Brazil & Argentina with Uruguay

Start your holiday with an overnight flight to Rio de Janeiro via Sao Paolo.

Touch down in Brazil and meet your friendly local tour manager ahead of a transfer to your hotel. Rest and relax, enjoying an included welcome drink at the hotel this evening. 

Have breakfast at the hotel and begin your South American adventure with a tour that will introduce Rio’s lively downtown areas. After driving along the city’s colourful seafront, witness it from above on a ride to the top of the imposing Sugarloaf Mountain on board the famous Bondinho cable car. From here, you can soak up spectacular 360-degree views across Rio’s most iconic sights and the sprawling blue of Guanabara Bay.   

This evening, enjoy an included drink at a local carioca bar close to your hotel before the chance to take in an optional Roxy Show in town. Housed in a restored 1930s Art Deco cinema, this show combines Brazil’s diversity and cultures through different styles of dance, music and live performances and concludes with a carnival-inspired finale.  

After the show, you'll be free to find dinner at leisure in the city.

After breakfast, continue your exploration of Rio with an excursion to one of the Seven Wonders of the New World, Christ the Redeemer. Set atop Corcovado Mountain, this remarkable landmark, the largest Art-Deco statue in the world, proudly highlights Brazil’s deep Catholic roots and promises some truly extraordinary views. Drive through lush suburbs to the Cosmo Velho cog-railway station, and journey up to the giant figure, then take the lift or escalator, or brave the stairs up to the viewpoint.  

Return to Rio via the famous beach districts of Ipanema and Leblon, known for their idyllic namesake beaches, where you’ll experience a quieter side to the city’s trendy beach areas. This evening, enjoy your final evening in Rio with dinner at an authentic Brazilian steak restaurant.  

Early this morning, travel to the airport for a flight to world-famous Iguazú Falls, which marks the meeting point of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. Travel by coach through the lush foliage to your resort hotel on the Brazilian side of the Falls, where you'll spend the next two nights. Renowned for its biodiversity, the park’s thunderous cascades won’t be the only major highlight, and you’ll have the chance to spot its impressive native wildlife as you explore.  

Later this morning, start your exploration of the UNESCO-listed Iguazú National Park with a scenic walk along a series of foliage-lined pathways that will lead you to the falls. Keep an eye out as you go, and you might catch a glimpse of the region’s elusive coatis or its eagle-eyed oncillas.   

Watch the region's untouched ecosystems in action as you pass verdant forests and flourishing wildflowers, which are constantly fed by moisture from the nearby waterfalls. Walk out over the footbridge and ride the panoramic lift to enjoy the sweeping views across Iguazú's 275 plunging cataracts.   

Dinner will be served back at the hotel later this evening.  

Cross the border into Argentina this morning and witness a different side to the Falls. Still within the boundaries of the Iguazú National Park, the Argentinian side is a stunning jungle refuge for big cats, monkeys, tapirs and countless colourful bird species.

Here, you’ll enjoy a choice of fascinating guided walks, accompanied by a park ranger, as well as a 25-minute train ride to see the most spectacular of the torrents, the famous Devil’s Throat, from a series of walkways and footbridges. 

This evening, return to the hotel and find dinner at your own leisure.

Take the morning at your own pace today or embark on an optional helicopter flight above the magnificent Iguazú Falls. On this 10-minute flight, you'll get a unique perspective on the park, with unrestricted views of the falls and their surrounding rainforest. Accompanied by an expert pilot and local guide, you’ll also learn about the park’s ecosystems and the importance of conservation in preserving these landscapes for future generations.   

Later, reconvene at the hotel for a quick refresh ahead of this afternoon's flight to Buenos Aires. After touching down in the Argentine capital, meet your local tour manager and transfer to your hotel. This evening, enjoy dinner at your own leisure.   

Today you'll enjoy a guided introduction to Buenos Aires, beginning at the Plaza de Mayo, home to the city’s ornate parliament buildings. From here, embrace the tango rhythms of the Argentine capital in the San Telmo district, before passing through the famously colourful La Boca area, one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. Complete today’s sightseeing in Puerto Madero, with its towering skyscrapers, and La Recoleta, Buenos Aires' most elegant area.   

