Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro: Falls & Footy
Overview
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. Soak in the energy of the bustling and trendy "Paris of the Americas" before mingling with your fellow travellers, and get excited for the adventures to come with a few drinks at the hostel.
If you pre-booked the Buenos Aires Bike Tour, it does not include extra time in Buenos Aires and we highly recommend booking pre-trip accommodation. You will need to be at the meeting point by 10am to start the activity.
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
- Connect With New Friends: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
- Buenos Aires Bike Tour: Experience this vibrant city cruising around on a bicycle with a local Argentine. Bike, helmet, knowledgeable tour guide, they've got it all taken care of, just come along for the ride and take in the many historical sights on offer. Discover Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, colourful Caminito, and the working class neighbourhoods where Tango was born. Meeting place: Cerrito 1128 Please note the bike tour begins at 10 AM. We advise booking a pre-night in order to arrive on time for this pre-sold optional activity. If you choose to arrive the day of the bike tour, please ensure your flight lands no later than 8 AM to ensure enough time to make it to the arrival point.
Explore the "Paris of the Americas," from the hidden patios of trendy Palermo to bohemian vibes in San Telmo this city has something for everyone. Don’t miss out! Today is your last chance to experience a guided tour of the city and to immerse yourself in the passion of the tango.
Opt to pre-book the "Buenos Aires Bike Tour" or "Buenos Aires Tango Experience" activities on the checkout page ahead of time to include these optionals on your tour.
- Free Time: Get out and explore Argentina's beautiful capital city.
- La Boca Neighbourhood Visit: Visit La Boca to soak in the vibrancy of the barrio’s brightly coloured buildings and El Caminito (a cobblestone street lined with artist studios that’s often used as an impromptu setting for tango performances). Or, if lucky, catch a match at fabled La Bombonera, the home stadium of the Boca Juniors’ fútbol club (the crowd's excitement is electric!).
- Buenos Aires Guided City Tour: Enjoy a guided tour exploring beautiful, vibrant Buenos Aires. Be introduced to historic sites and districts, including Plaza de Mayo where Eva Peron's famed balcony presides over the square. See La Boca and San Telmo's colourful street life, painted houses, and the famed Recoleta Cemetery.
- Buenos Aires Tango Show: Let professional dancers enchant you with this passionate dance. Once banned for its sensuality, tango is now an icon of Buenos Aires and a must-see when visiting this vibrant city. Enjoy a delicious multi-course meal paired with Argentine wine while taking it all in.
- Buenos Aires Bike Tour: Experience this vibrant city cruising around on a bicycle with a local Argentine. Bike, helmet, knowledgeable tour guide, they've got it all taken care of, just come along for the ride and take in the many historical sights on offer. Discover Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, colourful Caminito, and the working class neighbourhoods where Tango was born. Meeting place: Cerrito 1128 Please note the bike tour begins at 10 AM. We advise booking a pre-night in order to arrive on time for this pre-sold optional activity. If you choose to arrive the day of the bike tour, please ensure your flight lands no later than 8 AM to ensure enough time to make it to the arrival point.
Hop aboard a ferry and cruise across the Río de la Plata to Colonia, Uruguay. Wander through the colourful streets of this quaint seaside retreat on an orientation walk before free time to explore (and relax!) at your own speed.
In high season, accommodation may be multi-share.
- Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
- Border Crossing (Argentina - Uruguay): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
- Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
- Free Time: Get out and explore quaint Colonia.
- Golf Cart Rental: Rent golf cart and jostle your way around the Old Town in Colonia.
Your journey continues in the morning as you travel from Colonia to Montevideo. The afternoon is yours for the taking — so explore as you wish! You can wander through the vibrant streets of old town searching for street art or visit an iconic soccer stadium that was host to the first World Cup. Hungry? Bring your appetite to Port Market where you will find an endless bounty of delicious meats. (And fruits and veggies, too.)
- Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Free Time: Explore Montevideo, spend the afternoon cruising along the coast on a bike, visiting the iconic soccer stadium, or search for street art in the old town.
