2 weeks in South America: Rio, Buenos Aires, Ilha Grande & Iguazu

Itinerary in brief:

• 3 nights Buenos Aires
• 3 nights Iguazu Falls
• 3 nights Rio de Janeiro 
• 2 nights Paraty 
• 3 nights Ilha Grande

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport. You'll arrive in Buenos Aires later the same day, where you'll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel in the city. 

Included: International flight, transfers, 4* hotel 

Day 2: Buenos Aires city tour

The tour will take you from the charming cobbled alleys and colonial architecture of San Telmo to the Colourful Boca district, along to the Plaza de Mayo, the Cathedral and the original Parliament House. We will continue walking up the leafy Avenida de Mayo towards the imposing grandeur of the Palace of Congress and then on to finish at the historically fascinating Recoleta Cemetery. You will discover the facts, stories and anecdotes that make up the colourful tapestry of the history of Buenos Aires.

In the evening we’ve included an Argentine classic for you; a night of delicious food, wine and tango! You’ll be taken to an elegant French style building where you will be invited to learn some of the slick tango moves and enjoy a drink! The show follows, featuring a live orchestra, two singers and four dancers. You will also get to experience a show with boleadoras(balls tied to ropes used by the gauchos to herd cattle) whilst tucking into a 3 course a la carte meal paired with beautiful wines.

Included: Breakfast, walking tour, tango evening, hotel           

Day 3: Buenos Aires

A day at leisure in this incredible city will hardly give you enough time to do everything you want but it’s a start! Get ready for some classic BA on your own – maybe go and hunt for that antique gem in a dusty San Telmo shop, fill up your belly with empanadas or visit a typical parrilla, give your tango skills a whirl at a traditional Milonga and attend a super-passionate football match between River and Boca. After the sun has set you can party the night away in Palermo’s trendy nightclubs.

Included: Breakfast, Tigre tour, hotel           

Day 4: Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls

After breakfast, you will be transferred by private vehicle to the domestic airport where you will catch a flight to Puerto Iguazu. Once landed, you will be taken by shared transfer to your hotel immersed in the jungle, within easy access to the falls.

Included: Breakfast, departure transfer, flight to Puerto Iguazu, transfer to hotel, hotel accommodation

Days 5 & 6: Iguazu Falls 

During your time here, you'll visit the falls from both the Brazilian and the Argentinian sides. For your first view of the falls we drive to the Argentinian side of the Iguazu National Park and stroll along the lower circuit. Follow over a kilometre of paths that take you under the famous ‘Devil’s Throat’ – underneath small splashing waterfalls to the heart of the cascading falls. Be prepared to be enveloped in the clouds of fine spray rising from the raging torrent.

You will continue by a small train that chugs cheerfully through the rainforest, under thick foliage inhabited by butterflies and lizards with the sounds of the birds and monkeys filling the air. At Estacion Garganta, there is a pathway that rises at the other end the Devil’s Throat which leads you to a stunning lookout over the upper lip of the falls. Devil’s Throat is possibly the most spectacular of the 275 waterfalls that make up this complex.

Then on your second day you'll be taken across the border (please ensure you have the correct documentation if required).

The Brazilian side of the falls offers a more panoramic view than the close up on the Argentine side, with a walkway that descends past several overlooks to a catwalk over the falls, allowing you to really get a sense of the power of the rushing water (prepare for a soaking if you choose to go all the way out). From the end of the main walkway, an elevator whisks you back up to street level at the top of the cliff (there’s also a trail up to the street for those who prefer not to wait in line for the lift).

Included: Breakfast, Iguazu Falls tours, transport, hotel

Day 7: Iguazu Falls to Rio de Janeiro

Today you will take a shared transfer to Foz do Iguacu airport on the Brazilian side and then catch a flight to your next destination, Rio de Janeiro. Your private driver will be waiting for you on arrival, to take you to your hotel.

Included: Breakfast, shared transfer to Foz de Iguacu airport, arrival transfer in Rio, hotel           

Day 8: Jeep tour to Corcovado & Sugar Loaf

Today, we’ve arranged a half day tour to Rio’s most famous sites; Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Your guide will pick you up at the hotel, and you'll join a small group jeep tour of the city. Look forward to a fun-packed tour as you reach the Corcovado and stand at the feet of the statue of Christ the Redeemer.  Next, take the scenic cable car to get to the top of Sugarloaf for spectacular views over the city.

After the tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel, and you may spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 9: Rio de Janeiro

Today the day is yours to explore Rio at your own pace.

You may choose to spend it relaxing on the beach, or you might decide to visit the historical neighbourhood of Santa Teresa.

Day 10: Rio to Paraty

After breakfast, catch a bus to Paraty, a few hours from Rio. This stretch of road is one of the most beautiful in Brazil, full of bays and mountains and turquoise seas and islands. Once you arrive in Paraty, check into your hotel with the rest of the day free to rest or explore.

Day 11: Paraty

Today is free for you to explore at your own pace. Paraty, a charming colonial town on Brazil’s Costa Verde, is known for its cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings and lush rainforest backdrop. You can spend your time wandering through historic centre, taking a boat trip to nearby islands and beaches or exploring waterfalls and hiking trails in the surrounding forests.

Day 12: Paraty to Ilha Grande

This morning, you'll catch a bus to Angra dos Reis, just over an hour away, from where you will take the boat crossing to Ilha Grande. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Days 13 & 14: Ilha Grande

You have a few days here on Ilha Grande to rest or explore! Discover the beautiful beaches, go snorkelling or perhaps walk in the lush and biodiverse forests. There are no cars on the island, so it will be the perfect break to wind down at the end of your holiday, relaxing in the laid-back atmosphere of Vila do Abraao and feasting on seafood as you watch the sun go down. 

Day 15: Depart Ilha Grande

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be collected and driven to Rio Airport to connect with your onward flight.

Day 16: Arrive UK