the cable car and enjoy the panoramic view of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You will also do a walking tour of the trend-setting Ipanema Beach area and explore chic shops and galleries. You’ll find the perfect cafe for lunch, and along the way you will not be able to help doing some serious people watching. In addition you may come with the photography group on a late afternoon trip to Corcovado Mountain and join Connie and Mike for one of Rio’s renowned and flamboyant Samba Shows.
4/9 —We will fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina and rest for an early departure to Patagonia.
4/10 This will be a long day of travel. We will get up early and fly to El Calafate, Argentina and visit the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier. Soaring 200 hundred ft. above the water, this indescribable scene will just be a small taste of what is to come as we head out into the remote Patagonian Steppe and the northern reaches of Las Glaciares National Park. Along the way I’m sure we will have some great photo opportunities as you get your first glimpses at the majestic granite pillars of one of the world’s most surreal mountain backdrops.
4/10-4/14 We will stay in the little town of El Chalten, nestled in an area where the wind-swept Patagonian plains meet the jagged granite peaks of the South Andes. This is considered one of the most beautiful places on earth. We will explore the surrounding valleys and Los Glaciares national park at a time when the beach tree forests provide a fiery show of autumns full color. While some photo locations can be reached by road, we will do some easy to moderate hiking involving several hundred feet of elevation gain over some rocky terrain to reach the optimum advantage points. El Chalten is about 1,000ft.
My wife Connie will guide country drives past Patagonian ranches and less strenuous nature hikes to amazing mountain vistas and spectacular canyons with cascading waterfalls. You’ll have opportunities to meet local people and learn about the history of the region. When it’s time for lunch, you’ll find spots to sample the local cuisines. This area is known for open aired grilled meats, especially pork. Pastas and a variety of fish are also local specialties.
4/14 We will leave El Chalten with great regret, I’m sure, only to realize that the adventure is not close to over. We will fly back to back to Buenos Aires, South Americas version of Europe.
4/15 You will have a chance to explore the radiant city of Buenos Aires, featuring the European architecture of the founders and its intense cultural life.
In the early morning the photography group will follow Mike through the picturesque barrios (neighborhoods) including La Boca, known for its rich history and vibrant colors. In the late afternoon we will do a walking tour through the historic architecture of downtown and the famous Plaza de Mayo. There are many interesting characters here, and we’re sure to have the chance to take equally interesting photographs.
The adventure group will follow Connie on a mid-day private half-day tour covering the same areas as the photographers. You’ll have the flexibility to divert to whatever catches your attention. It could be a small dessert shop (Buenos Aires is famous for these) or a boutique, a gallery or a shop. Maybe you’ll decide to sample some Argentine wine, or explore one the grand parks or outdoor markets.
4/16 We will head out on our last leg of this amazing adventure to photograph one the world’s most outstanding shows of nature, Iguazu Falls.
4/16-4/19 For three nights we will stay right inside the Iguazu Falls National Park at the 5 Star Hotel das Cataratas. This will allow us to be in the park when the light is the best and before the tourists arrive. You will indulge in luxury between the times when you’re photographing this paradise of cascading water.
Mike and Connie will lead separate excursions through hiking trails that meander through the sub-tropical rainforest and the jaw-dropping, 350 ft waterfalls. We will pass rainbows suspended in the clouds of spray. We will see colorful butterflies, tropical birds, small animals scrambling through the underbrush and hundreds of species of flora and fauna. It’s one huge buffet of things to photograph.
As an added option, you can join Connie and Mike on a trip to Tropical Bird Park featuring over 500 species of birds. You may decide to restore your body at a posh spa, take a helicopter ride over the falls, a jungle drive, or a boat trip to the base of the falls. The more adventurous can view the falls by rappelling and cable walks over the canopy. There will be an endless variety of the delicious cultural diverse Brazilian cuisines, with fruits and desserts to sample in between.
In the evening you may decide to have a drink and enjoy the live musical entertainment, or just take in the moonlit falls from the fabulous veranda.
4/19 Reality check! we will depart Iguazu Falls and arrive in Denver early in the morning on Saturday 4/21. This will allow you the chance to relax and absorb this once in a lifetime memory before work on Monday.
What is included:
- Ground transportation to and from airports and accommodations, and any workshop and adventure activities in Brazil and Argentina
- Four and five star accommodations throughout the trip. Breakfast is included with the accommodations; however, because of the nature of the photography workshops you will not always be able take advantage of the provided breakfast.
- For photographers – Daily workshops, except for the days we’re traveling with Mike David to explore and improve your photography.
- For Adventurers – Daily tour adventures with Connie David, except for days we are traveling.
- All park entrance fees on any activities that are a part of this tour.
What is not included:
- Additional Room charges
- All air travel, baggage, medical & travel insurance. This is highly recommended. My wife Connie can help you with this: cdavid@e-gia.com GIA Insurance 303-257-5557.
- All food, drink, shows and entertainment. *Breakfast is included with the accommodations on this trip; however because of the nature of the trip you will not always be able take advantage of the provided breakfast.
- Taxis and other ground transportation during your free time and any optional activities.
- Tips and gratuities to airport/hotel porters, drivers, guides, hotel staff, etc.
- Airport fees and all optional extras/other activities including a helicopter tour ,photographers joining guided tours in Rio de Janeiro – Buenos Aires and adventurers joining guided tours in Rio de Janeiro – Buenos Aires.
**Accommodations are based on double occupancy.
Single supplement is $1,650 standard room – $1,985 superior room
Booking Information
Please carefully read and fill out and sign the following forms:
- Brazil to Patagonia PERSONAL INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION FORM – Click here to view
- Brazil to Patagonia Enrollment Information – Click here to view
- ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT – Click here to view
*Adobe Acrobat is required to view pdfs
Return the above forms via mail and send a check for the required deposit. You may also e-mail or call your credit card number, expiration and security code to pay the deposit.
Mike David Photography
9850 Wolff Ct.
Westminster, CO. 80031
TEL: 303-618-0646
mikedavidone@comcast.net
If you have any question please contact Mike David