| Starts | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
|---|---|
| Ends | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Region | Brazil |
| Duration | 19 days |
| Tour Operator | Intrepid Travel |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Rio de Janeiro & Finishing: Rio de Janeiro
Bem-Vindos! Welcome to Brazil. Border information: if you are joining in Rio de Janeiro, you will most likely enter Brazil at Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport. Welcome to the iconic Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro! There will be an important group meeting at 6:00pm at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting. In Rio de Janeiro we will stay in a great hotel in the Flamengo district, close to the beach and the metro station. Hotel for the night: Hotel Argentina Hotel Argentina Rua Cruz Lima No. 30 Flamengo Rio de Janeiro Brazil Tel - +55 21 2558 7233 About Rio De Janeiro: Rio de Janeiro has to be one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain) rises up out of Guanabara Bay, the sandy beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana cut beautiful curves in the shoreline, all under the watchful gaze of Christ the Redeemer. This is a city with something for everyone; beaches, history, shopping, culture, fantastic food and amazing nightlife. For amazing views of this spectacular city, take the cable car up to the top of Sugar Loaf, or "Pao de Acucar" as the Brazilians call it, ride the train to Corcovado or jump on the tram to the historic hillside neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. If you're interested in learning more about Rio and Brazil, the Historical, Indian and National Museums are all well worth a visit, and even just wandering around the older parts of the city you'll be able to see some fantastic architecture. Kick back and relax on the beach, enjoy a beer or caipirinha at one of the many pavement cafes and then when evening comes you can party the night away - Rio has some unbelievable bars and clubs, Lapa is always a fun night out and Ipanema is always buzzing too. If you need a bit of quiet time to recover, take a walk in the Botanical gardens, or escape town for the day on an excursion to the lust forests of nearby Tijuca National Park. Of course Rio is particularly famous for it's huge annual party - Carnival. The celebration of Mardi Gras 6 weeks before Easter is a great Brazilian tradition - the whole city goes wild for a full 7 days in a whirlwind of music and colour. Samba schools compete with ever more awe-inspiring dance displays and costumes putting on marathon perfomances in the Sambadrome, street parties are held all over the city and friends and families take to the beach.
Day 2-4 - Starting: Paraty & Finishing: Paraty
Today our journey begins with a short drive to the colonial town of Paraty on the Emerald Coast of the Atlantic! Estimated Drive Time - 4 hours (please note that all drive times given here are approximate estimates only and are given with the best intentions - however please be aware that the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!). On our first full day in Paraty, we will have an included boat trip around the incredible islands and beaches off the coast. On our second day, we will have free time to explore the town, take a historical tour, walk along the stunning scenery of the coastline, head out snorkelling or diving, or simply relax on the idyllic beaches. In Paraty we wil camp at a well equipped hostel. Activity - Approximate Cost Go for a scuba diving trip in the incredible oceans around Paraty - BRL 250 Take a boat trip out of Paraty, exploring the stunning islands and beaches and swimming in the idyllic warm water of the sparkling blue ocean - Included in Kitty Explore the ocean, islands, beaches, and mangroves of Atlantic coast in a more serene and tranquil fashion, on a sea kayaking expedition around the bay of Paraty - USD 40 Learn all about the fascinating history of Brazil and the Gold Trail, on an excellent walking tour of the old colonial town of Paraty - USD 35 Enjoy some of the best and most scenic treks in the country, on the coastal trails, hils, and 'tropical fjords' near Paraty - USD 50 Try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding by hiring a board from one of the many vendors at the Jabaquara beach in Paraty - BRL 30 Relax and unwind with a massage and unbeatable ocean views at the fantastic Shambala spa - BRL 165 About Paraty: The Emerald Coast, or the "Costa Verde" as it is known in Brazil, stretches south from the city of Rio de Janeiro, a thin strip of land sandwhiched between verdant green mountains and the sparkling waters of the Atlantic. Picture-book islands, deserted beaches and picturesque coves with excellent swimming and diving make it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a couple of days of R & R. Dotted along the coastline itself are lots of small towns and villages, not to mention the hundreds of tiny islands, best explored on a lazy boat-trip. The old Portuguese colonial town of Paraty is perhaps the most attractive spot on the coast. Low white-washed buildings with colourful doors and shutters crowd around the cobbled streets and plaza, full of interesting shops, bars and restaurants. Paraty really comes alive at night, when locals and tourists alike sit outside the many street cafes and congregate in the main square. The town also has a couple of beaches and there are plenty of others in the surrounding area - and this is also a good place for diving and snorkelling trips, which can be arranged locally.
Day 5 - Starting: Brotas & Finishing: Brotas
Today we will drive to the remote town of Brotas in southeastern Brazil. In Brotas we will stay at a campsite with good facilities. Estimated Drive Time - 9-10 hours.
