Wetlands, Waterfalls & Wonders

Buenos Aires - Rio de Janeiro

19 days through Argentina, Brazil

FROM: $2380 USD

Transport:

Overland Expedition Vehicle, Jeep, Local Bus, Canoe, Boat

Crew:

Two Dragoman Crew Members, Local Guides where necessary

Accom:

Comfortable Hotel 5 nights
Camping 9 nights
Basic Hotel 1 night
Multishare Hostel 3 nights

Meals:

Breakfasts x 14, Lunches x 11, Dinners x 11

Physical:

Lifestyle:

Code:

ZBR

Deposit:

$260 USD per person

Foreign Travel Advice

TRIP OVERVIEW

This trip connects two of South America's most iconic but startlingly different cities, Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan capital of Argentina and the world's party capital Rio de Janeiro. It travels across the north of Argentina to another icon, the mighty Iguazu Falls. Entering Brazil, we head to one of the world's most important environmental habitats, the wetlands of the Pantanal. Here we stay on a traditional Brazilian cattle ranch, exploring by horseback with the "Pantaneiros". Further north we continue on to the eco-tourism and outdoor activity capital of Bonito where you have the chance to go snorkelling through the crystal-clear waters of the surrounding rivers. South of Rio is one of Brazil's prettiest coastlines, the Emerald Coast where we stay in the UNESCO world heritage colonial town of Paraty, to enjoy its relaxed and laid back atmosphere - a real contrast to the vibrance and glamour of Rio.

HIGHLIGHTS

Practice your dance steps in the birthplace of Tango

Explore the bars and cafes of Buenos Aires

Visit the Jesuit ruins at San Ignacio de Mini

Boat trips, forest hikes and helicopter rides over Iguazu Falls

3 nights to enjoy the crystal clear waters and caves around Bonito

2 night ranch visit and wildlife safari into the Pantanal

Boat trip to explore emerald coast islands around Paraty

Explore the beautiful UNESCO town of Paraty

Discover the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro

WHAT TO EXPECT

An easy lifestyle, fun journey, with plenty of good food, fun activities (boating, horse riding), wildlife and wilderness. Nothing too challenging, mixing hostels, small hotels with camping.

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

Discover the unbelievable Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side

Spend the day exploring the amazing Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian side

Spend 2 nights in the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland area, exploring the flora and fauna with local guides

Boat trip out to islands and beaches

ITINERARY

EXPAND ALL CLOSE ALL

Day 1 - Buenos Aires

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

Welcome to Buenos Aires, the wonderful capital of Argentina! 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 Buenos Aires 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 Buenos Aires.

In Buenos Aires we will stay in a centrally-located hotel.

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 2 - Buenos Aires

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

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Learn all about the cuisine of Argentina on a food tour of Buenos Aires visiting several incredible local top-class eateries that you won't find in the guidebooks!

Tour: 85 USD

Watch a football game at La Bombonera

Entrance: 300 ARS

Enjoy a free city tour of Buenos Aires

Tour: Free

Explore the beautiful area of Palermo Viejo see the incredible modern sculpture of Floralis Generica and head out to the area's bars and restaurants at night

Entrance: Free

Visit the strangely beautiful cemetery of Recoleta the final resting place of many ex-presidents and Argentine icons most famously including the tomb of Eva Peron

Entrance: Free

Head out to a tango show in Buenos Aires' oldest cafe the Gran Cafe Tortoni - seeing a slice of iconic Argentine culture in an ideal and intimate setting

Show: 650 ARS

Day 3 - Yapeyu

Today we have a full day drive north though the provinces of Entre Rios and Corrientes, aiming 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): 11

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Visit the remains of the house of José de San Martín, one of the main liberators of South America (if time allows)

Entrance: Free

Day 4 - Foz do Iguacu

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

Today we cross the border into Brazil and drive to the city of Foz do Iguacu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 5 - Foz do Iguacu

Today we will visit the Brazilian side of the phenomenal Iguazu Falls, to get some incredible panoramic vistas of the mighty waterfalls. There is also plenty of 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 nearcy Ciudad del Este.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Discover the unbelievable Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side

Included

Day 6 - Foz do Iguacu

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

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Spend the day exploring the amazing Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian side

Included

Optional Activities

Get a soaking on a boat trip to the Falls

Boat: 1,500 ARS

Day 7 - Bonito

Today we have a full drive day north to the Brazilian eco-tourism capital of Bonito.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12

Day 8 - Bonito

We have two full days in Bonito to take part in the 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, amongst many other possibilities!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Take an incredible snorkelling trip through the crystal clear waters of the Rio da Prata getting a phenomenal view of the fish and aquatic plants underwater

Snorkelling trip and transport: 290 BRL

Day 9 - Bonito

Second free day for optional activities in Bonito.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Day 10 - Pantanal

Today we have a short drive to Brazil's amazing Southern Pantanal region, where we have a visit a local eco-tourism ranch (or 'fazenda').