- Museo del Carnaval: Step inside the Carnival Museum and learn the history behind Montevideo’s 40-day celebration filled with costumes, masks, music and more. Located near the port market, colourful exhibits trace the evolution of this festival from the 18th Century masters who allowed their slaves one day to celebrate their African culture. Candome music – merging African and Uruguayan drum rhythms – is one result.
- Port Market: Meat. Meat. Meat. Oh, and you’ll also find fruits and vegetables, leather goods, spices and souvenirs. Inaugurated in 1868, the historic Port Market comes alive at mealtimes with the smoky smells of grilled steak, chorizo, pork and chicken. Bring an appetite and savour the sights and tastes of this meeting place in Montevideo. Outside, enjoy the rhythms of the Afro-Uruguayan “candombe” drums and dance along if you dare.
- Viven Museum (Museo Andes 1972): Learn more about the fascinating story of the famous plane crash carrying a Uruguayan rugby team and how 16 of the passengers survived for 72 days in extraordinary circumstances.
- Candombe: Experience the UNESCO recognized, Candombe. Originating originally from slavery in Uruguay, slaves would gather to perform drum and dance performances, practiced largely today as an apology for times past, this unique performance is worth a watch.
- Cycle the Coast: Rent some wheels and head to the Rambla. This 22km (13.6 m) long avenue runs along the water and is great for cycling, running and enjoying the views. Head east from Punta Carretas to the city’s scenic suburbs. Bring water and snacks, slather on the sunscreen and enjoy the journey.
- Estadio Centenario Visit: Pull on your jersey and don your cleats to channel your inner football (soccer) player in Montevideo’s Centenario Stadium. Built to host the 1930 FIFA World Cup, and to commemorate the country’s first constitution, it continues to host Uruguay’s national team (who maintain a winning record against visiting European players). A parade of pop stars, including Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams, Enrique Iglesias and Luciano Pavarotti have also performed here.
Wake up ready to take on another day in Montevideo. Hop on a bike and cruise down the Rambla, soaking up sun and gorgeous views from this coastline avenue. Take a day trip to glamorous Punta del Este to admire the upscale neighbourhoods and gardens. Or if you prefer to relax today, kick back and chill in the park like a local.
- Free Time: Take as much time as you'd like to explore Montevideo.
- Cycle the Coast: Rent some wheels and head to the Rambla. This 22km (13.6 m) long avenue runs along the water and is great for cycling, running and enjoying the views. Head east from Punta Carretas to the city’s scenic suburbs. Bring water and snacks, slather on the sunscreen and enjoy the journey.
- Day Trip to Punta del Este: Take a two hour road trip to Punta del Este, South America’s “Monaco”. Visit upscale neighbourhoods to see colourful homes and gorgeous gardens. Head to Playa Brava, watch surfers and take photos of the famous “Fingers” sculpture which shows a giant hand protruding from the sand. Check out Playa Mansa on the calm side of the peninsula, then visit Casa Pueblo, a Mediterranean-styled villa, museum and art gallery designed by local painter/sculptor Carlos Páez Vilaró.
Today, let the scenery of picturesque settlements and pastures guide you to Mercedes, your last Uruguayan stop at a local ranch, known in this region as an estancia.
- Estancia Stay 3D/2N: Live like a local Gaucho as you experience life on a Uruguayan working ranch in the region of Estancia. Set out on walks through the countryside, enjoy an easy horseback ride through the gorgeous scenery, and appreciate unforgettable sunsets. Learn about the area’s history, sit down for a delicious traditional barbecue, and learn how to cook empanadas. All meals are included during your time here and there will be a farewell bonfire before the group departs for the next stop.
Live like a local today as you experience life on an Uruguayan ranch. Walk through the serene countryside, learn how to make empanadas, and enjoy horseback riding with amazing views. End your estancia stay in the best way possible — with a local barbecue.
- Free Time: Participate in as much or as little as you'd like at the estancia. Dive in and help out or put your feet up.
