Get ready for the ultimate South American adventure!
This unforgettable 15-day journey takes you from the buzzing streets and tango beats of Buenos Aires to the golden beaches and samba spirit of Rio de Janeiro. Feel the power of nature at the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, where thunderous cascades straddle two countries, then unwind in paradise on Ilha Grande — a laid-back island of crystal-clear waters and hidden coves.
From vibrant cities to wild waterfalls and island bliss, this trip is packed with once-in-a-lifetime moments, incredible company and memories you’ll talk about for years to come.
Overview
What a tour! Over 15 days in total you can expect to……
Explore 2 of South America’s most incredible capital cities, with guided tours that include Sugarloaf mountain, Christ the redeemer and the Balcony where Eva Peron addressed her people.
Tango and Samba the evenings away (or at least enjoy watching others do it, whilst sipping a nice chilled Cipriana).
Be a cowboy/cowgirl for the day on a Gaucho Ranch Tour.
Explore both the Argentinian side and the Brazilian side of the Iguazu falls.
Visit the Sambadrome and enjoy a backstage tour of the Carioca carnival
Relax and explore the stunning tropical island paradise for 3 nights on Ilha Grande (big Island).
Trip Highlights
- Full day Buenos Aires Highlights tour
- Full day Gaucho tour with lunch
- Full day Rio Highlights tour
- Samba carnival tour
- Favelas tour
- Full day tour of both sides of the Iguazu Falls
Trip Itinerary
After meeting at the airport we will meet the rest of the group and board our flight to Buenos Aires.
Upon arrival we will take our private transfer to our first accommodation the 4* Pleno Palermo where we will be staying for the next 4 nights with breakfast included each morning.
Located in the trendy Palermo neighbourhood, Pleno Palermo Soho is a stylish boutique hotel with a rooftop pool with city views, a sauna and fitness facilities. All rooms have minibars, flat-screen TVs and safety deposit boxes. Private bathrooms include a hairdryer and free toiletries.
There is a supplement of £400 for the 13 nights if you would like a room to yourself for the duration of the trip. Please let us know if you would when you RSVP.
The Travel Buddies trips work on the basis that as long as you are having a good time then that is what matters, if you don’t feel like coming on one of the excursions or joining the rest of the group for dinner one evening then that is absolutely fine. This is an adventure for everyone and there is nothing worse than having to go somewhere/do something that you don’t really fancy!
Feel free to do as much or as little research as you like, some members will know what they would like to visit as soon as they book the trip, Others will just turn up at the airport and have not researched at all. Either is absolutely fine. We all have different ideas as to what constitutes a great time away!
Evening at the hotel to settle in and relax ready to start the adventure tomorrow.
Meals B
Today we embark on a journey through the vibrant heart of Buenos Aires with our comprehensive South to North City Tour. This adventure offers a deep dive into the city’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and architecture.
From the colorful streets of La Boca to the elegant avenues of Recoleta, we will explore the distinct neighborhoods that showcase the evolution of the city.
Marvel at the historical monuments in Plaza de Mayo, wander through the modern skyscrapers of Puerto Madero, and relish the contrasting architectural styles that tell the story of a city that has risen through times of glory and hardship.
Accompanied by our knowledgeable guide, this tour is not just a sightseeing experience but an immersive journey that connects you with the soul of Buenos Aires. Prepare to be captivated by the stories behind the iconic landmarks and the hidden gems that make this city truly unique.
Lunch stop at the Iconic Pizzería Guerrin, a culinary landmark in Buenos Aires known for its delicious Argentine-style pizza (not included)
Dinner locally at a traditional Argentinian restaurant, If you are a meat eater, Argentinian steak is supposed to be the best in the world!
Meals B
Morning Cowboys! Let’s venture into the wild Argentinian pampas and experience ‘gaucho’ (cowboy) life on a traditional ‘estancia’ (ranch) on our full-day tour.
Saddle up for a horseback ride or ‘sulky’ (horse cart) tour, visit the country town of San Antonio de Areco, enjoy a folklore show and tuck into a barbecue lunch, while the gauchos entertain with rope tricks and tales of estancia life. Lunch and return transfers are included.
Meals B,L
Free day to explore Buenos Aires at leisure.
Tonight there will be the option to take in a show and dinner at a world renowned Tango club.
Meals B
After breakfast we will take a private transfer to the airport for our flight to the Iguazú Falls. The flight lasts around two hours. Arriving at the airport, we’ll be met by our transfer vehicle and driven to the Brazilian side of the falls to our hotel the 4 Vivaz Cataratas Hotel and resort where we will be staying for 2 nights on a half board basis.
Please take a look at this hotel… It is wonderful. There is a gorgeous pool for those that would like to relax and eco trails and tours surrounding the hotel in the Verdant Atlantic Forest that can be enjoyed at leisure.
Meals, B,D
It’s up early today to experience both sides of the Iguazu Falls. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in the World. First we will cross the border to Argentinian and get up close to the mighty waters in the “Devil’s Throat” as well as the upper and lower circuits.
Then we head back to the Brazilian side, which is more untamed and features more wildlife such as friendly quatis and tropical birds.
The tour is fully guided and there will be a break for lunch (extra charge). Please note that the entry fees to both of the national parks need to be paid upon arrival and they equate to around £40. There is also a £1 tax. Round trip transfers are included.
Meals B,D
We have the morning to enjoy the hotel and gardens before taking the flight to Rio De Janeiro. Upon arrival we will take our transfer to our hotel where we will be staying for 4 nights.
