Tour

Buenos Aires to Rio | Summer 2027
from USD 2355

Contiki Holidays

Tour Code: U8BARJ27
Vacation Type:
Brochure:
Duration: 16 Days
Countries: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay

Get ready for 16 days of city buzz, slow-coast moments and headline hits, moving through hostels, ferries, transfers and overnight buses with your crew. You'll go from Buenos Aires to Uruguay’s laid-back corners in Montevideo & Colonia, dip into gaucho country in San Antonio de Areco, then crank it up at Iguazu Falls (both Argentina and Brazil sides) before finishing with Ilha Grande island time and Rio de Janeiro to close it out in style.



Buenos Aires to Rio Trip

Internal Air Taxes & Surcharges Latin

  • Intra Tour Air Taxes Surcharges Iguacu to Rio

Internal Air Price Latin

  • Intra Tour Air Iguacu to Rio de Janeiro

Gold Seal Protection

  • Gold Seal Protection

Dining Summary

  • 1 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)

Faqs

Mexico City: How can I purchase Free Time Add-Ons? You’ll now book and pay for your Free Time Add-Ons through WeTravel — a simple website link where you can browse all the FTAs, pick what you’re keen on, and pay directly by card, in any currency. You’ll get the link in your Welcome Email, usually 3–5 days before your trip starts. Once you’re in, it’s easy: check out the pics, descriptions and prices, add your chosen experiences to your cart, then check out online. You can book before your trip starts or while you’re on the road, up until each activity’s booking deadline.Missed the link? No stress. Your Trip Manager can share it with you on trip too.

Included Experience

  • Buenos Aires: Head out with your Trip Manager to get the lay of the land — key spots, neighbourhood vibes, and the best ways to spend your free time. 
  • Montevideo: Get your bearings in Uruguay’s laid-back capital with a stroll through Montevideo’s streets, plazas, and waterfront vibes. Expect local colour, easy wandering, and plenty of spots to pause for a cafe stop or a snack as you explore at your own pace.
  • Colonia Del Sacramento: Wander Colonia del Sacramento’s cobbled lanes and colonial streets at the perfect pace. Explore the Barrio Histórico, snap the lighthouse views, cafe-hop between bougainvillea-draped houses, then finish along the rambla as the Río de la Plata lights up at sunset.
  • San Antonio de Areco: Just 500 metres from the historic centre of San Antonio de Areco, this special stay gives you the best of both worlds: a real Argentine ranch setting with the town just a short walk away. Think classic estancia energy and a countryside backdrop without straying too far from the action.
  • Iguazú Falls: Take a walk through the lush rainforest trails, finishing up at the very edge of the Devil’s Throat. You’ll have time to wander the different walkways, basking in the views and watching out for rainbows and wildlife too. And if you’re feeling adventurous, how about the optional Gran Aventura speedboat ride?
  • Puerto Iguazu: Visit a jungle rescue and rehab centre dedicated to helping native animals recover and return to the rainforest when possible. Riding in by trailer and walking guided forest trails, you’ll hear each animal’s rescue story and learn about the real threats they face (trafficking, habitat loss, and road accidents).
  • Rio de Janeiro: Ever heard of Favelas? They're growing neighbourhoods in Brazil. And on this tour, we'll visit Favela Cantagalo near Rio. We'll check out the Portal of Saint Roman, walk through alleyways, see the 10 paintings of the Houses-Screen, and even stop by a few viewpoints along the way. You'll even visit the Museu de Favela-MUF, a historical museum about memories and cultural heritage of favelas in the world. It's a collection about 20,000 residents and their ways of life, and how their stories are an unknown but important part of Rio de Janeiro's history. Trust us, you don't wanna miss this one.

  • Viajero Hostel (or similar)
  • Viajero Montevideo (or similar)
  • Viajero Colonia (or similar)
  • Estancia la Cinacina (or similar)
  • Overnight Bus
  • Smart Cataratas Hotel (or similar)
  • Refugio Hostel (or similar)
  • Jo&Joe (or similar)
Day 1 Buenos Aires

Hello and welcome to Argentina! This afternoon is yours to settle in and start soaking up that high-altitude buzz. In the evening, you’ll meet your Trip Manager for a welcome meeting.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Viajero Hostel (or similar)

Day 2 Buenos Aires

Hola Argentina! We'll kick things off with an orientation to get you sorted, then the afternoon will be yours to explore. Hit the neighbourhoods, cafe-hop, people-watch, or just wander until something delicious finds you. For dinner tonight, opt in for an Argentine Sherpa dinner.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Viajero Hostel (or similar)

Day 3 Buenos Aires

Today’s yours to dive deeper. You can opt for a trip out to Tigre and explore its riverside delta life. Back in Buenos Aires tonight, level things up with an optional dinner & tango Show — bold moves, big flavours, and pure Argentine drama (the good kind).

