Trip Region: South America
Country(ies): Brazil & Argentina
Partners Trek? No
Cost: $2240
Airfare Estimate: $1500
Structure: 3   •   Lodging: 3   •   Nightlife: 3   •   Activity: 3

This trip will prepare you perfectly for your first year in business school, because you will have the perfect blend of culture, nightlife, and physical activity.
Brazil and Argentina, although geographically are different in every possible way, have one key thing in common: how much partying and exploration we are going to have in each of them. We will return to Ann Arbor with the slickest samba and tango dance moves and the best selfies at some of the most symbolic places in South America, like Caminito, Iguazu Falls, Christ the Redeemer, La Bombonera and the Sugar Loaf.

 

Day 1 — Friday, Aug 18

Fly from Detroit to Rio de Janeiro.

Day 2 — Saturday, Aug 19

Bem-Vindos! Welcome to Brazil. The locals like to say that 'God made the world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio', so get ready for an adventure to remember. You’ll have some time to unpack, hit the pool, or check out the neighborhood before getting together for our first group dinner. We’ll get to know each other over some drinks before hitting the sheets for a big day of exploring.

Day 3 — Sunday, Aug 20

To get our bearings, we’ll set out on a full day tour of Rio, starting with a cable car ride up Sugarloaf mountain for breathtaking 360° views of the city, followed by stops in Santa Teresa, an artsy neighborhood with the best restaurants and bars; Corcovado, the national park at the feet of Christ the Redeemer (that tall guy you see in every photo of Rio); and the infamous Copacabana Beach. Bring your Insta A-game, since you’ll need a selfie at each stop to prove to everyone back home that you were there.

Day 4 — Monday, Aug 21

You’ll have the morning for some R&R – feel like reading your favorite book or running on the beach? This is your chance - it’s just a five minute walk from our hotel to Copacabana Beach...or Ipanema Beach...so many options! Later on, we’ll head out on our first dancing adventure. Feeling nervous or unsure about your Samba skills? No need to brush up yet; we’ll have an expert lesson before venturing out to a Brazilian nightclub to wrap up our Rio experience!

Day 5 — Tuesday, Aug 22

We are on the move! Today we take a short flight to arrive at the Iguazu Falls, the biggest, baddest waterfalls you’ll ever see and an incredible UNESCO World Heritage site. Once again, we’ll have some time to explore before gathering for another family dinner. Fun fact: we’ll be on the border of 3 countries at once, so if you’re feeling brave you can even swim across the river to say you’ve been to Paraguay. Just kidding, don’t do that.

Day 6 — Wednesday, Aug 23

Hopefully you’re in good shape from the night before, as we’ll be crossing the border to Argentina to set out on the hiking trails that will lead us to the Devil’s Throat, the biggest and most amazing falls in Argentina. This is also the site where we plan on winning the Michigan photo contest.

Day 7 — Thursday, Aug 24

With another short flight, we’ll be in Buenos Aires! After arriving at the hotel, you’ll have some time to explore Puerto Madero, a cosmopolitan neighborhood by the ocean. But don’t get too tired, we have more dancing lessons ahead! Get ready to see why Spotify is about to include "Cambalache" and "Caminito" in your "Most Played” List! Tonight, we learn how to Tango, followed by dinner and an amazing Tango show, where you’ll see what it looks like to dance like you wished you could.

Day 8 — Friday, Aug 25

You’ve heard of Malbec, right? After a leisurely morning, we head off to a wine tasting experience that will allow us to journey through Argentina’s wine regions. And having sampled our way through the vineyards, we’ll follow that up with a feast! Argentina is where the art of grilling beef has been perfected and we’ll be validating that first-hand.

Day 9 — Saturday, Aug 26

The best way to get to know a city is on foot, and today we embark on a full day tour of the Buenos Aires neighborhoods, each with their own unique style. From the European-inspired splendor of Recoleta Cemetery to the picturesque artists’ neighborhood of La Boca, you’ll get a taste of the local lifestyle and may decide you never want to leave.

Day 10 — Sunday, Aug 27

¡Olé, olé, olé! It’s hard to imagine a trip to South America that doesn’t include a soccer match, so don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. With an atmosphere to rival the Big House, this is sure to be one of the highlights of our trip. Can you say goooooooool?

Day 11 — Monday, Aug 28

All good things must come to an end, and today you head home to Ann Arbor to begin the next phase of the best two years of your life.