Essential Argentina & Brazil

On arrival in Buenos Aires, the afternoon is free until the group gathers in the hostel lobby for an orientation session with the guide, running through the essentials before the tour begins.

From here, we get straight into the local flavour with an empanada making class back at the hostel, paired with a glass of wine and a short introduction to basic Spanish. We get a rundown of classic regional fillings and a few folding tips, then shape and fold our own batch of empanadas, finishing with a light hearted contest to see who can fold like a true local.

Tango Show (Three course & open bar)
Those wanting a later night can join this optional tango show at Tango Porteno, a short walk from the hostel, taking in a three course dinner and open bar alongside a performance tracing the dance’s evolution from its roots on the Rio de la Plata to the tango performed today.

Tango Show (Show Only)
The same show without dinner is also available, at an additional cost.

This morning, we set out on a half-day cycling tour, taking in the neighbourhoods where the city first took shape over five centuries ago. Along the way we pass Plaza de Mayo, the colourful streets of Caminito where tango began, La Bombonera stadium, and the newer district of Puerto Madero, with plenty of stops for photos.

The rest of the day is yours to spend as you like. You could wander the antiques and street food stalls of San Telmo Market, or head to Recoleta Cemetery to see its grand mausoleums, including the resting place of Eva Peron. The guide can point you towards a guided walking tour if you would rather have company.

In the evening, head to Palermo, one of the city’s liveliest neighbourhoods, known for its bars and steakhouses. Whether you are after a good steak, a sunset drink or simply want to see where the night takes you, the guide can recommend a few local favourites.

Today the group leaves Buenos Aires behind and flies south to Ushuaia, known locally as El Fin del Mundo, the End of the World, and the gateway to Patagonia. Depending on flight times, you may have a little free time in Buenos Aires or on arrival in Ushuaia.

Once you have checked into the accommodation, the rest of the day is for resting up before tomorrow’s hike. If you still need any trekking gear, there are rental shops in town, and the guide can suggest a good one.

Today, the trek to Laguna Esmeralda is the main event, taking us through wetlands, Fuegian forest and dramatic mountain scenery that captures Patagonia at its best. It is a moderate walk on natural trails, suitable for most fitness levels, and takes around two to three hours each way depending on the group’s pace. We take it slowly, with regular breaks to enjoy the views.

Back in Ushuaia, the evening is free. You could find a relaxed spot for dinner, wander the harbour area, or settle into a cafe or bar, the guide can point you towards a few favourites.

Today is yours to spend exploring Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, however you like. There’s a good range of options, and it is usually possible to combine two of them if you want to make the most of the day, though fitting in all three is a stretch.

You could head out to the Martial Glacier Reserve, just outside town, for wide views across Ushuaia, the Beagle Channel and the mountains beyond, with a teahouse at the trailhead or a path carrying on along the former ski slope to reach glacier viewpoints further up. Alternatively, Tierra del Fuego National Park protects the only coastal sub-Antarctic forest in Argentina, with highlights including Lake Acigami, Lapataia Bay and Zaratiegui Cove, home to the world’s southernmost post office.Beagle Channel Cruise
Head out on the water for a catamaran cruise along the Beagle Channel, keeping an eye out for sea lions, albatrosses and the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, at an additional cost.

Beagle Channel Cruise with Penguin Island
From November to March, the cruise can be extended to pass a nearby penguin island. You will not be able to land, but the boat comes close enough for good views of the colony, at an additional cost.

Today the group leaves Ushuaia behind and flies north to Iguazu, breaking the journey with a stop in Buenos Aires. Once you land, you’ll be transferred to the accommodation, and the rest of the evening is free to relax and settle in.

Today is all about Iguazu National Park on the Argentine side, one of the real centrepieces of the trip. Several walking circuits let you take in the falls from a number of different viewpoints, and one visit never feels like quite enough. Entry also includes the train ride out to Devil’s Throat, the park’s standout viewpoint, conditions permitting.

Once you’ve had your fill of waterfalls, Tres Fronteras is worth a visit in the evening, the point where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay all meet. Sunset is the best time to go, when the sky puts on a show of its own. For dinner, you could try a local asado night, Argentina’s take on a barbecue, with meat grilled low and slow, or head into town instead for live music and a lively atmosphere.

