South America: Rio to Buenos Aires - 17 Day Trip

Let's start as we mean to go on! Grab some breakfast before we head over to Corcovado. This iconic mountain in the heart of Brazil is home to Christ the Redeemer. Once we are at the top, we'll have time to explore and get the perfect instagram photo with the iconic background. We'll also be joined today by our local guide from Rio, who will answer all your questions about this 'New Wonder of the World'. Next up, we head over to Sugar Loaf Mountain- by cable car! Yes, we know - epic, right? This is the best way to get 360-degree views of this incredible city. After lunch, we'll experience the Santa Teresa neighbourhood. This area has become famous for its bohemian charm and hill-top location. After an afternoon of exploring, we'll head for dinner and even a few Caipirinhas. When in Brazil, right?

Wakey wakey! It's our last full day in Rio, and we're starting it with a very special experience. This morning, we'll head over to the Favela Experience, which is a social enterprise tour supported by Planeterra. The Favelas are an important part of Brazil's culture, and this tour is locally led and managed, ensuring sustainable economic development for the favela residents - it's a win-win! After a morning learning about the local culture, it's time to head to the world-famous Copacabana Beach! We're talking volleyball, swimming and catching all the rays. We'll also watch the sunset from a viewpoint near this epic beach, too. Sunsets in Brazil are known to be beautiful, so sit back, relax and take it all in!

Goodbye Rio, hello Ilha Grande! This morning, we'll be picked up and driven to the port to catch a ferry over to the island and away from the craziness of the city. We'll arrive in the calm, surrounded by sand and crystal water, in the early afternoon. Unpack and take a moment to chill before we head to this afternoon's activity - paddleboarding (or kayaking if you prefer!) This afternoon is all about splashing around and mastering a new hobby, if you fancy some beach time afterwards - go for it!

Today we're jumping over to Lopes Mendez for a day of swimming, beach chilling and exploring! We'll also wander over to Praia do Pouso, another BEAUTIFUL Brazilian beach. Trust us, you'll all be volleyball pros by the end of today. After a much-needed chill day, we'll head back to the hotel to de-sand and get ready for dinner. What a dreamyyy day!

Morning all! This morning we are travelling to a new destination - Paraty! It's got it all, history, charm, chilled vibes and stunning nature too. We'll arrive around midday, and the rest of the day is yours to do as you please, take it easy, shop till you drop or grab a cocktail at the nearest beachside bar - whatever you do, you'll be living your Brazilian dream for sure. In the late afternoon, we'll meet at the hotel and head out for a walking tour to find out more about the local area! We'll also stop for a tasting of the local spirit cachaca - could it get any better than this?

Are you ready to island hop? Of course you are! We'll have a slow morning before being picked up and taken on the beach-hopping boat trip of dreams. We'll visit Praia Vermelha, Praia da Lula, Ilha Comprida and Lagoa Azul throughout the day. Once we have swum to our hearts' content and caught ALL the rays, we'll have a few hours to chill before heading out for a local dinner.

Today is a travel day over to our final destination, Sao Paulo! It's a long, old travel day, but don't worry, grab your snacks and your best would you rather questions and get ready for the final full day with your new travel besties. We'll arrive in the late afternoon and get ready for one final night as a group. There will be tears, good food and PLENTY of cocktails, making it a night to remember for sure!

Today is our final in Brazil! Soak up the vibe and get ready for the second part of the tour. Tomorrow we are up early to travel to Iguaçu National Park. Tonight, we will be welcoming some new travellers for the second part of our South America journey. Let the icebreakers commence!

We'll have some breakfast before we check out and head to the airport. Today, we're heading to Argentina and one of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders on the planet. We fly from São Paulo to Foz do Iguaçu, then head straight to Parque Nacional do Iguaçu to experience the Brazilian side of the falls. Prepare to get your mind blown, and your clothes absolutely soaked. Late afternoon, we'll cross the border into Argentina and check into our hotel. The evening is yours, explore the town and grab dinner at one of the local spots.

After breakfast, we head back into the national park, this time on the Argentine side, and this time we're going deep. We'll board the train straight to Devil's Throat, the centre of the falls, and walk the circuit right to the edge. The roar of the water is like nothing else. We then hop back on the train to the Superior Circuit for a completely different perspective across the waterfalls. In the afternoon, we visit the Jasy Porá community for a truly special experience. We'll be welcomed into the history and culture of this indigenous community, hear about their beliefs and spirituality and walk the forest trails where native trees are being restored.

After breakfast, we check out, grab snacks and supplies for the journey ahead, and make our way to the bus station. Tonight we travel on an overnight bus, rolling through the dark towards La Posta (Gualeguaychu). Settle in, enjoy your snacks, put a film on, and let the miles tick by.

We arrive early in Gualeguaychú, grab a quick snack and freshen up at the station before continuing our transfer across the border into Uruguay, arriving at a beautiful working ranch outside Mercedes. Lunch is waiting for us at the ranch. Think proper, hearty Uruguayan countryside cooking, and then the afternoon is for diving into ranch life. Saddle up for horse riding, try your hand at making empanadas from scratch, and learn how to milk a cow (yes, really). Dinner is back at the ranch as the sun goes down over the Uruguayan countryside.

We wake up to breakfast at the estancia before transferring to one of Uruguay's most beautiful towns, Colonia de Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage gem sitting right on the Río de la Plata river. The afternoon is yours to wander at your own pace. Stroll the cobbled streets of the historic quarter or visit the Plaza de Toros.

This morning we are crossing from Colonia across the Río de la Plata into Buenos Aires. Welcome to one of the greatest cities in the world. We'll be picked up from the port and head to our hotel to drop off our luggage, then we'll go straight for a walking tour of the city.

This morning, we're doing another Buenos Aires walking tour, and we'll learn about the city's history and culture here. The rest of the day is free time to fill however you like. It's our last full day on tour, and your Tru Leader will be there with plenty of options! Tonight we will meet for one final group dinner, it'll be emotional, so get the tissues ready!

It's time to check out and say your goodbyes. What a trip, from the thundering falls of Iguazu to the cobblestones of Colonia and the Uruguayan ranch at sunrise. We hope South America has well and truly stolen your heart.