14-day Argentina & Brazil Group Tour

Buenos días and a very warm welcome to Buenos Aires (pronounced BWAY-nuhs AIR-eez), Argentina!

Your tour kicks off this afternoon in the hostel lobby, where you’ll meet your travel crew and Adventure Leader for a trip briefing covering everything you need to know before the adventure begins.

Then it’s straight into the good stuff: empanada making, wine and a basic Spanish lesson in your hostel. You’ll learn about regional fillings and folding techniques, then roll up your sleeves and make your own empanadas from scratch, picking up a few Spanish phrases along the way. Things get competitive towards the end, with a light-hearted empanada off and a small prize for whoever folds like a local.

Not ready to call it a night? An optional tango show at Tango Porteño is just a short walk from the hostel. Watch the dance evolve from its Río de la Plata roots into the tango we know today.

This morning, we’ll explore Buenos Aires by bike on a half day cycling tour, cruising through the neighbourhoods where the city’s story first began more than 500 years ago, taking in some of Buenos Aires’ most iconic sights along the way.

Expect colourful streets and plenty of photo stops as we cycle past highlights including Plaza de Mayo, the vibrant Caminito neighbourhood where tango was born, the legendary La Bombonera stadium, and Puerto Madero, the city’s newest district.

This afternoon is yours to explore independently. Wander the antiques, crafts and street food at San Telmo Market, or head to Recoleta Cemetery to explore its grand mausoleums and the resting place of Eva Perón, your Adventure Leader can point you towards a guided walking tour if you fancy it.

Tonight, head to Palermo, one of Buenos Aires’ coolest neighbourhoods, packed with lively bars, incredible steakhouses and plenty of spots to settle in for the evening. Whether you’re hunting down the perfect steak, grabbing a sunset drink, or simply seeing where the night takes you, there’s plenty to discover. Your Adventure Leader will happily point you towards their favourite local spots.

Today you’ll say goodbye to Buenos Aires and head south to Ushuaia, known in Argentina as “El Fin del Mundo,” the End of the World, and your gateway to Patagonia.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time in Buenos Aires or Ushuaia today.

Once you’ve arrived and checked into your hostel, it’s time to rest up before tomorrow’s hike. If you’ve forgotten anything, you can head to a rental shop in town for any last-minute trekking gear. Just ask your Adventure Leader for their recommendations!

Today, Laguna Esmeralda is the main character. It’s one of the unmissable activities of your Patagonia adventure, and you’ll spend the whole day trekking to it, through some of Patagonia’s most striking landscapes, from wetlands and Fuegian forests to scenic lagoons and dramatic mountains.

This is a moderate trek along natural trails, suitable for hikers of all levels, taking around 2 to 3 hours one way depending on the group’s pace. We’ll take breaks along the way and keep things relaxed, so there’s plenty of time to soak up the scenery.

Once you’re back, the evening is yours to relax. Grab a casual dinner at a local restaurant, explore the town’s harbour area, or settle into a cosy café or bar, your Adventure Leader can point you towards their favourites.

• 6 hours

Today is yours to explore Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, at your own pace. There’s plenty to choose from, here are a few of our favourites:

Beagle Channel Cruise Board a catamaran and cruise along the historic Beagle Channel, spotting sea lions, albatrosses and the iconic Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse along the way. Travelling between November and March? You can extend the cruise to include a nearby penguin island, landing isn’t permitted, but the boat gets close enough for great wildlife viewing.

Martial Glacier Reserve Head just outside town to the Martial Glacier Reserve for panoramic views over Ushuaia, the Beagle Channel and the surrounding mountains. Relax at the teahouse near the trailhead, or continue independently along the old ski slope towards the glacier viewpoints.

Tierra del Fuego National Park Visit the famous “End of the World” National Park, home to Argentina’s only coastal sub-Antarctic forest. Highlights include Lake Acigami, Lapataia Bay and Zaratiegui Cove, home to the world’s southernmost post office.

There’s not quite enough time to fit all three into one day, but you can usually combine two if you’d like to make the most of it.

Today, you’ll say goodbye to Ushuaia and fly to Iguazú, with a stopover in Buenos Aires along the way.

Once you’ve arrived in Iguazú, you’ll be transferred to your hostel, and the evening is yours to relax, unwind and get settled in your new accommodation.

Today’s the big one: Iguazú National Park, Argentine side. This is one of the unmissable bits of the whole trip, so lace up and get exploring. Wander the different circuits and take in the falls from every angle, because trust us, one look is never enough.

Your park entrance also gets you the train ride to Devil’s Throat, the showstopper viewpoint of the whole park (weather and safety permitting, nature does what it wants). Want to get properly up close? You can add on a boat ride too, fair warning, you will get soaked, and it will be worth it.

Once you’ve had your fill of waterfalls, head to Tres Fronteras this evening, the spot where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay all meet at once. Go around sunset if you can, the sky does something pretty special.

