Brochure 2015 Hawaii

2015

Montevideo, Buenos Aires & Iguazu Falls a trip visiting Montevideo and Buenos Aires, “the Queens of Plata� and Iguazu Falls, one of the magic of nature, declared as one of the 7-new Wonders of Nature

BUENOSAIRESLABOCACA MINITOSANTELMOTHEOB ELISKRECOLETAPUERTOM ADEROCOLONTHEATREPA LERMO9DEJULIIOAVENUE CAFETORTONIEVAPERON MUSEUMRECOELTACEMETE ERYTHECABILDOGOVERNM ENTHOUSEPLAZADEMAYO CARLOSGARDELTANGOBE LGRANONEIGHBOURHOO DIGUAZUFALLSUPPERCIRC UITLOWERCIRCUITDEVILS THROATFOZDOIGUACUIG UAZURIVERNAUTICALADV ENTUREBOSETTIFALLSALT

WELCOME BIENVENIDOS ALOHA

Sun Tours & Travel Inc. Vacation Planning Specialists since 1987. We perform a full range of worldwide travel services including domestic and international air and rail ticketing, hotel and car reservations, cruise counseling/sales, and land tour counseling/sales. Beginning in 1999, we added a unique specialty‌ visibility, yellow pages advertising, internet searches, and by old fashioned word-of-mouth. We are proud to have a very high percentage of repeat sales, which tells us we are doing things right. Nancy & Lon Eastlund, owner-managers since day one.

South America Celebrity Group 2013

OZ / NZ Group 2006 at Sydney Bridge

Diamond Pricess Group 2011, Asia

about Argentina GETTING TO ARGENTINA All airlines flying to Argentina arrive mainly at Ezeiza (“Ministro Pistarini”) International Airport, which is 37 Km away from the City of Buenos Aires. You can reach the city by Teniente General Ricchieri freeway WHEN TO TRAVEL Remember that in the southern hemisphere seasons are the opposite to those in the northern hemisphere.

In general, the summer is the best time to visit Patagonia and the Southern Andes because of the mild temperatures and long days.

Wintertime is recommended for travelling to the North and Northwest as rains are less frequent and tropical temperatures drop a few degrees. Autumn and spring are marvelous in Buenos Aires, Cuyo and the pre-mountain range areas of La Rioja and Catamarca.

GETTING AROUND

By Plane Due to the country's large size, planes are best to travel long distances, and you can then take overland transportation to get to your final destination. Buying Airpass Visit Argentina in your own country, you'll obtain more economical prices for flights within Argentina. por Aerolíneas Argentinas / Austral, Andes Líneas Aéreas, LADE, LAER, LAN Argentina and Sol Líneas Aéreas operate domestic flights. Domestic flights and flights to Uruguay depart from Jorge Newbery Airport, located to the north of the city beside the Río de la Plata.

SHOPPING VAT return At the airport you may obtain a VAT reimbursement corresponding to any purchases made within the country for an amount over $70 (per invoice) and in shops operating with the “Global Refund” system.

Payment methods Although US Dollars and Euros are generally taken everywhere, foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks and authorized bureaus. American Express, VISA, Diners and Master Card are widely accepted. There may be difficulties in changing traveler's check outside Buenos Aires.

Opening hours Banks and Exchange Bureaus: Mondays to Fridays from 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.

Business Offices: generally from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and from 2.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.

Stores: in the big cities from 9.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m., although in the outskirts and the provinces they generally close at midday. Saturdays, from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

Cafés, cake shops and pizzerias: open most of the time except between 2.00 and 6.00 a.m.

Restaurants: lunch is served as from 12.30 p.m. and dinner as from 8.30 hours. Fast-food menus are served in many restaurants at all times.

TIPS 10% of the amount of the check is usually left in cafeterias and restaurants. Doormen, porters, and ushers in cinemas and theatres are also generally tipped.

GENERAL INFORMATION Documents and formalities Valid passport with or without visa depending on your nationality. Inquire at the closest Embassy or Consulate. Visitors coming from countries not bordering Argentina are exempt from all taxes on travelling articles and new articles up to US$ 300 and an additional US$ 300, if purchased at duty free shops within the national territory. No vaccination certificate is required to enter the country.

