Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil
Experience Overview
Journey along the eastern side of South America on this 10-day adventure from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro. Start by sipping yerba mate and exploring the markets of Argentina’s fiery capital before embracing ranch life with horse rides, homecooked meals and campfires at a Uruguayan estancia. Then swap the dusty plains for the subtropical rainforests at Iguazu Falls and see the epic cascades from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides. Finish in Rio, unwinding on the sandy shores of Copacabana and Ipanema with an ice-cold caipirinha.
Highlights
- Soak up the cosmopolitan vibes of Buenos Aires and explore the highlights on foot – including the Avenida de Mayo and the San Telmo area filled with markets and murals.
- Get to know the gaucho (cowboy) way of life at a traditional estancia (ranch) in Uruguay. Explore the land on horseback, help your hosts make empanadas and feast on a classic asado (barbecue).
- Explore the Historic Quarter of Colonia del Sacramento, one of Uruguay’s oldest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll cobbled streets lined with vintage cars and rub shoulders with locals sipping yerba mate.
- See the mighty Iguazu Falls – the world’s largest waterfall system which straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil – from different vantage points in both countries.
- End your trip in Brazil’s famous beachside city: Rio de Janeiro. Make the most of your local leader’s recommendations – how about finding a local samba bar or wandering the bohemian streets of Santa Teresa?
Trip Details
Product Code: 1850
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Plane, local bus, ferry, overnight bus
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: GGBS
Starts: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Finishes: Rio de Janeiro, Argentina
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (3), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Hotel (5 nights), Estancia (3 nights), Overnight Bus (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3695 ($370 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenido! Welcome to Buenos Aires. Your trip begins with an orientation walk around Buenos Aires’ Microcentro district at 1 pm – your leader will be waiting in the hotel lobby. Pass by historic buildings along the Avenida de Mayo, including the Casa Rosada (Argentina's government house), explore antique markets in the picturesque San Telmo area and perhaps have a coffee in the famous Cafe Tortoni. Make sure you're back at the hotel for your welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll prepare for the rest of your adventure.
Included Activities:
- Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities:
- Buenos Aires - Polo day (185 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
The morning is free to explore Buenos Aires – just ask your leader if you need any recommendations. Later in the day, jump on a ferry to cross the Rio de la Plata (River Plate) to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. When you arrive, enjoy some free time to get acquainted with one of the country’s oldest cities. The World Heritage-listed Barrio Historico (Old Quarter) is a great place to start. Listen to the noisy parakeets in the Plaza Mayor or comb Colonia’s small museums. For great views, climb to the top of the city’s 19th-century lighthouse that’s still in operation today.
Optional Activities:
- Colonia - Lighthouse visit (35 UYU)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a free morning in Colonia De Sacramento. You could continue strolling around Barrio Historico or maybe check out the artisan stalls selling Swiss cheese – Colonia was also settled by Swiss immigrants and is home to a unique local Swiss cheese. In the afternoon, you’ll take a private transfer to an estancia near the city of Mercedes where you'll meet your hosts who’ll look after you for the next couple of days.
Included Activities:
- Estancia Stay - 3-Night Stay on an Estancia
Accommodation:
- Estancia (Number of Nights: 1)
Spend a couple of days experiencing life on a Uruguayan estancia. Although you’re welcome to relax and explore your surroundings at your leisure, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with ranch activities, like making fresh empanadas or joining a game of football or volleyball. The digs aren’t fancy, but the surroundings and hospitality are something special. Eat homecooked meals including a traditional asado (barbecue), enjoy music around the campfire and maybe saddle up for a horse ride in true gaucho style.
Optional Activities:
- Estancia - Horse riding - Free
Accommodation:
- Estancia (Number of Nights: 1)
Spend another day taking in the gorgeous views across the estancia. Maybe head out on another horse ride to explore your surroundings or make your way into nearby Mercedes for a river walk and an ice cream.
Optional Activities:
- Estancia - Horse riding - Free
Accommodation:
- Estancia (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, bid farewell to your hosts and travel to the Uruguay/Argentinian border. Cross the border to Argentina, then prepare for an overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu – the gateway to Iguazu Falls. There’ll be a chance to grab a light dinner and some snacks before the journey.
Accommodation:
- Overnight Bus (Number of Nights: 1)
When you arrive at Puerto Iguazu bus station this morning, jump in a minivan across the border into Brazil and head straight to the national park to stretch your legs and see the mighty Iguazu Falls. After some time spent admiring this force of nature, head to your hotel in Foz do Iguacu, where you have free time for the rest of the day.
Included Activities:
- Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Brazilian side of the falls
Optional Activities:
- Iguazu Falls - Bird Park (160 BRL)
- Iguazu Falls - Helicopter ride (610 BRL)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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 km long, Iguazu Falls are made up of over 270 separate cascades, with some reaching up to 80 m in height. For a more exhilarating experience, why not take an optional Zodiac boat ride to the base of the falls? After, head back to your hotel to relax.
Included Activities:
- Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Argentinian side of the falls
Optional Activities:
- Iguazu Falls - Zodiac ride up to the falls (90 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll take a 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 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 could also take the tramcar up to the artistic hillside neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, or head up Corcovado Mountain for sweeping views over Rio from the foot of the Christ the Redeemer statue.
