Confidence Guarantee - Read more
01279 704 135
Open today 09 - 13 | Opening hours
13 days

Buenos Aires, Iguazú & Rio de Janeiro

On this tour, you will experience three of South America’s absolute highlights: Argentina’s beautiful capital Buenos Aires, the impressive Iguazú Falls and amazing Rio de Janeiro.

Buenos Aires, Iguazú & Rio de Janeiro
Buenos Aires, Iguazú & Rio de Janeiro
13 days
HomeLatin AmericaArgentinaBuenos Aires, Iguazú & Rio de Janeiro

Buenos Aires, Iguazú & Rio de Janeiro

On this tour, you will experience three of South America’s absolute highlights: Argentina’s beautiful capital Buenos Aires, the impressive Iguazú Falls and amazing Rio de Janeiro.

HomeLatin AmericaArgentinaBuenos Aires, Iguazú & Rio de Janeiro
What is included in the price?
This package includes the following
  • Flights from the UK to Buenos Aires
  • Flights from Rio de Janeiro to the UK
  • 1 domestic flight in Argentina: From Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú
  • 1 domestic flight in Brazil: From Foz do Iguaçu to Rio de Janeiro
  • Transfers from and to airports (in small, international groups)
  • 10 nights at good hotels, including breakfast
  • Individual tour, however, all excursions are in small international groups with local English speaking guides
  • Telephone hotline staffed 24/7 throughout your trip
  • ATOL certificate included
  • Departure guarantee – The price is valid when at least 2 people travelling. Please ask for a price if you are travelling alone

Comprehensive package of excursions:

  • Half-day tour of Buenos Aires, including Recoleta churchyard
  • Excursion to the Iguazú Falls, both on the Argentinian side and the Brazilian side
  • Welcome meeting in Rio de Janeiro
  • Guided city tour in Rio including a visit to Sugar Loaf and Mount Corcovado with the famous Christ the Redeemer statue
  • Admission tickets to the attractions mentioned

THE TOUR IN SHORT

This tour combines 3 South American gems: the metropolises of Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, and the impressive Iguazú Falls, which are surrounded by lush rainforest.

You will visit the capital of Argentina and tango, Buenos Aires, before heading to Puerto Iguazú, where you get right up close to the world’s largest waterfall, Iguazú, which you experience from both the Argentinian side and the Brazilian side. Here, you will discover unique flora and fauna, including coati and toucans.

Your journey end in the capital of samba, Rio de Janeiro, which is also known as “the world’s most beautiful city” because of its unique location. You will visit Mount Corcovado with its world famous Christ the Redeemer statue and the Sugar Loaf, from which you will enjoy the most amazing panoramic views over Rio and its surroundings.

Why choose this tour

  • Look forward to experiencing Argentina’s charming capital Buenos Aires with its wide boulevards, impressive architecture and cosy neighbourhoods.
  • Close your eyes and let the sound and force from the world’s largest waterfalls blow you backwards and experience the impressive Iguazú Falls from both the Brazilian and the Argentinian sides
  • Visit fantastic Rio de Janeiro with its joyful inhabitants, iconic beaches and breath-taking views from Mt. Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain
  • You can extend your tour with a relaxing beach holiday in Brazil on the lush island of Ilha Grande, or in the holiday town Búzios

Our tours always include

  • All international and domestic flights
  • All accommodations
  • All specified excursions and activities
  • 24/7 telephone – We’re with you all the way
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Flight to Argentina

Departure from the UK bound for Argentina with connecting flight(s) on the way.

Day 2: Arrival in Buenos Aires

Welcome to Buenos Aires, the charming capital of Argentina, often referred to as South America’s answer to Paris due to its wide boulevards, cosy neighbourhoods and impressive architecture.

You will be met at the airport by your guide, who will drive you to your hotel, which is centrally located in the city. The rest of the day is yours to do as you please.

You might like to go for a walk down the pedestrian thoroughfare, Florida Street, or relax on a bench on General San Martín Square, named after José de San Martín, Argentina’s national hero who helped lead the revolutions against Spanish rule in Argentina.

In the evening, we recommend purchasing the “Taste of Argentina” excursion, which provides an exciting insight into Argentinian food culture and traditions. If you are going to participate in this excursion, you should consider just having a light lunch, as a feast of delicious Argentinian specialities awaits you.

Day 3: Guided tour of Buenos Aires

Today, you will experience the city’s main attractions on a 4-hour guided tour.

Among other places, you will visit the charming old working-class district of La Boca, known for its colourful houses on the small street “caminito”. The area was originally an old shipyard, and the poor workers built their houses from surplus materials and paint from the ships. As there was usually never enough paint to paint an entire house, the neighbourhood ended up in an array of bright colours.