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Viajero Hostel (or similar)

Day 4 Buenos Aires To Montevideo

This morning we’ll cruise by private transfer to the port and hop on the ferry across the Río de la Plata, waving goodbye to BA as we head for Uruguay. We’ll arrive into Montevideo, take a private transfer to the hostel, then hit the streets for an orientation of the relaxed coastal vibes, cafe stops, and your first taste of Uruguay.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Viajero Montevideo (or similar)

Day 5 Montevideo

Today's yours to do Montevideo your way — beach strolls, old town wandering, long lunches, the works. Later, hop on an optional bike ride and see more of the city with the breeze in your face.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Viajero Montevideo (or similar)

Day 6 Montevideo To Colonia

You’ll hop on a private transfer to Colonia, swapping city streets for slower, sunnier vibes. After dropping your bags at the hostel, we'll head out on an orientation through this cobbled, bougainvillea-draped beauty of a town. You’ll wander the Barrio Histórico past the old city gate, Plaza Mayor and the Basilica, with the option to climb the lighthouse for rooftop-and-river views, then ease into rambla time for beaches, pier sunsets and the famous Colonia sign.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Viajero Colonia (or similar)

Day 7 Colonia To San Antonio De Areco Via Buenos Aires

Catch ya' later, Colonia. We’ll walk from the hostel to the cruise terminal and board a fast ferry back across the river. Touch down, meet our private transfer, and trade city buzz for wide-open pampas as we head out of town. Welcome to estancia life. We’ll check into our Special Stay at La Cinacina, just a stroll from the historic heart of this gaucho town — think low colonial houses, tree-lined streets and horses casually passing by. You can opt for horseback riding, then slow it right down: wander the estancia grounds, read under a shady tree, or claim a poolside spot. Tonight, we’ll head into town for dinner at a local restaurant. Pampas energy = unlocked.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Estancia la Cinacina (or similar)

Day 8 San Antonio De Areco To Puerto Iguazu

Soak up a lazy morning at the estancia — wander the grounds or claim a poolside spot for a few more hours. Then it’s a private transfer to Campana bus station. Snack stock-up for the ride, and you’re set. Settle in for the comfy overnight bus (lie-flat seats = yes please) as the scenery shifts from Buenos Aires plains to greener, subtropical Misiones. Tomorrow, we'll wake up to red earth, rainforest pockets, and yerba mate plantations.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Overnight Bus

Day 9 Puerto Iguazu To Foz Do Iguaçu

At noon, we'll arrive into Brasil! Check into the hotel, freshen up, and get ready for what’s next. Wanna see Iguassu Falls from above? Of course, you do. So opt in for a helicopter ride for full-scale, jaw-drop views (cue the camera roll).

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Smart Cataratas Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Foz Do Iguaçu

Today, we'll check out the Argentinian side of Iguassu Falls and spend the day getting up close to the thunder and mist on the walkways. If you’re chasing an extra hit of adrenaline, you can opt into the Iguassu Falls Jet Boat. Next up, you’ll visit the Güira Oga Refuge to learn about rescued wildlife and the conservation work happening in the surrounding rainforest, before crossing back into Brazil with free time for dinner.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Smart Cataratas Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Foz Do Iguaçu To Ilha Grande Via Rio De Janiero And Porto Real

Bye bye Iguacu. Time for flight no. 2 of this trip.  Hop on your included flight to Rio, then meet your private transfer to our next destination. Island mode = loading. Once we touch down in Porto Real, we'll take a ferry to Ilha Grande . Sandy streets, açaí in hand, jungle-covered hills behind you, and little fishing boats doing their thing out on the water. That's the vibe on this island. Take tonight to do whatever you please.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Refugio Hostel (or similar)

Day 12 Ilha Grande

Today's all yours to spend relaxing on this show-stopping island. Wanna check out the blue lagoons nearby? There's a speed boat experience up for grabs.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Refugio Hostel (or similar)

Day 13 Ilha Grande

Today's the final day on this island, so make the most of it. Chill on the sand, swim, or maybe even hike to one of the island’s waterfalls.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Refugio Hostel (or similar)

Day 14 Ilha Grande To Rio De Janiero Via Porto Real

Sorry, island time is up. But don't worry, there's something even more epic awaiting us today. Time to hop on the ferry back to Porto Real. Jump into a private transfer and head straight to your Rio hostel. After check-in, you can opt in to take the the train up to Christ the Redeemer for sweeping views over the city. Another wonder of the world, ticked off!

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Jo&Joe (or similar)

Day 15 Rio De Janiero

We'll kick off today by visiting Favela Cantagalo for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. In the evening, you'll have the option to head out with a crew for a farewell dinner. That's right, our South American adventure comes to an end tomorrow.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Jo&Joe (or similar)

Day 16 Rio De Janiero

Aaaand, that's it. 16 unforgettable days of exploring South America has come to an end. Grab a final brekkie, take those group pics and leave with memories you'll be talking about for decades.

Duration: 1 Day

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