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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 an 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
1970-01-01
Days
17
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Spend three days at an estancia (ranch) in Uruguay, where you can spend your time getting involved 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 and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , 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
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.
Day 2 - Colonia Del Sacramento
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.
Day 3 - Tacuarembo
Today you’ll take a bus to an estancia near the area of Mercedes or Tacuarembo where you'll meet your hosts who’ll look after you for the next couple of days. Tonight, enjoy the warm hospitality of your hosts and the rural setting rich in history, culture and gaucho traditions.
Day 4 - Tacuarembo
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.
Day 5 - Tacuarembo
Spend another day taking in the gorgeous views across the estancia. Depending on the estancia, you can 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 or help your host with the roundup of the cows and sheep. 
Day 6 - Tacuarembo
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.
Day 7 - Foz do Iguazu
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.
Day 8 - Foz do Iguazu
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.
Day 9 - Rio de Janeiro
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.
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 - 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 12 - Paraty
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Day 13 - 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 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, head to the beach – it’s calling your name.
Day 14 - 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 15 - Ilha Grande
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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
13-03-202629-03-2026AUD $ 6,260-
03-04-202619-04-2026AUD $ 5,995-
10-04-202626-04-2026AUD $ 5,040-
01-05-202617-05-2026AUD $ 5,780-
15-05-202631-05-2026AUD $ 5,900-
19-06-202605-07-2026AUD $ 5,995-
10-07-202626-07-2026AUD $ 5,290-
31-07-202616-08-2026AUD $ 5,530-
07-08-202623-08-2026AUD $ 5,460-
14-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 5,460-
28-08-202613-09-2026AUD $ 5,595-
04-09-202620-09-2026AUD $ 5,950-
25-09-202611-10-2026AUD $ 5,595-
02-10-202618-10-2026AUD $ 5,595-
23-10-202608-11-2026AUD $ 5,990-
30-10-202615-11-2026AUD $ 5,595-
06-11-202622-11-2026AUD $ 5,780-
13-11-202629-11-2026AUD $ 5,695-
20-11-202606-12-2026AUD $ 5,900-
27-11-202613-12-2026AUD $ 5,595-
04-12-202620-12-2026AUD $ 5,460-
01-01-202717-01-2027AUD $ 5,930-
08-01-202724-01-2027AUD $ 5,930-
15-01-202731-01-2027AUD $ 5,930-
19-02-202707-03-2027AUD $ 5,490-
26-02-202714-03-2027AUD $ 5,490-
12-03-202728-03-2027AUD $ 5,930-
30-04-202716-05-2027AUD $ 5,490-
14-05-202730-05-2027AUD $ 5,655-
04-06-202720-06-2027AUD $ 5,655-
18-06-202704-07-2027AUD $ 5,655-
09-07-202725-07-2027AUD $ 5,490-
30-07-202715-08-2027AUD $ 5,490-
13-08-202729-08-2027AUD $ 5,655-
27-08-202712-09-2027AUD $ 5,655-
24-09-202710-10-2027AUD $ 5,820-
01-10-202717-10-2027AUD $ 5,820-
29-10-202714-11-2027AUD $ 5,820-
05-11-202721-11-2027AUD $ 5,820-
12-11-202728-11-2027AUD $ 5,930-
19-11-202705-12-2027AUD $ 5,930-
26-11-202712-12-2027AUD $ 5,930-
03-12-202719-12-2027AUD $ 5,655-

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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