In Search Of Iguassu - Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro

Itinerary

Day 1, 2 Arrive Buenos Aires

Known as the ‘Paris of the Americas,’ Buenos Aires is a vibrant city full of life. Visit the districts of La Boca, Recoleta, and San Telmo or catch a tango show at one of the many famous tanguerías. Wander the pedestrian walkways and see some dancing in the streets. Whatever you do, Buenos Aires is sure to leave lasting memories.The capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires is the ultimate cosmopolitan city. Travellers find that it has more in common with the cities of Europe than the rest of South America. Nearly 40 per cent of Argentina’s 33 million citizens live in Greater Buenos Aires, and the Porteños are justifiably proud of their home. The city is comprised of a number of distinct neighbourhoods, some of which have become top tourist draws. For many, the highlight of their time in the capital is a visit to San Telmo for the weekend antiques market and street artists’ displays. La Boca was originally settled by the successive waves of immigrants that contribute to the capital’s unique character. Its brightly coloured walls and buildings draw Porteños and tourists alike. Posh Recoleta, with its cafés, museums and cemetery, is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon. During colonial days, Buenos Aires was the seat of the Viceroy of La Plata. Almost completely rebuilt since the turn of the century, the heart of the city is the Plaza de Mayo, with the historic Cabildo (Town Hall), where the Independence movement was first planned, the Casa Rosada (Government Palace) and the Cathedral, where San Martín, the father of Argentine independence, is buried. When you are done exploring, settle your weary feet and enjoy a drink in one of the many sidewalk cafés and restaurants, and you will begin to understand the contemplative Argentine way of life. Buenos Aires will be your last chance, while in Argentina, to try the succulent bifé and parrilladas, so dig in and enjoy!

Day 3-5 Colonia / Montevideo

Cross the Rio de la Plata by ferry to reach the shores of Uruguay. Explore Colonia’s unique culture, rich history and captivating architecture while you stroll down its cobble-stoned streets. We also travel to Montevideo, founded by the Spanish in 1726. Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay and is by far, the country's largest city. Over half of the population lives there (about 1 million) and the city dominates the commercial and cultural life of the nation. It's very lively and modern with many architecturally interesting buildings, yet the city also maintains a very quiet atmosphere. There are several good museums not to be missed, as well as some very good beaches just outside the city.

Day 6-7 Salto

Today we travel by day through picturesque settlements and pastures finishing in our last Uruguayan stop of Salto. There you can relax in the thermal baths, enjoy spa treatments or have a blast at the water park.

Day 8-10 Iguassu Falls

After a night of travel, our visit to Brazil begins with the magnificent Foz do Iguaçu, or Iguassu falls, bordering Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. In order to see the falls properly you need to view them from both the Brazilian and the Argentine side. The Brazilian side offers the grand overview, and the Argentine side, a closer look. The best time of the year to see them is from August to November, as from May to July you may not be able to approach the swollen waters on the catwalks. Experience an exhilarating optional boat tour at the falls or simply marvel at nature’s breadth and the roar of the falls.

Day 11-12 Paraty

Next stop is Paraty, a quaint colonial town on the coast renowned for its architecture. The pace is slow but do not let this fool you as there is a lot to choose from. You can visit an old plantation or Fazenda and try some artisan cachaça or take a boat ride to one of the many secluded beaches outside of the city.

Day 13-15 Ihla Grande

On Day 13 we travel to the port in Angra dos Reis and catch a boat over to Ilha Grande not far from the coast. Relax and enjoy a cool Caipirinha on one of the island's hundred beaches, snorkeling through the tropical waters or try your luck surfing at Lopez Mendes.

Day 16-17 Depart Rio de Janeiro

Leaving the port after returning from Ilha Grande, a dramatic road then takes us north along the coast through superb scenery before rounding the cliffs at Vidigal, where we get our first glimpse of one of the most memorable cities in the world Brazil’s ocean-side jewel, Río de Janeiro."God made the world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio ", so say the Cariocas, residents of this beautiful city. Few cities enjoy such a dramatic setting as Rio. Brilliant, white beaches at Copacabana and Ipanema, deep blue waters of the Atlantic, the luminescent green of Guanabara Bay, the bare blue slopes of the Sugar Loaf and the steep green hills behind, combine to make Rio unique. Standing over it all, atop Corcovado, is the huge statue of Christ the Redeemer, which is the best place from which to appreciate the city. From the top of the Pao do Açucar (Sugar Loaf), which can be reached by cable car, you will see superb panoramic views of the city and area. Head to some of the famous beaches, and prepare yourself for an experience unlike anything else on Earth.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Simple hotels (14 nts), overnight buses (2 nts). Note: Accommodation can be quite basic / multi-share at times.
Combination	This trip is a component of our Great South American Journey tour, see code JFC.
Departure	Departures vary
Group Size	Max 15, Avg 10
Included Highlights	Entrance and visit to both the Argentine and Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls
Local Payment	USD250
Meals Included	No meals included.
Reverse Itinerary	This trip also runs in reverse - see trip code JRB.
StartFinish	Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro
Testimonial	"The trip was fantastic from start to finish- so many fantastic places. Highlights were Iguassu falls, Rio and Uruguay." - Callum Tierney travelled on In Search of Iguassu
Transport	Public bus, 4WD truck, ferry, walking.
Brochure Intro	Take 17 days and venture off the tourist track through Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. Follow in the footsteps of the Portuguese explorers on your own voyage of discovery from the land of Tango to the home of Samba! Sophisticated Buenos Aires' Portenos, and Rio de Janeiro's fun-loving Cariocas are perfect bookends for your jaunt through this fascinating region.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-08-18	2008-09-03	1
2008-09-12	2008-09-28	1
2008-09-15	2008-10-01	6
2008-09-26	2008-10-12	5
2008-10-10	2008-10-26	7+
2008-10-20	2008-11-05	7+
2008-10-24	2008-11-09	7+
2008-10-27	2008-11-12	7+
2008-11-15	2008-12-01	5
2008-12-05	2008-12-21	5
2008-12-08	2008-12-24	7+
2008-12-22	2009-01-07	7+
2008-12-27	2009-01-12	7+
2009-01-02	2009-01-18	7+
2009-01-16	2009-02-01	7+
2009-01-19	2009-02-04	7+
2009-01-23	2009-02-08	7+
2009-01-30	2009-02-15	3
2009-02-16	2009-03-04	7+
2009-02-23	2009-03-11	7+
2009-03-09	2009-03-25	7+
2009-03-13	2009-03-29	7+
2009-03-27	2009-04-12	7+
2009-04-10	2009-04-26	7+
2009-04-13	2009-04-29	7+
2009-04-24	2009-05-10	7+
2009-04-27	2009-05-13	7+
2009-05-08	2009-05-24	7+
2009-05-18	2009-06-03	7+
2009-06-05	2009-06-21	7+
2009-06-08	2009-06-24	7+
2009-06-15	2009-07-01	7+
2009-06-29	2009-07-15	7+
2009-07-03	2009-07-19	7+
2009-07-17	2009-08-02	7+
2009-07-31	2009-08-16	7+
2009-08-03	2009-08-19	7+
2009-08-14	2009-08-30	7+
2009-08-17	2009-09-02	7+
2009-08-28	2009-09-13	7+

Browse Similar Trips

• Southern Discovery
• Ariau Amazon Towers Lodge
• Beyond the Antarctic Circle - M/S Expedition

• Spirit of the South - Eastbound
• South American Voyager
• Iguazu Unplugged - Rio to Buenos Aires

• Road to Rio
• Bolivia Crossing (Lima to Buenos Aires)
• Buenos Aires City Break - Original - Complejo Tango Hotel Boutique

• Wonders of Brazil
• Great South American Journey - Quito to Rio
• Iguassu Falls - Standard

• Home
• International Airfare
• Hotels
• Hostels
• Community
• RTW Guide
• Travel Blogs
• Adventure Trips
• Travel Gear
• Travel Insurance
• Eurail