South America: Rio to Buenos Aires

Touchdown in Rio. Arrive any time, drop your bags and start exploring the beating heart of Brazil, home to Copacabana Beach and Christ the Redeemer. It's the perfect place to tune into Brazilian culture. In the evening, we head out for a welcome dinner with your new crew, and maybe a first taste of Rio's famous nightlife.

After breakfast, our local guide takes us up Corcovado to Christ the Redeemer for photos and stories about this New Wonder of the World. Next, the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for 360-degree views of the city. After lunch, we explore bohemian, hilltop Santa Teresa. In the evening, it's dinner, caipirinhas and a night out in Lapa.

Our last full day in Rio starts with something special. After breakfast, we join the Favela Experience in Vidigal, a locally led social enterprise supported by Planeterra that puts money back into the community. In the afternoon, it's Copacabana Beach: volleyball, swimming and sunshine. We finish at a viewpoint near the beach to watch the sunset together.

Goodbye Rio, hello Ilha Grande. After breakfast, we're driven to the port and catch a ferry to the island, swapping city noise for sand and crystal water by early afternoon. Unpack and chill for a moment, then we head out paddleboarding, or kayaking if you prefer. Afterwards, the beach is all yours.

After breakfast, we head over to Lopes Mendes for a day of swimming, beach lounging and exploring. We also wander over to Praia do Pouso, another seriously beautiful Brazilian beach. Expect a few rounds of volleyball; you'll be a pro by sunset. Then it's back to the hotel to de-sand and get ready for dinner.

After breakfast we travel to Paraty, a town of history, charm and stunning nature, arriving around midday. The rest of the afternoon is yours: take it easy, shop or grab a cocktail at a beachside bar. In the late afternoon, we meet for a walking tour of the town, with a tasting of local cachaca and Brazilian sweets.

After a slow morning and breakfast, we're picked up for the beach-hopping boat trip of dreams. Throughout the day we stop at Praia Vermelha, Praia da Lula, Ilha Comprida and Lagoa Azul to swim and soak up the sun. Back on land, there are a few hours to chill before we head out for a local dinner.

After breakfast, we take the public bus to São Paulo. It's a long travel day, so bring snacks and your best would-you-rather questions. We arrive in the late afternoon, ready for a big night together, as some of the group finish their trip here. Expect good food, plenty of cocktails and maybe a few tears.

Our final day in Brazil. After breakfast, soak up the São Paulo vibe and get ready for part two of the adventure. Tonight, we welcome new travellers joining us for the next leg of our South America journey, so the icebreakers start all over again. Get an early night if you can, as tomorrow starts early.

After breakfast we check out and fly from São Paulo to Foz do Iguaçu, then head straight into Parque Nacional do Iguaçu for the Brazilian side of the falls. Prepare to get your mind blown and your clothes soaked. In the late afternoon, we cross into Argentina and check in. The evening is free to explore town and find dinner.

After breakfast, we return to the national park on the Argentine side and take the train to Devil's Throat, walking the circuit right to the edge of that deafening roar. Then the Superior Circuit shows the falls from a whole new angle. In the afternoon, the Jasy Porá indigenous community welcome us to share their culture and walk their forest trails.

A slower day before a night on the road. After breakfast, we check out, stock up on snacks and supplies for the journey, and make our way to the bus station. Tonight we board an overnight bus towards La Posta (Gualeguaychú). Settle in, put a film on and let the miles roll by while you sleep.

We arrive early in Gualeguaychú, freshen up at the station, then cross into Uruguay to a working ranch outside Mercedes. Lunch is hearty countryside cooking. In the afternoon, dive into ranch life: horse riding, making empanadas from scratch and learning to milk a cow, yes really. As the sun sets over the countryside, dinner is served at the ranch.

After breakfast at the estancia, we transfer to Colonia de Sacramento, one of Uruguay's most beautiful towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Río de la Plata. The afternoon is yours to wander at your own pace. Stroll the cobbled streets of the historic quarter or visit the Plaza de Toros. Slow, sunny and very photogenic.

This morning, after breakfast, we cross the Río de la Plata from Colonia into Buenos Aires, one of the greatest cities in the world. We're picked up from the port and drop our bags at the hotel, then head straight out on a walking tour of the city. In the evening, we sit down to dinner together.

Our last full day starts with another Buenos Aires walking tour, digging into the city's history and culture, and exploring the colourful La Boca neighbourhood. The rest of the day is free, and your Local Legend has plenty of ideas. Tonight we meet for our final group dinner. It'll be emotional, so bring tissues.

Time to check out and say your goodbyes. What a ride: from the thundering falls of Iguazú to the cobblestones of Colonia and sunrise on a Uruguayan ranch. Your Local Legend is on hand to help with onward travel. We hope South America has well and truly stolen your heart.