Day 6 - Starting: Brotas & Finishing: Brotas
Today we will have a free day to take part in adventure activities such as white water rafting and canyoning, or maybe just to relax by the pool. Activity - Approximate Cost Head out on a half-day canyoning trip through the gorges of the Jacare River near Brotas - BRL 85 Float down the Jacare on a fun tubing trip down the River Jacare near Brotas - BRL 45 Head out white-water rafting on the fast moving waters of the Jacare River (approxmiately Grade 3-4) - BRL 90
Day 7 - Starting: Campo Grande & Finishing: Campo Grande
Today we will start driving west towards the Southern Pantanal, and wild camp towards the end of the day somewhere close to the city of Campo Grande. Estimated Drive Time - 8-10 hours.
Day 8-9 - Starting: Pantanal & Finishing: Pantanal
Today we have an early start to meet our guide in Campo Grande, and then drive on to Brazil's amazing Southern Pantanal region, where we have a visit a local eco-tourism ranch (or 'fazenda'). Estimated Drive Time - 5 hours. We will spend 2 nights here and have a comprehensive package of included activities such as exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside on horseback, trips down the wildlife-abundant rivers in boats and canoes, and safaris on the ranch's trucks and on foot where we hope to spot capybaras, caimans, and (if we are very lucky) jaguars and ocelots. Our stay here is an incredible highlight! In the Southern Pantanal we will stay in dorm accommodation in a well equipped lodge with all the meals and activities included. Activity - Approximate Cost Take an unforgettable 2-night fully-inclusive package from our eco-lodge in the Southern Pantanal, where we will go out on jeep safaris, canoe expeditions, boat rides, horse back trails, and enjoy a BBQ night with local music and dancing - Included in Kitty About Southern Pantanal: The Pantanal is a vast wetland that covers much of inland central and southern Brazil, teeming with birds and wildlife from toucan to caiman, capybara, ocelot and even Jaguar. Originally this was a predominantly agricultural area, dotted with cattle ranches known locally as "Fazenda". Today the cattle ranchers live side by side with the anaconda and Jaguar, having realised the importance of their home as a unique habitat for wildlife, with many of the Fazendas opening up for eco-tourism and offering safaris and tours of the area. The wildlife here is staggering and there is probably no-where else in South America where you'd be able to see as many indigenous species. Over 250 different birds have been recorded here, including parakeets, macaws, kingfishers, ibis, storks, kites and hawks, hummingbirds and more - and there are also prolific numbers of jacare, anacondas, iguanas, two species of anteaters, ocelot, jaguars, cougars, giant river otters and thousands of pamba and march deer. One of the easier animals to spot is the capybara, a giant guinea pig type rodent that grows up to 60 kg. and lives in large herds in the swamps.
Day 10 - Starting: Southern Pantanal, Bonito & Finishing: Southern Pantanal, Bonito
After our morning activities and one final lunch in our beautiful ranch, it is time to leave the Pantanal and drive to the Brazilian eco-tourism capital of Bonito. In Bonito we will camp in the grounds of an excellent hostel with a pool and good facilities. Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours. About Bonito: The area around the small town of Bonito really is unique. It’s main attractions are its crystal clear rivers, springs and caves, not to mention the abundant wildlif, which includes monkeys, alligators, anaconda, over 30 varieties of fish and tremendous birdlife. Unsurprisingly, the town is often described as the "eco-tourism capital of Brazil". There are endless activities on offer, from spectacular walks through the surrounding hills and forest, to caving, horse-riding, abseiling, and snorkeling. Many of the best attractions are on private land and the area is being very carefully managed in order as to protect the wildlife and habitats found here.