- Estancia Stay 3D/2N: Live like a local Gaucho as you experience life on a Uruguayan working ranch in the region of Estancia. Set out on walks through the countryside, enjoy an easy horseback ride through the gorgeous scenery, and appreciate unforgettable sunsets. Learn about the area’s history, sit down for a delicious traditional barbecue, and learn how to cook empanadas. All meals are included during your time here and there will be a farewell bonfire before the group departs for the next stop.
Cross the border into Gualeguaychu in Argentina today. Unwind, relax and reflect on your travels as you begin your overnight journey to Iguassu Falls.
- Border Crossing (Uruguay - Argentina): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
- Overnight Bus: Curl up and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.
Welcome to Iguassu Falls where your next adventure awaits. Arrive to Puerto Iguazú in the morning after your overnight bus ride and enjoy a unique visit to the G Adventures-supported Jasy Pora community in the lush Misiones rainforest region. Guided by a local expert you will learn more about this Indigenous community as well as their harmonious relationship to the environment. Afterwards, choose to visit the Brazilian side of the falls and experience unforgettable panoramic views. Reach new heights with the option to take a helicopter ride over the falls, or check out a bird park.
- Guaraní Community Experience: Experience a unique visit to the G Adventures-supported Jasy Pora community in the morning. Meaning “Luna Bonita,” this community is located just 20 minutes from the centre of Puerto Iguazú in the area known as Las 600 Hectáreas. The region is home to the native Guaraní communities and Jasy Pora was formed by 20 different families whom are opening their doors to share culture and knowledge with travellers. The aim is to preserve their heritage and create employment opportunities for future generations. Historically nomadic, the Guaraní community of Argentina has adapted to modern challenges while still protecting their ancestral lands. Your visit has a meaningful impact and helps to foster pride and ensure the preservation of their heritage. Guided by a local Guaraní expert, the group will explore the lush Misiones rainforest and experience a deeper connection to nature. Learn more about the traditional uses of flora and fauna, the Indigenous language, and the importance of a harmonious relationship with the environment through sustainable practices.
- Border Crossing (Argentina - Brazil): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
- Free Time: Get out and explore the area!
- Itaipú Dam Visit: Prepare to be wowed by this impressive feat of engineering. Voted by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the modern Wonders of World, the Itaipú Dam is the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world. Go behind the scenes to see how water from the Paraná River is converted into electricity to power Paraguay and 25% of Brazil.
- Iguassu Falls Bird Park Visit: Grab a camera and get up and close and personal with macaws, parrots, parakeets, and 150 other species of birds. Located on the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls, the bird park is on 12 acres of native subtropical forest. Enter a huge aviary to see the birds free from cages and nets. Check out other exhibits to view butterflies, alligators, and snakes (boas and anacondas).
- Iguassu Falls (Brazil Side) Guided Tour: Visit the Brazil side of the falls to get a panoramic view of Iguaçu, one of the world's largest and most impressive waterfalls. In total, there are over 275 individual falls spread out over 3km (2 mi). Find the best spot to take jaw-dropping photos of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Enjoy a full day excursion to the breathtaking Argentine side of the falls. Don't forget to take pictures as you wander along paths to experience the falls from each exhilarating vantage point. You can also take a boat tour to see the cascading falls from below.
- Border Crossing (Brazil - Argentina): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
- Iguassu Falls Visit: Spend the whole day on the Argentine side of Iguassu, exploring the paths over the falls or experience the UNESCO World Heritage site from a boat tour. Tours utilize trails and catwalks adapted to the landscape of the area, and walking is easy for all ages; guided tours of the complex are available several times a day.
- Border Crossing (Argentina - Brazil): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Wheels up! Take a quick flight to São Paulo today then head straight to the coast. Take some time to explore the colonial town of Paraty, then hit the beach.
In high season, accommodation in Paraty may be multi-share.
- Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
- Shared Van: Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
Do as much or as little as you want today. Go swimming, snorkelling, or explore the islands on a boat tour. Or, simply recharge your batteries by immersing yourself in the laidback vibes of Paraty. Paraty is a quaint colonial town renowned for its architecture—the pace might be slow but there's a lot to choose from. Considered one of the world's most important examples of Portuguese colonial architecture by UNESCO, the historic centre is a well-preserved national historic monument, and today has been closed to vehicles to preserve its laid-back colonial ambiance.
Opt to pre-book the "Paraty Caipirinha Boat Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
- Free Time: You made it to the beach! Enjoy it by exploring the area or blissing out by the water.
- 4x4 Tour: Hop in the back of a jeep and hang on for this tropical tour. Enter the Serra da Bocaina National Park, visit waterfalls (great for photos and swimming), and step back in time along the Gold Trail road, constructed by African slaves to transport gold mined inland and transported to Paraty port bound for Portugal.
- Walking Tour Paraty + cachaça tasting (2hrs): Tour a cachaça distillery where sugarcane juice is used to create the most popular distilled spirit in Brazil. If it tastes familiar, that's because it's the main ingredient in a Caipirinha, the country’s national cocktail. Often called “Brazilian rum,” cachaça is so popular, it’s produced by 40,000 micro-companies across the country. The blend from Paraty is sweet and salty; taste the sea as you sip this local liquid.
- Horseback Riding Paraty: Throw on some long pants, grab the reins and hop up on a well-trained horse. Trail ride through the Atlantic Rainforest in the mountains around Paraty. Cross rivers and follow trails lined with tropical trees. Reach a lookout and see the village and the water below. Stop at a waterfall and jump in! Let the rushing water massage your muscles then hop back on the horses and gallop home.
- Paraty Boat Tour: Home to hundreds of pristine islands and idyllic white sand beaches it doesn't get much better than the Costa Verde. Cruise up the coast with a caipirinha in one hand and your camera in the other. Stop along the way to swim in the crystal clear waters or to catch a few rays. Snorkeling equipment is provided for those wanting a peek at what is under the water's surface.
- Trindade Day Trip: Located about 25km (15.5 mi) away from the town of Paraty is the small beach town of Trindade, which can be reached by public transport. Walk along the sandy beach, play in the water and opt to go surfing.
Continue up the coast today and hop aboard a ferry to where your island paradise awaits.
In high season, accommodation in Ilha Grande may be multi-share. The Brazilian government has implemented the Taxa de Turismo Sustentável (Sustainable Tourism Tax), effective May 5, 2026. You will be required to pay this fee directly when traveling through Angra dos Reis en route to Ilha Grande. Payment in the amount of 55 BRL (approximately 11 USD) can be made online in advance on the Viva Angra website or on site via QR code at the Port of Angra dos Reis before boarding the ferry. Please be aware that this fee must be covered directly by travellers prior to embarkation of the ferry.
- Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
- Free Time: You made it to an island paradise! Go explore it.
The day is yours to explore Ilha Grande. Break a sweat hiking remote trails to experience jaw dropping views, or choose to relax on a boat tour through turquoise waters to some of the island's most beautiful beaches to swim and snorkel.
- Free Time: You made it to an island paradise! Go explore it.
- Canoe with Purpose in Ilha Grande: Paddle through the calm, crystal-clear waters of Ilha Grande on a guided outrigger canoe experience, also known as a Hawaiian canoe. Led by local youth instructors from a G Adventures-supported community sailing school, this unique activity blends adventure with environmental awareness and is rooted in the daily life of the locals. Officially, the sport is called Va’a, a traditional Polynesian paddling practice. The Associação Manjubinha offers free environmental and nautical education to local youth. Through sailing, the project empowers children and adolescents from vulnerable families, creating inclusive pathways for personal growth and professional development. As you paddle you will learn about coastal ecosystems, responsible navigation practices, and the social impact of community-led tourism. This canoeing experience offers a meaningful way to connect with the natural beauty of the island and support youth empowerment through sustainable tourism.
- Hike to Pico do Papagaio: Enjoy a guided hike from Abraão to Pico do Papagaio, soaking in the scenery along the way. It will take roughly 4 hours to hike up and about 2 hr to hike back down. The 360 degree views from the top are well worth the effort.
