South American Pilgrimage: Returning to Mother Aparecida 7/2026

Duration: 10 days

Departing From: USA (multi-location)

Tourist Destinations: RIO DE JANEIRO - APARECIDA DO NORTE - FOZ DO IGUAÇU - BUENOS AIRES

Number of People per Room: 2 people/room

Number of Guests: 35

Means of Transportation: Airplane, Bus

PROGRAMME PILGRIMAGE SOUTH AMERICA: BRAZIL – ARGENTINA

COME BACK TO MOTHER APARECIDA

Departure July 8th, 2026

Day 1: (Wednesday, July 8) USA

ON FLIGHT. Passengers gather at the airport to complete check-in procedures for the flight to GIG. 

Day 2: (Thursday, July 9) USA – Rio de Janeiro (L,D)

Explore the historical and pilgrimage center.

Upon arrival at GIG airport, you will complete immigration procedures. Begin your first day exploring Rio de Janeiro – the beautiful capital of Brazil. Located on the southeastern coast of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is one of the world's most famous cities thanks to its stunning scenery, mountains, and long stretches of beaches.

Visiting the monastery Santo Antonio Located in the Lapa district, built in the 18th century, it is a symbol of long-standing monastic life. It sits amidst... Santo Antonio Church It is Rio's oldest place of worship, notable for its tall bell tower and exquisitely carved wooden interior; and Penitencia Church, This place was once the most vibrant center of religious activity, with murals depicting the life of Jesus. 

Offering prayers at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Famous for its statue of the Virgin Mary perched atop the hill, this church offers panoramic views of the city of Rio de Janeiro. 

The group enjoyed pastries and afternoon tea at Confeitaria Colombo Famous since 1894 for its luxurious Belle Epoque architecture with antique mirrored ceilings. 

Have dinner and rest. Overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro. 

Day 3: (Friday, July 10) RIO DE JANEIRO (B,D) 

Urban symbols and art

The group spent an entire day exploring the magical city. 

Visit Statue of Christ the Redeemer, The world-famous landmark atop Corcovado Hill, standing 38 meters tall, offers panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay.

Stop at Selarón Stairs Located in the Lapa neighborhood, it's a living testament to Rio's creative culture and can be reached by cable car. Sugarloaf Mountain Shaped like a sugar sack, Sugarloaf Mountain offers spectacular views of the entire Rio Bay.

Offer prayers and admire the murals at Church of São Sebastião – Sen Sebastien, Rio Cathedral, in particular, stands out with its Baroque and Gothic architectural style.

Have dinner and relax at the hotel. Overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 04: (Saturday, July 11) RIO DE JANEIRO – APARECIDA (B,D) 

Brazilian Pilgrimage Center 

After breakfast and checking out, the group will be taken by car to Aparecida do Norte in the Sao Paulo region of Brazil. Brazil's largest Catholic sanctuary

Upon arrival, the delegation paid their respects. National Sanctuary of Our Lady Aparecida This is the second largest cathedral in the world, home to the sacred statue of Our Lady of Aparecida.

Guests are allowed to walk on the walkway. Footbridge of Faith, The prominent pedestrian bridge leading up to the cathedral, a symbol of faith and the spiritual journey of believers, allows them to cross over. Basilica of Our Lady Aparecida. Offer prayers and participate in community activities here.

Have dinner and relax at the hotel. Overnight stay in Aparecida.

Day 05: (Sunday, July 12) APARECIDA – FOZ DO IGUACU (B,D)

A river journey to a world wonder. 

After breakfast and check-out procedures, the group departs for Foz do Iguazu, located on the border of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. On the first day, guests will have the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of... Take a boat trip along the Parnaíba do Sul river. – Experience the natural beauty of the riverside, admire the fishing village, pray, and relax on the tranquil water.

Stop at Three Fishermen Memorial, commemorating Brazilian fishermen, symbols of faith, hard work, and a deep connection to the waterways.

Afternoon group Take a flight to Foz do Iguaçu Prepare for a journey to explore world-famous natural wonders.

Have dinner and rest at the hotel. Overnight stay in Foz do Iguacu.

Day 06: (Monday, July 13) FOZ DO IGUACU (B,D) 

Experience the natural beauty of South America.

Start a day of exploration. Iguacu waterfall Located on the Brazil-Argentina border, the falls consist of over 270 large and small waterfalls amidst a lush tropical forest. The group strolled along the paths close to the falls, feeling the cool mist and hearing the majestic sound of water cascading down from dozens of meters – one of the seven most impressive new wonders of the world. 

The group will visit Parque das Aves – a special highlight of the trip. Located near Iguacu Falls, this park is home to hundreds of rare bird species from the South American rainforest. Guests will walk through expansive open spaces where toucans, flamingos, and colorful parrots fly overhead or perch right in front of them – creating a unique and intimate experience. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn about a miniature Amazon ecosystem and Brazil's wildlife conservation programs.

Have dinner and rest at the hotel. Overnight stay in Foz do Iguacu.

Day 07: (Tuesday, July 14) FOZ DO IGUACU – BUENOS AIRES (B,D) 

Following in the footsteps of Pope Francis in the heart of the South American capital.

The group departs for Buenos Aires, visiting the birthplace of Pope Francis in the Argentine capital, where he lived, studied, and served before becoming the first Pope from Latin America. It is situated on the banks of the Río de la Plata River. Buenos Aires Dubbed the "Paris of South America" thanks to its European architecture and vibrant cultural life, the city combines religious heritage with cultural experiences such as tango, cuisine, and art. 

