Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil
Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil
Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil
Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil
Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil
Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil
Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil
Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil
Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil
Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil
Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil
Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil
10 Days
From AUD $3765
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil

Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Hug the eastern coastline of South America on a ten-day adventure. This down-to-earth adventure takes you from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro via Colonia del Sacramento, an estancia and the spectacular Iguazu Falls.

Highlights

  • Soak up the cosmopolitan charms of Buenos Aires and explore the sights of its historic city centre on foot.
  • Spend three days at an estancia (ranch) in Uruguay, where you can spend your time getting involved at the ranch, riding horses or simply relaxing in the sun.
  • Enjoy incredible home-cooking and hospitality during your estancia stay, and learn about Uruguay’s gauchos – legendary cowboys.
  • Stop in colourful Colonia del Sacramento, where vintage cars line the streets and an old drawbridge leads to the UNESCO-listed Old Quarter.
  • The mighty Iguazu Falls straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil, and you’ll cross the border to see it from both countries.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Plane,local bus,ferry,overnight bus

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Finishes

Rio de Janeiro, Argentina

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Buenos Aires
Bienvenidos. Welcome to Argentina. Your trip begins with an orientation walk around Buenos Aires’ Microcentro district at 1 pm. Your leader will be waiting in the lobby of your joining point hotel. Pass by historic buildings along the Avenida de Mayo, including the Casa Rosada (Argentina's government house) and perhaps have a coffee in the traditional Cafe Tortoni. Stroll around the picturesque streets of San Telmo and its antique markets. Attend a group welcome meeting at 6 pm to prepare for the rest of your adventure.

Included Activities:

  • Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

  • Buenos Aires - Polo day (185 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Colonia del Sacramento
The morning is free to explore Buenos Aires. Later cross the Rio de la Plata (River Plate) to Colonia del Sacramento by ferry (approximately 1.5 hours). On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this charming colonial city, known as the oldest in Uruguay. The World Heritage-listed Barrio Historico (Old Quarter) is a great place to start. Stroll down the cobblestone streets and rub shoulders with locals as they sip their yerba mate (tea). Listen to the noisy parakeets in the Plaza Mayor, or comb Colonia’s small museums. For great views over the city, climb to the top of a 19th-century lighthouse that’s still in operation.

Optional Activities:

  • Colonia - Lighthouse visit (35 UYU)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Colonia del Sacramento / Estancia Stay
Today enjoy a free morning in Colonia De Sacramento to continue exploring the town. Colonia was also settled by Swiss immigrants and is home to a unique local Swiss cheese that you can choose to try in the local market. In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred towards Mercedes village for your estancia stay where you can get to know your hosts.

Included Activities:

  • Estancia Stay - 3-Night Stay on an Estancia

Accommodation:

  • Estancia (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Estancia Stay
Spend a couple of days experiencing life on a Uruguayan estancia. Although you’re welcome to relax and explore your surroundings at your leisure, you can also get involved with activities at the ranch such as empanada making or a game of football or volley ball. You can even enjoy some music around the campfire! The digs aren’t fancy, but the incredible surroundings and hospitality are something special. Enjoy home-cooked meals including a traditional Asado (BBQ) and the chance to ride horses, in true gaucho (cowboy) style.

Optional Activities:

  • Estancia - Horse riding - Free

Accommodation:

  • Estancia (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Estancia Stay
Spend the day taking in the gorgeous views across the estancia. Continue to explore your surroundings at leisure and perhaps even make your way into nearby Mercedes Town for a river walk and ice cream. 

Optional Activities:

  • Estancia - Horse riding - Free

Accommodation:

  • Estancia (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Overnight Bus - Iguazu Falls
In the morning bid farewell to your hosts. Travel to the Uruguay/Argentinian border (1.5 hours). Cross the border to Argentina. Board a 16-hour overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu.

Accommodation:

  • Overnight Bus (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side)
As soon as you arrive at Puerto Iguazu bus station this morning, take a minivan across the border into Brazil and head straight to the national park to witness the majestic Foz do Iguacu/Iguazu Falls. After some time spent admiring this force of nature, head to your hotel in Foz do Iguacu. Enjoy free time for the rest of the day.

Included Activities:

  • Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Brazilian side of the falls

Optional Activities:

  • Iguazu Falls - Bird Park (160 BRL)
  • Iguazu Falls - Helicopter ride (610 BRL)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Iguazu Falls (Argentinian side)
Return to Argentina today to see Iguazu Falls from a different angle. Following a series of boardwalks, it’s possible to get so close to the thundering waters that you can almost touch them. At over two-kilometres long, Iguazu Falls are made up of over 270 separate cascades, with some reaching up to 80 metres in height. For a more exhilarating experience, take an optional Zodiac boat ride to the base of the falls! In the afternoon return to your accommodation in Foz do Iguacu in Brazil.

Included Activities:

  • Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Argentinian side of the falls

Optional Activities:

  • Iguazu Falls - Zodiac ride up to the falls (90 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Rio de Janeiro
Take an included flight to Rio de Janeiro. Settle into your hotel room then head out with your leader for an orientation walk. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe head to Copacabana or Ipanema Beach or, if the time of year is right, check out a soccer game at the famous Maracana Stadium. You might like to take the tramcar up to the hillside neighbourhood of Santa Teresa or head up Corcovado Mountain, where you’ll find sweeping views over Rio from the foot of the Christ the Redeemer statue.

Optional Activities:

  • Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain 3 (Admission Fee) (160 BRL)
  • Rio de Janeiro - Maracana football game (schedule dependent) (400 BRL)
  • Rio de Janeiro - Botanical Gardens admission fee (67 BRL)
  • Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa tramcar (20 BRL)
  • Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer (entrance) (82 BRL)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Rio de Janeiro
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you'd like to spend more time in Rio de Janeiro, we would be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $3,765
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Hug the eastern coastline of South America on a ten-day adventure. This down-to-earth adventure takes you from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro via Colonia del Sacramento, an estancia and the spectacular Iguazu Falls.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 01 Jan 2027

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.0
Leeann
Traveled, March 2024

04/08/2024

This is a fantastic trip that gives a superb overview of life in both Argentina and Uruguay (we spent very little time in Brazil and really none at all in Rio). Luciano was a wonderful group leader and the group gelled (sp?) well and quickly. We had a blast! Herding cattle on horseback at the ranch and wandering through the rainforest at Iguazu and getting soaked in the boat ride there were highlights for me. There are some very long travel days but it was worth it. Again, no time in Buenos Aires nor in Rio so just know that and add a few days (or the Buenos Aires Short Break and Rio Short Break that Intrepid offers). Otherwise you’ll miss the gem that is Buenos Aires and iconic Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy!!

4.5
Ciara
Traveled, March 2024

03/24/2024

The tour of Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil was absolutely fantastic. Our tour guide, Santiago, was amazing. The entire experience was incredible and I'd highly recommend this tour!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989