TELEPHONE Pay phones work with cards that may be purchased in kiosks and telephone companies' offices, or with legal tender coins. There are also stores with pay phones (open 24 hours a day) where you can pay in cash.

Calling to Argentina from abroad, dial the country code (54) and then the area code of the place you want to call. For domestic calls, dial 0 before the area code. For international calls, dial 00, the country code and city code. Note that tariffs are reduced from 10.00 p.m. to 8.00 a.m.

INTERESTIN FACTS The name Argentina It comes from the Latin term “argentum”, which means silver. The origin of this name goes back to the first voyages made by the Spanish conquerors to the Río de la Plata. The survivors of the shipwrecked expedition mounted by Juan Díaz de Solís found indigenous people in the region who gave them silver objects as presents. The news about the legendary Sierra del Plata - a mountain rich in silver - reached Spain around 1524. As from this date, the Portuguese named the river of Solís, Río de la Plata (River of Silver). Two years later the Spanish used the same name. The National Constitution adopted in 1853 included the name “República Argentina” (Argentine Republic) among the official names to designate the government and the country's territory.

Location, area and frontiers Located in South America, and thus, in the southern hemisphere, Argentina has an area of almost 3.8 million square kilometers, 2.8 on the continent – approximately 54% are plains (grasslands and savannahs), 23%, plateaus, and the other 23%, mountains - and the remainder in the Antarctic. It is 3,800 Km. long and is located between latitude 22º and 55º. Its border with Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile has a perimeter of 9,376 Km, while the territory bordered by the Atlantic Ocean is 4,725 Km long.

Geography Argentina's main characteristic is the enormous contrast between the immense eastern plains and the impressive Andes mountain range to the west. This is the frontier with Chile and boasts the highest peak in the Western hemisphere: the 6,959 m high Aconcagua.

From Jujuy to Tierra del Fuego, the Andes present marvelous contrasts: the Northwest plateaus, the lake region, the forests and glaciers in the Patagonia.

To the north, Chaco is a forested area linked to rivers Bermejo, Salado and Pilcomayo.

Between the Paraná and Uruguay rivers, the Argentine Mesopotamia (provinces of Entre Ríos, Corrientes and Misiones) is formed by low hills, where pools and marshlands evidence the ancient courses of these great rivers. In some places within the subtropical rain forest, there are fissures which provide such spectacular phenomena as the Iguazú Falls. The Pampas, in the center of Argentina, is the largest and best-known area of plains. Agricultural and livestock activities are performed in this area, which includes the province of Buenos Aires, the northeast of La Pampa, the south of Córdoba and south of Santa Fe. To the south, the plains give way to small hills in Tandil and de la Ventana, and to the west, to the Córdoba hills.

Towards the south, from the Andes to the sea, there appear the sterile and stony plateaus of Patagonia, swept by the wind during most of the year. The Atlantic coast, lined with high cliffs, forms massive indentations like the Peninsula Valdés, with its spectacular and unique colonies of sea animals.

about Argentina CLIMATE The country's territory offers a wide variety of climates: subtropical in the North, sub-Antarctic in the southern Patagonia, and mild and humid in the Pampas plains. Media temperature from November to March is 23° C, and 12° C from June to September.

POPULATION Argentina's current population is more than 38 million inhabitants, almost half of which live in the city and the province of Buenos Aires. Population density calculated on a national basis is 14 inhabitants per square kilometer LANGUAGE Spanish is the official language of the Argentine Republic. In Buenos Aires, some “lunfardo” expressions -city slang - are used.

RELIGION There is complete religious freedom in Argentina, although Roman Catholicism prevails. Other religions practiced in the country are Protestant, Jewish, Moslem, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox and others.

CURRENCY The official Argentine currency is the Peso. There are bills of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 pesos, and coins of 1 peso and 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents.

TWO HISTORIC DATES May 25, 1810. The first "Gobierno Patrio" or National Government Assembly was constituted.

July 9, 1816. Proclamation of Independence by the “Provincias Unidas del Río de la Plata”.

NATIONAL EMBLEMS The Argentine flag has three horizontal stripes: the one in the middle is white and bears the golden sun, and the two outside stripes are light blue. The national flower is the ceibo, and the national stone is the manganese spar (rodocrosita) or "Inca Rose".

