Beef Study Tour to Argentina & Brazil

JANUARY 19 – FEBRUARY 1, 2008
All tour scheduled events and activities are subject to change

View the Beef Study Tour '08 itinerary in a new window (word)

Meal Codes: InFl = in flight | B = breakfast | L = Lunch |
LB = lunch box | D = Dinner

Day 1 – Saturday, January 19
Location: USA - Argentina
Meal: InFl
Tour participants depart from their U.S. domestic airport for flight to Miami airport. There the group will gather in the international terminal and check in for the overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina – departing Miami at 8:05PM

Day 2 – Sunday, January 20
Location: In Buenos Aires
Meal: InFl, D
Early-morning arrival (6:55AM) into Buenos Aires International Airport. After clearing customs and immigration, we’ll be met by our Argentine guide who will escort us to our hotel.
After checking in, we’ll have an orientation meeting on Argentina and its cattle industry by an Argentine agricultural journalist who is also a rancher. Following the briefing, we’ll depart for a three-hour tour of Buenos Aires. Welcome dinner at Estilo Camporestaurant – a typical Argentine steakhouse located in the upscale Puerto Madera district near the hotel.
Overnight: Vista Sol Design Hotel, Buenos Aires.

Day 3 – Monday, January 21
Location: In Buenos Aires
Meal: B, D

Early morning visit to Liniers Market – the major livestock trade center of Argentina. Liniers market authorities will talk to the group about Argentine cattle-marketing systems.
Afternoon – we’ll visit a city supermarket and have a discussion with local cattle producers and media. Dinner at Justos Corrientes restaurant.
Overnight: Vista Sol Design Hotel, Buenos Aires.

Day 4 – Tuesday, January 22
Location: Buenos Aires – Villa Mercedes
Meal: B, D

After breakfast, embark on our flight to San Luis (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM) and transfer to our hotel in the quaint agricultural city of Villa Mercedes. After checking in, visit Cactus Argentina, a Texas-style cattle feeding venture owned by Tyson Foods, Cactus Feeders and Cresud - an Argentine agricultural conglomerate.
Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Amerian Palace Hotel Casino, Villa Mercedes.

Day 5 – Wednesday, January 23
Location: In Villa Mercedes
Meal: B, D

After breakfast, we’ll visit Estancia Don Roberto cattle ranch to see typical Argentine grass finishing of cattle along with corn crops and domestic feedlot. Later, we’ll visit Estancia El Centenario, a Hereford cattle grazing operation in rangeland conditions.
An Argentine-style barbecue will be served at one of the estancias. Anyone still hungry can have dinner or relax for the evening at your choice of the many sidewalk restaurants and clubs located in the hotel.
Overnight: Amerian Palace Hotel Casino, Villa Mercedes.

Day 6 – Thursday, January 24
Location: Villa Mercedes – Buenos Aires
Meal: B, D

Travel day. After breakfast, we’ll relax and visit with local cattle producers in Villa Mercedes before our flight back to Buenos Aires (12:55PM – 3:30PM). Upon arrival, we’ll be transferred to our hotel – same as our earlier visit to Buenos Aires.
Tonight, enjoy our Argentina farewell dinner and Tango show at “Senor Tango” – the premier Tango house in all Argentina.
Overnight:Vista Sol Design Hotel, Buenos Aires

Day 7 – Friday, January 24
Location: Buenos Aires – Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
Meal: B, D

After breakfast, the group will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Iguazu, Argentina (10:35AM -12:20PM). Upon arrival, we’ll be met by our Brazilian guide and transferred to Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. We will clear Brazil customs and immigration on the border before arriving at our hotel. After checking in, we’ll take a guided walking tour of the Brazilian side of breathtaking Iguaçu Falls located on the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay where the Iguaçu River drops into a gigantic horseshoe canyon.
The spectacular Tropical das Cataratas Hotel & Resort has everything to offer during this “mid-tour” stop for some rest and relaxation. It is the only hotel located at the core of the Iguaçu National Park and is located within “listening” distance of the falls!
Dinner at Don Cabral Restaurant
Overnight: Hotel Tropical das Cataratas

Day 8 – Saturday, January 26
Location: Foz do Iguaçu
Meal: B, D

Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning visit to Fazenda Apollo, a 2,200-hectare cattle ranching and feeding operation and a favorite stop on past tours. Fazenda Apollo also is a farming operation of wheat, corn and soybeans grown for export.
Mid-afternoon, we’ll take the Macuco Jungle Safari & Boat Tour in Iguaçu National Park. The group will board Jeeps for a 3-km ride through the rain forest and then cruise on 15-passenger riverboats up the Iguaçu River to the base of the majestic waterfalls.
Optional helicopter ride, bird park tour and/or Itaipu Dam tour (not included in the tour price).
Evening dinner show and banquet at the Rafain Dinner Theatre with multicultural South American dancing, music and entertainment.
Overnight:Hotel Tropical Das Cataratas

Day 9 – Sunday, January 27
Location: Foz do Iguaçu – Campo Grande
Meal: B, Brunch

Early-morning transfer to the Iguaçu city airport for your flight (6:30AM-9:40AM) to Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul. After brunch at our hotel, the group will visit a local cattle operation with focus on seedstock genetics.
Evening meeting with local cattlemen’s association members and media.
Overnight:Bahamas Apart Hotel

Day 10 – Monday, January 28
Location: Campo Grande
Meal: B, L

Early breakfast at the hotel followed by a visit to a local beef packing plant.
Afternoon – visit a regional EMBRAPA federal agricultural research center located near Campo Grande where we will meet with EMBRAPA cattle and agronomy researchers. A typical churrasco-style (Brazilian BBQ) lunch will be provided by the EMBRAPA staff.
Overnight:Bahamas Apart Hotel

