Buenos Aires, Brazil & the Guyanas

Today we will start out early and head into Guyana, to the open Savannah region, where we will stay in a well equipped camp site and have an opportunity to take part in some optional activities, such as horse riding, hiking and canoeing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Today we have a free day for activities such a horse riding, hiking and further opportunities for spotting wildlife.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

We will have a short drive into the heart of the Iwokrama Forest, a protected area of pristine rainforest. Along the way we will visit a local village. Keep your eyes peeled for any wildlife you may see from the road side such as red howler monkeys and toucans. This evening we will have time to walk in the canopy of the forest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2

We will spend the day enjoying the peace and tranquility of the rainforest, we have time to explore and search out the amazing wildlife that lives in this area.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2

Today is a big drive along the wonderfully undeveloped main road from the forest to Georgetown! The journey is primarily on a bumpy dirt road, which we will share with commuter minibuses and trucks, all winding their way through the rainforest. From the town of Linden, the tarmac starts and it's smooth driving for the final 120km to Georgetown! Be sure to keep a look out for wildlife, Jaguars have been known to cross the road right in front of the buses!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12

Take a morning tour of the city, explore the old canals and great sea wall, visit incredible wooden cathedrals, the huge market and try to spot manatees swimming in the lake of the national park. Georgetown is a busy place and feels happily free from mass tourism.  Be sure to take your camera!

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today we have a free day in the city.

Perhaps one of the greatest highlights of Guyana is the spectacularly remote and impressive Kaieteur Falls, one of the tallest single drop waterfalls in the world, and reachable only by light aircraft.  Take a half day flight to the falls and then enjoy a walking tour to the Falls and search for the tiny golden rocket frogs, hiding in the tank bromeliads leaves, as well as an impressive variety of butterflies, you may also be lucky enough to spot the bright orange Guyana Cock of the Rocks. 

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today we will leave the bright lights of Georgetown behind us and cross the border into Suriname. We will follow the coastal road and then cross the river on a ferry. On arrival in Suriname we will head to the Bigi Pan, designated an 'Important Bord Area' of Suriname and famous for it's spectacular shore birds and in particular the Red Ibis.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Enjoy a day on the Bigi Pan.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Todat we will head to the Capital of Paramaribo and enjoy time to explore Paramaribo's historic inner city and the Commewijne area. You can explore the historic centre on foot, visit Fort Zeelandia and the Suriname museum, and enjoy the fantastic architecture of Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, one of the largest wooden buildings in the western hemisphere, or hire a bike and take a boat across the river to cycle the peaceful Commewijne Plantation Loop and visit the star shaped fort at Neiu Amsterdam. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

This morning we leave the truck behind and set off for an unforgettable adventure into the interior of Suriname. We will travel by minibus for approximately 190km to the port at Atjoni, we then hop on a boat for a 1hr trip along the Suriname river, deep into the rainforest where we will stay for two nights on our own private island!

Be sure to pack light for this excursion, as we can only take a small bag each with us.

During our stay we can visit local villages, walk around the island in the hope of meeting some of its furry inhabitants and learn about the medicinal plants, try to spot Caiman on a night time canoe trip, take a dip in the river at the Ferullasi rapids - a natural jacuzzi, relax on the island by the pool, spot the kingfishers on the banks of the river and enjoy the tranquillity of the Amazon Rainforest.

We will stay in comfortable cabins and enjoy our own pool.  All meals are provided during our visit, though you will need a small amount of money for drinks and tips for our local guide.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

During our stay we can visit local villages, walk around the island in the hope of meeting some of its furry inhabitants and learn about the medicinal plants, try to spot Caiman on a night time canoe trip, take a dip in the river at the Ferulassi rapids - a natural Jacuzzi, and relax on the island by our pool, spot the kingfishers on the banks of the river and enjoy the tranquillity of the Amazon Rainforest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

This morning is free for you to enjoy how you wish, walk, swim or relax and after lunch we will transfer back to Paramaribo.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

We have one more day for exploration.  Today is yours to spend as you wish; take a boat trip to Jordensavanne, take part in a Moengo Cultural experience, go walking in the Peperpot Nature reserve or Brownsberg Nature Park, learn the art of Surinamese cookery, or take part in one of the many day tours available.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today we say goodbye to Suriname and drive to the border, we will take the ferry across the Maroni River to Saint Lauren du Maroni in French Guiana.

