From the tango halls of Buenos Aires to the beaches of Rio, the Argentina & Brazil Adventure packs South America’s biggest hits into two weeks. Make empanadas and sip Malbec in Buenos Aires, fly to Ushuaia at the end of the world to hike to a glacier lake, then stand in the spray of the mighty Iguazu Falls. Cross into Brazil for jungle waterfalls and cachaca in colonial Paraty, island time on car-free Ilha Grande and a grand finale in Rio, from Christ the Redeemer to sunset volleyball on Ipanema. Discover Argentina and Brazil the ULTIMATE way.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Partner Tour: This Group Tour is operated by our trusted local partners in South America, who look after all transport, accommodation, guiding and on-the-ground logistics. You book and pay with ULTIMATE, and once your tour is paid our partners will be in touch with your pre-departure information. We’re still here to help in the lead up, so reach out to the ULTIMATE team any time.
Day 1: Welcome to Buenos Aires!
Bienvenidos to Argentina! Meet your leader and group for an afternoon briefing, then get hands-on with an empanada-making class, complete with wine, a quick Spanish lesson and a friendly competition for the best empanada. Tonight, catch an optional tango show nearby.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Empanada making, wine and Spanish lesson
Day 2: Buenos Aires by Bike
Cycle past Plaza de Mayo, colourful Caminito, the famous La Bombonera stadium and the waterfront at Puerto Madero. The afternoon is yours for San Telmo Market or Recoleta Cemetery, then spend the night in Palermo’s bars and steakhouses.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Half-day bike tour
Day 3: To the End of the World
Fly south to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Check in, rest up and hire any trekking gear you need for tomorrow’s hike.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Flight to Ushuaia
Day 4: Laguna Esmeralda Hike
A full day hiking to Laguna Esmeralda, a glacier lake surrounded by mountains. The trail winds through peat bogs, forest and valleys, around 2–3 hours each way with plenty of breaks. Evening free in town.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Laguna Esmeralda hike
Day 5: Ushuaia Your Way
A free day to explore. Cruise the Beagle Channel to see sea lions (and penguins in summer), hike up to the Martial Glacier or explore Tierra del Fuego National Park. Most people manage two of the three.
Accommodation: Hostel
Day 6: Fly to Iguazu
Fly north to Iguazu via Buenos Aires and transfer to your hostel. The evening is free.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Flights to Iguazu, hostel transfer
Day 7: Iguazu Falls
Explore the Argentine side of Iguazu National Park, walking the trails between hundreds of waterfalls, then ride the train to the Devil’s Throat, where the falls thunder down right in front of you. Watch sunset at the Triple Frontier, where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Iguazu National Park, Devil’s Throat train
Day 8: Welcome to Brazil
Cross the border into Brazil, fly to Rio, then drive down the coast to the colonial town of Paraty. Free time to explore its cobbled streets.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Flight to Rio, transfer to Paraty
Day 9: Waterfalls & Cachaca
Hike through Serra da Bocaina National Park to Pedra Branca waterfall, slide down the natural rock slide at Toboga and swim at Poco do Tarzan. After lunch by the river, visit a distillery to taste cachaca, Brazil’s sugarcane spirit, then explore Paraty’s historic centre with your leader.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Waterfall hike, cachaca tasting, historic centre walk
Day 10: Ilha Grande
Take the ferry to car-free Ilha Grande, then hike through Atlantic rainforest to Lopes Mendes, one of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches. Taxi boat back to the village and spend the evening at a beach bar.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Ferry, Lopes Mendes hike, taxi boat
Day 11: Island Day
A free day for swimming, sunbaking and beach time. Or join an optional speedboat tour of the Paradise Islands for snorkelling and swimming spots.
Accommodation: Hostel
Day 12: Back to Rio
Ferry back to the mainland and transfer to Rio. This afternoon there’s an optional favela experience with a local guide, then tonight it’s a traditional churrasco dinner, all you can eat grilled meats.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Ferry and transfer to Rio
Day 13: Christ the Redeemer to Ipanema
Ride the train up through Tijuca Forest to Christ the Redeemer for huge views over Rio, then see the colourful Selaron Steps. Free afternoon for Sugarloaf or Copacabana, before a group beach volleyball game on Ipanema as the sun goes down. Farewell dinner and a big night out to finish.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Christ the Redeemer, Selaron Steps, Ipanema volleyball
Day 14: Tchau South America!
Say goodbye to your group this morning. The tour finishes after breakfast. Extra nights in Rio can be booked if you want to stay on.
To make your booking, choose your departure date and any optional extras you'd like. Not sure about extras, or need extra accommodation before or after your tour? No worries, just let us know later by email.
How the price works: the tour price is shown in the booking panel, then a 1.75% online booking fee is added at checkout — that's the price you see on the tour page. You'll see both lines before you pay. No card surcharges, and nothing is added after that.
Once you've booked, we'll send your booking confirmation along with important information about your tour.
Travelling solo? Great! Most of the people you meet on tour will also be on a solo adventure! If you are curious as to who you could be travelling with, or want to make some friends before arriving, join our Travel Community and reach out to your potential new travel mates!
Booking with ULTIMATE is easy! We take payments securely via Mastercard or Visa Credit and Debit Card and we will charge you in Australian Currency (AUD). Your deposit is flexible and if you can no longer travel, you can save your deposit for a later trip or destination if you notify us 30 days before your scheduled tour date.
Making your booking is easy. Choose a date below, and if you have any questions about extras, deposits, or meeting other travellers, just get in touch — we're happy to help.
Where does the tour start and finish?
The tour starts in Buenos Aires, Argentina with a briefing on the afternoon of Day 1, and finishes in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on the morning of Day 14.
Who will I be travelling with?
Whether you’re travelling solo or with friends, you’ll join a group of up to 20 like-minded travellers aged 18–55 (most are in their mid-20s to early 30s). Most people travel solo.
Do I need vaccinations?
Vaccinations aren’t compulsory, but we recommend seeing your GP or a travel doctor 6–8 weeks before you leave about recommended vaccines for Argentina and Brazil, including yellow fever for the Iguazu region. Check Smartraveller for the latest advice.
Can I book extra nights?
Yes, extra nights before the tour in Buenos Aires and after the tour in Rio can be booked. Just let us know when you book.
Do I need a visa?
Visa rules depend on your passport. Australians can currently visit Argentina visa-free, and Brazil now requires an e-visa for Australian passport holders. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel.
Can I bring a 25kg suitcase?
We recommend a backpack or soft bag of around 15kg. There are several flights, ferries and taxi boats, so pack light. One checked bag for the whole tour can be added for an extra fee.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Most meals are not included, so you’ll have the freedom to choose what you eat. Let us know about any dietary requirements when you book so our partners are aware.
Can you help me organise flights & insurance?
Sure! We recommend booking flights once your tour is confirmed. Get in touch and our team can help you with flights and travel insurance, which is compulsory for this trip.
How physical is the tour?
The tour is rated high intensity because of the pace and early flights. Hikes like Laguna Esmeralda and Lopes Mendes are moderate and suitable for most fitness levels, and there’s a half-day bike ride in Buenos Aires.
What optional activities can I do?
Optional extras include a tango show in Buenos Aires, a Beagle Channel cruise in Ushuaia, a Paradise Islands speedboat tour on Ilha Grande and a favela experience in Rio. Some need to be pre-booked, so ask us when you book.
What’s the weather like?
Ushuaia can be cold and windy even in summer, so bring warm layers and a rain jacket. Iguazu and Brazil are warm and humid, so pack swimwear and sunscreen too.
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