Brazil, Iguazu & Argentina Delights - Tour Rio to Buenos Aires

Welcome to bustling Rio! This exciting South America tour begins in one of the most iconic seaside cities in Brazil. Arrive early to explore, or make your way straight to the hotel to meet up with your tour leader and group this evening. Set out with the group to enjoy a welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant tonight. Look forward to a delicious, authentic Churrascaria meal!

Welcome Dinner: Eat local on your first night in Rio de Janeiro! For Brazilians, mealtime is a family event. Your welcome dinner involves a traditional Brazilian barbecue at a local Churrascaria restaurant. As the name states in Portuguese, churrasco involves meat roasted over charcoal, served with a side of grilled vegetables, garnishes, salads and a variety of traditional desserts. In combination with the warm-hearted culture of the locals, it makes for an unforgettable experience.

Meet up with the local guide after breakfast for a full-day tour of Rio. The city is scenic to the core and the coach stands ready to take you along the main avenues, from which pedestrian footpaths will lead you deeper into the magic. Tick off a few bucket list items today - including a visit to the Christ the Redeemer statue on top of Mount Corcovado! The Escadaria Selaron staircase is also on the list. Grab lunch on the go and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Make the most of a free day in Rio! Looking to experience the city’s top sights? The Rio+ optional excursion is highly recommended! This exciting excursion will take you up to the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain in a cable car for incredible views of the city. It also includes visits to the famous Kobra graffiti wall, São Cristóvão local fair, Samba City (home of the annual Rio Carnival!) and ends with a sunset on Ipanema beach. Alternatively, explore the city at your own pace and absorb the vibrant culture, history and atmosphere! Tonight, why not enjoy the Local Feijoada and Caipirinha Experience for a delicious meal and taste of local Rio life?

Wave Rio a fond farewell and journey down Brazil’s Costa Verde (Green Coast). Drink in the epic scenery on the drive - oceans, dense jungles and more! Later today, arrive in Paraty, a beautiful colonial port town. Check in at the hotel and take a walking tour of Paraty with a local guide. Marvel at the cobbled streets and stunning architecture, plus enjoy a visit to the historic centre which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight enjoy free time to spend in Paraty as you wish.

Paraty walking tour: Follow a local guide around Paraty and discover why Paraty was so affluent during the gold, coffee and cachaça periods. This gorgeous colonial town is situated in the perfect spot for spectacular views of the surrounding Atlantic ocean and jungle. The historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts beautifully preserved architecture, cobblestone roads and churches. Cars were banned from the historic core, so you can expect quiet surroundings with welcoming locals.

Take the day to explore Paraty at your leisure. The town forms part of the Serra da Bocaina National Park so there is plenty of natural beauty simply waiting to be explored! Think beaches, islands and waterfalls. The historical town also boasts plenty of lovely buildings and historical attractions. Keen on an organised outing? Join the Jeep Tour in Paraty optional excursion for an exciting 4x4 jeep tour through the surrounding rainforest plus a visit to a local cachaça distillery where the group will get to taste cachaça and learn all about its history!

Leave Paraty behind and venture to the megacity of São Paulo. The buzzing financial hub of Brazil is truly a sight to see and experience! Follow in the footsteps of a local guide to learn more about the city on a guided tour. Stop at the famous Mercadão (a sprawling food market) with free time for lunch - be sure to try something local! Tonight is free to spend at your leisure. Experience São Paulo’s nightlife or relax at the hotel after a full day of exploration.

São Paulo City Tour and Mercadão visit: São Paulo is quite simply enormous. It’s the biggest city in Latin America and the Southern hemisphere. Upon arrival, set out with a local expert to find out more about the history and economy of the city and see the points of interest. Then, stop at the Mercadão, a famous food market, with free time for lunch. This municipal market is the perfect spot if you want to see and taste all kinds of South American foods - from north to south. Look out for the famous Mortadella sandwich, codfish and prawn pastries, and cashew fruit.

Up and at 'em - travel to Guarulhos Airport to catch a flight to the Brazilian city of Foz do Iguaçu. Upon arrival, head straight for the world-famous Iguaçu falls (also known as Iguazú Falls) in Iguaçu National Park. It's the largest waterfall system in the world, and a breathtaking sight to behold! Follow pathways all the way to the mist-shrouded foot of the falls. Head back to the hotel after the tour and get ready for a delicious Brazilian barbecue dinner.

The world is your oyster today - there are so many adventures waiting to be enjoyed! Visit the amazing local bird park (150+ species!) or take a helicopter ride over the falls. Alternatively, add a completely different country to the lineup with one of today’s optional excursions! Head to Paraguay via the International Bridge of Friendship on the optional day trip. Cross the Paraná River to enter Ciudad del Este, shop at local markets, see the Mondays waterfalls and visit the Itaipú Dam. Back in Brazil, meet up with the group tonight and choose to join the optional Rafain show and dinner experience for an evening of fun and delicious food.

Rise and shine, it’s time to travel to the next country - Argentina! Head to Puerto Iguazú airport to catch a flight to Buenos Aires. This vibrant city holds countless attractions! Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy time to rest at the hotel and take it easy or head out on a solo exploration mission. Keep in mind that the next two days will be jam-packed! Dinner is included tonight at a restaurant near the hotel.

Buenos Aires Dinner: Enjoy your first meal in Argentina! The cuisine here has been heavily influenced by waves of European migration over the last century and often includes dishes with Spanish, Italian and German roots. Grilled meats, pastas, empanadas and sweet desserts are widely offered. How about a glass of Argentinian wine to complement your first meal in the country?

Ready, set, explore! Today, uncover the must-see attractions and hidden delights of the Argentine capital. Follow in the slipstream of a local guide on a city tour. Discover the famous Buenos Aires Obelisk, encounter the Plaza de Mayo, visit the colourful La Boca, and explore the cobblestoned foundational San Telmo and the Recoleta cemetery. Plus, so much more! Grab lunch on the go. This evening there is an optional dinner and a tango show on offer.

Buenos Aires City Tour: Buenos Aires is a city with the vibrancy of New York and the spirit of Paris at the pace of Latin America. This full-day tour will take you through the city’s best-known streets, show you the most popular sights and give you a taste of the real Buenos Aires. Iconic sights covered on tour include Avenida 9 de Julio (9 July Avenue), Plaza de Mayo, the Obelisk of Buenos Aires, the La Boca and San Telmo Neighbourhoods, and the famous Recoleta cemetery.

Enjoy a free day in Buenos Aires! Take your pick of a bunch of things to do in the bustling Argentinian capital. Seek out must-sees like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. How about a tango lesson or cooking experience? Or simply stroll through the streets at your leisure. Alternatively, add another country to your tour with an optional day trip to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. It’s sure to be a beautiful day out! Tonight is the final night of the tour. To celebrate an incredible time in South America, join the group for a lovely dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

After spending your final night in Buenos Aires, and 13 days of South American adventures, the tour comes to an end at breakfast this morning. If you wish to take a transfer to Ministro Pistarini International Airport or Aeroparque Airport, you can book it with Expat Explore, simply contact the Customer Service team. Don't forget to exchange contact details with your new found friends before you head home. Have a safe onward journey!