Day 11-12 - Starting: Bonito & Finishing: Bonito
We have two full days in Bonito to take part in the plethora of incredible optional activities here. You could go out on a world-class snorkelling trip, explore the nearby caves, or go abseiling down some of the largest waterfalls in the area, amongst many other possibilities! Activity - Approximate Cost Take an incredible snorkelling trip through the crystal clear waters of the Rio da Prata, getting a phenomenal view of the fish and aquatic plants underwater - BRL 278 Head out on an exhilarating rafting, tubing, or kayaking expedition down the Rio Formoso - BRL 135 Visit the ethereal and other-worldly Blue Lake Cave near Bonito, an underground lake with an incredibly vivid shade of blue - BRL 95 Relax and meet the locals in the beautiful outdoor municipal swimming areas of Bonito - BRL 30 Abseil down the Boca da Onca waterfall (meaning 'Jaguar's Mouth), the largest waterfall in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul - BRL 460 Visit the phenomenal Buraco das Araras, one of the world's largest sink-holes and a natural aviary of macaws and toucans - BRL 46 Hire a mountain bike in Bonito to freely explore the incredible countryside of Mato Grosso do Sul - USD 20 Visit the stunning Sao Miguel Caves near Bonito - BRL 36 Go on a stunning sunset horse ride around the beautiful countryside around Bonito - BRL 80 Take a trek through the stunning areas surrounding Bonito, visiting some of the beautiful nearby waterfalls - BRL 50 Head on an unforgettable trip to Abismo Anhumas, an incredible day out where you abseil through a fissure into a collosal underground cavern, and snorkel in the lake at the bottom - BRL 673
Day 13 - Starting: Foz do Iguaçu & Finishing: Foz do Iguaçu
Today we have a full drive day south to the city of Foz do Iguacu. In Foz do Iguacu we will camp in the grounds of an excellent hostel out of town, with good facilities and a pool. Estimated Drive Time - 12 hours. About Foz do Iguaçu: Foz do Iguaçu is named after the impressive waterfalls located close to the town forming the border with nearby Argentina and Paraguay. Foz is on the Brazilian side and is much larger than nearby Puerto Iguazu. Visiting the Iguacu falls is a must from here, even though you can visit the Argentinian side as well. The Brazilian park features a number of cleverly constructed walkways that allow you to get right out over the water up close to the falls themselves - and you will often be able to see fantastic rainbows forming as the sun catches the spray. If you want the ultimate waterfall experience, you can also organise helicopter flights here, where you'll be taken out right over the horseshoe of the falls, giving you a spectacular view of this natural wonder from a totally different perspective. As well as the magnificent waterfalls, there's also a great bird park in Foz, where you can see many of Brazil's native species, including Toucans and Macaws. You can also visit the incredible Itaipu Dam, a vast concrete edifice that spans the Rio Parana and has been described as one of the 7 wonders of the modern world.
Day 14 - Starting: Iguazu Falls & Finishing: Iguazu Falls
Today we will visit the Brazilian side of the phenomenal Iguazu Falls, to get some incredible panoramic vistas of the mighty waterfalls. There is also plenty of time to visit the bird park, take a helicopter ride over the falls, see the incredible Itaipu Dam, or quickly stop into Paraguay to pick up some bargains in the nearcy Ciudad del Este. Activity - Approximate Cost See the mighty Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side, enjoying the incredble panorama of waterfalls and exploring the beauty of the area - Included in Kitty Take an exhilarating speed boat ride around the base of the falls from the Brazilian side - BRL 66 Take an unforgettable 10-minute helicopter flight over the Iguazu Falls, enjoying a bird's eye view of one of the world's most incredible set of waterfalls - USD 125 Visit the colossal Itaipu Dam, the second largest hydroelectric dam in the world - BRL 68 Take a short trip into Paraguay to experience the chaos of Ciudad del Este and pick up a bargain or two! - Free Visit the Parque das Aves bird park near Foz do Iguacu, a wonderful conservation project which provides an excellent home to over 1000 iconic birds from the region such as toucans, macaws and eagles - BRL 34 About Iguazu Falls: There is a mile long walk along the edge of the fall beginning at the Three Sisters and ending at the Devil’s Throat. Millions of gallons of water pour or cascade down escarpments forming spectacular mist “curtains” and many rainbows. In the surrounding dense tropical jungle there are many varieties of brightly coloured butterflies and birds. If we have time we can take a closer look at these birds in the Foz Tropicana Bird Park.
Day 15 - Starting: Iguazu Falls & Finishing: Iguazu Falls
Today we will take a day trip back into Argentina to see the incredible Iguazu Falls from the other side. This is well worth doing as the views are even more spectacular, and you'll be able to look right down into the mighty Garganta del Diablo (the largest waterfall here) from a gantry walkway viewing point). We will have a full day at the Argentine side of the falls, allowing us lots of time to freely explore the site, hike some nature trails, or perhaps take an exhilarating (and very wet) boat ride! We will return to our base in Foz do Iguacu tonight. Activity - Approximate Cost Visit the phenomenal Iguazu Falls from the Argentine side, where you can get the closest views of Garganta del Diablo and explore the web of nature trails around the area's forests and waterfalls - Included in Kitty Head on an adrenaline-fuelled speedboat trip to the base of the falls on the Argentine side - be prepared to get very wet! - ARS 220
Day 16 - Starting: Yapeyu & Finishing: Yapeyu
