1. Home
  2. South America
  3. Argentina
  4. Buenos Aires to Rio Explorer

Travel to Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil on this Latin adventure

Hug the coastline of eastern South America on this amazing unplugged adventure. Discover an array of colourful Argentinean attractions, travel to Rio de Janeiro to soak up 'la vida' Brazil style and experience life on a working estancia in Uruguay. South America will reveal itself as a fun, feisty and flamboyant continent that will leave you giddy and wanting more, more, more!

Our January Sale is now on!

Book by 20 January to save 20% on all trips departing before 31 August 2020.

Terms & Conditions
Start
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Finish
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Destinations
Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay
Style
Basix
Theme
Explorer
Code
GGBDC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Soak up the cosmopolitan, European and Latin charms of Buenos Aires and explore the sights of its historic city centre

  • Harness your inner gaucho during a three-day stay at a working estancia in Uruguay. Whether it’s getting involved in daily chores around the farm, working with livestock or simply relaxing on the ranch, experience a unique way of life and Uruguayan hospitality at its best

  • The mighty Iguazu Falls straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil, and you’ll be able to see it from both sides

  • Step back in time in the traffic-free streets of colonial Paraty, where Portugal meets Brazil, jungle meets sea and relaxation meets adventure

  • If it weren’t for the ruins of an old prison, you’d never imagine that Ilha Grande has such treacherous history of piracy, disease and criminality. Enjoy two free full days to discover virgin rainforest, crystal lagoons and some of Brazil’s best beaches in this undeveloped island paradise

  • The heaving, hedonistic metropolis of Rio de Janeiro is a great way to end the trip. Party down with the locals and experience a culture at the beating heart of Brazil

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.

Map of Buenos Aires to Rio Explorer including Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay
Local architecture in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Locals dance in la boca restaurant, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Clear waters in Ilha grande, Brazil
Aerial view of Botafogo bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Water flows at iguazu falls, Argentina
Travellers follow the path to Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Travellered stop to board yellow tram, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Itinerary
Expand All Collapse All

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 for those that did not attend the orientation walk earlier, 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 (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Welcome Meeting
  • Buenos Aires - Orientation walk
Optional Activities
  • DISCONTINUED Buenos Aires - Tango, Tango, Tango! Urban Adventures - USD90
  • Buenos Aires - Malbec Trail of Palermo Urban Adventure - USD113
  • Buenos Aires - Gourmet Buenos Aires Food Urban Adventure - USD113
  • Buenos Aires - Polo day - USD185
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

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 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 (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Colonia - Lighthouse visit - UYU25
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
ARRIVAL IN COLONIA:
Please be aware that on this day you will have to walk 6 blocks carrying your luggage from the Ferry station to Hotel and again tomorrow from the hotel to the bus station. Please ensure you are traveling with no more than the recommended amount as outlined in the packing section of your Essential Trip Information as you will have to carry it on these 2 days.

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 (1 night)
Included Activities
  • 3-night stay on a working estancia including meals and activities
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

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.

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.
Accommodation
  • Estancia (3 nights)
Optional Activities
  • Estancia - Horse riding - Free
  • Estancia - Horse riding - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (3)
  • Lunch (3)
  • Dinner (3)

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 (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Iguazu Falls - Entrance & tour of the Brazilian side of the falls
Optional Activities
  • Iguazu Falls - Helicopter ride - USD130
  • Iguazu Falls - Bird Park Entrance fee - BRL60
  • Iguazu Falls - Acquamania Water Park - BRL42
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

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 (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Iguazu Falls - Entrance & tour of the Argentinian side of the falls
Optional Activities
  • Iguazu Falls - Boat ride - USD70
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

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 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 and Christ Statue 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 (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa Discovery Urban Adventure - USD59
  • Rio de Janeiro - Total Rio Tour Combo 2: Old Town, Sugarloaf & Urca Urban Adventure - USD149
  • Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain cable car - BRL116
  • Rio de Janeiro - Total Rio Tour Combo 1: Santa Teresa, Corcovado, Christ & Copacobana - USD149
  • Rio de Janeiro - Maracana football game (schedule dependent) - BRL150
  • DISCONTINUED Rio de Janeiro - Favela feelings Urban Adventure - USD49
  • Rio de Janeiro - Botanical Gardens - BRL15
  • Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa tramcar - BRL20
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Bem-Vindos! Welcome to Brazil.

Your adventure begins at 1pm today. Your Tour leader will take you on an orientation walk 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 (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Rio de Janeiro - Orientation Walk
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

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 (2 nights)
Optional Activities
  • Paraty - Boat trip - BRL65
  • Paraty - Trindade excursion - BRL80
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (2)

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 (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

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 (2 nights)
Optional Activities
  • Ilha Grande - Boat trip to the Blue Lagoon - BRL70
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

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 (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain cable car - BRL116
  • Rio de Janeiro - Botanical Gardens - BRL15
  • Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa tramcar - BRL20
  • Rio de Janeiro - Maracana football game (schedule dependent) - BRL150
  • Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa Discovery Urban Adventure - USD59
  • Rio de Janeiro - Total Rio Tour Combo 1: Santa Teresa, Corcovado, Christ & Copacobana - USD149
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

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.
Included Activities
  • Final Day TRIP NOTES (Global)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

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

Accommodation

Estancia (3 nights), Hotel (10 nights), Overnight bus (1 night)

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
  • Final Day TRIP NOTES (Global)

Dates & availability

Trip search is unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Buenos Aires to Rio Explorer trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may change, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month
Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Important notes

START TIME:
This trip starts with an Orientation Walk at 1 pm. If you are unable to find a suitable flight it is possible to book additional nights at the joining accommodation.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
Please note that the Single Supplement does not include nights 3,4,5 & 6 

PASSPORT DETAILS REQUIRED
Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase Entrance fees to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.

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.

View Essential Trip Information

Reviews

Go to dates