13-Day Brazil & Argentina Adventure: Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Iguazú Falls, São Paulo & Rio

Buenos días and a very warm welcome to Buenos Aires (pronounced BWAY-nuhs AIR-eez), Argentina! Your tour officially kicks off late afternoon* in the hostel common area by the pool, where you’ll meet your fellow travel buddies and Adventure Leader for a trip briefing – complete with mate, a traditional Argentine herbal tea. We’ll outline travel plans and top tips on staying safe during your Brazil and Argentina tour.
­ After, it’s time to start your adventure in true Argentinian style – with a tango lesson at a milonga, a local dance party. Guided by skilled instructors, you’ll learn precise steps, connection (the silent, shared language between partners), and overall musicality, before moving to the social dance floor to practice your newly acquired dance skills. ­ (*In need of a power nap after a long day of travel? Fear not! You’re free to check into your room any time after 2pm!)

This morning, get your bearings in this bustling city in style – with a cycle tour using the city’s designated bike lanes! Along the way, we’ll visit Plaza de Mayo (the historic heart of Buenos Aires), Casa Rosada (the presidential palace renowned for its vibrant pink colour and famous balcony overlooking Plaza de Mayo), and the Teatro Colón (a beautiful opera house). ­ To cool off, we’ll end the cycle tour in the MALBA – a contemporary gallery showcasing cutting-edge Latin American art. ­ In the afternoon, we’ll regroup for a beginner’s class of Rioplatense Spanish, the dialect of Spanish spoken in this region of Argentina. Your Adventure Leader will teach you basic phrases that you can put to the test throughout your tour.
­ ¿Estás listo? Good! Because there’s no better place to practice your new language skills than at a local market. If you’re visiting with us on a Sunday, we’ll take you to the San Telmo Market. Every Sunday, the market comes alive, offering a vibrant, historic setting with a bustling outdoor street market and an indoor space filled with antiques, crafts, and local food. ­ Come evening, enjoy a traditional BBQ dinner in an asado – a traditional Argentine BBQ, featuring wood-fired meats, hearty sides, and Malbec wine, before setting out on a night of bar hopping around the city’s vibrant nightlife!

Day three of your Brazil and Argentina tour kicks-off with a chance to explore the city’s parks, hip galleries, and relaxed café-culture in the Palermo and Recoleta neighbourhoods. We’ll also call in at the Recoleta Cemetery, where many of Argentina’s most historic figures rest in ornate mausoleums. ­ Afterward, you can opt to take a local train to Tigre, where you’ll board a public boat tour through the Tigre River Delta, admiring the wildlife among the reeds and waterlilies, as well as picturesque riverside villages. ­ In the afternoon, we’ll jump on a bus bound for the bustling, artistic district of La Boca. Soak up the atmosphere of the iconic Caminito walkway, before heading to one of the most famous stadiums in this football-mad country – La Bombonera! We’ll either take a tour around the stadium or, if a game is on and we can secure tickets, the tour will be swapped out for tickets to a match (surcharge may apply). ­ We recommend resting up this evening ahead of your journey south to Patagonia in the morning.

This morning, hop in a taxi to Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery, where you’ll board a flight to Ushuaia in the heart of Patagonia (roughly a 3hr 40min flight). ­ On arrival in Ushuaia, also known as ‘El Fin Del Mundo’ (the End of the World), the rest of the day is yours to spend at your own leisure. We recommend getting to know the area with a stroll around the town’s Plaza Malvinas – a serene park honoring Argentina’s Falklands War veterans, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and harbour.

• 6 hours

Today, it’s time for your next unmissable experience – a full day’s hiking to Laguna Esmeralda. This 6-hour trek showcases the best of Patagonian nature, including turbales (wetlands unique to the region), fueguina forests, scenic lagoons, turquoise glacial lakes, and soaring mountains. ­ Despite being a full day, the trek is quite manageable for inexperienced hikers and our guide will move at the pace of the slowest person. Speedy hikers are free to move on ahead, as the route is well sign posted! ­ In the evening, we’ll wind down from a day of hiking in true Argentinian style! You and your travel buddies will enjoy an informal night of wine tasting, sampling a variety of Argentina’s finest Malbecs and Cabernet Sauvignons (DELICIOUS)!

After yesterday’s hike, this morning is all about taking it easy and enjoying some well-deserved free time. ­ Don’t get too comfy though, as this afternoon brings our next unmissable activity – a catamaran ride* through the waves of the Beagle Channel. Keep your eyes peeled for incredible wildlife, once studied by Darwin, including sea lions and albatrosses! On the way back, spot the famous Les Eclaireurs lighthouse – a symbolic landmark often called the ‘End of the World Lighthouse’. ­ The evening is then yours to enjoy as you wish! The clear skies of Patagonia can offer wonderful views of the night sky, so our local experts recommend heading to a secluded spot, grabbing a bottle of Argentinian red, and enjoying views of the cosmos. ­ *If you’re travelling with us between November and February, you can opt to upgrade your experience to a smaller boat which stops at an island where you can walk amongst the penguins who migrate here from Antarctica for the summer. (Cute, right?)