Boat Ride at Devil’s Throat
For those wanting to get even closer to the falls, you can add on a boat ride, be ready to get thoroughly soaked.

Please note: Asado night is subject to accommodation availability and minimum guest numbers.

Today is a long travel day, but a good one, the group crosses the border into Brazil and picks up a fresh passport stamp along the way. After checking out, you fly into Rio de Janeiro, then travel on by road into Paraty, a colonial town on the coast.

Once you’ve checked into the accommodation, there should be some free time in the late afternoon or evening, whether you want to rest up or get out and explore.

This morning we head into Serra da Bocaina National Park, hiking through dense forest trails to reach the Pedra Branca Waterfall, picking up a little flora and fauna knowledge on the way.

From there, we continue to the Toboga Waterfall, where locals use the natural rock chute as a slide, and most of the group can’t resist a go. Afterwards, we cool off with a swim at Poco do Tarzan.

Lunch is included today at a traditional riverside restaurant, before we stop at a cachaca distillery, sampling several varieties of Brazil’s signature spirit.

In the afternoon, the pace shifts from waterfalls to cobbled streets as we explore Paraty’s historic centre with our guide, wandering colonial lanes, ducking into small churches and hidden alleyways, taking in the town’s character along the way.

This morning we swap the mainland for island life, taking a scenic ferry across to Abraao, the main village on Ilha Grande. It is a car free island, known for its clear waters, forest covered mountains and relaxed, tropical feel from the moment you step off the boat.

In the afternoon, we set off on a half-day hike with our guide to Lopes Mendes Beach, often ranked among Brazil’s best beaches, following trails through the Atlantic forest, passing viewpoints and a few smaller beaches, before a taxi boat brings us back to Abraao to rest our legs.

This evening is about slowing right down. You could pick a spot at one of Abraao’s beach bars and let the island set the pace.

Today has no fixed plans, giving you the chance to enjoy island life however you like. You could relax on the beach, swim in the clear water, or simply take in the unhurried rhythm of the island.Paradise Islands Speedboat Tour
For something more active, a seven-hour speedboat trip visits the Paradise Islands of Angra dos Reis, with stops at Cataguases, Botinas and Gipoia for a swim, some snorkelling and time to relax in calm bays ringed by rainforest. There are several stops along the way and free time built in at each, with lunch available at a beachfront restaurant for an extra cost. This one needs booking in advance by email.

This morning we leave island life behind, taking a ferry from Ilha Grande followed by a transfer back to Rio de Janeiro, with coastal views along the mainland roads on the way.

This evening, you could treat yourself to a traditional Brazilian churrasco, where meat and vegetable skewers are cooked over an open flame and brought to the table again and again until you’ve had your fill.This morning we leave island life behind, taking a ferry from Ilha Grande followed by a transfer back to Rio de Janeiro, with coastal views along the mainland roads on the way.

This evening, you could treat yourself to a traditional Brazilian churrasco, where meat and vegetable skewers are cooked over an open flame and brought to the table again and again until you’ve had your fill.

This is the last full day of the trip, and it’s a good one. We start early with a visit to Christ the Redeemer, catching quieter views over the city before the crowds build, climbing through Tijuca Forest aboard a winding train, with views stretching over the city, coastline and mountains beyond.

From there, we continue to the Selaron Steps, known for intricate mosaic tiles and one of the most photographed spots in Rio. The morning wraps up here, with a little free time before heading off on your own.

The afternoon is yours to spend however you like. You could take the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, taking in the skyline and Guanabara Bay spread out below, explore Santa Teresa’s old tram routes and art studios along its bohemian streets, or settle in at Copacabana Beach for some time on the sand.

Later, the group comes back together at Ipanema Beach as the sun starts to set, playing beach volleyball together with the guide, a fitting way to enjoy one last bit of Rio’s beach culture before the trip wraps up.Farewell Dinner
As a last night together, you can choose to join a group dinner near Ipanema Beach, with time afterwards to take in some of the city’s nightlife. The guide is happy to suggest a favourite restaurant, bar or live music venue, or you’re welcome to head off and explore independently.

The trip comes to an end today. The morning is for saying goodbye, swapping contact details and looking back on the best moments with the group one last time, before everyone heads off, whether that’s on to another adventure or back home with plenty of stories to tell.