Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro: Falls & Footy

4.9Based on
17 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
18 peopleMaximum group size
18 - 39 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Highlights

Sample the cuisine and culture of Buenos Aires.

discover Uruguay's rural beauty at a working ranch.

marvel at Iguassu Falls.

skip the overnight bus and gain time (and comfort!) with a flight to São Paulo.

sip caipirinhas on the beach.

revel in the energy of Rio de Janeiro.

Itinerary

Kick off your South American adventure in Buenos Aires and wrap up with the vibrant rhythms of Rio de Janeiro on the "Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro: Falls & Footy" tour. Crafted for young adults eager to soak up culture and nature, this 17-day trip swings through highlights like Paraty, Iguassu Falls, and a working Uruguayan ranch. Enjoy day hikes, sample local cuisine, and experience the buzz of Copacabana’s nightlife—with centrally-located hostel stays ensuring you’re never far from the action.

This trip’s key selling point is its seamless blend of city excitement and natural wonders, featuring a quick flight to São Paulo to maximize your time on Brazil’s sun-drenched coast. For travelers who crave a lively mix of sightseeing, outdoor activities, and social exploration, this tour package truly delivers.

day 1 - Buenos Aires

Arrive at any time. Soak in the energy of the bustling and trendy "Paris of the Americas" before mingling with your fellow travellers, and get excited for the adventures to come with a few drinks at the hostel.

Accomodation:Milhouse Avenue Hostal (or similar)
Included Activities:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr, Connect With New Friends
Optional Activities:Buenos Aires Bike Tour

day 2 - Buenos Aires

Explore the "Paris of the Americas," from the hidden patios of trendy Palermo to bohemian vibes in San Telmo this city has something for everyone. Don’t miss out! Today is your last chance to experience a guided tour of the city and to immerse yourself in the passion of the tango.

Accomodation:Milhouse Avenue Hostal (or similar)
Optional Activities:Buenos Aires Guided City Tour Enjoy a guided tour exploring beautiful, vibrant Buenos Aires. Be introduced to historic sites and districts, including Plaza de Mayo where Eva Peron's famed balcony presides over the square. See La Boca and San Telmo's colourful street life, painted houses, and the famed Recoleta Cemetery. , La Boca Neighbourhood Visit Price variance depends on use of public bus or taxi. , Buenos Aires Tango Show , Buenos Aires Bike Tour

day 3 - Buenos Aires/Colonia

Hop aboard a ferry and cruise across the Río de la Plata to Colonia, Uruguay. Wander through the colourful streets of this quaint seaside retreat on an orientation walk before free time to explore (and relax!) at your own speed.

Accomodation:Royal Hotel (or similar)
Transport:Ferry Duration : 1.0 hr
Included Activities:Border Crossing (Argentina - Uruguay), Orientation With CEO Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr
Optional Activities:Golf Cart Rental 4 person or 8 person buggys

day 4 - Colonia/Montevideo

Your journey continues in the morning as you travel from Colonia to Montevideo. The afternoon is yours for the taking — so explore as you wish! You can wander through the vibrant streets of old town searching for street art or visit an iconic soccer stadium that was host to the first World Cup. Hungry? Bring your appetite to Port Market where you will find an endless bounty of delicious meats. (And fruits and veggies, too.)

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Dazzler Hotel Montevideo (or similar)
Transport:Local Bus Duration : 2.5 hr - 3.0 hr Distance : 177 km
Optional Activities:Cycle the Coast Rent some wheels and head to the Rambla. This 22km (13.6 m) long avenue runs along the water and is great for cycling, running and enjoying the views. Head east from Punta Carretas to the city’s scenic suburbs. Bring water and snacks, slather on the sunscreen and enjoy the journey., Estadio Centenario Visit Pull on your jersey and don your cleats to channel your inner football (soccer) player in Montevideo’s Centenario Stadium. Built to host the 1930 FIFA World Cup, and to commemorate the country’s first constitution, it continues to host Uruguay’s national team (who maintain a winning record against visiting European players). A parade of pop stars, including Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams, Enrique Iglesias and Luciano Pavarotti have also performed here., Museo del Carnaval Step inside the Carnival Museum and learn the history behind Montevideo’s 40-day celebration filled with costumes, masks, music and more. Located near the port market, colourful exhibits trace the evolution of this festival from the 18th Century masters who allowed their slaves one day to celebrate their African culture. Candome music – merging African and Uruguayan drum rhythms – is one result. , Port Market Exploring the market is free, but sampling some of the tasty goods will cost. , Viven Museum (Museo Andes 1972) Learn more about the fascinating story of the famous plane crash carrying a Uruguayan rugby team and how 16 of the passengers survived for 72 days in extraordinary circumstances. , Candombe Experience the UNESCO recognized, Candombe. Originating originally from slavery in Uruguay, slaves would gather to perform drum and dance performances, practiced largely today as an apology for times past, this unique performance is worth a watch.