Feeling peckish? Check out a local asado night, Argentina’s answer to a BBQ, low and slow grilled meats done properly. Or you can head into town instead, there’s live music, outdoor tables and plenty of atmosphere to soak up.

Today’s a big travel day, but for good reason, you’re crossing into Brazil! Check out of your hostel, load up, and get ready to collect a fresh passport stamp as you cross the border.

From there, you’ll board a flight to Rio de Janeiro, before continuing by road to the charming colonial town of Paraty.

Once you’ve arrived and checked into your hostel, there should be some free time to kick back or go exploring in the late afternoon or evening, whatever takes your fancy.

Today’s all about waterfalls, and honestly, we can’t think of a better way to spend a morning. Head into Serra da Bocaina National Park and hike through dense, green trails to the scenic Pedra Branca Waterfall, picking up some flora and fauna know how along the way.

Next stop, the famous Tobogã Waterfall, where locals slide down the natural rock formation because, well, why walk when you can slide? Naturally, you’ll want a go too. Cool off afterwards with a dip at Poço do Tarzan.

Grab some lunch along the way at a traditional riverside restaurant, then it’s off to a local cachaça distillery to get the lowdown on Brazil’s most iconic spirit, with a tasting of a few varieties because research is important.

This afternoon, swap waterfalls for cobblestones as you explore the charming historic centre of Paraty with your Adventure Leader. Wander colonial streets, duck into local churches and hidden alleys, and take in the history and culture of this seriously pretty town.

Today, you’re swapping city streets for island life. Hop on a scenic ferry crossing to Abraão, the charming main village of Ilha Grande, a car free island with crystal clear waters, rainforest covered mountains, and a laid-back tropical vibe that hits the second you step off the boat.

This afternoon, lace up for a half day hike with your Adventure Leader to Lopes Mendes Beach, widely considered one of the best beaches in Brazil (and once you see it, you’ll get why). Wind your way through incredible Atlantic jungle trails, past viewpoints and smaller beaches, before catching a taxi boat back to Abraão to rest those legs.

This evening, it’s all about slowing down. Why not grab a spot at one of Abraão’s beach bars, drink in hand, toes in the sand, and let the island do its thing?

Today is yours to enjoy paradise at your own pace on Ilha Grande. Relax on the beach, swim in crystal clear waters, or simply soak up the laid-back island vibe, no plans required.

Feeling adventurous? You can opt to join a 7-hour speedboat tour through the Paradise Islands of Angra dos Reis, hopping between unreal spots like Cataguases, Botinas and Gipóia for swimming, snorkelling and beach time in sheltered turquoise bays surrounded by Atlantic Forest. Expect multiple island stops, plenty of free time to explore, and the option to grab lunch at a beachfront restaurant along the way (not included). Keen? This one needs booking in advance by email, get in touch!

This morning, you’ll leave island life behind and head back to the mainland. Take a ferry from Ilha Grande followed by a transfer to Rio de Janeiro, soaking up the coastal views and mainland roads as you make your way back to the city.

This afternoon, you have the option to join a favela experience, visiting one of Rio’s local communities with a resident who calls the area home. This is a respectful cultural visit, offering insight into daily life, culture, history and the area’s social development, while supporting community-based tourism initiatives. It’s a chance to see a different side of Rio, well beyond the usual tourist spots. Comfortable walking shoes are a good idea, as conditions can be uneven with stairs and hills.

This evening, why not treat yourself to a traditional Brazilian churrasco, where skewers of meat and vegetables are grilled over open flames and continuously served to your table until you’re full?

The trip’s coming to an end, but you’ve got one seriously good day ahead before it’s time to say goodbye.

Start the day early with a visit to Christ the Redeemer, taking in quiet views over Rio before the crowds arrive. Travel up through the Tijuca Forest on a winding train ride to reach the iconic statue, with sweeping panoramic views of the city, coastline and surrounding mountains.

From there, continue to the colourful Selarón Steps, famous for their vibrant mosaic tiles and lively atmosphere, one of Rio’s most photographed landmarks. The morning wraps up here with some free time to explore.

This afternoon is yours to spend however you like. Ride the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for incredible views over Guanabara Bay and the city skyline, wander the bohemian streets of Santa Teresa with its historic tram and art studios, or head to Copacabana Beach to relax on the sand and take in one of the world’s most iconic coastlines.

Later, everyone regroups at Ipanema Beach before sunset for a friendly game of beach volleyball with your Adventure Leader and group, the perfect way to enjoy Rio style beach living one last time.

To round off the trip, you have the option to join an optional farewell dinner near Ipanema Beach, followed by a chance to sample Rio’s nightlife. Your Adventure Leader can point you towards their favourite restaurants, bars or live music spots, or you’re welcome to explore on your own.