Buenos Aires to Rio Explorer Tour by Intrepid Travel

17 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Ends

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Highlights

Spend three days at an estancia (ranch) in Uruguay, where you can spend your time getting involved learning about gauchos, riding horses or simply relaxing in the sun.

Stop in colourful Colonia del Sacramento, where vintage cars line the streets and an old drawbridge leads to the World Heritage-listed Old Quarter.

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.

Let loose and samba the night away in Rio de Janeiro – South America’s party capital. Arriving in this bustling metropolis is the perfect way to continue your South American adventure.

You’ll have plenty of time to choose your own adventure at Ilha Grande with two full days on the island. So if hiking, boating, kayaking or lazing on a beach is your thing, we’ve got you covered.

Itinerary

Imagine drifting from the sophistication of Buenos Aires to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, all while uncovering hidden gems along South America's east coast. The Buenos Aires to Rio Explorer is a 17-day adventure that blends city excitement, rustic countryside, and tropical island vibes.

Delve into Buenos Aires’ vibrant markets, immerse yourself in Uruguay’s estancia culture with hands-on experiences, and feel the spray of Iguazu Falls before unwinding on Ilha Grande’s pristine shores. With a local leader recommending the coolest spots, and a small group of fellow travelers, every day brings a new discovery and fresh energy.

This easy-paced tour’s unique selling point is its multifaceted approach—offering urban thrills, rural charm, and island relaxation, all in one seamless, expertly guided trip.

day 1 - Buenos Aires

Bienvenidos. Welcome to Argentina. Your adventure begins with an orientation walk around Buenos Aires’ Microcentro district at 1pm. 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 Café Tortoni. Stroll around the picturesque streets of San Telmo and its antique markets. In the evening, attend a group welcome meeting at 6pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. If you're going to be late, please inform hotel reception. Head out tonight and be swept away by the dance of love at an optional tango show.

There’s a lot to see if you arrive early into the city. Explore the antique markets of San Telmo or browse the museums in the well-to-do neighbourhood of Recoleta. If you’re a foodie or a wine connoisseur, take part in the Malbec Trail of Palermo or Gourmet Buenos Aires Food Urban Adventure day tour.

Notes: If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend the welcome meeting. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Accommodation:Hotel

Optional Activities:Buenos Aires - Tango, Tango, Tango! Urban Adventures - USD 90, Buenos Aires - Malbec Trail of Palermo Urban Adventures - USD 111, Buenos Aires - Gourmet Food Urban Adventures - USD 120, Buenos Aires - Polo Day - USD 170

day 2 - Colonia

Today cross the Rio de la Plata (River Plate) to Colonia del Sacramento by ferry (approximately three hours). On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this charming colonial city, known as the oldest in Uruguay. The World Heritage-listed Barrio Historico 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.

Accommodation:Hotel

Optional Activities:Colonia - Lighthouse visit

day 3 - Estancia Stay

Today is a long travel day. Take a comfortable local bus from Colonia to Montevideo (approximately 2.5 hours). From Montevideo it's a further five-hour journey to Tacuarembo by bus. The bus has reclining seats and you'll be provided with a typical Uruguayan snack, but as the bus doesn’t stop it's also recommended that you bring your own food. From Tacuarembo it takes a further hour by truck and 4WD to the ranch, where you’ll be spending the next three nights.

Accommodation:Estancia

day 4-6 - Estancia Stay

Spend a few days experiencing the real deal of a working Uruguayan farm. Although you’re welcome to laze around and explore your surroundings, you can also fully involve yourself in day-to-day jobs around the ranch. These jobs change with the day and the season, but may include herding sheep and cows, branding cattle or injecting lambs against worms.

Don't expect luxury: things are simple down on the ranch. Accommodation is dormitory-style, hot water and electricity are only available for a couple of hours a day and chores start at 7.30 am. What you will get in return is a warm Uruguayan welcome from your hosts, some of the best home-cooked food you’ve ever tasted and the chance to experience true farm life.

On the afternoon of your sixth day, travel to Concordia in Argentina. From here take a 12-hour overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu. The bus has reclining seats and toilets and movies will be shown to keep you entertained. A simple dinner is also provided on board.

Optional Activities:Estancia - Horse riding - Free - , Estancia - Horse riding - Free -

day 7 - Foz do Iguazu ( Brazilian side)

As soon as you arrive at Puerto Iguazu bus station this morning, take a minivan across the border into Brazil and continue onto your hotel in Foz do Iguacu. Depending on traffic, this should take about an hour.

Close to the borders with Argentina and Paraguay, Foz do Iguacu is Brazil's gateway to the famous Iguazu Falls. Uppon arrival If hotel rooms are ready you will be able to check in before heading out to explore the Brazilian side of the falls. Soon after take a short transfer to the falls. From here, panoramic views can be enjoyed. For unforgettable views, take an optional helicopter flight over the falls (at your own expense).

Depending on time, you can also visit the local bird park while you’re here.

