Real Argentina to Brazil

Intrepid Travel · 14 days

4.7

3 Reviews

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Duration

14 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Embark on a South American escapade from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro on this 14-day adventure. Soak up the might of Argentina before crossing to the charming city of Colonia del Sacramento, then explore the lively Mercado del Puerto in Montevideo.

Highlights

Spend two nights at an estancia (farm) in Uruguay, where you can spend your time getting involved in farm work, learning about gauchos, riding horses or simply relaxing in the sun.
The mighty Iguazu Falls straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil, and you’ll cross the border to see its incredible cascades from both sides.
Soak up the sights of Buenos Aires – explore the historic city centre, sample Argentinian BBQ and watch the city turn into a nightlife hotspot.
You’ll have plenty of time to choose your own adventure at Ilha Grande with a full day on the island. If hiking, boating, kayaking or lazing on a beach is your thing, you’ll be well and truly covered.
Finish off your travels in the bright lights of Rio de Janeiro – a unique combination of city, beach and mountains famed for its party scene and rhythmic music.

Trip Details

Duration

14 days

Transportation

Shared Boat,Overnight bus,Private vehicle,Public bus,Taxi,Plane

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Finishes

Rio de Janeiro, Argentina

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Buenos Aires

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Argentina. Your adventure begins with an orientation walk around Buenos Aires’ Microcentrodistrict at 1 pm. Your leader will be waiting in the lobby of your joining point hotel. Get your bearings around your accommodation and see a couple of sights along the way, like the historic buildings along the Avenida de Mayo, the Casa Rosada (Argentina's government house) and the famed Obelisk. In the evening, attend a group welcome meeting at 6 pm. For dinner, why not try some famed Argentinian BBQ? Your leader will be happy to provide restaurant recommendations.

Included Activities:

Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Buenos Aires

Today is a free day in Buenos Aires. Maybe wander the Teatro Colon on a guided tour or if you’re a bit of a foodie, kick back in the Palermo neighbourhood with a bife de chorizo (beef tenderloin) and watch the world go by, or choose a cafe on the street to people-watch. You could also hit up the Ateneo Bookshop – like a grand library, this work of 20th-century craftmanship is a warm and welcoming space sure to delight any book lover (and it also features a cafe, so you can sip on a cappuccino while you read!). If you’re not sure what activities are on offer today, just speak to your leader to organise something fun.

Optional Activities:

Buenos Aires - Polo day (185 USD)
Buenos Aires - Recoleta Cemetry (5 USD)
Buenos Aires - Ateneo Bookshop - Free
Buenos Aires - Caminito Street - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Colonia / Montevideo

Today cross the Rio de la Plata (River Plate) to Colonia del Sacramento by ferry. 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. In the afternoon, hop on a bus to Montevideo, then the evening is free for you to explore Uruguay’s capital city.

Optional Activities:

Colonia - Lighthouse visit (35 UYU)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Montevideo

Enjoy a free day to wander through Montevideo. Your leader will be on hand to provide suggestions for how to spend your day, or feel free to set out on your own adventure. You might go for a wander along the Rambla and soak in the fresh coastal air, brush up on your Uruguayan history at the Museo del Gaucho or rummage through the flea market at Feria de Tristán Narvaja. For food, it’ll be tough to top the offerings of Mercado del Puerto. If a day at the beach is more your thing, the soft sand of Playa de Los Pocitos will be for you.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Estancia Stay

Leaving Montevideo behind, take the journey to your estancia (ranch) stay, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. Settle in, get to know your hosts over a group dinner and then rest up for a day on the farm tomorrow.

Included Activities:

Estancia Stay - 2-Night Stay on an Estancia

Accommodation:

Estancia (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Estancia Stay

Spend a day experiencing life on an Uruguayan estancia! Although you’re welcome to relax and explore your surroundings at your leisure, you can also get involved with day-to-day jobs around the ranch. As a traditional local estancia, the digs aren’t fancy, but the incredible surroundings and hospitality are something special. Enjoy home-cooked meals and the chance to ride horses, in true gaucho (cowboy) style.

Included Activities:

Estancia Stay - 2-Night Stay on an Estancia

Accommodation:

Estancia (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Estancia Stay / Overnight Bus

Spend a final morning taking in the gorgeous views across the estancia. Then say goodbye to your hosts and prepare for a long travel day. Make sure you have some road trip games or your favourite playlists ready for the journey - or simply watch the scenery pass by from the window as you reapproach Argentina. Jump on an overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu and take the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers a little better on the drive.

