The Real Deal: Round-trip airfare on a major carrier, six nights' accommodations (three in Buenos Aires and three in Rio de Janeiro), breakfast daily, a two-hour flight between the two cities on Aerolineas or TAM airlines, and fuel surcharges, from $899 per person — plus about $134 in taxes and fees.
When: Tuesday departures April 21, 28, May 5–June 30, July 14, 2009; add $150 for July 28–Sept. 22; add $160 for March 31; $180 for Sept. 29, Oct. 13, Oct. 27, Nov. 3, 10, 24, Dec. 1, 8; $200 for April 7, Oct. 6; $230 for March 17, 24, April 14, Oct. 20, Nov. 17; $330 for July 7; $440 for Dec. 15; $460 for July 21.
Gateways: Miami; add $238 for New York City; $323 for D.C.; $394 from L.A.; $400 for Houston; $540 for Denver; additional gateways available.
The fine print: Does not include taxes and fees of about $134 per person. Based on double occupancy; single supplement starts from $266. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: No deadline; based on availability.
Contact: Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.
Why it's a deal: We priced out this multicity itinerary (Miami–Buenos Aires–Rio de Janeiro–Miami) on Kayak recently for April departures. We found a lowest fare of $773 round-trip on Aerolineas. The hotel accommodations would cost about $350 per person with taxes. So you could expect to pay about $1,123 if you booked this vacation independently. Book this package instead and you'll save $90, plus you'll have the benefit of one-stop shopping.
Lodging: Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you'll stay at the Waldorf Hotel. It's around the corner from Galerias Pacifico, a huge shopping mall, and Florida Street, which is lined with boutiques and art galleries. It's also near the posh Recoleta neighborhood, which includes the cemetery where Eva Peron is buried. In Rio de Janeiro, you'll stay at the Savoy Othon Travel Hotel for three nights. The hotel is near Copabana beach and within walking distance of the Ipanema area.
More: Add nights in Buenos Aires for $56 per person per night and in Rio de Janeiro for $40 per person per night. You can upgrade hotels for $130 per person at the Hotel Park Chateau Unique in Buenos Aires and the Golden Tulip Regente in Rio. Gate 1 also has a bunch of optional tours you can add, beginning with an $18 per person half-day city tour of Buenos Aires. There's also a lively dinner and tango show experience in B.A. ($112 per person).
Before you go: Note that April through June is low season in this area — that helps explain why prices are so low. Expect temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit and a few more wet days per month. U.S. citizens will need a valid passport for travel. A visa is required for Brazil (though not for Argentina); expect to pay about $100 — get more advice from the Brazil Embassy. Airport transfers aren't included. In Buenos Aires, a taxi will cost about $10 each way. The Savoy Othon in Rio does have a free shuttle service to the airport; be sure to ask at the front desk.