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Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires: Waterfalls & White Sands
17 days, Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires
Itinerary
Day 1Rio de Janeiro
Arrive at any time.
Enjoy your free time by taking an optional city tour or exploring the wonders that this city has to offer from the centrally located hostel in Copacabana.
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Rio de Janeiro/Ilha Grande
Continue by van up the coast and take a ferry to Ilha Grande. Opt to hike the island's remote trails, pick up some snorkel gear or relax on the beach.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
This drive can sometimes cause motion sickness.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Swimming
FreeDive in and enjoy the beautiful water of this island paradise.
Ilha Grande Biking
Fill your water bottle, rent a bike in Abraão Village and get ready to sweat. Peddle to Preta Beach to see the ruins of the Lazareto, initially a building to quarantine immigrants arriving from Europe, then converted to a prison which operated up until 1994. Follow the Cascade Path to the old Aqueduct (Aqueduto) and imagine it’s 1893 and water is running along the stone structure to supply the Lazareto.
Snorkelling Ilha Grande
Rent a mask and snorkel, pull on some fins and get set to enter the underwater world of colourful tropical fish, shells and all things seaworthy. November through May is Ilha Grande’s best time to snorkel. Hotspots include the Blue Lagoon, Green Lagoon and Abraãzinho Beach. Luxuriate in the warm salt water, look down and, in some cases, see to a depth of 15m (50 ft).
Surfing Ilha Grande
40-80BRL per personSlather on the sunscreen, strap on a leash, pull on a rash guard and get ready to hit the waves. Experience the surf at the beaches off Ilha Grande. Lopes Mendes is a good bet – shallow walk out and steady waves in a drop-dead gorgeous setting. Take a lesson, learn tips and techniques, then hang ten like a local.
Meals included:
BreakfastDays 3–4Ilha Grande
Free time to hike and explore the island's beaches or take an optional boat tour.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Ilha Grande, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like taking a boat to Lopes Mendes Beach, taking a guided walk to Pico do Papagaio (Parrot's Peak), and snorkelling. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Days 3–4 HideShow
Hike to Pico do Papagaio
150BRL per personEnjoy a guided hike from Abraão to Pico do Papagaio, soaking in the scenery along the way. It will take roughly 4 hours to hike up and about 2 hr to hike back down. The 360 degree views from the top are well worth the effort.
Ilha Grande Boat Excursion
130BRL per personFrom the main village of Vila do Abraão, take a boat tour to some of the best beaches around the island. See tropical fish and cool off in the salt spray of the turquoise waters. Stop to swim and snorkel and pinch yourself for being lucky enough to partake in this tropical piece of paradise. Enjoy the scenery while drinking a caipirinha, Brazil's national drink.
Ilha Grande Diving
Explore one of the world’s largest concentrations of underwater shipwrecks, many lost during pirate battles in the 16th-18th centuries in the waters off Ilha Grande. Dive to see the Pinguino cargo ship as well as the remains of a helicopter near Laja do Mataríz. Discover massive underwater caves, swim with schools of tropical fish and admire the colours of corals and reefs, in the warm salt water where visibility varies from 6-20m (20-66 ft).
Lopes Mendes Hike
Grab your bathing suit, slip on your walking shoes and take the hike from Abraão to the beautiful beach of Lopes Mendes. Follow a well-marked trail up and down, through forest and past other beaches. Eat Jack fruit picked along the way. Drink water from a natural spring. Listen to howler monkeys. After 2.5-3 hrs, arrive at the stunning Lopes Mendes beach, where the white powder sand squeaks under foot and the rolling green hills provide a stunning contrast to the turquoise water.
Snorkelling Ilha Grande
Rent a mask and snorkel, pull on some fins and get set to enter the underwater world of colourful tropical fish, shells and all things seaworthy. November through May is Ilha Grande’s best time to snorkel. Hotspots include the Blue Lagoon, Green Lagoon and Abraãzinho Beach. Luxuriate in the warm salt water, look down and, in some cases, see to a depth of 15m (50 ft).
Surfing Ilha Grande
40-80BRL per personSlather on the sunscreen, strap on a leash, pull on a rash guard and get ready to hit the waves. Experience the surf at the beaches off Ilha Grande. Lopes Mendes is a good bet – shallow walk out and steady waves in a drop-dead gorgeous setting. Take a lesson, learn tips and techniques, then hang ten like a local.