The famous tango bars can be found in Buenos Aires’ oldest district, San Telmo, which is also a fascinating artists’ district.

You also visit the upscale neighbourhoods of Recoleta and Palermo. In Recoleta, there is a stop at the cemetery where many famous Argentinians are buried, including Eva Perón, who was the much-loved first lady, better known as Evita.

The port area of Puerto Madero is where you will find a lot of hip bars and restaurants. This is also where the beautiful Puente de la mujer footbridge is located.

The guided tour continues down the world’s widest boulevard, Avenida 9 de Julio, to the famous obelisk, one of the city’s historic landmarks. You will also visit Avenida Corrientes, where the city’s theatres and cinemas are gathered, among them Teatro Colón – their beautiful opera house.

The city has numerous magnificent squares, and you will visit Plaza de Mayo, where the iconic Casa Rosada government building is located, as well as Plaza de las Naciones Unidas with its beautiful flower sculpture, Floralis Genérica.

The excursion is by minibus, with photo stops along the way.

Days 4-5: Buenos Aires on your own

You have two days on your own in the capital, where you set the pace. Perhaps you discovered an exciting district when you were on the guided tour that you would like to explore further.

We can recommend a visit to the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur nature reserve, which is located on the eastern side of the Puerto Madero port area. The nature reserve covers an area of more than 8 km2 and is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the big city. Here, you will meet the local Porteños, as the inhabitants of Buenos Aires are known, diligently exercising or walking their dogs.
There are several different paths through the nature reserve leading out to the river, Río de la Plata, which, on a clear day, you can look out over to neighbouring Uruguay.

If you like meat, remember to visit one of the local Parillas (steak houses), where delicious beef from the Argentinian Pampas is sold for next to nothing.

You should also be sure to experience a real Argentinian tango show (optional extra). The show is a mix of music and dance from all over Argentina, but dominated by the beautiful melancholic tango performed by skilled dancers. Look forward to a delicious Argentinian dinner with great steaks and wine and a fantastic show in stunning surroundings.

Day 6: Flight from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú

You will now leave Buenos Aires and fly to Puerto Iguazú, which is situated close to the borders of Paraguay and Brazil. Amazing outdoor experiences await you here in the form of the impressive Iguazú Falls, which are located in the middle of the lush rainforest.

You will be picked up from the airport and driven to your hotel, which is scenically situated in the rainforest just outside Puerto Iguazú.

Accommodation:
Day 7: Excursion to the Iguazú Falls on the Argentinian side

The Iguazú Falls are nothing short of a natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. To enjoy the whole experience, the waterfalls should be experienced from both the Argentinian side and the Brazilian side.

The Iguazú Falls are the world’s largest waterfall and consist of 275 waterfalls of various sizes, located over a 2.7-km-long horseshoe-shaped stretch on the Iguazú River. The waterfalls often converge and crash in noisy cascades out over the, in some places, 85-metre-high cliffs.

Most of the falls are on the Argentinian, and you will be guided through the rainforest via an extensive network of paths, stairs and footbridges to the many waterfalls. The lush nature around the waterfalls is home to unique flora and fauna, and your guide will tell you all about the nature you encounter in the park.

A small train takes you to the largest and most impressive waterfall of them all, called the Devil’s Throat, La Garganta del Diablo. A look down into the rushing abyss, into which many millions of litres of water disappears, can give you a proper lurch in your stomach, and we guarantee you’ll get wet!

Day 8: The Iguazú Falls on the Brazilian side – Fly to Rio de Janeiro

Before heading on to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, you will visit the Brazilian side of the falls. You will cross the Tancredo Neves bridge, which unites the Argentinian city of Puerto Iguazú with the Brazilian city of Foz do Iguaçu, and continue out to the national park. As you will be crossing the border, you should remember to bring your passport with you on the bus.

Most of the falls are on the Argentinian side, but the best panoramic views of the falls are to be had from the Brazilian side.

You will walk along a small paved footpath through the rainforest and see the waterfalls from various angles. A longer footbridge leads you out of the jungle to a platform from which you look straight up to the Devil’s Throat. Here, too, you can expect to be given a good soaking by the spray from the powerful waterfall.
From a viewing platform that you can either walk up to or reach via a lift, a breathtaking panoramic view also awaits you.

You are very likely to see beautiful butterflies, exotic plants and birds, and not least the little coati looking for food.

After your visit to the park, you will be driven to the airport in Foz do Iguaçu before flying to Rio de Janeiro, capital of the Samba.

On your arrival, you will be picked up by your guide and driven to your hotel.