The areas of Argentina BUENOS AIRES Buenos Aires is one of the world’s biggest cities in which, including the suburbs, there are over 11,000,000 inhabitants. It is also the most elegant and active city in South America and the one that summarizes the heterogeneous essence of Argentines the best. With a modern, hip structure and dynamic activity, it has managed to preserve old traditions and endearing corners.

Visitors feel fascinated because of its environment, because neighborhoods have all different personalities, and also because people are warm and there is a wide range of shopping and cultural proposals. Buenos Aires is surrounded by the splendid Argentine nature and it is the great cosmopolitan door to South America.The Province of Buenos Aires invites you to the countryside and its traditions, the sun and the sea, the serenity and the adventure, the delta and its mysteries. There are estancias (large cattle ranches) featuring a great deal of architectural styles, located in the middle of the Pampas Plains— a magical vast area of far-off horizons, where you may breathe history and Creole customs all around. Kilometers of sand caressed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, endless dunes, lonely and crowded beaches, sophisticated and busy nights— everywhere you will be amazed. The peaceful golf courses, the vertigo paragliding rides and the adventure of trekking— everything is possible in the hilly region of Tandil and Ventana. They are very different l andscapes from each other and distant from the mouth of the Paraná River, where endless islands also invite you to unwind and live unexpected adventures.

PATAGONIA The Andean Mountain Range displays all its greatness in the Patagonian provinces.

Thousand-year-old silent forests with native vegetation extend to the banks of the lagoons. On mountain tops, nature overflows in granite needles and icy fields brimming with glaciers in lakes of unique beauty. The paintings on the sides of the Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands) have survived for about 10,000 years, and embody the oldest expression of the South American peoples.Imposing mammals and sea birds go through some rough seasonson the Patagonian coasts where they spend part of their life cycle. Colonies of sea lions play and rest on small islands and sandbars. Southern elephant seals have their greatest continental station in the world on Península Valdés. Nuevo and San José gulfs, separated by Carlos Ameghino isthmus, bear witness to the arrival of the Southern Right Whale, which punctually gets there for giving birth and breeding. Creole hares, rheas and guanacos (a lowland relative of the upper-Andean llama) run through the plains, and in Punta Tombo the largest colony of Maguellanic penguins nests. The amazed look of the visitor beholds this cadence that has been repeating itself since time immemorial. Farther south, you should visit Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia, the latter being the southern-most city in the world. They are both an open door to the immense solitude of mysterious Antarctica

CUYO (WINE COUNTRY) Cuyo - “desert country” in the Indian language - is the region of the high peaks, the snow-covered volcanoes, and the large wilderness spreading from the Andes mountain range and foothills to the steppe.

The visit to Ischigualasto - Talampaya Natural Parks, is a true journey to the dinosaurs era. Ischigualasto, also known as “Valle de la Luna” (Moon Valley) because of the amazing diversity of forms and colours of its landscape shaped by erosion, is one of the world’s most important paleontologic sites. The Talampaya River Canyon reveals amazing multi-shaped layers in its high red walls.

Pink flamingos, Andean ducks, “vicuñas” and “guanacos” cohabit freely in parks and natural reserves, while condors fly over the area. The region displays the full splendour of the Central Andean Range. The Aconcagua (6.959 m) is the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, and its steep slopes are renown and respected by mountain climbers from all over the world.

In the valleys of La Rioja, Mendoza and San Juan, among leaves of grapevines, farms and wineries, visitors can go along the Wine Road, an attraction of international renown.

THE NORTHWEST Northern provinces feature traces of pre-Columbian cultures, mingled with ruins of natives’ villages, as well as forts and constructions dating back to the time of the Conquest and Colonization.

Time seems to stand still in the high plateau of the Puna, a land full of mountain ranges, steep mountain paths, and gorges. Villages have been built in the small valleys. Multi-coloured and monochromatic hills covered with huge cactuses on the slopes surround the village.

This region offers landscapes full of contrast for tourists to enjoy, from the high peaks to the plains, the salt pans, and the subtropical rain forests, where Latin American culture took root.

