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.
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.
Boat trip out to islands and beaches
Spend 2 nights in the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland area, exploring the flora and fauna with local guides
Discover the unbelievable Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side
Spend the day exploring the amazing Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian side
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
Optional Activities
Visit the world famous statue Christ the Redeemer
Train and entrance: 83 BRL
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
Take a brilliant free walking tour with an expert local guide around Lapa and Central Rio de Janeiro (or Copacabana and Ipanema on certain days)
Walking Tour: Free
Explore Brazilian flavours in a half day cooking class
Half day class: 75 USD
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
Included Activities
Boat trip out to islands and beaches
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
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
Go for a scuba diving trip in the incredible oceans around Paraty
Diving trip: 250 BRL
Try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding by hiring a board from one of the many vendors at the Jabaquara beach in Paraty
Hire: 35 BRL
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
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
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
Float down the Jacare on a fun tubing trip down the River Jacare near Brotas
Activity: 100 BRL
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
Included Activities
Spend 2 nights in the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland area, exploring the flora and fauna with local guides
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
Optional Activities
Head on an unforgettable trip to Abismo Anhumas an incredible day out where you abseil through a fissure into a collosal underground cavern and snorkel in the lake at the bottom
Abeiling and snorkelling (incl transport): 800 BRL
Abseiling and Scuba Diving (incl transport): 1,089 BRL
Hire a mountain bike in Bonito to freely explore the incredible countryside of Mato Grosso do Sul
Bike hire: 20 USD
Lobo Guara guided bike trip (half day): 98 USD
Visit the ethereal and other-worldly Blue Lake Cave near Bonito an underground lake with an incredibly vivid shade of blue
Guided visit (incl transport): 105 BRL
Abseil down the Boca da Onça waterfall (meaning 'Jaguar's Mouth') the largest waterfall in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul
Abseil: 499 BRL
Visit the phenomenal Buraco das Araras one of the world's largest sink-holes and a natural aviary of macaws and toucans
1hr visit: 75 BRL
Go on a stunning sunset horse ride around the beautiful countryside around Bonito
Riding: 80 BRL
Go rafting or tubing in the beautiful waters near Bonito
Tour incl transport: 150 BRL
Bonito Sucuri
Snorkelling trip and transport: 255 BRL
Visit the stunning São Miguel Caves near Bonito
Entrance: 50 BRL
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
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
Included Activities
Discover the unbelievable Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side
Optional Activities
Take a short trip into Paraguay to experience the chaos of Ciudad del Este and pick up a bargain or two (price listed is for a return trip in a taxi)
Taxi to border: 140 BRL
Visit the colossal Itaipu Dam the second largest hydroelectric dam in the world
Special Tour: 68 BRL
Visit the Parque das Aves bird park near Foz do Iguaçu a wonderful conservation project which provides an excellent home to over 1000 iconic birds from the region such as toucans macaws and eagles
Entrance: 36 BRL
Take an exhilarating speed boat ride around the base of the falls from the Brazilian side
Boat: 75 BRL
Take an unforgettable 10-minute helicopter flight over the Iguazu Falls enjoying a bird's eye view of one of the world's most incredible set of waterfalls
Price: 430 BRL
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
Included Activities
Spend the day exploring the amazing Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian side
Optional Activities
Get a soaking on a boat trip to the Falls
Boat: 1,500 ARS
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
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
Try your hand at the art of tango dancing with a private lesson in Buenos Aires
Lesson: 25 USD
See a different side to Buenos Aires on a tour of its incredible street art with some of the local artists
Tour: 20 USD
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
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Status: OpenAnni 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.