View dates and book
Flights not included
Now from
$1190
Was from
$1590
Days
11
FALLS, RANCHES, BEACHES, SAMBA

Buenos Aires to Rio, Unbuttoned

Overview
Why you'll love this trip
Itinerary
Inclusions
Before you book you should know
Dates and prices
Important notes
Reviews
This 17-day South America route runs from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro, with Uruguay's Colonia and estancia life, Iguazu Falls from both sides, colonial Paraty and beachy Ilha Grande along the way. It is a lively, varied trip for travelers who want cities, waterfalls, ranch culture, island time and a real overland sense of movement.
17 days from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro
A lively South America route with Uruguay, Iguazu Falls, Paraty and Ilha Grande.
Dates and prices

Why You'll Love This Trip

Why you'll love this trip
  • Buenos Aires First Bite
    Start with San Telmo, Avenida de Mayo, old cafes and that unmistakable port-city energy.
  • Colonia Slow Streets
    Wander Uruguay's old quarter, where vintage cars, river light and cobblestones set the mood.
  • Estancia Days
    Spend three nights in gaucho country, sharing home cooking, horses and unpolished ranch life.
  • Iguazu Twice
    See the falls from Brazil and Argentina, with roar, mist and jungle boardwalks.
  • Paraty Your Way
    Choose rainforest trails, island-hopping, cachaca tasting or an easy colonial-town wander.
  • Ilha Grande Pause
    Trade city noise for rainforest beaches, boat trips, seafood and slow island evenings.
This is South America with its sleeves rolled up: big cities, long roads, border crossings, waterfalls and beach days. It is not overly polished, and that is exactly why it feels alive.

