Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls & Rio Tour

Duration:10 days

From: £2,479

From: $3,300

Capacity: 16

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Visit some of South America’s most iconic landmarks: Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Rio de Janeiro tours.

Tour highlights

  • Guided downtown Buenos Aires walking tour.
  • Revel at a Tango show with dinner in Buenos Aires.
  • Sail the River Plate to explore Colonia in Uruguay.
  • Marvel at the panoramic view of the Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side.
  • Stand at the top of the Devil’s Throat at Iguazu.
  • Take in the view of Rio de Janeiro from the statue of Christ on top of Corcovado mountain.
  • Ride the cable car up Sugar Loaf in Rio de Janeiro.
  • Have fun on the incomparable beaches of Rio de Janeiro.

Itinerary for Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls & Rio Tour

Overview

  • Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires, transfer to hotel
  • Day 2 Day 2: Walking tour Buenos Aires, hotel (B)
  • Day 3 Day 3: Full day tour to Colonia, hotel (B)
  • Day 4 Day 4: Free day, evening Tango dinner show, hotel (B,D)
  • Day 5 Day 5: Transfer to airport, fly to Iguazú, arrival transfer to hotel (B)
  • Day 6 Day 6: Full day tour to the Argentine Falls, hotel (B)
  • Day 7 Day 7: Brazilian Iguazú Falls, fly to Rio, arrival transfer to hotel (B)
  • Day 8 Day 8: Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer and Santa Teresa district, hotel (B)
  • Day 9 Day 9: Colonial Rio tour and Sugar Loaf Mountain, hotel (B)
  • Day 10 Day 10: Transfer to airport, end of services (B)

Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires, transfer to hotel

Arrive in Buenos Aires.

Transfer to your chosen hotel with an English-speaking guide.

Day 2: Walking tour Buenos Aires, hotel (B)

In the morning enjoy a half-day walking tour of central Buenos Aires.

The tour begins at your hotel in the downtown area of the city.

Your guide will pick you up and take you to the main points of interest in the area.

Visit Plaza de Mayo where you will see important buildings including La Casa Rosada (the government house), El Cabildo (City Hall) and the Cathedral of Buenos Aires.

You will also walk along Florida Street, the city’s famous pedestrian shopping street, where you can visit Galerías Pacífico and admire its impressive painted ceilings.

Free afternoon to explore this vibrant city.

Day 3: Full day tour to Colonia, hotel (B)

Depart around 07.00 for the port and sail across the Río de la Plata to Colonia in Uruguay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the colonial 18th century town and wander its colourful cobbled streets in the historic quarter.

Lunch is included at the yacht club with wine tasting and cheeses, overlooking the harbour.

Sail back across the Río de la Plata and transfer to your hotel.

Total duration approximately 10 hours.

Day 4: Free day, evening Tango dinner show, hotel (B,D)

Free day to explore the streets and neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires.

In the evening enjoy two of Argentina’s most famous cultural experiences – dinner and a tango show.

Dinner begins at 20.30 and includes a choice of starter, main course and dessert, along with wine.

The tango show starts at 22.30 and finishes around midnight at the famous Esquina Carlos Gardel venue.

Almost 25 artists perform nightly in a spectacular show telling the story of tango.

Transfer back to your hotel after the performance.

Day 5: Transfer to airport, fly to Iguazú, arrival transfer to hotel (B)

Private transfer from your hotel to the airport (Spanish-speaking driver).

Flight to Iguazú, approximately 1.5 hours.

On arrival, private transfer from the airport to your hotel.

Free afternoon to relax.

Day 6: Full day tour to the Argentine Falls, hotel (B)

Full-day private tour of the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls with an English-speaking driver-guide. National park entrance fees are included.

The tour includes three main walking circuits.

Upper Circuit: Approximately 500m walk taking about 45 minutes, offering views of the Two Sisters, Bosseti, Adam and Eve, Bernabé Méndez, Mbiguá and San Martín Falls from above.

Lower Circuit: Approximately 1,300m of pathways taking around 1.5 hours, bringing you closer to the middle section of the falls.

Devil’s Throat: Take a small train to Devil’s Throat station, then walk along a raised walkway to the balcony overlooking the spectacular Devil’s Throat waterfall.

Other trails not included in the tour include the Green Trail and Macuco Trail.

An optional excursion called the Gran Aventura combines a rainforest jeep ride with a thrilling boat trip that travels close to and beneath the waterfalls.

Return to your hotel in Iguazú.

Day 7: Brazilian Iguazú Falls, fly to Rio, arrival transfer to hotel (B)

Leave the hotel with your luggage and cross the border into Brazil.

Visit the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls with entrance fees included.

From here you enjoy panoramic views of the entire waterfall system stretching over three kilometres with more than 270 cascades.

The walk is approximately 1,000m and takes about one hour, finishing near the canyon of Devil’s Throat.

Transfer to Foz do Iguaçu airport and fly to Rio de Janeiro.

