tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Basix

Explorer

Buenos Aires to Rio Explorer

17 days • 4.4

4.5

Excellent

15 reviews

17 days

Start

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Finish

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Trip Code

GGBDC

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 16

Physical Rating

Meals

11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

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

Accommodation

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

From £2,932(17 days)

Trip Informations

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

A fiery Latin adventure from Uruguayan countryside to Brazilian beaches

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.

DAY 1
Day 1 • Buenos Aires
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional activities
Buenos Aires - Polo day - USD185
Special information
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.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Colonia del Sacramento
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Colonia - Lighthouse visit - UYU35
Special information
Today you will have to walk approx 850 meters carrying your luggage from the ferry port to your hotel, and again tomorrow from the hotel to the bus station.
DAY 3
Day 3 • Estancia Stay
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.
Accommodation
Estancia (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Tacuarembo - 3-Night Stay on a Working Estancia
DAY 4
Day 4-5 • Estancia Stay
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.
Accommodation
Estancia (2 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)
Optional activities
Estancia - Horse riding - Free
Estancia - Horse riding - Free
Special information
Accommodation is dormitory-style, hot water and electricity are only available for a couple of hours a day. If you sign up for any chores, they start at 7.30 am.
DAY 5
Day 6 • Overnight Bus - Iguazu Falls
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.
Accommodation
Overnight Bus (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Special information
The bus has reclining seats and onboard toilets. Movies will be shown to keep you entertained.
DAY 6
Day 7 • Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side)
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Brazilian side of the falls
Optional activities
Iguazu Falls - Bird Park - BRL160
Iguazu Falls - Helicopter ride - BRL610
DAY 7
Day 8 • Iguazu Falls (Argentinian side)
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Argentinian side of the falls
Optional activities
Iguazu Falls - Zodiac ride up to the falls - USD90
DAY 8
Day 9 • Rio de Janeiro
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
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
Special information
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.
DAY 9
Day 10 • Rio de Janeiro
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Rio de Janeiro - Orientation Walk
Special information
As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.
DAY 10
Day 11-12 • Paraty
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (2)
Optional activities
Paraty - Boat trip - BRL220
Paraty - Trindade excursion - BRL120
DAY 11
Day 13 • Paraty – Ilha Grande
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
There are no banks on Ilha Grande, so it’s important to bring cash with you to pay for incidentals or any optional activities you might want to take part in while on the island.
DAY 12
Day 14-15 • Ilha Grande
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Ilha Grande - Boat trip to the Blue Lagoon - BRL220
Hike to Lopes Mendes beach - Free
Special information
During the rainy season (Dec to Feb) Ilha Grande can experience some intermittent electricity outages. This can affect some amenities such as hot water and wi-fi.
DAY 13
Day 16 • Rio de Janeiro
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain 3 (Admission Fee) - BRL160
Rio de Janeiro - Botanical Gardens admission fee - BRL67
Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa tramcar - BRL20
Rio de Janeiro - Maracana football game (schedule dependent) - BRL400
Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer (entrance) - BRL82
DAY 14
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).
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Rio de Janeiro - Total Rio Tour Combo 1: Santa Teresa, Corcovado, Christ & Copacobana - USD149

Inclusions

Meals

11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

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

Accommodation

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

Included 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

Optional activities

Buenos Aires - Polo day - USD185

Colonia - Lighthouse visit - UYU35

Estancia - Horse riding - Free

Iguazu Falls - Bird Park - BRL160

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

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Friday Jun 20, 2025

Sunday Jul 06, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Friday Jul 11, 2025

Sunday Jul 27, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 4 spaces left

£2,992

Friday Aug 01, 2025

Sunday Aug 17, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Friday Aug 15, 2025

Sunday Aug 31, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Friday Aug 29, 2025

Sunday Sep 14, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 3 spaces left

£2,932

Friday Sep 05, 2025

Sunday Sep 21, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 6 spaces left

£3,075

Friday Sep 12, 2025

Sunday Sep 28, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 6 spaces left

£3,075

Friday Oct 03, 2025

Sunday Oct 19, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Friday Oct 10, 2025

Sunday Oct 26, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 13 spaces left

£2,965

Friday Oct 17, 2025

Sunday Nov 02, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 13 spaces left

£3,075

Friday Oct 24, 2025

Sunday Nov 09, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 1 space left

£3,366

Friday Nov 07, 2025

Sunday Nov 23, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Friday Nov 14, 2025

Sunday Nov 30, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 12 spaces left

£3,075

Friday Nov 21, 2025

Sunday Dec 07, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 7 spaces left

£3,135

Friday Dec 05, 2025

Sunday Dec 21, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 10 spaces left

£3,075

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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5.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.

Reviews (16)

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

Justine Jessica

May 30, 2025

Emily

Dec 28, 2024

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on this trip. It was great opportunity to see some bucket list locations and meet wonderful people on the way. I’d definitely recommend a tour such as this one if you are looking for a stress free way to travel and see a lot places in short amount of time.

Danny

Dec 14, 2024

Amazing trip and Marina was a phenomenal leader. Great food and great people. Iguazu falls are amazing. Definitely one of my favourite trips.

Anna

Oct 13, 2024

Best trip ever! If you're thinking of booking this trip DO IT!!! Every single part was amazing, especially Brazil. If you like fun and happiness you will book this trip.

Steve

Jun 05, 2024

Incredible tour of Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. The itinerary and tour guide were exceptional and memories and friends made will last a lifetime. Book this tour, you will regret it if you don’t 😊

Ioana

May 22, 2024

Our tour leader, Augustin, made the trip unforgettable with his kindness, enthusiasm, and exceptional guidance. He immersed us in local culture, customs, and traditions, ensuring we enjoyed every moment. The trip was filled with incredible highlights: the majestic Iguazu Falls, breathtaking views of Rio from Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, the relaxed vibes of Copacabana, the pristine waters of Paraty, and the hike to Lopes Mendes beach on Ilha Grande. Delicious food and live music were a delight throughout the journey. The 3-night stay on a working estancia was a bonding experience for the group, packed with nature walks, horse riding, cattle herding, and games. We gelled well, shared lots of laughs, and truly had some of the best days of our lives. Overall, it was a well-organised, diverse, and fun tour, offering a fantastic way to experience Latin America.

Alex

Apr 14, 2024

Our trip leader Luciano was amazing, I couldn’t have asked for a better leader. If I had to pick a fault in the tour I wish we did more time in Montevideo. The tour had everything for everyone.

Daniel

Jan 26, 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.

Debbie

Jan 10, 2024

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.

Camille

Dec 31, 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!

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS