Buenos Aires to Rio Explorer

Bienvenido! Welcome to Buenos Aires. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Your leader will leave a note at the hotel reception telling you where it will take place. After the meeting, maybe head out for dinner with your group to get to know each other.

This morning begins with an orientation walk around Buenos Aires’ Microcentro district Pass by historic buildings along the Avenida de Mayo, including the Casa Rosada (Argentina’s government house), explore antiques markets in the picturesque San Telmo area and perhaps have a coffee in the famous Cafe Tortoni. This afternoon is yours to explore Buenos Aires. Perhaps you’ll kick things off in La Boca, where you can visit iconic Caminito Street, which gives the neighbourhood its distinctive spirit. Then maybe continue towards Retiro and Recoleta, famously known as the ‘Paris of South America’ for their opulent architecture, grand palaces and tree-lined boulevards. La Recoleta Cemetery is worth a stop for its ornate mausoleums – Eva Peron’s grave is located here. This evening, maybe head to a tango show for your new travel pals.

Today, jump on a ferry to cross the Rio de la Plata (River Plate) to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. When you arrive, enjoy some time on your own 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 – still in operation today.

Today make your way by public transport to an estancia near Tacuarembo where you’ll meet your hosts – they’ll take great care of you for the next couple of days. Tonight, enjoy the warm hospitality and the rural setting rich in history, culture and gaucho traditions.

Spend the day taking in the gorgeous views across the estancia. You can head out on a horse ride to explore your surroundings or help your host with the roundup of the cows and sheep. 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.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your hosts and travel to the Uruguay-Argentinian border. Cross the border to Argentina, then prepare for an overnight public bus ride to Puerto Iguazu – the gateway to Iguazu Falls. There’ll be a chance to grab a light dinner and some snacks before the journey.

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. Now, you can stretch your legs and take in the mighty Iguazu Falls! After admiring this force of nature, head to your hotel in Foz do Iguacu, where you have free time for the rest of the day.

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 2 km (1.2 mi) long, Iguazu Falls are made up of over 270 separate cascades, with some reaching up to 80 m (262.4 ft) 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.

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 football 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 – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Bem-vindo! Welcome to Brazil. Your experience begins at 1 pm today with an optional leader-led orientation walk around Rio. In the evening, there will be an important meeting at 6 pm where you’ll talk through the details of your Brazilian adventure. 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.

This morning, travel from Rio to Paraty (approximately 4 .5 hours via public bus). 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.

Paraty

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 quarantine hospital 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, perhaps head to dinner, your leader will have some great recommendations.

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.

Ilha Grande