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Peregrine Travel Centre

Buenos Aires to Rio Explorer

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Buenos Aires to Rio Explorer

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Description

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.

Trip Name
Buenos Aires to Rio Explorer
Last Updated
2024-08-07
Days
17
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • 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.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
03-01-202519-01-2025AUD $ 4,694-
10-01-202526-01-2025AUD $ 5,320-
17-01-202502-02-2025AUD $ 5,070-
07-02-202523-02-2025AUD $ 5,520-
14-03-202530-03-2025AUD $ 5,170-
21-03-202506-04-2025AUD $ 5,020-
28-03-202513-04-2025AUD $ 5,020-
04-04-202520-04-2025AUD $ 5,020-
18-04-202504-05-2025AUD $ 5,020-
02-05-202518-05-2025AUD $ 4,830-
16-05-202501-06-2025AUD $ 4,830-
06-06-202522-06-2025AUD $ 4,830-
20-06-202506-07-2025AUD $ 4,830-
11-07-202527-07-2025AUD $ 4,830-
01-08-202517-08-2025AUD $ 4,830-
15-08-202531-08-2025AUD $ 4,830-
29-08-202514-09-2025AUD $ 4,830-
05-09-202521-09-2025AUD $ 5,020-
03-10-202519-10-2025AUD $ 5,020-
17-10-202502-11-2025AUD $ 5,215-
24-10-202509-11-2025AUD $ 5,215-
07-11-202523-11-2025AUD $ 5,215-
14-11-202530-11-2025AUD $ 5,215-
21-11-202507-12-2025AUD $ 5,215-
05-12-202521-12-2025AUD $ 5,215-
12-12-202528-12-2025AUD $ 5,215-
02-01-202618-01-2026AUD $ 5,275-
09-01-202625-01-2026AUD $ 5,275-
16-01-202601-02-2026AUD $ 5,275-
06-02-202622-02-2026AUD $ 5,275-
13-03-202629-03-2026AUD $ 5,275-
20-03-202605-04-2026AUD $ 5,275-
27-03-202612-04-2026AUD $ 5,275-
03-04-202619-04-2026AUD $ 5,070-
17-04-202603-05-2026AUD $ 5,070-
01-05-202617-05-2026AUD $ 5,070-
15-05-202631-05-2026AUD $ 5,070-
05-06-202621-06-2026AUD $ 5,070-
19-06-202605-07-2026AUD $ 5,070-
10-07-202626-07-2026AUD $ 5,070-
31-07-202616-08-2026AUD $ 5,070-
14-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 5,070-
28-08-202613-09-2026AUD $ 5,275-
04-09-202620-09-2026AUD $ 5,275-
02-10-202618-10-2026AUD $ 5,475-
16-10-202601-11-2026AUD $ 5,475-
23-10-202608-11-2026AUD $ 5,475-
30-10-202615-11-2026AUD $ 5,475-
13-11-202629-11-2026AUD $ 5,475-
20-11-202606-12-2026AUD $ 5,475-
04-12-202620-12-2026AUD $ 5,475-
11-12-202627-12-2026AUD $ 5,475-
08-01-202724-01-2027AUD $ 4,830-

Accommodation

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

Transport

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

Map

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