Retun to the hotel at the end of a wonderful day and settle in for a captivating tango show with dinner later this evening.  

Discover more of the enthralling Buenos Aires under your own steam today or join an optional excursion into the pampas grassland.   

Leave Buenos Aires and drive to San Antonio de Areco, the heart of Argentina's 'gaucho' traditions. Arrive at El Ombu de Areco, a traditional, 741-acre ranch dedicated to agriculture and animal farming. Here, the ranch's impressive late-colonial-style mansion, built by Lieutenant General Pablo Riccheri in 1880, and its intricate “casco” promise an immersive taste of Argentine culture.   

Enjoy following the Areco River on horseback or, if you'd prefer, travel the same route on foot before settling in for a traditional asado lunch that includes fine meats, salads, wine, and dessert. Later this afternoon, enjoy an intimate folklore show as a gaucho plays the guitar and see a horse-riding skills demonstration.  

Return to your Buenos Aires hotel for your final night in Argentina.  

Check out of your Buenos Aires hotel after breakfast this morning and head to the pier for an hour-long ferry crossing over the Rio de la Plata estuary. Upon arrival in Uruguay and having completed border formalities, you’ll meet your local guide and head to the city of Colonia del Sacramento, the country’s oldest city.  

Waste no time in exploring the city with an included tour of the city’s treasures. Your first stop today will be the coastal Real de San Carlos neighbourhood, where you’ll take in its 20th-century bull ring and the San Benito Chapel, the oldest surviving religious building in Uruguay. From here, drive through the UNESCO-listed Barrio Historico, where colourful modern buildings and colonial-era landmarks blend seamlessly with each other. Enter through the city’s 17th-century gate and cross its drawbridge before heading to Calle de los Suspiros. This cobbled lane, which translates to the ‘Street of Sighs’ in English, is known for its charm, and you can soak up the picturesque colonial-era houses at leisure.  

Next will be the Plaza Mayor, the central point of the city, and you’ll see the city’s famous 19th-century lighthouse. Built amongst the ruins of St. Francis Xavier Convent, this ivory-white tower is one of the most recognisable sights in the city’s skyline and offers some spectacular views of Colonia’s west coast. Afterwards, visit the Santísimo Sacramento Cathedral, Uruguay’s oldest Catholic church and one of the best-preserved examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the city. You’ll then have some time at leisure to explore Colonia’s local handicraft shops, galleries and pavement-side cafés, before heading to your four-star hotel for check-in. 

This morning will be at entirely at leisure and, once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll be free to spend it as you see fit, perhaps making the most of the hotel’s amenities or exploring Colonia at your own pace.  

After finding lunch locally, head to the quiet town of Carmelo for a tour of the acclaimed Finca Narbona Winery, which produces some of Uruguay’s finest local labels in addition to a wide variety of preserves, cheeses, and liqueurs. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by one of the winery’s local experts, who’ll showcase the production process across a guided tour of the facilities. After an insightful morning exploring the winery, you’ll have the chance to taste three of the varieties produced here, the ideal way to enhance today’s wine-focused excursion.  

Later this afternoon, transfer back to Colonia del Sacramento. Back in the city, you’ll be free to spend the rest of the day as you see fit, whether that’s lounging by the poolside or venturing further into the city for some self-guided exploration. 

Have breakfast at the hotel this morning and check out ahead of today’s excursion to a Uruguayan Estancia, which proudly upholds Uruguay’s gaucho (cowboy) traditions.  

Travel to the secluded town of Mal Abrigo, passing several scenic vistas as you drive, before arriving at the ranch. Here, you’ll be introduced to the ranch’s colourful history, before continuing around the grounds by foot or on horseback. After taking in the cattle fields, horse paddocks and vineyards that surround the estate, you’ll return to the main building for an introduction to mate, Uruguay’s unique national drink. Brewed with yerba leaves, this highly caffeinated, bitter drink is an acquired taste that locals have enjoyed for centuries, and you’ll see it traditionally served in calabash gourds.  