Prices from

$1500 $1700

Dates and prices
Itinerary
Buenos Aires
Colonia del Sacramento
Uruguay Estancia
Puerto Iguazu
Foz do Iguacu
Iguazu Falls Brazilian Side
Iguazu Falls Argentinian Side
Rio de Janeiro
Paraty
Trindade Coast
Angra dos Reis
Ilha Grande
Blue Lagoon
Mangaratiba
Rio de Janeiro
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Tour program
  • Welcome to Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital of big avenues, late dinners and neighborhood character. Meet your leader in the hotel lobby at 1 pm for an orientation walk through the Microcentro district. Along the way, pass historic buildings on Avenida de Mayo, see Casa Rosada, browse the antique atmosphere of San Telmo and maybe pause for coffee at Cafe Tortoni. Be back at the hotel for the 6 pm welcome meeting, where the group covers the practical details for the journey ahead.
  • Accommodation
    Hotel
  • Meals
    None listed
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk
    Optional: None listed
  • Special information
    Please attend the welcome meeting, as insurance and emergency contact details are collected then. If you expect to arrive late, tell your travel agent or hotel reception, and check the lobby or reception desk for meeting details.
  • Use the morning for more Buenos Aires time, with your leader available for suggestions if you want a neighborhood, cafe or market idea. Later, cross the Rio de la Plata by ferry and arrive in Colonia del Sacramento, one of Uruguay's oldest cities. The World Heritage-listed old quarter is the obvious first stop, with quiet lanes, Plaza Mayor, small museums and river views. If you want a better look over town, climb the still-working 19th-century lighthouse.
  • Accommodation
    Hotel
  • Meals
    Breakfast
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: None listed
    Optional: Colonia - Lighthouse visit - UYU35; Colonia - Local Wine & Cheese Tasting - USD20
  • Special information
    Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours. You will need to walk about 850 m from the ferry port to the hotel while carrying your luggage.
  • Travel by bus toward an estancia near Mercedes or Tacuarembo, where your hosts welcome you into rural Uruguay for the next few days. This is a shift in tempo after Buenos Aires and Colonia: more open land, simple hospitality and a closer look at gaucho traditions. Dinner tonight is included, giving the group an easy first evening in the countryside.
  • Accommodation
    Estancia
  • Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: Estancia Stay - 2-Night Stay on an Estancia
    Optional: None listed
  • Special information
    The local operation uses two different estancias in the same general region. Travel time is approximately 2.5 hours if staying near Mercedes, or approximately 5.5 hours if staying in the Tacuarembo area.
  • Settle into the rhythm of estancia life. You can take the day slowly, enjoy the rural setting or join the ranch-style activities available during your stay. Depending on the property, that might mean making fresh empanadas, joining a casual soccer or volleyball game, riding horses or simply spending time outdoors. The accommodation is not fancy, but the setting, home-cooked meals, traditional asado, music and warm hosting are the real point.
  • Accommodation
    Estancia
  • Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included activities
    None listed
  • Optional activities
    Estancia - Horse riding - Free
  • Special information
    The local operation uses two different estancias in the same area, so activities may vary slightly. Accommodation is dormitory-style, and hot water can occasionally be inconsistent. If anything is not working properly, let your leader or the accommodation staff know.
  • Enjoy another day at the estancia, with the open countryside doing most of the heavy lifting. Depending on where the group is staying, you may ride again, walk near the river in Mercedes, get ice cream in town or help your hosts with cattle and sheep. It is a good day to lean into the slower pace before the overnight bus and border crossings ahead.
  • Accommodation
    Estancia
  • Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: None listed
    Optional: Estancia - Horse riding - Free
  • Special information
    The local operation uses two different estancias in the same area, so activities may vary slightly depending on the property.
  • After breakfast, say goodbye to your estancia hosts and travel toward the Uruguay-Argentina border. Cross back into Argentina, then prepare for the overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu, the gateway to the falls. There will be time to pick up a light dinner and snacks before settling in for the long ride north.
  • Accommodation
    Overnight Bus
  • Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: None listed
    Optional: None listed
  • Special information
    Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours if your estancia is near Mercedes, or 3 hours if it is near Tacuarembo. The overnight bus is approximately 18 hours from the Mercedes area or 14 hours from the Tacuarembo area. The bus has reclining seats and onboard toilets, but bring water, snacks and entertainment for the ride.
  • Arrive at Puerto Iguazu bus station, then continue by minivan across the border into Brazil. Head straight to the national park for your first look at Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side, where wide-angle views show the scale of the cascades. After time in the park, continue to your hotel in Foz do Iguacu and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.
  • Accommodation
    Hotel
  • Meals
    None listed
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Brazilian side of the falls
    Optional: Iguazu Falls - Bird Park - USD25; Iguazu Falls - Helicopter ride - USD145
  • Special information
    None listed
  • Return to Argentina to experience Iguazu Falls from the boardwalks and closer viewpoints. The falls stretch for more than two km and include over 270 separate cascades, with some drops reaching around 80 m. The sound and spray are part of the day. For an extra hit of adrenaline, you may choose the optional Zodiac ride toward the base of the falls before returning to the hotel.
  • Accommodation
    Hotel
  • Meals
    Breakfast
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Argentinian side of the falls
    Optional: Iguazu Falls - Zodiac ride up to the falls - USD95
  • Special information
    None listed
  • Fly to Rio de Janeiro today. After checking in, head out with your leader for an orientation walk, then use the rest of the day however you like. You might go straight for Copacabana or Ipanema, ride the Santa Teresa tram, visit the Botanical Gardens, head up to Christ the Redeemer or, if schedules line up, see a game at Maracana Stadium. Rio gives you options fast.
  • Accommodation
    Hotel
  • Meals
    Breakfast
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: None listed
    Optional: Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa tramcar - BRL20; Rio de Janeiro - Maracana football game, schedule dependent - USD100; Rio de Janeiro - Botanical Gardens admission fee - USD18; Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer admission fee - USD20; Rio de Janeiro - Samba School Rehearsal, October-February - USD105; Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car admission fee - USD45
  • Special information
    Travel time is approximately 2 hours, though an indirect flight may make the day longer. If you arrive in Rio in the evening, optional activities can be arranged after the trip ends. Extra time in Rio is recommended if your schedule allows.
  • Enjoy a free morning in Rio, then join a leader-led orientation walk in the afternoon. A second welcome meeting takes place at 6 pm, when new travelers may join the group. Rio sits between Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf and Corcovado, with beach life, samba, Carnaval energy and complicated city contrasts all folded together. After the briefing, you may want to keep the introductions going over an optional group dinner.
  • Accommodation
    Hotel
  • Meals
    None listed