THE NORTHEAST This is a region of large rivers, humid tropics, red earth, magnificent forest, a virgin forest full of huge trees and extraordinary flora and fauna. Great Waters – “Iguazú” in the Guaraní language – overflowing into one of the world’s wonders: the Iguazú Falls.

A scenery of exuberant beauty spreading along the Iguazú National Park, Saltos del Moconá (Moconá Falls), Río Pilcomayo National Park, El Palmar National Park, Esteros del Iberá (Iberá Swamps) or the Chaco plains.

Apotheosis of Nature, where the Jesuit ruins, declared World Heritage by the UNESCO, are a vivid testimony of the Society of Jesus’ fruitful work.

THE CENTRAL AREA Córdoba is one of the most important economic centers in the country.

It has with many contrasting features— it is both a cultural and tourist-like destination, a traditional and modern city, with an industrialized as well as a home-made production.A hilly landscape and favorable weather conditions are distinctive in Córdoba, a place where natural sceneries are mixed with colonial monuments.

Little towns, historical antiques and cave paintings are found in a pleasant valley landscape, high plains and gorges. Cordoba’s hills rise toward the northwestern Pampas plains. They are part of the “Sierras Pampeanas” mountain range, reaching 2,790 m high in the Champaqui hill. All these hills are particularly appealing because of their fertile valleys, deserts and salt mines. All along the way northward, you will find many 17th and 18th century chapels and farmhouses inherited from the Jesuits.

itinerary DAY 1 - FEBRUARY 26 - 2015: MONTEVIDEO - BUENOS AIRES - IGUAZU Morning Half-Day City Tour with guide. On this tour you will see/visit Old Town, Graf Spee monument, Legislative Palace, Prado Park, Town Hall, Montevideo Cathedral, Plaza de la Independencia, and Photo Opportunities. Your tour of Montevideo begins in Old Town, where you will drive by the Graf Spee monument representing the original anchor of Graf Spee. The German ship sunk in Rio Plata, but the battle took place here during World War II. You will also see the Legislative Palace- a beautiful, ornate marble structure. Continue on, stopping at Prado Park, noted for its historical monuments, attractive gardens and stunning display of roses.

In the afternoon, the group will depart Montevideo for our flights bound to Iguazu Falls. Because of the long layover in Buenos Aires, a buffet lunch has been organized at La Bisteca in Puerto Madero, a barrio district of the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires. This community on the waterfront in the CBD of the city, represents the latest architectural trends of Buenos Aires.

BUENOS AIRES Is the capital and largest city of La Bistecca is a very complete Italian-Style Buffet Restaurant Argentina, and the second-largest which offer a wide variety of dishes, excellent pasta, and metropolitan area in South America, best argentinean meat. Enjoy the chocolate fondeau at the end after Greater S達o Paulo.It`s one of the and take some photos of the wonderful neighborhood of 20 largest cities in the world. People Puerto Madero, one of the most refinated areas of the capital from Buenos Aires are referred to as city of Argentina. porte単os (people of the port). It is a top destination, and is known for its European style architecture[ and rich cultural life.[

RENOVATED DOCKSIDE AREA OF PUERTO MADERO, BUENOS AIRES

TANGO, A SYMBOL OF BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

After lunch, our guide will pick the group up, to transfer to Jorge Newbery Airport. It`s a 1-hour and 40 minute flight to arrive to Puerto Iguazu, in the province of Misiones, in the north-east area of Argentina.

Our guide will be waiting for the group to transfer them to the hotel Cataratas, which offer excellent services.

DAY 2 - FEBRUARY 27 - 2015: IGUAZU FALLS

Breakfast

After breakfast, we will start the visit to one of the most incredible shows of nature: Iguazu Falls.

Are words either missing or by far over abounding to describe them? Everyone has the answer: Iguazu Falls. The real truth of it is that it is the greatest spectacle of its kind. When the roaring noise of the waters joins the overwhelming silence of the environment in a solemn concert, emotion is sure to be the dominant feeling. Iguazu Falls are located in one of the first protected areas in America, the Iguazu National Park and Nature Reserve which comprises a surface of 67,000 hectares. It has been declared "Mankind's Heritage" by the UNESCO due to the undisputable beauty of its landscape which has made it into the most important fauna and flora reserve in the country and one of the richest in the world an account of its biodiversity.

