Compare Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil by Intrepid Travel vs Uruguay self-drive by Audley Travel
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 2,510 | $ 4,614 |
| Price Per Day | $ 251 | $ 308 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Hug the eastern coastline of South America on a ten-day adventure. This down-to-earth adventure takes you from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro via Colonia del Sacramento, a working estancia and the spectacular Iguazu Falls. Embrace ranch life during your estancia stay and explore the grounds on horseback, wonder at the largest waterfall in the world and get a taste of Rio’s nightlife. |
Uruguay is arty, wealthy and well-groomed. But, away from its cities and polished beach resorts, things get a little wilder. Gauchos canter across open pampas, and sand dunes flank tiny fishing villages where time seems to stand still. Though it’s sandwiched between Argentina and Brazil, our specialists think Uruguay merits a trip in its own right (although it proves a rewarding next step from its bordering countries). They’ve explored it on foot, on horseback, and behind the wheel, and they’ll use this knowledge to help you make the most of your holiday to Uruguay, however long you choose to spend here. |
Day 1 Buenos Aires
Bienvenidos. Welcome to Argentina. Your trip begins with an orientation walk around Buenos Aires’ Microcentro district at 1 pm. Your leader will be waiting in the lobby of your joining point hotel. Pass by historic buildings along the Avenida de Mayo, including the Casa Rosada (Argentina's government house) and perhaps have a coffee in the traditional Cafe Tortoni. Stroll around the picturesque streets of San Telmo and its antique markets. Attend a group welcome meeting at 6 pm to prepare for the rest of your adventure.
Day 2 Colonia del Sacramento
Today cross the Rio de la Plata (River Plate) to Colonia del Sacramento by ferry (approximately 1.5 hours). On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this charming colonial city, known as the oldest in Uruguay. The World Heritage-listed Barrio Historico (Old Quarter) is a great place to start. Stroll down the cobblestone streets and rub shoulders with locals as they sip their yerba mate (tea). Listen to the noisy parakeets in the Plaza Mayor, or comb Colonia’s small museums. For great views over the city, climb to the top of a 19th-century lighthouse that’s still in operation.
Day 3 Estancia Stay
Today is a long travel day. Take a comfortable local bus from Colonia to Montevideo (approximately 3 hours). From Montevideo it's a further 5-hour journey to Tacuarembo by bus. The bus has reclining seats, but as the bus doesn’t stop it's also recommended that you bring some extra snacks at your own expense. From Tacuarembo, take a 1-hour truck and 4WD journey to the ranch, where you can get to know your hosts.
Day 4-5 Estancia Stay
Spend a few days experiencing life on a working Uruguayan farm. Although you’re welcome to relax and explore your surroundings at your leisure, you can also get involved with day-to-day jobs around the ranch. As a working farm, the digs aren’t fancy, but the incredible surroundings and hospitality are something special. Enjoy three home-cooked meals a day and the chance to ride horses, in true gaucho (cowboy) style.
Day 6 Overnight Bus - Iguazu Falls
In the morning bid farewell to your hosts. Travel to the Uruguay/Argentinian border (3 hours). Cross the border to Concordia in Argentina. Board a 12-hour overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu.
Day 7 Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side)
As soon as you arrive at Puerto Iguazu bus station this morning, take a minivan across the border into Brazil and head straight to the national park to witness the majestic Foz do Iguacu/Iguazu Falls. After some time spent admiring this force of nature, head to your hotel in Foz do Iguacu. Enjoy free time for the rest of the day.
Day 8 Iguazu Falls (Argentinian side)
Return to Argentina today to see Iguazu Falls from a different angle. Following a series of boardwalks, it’s possible to get so close to the thundering waters that you can almost touch them. At over two-kilometres long, Iguazu Falls are made up of over 270 separate cascades, with some reaching up to 80 metres in height. For a more exhilarating experience, take an optional Zodiac boat ride to the base of the falls! In the afternoon return to your accommodation in Foz do Iguacu in Brazil.
Day 9 Rio de Janeiro
Take an included flight to Rio de Janeiro. Settle into your hotel room then head out with your leader for an orientation walk. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe head to Copacabana or Ipanema Beach or, if the time of year is right, check out a soccer game at the famous Maracana Stadium. You might like to take the tramcar up to the hillside neighbourhood of Santa Teresa or head up Corcovado Mountain, where you’ll find sweeping views over Rio from the foot of the Christ the Redeemer statue.
Day 10 Rio de Janeiro
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you'd like to spend more time in Rio de Janeiro, we would be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Montevideo.
Day 2 : Jose Ignacio
On arrival this morning you will be met and assisted with the collection of your hire car. You will then hit the road to head to Jose Ignacio.
Day 3 : Jose Ignacio
Exploring Jose Ignacio and the Atlantic coast at leisure with your hire car.
Day 4 : Jose Ignacio
Exploring Jose Ignacio and the Atlantic coast at leisure with your hire car.
Day 5 : Estancia El Charabon
You will drive further north into Rocha arriving into your estancia.
Day 6 : Estancia El Charabon
Activities or relaxation from your estancia.
Day 7 : Estancia El Charabon
Activities or relaxation from your estancia.
Day 8 : Montevideo
You will drive back to the capital city today arriving into Montevideo and your stylish hotel in the trendy Pocitos neighbourhood.Enjoy the complimentary evening wine tastings in the hotel bar.
Day 9 : Montevideo
Your guide will meet you in the morning for a half day tour of Montevideo.
Day 10 : Carmelo
Back on the road today and you journey west to Uruguay's wine country.
Day 11 : Carmelo
Exploring the wineries in your hire car.
Day 12 : Colonia del Sacramento
A short drive south today as you journey to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Colonia del Sacramento.
Day 13 : Colonia del Sacramento
Exploring Colonia with your guide.
Day 14 : Colonia del Sacramento
Returning the car at Montevideo Airport you will take your night flight home.
Day 15 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