- Ilha Grande Boat Excursion: From the main village of Vila do Abraão, take a boat tour to some of the best beaches around the island. See tropical fish and cool off in the salt spray of the turquoise waters. Stop to swim and snorkel and pinch yourself for being lucky enough to partake in this tropical piece of paradise. Enjoy the scenery while drinking a caipirinha, Brazil's national drink.
- Lopes Mendes Hike: Grab your bathing suit, slip on your walking shoes and take the hike from Abraão to the beautiful beach of Lopes Mendes. Follow a well-marked trail up and down, through forest and past other beaches. Eat Jack fruit picked along the way. Drink water from a natural spring. Listen to howler monkeys. After 2.5-3 hrs, arrive at the stunning Lopes Mendes beach, where the white powder sand squeaks under foot and the rolling green hills provide a stunning contrast to the turquoise water.
- Snorkelling Ilha Grande: Rent a mask and snorkel, pull on some fins and get set to enter the underwater world of colourful tropical fish, shells and all things seaworthy. November through May is Ilha Grande’s best time to snorkel. Hotspots include the Blue Lagoon, Green Lagoon and Abraãzinho Beach. Luxuriate in the warm salt water, look down and, in some cases, see to a depth of 15m (50 ft).
- Swimming : Dive in and enjoy the beautiful water of this island paradise.
Say goodbye to island life and head north along a dramatic coastal road with sweeping views. Round the cliffs at Vidigal to catch a first glimpse of your next destination and one of the most memorable cities in the world — Rio de Janeiro.
- Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
- Local Van: Climb aboard, take your seat, and enjoy the ride.
In the morning, explore the favela with a local resident on a G Adventures-supported tour to watch a drumming demonstration, get a Capoeira lesson, and see a whole new perspective of the city. Enjoy a free afternoon to discover all that Rio has to offer.
- Favela Experience: Explore dynamic communities and support social enterprises on a tour led by residents of the Vidigal favela. Participate in a Capoeira session, visit an innovative community green space, and purchase unique handicrafts. With support from G Adventures, entrepreneurial organizations and members of the community are connected with people, ideas, and resources from around the world to grow their businesses.
- Free Time: Spend the day exploring this vibrant city. Take a guided tour, catch a local football game, or relax on one of Rio's world famous beaches.
- Rio de Janeiro City Tour: There’s so much to see and do in this vibrant city pulsing with passion, music, and the waves of the sea. Experience Rio's highlights on a city tour accompanied by your CEO and a local guide. Your itinerary includes a visit to the iconic art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, followed by a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, where you can marvel at magnificent views of the bay, the city, and the beaches beyond.
Depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
- Sample the cuisine and culture of Buenos Aires.
- Discover Uruguay's rural beauty at a working ranch.
- Marvel at Iguassu Falls.
- Skip the overnight bus and gain time (and comfort!) with a flight to São Paulo.
- Sip caipirinhas on the beach.
- Revel in the energy of Rio de Janeiro.
- Your G for Good Moment: Guaraní Community Experience, Puerto Iguazú
- Your G for Good Moment: Favela Experience, Rio de Janeiro
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
- Your Discover Moment: Buenos Aires
- Your Discover Moment: Paraty
- Your Discover Moment: Ilha Grande
- Your Discover Moment: Rio de Janeiro
- Activities while at the estancia in Uruguay
- Entrance and visit to the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Local bus, minivan, taxi, plane, ferry, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Simple Hotels (9 Nights, Twin And Triple-share), Hostels (5 Nights, Multi-share With Up To 6 People), Estancia/ranch (2 Nights, Multi-share)
- 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Built for young travellers ready to break free from the everyday grind, these trips bring together a safe and supportive group of like-minded people in their twenties and early thirties.
Connect on the First Night Out, explore with a Chief Experience Officer (CEO), enjoy free time, and celebrate unforgettable moments with new friends - without breaking the bank. Travel confidently, respectfully, and affordably.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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