Border information: Exit Brazil at Tancredo Neves, enter Argentina at Tancredo Neves. Today we cross the border into Argentina, and aim to reach the beautiful village of Yapeyu on the banks of the River Uruguay. Yapeyu is very famous amongst Argentines for being the birthplace of their national hero General Jose de San Martin, one of the liberators of South America from Spanish colonial rule. In Yapeyu we will stay in a municipal campsite. Activity - Approximate Cost Take a guided tour around the fascinating ruins of the old Jesuit mission of San Ignacio de Mini - Included in Kitty Visit the remains of the house of Jose de San Martin, one of the main liberators of South America and the Argentine national hero - Free
Day 17 - Starting: Buenos Aires & Finishing: Buenos Aires
Today we have a full day drive north though the provinces of Corrientes and Entre Rios to Buenos Aires, the wonderful capital of Argentina! In Buenos Aires we will stay in a centrally-located hotel. Estimated Drive Time - 12 hours. About Buenos Aires: At the mouth of the River Plate lies Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan capital of Argentina. It's a buzzing, energetic city that often feels more European than Latin American, so much so that it's often referred to as "the Paris of the South". Not surprising when you consider how much the city has been influenced by immigration, with it's large Italian and Spanish communities. There is a huge amount to do see and do here and a good place to start is with a city tour, which will help you get your bearings and see all the main sights. You can take in a lot on foot, as the wide streets are very pedestrian friendly and the underground metro system is cheap and easy to navigate. The neighbourhoods of San Telmo, Recoleta and Palermo are certainly all worth exploring, San Telmo for it's olde worlde charm, antique shops and Sunday street market, Palermo for it's unique quirky shops and restaurants and Recoleta is the "Mayfair" of Buenos Aires and home to the La Recoleta cemetry, Eva "Evita" Peron's final resting place. The waterfront area known as La Boca is also worth a look, this slightly down-at-heel neighbourhood is Buenos Aires' most colourful barrio, the ramshackle buildings painted in a rainbow of different bright colours. In the evenings, you are also spoilt for choice. Buenos Aires has a vibrant nightlife, with a huge number of bars and night clubs to choose from. Restaurants here vary from cheap and cheerful to world class and it's a great place to get stuck into some of Argentina's finest steak and red wine. Of course this is also the home of Tango, and there are many evening Tango shows you can buy tickets for, or if you want a more "real" Tango experience you can check the local papers for details of where tango "milongas" are being held. This is where the locals go to tango, with dances held in school halls, meeting rooms and even warehouses. You might also like to visit the Teatro Colon, one of the world's greatest opera houses - even if you don't go to watch a show, it's usually possible to take a guided tour of the building during the day. Everywhere you go you'll be surrounded by some fantastic architecture. The Plaza de Mayo is perhaps the most historically interesting - as this is the ste of the Cabillo (original town hall), Casa Rosada (the Presidential Palace) and the cathedral where the body of General San Martin lies. Finally, if you get the chance, try and get hold of tickets for an Argentinean football match while you're here, even if you're not usually a sports fan, the electric atmosphere of a local match is definitely something you'll never forget - tickets are usually available from local tourist agencies - and if you've still got time to spare, why not take the hydrofoil across the water to Uruguay for a day.
Day 18 - Starting: Buenos Aires & Finishing: Buenos Aires
Today will be a free day to explore the incredible city, soak up the atmosphere of its streets, and discover its amazing culture, art, and music. Activity - Approximate Cost Discover the beautiful Teatro Colon on a tour around the theatre, or see one of its free afternoon performances (when available) - ARS 150 Try some of Argentina's most delicious wines on a toplevel wine tasting afternoon in Buenos Aires - USD 52 Learn all about the cuisine of Argentina on a food tour of Buenos Aires, visiting several incredible local top-class eateries that you won't find in the guidebooks! - USD 85 See a different side to Buenos Aires on a tour of its incredible street art with some of the local artists - USD 20 Explore the beautiful area of Palermo Viejo, see the incredible modern sculpture of Floralis Generica, and head out to the area's bars and restaurants at night - Free Explore the cosmopolitan Argentina capital of Buenos Aires, and take a free tour of the city's highlights - Free Try your hand at the art of tango dancing with a private lesson in Buenos Aires - USD 25 Head out to an exciting football game at La Bombanero, Diego Maradona's former home ground (when matches are scheduled) - ARS 300 Visit the strangely beautiful cemetery of Recoleta, the final resting place of many ex-presidents and Argentine icons, most famously including the tomb of Eva Peron - Free Head out to an tango show in Buenos Aires' oldest cafe, the Gran Cafe Tortoni - seeing a slice of iconic Argentine culture in an ideal and intimate setting - ARS 240 Take the ferry over the river to Uruguay, and explore the serene colonial town of Colonia del Sacramento for the afternoon before returning - USD 45 Discover the beautiful back streets, antique shops, and thrift markets of the bohemian district of San Telmo - Free Take the passenger ferry over to the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo for a night (if time allows) - USD 140
Day 19 - Starting: Buenos Aires & Finishing: Buenos Aires
Border information: if you are leaving in Buenos Aires, you will most likely exit Argentina at Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport (also known as Ezeiza Airport). Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Buenos Aires, and a free day to explore the city or take part in optional activities. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight. Explore the fascinating streets of La Boca, home of the La Bombonera football stadium and the colouful artists' street of Caminito - Free
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