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: Rio de Janeiro - Orientation Walk
    Optional: None listed
  • Special information
    This tour is a combination of shorter itineraries, so travelers in the group and the group leader are likely to change today.
  • Leave Rio by shared transfer and travel to Paraty, a colonial town backed by rainforest and set near an island-dotted bay. The journey takes approximately 4.5 hours. Once you arrive, spend the rest of the day wandering the cobbled, pedestrian-only streets, where old architecture and tidal seawater give the historic center its own personality.
  • Accommodation
    Hotel
  • Meals
    Breakfast
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: None listed
    Optional: Paraty - Boat trip from - USD35; Paraty - Jeep Tour - USD45; Paraty - Cachaca Walking Tour - USD25
  • Special information
    None listed
  • Today is free to shape Paraty your way. You might head into the surrounding national park for rainforest trails, waterfalls and wildlife, take a boat trip through the bay, join an excursion to Trindade for some of Brazil's standout beaches or keep things easy with a town wander and a cachaca tasting. This is one of those days where doing less can be its own plan.
  • Accommodation
    Hotel
  • Meals
    Breakfast
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: None listed
    Optional: Paraty - Boat trip from - USD35; Paraty - Jeep Tour - USD45; Paraty - Cachaca Walking Tour - USD25
  • Special information
    None listed
  • Travel by shared transfer to Angra, then continue by ferry to Ilha Grande. The total journey takes approximately 5 hours. The island is known for rainforest, beaches and limited development, but its history is layered too: it has been a pirate hideout, quarantine hospital and prison site. After arrival, get your bearings and then follow the obvious call of the day: the beach.
  • Accommodation
    Hotel
  • Meals
    Breakfast
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: None listed
    Optional: None listed
  • Special information
    Power outages are common on Ilha Grande, so bring enough cash for food, drinks and optional activities.
  • Wake up in island mode and spend the day exploring Ilha Grande. You can hike rainforest trails toward remote beaches like Lopes Mendes, book an optional Blue Lagoon snorkel trip, go beach-hopping around Ilha Grande Bay or settle somewhere sandy with a book. Fresh seafood, clear water and a slower pace are the big themes here.
  • Accommodation
    Hotel
  • Meals
    None listed
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: None listed
    Optional: Ilha Grande - Blue Lagoon Snorkel Trip - USD70; Ilha Grande - Beach Hopping Half-Island Tour - USD40
  • Special information
    During the rainy season, from December to February, Ilha Grande can experience intermittent electricity outages. This may affect hot water, Wi-Fi and some amenities.
  • Enjoy another full free day on Ilha Grande. If yesterday was about activity, today can be about slowing down, or the other way around. Swim, snorkel, walk, join another boat outing or spend the afternoon in Vila do Abraao with a caipirinha and your travel crew as the island evening settles in.
  • Accommodation
    Hotel
  • Meals
    None listed
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: None listed
    Optional: Ilha Grande - Blue Lagoon Snorkel Trip - USD70; Ilha Grande - Beach Hopping Half-Island Tour - USD40
  • Special information
    During the rainy season, from December to February, Ilha Grande can experience intermittent electricity outages. This may affect hot water, Wi-Fi and some amenities.
  • Say goodbye to Ilha Grande and travel by boat to the small port of Mangaratiba, then continue by minivan back to Rio de Janeiro. The full trip should take around 3.5 hours, usually bringing you back to Rio in the early or mid-afternoon. The rest of the day is free for Copacabana, sightseeing or one more city wander. Tonight, gather with the group for food, drinks and maybe a little samba, with your leader ready to point you in the right direction.
  • Accommodation
    Hotel
  • Meals
    None listed
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: None listed
    Optional: Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car entrance - BRL195; Rio de Janeiro - Botanical Gardens admission fee - USD18; Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa tramcar - USD5; Rio de Janeiro - Maracana football game, schedule dependent - USD100; Rio de Janeiro - Sunset Tour: Sugarloaf, Selaron & Kobra Grafiti - USD85; Rio de Janeiro - Samba School Rehearsal, October-February - USD105; Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car admission fee - USD45; Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer admission fee - USD20
  • Special information
    None listed
  • There are no planned activities today, and you can leave the accommodation any time after checkout. If you want more Rio time, extra accommodation can be requested, subject to availability. It is an easy place to justify one more night.
  • Accommodation
    None listed
  • Meals
    Breakfast
  • Included / optional activities
    Included: None listed
    Optional: Rio de Janeiro - Behind the Scenes Carnival Tour - BRL380; Rio de Janeiro - Adventure & History at Tijuca Forest - USD70; Rio de Janeiro - Tijuca Forest Express Hike - Pedra Bonita - USD65; Rio de Janeiro - Secluded Beaches Hike - Prainha & Grumari - USD90; Rio de Janeiro - Rio Nature Secrets Eco-City Tour - USD90; Rio de Janeiro - Half Day City Tour - USD105; Rio de Janeiro - Full Day City Tour - USD125
  • Special information
    None listed
By the time Rio comes back around, the trip feels less like a route and more like a whole messy, beautiful South American mood.
Inclusions and activities
  • Destination
    Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil
    Region: Buenos Aires, Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay estancia country, Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro, Paraty and Ilha Grande
  • 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; Estancia Stay - 2-Night Stay on an 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
    Colonia - Lighthouse visit - UYU35; Colonia - Local Wine & Cheese Tasting - USD20; Estancia - Horse riding - Free; Iguazu Falls - Bird Park - USD25; Iguazu Falls - Helicopter ride - USD145; Iguazu Falls - Zodiac ride up to the falls - USD95; Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa tramcar - BRL20; Rio de Janeiro - Maracana football game, schedule dependent - USD100; Rio de Janeiro - Botanical Gardens admission fee - USD18; Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer admission fee - USD20; Rio de Janeiro - Samba School Rehearsal, October-February - USD105; Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car admission fee - USD45; Paraty - Boat trip from - USD35; Paraty - Jeep Tour - USD45; Paraty - Cachaca Walking Tour - USD25; Ilha Grande - Blue Lagoon Snorkel Trip - USD70; Ilha Grande - Beach Hopping Half-Island Tour - USD40; Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car entrance - BRL195; Rio de Janeiro - Sunset Tour: Sugarloaf, Selaron & Kobra Grafiti - USD85; Rio de Janeiro - Behind the Scenes Carnival Tour - BRL380; Rio de Janeiro - Adventure & History at Tijuca Forest - USD70; Rio de Janeiro - Tijuca Forest Express Hike - Pedra Bonita - USD65; Rio de Janeiro - Secluded Beaches Hike - Prainha & Grumari - USD90; Rio de Janeiro - Rio Nature Secrets Eco-City Tour - USD90; Rio de Janeiro - Half Day City Tour - USD105; Rio de Janeiro - Full Day City Tour - USD125
  • Start / End
    Start: Buenos Aires, Argentina
    End: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    Duration: 17 days
Planning a group trip? Contact our manager at info@eurotourclub.com — we’ll help you organize every detail for a smooth and unforgettable journey.
Trip moments from our travelers
Before you book you should know
Is this trip right for you?
This trip includes long travel days, including an overnight bus between the estancia area and Puerto Iguazu. The bus has reclining seats and onboard toilets, but the ride is still long, so bring water, snacks, layers and something to keep yourself occupied.