After this morning’s tour, you’ll be served an authentic asado (barbecue), the country’s national dish, for lunch with sprawling views of the estancia’s grounds. With time at leisure, you’ll be free to explore the ranch at leisure or simply relax in the sun. Later on, complete the day with a merienda (afternoon tea) and try an assortment of local delicacies.  

Afterwards, travel to Montevideo, the striking national capital, for check-in at your next hotel.

The Uruguayan capital will be yours to explore this morning, and after breakfast, you’ll be joined by an expert guide for a walk around the city’s biggest attractions. Start at the Plaza de Constitución, the oldest square in the city and a hub of remarkably well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. Positioned around the edge of this leafy public square are the city’s magnificent Metropolitan Cathedral and nearby cabildo (town hall), which once was once the heart of the city. Also of interest is the Solís Theatre, Uruguay’s most famous stage, and you’ll have some time to soak up the sights before continuing to Independence Square.

Here, you’ll learn more about Uruguayan history and will see one of its national heroes, José Gervasio Artigas, memorialised at its centre. Your next stop will be the 19th-century Mercado del Puerto, which remains a popular meeting point between locals despite not actually serving as a traditional market anymore. Instead, the Mercado is home to dozens of open-air parillas (steak restaurants), and you can see traditional asado cooking in action before heading over to Mercado de los Artesanos. 

After some time perusing the assorted handicrafts, you’ll drive along the lively 18 de Julio Avenue, the city’s busiest street. Spot the Legislative Palace, a grand Neoclassical landmark that has housed Uruguay’s parliament for over 100 years. Continue your sightseeing at Mercado Agricola, where you can get a taste for traditional Uruguayan delicacies including bizcochos (cakes) and torta frita (fried flatbreads). Complete your tour on the coach and take in the towering Montevideo Obelisk, the coastal Plaza Virgilio, and the Estadio Centenario, the stadium built to host the inaugural FIFA World Cup.  

At the end of this morning’s tour, you’ll be free to find lunch locally and enjoy the rest of the day under your own steam. 

Once you’ve had breakfast this morning, you’ll be free to spend your final full day in Uruguay however you see fit. If relaxation is top of your list today take a stroll along one of the nearby beaches.  

For a more active day, you can join one of two optional excursions. The first will see you travel across the Uruguayan countryside to the Familia Deicas Winery, one of the region’s largest and most popular vineyards. Positioned around an 18th-century Jesuit estate, this winery produces some of Uruguay’s most renowned vintages, and you’ll learn more about its history with a tour of the barrel cellars and production rooms. Finish your tour with a tasting of Uruguay’s signature variety, Tannat, and several other local labels ahead of lunch on the estate and the journey back to Montevideo.  

The second choice of optional tours today sees you travel to glamorous Punta del Este, the ‘St. Tropez of South America’. Stop on the way at Punta Ballena, which offers some of the country’s most panoramic coastal viewpoints, before continuing on to Casapueblo, the former home and workshop of the late artist, Carlos Páez Vilaró. This peculiar building features no straight lines, and Vilaró claims he designed it to resemble the nest of an ovenbird. Continue to Punta del Este, an upscale resort town on the Atlantic Coast, and discover its most fashionable neighbourhood, from Beverly Hills to Parque Golf. You’ll also visit Playa Brava to see its famous ‘La Mano’ sculpture, a giant hand reaching out of the sand, before taking in the handicraft markets around the Plaza de los Artesanos (time permitting). Complete today’s optional excursion amongst the impressive hanging bridges of the Maldonado district ahead of a few hours at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.  

However you choose to spend your time, reconvene at the hotel for a final evening in Montevideo ahead of tomorrow’s return flight.  

This morning, enjoy a final breakfast in your Montevideo hotel and perhaps make time for a few final moments exploring the city before heading by coach to the airport for your overnight return flight later this evening.

Land back in the UK and make your way back home at the end of a memorable South American escape.