Buenos Aires to Rio Explorer

Buenos Aires to Rio Explorer

1,549 Views
17 Days From

$3930

$3537

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Hug the eastern coastline of South America on this 17-day city, countryside and island adventure. Discover Buenos Aires’ eclectic markets at San Telmo, travel to Rio de Janeiro to soak up all the Brazilian party vibes and experience life on a working estancia in Uruguay. You’ll have a local leader each step of the way to recommend the best beach or coolest bar, plus a small group of likeminded travellers to share your experiences with. Ready, set – let’s fiesta. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Spend three days at a working 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.

  • 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.

Places You'll See

Christ The Redeemer

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Buenos Aires

Location: Buenos Aires

Accommodation: Hotel

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
...more ...less

Day 2: Colonia Del Sacramento

Location: Colonia del Sacramento

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today 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

Day 3: Estancia Stay

Location: Estancia Stay

Accommodation: Estancia

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Today is a long travel day. Take a comfortable local bus from Colonia to Montevideo (approximately 3 hours). From Montevideo it's a further 5-hour journey to Tacuarembo by bus. The bus has reclining seats, but as the bus doesn’t stop it's also recommended that you bring some extra snacks at your own expense. From Tacuarembo, take a 1-hour truck and 4WD journey to the ranch, where you can get to know your hosts.

Included Activities:
-Tacuarembo - 3-Night Stay on a Working Estancia

Day 4-5: Estancia Stay

Location: Estancia Stay

Accommodation: Estancia

Spend a few days experiencing life on a working Uruguayan farm. 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 working farm, the digs aren’t fancy, but the incredible surroundings and hospitality are something special. Enjoy three home-cooked meals a day and the chance to ride horses, in true gaucho (cowboy) style.

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

Day 6: Overnight Bus - Iguazu Falls

Location: Overnight Bus - Iguazu Falls

Accommodation: Overnight Bus

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

In the morning bid farewell to your hosts. Travel to the Uruguay/Argentinian border (3 hours). Cross the border to Concordia in Argentina. Board a 12-hour overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu.

Day 7: Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side)

Location: Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side)

Accommodation: Hotel

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
-Iguazu Falls - Helicopter ride

Day 8: Iguazu Falls (Argentinian Side)

Location: Iguazu Falls (Argentinian side)

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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

Day 9: Rio De Janeiro

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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)
-Rio de Janeiro - Maracana football game (schedule dependent)
-Rio de Janeiro - Botanical Gardens admission fee
-Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa tramcar
-Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer (entrance)

Day 10: Rio De Janeiro

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation: Hotel

After a free morning, you'll head out for a leader-led orientation walk around Rio this afternoon. In the evening, there will be another welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet the new members joining your group. Rio locals like to say that 'God made the world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio'. In this heaving metropolis, set against 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. Known for both the glitz and glamour of Carnaval and the contrasting image of the favelas, Rio is a fascinating and diverse centre of all things colour. Tonight, after your briefing, why not keep the introductions going with an optional welcome dinner with your group.

Included Activities:
-Rio de Janeiro - Orientation Walk

Day 11-12: Paraty

Location: Paraty

Accommodation: Hotel

This morning, take a shared transfer from Rio to Paraty (approximately 4 .5 hours). The remainder of today and rest of tomorrow are yours 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. Otherwise, a boat trip on the island-studded bay for scenic views along the coast could be on the cards, or join an excursion to the nearby village of Trindade, which boasts some of Brazil’s best beaches. The best thing is you get to decide.

Optional Activities:
-Paraty - Boat trip
-Paraty - Trindade excursion

Day 13: Paraty – Ilha Grande

Location: Paraty – Ilha Grande

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today, jump on a shared transfer to Angra followed by a ferry to the island getaway of Ilha Grande, taking approximately 5 hours, in total. This paradise of pristine beaches and rainforest has been largely untouched by development. 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. Once you’ve arrived and got your bearings, head to the beach – it’s calling your name.