We will spend 2 nights here and have a fantastic 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

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Spend 2 nights in the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland area, exploring the flora and fauna with local guides

Included

Day 11 - Pantanal

Full day in the Pantanal.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 12 - Campo Grande

After our morning activities and one final lunch in our beautiful ranch, it is time to leave the Pantanal. We will start driving east towards Sao Paulo state, and wild camp or stay in a local pousada at the end of the day.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 13 - Brotas

Today we will drive to the remote town of Brotas in southeastern Brazil.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Day 14 - Brotas

Today is free to take part in optional adventure activities such as white water rafting or canyoning, or to simply relax by the pool!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Go on a half-day canyoning trip through the gorges of the Jacare River near Brotas

Activity: 270 BRL

Head out white-water rafting on the fast moving waters of the Jacare River (approxmiately Grade 3-4)

Activity: 150 BRL

Day 15 - Paraty

Today we have a full day 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): 10

Day 16 - Paraty

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

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Boat trip out to islands and beaches

Included

Optional Activities

Learn all about the fascinating history of Brazil and the Gold Trail on an excellent walking tour of the old colonial town of Paraty

Walking Tour: 35 USD

Enjoy some of the best and most scenic treks in the country on the coastal trails hils and 'tropical fjords' near Paraty

Walking Tour: 50 USD

Explore the ocean islands beaches and mangroves of Atlantic coast in a more serene and tranquil fashion on a sea kayaking expedition around the bay of Paraty

Kayaking: 80 BRL

Day 17 - Paraty

Today we will have free time to explore the town, take a historical tour, walk along the stunning scenery of the coastline, head out snorkelling or diving, or simply relax on the idyllic beaches.

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Day 18 - Rio de Janeiro

This morning we will drive to the incredible Rio de Janeiro, one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world!

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's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Relax and explore the world famous beaches of Rio de Janeiro including Ipanema Arpoador and of course Copacabana

Entrance: Free

Visit the world famous statue Christ the Redeemer

Train and entrance: 83 BRL

Day 19 - Rio de Janeiro - End Date

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

Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Rio de Janeiro. 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

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Explore the magnificent Botanical Gardens of Rio de Janeiro with over 54 hectares and 6500 species of plants and flowers

Entrance: 8 USD

Take a hike into the Tijuca Rainforest, one of the largest Urban Rainforests in the world.

Hike: 65 USD

Take a cable car up Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain)

Cable car (return ticket): 85 BRL

REVIEWS

Anni H

The Iguazu waterfalls was a highlight but all the places we visited were interesting and we enjoyed them

Christine H

Pantanal guide (Victor) was really good, very keen and great knowledge of birds and animals. Roberta (daughter of owner) was also very informative.

Roger P

This was Richard's and Tig's first trips and they both did very well. They were being mentored by Rob who is excellent. He informs himself, anticipates people's needs, communicates more than daily, and effectively consults and engages with clients. He made a point of checking how everyone was daily too.

Michel V

Tig and Rich were knowledgeable and helpful. Very easy to get along with and fun to hang out with.

Christine G

Victor was very good and knows a lot about the Pantanal.

Aaron B

Jan and Jaime were amazing, the best leader and driver we could have asked for.

Akeema P

Overall it was a really good trip with an amazing driver and tour guides, it was a trip of a lifetime

Marie P

Great trip!

Duncan R

Very positive experience. Well organised.

Marija K

I liked the variety of places, going from nature, to small towns and big cities.

Bruce M

Uli in the Pantanal was an excellent source of information.

Lee-Anne N

Excellent as always!!

Elaine B

Great adventure and an opportunity to go to those places less well visited. An amazing way to travel and meet like minded adventurers

Carla B

Route was great because it would be hard to do on my own

Jason H

The crew made a great team and always went the extra mile to make sure everything ran smoothly and everyone got the most out of their experience. Best tour I have ever done.

Anthony P

Buenos Aires and Iguassu Falls were highlights. Good mix of camping and hostel/hotels.

Patrick B

I felt it was well organised trip - kept us updated constantly on the up coming towns we were visiting with food , trip options and recommendations a plenty. The areas we visited were varied and complimented the tour well.

Catherine P

The most amazing, action packed adventure.

Mary M

Great fun

Pamela M

Uli was our guide for the Pantanal. He was very knowledgeable, helpful and good company.

John H

Tom and Bob were great. Overall, I'd rate both as "excellent" and would feel safe going anywhere anytime with Bob driving the truck.

Meg R

The truck is a fun way to travel and is a great way to meet people as it attracts so much attention

Sauda T

The guide at the Pantanal was excellent.

John B

I love sitting up high for long trips - allows me to avoid motion sickness and you can easily see stuff en route.

Hannah F

Both Nick and Neil were great. Such easy-going and fun guys who coped well with different personalities. Best leaders I've had in 4 overland trips.

Eefje S

Great vehicle (better than the competition!).

Jonathan G

The guide in the Southern Pantanal was excellent, really knowledgeable and he had a common sense approach when we had to change things due to weather.

G C

The trip ran so smoothly on account of the crew's hard work and excellent leadership.

Ben E

All of the crew were very helpful and worked well.

NICHOLAS B

The guide for the Pantanal was very knowledgeable and helpful. The ranch guides were also fantastic.

ANGELA S

Jaime was amazing, I had a few special dietary requirementsand he always make sure I was taken care of.

Michael R

Pantanal guide, Uli, was excellent.

Marcus I

Lynsey and Seb where the best crew I've ever had.

Marion Z

Professional, responsible, supportive crew - Jaime has a natural ability to always be cheerful, understanding and extremely well organised. Jan give everyone sound reassurance that everything is in check and that nothing is beyond his capabilities. Together they make a great team and make travelling with them a relaxing, stress free experience. Then of course we had Rob for a few days - Rob has the personality that embraces everyone and makes everyone feel that they are special and worthy of individual time and attention whilst being professional, knowledgable and caring.

FEDERICA A

Uli in the Pantanal was excellent.

Lee B

The truck was comfortable and equipment was great. Tents were easy to assemble.

Helen W

Awesome crew!

Anne M

The Rio local guides were highly organised and diligent.

Contact Us

Wetlands, Waterfalls & Wonders

Buenos Aires - Rio de Janeiro

USEFUL INFORMATION