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. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

The morning is free to explore Buenos Aires. Later 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. Today you will have to walk approx 850 meters carrying your luggage from the ferry port to your hotel.

Today enjoy a free morning in Colonia De Sacramento to continue exploring the town. Colonia was also settled by Swiss immigrants and is home to a unique local Swiss cheese that you can choose to try in the local market. In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred towards Mercedes village for your estancia stay where you can get to know your hosts. Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours

Spend a couple of days experiencing life on a Uruguayan estancia. Although you’re welcome to relax and explore your surroundings at your leisure, you can also get involved with activities at the ranch such as empanada making or a game of football or volley ball. You can even enjoy some music around the campfire! The digs aren’t fancy, but the incredible surroundings and hospitality are something special. Enjoy home-cooked meals including a traditional Asado (BBQ) and the chance to ride horses, in true gaucho (cowboy) style. Accommodation is dormitory-style, hot water supply can occasionally be inconsistent. If you experience any issues, just let your leader or the accommodation staff know and they’ll be happy to help.

Spend the day taking in the gorgeous views across the estancia. Continue to explore your surroundings at leisure and perhaps even make your way into nearby Mercedes Town for a river walk and ice cream.

In the morning bid farewell to your hosts. Travel to the Uruguay/Argentinian border (1.5 hours). Cross the border to Argentina. Board a 16-hour overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu. The bus has reclining seats and onboard toilets.

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.

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.

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. Due to limited flight schedules between Iguazu Falls and Rio post pandemic, you may be travelling on an indirect service today. Arrival times to Rio de Janeiro may vary for this reason. Should you arrive to Rio in the evening, optional activities can still be arranged once the tour concludes. We recommend extending your time here to get a taste of everything this city has to offer.

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you'd like to spend more time in Rio de Janeiro, we would be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).