Offering prayers and making visits. San José de Flores Basilica, the place associated with his calling when he was young; continuing on to Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral – where he was once Archbishop, presiding over many important Masses.

The journey also took the group past Archbishop's Palace, a place that commemorates his years of ministry in the heart of the city. This is not just a tour of religious buildings, but also an opportunity for each person to feel closer to the simple, humble life and mission of service of the shepherd who touched the hearts of millions of believers around the world.

Have dinner and relax at the hotel. Overnight stay in Buenos Aires.

Day 8: (Wednesday, July 15) BUENOS AIRES (B,D)

Lujan – The pilgrimage heart of Argentina

Leaving the capital, the group departed for Luján – the largest pilgrimage center in Argentina, where it is located. Basilica of Our Lady of Luján, located approximately 68km from Buenos Aires.

The cathedral, with its striking Gothic architecture and two tall bell towers rising above the vast plain, is a place of veneration for Our Lady of Luján – the patron saint of Argentina. The group attended Mass, offered flowers, and prayed in this sacred space, clearly experiencing the profound faith of the local people.

Visitors can take a stroll around the square and enjoy the local Argentinian pancakes. 

Have dinner and relax at the hotel. Overnight stay in Buenos Aires. 

Day 9: (Thursday, July 16) BUENOS AIRES – USA (B,D)

A miniature journey to the Holy Land

After breakfast and checking out, the group spent their final day in Buenos Aires visiting Tierra Santa – a park recreating biblical scenes and the Holy Land of Jerusalem right in the heart of the city.

Visitors will stroll through vivid models such as the village of Nazareth, the Judean desert, or scenes from the life of Jesus, making the pilgrimage not just a visit, but also an opportunity to reflect on and experience the faith in a more intimate and visual way.

Enjoy shopping and sampling authentic Middle Eastern cuisine here. 

At the appointed time, the vehicle took the group to the airport for check-in and boarding the flight back to the United States. 

Day 10: (Friday, July 17) USA

Upon arriving in the US, we went through immigration procedures, collected our luggage, and said goodbye to our tour guide. We look forward to seeing you again on future Carnival tours. 

TOUR PRICE: $ 4,350 USD / PERSON

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Tour Price Includes

  • Round-trip economy class group airfare departing from SFO/LAX/IAH/ORD. Prices may vary depending on the departure date and seat availability. If a different gateway is required, please contact Carnival.
  • Transportation and sightseeing tours are provided by vehicle. 
  • Airport security fees, fuel surcharges, airport taxes.
  • 7 nights in a 4-star hotel (double room).
  • Eat two meals a day.
  • The spiritual director accompanied the group throughout the entire journey.
  • A separate Mass is celebrated for the group each day.
  • The tour guide speaks English and Vietnamese.
  • Carnival gifts.

Tour Price Excludes...

  • Travel insurance. (Please contact the office for advice on insurance packages)
  • Tips for local guides and drivers: $12 per person per day.
  • Single room supplement: $ 700 USD/guest.
  • Surcharge for business class airfare (if applicable).
  • Visits outside the scheduled program, personal expenses, excess baggage fees, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Bank fee 3% if paying by credit card.
  • Visa fees for green card holders: Please contact our office for guidance on the procedure.

Payment Methods

  • Phase 1: $1,500 upon registration.
  • Phase 2: $2,000 before April 19th, 2026
  • Phase 3: Payment due May 29th, 2026

If paying by credit card, there will be an additional 3% processing fee.

CANCEL TOUR

  • Cancellation 100 days before departure: a fee of 25%/person will be charged on top of the tour price. 
  • Cancellation 90 days before departure: a fee of 50%/person will be charged on top of the tour price. 
  • Cancellation 60 days before departure: a fee of 75%/person will be charged on top of the tour price.
  • Cancellation 30 days before departure: a 100% fee will be charged for the tour price.
  • If a customer is not present at the departure time, the tour will be considered cancelled and no refunds will be given.
  • Carnival reserves the right to cancel tours 30 days before departure and issue refunds for any reason. The company will refund the cost of non-visits included in the tour program and airfare.

NOTE

  • Tour prices do not apply to personal or commercial visits.
  • The company will not be responsible for the loss of attractions in the following cases: attractions being closed without prior notice, traffic congestion, or guests staying at a location beyond the allotted time.
  • The company is not responsible for flight delays caused by the customer's failure to be present at the airport as required by the airline or for personal reasons of the customer.
  • Because fuel costs may increase at the time of ticket issuance without prior notice, we will present the airline's official document regarding any surcharge increase (if applicable) and request that customers agree to the corresponding price increase.
  • Depending on the actual situation, the order of the attractions in the itinerary may change, but all the attractions originally planned will still be included.
  • In objective circumstances such as terrorism, natural disasters, visa processing delays by the Consulate, or changes in the schedules of public transportation such as airplanes and trains, the travel company reserves the right to change the itinerary for the convenience and safety of customers and will be exempt from liability for compensation for any resulting damages.
  • Passengers aged 75 and above are required to provide a certificate of good health for international travel issued by a doctor and a health commitment form to the company. A healthy family member under 60 years of age must accompany them.
  • Please read the inclusions and exclusions carefully before booking the tour to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding about the services offered.

Carnival Group sends best wishes.

Wishing you a blessed pilgrimage!