Day 5Ilha Grande/Paraty
Head to colonial Paraty, explore the cobblestone streets and opt to visit a cachaça distillery.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Walking Tour Paraty + cachaça tasting (2hrs)
160BRL per personTour a cachaça distillery where sugarcane juice is used to create the most popular distilled spirit in Brazil. If it tastes familiar, that's because it's the main ingredient in a Caipirinha, the country’s national cocktail. Often called “Brazilian rum,” cachaça is so popular, it’s produced by 40,000 micro-companies across the country. The blend from Paraty is sweet and salty; taste the sea as you sip this local liquid.
Day 6Paraty
Free day in Paraty to explore.
Opt to pre-book the "Paraty Caipirinha Boat Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Paraty, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like going on a boat tour, watching a puppet show, and visiting a cachaça distillery. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Swimming
FreeGrab your bathing suit and towel, sturdy walking shoes and lots of sunscreen (the sun is intense here) and head to one of the many beaches and fishing villages found in quiet bays near Paraty. Most are accessible by local bus or taxi or boat shuttle.
Hiking Paraty
Choose from one of many options to explore the trails around Paraty. Step back in time along the Gold Trail (Caminho do Ouro), built by African slaves in the 18th Century, and imagine the difficulty of carrying gold from Brazil’s interior to Paraty’s port and then Portugal. Opt for other hikes (2-3 hrs) through Atlantic rainforest and ending at gorgeous beaches and fishing villages. Remember to bring lots of water!
Snorkelling
Book a special boat trip or simply rent a mask and fins and float in the waters near Paraty. Ask your CEO for the best snorkel sites. Ilha Comprida is known locally as “nature’s aquarium”; the waters are filled with fish. Other spots include Trinidade and Sao Gonçalo. Bring an underwater camera if you’ve got one. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to document the aquatic life teeming in these clear turquoise waters.
Walking Tour Paraty + cachaça tasting (2hrs)
160BRL per personTour a cachaça distillery where sugarcane juice is used to create the most popular distilled spirit in Brazil. If it tastes familiar, that's because it's the main ingredient in a Caipirinha, the country’s national cocktail. Often called “Brazilian rum,” cachaça is so popular, it’s produced by 40,000 micro-companies across the country. The blend from Paraty is sweet and salty; taste the sea as you sip this local liquid.
4x4 Tour
150BRL per personHop in the back of a jeep and hang on for this tropical tour. Enter the Serra da Bocaina National Park, visit waterfalls (great for photos and swimming), and step back in time along the Gold Trail road, constructed by African slaves to transport gold mined inland and transported to Paraty port bound for Portugal.
Diving Paraty
Brazil is a diver’s paradise. Its waters include a rich variety of fish, mammals, kelp and coral. Spot brilliantly coloured fish accented against the white sand ocean floor. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sea turtles and nurse sharks. Paraty boasts at least 10 locations recommended for SCUBA diving. Explore the waters off islands with exotic names – Cocos, Meros, Deserta – and add an unforgettable underwater adventure to your list of most memorable moments.
Horseback Riding Paraty
390BRL per personThrow on some long pants, grab the reins and hop up on a well-trained horse. Trail ride through the Atlantic Rainforest in the mountains around Paraty. Cross rivers and follow trails lined with tropical trees. Reach a lookout and see the village and the water below. Stop at a waterfall and jump in! Let the rushing water massage your muscles then hop back on the horses and gallop home.
Paraty Bay Boat Tour
Explore some of Paraty's 65 islands and hundreds of beaches on a schooner tour.
Paraty Boat Tour
150BRL per personHome to hundreds of pristine islands and idyllic white sand beaches it doesn't get much better than the Costa Verde. Cruise up the coast with a caipirinha in one hand and your camera in the other. Stop along the way to swim in the crystal clear waters or to catch a few rays. Snorkeling equipment is provided for those wanting a peek at what is under the water's surface.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Paraty/Iguassu Falls
Skip the bus ride and hop on a flight to Iguassu falls.
Shared Van
Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
This drive can sometimes cause motion sickness.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Day 8Iguassu Falls
Visit the Brazilian side of the Iguassu Falls.