Meals B
Wow! It’s a jam packed full day tour including so many of the must see sights. Fully guided, including all entrance fees and and a buffet lunch…stops include, Of course, Sugarloaf Mountain with 2 cable car rides, the statue of “Christ the Redeemer”, the sambadrome, Tijuca Forest, The “Arcos De Lapa”, “Maracana” Brazilian football temple and the famous “Selaron steps”, a stairway decorated with colorful tiles.
Meals B,L
2 very different tours today, each of which I feel absolutely deserves a spot.
Morning. Get a glimpse into local life in Rio de Janeiro during a favela tour that reveals a different side of the Marvelous City. In an intimate group limited to 12 travellers, we’ll explore two of the largest favelas in Rio, and benefit from the local insight of a guide as we learn more about living conditions in the city.
Afternoon. How can we not? ….It’s off to the only backstage tour of the Carioca Carnival, the most famous carnival in the world!
When in Rio, we need to experience Samba!
Our tour gives an insight into the artistry and imagination of Carnival. Have a unique and authentic experience exploring the backstage, the secrets, the people working and the preparations for the parade. Visit the wardrobes, even try a costume on and then relax with a cocktail.
We will be using public transport today (additional cost of a few pounds)
Meals B
Today we have a free day to explore as we choose.
Let’s head to Pedro Do Sal tonight…… Known as the berço do samba (the cradle or birthplace of samba), Pedra do Sal is an important location for the black history and culture of Rio. Dominated by a huge, sloping rock (pedra) which has steps cut into it, this large, open space was once a place that salt (sal) was unloaded. It was also the place that many black Brazilians from Bahia arrived, bringing samba to Rio.
On Fridays and Mondays, Pedra do Sal hosts very popular open-air, live samba performances. There’s nothing fancy here, so if you’re hoping for air-conditioning and home comforts then think again. But this is a great place to join the locals dancing in the square or perched on the rock and soak up an authentic samba experience.
Meals B.
The Grand Isle (Ilha Grande) Beckons today… It is an island defined by its white beaches and clear blue waters. In short, it is a slice of Brazilian paradise and is ideal for some R & R away from Rio de Janeiro.
It’s a coach and a boat ride across and a case of loading the suitcases onto a trolley as we venture on to this gorgeous island which is a car free zone . 300 metres from the beach is the Pousada Mata Nativa, which is located in the lush forest in Abraao centre. This will be home for the next 3 nights. It features an outdoor pool area and sauna facilities.
The simply decorated chalets feature a ceiling fan, a minibar and large windows that open out to a veranda with hammocks.
Pousada Mata Nativa serves a buffet breakfast with fresh breads, cakes, jams and fruits. Guests can use the barbeque facilities provided by the hotel. The bar offers cold drinks and light snacks.
Time to Chill out!
No activities are planned as some Travel Buddies may like to just relax at the hotel or down at the beach but for those that want to be a bit more active, There are plenty of hikes on the island, some with challenging climbs, others simply flat trails leading through the forest.
Ilha Grande is surrounded by dozens of nearby, smaller uninhabited islands, perhaps take a boat tour to visit these tiny, tropical islands. The beaches there are wild and untouched, with marine-rich waters.
Meals B
Another full day in paradise.
Meals B
This morning we head homeward by means of boat and bus to Rio airport before boarding our UK bound flight.
Meals B
Arrive UK.
Includes/Excludes
Trip Includes
- 10 nights staying at 3 and 4 * Hotels.
- 3 Nights in a Suite or Chalet on Ilha Grande.
- 13 Breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners.
- All airport transfers.
- Return bus and boat transfers to Ilha Grande.
- Travel Buddies host.
- Internal flight Buenos Aires- Personal item (purse, handbag, or backpack) up to 3 kilograms. Carry-on up to 8 kilograms and 15kg Luggage.
- Internal flight Iguassu Falls to Rio De Janeiro, 23kg Luggage,
- Full day tour of both sides of the Iguazu Falls.
- Full day Buenos Aires Highlights tour.
- Full day Gaucho tour with lunch.
- Full day Rio Highlights tour.
- Samba carnival tour.
- Favelas tour.
Trip Excludes
- Entrance fees, transport fees and meals other than those listed above.
- Flights.
FAQs
You need to book your own flights and they are with British Airways and Air Iberia. I would advise to book your flight as soon as possible after booking on to the trip as they are likely to rise the sooner we get to the date of departure. Below is the flight that Nigel will be going on.
There are also similar flights with different airlines, you can choose whichever suits you best as long as you are there to start the tour on the 6th November of April.
If you would prefer to travel from an alternative UK airport or book a different flight, that is absolutely fine. Please let us know when you book. You will need to arrange your own hotel transfers.
Outbound (Non Direct)
05/11/2025 – Depart London Heathrow 07.25 Arrive Madrid 10.55 Flight Number BA0458
Depart Madrid 12.00. Arrive Buenos Aires 20.35 Flight Number BA4255
Inbound (Non Direct)
18/11/25 – Depart Rio De Janeiro 20.15 Arrive Madrid 10.25+1 . Flight Number IB270
Depart Madrid 11.55 Arrive London Heathrow 13.25 Flight Number IB3644
To enter Brazil a visa is not required when traveling on a British passport. Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date of arrival.
To enter Argentina a visa is not required when traveling on a British passport.
Please seek advice from a healthcare professional in good time to arrange any vaccinations that you may need.
Please message us if you have any further questions.
We are really excited to have you join us.
