Intrepid Travel - Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil

Itinerary:

Day 1: Buenos Aires
Bienvenidos. Welcome to Argentina. Your trip begins with an orientation walk around Buenos Aires’ Microcentro district at 1 pm. Your leader will be waiting in the lobby of your joining point hotel. Pass by historic buildings along the Avenida de Mayo, including the Casa Rosada (Argentina’s government house) and perhaps have a coffee in the traditional Cafe Tortoni. Stroll around the picturesque streets of San Telmo and its antique markets. Attend a group welcome meeting at 6 pm to prepare for the rest of your adventure.

Accommodation: 1 x Hotel

Optional Activities:

• Buenos Aires - Polo day - 185USD

Day 2: Colonia del Sacramento
Today cross the Rio de la Plata (River Plate) to Colonia del Sacramento by ferry (approximately 1.5 hours). On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this charming colonial city, known as the oldest in Uruguay. The World Heritage-listed Barrio Historico (Old Quarter) is a great place to start. Stroll down the cobblestone streets and rub shoulders with locals as they sip their yerba mate (tea). Listen to the noisy parakeets in the Plaza Mayor, or comb Colonia’s small museums. For great views over the city, climb to the top of a 19th-century lighthouse that’s still in operation. Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 1 x Hotel

Optional Activities:

• Colonia - Lighthouse visit - 35UYU

Day 3: Estancia Stay
Today is a long travel day. Take a comfortable local bus from Colonia to Montevideo (approximately 3 hours). From Montevideo it’s a further 5-hour journey to Tacuarembo by bus. The bus has reclining seats, but as the bus doesn’t stop it’s also recommended that you bring some extra snacks at your own expense. From Tacuarembo, take a 1-hour truck and 4WD journey to the ranch, where you can get to know your hosts. Meals: Breakfast,Dinner

Accommodation: 1 x Estancia

Day 4-5: Estancia Stay
Spend a few days experiencing life on a working Uruguayan farm. Although you’re welcome to relax and explore your surroundings at your leisure, you can also get involved with day-to-day jobs around the ranch. As a working farm, the digs aren’t fancy, but the incredible surroundings and hospitality are something special. Enjoy three home-cooked meals a day and the chance to ride horses, in true gaucho (cowboy) style.

Accommodation: 1 x Estancia,1 x Estancia

Optional Activities:

• Estancia - Horse riding - Free -
• Estancia - Horse riding - Free -

Day 6: Overnight Bus - Iguazu Falls
In the morning bid farewell to your hosts. Travel to the Uruguay/Argentinian border (3 hours). Cross the border to Concordia in Argentina. Board a 12-hour overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

Accommodation: 1 x Overnight Bus

Day 7: Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side)
As soon as you arrive at Puerto Iguazu bus station this morning, take a minivan across the border into Brazil and head straight to the national park to witness the majestic Foz do Iguacu/Iguazu Falls. After some time spent admiring this force of nature, head to your hotel in Foz do Iguacu. Enjoy free time for the rest of the day.

Accommodation: 1 x Hotel

Optional Activities:

• Iguazu Falls - Bird Park - 80BRL
• Iguazu Falls - Helicopter ride - 610BRL

Day 8: Iguazu Falls (Argentinian side)
Return to Argentina today to see Iguazu Falls from a different angle. Following a series of boardwalks, it’s possible to get so close to the thundering waters that you can almost touch them. At over two-kilometres long, Iguazu Falls are made up of over 270 separate cascades, with some reaching up to 80 metres in height. For a more exhilarating experience, take an optional Zodiac boat ride to the base of the falls! In the afternoon return to your accommodation in Foz do Iguacu in Brazil. Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 1 x Hotel

Optional Activities:

• Iguazu Falls - Zodiac ride up to the falls - 90USD

Day 9: Rio de Janeiro
Take an included flight to Rio de Janeiro. Settle into your hotel room then head out with your leader for an orientation walk. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe head to Copacabana or Ipanema Beach or, if the time of year is right, check out a soccer game at the famous Maracana Stadium. You might like to take the tramcar up to the hillside neighbourhood of Santa Teresa or head up Corcovado Mountain, where you’ll find sweeping views over Rio from the foot of the Christ the Redeemer statue. Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 1 x Hotel

Optional Activities:

• Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain 3 (Admission Fee) - 160BRL
• Rio de Janeiro - Maracana football game (schedule dependent) - 400BRL
• Rio de Janeiro - Botanical Gardens admission fee - 67BRL
• Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa tramcar - 20BRL
• Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer (entrance) - 82BRL

Day 10: Rio de Janeiro
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time in Rio de Janeiro, we would be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Meals: Breakfast