Day 14-15: Ilha Grande

Location: Ilha Grande

Accommodation: Hotel

Rise and shine in paradise, ready to enjoy two full free days exploring Ilha Grande. Wander along rainforest trails to beautiful and 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 along the way. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for fresh seafood, and to swim and snorkel in the clear water. Or just plonk yourself on the beach with a good book and laze the day away. In the evening, 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
-Hike to Lopes Mendes beach - Free

Day 16: Rio De Janeiro

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation: Hotel

Bid farewell to this slice of heaven as you 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 3.5 hours, so you should be back in Rio in the early to mid-afternoon. The rest of the day is free to explore the city or simply hit up Copacabana and relax. Tonight, get together with your travel crew for a night of food, drinks and some samba – speak to your local leader who’ll have some great recommendations for what to do tonight.

Optional Activities:
-Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain 3 (Admission Fee)
-Rio de Janeiro - Botanical Gardens admission fee
-Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa tramcar
-Rio de Janeiro - Maracana football game (schedule dependent)
-Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer (entrance)

Day 17: Rio De Janeiro

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Meals Included: breaksfast

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).

Optional Activities:
-Rio de Janeiro - Total Rio Tour Combo 1: Santa Teresa, Corcovado, Christ & Copacobana

What's Included

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

  • Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk

  • Tacuarembo - 3-Night Stay on a Working Estancia

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

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

  • Rio de Janeiro - Orientation Walk

  • Meals

    11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Transport

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

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Included Activities

  • Welcome Meeting
  • Buenos Aires - Orientation walk
  • 3-night stay on a working estancia including meals and activities
  • Iguazu Falls - Entrance & tour of the Brazilian side of the falls
  • Iguazu Falls - Entrance & tour of the Argentinian side of the falls
  • Rio de Janeiro - Orientation Walk

Important Information

  • 1. This trip starts with n Orientation Walk at 1 pm on Day 1 in Buenos Aires. If you are unable to find a suitable flight it is possible to book additional nights at the joining accommodation.
  • 2. This trip ends on Day 10 and you are free to leave at any time.
  • 3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement exclude Days 3,4,5 (Estancia) and Day 6 (Overnight Bus) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 4. Please note you may require a Brazilian Visa for this trip. Processing can take around 2-5 weeks at the discretion of the embassy or consulate. Please speak with your travel agent well in advance for further advice.
  • 5. Full passport details are required at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for bus tickets, train tickets or flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
  • 6.We highly recommend you take US Dollars with you to Argentina and change it locally. While ATMs are widely available, there is a daily limit for withdrawals and the exchange rate does fluctuate.

Mode of Transport

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

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    This trip involves some long travel days, including an overnight bus. This can be tiresome but offers a real sense of adventure. The buses are well equipped with comfortable reclining seats and on-board toilets. Snacks are provided but we recommend you also bring your own food in case you get hungry.

    While at the estancia in Uruguay, you can choose to participate in the day-to-day activities of the farm as much or as little as you like. If you do choose to get involved, prepare for some early morning starts and to get your hands dirty when working directly with animals. The accommodation is multi-share and meals are served family style. Please inform your booking agent if you have any dietary requirements.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍 ...more ...less

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon! ...more ...less

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic. ...more ...less

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong ...more ...less

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X ...more ...less

Nicole  

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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure! ...more ...less

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best. ...more ...less

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

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22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

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08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-) ...more ...less

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Sunday

Jan 03, 2025 - Jan 19, 2025
$3930 $3537

Operator discount: -$393

Friday - Sunday

Jan 10, 2025 - Jan 26, 2025
$4010

Friday - Sunday

Jan 17, 2025 - Feb 02, 2025
$3820

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Buenos Aires to Rio Explorer

17 Days Starting in Buenos Aires and ending in Rio de Janeiro

Visiting: Buenos Aires, Colonia del Sacramento, Estancia Stay, Overnight Bus - Iguazu Falls, Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side), Iguazu Falls (Argentinian side) , Rio de Janeiro, Paraty, Paraty – Ilha Grande, Ilha Grande ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

GGBDC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $3930 $3537 Operator discount: -$393

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

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