Buenos Aires to Rio

13 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
Connecting two of South America's most captivating cities, this trip takes us from the tango-filled streets of Buenos Aires to the samba rhythms in Rio de Janeiro. Along the way, visit the idyllic island of Ilha Grande, and atmospheric Paraty, as well as taking in the spray at the impressive Iguazu Falls. Buenos Aires and Rio - From the most elegant to one...
$4,500
From$4,260
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Highlights

    • Discover unspoilt natural beauty between these vibrant iconic Latin American cities
    • Explore the colonial town of Paraty and unwind on Ilha Grande
    • Feel the spray in your face from the mighty Iguazu Falls

What's this trip about?

    Connecting two of South America's most captivating cities, this trip takes us from the tango-filled streets of Buenos Aires to the samba rhythms in Rio de Janeiro. Along the way, visit the idyllic island of Ilha Grande, and atmospheric Paraty, as well as taking in the spray at the impressive Iguazu Falls. Buenos Aires and Rio - From the most elegant to one of the most vibrant cities in the world, watch tango and marvel at the views from the top of Christ the Redeemer Iguazu Falls - View these mighty waterfalls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides Ilha Grande - Discover this car-less island, a haven of beaches and verdant forest

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CityBuenos Aires
End CityRio de Janeiro

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Buenos Aires
  • Iguazu Falls
  • Ilha Grande
  • Paraty
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • Sao Paulo
  • Sugar Loaf

Activities

  • Hiking

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Buenos Aires

Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital, located on the southern shores of the Rio de la Plata. Since its founding by Pedro de Mendoza in 1536 the city has thrived on trade and its vibrant streets are filled with an eclectic mix of European architectural styles, w...

Day 2 In Buenos Aires; walking tour of the Argentinian capital

Today we plan to explore some of the city on foot with our Local guide, especially the major landmarks around the Plaza de Mayo, site of the famous mass demonstrations by supporters of Juan Domingo Peron in 1945, organised by his wife Eva. This afternoon has been left...

Day 3 Free Day; options include the Recoleta Cemetery

Today is free to further explore Argentina's vibrant capital. You can also visit the elaborate mausoleums of the famous Recoleta Cemetary, the final resting place of some of Argentina's most revered figures, including Eva Peron herself or also take the opportunity to ...

Day 4 Morning free to explore Buenos Aires, flight to Iguazu

This morning has been left free for you to catch up on any sightseeing you couldn't do yesterday. Perhaps take a guided tour to other parts of the city including the colourful vibrancy of La Caminito in the La Boca district of the city. Make sure you're back in time t...

Day 5 View Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian side; cross over to Brazil

Set amidst the lush landscapes of the Parque Nacional do Iguazu Reserve, the falls are one of nature's true masterpieces, a spectacular cascade of some 275 interconnecting falls that hurtle over high cliffs into a marvellous curved amphitheatre - a breathtaking sight ...

Day 6 Optional visit to the Brazilian side of the falls

Today you will have a free day with the opportunity to visit the Brazilian side of the falls (optional) which gives a panoramic view of these mighty cataracts. Four times wider than Niagara, the falls hurtle over high cliffs into a marvellous curved amphitheatre sever...

Day 7 Fly to Sao Paulo, drive to Paraty

Depending on flight availability we will either fly to Sao Paulo or Rio today, and drive to the pretty town of Paraty. With its secluded beaches and backdrop of jungled mountains, Paraty has a superb location, and the cobblestoned colonial centre is a wonderful place to relax and people watch.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 8 Discover the pretty town of Paraty

This is a free day to explore Paraty. You can take a boat trip out to some of the outlying islands and tropical beaches in the bay, with the chance to stop off and swim and snorkel in the clear, lukewarm Atlantic waters. Another option is to take a trip back in time a...

Day 9 Drive and ferry to Ilha Grande

After a final chance to stroll through the atmospheric cobbled streets of Paraty, we take a bus down the Atlantic coast to Angra dos Reis. This will be our gateway out to Ilha Grande, a beautiful island preserve of spectacular scenery, unspoilt beaches and atmospheric...