Iguassu Falls (Brazil Side) Guided Tour
Visit the Brazil side of the falls to get a panoramic view of Iguaçu, one of the world's largest and most impressive waterfalls. In total, there are over 275 individual falls spread out over 3km (2 mi). Find the best spot to take jaw-dropping photos of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Iguassu Falls/Estancia
Visit the Argentine side of the falls, and opt to take a boat tour to see the cascading falls from below. Hop on an overnight bus to Uruguay.
If you have booked the Iguassu Falls Boat Ride Extra, today's the day! Your CEO will give you the details about timing and what to bring.
Border Crossing (Brazil - Argentina)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Iguassu Falls Visit
Spend the whole day on the Argentine side of Iguassu, exploring the paths over the falls or experience the UNESCO World Heritage site from a boat tour. Tours utilize trails and catwalks adapted to the landscape of the area, and walking is easy for all ages; guided tours of the complex are available several times a day.
Overnight Bus
Curl up and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.
For a comfy trip remember to bring snacks, water, toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Iguassu Falls Visit
70USD per personEnter the jungle from the “Sendero Yacaratía” and enjoy the panoramic view. Board motorboats that pass through the Lower Canyon of the Iguassu River, and continue onto the falls. After enjoying the view from San Martin Island, sail to “Tres Mosqueteros” to the "Devil's Throat." Sail along the shore before and enjoy the splendour of the San Martin waterfall, a wonderful and unforgettable experience.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Estancia Stay
Dive into Uruguayan rural life known in the region as an estancia. Get dirty at a working ranch, enjoy a walk in the countryside, and indulge in local barbecues.
Border Crossing (Uruguay - Argentina)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Full-day Estancia excursion with lunch
Be an Argentinian Gaucho for the day and immerse yourself in the culture of these traditional Patagonia cowboys. Head out on an easy horseback ride through the beautiful scenery of Bariloche and learn about the area's history from a real live Gaucho. Stop along the way to try Mate, the national beverage of Argentina and some alfajores, a delicious dulce de leche cookie sandwich. Finish it all off with a traditional Patagonian barbeque.
Free Time
Free time to breathe in the country air, hike, horseback ride or kick back and relax.
Meals included:
Lunch | DinnerDay 11Estancia Stay
Free time to explore the area or help out on the estancia.
Full-day Estancia excursion with lunch
Be an Argentinian Gaucho for the day and immerse yourself in the culture of these traditional Patagonia cowboys. Head out on an easy horseback ride through the beautiful scenery of Bariloche and learn about the area's history from a real live Gaucho. Stop along the way to try Mate, the national beverage of Argentina and some alfajores, a delicious dulce de leche cookie sandwich. Finish it all off with a traditional Patagonian barbeque.
Free Time
Participate in as much or as little as you'd like at the estancia. Dive in or put your feet up.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 12Estancia Stay/Montevideo
In Uruguay's capital, opt to visit the carnival museum and grab a snack at the local Port Market.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Explore Montevideo, spend the afternoon cruising along the coast on a bike, visiting the iconic soccer stadium, or search for street art in the old town.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Museo del Carnaval
150UYU per personStep inside the Carnival Museum and learn the history behind Montevideo’s 40-day celebration filled with costumes, masks, music and more. Located near the port market, colourful exhibits trace the evolution of this festival from the 18th Century masters who allowed their slaves one day to celebrate their African culture. Candome music – merging African and Uruguayan drum rhythms – is one result.
Port Market
Meat. Meat. Meat. Oh, and you’ll also find fruits and vegetables, leather goods, spices and souvenirs. Inaugurated in 1868, the historic Port Market comes alive at mealtimes with the smoky smells of grilled steak, chorizo, pork and chicken. Bring an appetite and savour the sights and tastes of this meeting place in Montevideo. Outside, enjoy the rhythms of the Afro-Uruguayan “candombe” drums and dance along if you dare.
Estadio Centenario Visit
400UYU per personPull on your jersey and don your cleats to channel your inner football (soccer) player in Montevideo’s Centenario Stadium. Built to host the 1930 FIFA World Cup, and to commemorate the country’s first constitution, it continues to host Uruguay’s national team (who maintain a winning record against visiting European players). A parade of pop stars, including Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams, Enrique Iglesias and Luciano Pavarotti have also performed here.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Montevideo
Free day in Montevideo, opt to explore the city, hop on a bike to explore the coast, or take a day-trip to glamorous Punta del Este.