day 5 - Montevideo

Wake up ready to take on another Day in Montevideo. Hop on a bike and cruise down the Rambla, soaking up sun and gorgeous views from this coastline avenue. Take a Day trip to glamorous Punta del Este to admire the upscale neighbourhoods and gardens. Or if you prefer to relax today, kick back and chill in the park like a local.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Dazzler Hotel Montevideo (or similar)
Optional Activities:Cycle the Coast Rent some wheels and head to the Rambla. This 22km (13.6 m) long avenue runs along the water and is great for cycling, running and enjoying the views. Head east from Punta Carretas to the city’s scenic suburbs. Bring water and snacks, slather on the sunscreen and enjoy the journey., Day Trip to Punta del Este Take a two hour road trip to Punta del Este, South America’s “Monaco”. Visit upscale neighbourhoods to see colourful homes and gorgeous gardens. Head to Playa Brava, watch surfers and take photos of the famous “Fingers” sculpture which shows a giant hand protruding from the sand. Check out Playa Mansa on the calm side of the peninsula, then visit Casa Pueblo, a Mediterranean-styled villa, museum and art gallery designed by local painter/sculptor Carlos Páez Vilaró.

day 6 - Montevideo/Estancia Stay

Today, let the scenery of picturesque settlements and pastures guide you to Mercedes, your last Uruguayan stop at a local ranch, known in this region as an estancia.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation:Estancia El Copihue (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 250 km
Included Activity:Estancia Stay

day 7 - Estancia Stay

Live like a local today as you experience life on an Uruguayan ranch. Walk through the serene countryside, learn how to make empanadas, and enjoy horseback riding with amazing views. End your estancia stay in the best way possible — with a local barbecue.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation:Estancia El Copihue (or similar)
Included Activity:Estancia Stay

day 8 - Estancia Stay/Iguassu Falls

Cross the border into Gualeguaychu in Argentina today. Unwind, relax and reflect on your travels as you begin your overnight journey to Iguassu Falls.

Meal:Breakfast
Transport:Overnight Bus Duration : 16.0 hr - 18.0 hr Distance : 868 km
Included Activity:Border Crossing (Uruguay - Argentina) Duration : 1.0 hr

day 9 - Iguassu Falls

Welcome to Iguassu Falls where your next adventure awaits. Arrive to Puerto Iguazú in the morning after your overnight bus ride and enjoy a unique visit to the G Adventures-supported Jasy Pora community in the lush Misiones rainforest region. Guided by a local expert you will learn more about this Indigenous community as well as their harmonious relationship to the environment. Afterwards, choose to visit the Brazilian side of the falls and experience unforgettable panoramic views. Reach new heights with the option to take a helicopter ride over the falls, or check out a bird park.

Accomodation:Hotel Mirantes (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr
Included Activities:Guaraní Community Experience Duration : 2.0 hr, Border Crossing (Argentina - Brazil) Duration : 1.0 hr - 3.0 hr
Optional Activities:Itaipú Dam Visit Prepare to be wowed by this impressive feat of engineering. Voted by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the modern Wonders of World, the Itaipú Dam is the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world. Go behind the scenes to see how water from the Paraná River is converted into electricity to power Paraguay and 25% of Brazil. , Iguassu Falls Bird Park Visit Grab a camera and get up and close and personal with macaws, parrots, parakeets, and 150 other species of birds. Located on the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls, the bird park is on 12 acres of native subtropical forest. Enter a huge aviary to see the birds free from cages and nets. Check out other exhibits to view butterflies, alligators, and snakes (boas and anacondas). , Iguassu Falls (Brazil Side) Guided Tour Visit the Brazil side of the falls to get a panoramic view of Iguaçu, one of the world's largest and most impressive waterfalls. In total, there are over 275 individual falls spread out over 3km (2 mi). Find the best spot to take jaw-dropping photos of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

day 10 - Iguassu Falls

Enjoy a full Day excursion to the breathtaking Argentine side of the falls. Don't forget to take pictures as you wander along paths to experience the falls from each exhilarating vantage point. You can also take a boat tour to see the cascading falls from below.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Hotel Mirantes (or similar)
Included Activities:Border Crossing (Brazil - Argentina) Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.0 hr, Iguassu Falls Visit, Border Crossing (Argentina - Brazil) Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.0 hr

day 11 - Iguassu Falls/Paraty

Wheels up! Take a quick flight to São Paulo today then head straight to the coast. Take some time to explore the colonial town of Paraty, then hit the beach.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Refron du Mar Pousada Paraty (or similar)
Transport:Plane Duration : 1.5 hr, Shared Van Duration : 5.0 hr - 6.0 hr

day 12 - Paraty

Do as much or as little as you want today. Go swimming, snorkelling, or explore the islands on a boat tour. Or, simply recharge your batteries by immersing yourself in the laidback vibes of Paraty.
Paraty is a quaint colonial town renowned for its architecture—the pace might be slow but there's a lot to choose from. Considered one of the world's most important examples of Portuguese colonial architecture by UNESCO, the historic centre is a well-preserved national historic monument, and today has been closed to vehicles to preserve its laid-back colonial ambiance.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Refron du Mar Pousada Paraty (or similar)
Optional Activities:4x4 Tour Hop in the back of a jeep and hang on for this tropical tour. Enter the Serra da Bocaina National Park, visit waterfalls (great for photos and swimming), and step back in time along the Gold Trail road, constructed by African slaves to transport gold mined inland and transported to Paraty port bound for Portugal. , City tour Paraty + cachaça tasting Tour a cachaça distillery where sugarcane juice is used to create the most popular distilled spirit in Brazil. If it tastes familiar, that's because it's the main ingredient in a Caipirinha, the country’s national cocktail. Often called “Brazilian rum,” cachaça is so popular, it’s produced by 40,000 micro-companies across the country. The blend from Paraty is sweet and salty; taste the sea as you sip this local liquid., Horseback Riding Paraty , Paraty Boat Tour , Trindade Day Trip

day 13 - Paraty/Ilha Grande

Continue up the coast today and hop aboard a ferry to where your island paradise awaits.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Pousada Bugio (or similar)
Transport:Local Bus Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 100 km, Ferry Duration : 1.5 hr

day 14 - Ilha Grande

The Day is yours to explore Ilha Grande. Break a sweat hiking remote trails to experience jaw dropping views, or choose to relax on a boat tour through turquoise waters to some of the island's most beautiful beaches to swim and snorkel.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Pousada Bugio (or similar)
Optional Activities:Canoe with Purpose in Ilha Grande , Hike to Pico do Papagaio Enjoy a guided hike from Abraão to Pico do Papagaio, soaking in the scenery along the way. It will take roughly 4 hours to hike up and about 2 hr to hike back down. The 360 degree views from the top are well worth the effort., Ilha Grande Boat Excursion From the main village of Vila do Abraão, take a boat tour to some of the best beaches around the island. See tropical fish and cool off in the salt spray of the turquoise waters. Stop to swim and snorkel and pinch yourself for being lucky enough to partake in this tropical piece of paradise. Enjoy the scenery while drinking a caipirinha, Brazil's national drink. , Ilha Grande Diving Explore one of the world’s largest concentrations of underwater shipwrecks, many lost during pirate battles in the 16th-18th centuries in the waters off Ilha Grande. Dive to see the Pinguino cargo ship as well as the remains of a helicopter near Laja do Mataríz. Discover massive underwater caves, swim with schools of tropical fish and admire the colours of corals and reefs, in the warm salt water where visibility varies from 6-20m (20-66 ft). , Lopes Mendes Hike Grab your bathing suit, slip on your walking shoes and take the hike from Abraão to the beautiful beach of Lopes Mendes. Follow a well-marked trail up and down, through forest and past other beaches. Eat Jack fruit picked along the way. Drink water from a natural spring. Listen to howler monkeys. After 2.5-3 hrs, arrive at the stunning Lopes Mendes beach, where the white powder sand squeaks under foot and the rolling green hills provide a stunning contrast to the turquoise water., Snorkelling Ilha Grande Rent a mask and snorkel, pull on some fins and get set to enter the underwater world of colourful tropical fish, shells and all things seaworthy. November through May is Ilha Grande’s best time to snorkel. Hotspots include the Blue Lagoon, Green Lagoon and Abraãzinho Beach. Luxuriate in the warm salt water, look down and, in some cases, see to a depth of 15m (50 ft)., Swimming Dive in and enjoy the beautiful water of this island paradise.

day 15 - Ilha Grande/Rio de Janeiro

Say goodbye to island life and head north along a dramatic coastal road with sweeping views. Round the cliffs at Vidigal to catch a first glimpse of your next destination and one of the most memorable cities in the world — Rio de Janeiro.

Take a city tour to experience the sights of Rio, like the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, or take a stroll along Copacabana beach.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:CabanaCopa Hostel (or similar)
Transport:Ferry Duration : 1.5 hr, Local Van Duration : 3.0 hr - 3.5 hr
Optional Activities:Rio de Janeiro City Tour

day 16 - Rio de Janeiro

In the morning, explore the favela with a local resident on a G Adventures-supported tour to watch a drumming demonstration, get a Capoeira lesson, and sample craft beers with a new perspective of the city. Enjoy a free afternoon to discover all that Rio has to offer.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:CabanaCopa Hostel (or similar)
Included Activity:Favela Experience Duration : 3.0 hr - 3.5 hr
Optional Activities:Rio Football Game

day 17 - Rio de Janeiro

Depart at any time.

Meal:Breakfast
Included Activity:Departure Day
Optional Activities:Rio Football Game , Rio Hang Gliding Glide like a bird on this exhilarating and inspiring air adventure. Get all the guidance you need to go airborne with your instructor, and take to the skies for an unbeatable experience and amazing views of this incredibly picturesque city. Careful – you may become addicted to the freedom of flying!
Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro: Falls & Footy

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What's Included

Accommodation
Simple hotels (9 nts, twin and triple-share), hostels (5 nts, multi-share with up to 6 people), estancia/ranch (2 nts, multi-share).
Meals
13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Note: Allow USD520-680 for meals not included.
Transport
Local bus, minivan, taxi, plane, ferry, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Guide
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Included activities
Your G for Good Moment: Guaraní Community Experience, Puerto IguazúYour G for Good Moment: Favela Experience, Rio de JaneiroYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour First Night Out Moment: Connect With New FriendsYour Discover Moment: Buenos AiresYour Discover Moment: ParatyYour Discover Moment: Ilha GrandeYour Discover Moment: Rio de JaneiroActivities while at the estancia in UruguayEntrance and visit to the Argentine side of Iguassu FallsInternal flight

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro: Falls & Footy

4.9

based on 13 reviews
12
1
0
0
0
T
Tapiwa MVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

The best experience to have a insight of South America, can’t wait to teturn

J
Jan GVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

This tour was amazing! Our CEO Izzy was awesome. I would highly recommend doing this trip to a friend.

J
Joseph CVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

Fantastic tour I love this experience. Will highly recommended to friends and family.

Y
Yee KVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

Fantastic. Would definitely do again

L
LiamVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

An amazing trip.

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4.67/5
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Emmanuel

Smooth, Scenic, and Superbly Organized I joined a 6-Day Marangu Route hike with Kilisa Tours, and the whole experience was seamless. The accommodations in the mountain huts were cozy, and the support staff made sure we were always comfortable. Our guide shared fascinating stories about the mountain s history and wildlife. Everything ran perfectly on schedule, and the company s attention to detail was impressive. I ve done many treks before, but Kilisa Tours stands out for their genuine care and world-class service. Couldn t have asked for more!
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