Border Information: Exit Suriname at Albina, Enter French Guiana at Saint Laurent du Maroni

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4

Today we have a free morning to explore the border town of Saint Laurent du Maroni, located on the Maroni River, with its interesting and dark history as an arrival point for prisoners during the 19th Century.

During Turtle Season (March to August) in the afternoon we will drive to the northern beach of Plage les Hattes, in the hope of spotting the Olive Ridley and Leaderback turtles.  In the off season we can opt to spend an extra day in Saint Laurent du Maroni.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2

Today we will head out to the town of Kourou; the site of the European Space station and the starting point for boat trips around the former penal colony on Devil's Island, one of the infamous Iles du Salut, off the coast of French Guiana. The ordeal of Frenchman Henri Charriere, who spent 12 years here, would later inspire the book Papillon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3

Today we will visit the European Space Centre near Kourou, en route to the capital city of Cayenne.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2

Today we have a half day city tour, followed by a free afternoon to enjoy the city, perhaps take a boat trip to the former penal colony on Devil’s Island, one of the infamous Iles du Salut, off the coast of French Guiana. The ordeal of Frenchman Henri Charriere, who spent 12 years here, would later inspire the book Papillon.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

This morning we will depart Cayenne and begin our adventure across the furthest northern section of Brazil. This section of the trip requires some flexibility due to the departure timings of the Passenger boat and Truck Ferry, as well as the road conditions and weather. We will travel 780km in total over the next couple of days, staying in a basic hotel en route to the port in Macapa.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9

Overlanding towards the port town of Macapa

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9

Overlanding towards the port town of Macapa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

We hope to board the Amazon passenger boat this morning, sailing to the port of Belem - this crossing usually takes around 24hours. Be sure to bring some snacks, playing cards and a good book for the journey! Our meals are included on the ferry, but be prepared for a real local experience. There is usually a shop and a bar selling drinks and snacks on board.

The truck will depart on a separate ferry in the evening and takes around 36hours to arrive.

Whilst on board we sleep in hammocks on deck. It is possible to upgrade in advance to a cabin, please contact your Sales agent for further information.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Welcome to Belem! Today there is an important group meeting at 18:00hrs please meet at the Hotel reception. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Belem.

Border information: If you are starting your trip in Belem, enter Brazil at Val De Cans Air port (IATA code BEL)

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today is yours to enjoy the port town of Belem, one of the first Portuguese settlements. Explore the historic centre which houses various museums and cathedrals and be sure to visit the Ver-o-Paso Market, considered the largest in South America, with its stalls scattered with Amazonian fish, baskets of Acai, herbs and crafts.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Our first drive brings us to the UNESCO world heritage site of Sao Luis, the only city of Brazil to be founded by the French. Depending upon the ferry we may choose instead to spend the night in neighbouring Alcântara.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Sao Luis is full of interesting museums, the historic centre houses beautiful, pastel coloured colonial mansions. You can take a boat trip to the more laid back town of Alcântara, you may spot the Scarlet ibis, or guarás on your way.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today we will drive to the town of Barreirinhas, gateway to the Lencois Maranhenses National Park.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Today we will head out in motor boats through the Preguica River, to the protected area of Pequenos Lencois, along the way, we will visit a small fishing village, take a short walk & enjoy the views of the dunes and the Preguicas River.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today we will enjoy another day in the Lencois Maranhenses NP. Seen from the sky, the meeting point of the Rio Parnaiba and the Atlantic Ocean looks like a giant puzzle, made up of 85 tiny islands.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today we drive to the laid back beach town of Jericoacoara, or 'Jeri' as it's affectionately known. Access to Jericoacoara is only by 4WD through unpaved tracks through the dunes, making it a wonderfully hard to reach place.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Jericoacoara is a magical place to spend some time; wander the sandy lanes, enjoy the sunset with a caipirinha on the dunes whilst the locals practise their Capoeira, head out on a quad bike adventure to remote lagoons where you can take a dip, laze in a hammock and enjoy a seafood lunch. Jeri is also one of the prime spots for surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Drive day to the pretty seaside town of Canoa Quebrada.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Huge pinkish sand dunes dominate the area of Canoa Quebrada, it's a fantastic spot to kick back and relax or for the more energetic, take an evening horseback ride along the beach or head out on a beach buggy. There's a laid back small town to explore too with lots of great cafes and bars.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today we'll head south the the cool seaside town of Praia da Pipa.