This morning, you’ll transfer to the airport to begin the journey to your next destination on this Brazil and Argentina tour – Iguazú! ­ After a day of travelling, the evening* is yours to enjoy at your own leisure. You may want to try your luck at the at the Puerto Iguazú Casino, which offers various gaming options and entertainment. Never know, you may get lucky! 😉 ­ (*Due to flight timings, this evening may be spent in Buenos Aires and you may take a morning flight to Iguazu on Day 8)

We’ll kick off Day 8 of your Argentina and Brazil tour with a visit to Iguaçu National Park! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the breathtaking Iguazú Falls, lush rainforest, and diverse wildlife, including toucans and jaguars! ­ You and your group will hike the Garganta del Diablo (the Devil’s Throat) where a series of walkways and catwalks allows you to experience the tremendous power of the Iguazú Falls. After this, we’ll take a train through the park which offers plenty more stunning views of the incredible falls. ­ In the afternoon, you have option to take a thrilling boat ride through Iguazú National Park which takes you up close to the powerful waterfalls, soaking you in mist while surrounded by stunning jungle scenery. ­ After exiting the park, we’ll catch the sunset at the Three Borders Landmark, where you can see the confluence of the Paraná and Iguazú Rivers and (if you hadn’t guessed) the border points of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay! ­ Enjoy the rest of the evening under your own steam! Our local experts recommend a stroll around the night market of Puerto Iguazú. You’ll be met with a vibrant atmosphere of local crafts, street food, live music, and a taste of true Argentine culture under the stars.

This morning, it’s time to cross the border to our next country – Brazil! Bem-vindo! Here, we’ll explore the Brazilian side of Iguaçu National Park, hike the Cataratas Trail (Trilha das Cataratas), and take in the stunning views from the Garganta do Diabo viewpoint. ­ Then, it’s onward to the airport where you’ll board a flight to São Paulo (roughly 1hr 40mins). ­ On arrival, check into your accommodation before regrouping for an evening in Vila Madalena. Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, street art, and bohemian vibe, this neighbourhood is a must-visit when in São Paulo! Tip: Don’t miss Beco do Batman, an alleyway filled with stunning graffiti!

On Day 10 of this Argentina and Brazil tour, we’ll dive into the best of São Paulo. The day kicks off with a guided stroll along Avenida Paulista, the city’s iconic avenue, where you’ll discover street art, pop-up markets, and performers, all surrounded by São Paulo’s lively urban vibe. ­ In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to explore São Paulo’s historic centre, visiting landmarks like the majestic Sé Cathedral and the serene Monastery of São Bento. Along the way, we’ll uncover the rich history and architectural beauty that define this vibrant part of the city. ­ To cap off the tour, we’ll head to the observation deck of the Edifício Itália tower, where you can soak up breathtaking panoramic views of the city as the sun sets. ­ Tonight, why not opt to join your group for an evening on Rua Augusta? This street is known for its alternative culture, bars, and clubs! Alternatively, you could explore Liberdade, São Paulo’s vibrant Japanese district.

This morning, we’re up and out early bound for our next exciting destination – Rio de Janeiro! You’ll transfer by bus (roughly 6 hours) to arrive in Rio in the early afternoon where your Adventure Leader will meet you. ­ Spend the afternoon soaking up rays and relaxing on Copacabana Beach, before coming together for a beach volleyball class! ­ After, we’ll return to Ipanema District for the evening, where if you’d like, you can gorge yourself on Brazilian BBQ, known as a ‘churrasco’. Prepare yourself for skewers upon skewers of various meats and vegetables, expertly grilled over open flames, to be continuously served to your table until you’re completely satisfied!

We’ll start the day early for an unforgettable visit to the Christ the Redeemer Statue, offering a peaceful experience and stunning views of both the statue and Rio, before the crowds arrive. Afterward, we’ll stop by a local café to enjoy a traditional Brazilian breakfast, featuring pão de queijo (cheese bread) and a strong coffee. ­ And the views don’t stop there… take the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, a striking granite peak renowned for its breathtaking vistas of the city and bay. ­ We’ll begin our last night together at a beach-side bar, where we’ll grab dinner as a group, before heading to a samba club to end the trip in style!

Sadly, today marks the end of your Argentina and Brazil tour! Say goodbye to your fellow travellers before continuing your journey home.