Accommodation:

Overnight Bus (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Iguazu Falls

Arrive at Puerto Iguazu bus station this morning, then take a minivan across the border into Brazil. Depending on traffic, this should take about an hour. Your destination is Iguazu National Park, home of the majestic Foz do Iguacu/Iguazu Falls. This UNESCO World Heritage Site makes up the largest waterfall system in the world, with the Iguazu River also forming the border between Argentina and Brazil. If hotel rooms are ready when you arrive, you’ll be able to check in before heading out to explore the Brazilian side of the falls. From here, you’ll have panoramic views and the chance to get a great pic. Take an optional helicopter flight over the falls (at your own expense) for an unforgettable bird’s eye view. Depending on time, you can also spot the colourful birdlife of Parque das Aves. 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 – you might want to visit the Three Borders Landmark or go for a ride on the Yup Star Foz Ferris wheel.

Included Activities:

Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Brazilian side of the falls

Optional Activities:

Iguazu Falls - Helicopter ride (610 BRL)
Iguazu Falls - Bird Park Entrance (80 BRL)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Iguazu Falls

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 - Guarani community visit (15 USD)
Iguazu Falls - Zodiac ride up to the falls (90 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Paraty

Take an included flight to Sao Paulo, then board a transfer to Paraty. After arriving, take the rest of the day to explore your new surroundings. Maybe spend tonight at one of the many restaurants near the historic centre or relax and catch the sunset near the water. The best thing is you get to decide.

Optional Activities:

Paraty – Bike Hire (3 hours) (85 BRL)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Paraty / Ilha Grande

Spend the morning relaxing in Paraty, or maybe head out on a trek to Camino del Oro to take in some incredible views of the region's natural surroundings. Then, head to Angra for your ferry to the island getaway of Ilha Grande – a paradise of pristine beaches and rainforest largely untouched by development. Once a pirate's lair, a leper colony and a prison for violent criminals, this island has plenty of history to uncover during your stay. Even the ruins of the prison can still be seen! When you arrive, take the short walk from the port to your hotel and settle in.

Optional Activities:

Paraty - Camino del Oro Trek (min. 4 participants) (290 BRL)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Ilha Grande

Rise and shine for a morning in paradise – you have a free day in Ilha Grande today. Maybe wander along rainforest trails to some remote beaches – Lopes Mendes and Aventureiro Beach are two of the best. You could book yourself in on an optional boat trip out to the Blue Lagoon, beach-hopping through Ilha Grande Bay. There are plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel in the clear water, then you can feast on fresh seafood when you’ve worked up an appetite. Or, maybe just plonk yourself on the beach with a good book and laze the day away. Tonight, why not meet up with some of your travel pals and relax with a caipirinha at a restaurant or bar in Vila do Abraao – the island’s main town.

Optional Activities:

Ilha Grande - Boat trip to the Blue Lagoon (220 BRL)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Rio de Janeiro

Bid farewell to Ilha Grande as you board a boat to the small port of Mangaratiba, before travelling to Rio de Janeiro. Home to one of the seven wonders, Rio has lots of day trip opportunities if you have the time. Settle into your accommodation, then head out with your leader for an orientation walk. Take in the sights of the Lapa Aqueduct, Ruins Park, Selaron Stairs, and Cinelandia, and then make an optional stop for a hot drink at a local café. The rest of the day is free to explore the city or simply hit up Copacabana and relax. Tonight, get together with your new friends for a final night of food, drinks and some samba – speak to your local leader who’ll have some great recommendations for what to do tonight.

Included Activities:

Rio de Janeiro - Cinelandia
Rio de Janeiro - Selaron Stairs
Rio de Janeiro - Ruins Park
Rio de Janeiro - Orientation Walk of Santa Teresa via the Lapa Aqueduct

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Rio de Janeiro

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to continue soaking up the sun in Rio, just speak to your booking agent. If you have the time, today you can explore Tijuca National Park and its lush rainforest, visit the botanical gardens for a relaxing walk, take in the sweeping views over Rio from the foot of the Christ the Redeemer statue, or tour Guanabara Bay in a yacht!

Optional Activities:

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

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 $3,880

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 14 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 03 Jan 2027

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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

Ruth

Traveled, May 2024

05/14/2024

Amazing adventure! I enjoyed the stay at the estancia and was blown away by Iguaçu falls. Our leader Gus is a well organized person. He has the ability to make you feel welcome and at ease right away. He is very encouraging and patient, sometimes answering the same question 8 times in the same hour.

5.0

Richard

Traveled, April 2024

05/10/2024

Loved the tour with Iguazu Falls being the highlight. Ipanema Beach was our favourite and enjoyed being buffeted by the waves. Our guide Javier did a really good job and the whole group was very appreciative of his efforts. Also got to see the resting place of Evita and Christ the Redeemer close up!

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

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