On arrival, private transfer to your hotel.

Day 8: Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer and Santa Teresa district, hotel (B)

Depart your hotel and drive through Tijuca Forest up Corcovado Hill.

This granite peak rises to 710m and is home to the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, Rio’s most iconic landmark.

From the base of the 38-metre statue there are spectacular views across the city and coastline.

Continue to the charming Santa Teresa district with its cobbled streets, historic homes, museums and the city’s last remaining tram line.

Return to your hotel after the tour.

Day 9: Colonial Rio tour and Sugar Loaf Mountain, hotel (B)

After breakfast depart for a full-day tour of Rio’s historic centre lasting approximately 7–8 hours.

Visit important landmarks including the National Library, Tiradentes Palace, the Royal Portuguese Reading Room, Paço Imperial and the historic buildings along Uruguaiana Street.

Lunch break during the tour (not included).

In the afternoon visit Sugar Loaf Mountain.

The ascent is made in two stages by cable car. The first cable car travels from Praia Vermelha to Urca Hill at 215m, offering views of Guanabara Bay, Corcovado and the Rio–Niterói bridge.

The second cable car continues to the summit of Sugar Loaf at 395m with sweeping views of Copacabana Beach, Santa Cruz Fortress and the coastline of Niterói.

Return to your hotel after the tour.

Day 10: Transfer to airport, end of services (B)

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

It’s wonderful how two Latin American cities in neighbouring countries can be so different: Buenos Aires is Parisian facades, steak and tango, while Rio is beaches, granite peaks and samba, and you’ll hear Portuguese instead of Spanish
Tom Shearman

Dates & Prices

Available dates & prices

From: $3,300

(£2,479)

  • Guide price, per person, shared room basis
  • Upgrades available
  • Shorter/longer stays possible
  • Single supplement applies

What's included?

  • Transfers
  • Tours
  • Meals (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
  • Transportation
  • Services and accommodation all as described in the itinerary

What's not included?

  • Flights
  • Services not mentioned
  • Meals not listed
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Personal items
  • Insurance
  • Personal items

Accommodation

We use 3* hotels as the starting point for this trip, all with ensuite bathroom. Upgrades available at extra cost.

This tour is open to all ages and abilities. You need to be able to walk around and be on your feet for several hours in order to complete city tours etc.

There is no high altitude to worry about on this tour.

Almost all dietary requirements can be catered for – please enquire for more.

Breakfasts at hotels will feature hot drinks, coffees, teas, juices etc, as well as yoghurts, cereals, toasts jams etc. buffet style.

Buenos Aires, Iguazu and Rio all have a wide range of local and international restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes.

All our guides are fully qualified, bilingual English-speaking locals.

A self-guided trekking journey through Patagonia revealed the breathtaking beauty of southern Chile and Argentina.

J. Perez, USA

An unforgettable Patagonia trekking adventure filled with breathtaking views, great company, and perfect mountain moments.

S. Oya

Tour information: Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls & Rio Tour

Combine top spots. Enjoy the passion of Buenos Aires and the rhythm of Rio, and sandwiched in between the two, the might of the Iguazu Falls. Read our blog for more as well as our guide on when to go to Iguazu Falls.

This tour can be tailored to your exact needs and run at any time of year, in any order.

Tijuca Rio De Janeiro Brazil
Iguazú Falls / Foz do Iguaçu
Iguazu Falls, from the Brazlian side
Looking down a waterfall at Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brasil

Get in touch and let's create your adventure

Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls & Rio Tour

  • Guided downtown Buenos Aires walking tour.
  • Revel at a Tango show with dinner in Buenos Aires.
  • Sail the River Plate to explore Colonia in Uruguay.
  • Marvel at the panoramic view of the Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side.
  • Stand at the top of the Devil’s Throat at Iguazu.
  • Take in the view of Rio de Janeiro from the statue of Christ on top of Corcovado mountain.
  • Ride the cable car up Sugar Loaf in Rio de Janeiro.
  • Have fun on the incomparable beaches of Rio de Janeiro.
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls & Rio Tour

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Practical Information

Introduction to Argentina

Argentina is a land of contrast.

Nothing states this better than the fact it features the highest point in the South America, Aconcagua, and the lowest, Salinas Chicas, 40m below sea level.

Its vastness – it is the eighth largest country in the world – and diversity are just part of the appeal. A fantastic culture of fine wine and dining sits alongside its adventurous and beautiful landscapes.

The local’s cheery disposition and fantastic word plays add to the enjoyment of being in this fascinating country.

The name Argentina derives from argentinos, the Ancient Greek diminutive (tinos) form for silver (argentos), which is what early Spanish explorers sought when they first reached the region in the sixteenth century.

There are distinct regions of Argentina, from the Andean culture of the North West to the rancho lifestyle of the plains of Patagonia to the eternally seductive Buenos Aires.

Kit list

Good kit is vital for every trip.