Day 10 Taxi boat and walk to the paradise beach of Lopes Mendes

The jungle canopies and white-sand beaches of Ilha Grande offer a little slice of island paradise away from Brazil's mainland, and today we will explore this remarkable landscape in more depth. Lopes Mendes beach regularly features on lists of Brazil's Top 10 beaches ...

Day 11 Travel to Rio de Janeiro

The spectacular setting of Rio de Janeiro brings us to the end of our journey today. Leaving Ilha Grande by ferry this morning we then travel by bus from Angra to Rio, one of the world's most beautiful cities. Named from the Portuguese for River and the month of Janua...

Day 12 Visit Santa Teresa and Corcovado, for Christ the Redeemer

Rio is truly a city of spectacular highlights, and today we plan to visit two of the major draws. We will visit the towering summit of Corcovado, topped by the immense statue of Christ the Redeemer, giving us incredible panoramic views of the famous bay. Our local gui...

Day 13 Tour ends in Rio

Meals Provided : Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,260
Price per day$328
Last Updated: 3/30/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
03 May 2025
15 May 2025
$4,330
$1,020
2 spots left
11 Oct 2025
23 Oct 2025
$4,330
$1,020
2 spots left
01 Nov 2025
13 Nov 2025
$4,400
$1,010
1 spots left
22 Nov 2025
04 Dec 2025
$4,260
$1,020
6 spots left
14 Mar 2026
26 Mar 2026
$4,430
$1,080
16 spots left
02 May 2026
14 May 2026
$4,430
$1,080
14 spots left
15 Aug 2026
27 Aug 2026
$4,430
$1,080
16 spots left
10 Oct 2026
22 Oct 2026
$4,430
$1,080
16 spots left
31 Oct 2026
12 Nov 2026
$4,490
$1,090
16 spots left
21 Nov 2026
03 Dec 2026
$4,560
$1,130
16 spots left

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
10,531
Great
3,392
Average
533
Disappointing
160
Terrible
82
T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Written on

Buenos Aires to Rio

Great trip with excellent itinerary full of contrasts; from large bustling cities to quiet remote islands, to quaint colonial towns; and of course the incredible Igu...

I

Ian

Dec 2024

Written on

Buenos Aires to Rio

Great tour as always. Loved every minute of it. Have already filled in the Expl...

T

Trusted Customer

Dec 2024

Written on

Buenos Aires to Rio

Excellent, well organized short trip taking in Iguazu Falls, Paraty and Ilha Grande as well as Bs As and Rio. Would suggest a little longer in Rio. Leader was well ...

T

Trusted Customer

Dec 2024

Written on

Buenos Aires to Rio

Great selection of experiences from city to sun travel. UNESCO and world class experiences at Iguazu Falls, the town of Paraty and Christian the Redeemer. Interestin...

V

Vivien

Nov 2024

Written on

Buenos Aires to Rio

What a fabulous trip and itinerary. Great variety covering city , rainforests, waterfalls and beaches . Despite a packed itinerary it felt quite relaxed and we had ...

Write a Review

Other Explore! Reviews

T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Written on

Buenos Aires to Rio

Great trip with excellent itinerary full of contrasts; from large bustling cities to quiet remote islands, to quaint colonial towns; and of course the incredible Igu...

A

Arthur Jan

Mar 2025

Written on

Ghana's Wildlife, Tribes and Castles

The accommodations were variable, always clean and with hot water but some places were tired and in need of updating. Air conditioning was a must as it was hot and h...

V

Vanessa

Mar 2025

Written on

Anonymous

friendly, good communicator,

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Ferry, Flight,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Ferry, Flight
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Boat Crew, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Argentina: Visas are not required for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens. However US, Canadian and Australian citizens will need make a payment called the 'reciprocity fee' in advance of travel to enter Argentina. This currently costs 100USD for Australian citizens, 70USD for Canadian citizens and 131USD for US citizens. This payment needs to be made online at http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/accesibleingles The receipt generated at the time of online payment must be printed and given to local immigration authorities together with your passport. Brazil: Visas are not required for UK or New Zealand citizens. They are, however, required for Canadian, Australian and US citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. Citizens from Canada, Australia and the US can now get their visa for Brazil online. Applications can be done here - https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/ USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Yellow fever is only recommended for those travelling to Iguazu falls. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 12
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
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Trip ID
explore-QBR

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