Day 9: Welcome meeting and guided tour of Rio de Janeiro

Rio is both wonderful and chaotic at the same time, and this can give even the most seasoned traveller butterflies in their stomach – in a good way. To ensure that your visit to the iconic city gets off to the best possible start, our partner will come to your hotel and hold a short welcome meeting of around 30–60 minutes. This is an opportunity for you to run through your tour together and get answers to any questions you may have about the tour or other practical questions about Rio and Brazil.

At midday, you will be picked up from the hotel and taken on a guided tour of Rio’s major sights. You will visit the cosy neighbourhoods of Santa Teresa and Lapa before heading to Rio’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue, which stands atop Mount Corcovado at a height of 710 metres, watching over the city. Enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city’s many beaches, colourful favelas and the famous Maracaña Stadium. Lunch is not included on this tour, but it is possible to buy a sandwich and other snacks along the way.

The tour concludes with a visit to the 396-metre-high mountain, Pão de Açúcar, also known as Sugar Loaf Mountain. A cable car takes you first to Mount Urca and from there on to the top. Rio is said to enjoy one of the most beautiful locations in the world. Judge for yourself while the sun goes down over the enchanting city.

You’ll be back at your hotel at 7-8 pm and have the rest of the evening to yourself.

Accommodation:
Day 10: Rio de Janeiro on your own

Rio is a fascinating city with much to offer, and you have the day to yourself to explore the city.

You also have the option of purchasing various excursions, which, for example, take you behind the scenes to the world’s biggest party, the Rio carnival. You could also go for a walk in Tijuca National Park, which is located in the heart of Rio and is one of the world’s largest city parks. Rio might be a bustling city, but you’ll be amazed at how many small oases and quiet beaches it actually has.

Day 11: Rio de Janeiro on your own

Today, you also get to spend time on your own in the city. Perhaps you could do with a relaxing day at the beach, or how about a visit to the city’s beautiful botanical gardens.

If you fancy some activity, you can try your hand at the seductive samba, or explore the city life from the saddle of a bicycle.

Rio is famous for being a colourful city that never sleeps. On the “Discover Rio’s nightlife” excursion, you get to experience the lively street parties first hand and, of course, taste Brazil’s national drink, the caipirinha, all in the safe company of your guide.

Day 12: Departure day

Your Brazilian adventure has come to an end and you will be picked up and driven to the airport in Rio. The time depends on your flight connection home.

Day 13: Arrival back home

You land in the UK after an eventful tour of Argentina and Brazil.

Combine with
Choose from the options below
Beach holiday extension to Ilha Grande
3 nights

Round off your exciting tour with a relaxing beach holiday on the beautiful island of Ilha Grande.
On your arrival, you will be greeted by amazing, unspoiled nature with unique flora and fauna, as well as more than 100 beaches, including Lopes Mendes beach, voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil.

Make the most of the hilly island’s amazing hiking opportunities, go snorkelling and discover a colourful world under the sea or just relax at one of the many beaches while enjoying the tranquil island atmosphere.

Beach holiday extension to Búzios
3 nights

Búzios is one of the most popular beach destinations in the state of Rio de Janeiro. And for good reason! The charming town is renowned for its unique atmosphere, culinary experiences, great shops and its many stunning beaches along the bays of the peninsula.

It was the French diva Brigitte Bardot, who sparked the international interest in Búzios and its beautiful surroundings in the 1960s. Today, a statue of Brigitte Bardot stands on the beach promenade, Rua das Pedras, by way of thanks.

Spend the days in Búzios at one of the many fabulous beaches, go on a boat ride and enjoy the beautiful area from the water, rent a beach buggy and explore the peninsula or sample the cuisine at some of the many wonderful restaurants.

Accommodation:
Possible upgrades:
When would you like to travel?
Departure dates
All prices shown are per person
Please note that the price of a single room only applies when for at least two people. Please contact us if you’re travelling alone.
Special offers for groups of 6 or more. Request a quote today for more info.
REVIEWS
Travellers' tales
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Good to know
Latin America
Emily Roper

Emily loves to travel and is extremely passionate about helping others achieve their travel dreams.

Opening hours
Monday-Thursday 9-15
Friday 9-13
WHY TRAVEL WITH TOURCOMPASS?
Why choose us

We know your time is precious. That's why we strive to provide personalised, attentive service to ensure your comfort and safety throughout your tour. From the moment you book to the moment you return home, we’re here to handle every detail with the utmost care.

We offer a diverse array of destinations, each promising its own unique story, shaped by its local cultures, fascinating wildlife, and natural beauty. 

We design every tour based on the extensive research and first-hand experiences of our travel specialists and experts. Each tour is crafted to showcase the best each country has to offer.

With us, you can rest assured; your journey is in safe hands. We are ATOL certified and a proud member of ABTA, maintaining rigorous standards of quality and service to ensure your complete peace of mind.

EXPLORE
Check out all our exciting destinations