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Overview

Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world, and has a myriad of climates from humid tropics to bracingly cold Patagonia.

When planning for these changeable climatic conditions you will encounter across Argentina, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system.

The sun is very strong throughout the country, so good sun cream, a hat and sunglasses are vital. Summer in the north of the country means t-shirts and shorts.

It can also get very cold at night time especially in the mountains. Jumpers, fleeces and warms hats – which you can buy there – are also essential.

Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.

Below is a more detailed guide.

Detailed kit list

  • Medium weight parka or a down jacket.
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers. The jacket needs to be water proof and roomy. Side-zip pants are recommended.
  • 2-3 long-sleeve shirts – no cotton
  • 2-3 short-sleeve T-shirts – no cotton
  • 2 pair of hiking trousers- cotton or synthetic material (no jeans)
  • 1 fleece or sweat trousers (for cold evenings)
  • 2 pair hiking shorts
  • Long thermals – synthetic or wool – light to medium weight top & bottoms.
  • 2-3 mid-weight (wool or synthetic) socks.
  • 2-3 liner socks if needed
  • Athletic-type socks, several pairs, city use
  • Hiking boots that are waterproof and well broken-in.
  • Running/tennis shoes or sandals are very comfortable when you are in cities
  • 1 lightweight wool sweater or windproof fleece
  • 1 wool or synthetic warm hat.
  • 1 light sun hat with a wide brim.
  • 1 pair of medium-weight wool or synthetic gloves
  • Broad-brimmed sunhat, essential.
  • Sunglasses with UV filter.
  • Scarf for cold.
  • Bandanna – to protect neck from strong sun.
  • Daypack (at least 30 litres). Comfortable and with waterproof lining or cover.
  • Water bottle (2 litres approx.) & purification tablets.
  • Personal first-aid kit to include: painkillers, plasters (band-aids), moleskin, anti-biotic cream, general antibiotics (ask your GP), after-bite (tiger balm), anti-diarrhoea tablets, throat lozenges, re-hydration salts & personal medication.
  • Insect repellent (just in case)
  • Towel & wash-kit.
  • Wet Wipes/antiseptic hand-wash cream.
  • Sunscreen (factor 30+) and lip salve.
  • Head-lamp (plus spare bulb and batteries).
  • Penknife.
  • Travel alarm clock.
  • Plastic bags – ‘Zip-loc’ & tough bin liners.
  • Camera and film / memory cards (take at least twice the amount you think you will need!).
  • Book, e-book, mp3 player/ipod or other to help pass the time.
  • Binoculars.
  • Spanish/English phrasebook.
  • Extra snacks i.e. cereal bars or favourite chocolate bars.

Miscellaneous others

  • Money belt.
  • Passport.
  • U.S. dollars cash, mixed-denomination notes, undamaged and unmarked.
  • ATM cash/credit card.
  • Any inoculation certificates.
  • Personal & medical insurance certificates.
  • Presents e.g. Postcards from home.
  • Comfortable clothes for travel, smart clothes for night life, especially in big cities.
Quick facts about Argentina
  • Official name: Argentine Republic Country
  • Population: 40,000,000
  • Capital city: Buenos Aires (11 million)
  • Largest cities: Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Rosario
  • Languages: Spanish (official)
  • Official currency: Argentine Peso
  • Major industries: Agriculture (Soy), motor vehicles, chemicals
  • Argentina: GMT-3
Be safe in Argentina

Most of Argentina is a relatively safe country to travel around. However, we still recommend that in large towns and cities you take certain precautions (see below). Argentina is, overall, among the safest countries in South America.

However, in Buenos Aires, muggings and opportunistic crime – although not common – do occur.

In Buenos Aires and other big cities, ‘distraction muggings’ sometimes happen in quiet streets, in the daytime as well as at night. We suggest that you take the following precautions:

  • Leave paper valuables in the hotel safe (caja fuerte), taking out with you only what you need for the day.
  • Carry a copy of passport (leave original in safe). N.B. When travelling, carry paper valuables in a money belt under clothing, not in a ‘bum-bag’.
  • Beware of distraction techniques, e.g. where X sprays you with mustard or similar substance, and accomplice Y comes up to offer to clean you off, but takes your bag or wallet while you’re distracted. If you do get sprayed, just walk straight on.
  • Avoid marginal areas and be alert in lonely streets in the day and at night. Also, always take special care in busy streets, around markets and in and around bus terminals; either avoid carrying a bag in such areas, or secure it, as bag-slashers and pickpockets sometimes operate.
  • NEVER leave your bag(s) unattended, especially in airports, bus terminals and hotel lobbies.
  • It’s best to use taxis at night, wherever you are.

A self-guided trekking journey through Patagonia revealed the breathtaking beauty of southern Chile and Argentina.

J. Perez, USA

An unforgettable Patagonia trekking adventure filled with breathtaking views, great company, and perfect mountain moments.

S. Oya