Optional Activities:
- Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain 3 (Admission Fee) (160 BRL)
- Rio de Janeiro - Maracana football game (schedule dependent) (400 BRL)
- Rio de Janeiro - Botanical Gardens admission fee (67 BRL)
- Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa tramcar (20 BRL)
- Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer (entrance) (82 BRL)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you'd like to spend more time in Rio, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Leeann - Traveled, March 2024
This is a fantastic trip that gives a superb overview of life in both Argentina and Uruguay (we spent very little time in Brazil and really none at all in Rio). Luciano was a wonderful group leader and the group gelled (sp?) well and quickly. We had a blast! Herding cattle on horseback at the ranch and wandering through the rainforest at Iguazu and getting soaked in the boat ride there were highlights for me. There are some very long travel days but it was worth it. Again, no time in Buenos Aires nor in Rio so just know that and add a few days (or the Buenos Aires Short Break and Rio Short Break that Intrepid offers). Otherwise you’ll miss the gem that is Buenos Aires and iconic Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/08/2024
Ciara - Traveled, March 2024
The tour of Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil was absolutely fantastic. Our tour guide, Santiago, was amazing. The entire experience was incredible and I'd highly recommend this tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2024
Tamsin - Traveled, March 2024
Great trip which covers off a lot of amazing places to visit over 3 countries in a short space of time. Good range of optional activities but be aware there isn’t a lot of time in Buenos Aires or Rio so would suggest booking an extra day(s) either side.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
Farrokh - Traveled, February 2024
Worst trip ever with Intrepid!!! I would like to know what the benefit margin is for such a trip of 51 days.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2024
Elianny - Traveled, January 2024
I had a great experience during my trip. I wish we had more time in Buenos Aires but we were really only there for one day. My favorite part was the stay at the working ranch in Uruguay. Juan and family were the absolute best hosts!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/08/2024
Michael - Traveled, January 2024
Overall satisfied with the trip although I feel the two biggest cities we didn’t really get to see and instead spent four nights in Uruguay which was clearly the cheapest option. After an overnight bus we also didn’t get to our hotel the next morning and some of the hotels were shabby and not in great condition. Tour guide was not very knowledgeable and didn’t really seem to do much other than hand out travel tickets. Overall intrepid cheaper out in my opinion and lobbed any great activities in as optional that we had to pay for.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/09/2024
Sam - Traveled, January 2024
Excellent trip, well organised, amazing experience super tour leader
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/29/2024
Jennifer - Traveled, November 2023
Excellent, especially the estancia, Juan made it feel like home. Never riden a horse before, definitely the surprise of the trip for me. They provide you with welly's so you dont need to worry about getting you trainers dirty! Special shout out to our tour guide 'G', who made everything go so smoothly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2023
Shaneen - Traveled, October 2023
You’ll come out a better person - do it ! For serious travelers only :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/10/2023
Anne wong - Traveled, August 2023
I liked it because it wasn’t to long nor to short. The leader handled everything greatly. I enjoyed every moment.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/27/2023
Andrew - Traveled, August 2023
Great trip if you like the outdoors and don’t mind a bit of rustic accommodation. Beautiful, diverse locations and plenty of opportunity to try new things and learn about the local ways.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/07/2023
Luca - Traveled, June 2023
This trip, despite short (I didn't have more time), allowed me to get a glimpse of 2 of the major cities in South America, Buenos Aires and Rio, to visit 2 Wonders the World (Cristo Redentor and Iguazu Falls) and to live for 3 days as a gaucho in Uruguay: above my expectations. It was fantastic!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/25/2023
Vaughan and Shirley - Traveled, January 2024
This was a very diverse trip across three countries. The itinerary was excellent but the tour leader really made it. She was intrepid indeed!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/06/2024
Logan - Traveled, January 2024
The trip was absolutely amazing, the accommodation was good, the travelling was good, the food was good, everything was good about this trip and had an amazing tour guide
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/31/2024
Andrew - Traveled, January 2024
Excellent trip - the addition of the Estancia with the "character" that is Juan the host makes the trip that much more memorable. It's a lot of travelling, but i had a great time with some great people - and Iguassu is well worth it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/28/2024
Hazel - Traveled, March 2024
Uruguay was nothing liked I imagined. It is like the Yorkshire Dales (UK) on steroids - green - with very little beyond cattle, sheep and birds for hours of driving. Experience the ranch stay while it is still an option. The best bacon in your life, getting up close and practical with sheep and herding them on horseback. It was unique and magical.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/22/2024
Ruth - Traveled, March 2024
If you are looking for a peaceful break in outstanding scenery this is the trip for you. Rounding up sheep on horseback, breath taking views over Rio, rainforest walks and sailing under the mighty Iguazu waterfalls this trip is full of culture, nature and fun.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
Alma - Traveled, February 2024
This trip was outstanding with a richness of adventure and culture! The optional activities were designed to augment your travel experience! Guilherme, our guide, is an incredible leader and outstanding human being, he made this trip amazing and unforgettable!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/14/2024
Ramon - Traveled, October 2023
I rate my trip with Intrepid 10/10. The itinerary was planned well and executed smoothly. It's the best way to meet likeminded people and make new friends for life. Intrepid gives you adventure without the stress of planning.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/04/2023
Andrea - Traveled, August 2023
Amazing tour visiting a lot of destinations in a short period of time
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/04/2023
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