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

We have a full day drive to the stunning colonial gem of Olinda, considered one of Brazil's most important historic sites.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4

Explore the beautiful town of Olinda, once known as 'small Lisbon' and the richest town in Brazil. Enjoy wandering the cobblestone streets, check out some of the exquisite churches and definitely make time for lunch at Alto de Se, to enjoy the views!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today we head south along the coast, into the state of Bahia and to the town of Aracaju, where we can chill out in one of the town's seafront eateries, listen to some traditional forró music and enjoy the fresh crabs that the town is known for.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Today we complete the journey to the vibrant city of Salvador, known around the world for its Carnival festivities. Salvador is home to over 300 churches, the historic centre is recognised by UNESCO and full of interesting architecture, brightly coloured buildings and cobblestone streets. It's an excellent place to witness the African culture in music and dance and enjoy some delicious street food.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Welcome to Salvador! Today there is an important group meeting at 18:00hrs please meet at the Hotel reception.  The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Salvador.

Border information: If you are joining your trip in Salvador, enter Brazil at Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport (IATA: SSA)

We stay just by the old centre of Pelourinho in a lovely hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Explore the energetic and vibrant city of Salvador, known around the world for its Carnival festivities. Salvador is home to over 300 churches, the historic centre is recognised by UNESCO and full of interesting architecture, brightly coloured buildings and cobblestone streets. It's an excellent place to witness the African culture in music and dance and enjoy some delicious street food.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

We head south the beautiful beach town of Itacare, with its stunning Atlantic rainforest, laid back eco-friendly cafes and bars, and the opportunity to surf, relax and explore. This is our last view of the ocean before we head inland for the National Parks!

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Today we have a free day to explore the area, enjoy the beach, take part in some of the many adventure activities available here, or visit the stunning Peninsula de Marau, stopping off at Praia Taipus de Fora and Lagoa Azul.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today we head to the fantastic town of Lencois, the gateway to Chapada da Diamantina National Park. We camp in Lencois giving you the opportunity to enjoy a variety of treks into the stunning scenery of the national park.

Approximate Driving Time - 9hrs / 515km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9

Today we can enjoy the Chapada Diamantina National Park; this is a real adventurer's paradise. It's possible to go hiking, stopping along the way for a dip in the river by waterfalls and rapids, go horse riding, kayaking or maybe mountain biking. There are even cave systems to explore. The Chapada is full of towering rock formations and vast plains, making it perfect for landscape photography.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9

We have two full days to enjoy the Chapada Diamantina National Park; this is a real adventurer’s paradise.  It's possible to go hiking, stopping along the way for a dip in the river by waterfalls and rapids, go horse riding, kayaking or maybe mountain biking. There are even cave systems to explore. The Chapada is full of towering rock formations and vast plains, making it perfect for landscape photography.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Over the next two days we will travel overland across the central Brazilian countryside, towards the town of Alto Paraiso and the stunning Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, bush camping en route.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9

Today we complete our journey to the laid back town of Alto Paraiso, our base for exploring the Chapada Dos Veadeiros National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

We will have an included visit to the Vale da Lua or the Valley of the Moon, so called due to the rock formations giving it an appearance similar to the moon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

This area is perfect for hiking, horse and bike riding and of course swimming in natural pools and soaking up the parks atmosphere. It is said that due to the high amount of quartz in the ground, that this Chapada is glows from space!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we arrive in the futuristic capital of Brasilia. We will enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating city, which was designed and built to be the Brazilian Government's headquarters in 1960. The city is designed to resemble a plane, and is a UNESCO heritage site, housing some incredible, futuristic style Cathedrals and Monuments.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3

We have a full day drive through the Brazilian countryside. We will find a nice spot and camp for the night near Tres Marias.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Today is a full day drive to the beautiful colonial mining town of Ouro Preto where we will stay at a local Guesthouse. Ouro Preto is considered Brazil's most important historic site.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Today we will have a half day guided tour of Ouro Preto, well known for its colonial architecture and the first Brazilian town to be considered a UNESCO world heritage site. In the afternoon enjoy some free time to explore the town, visit the museum or some of the stunning baroque churches. There are some fantastic cafes and restaurants in Ouro Preto. Don't forget your camera today, Ouro Preto is one of the most picturesque towns on our itinerary!

