Buenos Aires to Rio Explorer

17 Days | A fiery Latin adventure from Uruguayan countryside to Brazilian beaches

4 out of 5 based on 5 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
AUD $4,242
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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.

Trip overview

Map of Buenos Aires To Rio Explorer including Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay
Start
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Finish
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
GGBDC
This trip generates 43.15 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • 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.

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.

Itinerary

Map of Buenos Aires To Rio Explorer including Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay

Inclusions

Meals

11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

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

Accommodation

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

Activities
  • 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
Add on activities
  • Buenos Aires - Polo day - USD185
  • Colonia - Lighthouse visit - UYU35
  • Estancia - Horse riding - Free
  • Iguazu Falls - Bird Park - BRL80
  • Iguazu Falls - Helicopter ride - BRL610
  • Iguazu Falls - Zodiac ride up to the falls - USD90
  • Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain 3 (Admission Fee) - BRL160
  • Rio de Janeiro - Maracana football game (schedule dependent) - BRL400
  • Rio de Janeiro - Botanical Gardens admission fee - BRL67
  • Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa tramcar - BRL20
  • Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer (entrance) - BRL82
  • Paraty - Boat trip - BRL220
  • Paraty - Trindade excursion - BRL120
  • Ilha Grande - Boat trip to the Blue Lagoon - BRL220
  • Hike to Lopes Mendes beach - Free
  • Rio de Janeiro - Total Rio Tour Combo 1: Santa Teresa, Corcovado, Christ & Copacobana - USD149

Dates and availability

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Important notes

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. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport 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.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4 out of 5 based on 5 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

KEZIAH · Traveled January 2024
Uruguay ranch experience is not worth 3 days. A day or two in Montevideo would have been amazing.
Review submitted 01 Feb 2024

Daniel · Traveled January 2024
Excellent itinerary and great leadership in our leader Guilherme. The historical beauty of Buenos Aires to the Estancia in Uruguay to the somba/beaches of Rio to the hiking in Ilha Grande. Wow! One suggestion given so close proximity to Paraguay an optional trip could be offered.
Review submitted 26 Jan 2024

Debbie · Traveled November 2023
The Best of Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil trip, which was led by our Tour Leader Luma, was amazing. The experience and memories will remain forever, trip of a lifetime. A great way to experience the culture of 3 countries within a limited amount of time. I overcame my fear of horses, snorkelling and helicopters all within this holiday. Due to the great experience with Intrepid, I am currently considering another Intrepid tour later in the year.
Review submitted 10 Jan 2024

Camille · Traveled November 2023
Overall, an absolutely fabulous trip with a real diversity in locations and activities. You won’t see much of Buenos Aires but Uruguay and Brazil more than make up for this. The ranch was my highlight. Such an authentic experience with real hands on experience and loads of time in the saddle. Loved it!
Review submitted 31 Dec 2023

Grace · Traveled November 2023
While I’m sure other intrepid trips are worthwhile, this one was a complete waste of resources wholly due to the incompetent and hostile trip leader.
Review submitted 23 Nov 2023
Buenos Aires to Rio Explorer
From
AUD $4,242