Intrepid Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil

• End your trip in Brazil’s famous beachside city, Rio de Janeiro. Make the most of your local leader’s recommendations – how about finding a local samba bar or wandering the bohemian streets of Santa Teresa?
• Explore the Historic Quarter of Colonia del Sacramento, one of Uruguay’s oldest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll cobbled streets lined with vintage cars and rub shoulders with locals sipping yerba mate.
• Get to know the gaucho (cowboy) way of life during a stay at a traditional estancia (ranch) in Uruguay. Explore the land on horseback, help your hosts make empanadas and feast on a classic asado (barbecue).
• See the mighty Iguazu Falls – the world’s largest waterfall system, which straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil – from different vantage points in both countries.
• Soak up the cosmopolitan vibes of Buenos Aires and explore the highlights on foot – including the Avenida de Mayo and the San Telmo area, filled with colourful markets and murals.

Meals

8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Transport

Plane, local bus, ferry, overnight bus

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Estancia (2 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 Argentinian side of the falls
• Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Brazilian side of the falls

Day - 1

Location: Buenos Aires - 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.

Day - 2

Location: Buenos Aires - 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.

Day - 3

Location: Colonia Del Sacramento - 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.

Day - 4

Location: Estancia Stay - Today you’ll take a bus to an estancia near the area of Mercedes or 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.

Day - 5

Location: Estancia Stay - Spend the day taking in the gorgeous views across the estancia. Depending on the estancia, you can head out on a 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. 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 - 6

Location: Overnight Bus - Iguazu Falls - 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 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.

Day - 7

Location: Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side) - 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.

Day - 8

Location: 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 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.

Day - 9

Location: 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 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.

Day - 10

Location: Rio de Janeiro - With no activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time in Rio, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.