Accommodation has been chosen carefully for the route and style of travel, but service, rooms and facilities may differ from what American travelers expect at home. The estancia nights are especially simple and part of the experience is embracing that rural, less polished setting.

This itinerary crosses several borders and uses ferries, buses, flights, boats and shared transfers. It suits travelers who like variety and can stay flexible when transport days, weather or island infrastructure add a little unpredictability.
del
del
Accommodation
Accommodation includes hotels, three nights at an estancia and one overnight bus. The estancia stay is dormitory-style, and hot water can occasionally be inconsistent. Ilha Grande can also have power outages, especially during the rainy season from December to February.

The accommodation listed in the itinerary reflects the intended style and standard, but similar properties may be used if availability changes. Early check-in is not always possible, though luggage can usually be stored until rooms are ready.
Joining point
Joining point: Two Hotel Buenos Aires, Moreno 785, C1091AAN, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The hotel is in the Montserrat neighborhood, close to major points of interest and a short walk from the nearest subway station. Teatro Colon is about 2 km away, and Centro Cultural Recoleta is about 5 km away.

EurotourClub can help arrange an airport transfer if requested in advance. Please provide arrival flight details at least 14 days before departure. Buenos Aires is served by Ezeiza International Airport and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport. If you do not have a transfer, use the official taxi desks inside the airport.
Dates and prices
Lock in your trip with a 50% flexible deposit
  • Starting
    Wednesday 8 Oct 2025
  • Ending
    Wednesday 15 Oct 2025
  • Prices from
    $1500 $1800
  • Sunday 12 Oct 2025
  • Sunday 19 Oct 2025
  • $1800
  • Wednesday 15 Oct 2025
  • Wednesday 22 Oct 2025
  • $1800
  • Sunday 19 Oct 2025
  • Sunday 26 Oct 2025
  • $1500 $1800
  • Wednesday 22 Oct 2025
  • Wednesday 29 Oct 2025
  • $1500 $1800
Starting Wednesday 8 Oct 2025
Ending Wednesday 15 Oct 2025
$1500 $1800
Starting Sunday 12 Oct 2025
Ending Sunday 19 Oct 2025
$1500 $1800
Starting Wednesday 15 Oct 2025
Ending Wednesday 22 Oct 2025
$1500 $1800
Starting Sunday 19 Oct 2025
Ending Sunday 26 Oct 2025
$1500 $1800
Need help choosing a date?
Get more details and book

Important notes

This trip starts with an orientation walk at 1 pm on Day 1 in Buenos Aires. If flight timing makes that difficult, consider booking an extra pre-tour night at the joining hotel.

A single supplement may be available for travelers who prefer a private room, but it does not apply to Days 3, 4 and 5 at the estancia or Day 6 on the overnight bus, where shared accommodation is used. Availability is limited.

You may need a Brazilian visa for this trip. Processing can take around 2 to 5 weeks, depending on the embassy or consulate, so check requirements well before departure.

Full passport details, including any middle names shown on your passport, are required at booking for bus, train or flight tickets. Changes within 45 days of departure may incur fees, and in some cases new tickets may need to be issued at your expense.

For Argentina, carrying US dollars is strongly recommended. ATMs are widely available, but daily withdrawal limits and fluctuating exchange rates can make relying only on cards inconvenient.
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