The 275 waterfalls from the Iguazu River owe their existence to a big geological fault which took place thousands of years ago. Today, Iguazu Falls can be appreciated from different angles through the several circuits and catwalks which lead to cascades in the surroundings, one can get information, directions and suggestions given by national forest wardens and guides at the Visitor's Centre to take advantage of the walk and enjoy it most.

Iguazu Falls, Main attraction of the IguazĂş National Park, is set in the environment with the largest biological diversity of Argentina.

This amazing diversity is due to the existence of particular environmental conditions favored by the subtropical climate of the region, with an extensive variety of species living in the jungle.

Considering only the Park's area, it has been estimated that it hosts 2000 plant species, 450 bird species

itinerary (almost a half of the total number in Argentina), more than 80 mammal species and countless insects, many of them still unidentified.

Welcome to one of the most astounding National Parks of Argentina, we are convinced that your visit will forever remain as one of your most cherished memories.

Emotion prevails in the face of the Iguazu Falls. A sense of magic and charm surrounds everyone enjoying the falls and natural attractions of this ecological sanctuary. It is a million square kilometers area in the northeast of Argentina bordering the south of Brazil. It is the major remaining sample of "Paranaense jungle" and the major biodiversity sample in the argentine territory.

Every tourist visiting and enjoying Iguazu National Park will experience the sensation of being the heart of a paradise, currently fit with infrastructure and means of transport ecologically conceived for a proper visit of the Park. Catwalks, path and squares allow the delight of visitors and the Green Trains provide a beautiful ride through the thick forest.

IGUAZU FALLS: VISITOR CENTER IGUAZU FALLS A detailed explanation about the biodiversity of the jungle and the culture of the region. There are two thematic areas explaining Iguazu Falls was declared by nature and its ecosystems, the cultural evolution of the region UNESCO as a Natural World and the actions developed for environmental protection.

Heritage, and now as one of the New 25 minutes. Difficulty: No stairs.

7-wonders of Nature.

IGUAZU FALLS: GREEN PATH A walk through the thickness of the jungle, meeting birds, butterflies and a marsh. Access to the Upper and the Lower Circuits. 20 minutes. Difficulty: No stairs.

The name "Iguazu" comes from the Guarani or Tupi words "y", meaning "water", and "ûasú ", meaning "big" So, the meaning is Big Waters

IGUAZU FALLS: UPPER CIRCUIT Accessing magnificent panoramic views of the Falls and the delta of the Iguazú river formed by a number of luxuriant islands.

1:15 hours. Difficulty: No stairs.

IGUAZU FALLS: LOWER CIRCUIT A set of catwalks strategically distributed allow the most amazing views of Falls and an intimate experience in charming corners of the jungle.

IGUAZU FALLS: MAGIC OF NATURE

IGUAZU FALLS: MAGIC OF NATURE

IGUAZU FALLS: SAN MARTÍN ISLAND A separate attraction. Set in the heart of the Falls, offering the most spectacular views of San Martín Fall and of "La Ventana", an enormous rock formation facing the falls.

2:00 hours. Difficulty: Stairs.

IGUAZU FALLS: THE DEVIL´S THROAT Indescribable for its beauty and energy thrilling everybody with an impressive mixture of noises and landscapes. You must see it.

2:00 hours. Difficulty: No stairs.

IGUAZU FALLS: GREEN TRAIN OF THE JUNGLE A circuit of ecological trains in the middle of the jungle and along the riverside taking the visitor to the access of the catwalks and attractions within the Park Transfer to Iguazu Airport to take flight back to Buenos Aires. Arrival and transfer to pier to embark Princess Cruise.

DAY 3 - FEBRUARY 28 - 2015: BUENOS AIRES Breakfast After breakfast, our guide will pick the group up to start visit to Tigre Area, San Isidro with stop for lunch, La Boca, San Telmo, Recoleta. Then transfer to airport to take international flight back to home

For your next trip...

No doubt, it`s one of the highlights of Argentina, and a wonderful show of Nature: The Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia.

Fly to El Calafate from Buenos Aires, and enjoy this unique attaction.

PERITO MORENO GLACIER

DESIGNED BY NUEVAS IDEAS gerencia@ripioturismo.com.ar