Day 11 – Tuesday, January 29
Location: Campo Grande – Rio de Janeiro
Meal: B, L

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to Rio de Janeiro (11:27AM-3:45PM). After checking in at our hotel, the group is free to enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening to stroll along the beach or relax at one of the many restaurants and clubs located near the hotel.
Overnight:Marina Palace Hotel

Day 12 – Wednesday, January 30
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Meal: B, L

After breakfast, embark on a tour of “Corcovado” and “Sugar Loaf” mountain. Afternoon set aside for optional tours, beaches, shopping or to explore other areas of this vibrant city.
Farewell dinner for group at Porcao Rio’s, an excellent restaurant overlooking the Guanabara Bay.
Overnight:Marina Palace Hotel

Day 13 – Thursday, January 31
Location: Rio de Janeiro - USA
Meal: B, InFl

Breakfast at leisure in the hotel and enjoy our last day in South America. Check-out time at the hotel is 12:00PM. Luggage can be stored until pickup for transfer to the airport. Early evening flight to the U.S. (6:35PM).

Day 14 – Friday, February 1
Location: Miami
Meal: InFl
Early-morning arrival (6:23AM) at Miami Airport. After clearing customs, transfer to your domestic flight to your home airport.

~End of Tour~

The above itinerary is subject to change for the improvement of the tour and due to availability of technical visits and weather considerations.

Tour price per person: $4,995.00
Single room supplement: $ 793.00
Visa to Brazil cost per person: To be advised – estimate $165 for visa and visa service fees.
A deposit of $1,000.00 per person is due at the time of booking – deadline to sign up is Nov. 5, 2007.
The balance of the tour price payable on or before Dec. 1, 2007.

Prices are in U.S. Dollars and are based on the current exchange rate and subject to change until paid in full.
After payment and processing of deposit, cancellations are subject to cancel fees.

Tour Price INCLUDES:

• International roundtrip airfare Miami, USA to Buenos Aires, Argentina and from Rio deJaneiro, Brazil (economy class).
• Domestic air travel within Argentina and Brazil, per itinerary (economy class).
• Ground transportation in air-conditioned, private motor coaches.
• Accommodation in quality hotels throughout the tour, in double/twin occupancy rooms.
• Transfers to/from airports and hotels.
• Local bilingual tour guides; escorts (2) from BEEF magazine and Montana State University.
• Tours and professional visits, as noted.
• Meals as per the itinerary (all breakfasts, most lunches & dinners).
• Air and hotel taxes.

NOT included in the Tour Price:

· Domestic flights within USA/Canada (Brazilian Liaison can provide domestic add-ons from your home airport).
· Visa to Brazil.
· Porterage at airports and hotels.
· Optional tours in Rio & Foz do Iguaçu (Bird Park/Helicopter tour).
· Beverages with meals (unless specified).
· Hotel incidentals (minibar, phone calls, laundry, etc.).
· Meals not mentioned/included in itinerary (some dinners/lunches).
· Tips/Gratuities to local guides/drivers.
· Travel medical and/or cancellation insurance.

Passport and Visa Information

Each participant must have a passport.The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure. If you do not currently have a passport, you must apply for one now to avoid any delays. You must have a passport in order to obtain your visa. (Fees for renewing or obtaining a new passport not included in tour price.) Please allow at least three (3) months for passport processing!
A visa is required for entry into Brazil.The cost of the visa is estimated at US$165.00 and is not included in the tour price. Once you have signed up and submitted your deposit, you will receive specific visa sign-up instructions. The visa application can be done on-line through the visa service website. The application must be completed, signed and sent to the visa service with your passport no later thanNovember 30, 2007. The participant will be responsible for any additional fees should they not apply for the visa by the deadline.

Tour Conditions and Limitation:
The responsibility of BEEF magazine, - herein after referred to as Penton Media - and Brazilian Liaison herein after referred to as BL - and its tour agents is strictly limited. They act only as agents for the passengers in regard to hotels, transportation (whether by railroad, motor coach, private car, steamship, aircraft, or any other conveyance), sightseeing and other services, and as such assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity, which may be caused either by reason of defect, through the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passengers or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour or as a direct or indirect result of acts of nature, dangers incident to the sea, fire, breakdown in machinery, or equipment, acts of governments or other authorities, dejure or de facto, wars, whether declared or not, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, theft, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, or from any causes beyond their control, or from any loss or damage resulting from improper passports, visas, or other documents. Nor shall any carrier have to incur liability as a common carrier. Penton Media/BL can accept no responsibility for loss or additional expenses due to delay or changes in schedule or other causes. All rates are based on tariffs in effect at the time the tour was planned and are subject to change in the event of adjustment therein. Baggage is carried at the owner's risk and baggage insurance is recommended. The issuance of tickets and vouchers shall be deemed to be consent to the above conditions. Further, airlines used are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time the passenger is not on board the aircraft or conveyances. The passenger tickets in use by the airline(s) when issued shall constitute the sole contract between such airlines and the purchasers of these tickets and/or the passenger. Penton Media/ BL and its tour agents reserve the right to make changes for the betterment of the tour group or reasons beyond their control. Penton Media/BL and its tour agents are not responsible or liable for loss, damage, or theft of luggage and/or personal belongings, so please be sure to have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage, or theft. Many people and companies are involved in the planning and provision of your tour. Hotels or transport services are provided in your tour arrangements over which there is no direct control.

Offered in association with Penton Media – publishers of BEEF magazine and Montana State University Beef Quality Assurance.

For more agendas and application forms contact:
Joe Roybal, BEEF magazine – 952-851-4669 – e-mail: jroybal@beef-mag.com, www.beefmagazine.com, Or Clint Peck, Montana State University – 406-896-9068 email: cpeck@montana.edu
www.bqa.org