Free Time
Free day in Montevideo, opt to explore the city, hop on a bike to explore the coast, or take a day-trip to glamorous Punta del Este.
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
Cycle the Coast
1000UYU per personRent some wheels and head to the Rambla. This 22km (13.6 m) long avenue runs along the water and is great for cycling, running and enjoying the views. Head east from Punta Carretas to the city’s scenic suburbs. Bring water and snacks, slather on the sunscreen and enjoy the journey.
Estadio Centenario Visit
400UYU per personPull on your jersey and don your cleats to channel your inner football (soccer) player in Montevideo’s Centenario Stadium. Built to host the 1930 FIFA World Cup, and to commemorate the country’s first constitution, it continues to host Uruguay’s national team (who maintain a winning record against visiting European players). A parade of pop stars, including Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams, Enrique Iglesias and Luciano Pavarotti have also performed here.
Day Trip to Punta del Este
55USD per personTake a two hour road trip to Punta del Este, South America’s “Monaco”. Visit upscale neighbourhoods to see colourful homes and gorgeous gardens. Head to Playa Brava, watch surfers and take photos of the famous “Fingers” sculpture which shows a giant hand protruding from the sand. Check out Playa Mansa on the calm side of the peninsula, then visit Casa Pueblo, a Mediterranean-styled villa, museum and art gallery designed by local painter/sculptor Carlos Páez Vilaró.
Port Market
Meat. Meat. Meat. Oh, and you’ll also find fruits and vegetables, leather goods, spices and souvenirs. Inaugurated in 1868, the historic Port Market comes alive at mealtimes with the smoky smells of grilled steak, chorizo, pork and chicken. Bring an appetite and savour the sights and tastes of this meeting place in Montevideo. Outside, enjoy the rhythms of the Afro-Uruguayan “candombe” drums and dance along if you dare.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Montevideo/Colonia
Travel to the charming colonial city of Colonia Del Sacramento. Experience the relaxed, pleasant Uruguayan culture and stroll down its cobble-stoned streets on an orientation walk.
Accommodation in Colonia may be multi-share during high season.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
Get out and explore quaint Colonia.
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Golf Cart Rental
50USD per personRent golf cart and jostle your way around the Old Town in Colonia.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 15Colonia/Buenos Aires
Cross the Río Plata and explore the many attractions of Buenos Aires. Check out a football game, a tango show or the city's famous nightlife.
Border Crossing (Uruguay - Argentina)
Board the ferry for the one-hour crossing of the Mar del Plata River from Uruguay to Argentina. Buenos Aires here you come!
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 16Buenos Aires
Enjoy a free day to explore the "Paris of the Americas," from the hidden patios of trendy Palermo to bohemian vibes in San Telmo this city has something for everyone.
Opt to pre-book the "Buenos Aires Bike Tour" or "Buenos Aires Tango Experience" activities on the checkout page ahead of time to include these optionals on your tour.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Buenos Aires, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like going to a Tango show, visiting Teatro Colón, and take a city tour. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 16 HideShow
Tango Dinner Show
Discover the passion of tango. Watch the pros step and slide around the dance floor while you dine on a traditional Argentine dinner. Get lost in the music, savour the sensuality, and see why this traditional dance continues to ignite the senses of locals and visitors alike.
Buenos Aires Guided City Tour
Enjoy a guided tour exploring beautiful, vibrant Buenos Aires. Be introduced to historic sites and districts, including Plaza de Mayo where Eva Peron's famed balcony presides over the square. See La Boca and San Telmo's colourful street life, painted houses, and the famed Recoleta Cemetery.
Buenos Aires Bike Tour
Experience this vibrant city cruising around on a bicycle with a local Argentine. Bike, helmet, knowledgeable tour guide, they've got it all taken care of, just come along for the ride and take in the many historical sights on offer. Discover Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, colourful Caminito, and the working class neighbourhoods where Tango was born.
Meeting place: Cerrito 1128
Please note the bike tour begins at 10 AM. We advise booking a pre-night in order to arrive on time for this pre-sold optional activity. If you choose to arrive the day of the bike tour, please ensure your flight lands no later than 8 AM to ensure enough time to make it to the arrival point.
Day 17Buenos Aires
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.