Accommodation:Hotel

Optional Activities:Iguazu Falls Brazil - Helicopter ride - USD 130, Iguazu Falls - Bird Park Entrance fee - BRL 45

day 8 - Iguazu Falls (Argentinian side)

Travel back into Argentina today to visit the falls. Following a series of boardwalks, it’s possible to get so enough to the thundering waters that you can almost touch them. At over 2 km long, Iguazu Falls are actually a series of cataracts. There are over 270 falls in total, 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 and feel the water in your skin! In the afternoon return to Foz do Iguacu, where you’ll spend a second night.

Accommodation:Hotel

Optional Activities:Great Adventure - Boat ride Iguazu

day 9 - Rio de Janeiro

Today you'll take an included flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival and after settling in to your hotel room your tour leader leader will take you on an orientation walk.

The remainder of the day is yours to explore. People-watch on Copacabana or Ipanema beach, take a tour of a favela 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.

Taking part in one of our Urban Adventure day tours, such as the Total Rio Tour, the Santa Teresa Discovery or the Corcovado, Christ Statue and Favela tour are also great ways to see this exciting city. As evening approaches, perhaps take the cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain to watch the sunset before partying in the samba clubs of Lapa.

Accommodation:Hotel

Optional Activities:Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa Discovery Urban Adventure - USD 59, Rio de Janeiro - Total Rio Tour - Full Day Urban Adventure - USD 149, Botanical Gardens - BRL 15, Santa Teresa tramcar - BRL 20

day 10 - Rio de Janeiro

Bem-Vindos! Welcome to Brazil.

Your adventure begins at 1pm today. Your Tour leader will take you on an orienation wlak around Rio. In the evening there will be a meeting at 6pm.

The locals like to say that 'God made the world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio'. In this heaving metropolis, set against the luminescent green of Guanabara Bay and surrounded by the slopes of Sugarloaf and Corcovado, it's hard not to be caught up in the passion of the city's residents (known as Cariocas).

The French were the first to settle here as they logged wood along the Brazilian coast, but they were soon driven out by the Portuguese, who built a fortified town named Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro and quickly amassed wealth during the gold rush of Minas Gerais. In the 19th century, the Portuguese monarchy fled from the threat of Napoleon in Europe and took up residence in Rio, where they built grand buildings that still stand today.

These days Rio is a fascinating and diverse city best known for its contrasting images of favelas (shanty towns) and the glitz and glamour of Carnaval.

Accommodation:Hotel

day 11-12 - Paraty

Take a local bus from Rio to Paraty (approximately 4 hours)

The remainder of today and tomorrow are free to explore Paraty. Admire the architecture as you wander along the town’s cobbled, pedestrian-only streets, which become partly covered in seawater at high tide. You might prefer to explore the rainforest trails in the surrounding national park, which is rich in wildlife and waterfalls. Perhaps take a boat trip on the island-studded bay for scenic views along the coast or join an excursion to the nearby village of Trindade, which boasts some of Brazil’s best beaches.

Accommodation:Hotel

Optional Activities:Paraty - Boat trip - BRL 65, Paraty - Trindade excursion - BRL 80

day 13 - Ilha Grande

Today, take a shared transfer to Agra followed by a ferry to the island getaway of Ilha Grande (approximately five hours). This island paradise of pristine beaches and rainforest has been largely untouched by development. There are no private cars or banks on the island, so make sure you bring cash with you. Previously a pirate's lair, a leper colony and a prison for violent criminals, the island has a fascinating history to uncover. The ruins of the prison can still be seen today.

Accommodation:Hotel

day 14-15 - Ilha Grande

Enjoy two full free days to explore Ilha Grande. Wander along rainforest trails to beautiful and remote beaches; Lopes Mendes and Aventureiro Beach are among the most scenic. Take an optional boat trip out to the Blue Lagoon, beach hopping through Ilha Grande Bay along the way. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for fresh seafood, and to swim and snorkel in the clear water. In the evening relax with a caipirinha at a restaurant or bar in Vila do Abraao, which is the island’s main town.

Accommodation:Hotel

Optional Activities:Ilha Grande - Boat trip to the Blue Lagoon

day 16 - Rio de Janeiro

Board a boat to the small port of Mangaratiba today, and from here take a minivan back to Rio de Janeiro. The total journey should take about three-and-a-half hours. The rest of the day is free to explore or simply hit the beach and relax.

Accommodation:Hotel

Optional Activities:Botanical Gardens - BRL 15, Santa Teresa tramcar - BRL 20, Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa Discovery Urban Adventure - USD 59, Rio de Janeiro - Total Rio Tour - Full Day Urban Adventure - USD 149

day 17 - Rio de Janeiro

Today your South American adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time.

day 17 - Rio de Janeiro

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out policies. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to continue soaking up the sun in Rio, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation (subject to availability).

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What's Included

Accommodation

Estancia (3 nights), Hotel (12 nights), Overnight bus (1 night)

Meals

11 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches

Transport

Boat, Bus, Ferry, Overnight bus, Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Van

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walkEstancia Stay - 3-Night Stay on an EstanciaIguazu Falls - Tour of the Brazilian side of the fallsIguazu Falls - Tour of the Argentinian side of the fallsRio de Janeiro - Orientation Walk

What's Excluded

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