Buenos Aires to Rio - Overland Trip

Itineraries

Arrival day.

A full day to explore the Argentinean capital, famous for its tango, football, beautiful European-style architecture, sophisticated shopping and some of the best and most varied cuisine in the whole continent. (B)  

A further day to explore Buenos Aires. This evening we take an overnight bus to Posadas and then continue to San Ignacio. (B)

From San Ignacio it is possible to visit one of the most impressive Jesuit missions in South America, San Ignacio Mini. This mission was home to thousands of Guarani Indians and is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

We take a bus to Puerto Iguazu on the Argentinean side of the falls. The majestic Iguazu Falls, on the border between Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, make for one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world. Situated in the middle of the rainforest, some 275 individual cascades plummet over the cliffs and into the gorge below. (B)

In the morning there is time to visit the Argentinean side of the falls. Later we drive into Brazil. (B)

This morning we can visit the Brazilian side of the falls and enjoy the stunning views. Later there is the chance to visit the nearby bird park, or even take a helicopter flight over the falls. In the evening we board an overnight bus heading to Sao Paulo. (B)

This cosmopolitan metropolis is now the third largest city in the world, and boasts a number of museums, shops, restaurants, cafes and a vibrant nightlife.

Travel to the colonial gem of Paraty, a charming town by the sea and the main port for exporting gold and coffee until the 19th century. The afternoon is free to relax and explore. (B)

Plenty of time to enjoy this pleasant town and its surroundings. Hike along the Gold Trail, a partially cobbled trail through the mountains built by slaves in the 18th century to bring gold down to the port, take a trip in a schooner around the bay or admire the delightful Portuguese architecture. (B)

We head north by bus to Angra dos Reis, from where a ferry  takes us through the bay to the unspoiled paradise of Ilha Grande (Big Island). This mountainous island, covered by forest and surrounded by crystal clear green waters is our base for the next couple of days. (B)

A full free day to enjoy the island. Among your choices are exploring the 100 beaches, sailing, sea-kayaking, snorkelling and diving, hiking, or simply relaxing by the sea. (B)

We leave this island paradise and continue to one of the most exciting cities in the world, Rio de Janeiro. (B)

We have a full day to explore Rio de Janeiro, the beating heart of Brazil, set against a stunning backdrop of lush green mountains, spectacular beaches and turquoise sea. There are endless options - sunbathe on Copacabana beach, dance till dawn in one of the many nightclubs or visit two of the landmarks that have made this beautiful city internationally famous: the enormous statue of Christ the Redeemer and the cable car up the Sugar Loaf. (B)

Tour ends. (B)