Exploring Icons in Argentina and Brazil

Recoleta cemetery is a wonderful place to wander with stately pillars, ornate gravestones and elaborate crypts. Keep your eye out for Eva Peron's final resting place, one of the most evocative in the cemetery. You can explore antiquities of a different kind in the cobbled San Telmo, boasting the largest flea market in the city with artisanal craftwork, oil paintings and chandeliers. Last stop is La Boca barrio (neighbourhood), alive with brightly coloured facades and energetic buskers. This afternoon, take a whirl around a traditional milonga (tango dance floor) where you can learn the basic moves with an expert. It's a perfect warm up for a night on the tiles.

On landing, a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel at the foot of the mighty Iguazu Falls. After checking in, spend time exploring the tropical walkways and cascades of water. Those who want to relax can soak up the jungle chorus from a poolside sun lounger and then sip on a caipirinha as the sun goes down.

After breakfast, your naturalist guide will take you to the Argentinian side of the falls, arguably the more striking side. Take a gas-propelled train up to its highest and most impressive waterfall circuit, the Devil's Throat, where you can marvel at its sheets of thundering water from a 3,600ft high catwalk. Your guide will take you around a number of nature trails where you may come across raccoon-like coatis, exotic-looking butterflies (there are around 700 types here), iguanas and toucans. You'll also be able to get close to the falls and feel the sheer force from a viewing platform. Be prepared to get wet.

Your hotel has access to the walkways before the national park opens so you can savour its breath-taking sights all to yourself before your private transfer to Iguazu Airport. Fly to Rio and on arrival, a private chauffeur will take you to the city centre where your beachfront hotel awaits. Spend the rest of the day lying by the rooftop pool, caipirinha in one hand, book in the other or take a stroll along the tiled promenade and soak up the stylish carioca beach life.

Your savvy private guide will whisk you to the base of the Corcovado Mountain to board the funicular train that ascends through jungle-clad scenery - keep your camera at the ready. At the top, the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue stands 2,330ft tall and you can revel in panoramic views of the city hugging Rio's hilly contours. Descend to the Santa Teresa district to lap up its artsy vibe and brightly tiled Selaron stairs. We recommend stopping for a cold beer and feijoada (meat and bean stew) at one of the charming local restaurants. Your day ends with a cable car ride up the Sugarloaf Mountain, another of Brazil's picture perfect landmarks. Arrive just in time to watch the sun set over the crescent bays below.

This morning your guide and driver will take you into the hills to hike along a lush network of trails frequently visited by monkeys and colourful butterflies. As you weave around the mountainside, you'll be treated to glorious views of the sprawling city below and glistening blue sea. The summit, offers the best panoramas of all, over rolling emerald greenery and Rio's white beaches. After spending some time soaking up the sights, head to the neighbouring Vidigal favela for unparalleled insight into community life while you navigate the maze of alleyways and steep hillside houses.

Once a coastal hideaway frequented by the likes of Brigitte Bardot, today this former fishing village still evokes 60s-era St Tropez. Check in to your boutique hotel by the sea and enjoy a fresh fish lunch overlooking turquoise waters. Heaven.

There's a beach for every style and mood whether you want to wind surf, canoe or simply swim in tranquil seas. One day you may like to take a boat trip along the coast stopping for dips in the warm water. We can also organise a beach buggy for you and delicious picnic lunches should you want to venture to the more remote coves on the peninsula. Or go for a saunter into town and treat yourself to a chocolate crepe. It's a people-watching paradise and although its streets can become busy, no need to fret, we'll reserve tables at the best restaurants for you.