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Today we drive to the vibrant city of Rio de Janiero, a highlight of any trip to Brazil!

Along the way we will stop at Petropolis, the cool hill-side hideaway for local Cariocas escaping the heat of Rio. We will have 2 hours to explore the Museu Imperial, the former Imperial Museum, wander the town or visit the Palacio de Cristal, the site where the last slaves of Petropolis were released.

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Border information: if you are joining in Rio de Janeiro, you will most likely enter Brazil at Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport (IATA code: RIO/GIG).

Welcome to the iconic Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro! There will be an important group meeting at 6:00pm at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting.

Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Rio de Janeiro before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Rio de Janeiro.

In Rio de Janeiro we will stay in a great hotel in the Flamengo district, close to the beach and the metro station.

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today our journey begins with a short drive to the colonial town of Paraty on the Emerald Coast of the Atlantic!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Today we will have an included boat trip around the incredible islands and beaches off the emerald coast.

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Today we will drive to the remote town of Brotas in southeastern Brazil. From our campsite here it's possible to take part in a whole host of water activities such as rafting.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Today we will have a free day to take part in adventure activities such as white water rafting and canyoning, or maybe just to relax by the pool.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today we will start driving west towards the Southern Pantanal, and stay in a local Pousada close to the city of Campo Grande.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Today we have an early start to meet our guide in Campo Grande, and then drive on to Brazil's amazing Southern Pantanal region, where we have a visit a local eco-tourism ranch (or 'fazenda').

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

At the Fazenda we have a wonderful package of included activities such as exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside on horseback, trips down the wildlife-abundant rivers in boats and canoes, and safaris on the ranch's trucks and on foot where we hope to spot capybaras, caimans, and (if we are very lucky) jaguars and ocelots. Our stay here is an incredible highlight!

In the Southern Pantanal we will stay in dorm accommodation in a well equipped lodge with all the meals and activities included.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

After our morning activities and one final lunch in our beautiful ranch, it is time to leave the Pantanal and drive to the Brazilian eco-tourism capital of Bonito.

In Bonito we will camp in the grounds of an excellent hostel with a pool and good facilities.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4

Take part in a plethora of incredible optional activities here. You could go out on a world-class snorkelling trip, explore the nearby caves, or go abseiling down some of the largest waterfalls in the area, among many other possibilities!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Enjoy another day in Bonito to relax or take part in activities.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today we have a full drive day south to the city of Foz do Iguacu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12

Today we will visit the Brazilian side of Iguacu Falls, to get some incredible panoramic vistas of the mighty waterfalls. There is also time to visit the bird park, take a helicopter ride over the falls, see the incredible Itaipu Dam, or quickly stop into Paraguay to pick up some bargains in the nearby Ciudad del Este.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today we will take a day trip back into Argentina to see the incredible Iguazu Falls from the other side. This is well worth doing as the views are even more spectacular, and you'll be able to look right down into the mighty Garganta del Diablo (the largest waterfall here) from a gantry walkway viewing point). We will have a full day at the Argentine side of the falls, allowing us lots of time to freely explore the site, hike some nature trails, or perhaps take an exhilarating (and very wet) boat ride!

We will return to our base in Foz do Iguacu tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Border information: Exit Brazil at Tancredo Neves, enter Argentina at Tancredo Neves.

Today we cross the border into Argentina, and aim to reach the beautiful village of Yapeyú on the banks of the River Uruguay. Yapeyú is very famous amongst Argentines for being the birthplace of their national hero General Jose de San Martin, one of the liberators of South America from Spanish colonial rule.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Today we have a full day drive north though the provinces of Corrientes and Entre Rios to Buenos Aires, the wonderful capital of Argentina!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12

Today will be a free day to explore the incredible city, soak up the atmosphere of its streets, and discover its amazing culture, art, and music.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Border information: if you are leaving in Buenos Aires, you will most likely exit Argentina at Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also known as Ezeiza Airport (IATA code: BUE/EZE).

Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Buenos Aires. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.

Meals: Breakfast