Compare Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro: Falls & Footy by G Adventures vs Adventure in Uruguay: Montevideo & Punta del Este by Great Value Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 17 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 2,479 | $ 2,671 |
| Price Per Day | $ 146 | $ 334 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners | N/A |
| Description |
Get your South American rush with other young travellers unafraid to embrace the new. You'll kick off the adventure in sophisticated Buenos Aires before getting back to nature on day hikes at a working Uruguayan ranch. Marvel at Iguassu Falls, then hop on a flight to São Paulo on your way to the Brazilian coast — no gruelling bus ride means more time on the beach. We'll wrap up the party in Rio, where you're free to embrace the carnival atmosphere from our centrally-located Copacabana hostel. |
There's more to Uruguay than meets the eye. While cosmopolitan Montevideo and glitzy Punta del Este offer enough to sustain most visitors, it pays to dig deeper. On this 7-night adventure, you'll see a massive colony of sea lions along the Atlantic coast and horseback ride in the countryside, where vast fields spread out like oceans. Begin in Montevideo and enjoy a bike tour taking you to all of the city's highlights, from Constitution Square to the waterfront, where Montevideo residents love to stroll with a mug of mate in hand. From the capital, journey to the countryside for a day at an authentic estancia (ranch). Go mountain biking, horseback riding and fishing in this idyllic landscape! You'll then journey along the coast of Uruguay to the party resort town of Punta del Este. Hop on a bike and see the old lighthouse, beaches and pose for a photo of the iconic La Mano sculpture! Spend a day in Punta del Este at leisure, then enjoy a full-day tour of Cabo Polonio, a quaint coastal hamlet which has the second-largest colony of sea lions in the world! Helpful links for travel to Uruguay: |
Day 1 Buenos Aires
Arrive at any time. Soak in the energy of the bustling and trendy "Paris of the Americas" before mingling with your fellow travellers, and get excited for the adventures to come with a few drinks at the hostel.
If you pre-booked the Buenos Aires Bike Tour, it does not include extra time in Buenos Aires and we highly recommend booking pre-trip accommodation. You will need to be at the meeting point by 10am to start the activity.
Day 2 Buenos Aires
Explore the "Paris of the Americas," from the hidden patios of trendy Palermo to bohemian vibes in San Telmo this city has something for everyone. Don’t miss out! Today is your last chance to experience a guided tour of the city and to immerse yourself in the passion of the tango.
Opt to pre-book the "Buenos Aires Bike Tour" or "Buenos Aires Tango Experience" activities on the checkout page ahead of time to include these optionals on your tour.
Day 3 Buenos Aires/Colonia
Hop aboard a ferry and cruise across the Río de la Plata to Colonia, Uruguay. Wander through the colourful streets of this quaint seaside retreat on an orientation walk before free time to explore (and relax!) at your own speed.
In high season, accommodation may be multi-share.
Day 4 Colonia/Montevideo
Your journey continues in the morning as you travel from Colonia to Montevideo. The afternoon is yours for the taking — so explore as you wish! You can wander through the vibrant streets of old town searching for street art or visit an iconic soccer stadium that was host to the first World Cup. Hungry? Bring your appetite to Port Market where you will find an endless bounty of delicious meats. (And fruits and veggies, too.)
Day 5 Montevideo
Wake up ready to take on another day in Montevideo. Hop on a bike and cruise down the Rambla, soaking up sun and gorgeous views from this coastline avenue. Take a day trip to glamorous Punta del Este to admire the upscale neighbourhoods and gardens. Or if you prefer to relax today, kick back and chill in the park like a local.
Day 6 Montevideo/Estancia Stay
Today, let the scenery of picturesque settlements and pastures guide you to Mercedes, your last Uruguayan stop at a local ranch, known in this region as an estancia.
Day 7 Estancia Stay
Live like a local today as you experience life on an Uruguayan ranch. Walk through the serene countryside, learn how to make empanadas, and enjoy horseback riding with amazing views. End your estancia stay in the best way possible — with a local barbecue.
Day 8 Estancia Stay/Iguassu Falls
Cross the border into Gualeguaychu in Argentina today. Unwind, relax and reflect on your travels as you begin your overnight journey to Iguassu Falls.
Day 9 Iguassu Falls
Welcome to Iguassu Falls where your next adventure awaits. Choose to visit the Brazilian side of the falls and experience unforgettable panoramic views. Reach new heights with the option to take a helicopter ride over the falls, or check out a bird park.
Day 10 Iguassu Falls
Enjoy a full day excursion to the breathtaking Argentine side of the falls. Don't forget to take pictures as you wander along paths to experience the falls from each exhilarating vantage point. You can also take a boat tour to see the cascading falls from below.
Day 11 Iguassu Falls/Paraty
Wheels up! Take a quick flight to São Paulo today then head straight to the coast. Take some time to explore the colonial town of Paraty, then hit the beach.
In high season, accommodation in Paraty may be multi-share.
Day 12 Paraty
Do as much or as little as you want today. Go swimming, snorkelling, or explore the islands on a boat tour. Or, simply recharge your batteries by immersing yourself in the laidback vibes of Paraty.
Paraty is a quaint colonial town renowned for its architecture—the pace might be slow but there's a lot to choose from. Considered one of the world's most important examples of Portuguese colonial architecture by UNESCO, the historic centre is a well-preserved national historic monument, and today has been closed to vehicles to preserve its laid-back colonial ambiance.
Opt to pre-book the "Paraty Caipirinha Boat Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Day 13 Paraty/Ilha Grande
Continue up the coast today and hop aboard a ferry to where your island paradise awaits.
In high season, accommodation in Ilha Grande may be multi-share.
Day 14 Ilha Grande
The day is yours to explore Ilha Grande. Break a sweat hiking remote trails to experience jaw dropping views, or choose to relax on a boat tour through turquoise waters to some of the island's most beautiful beaches to swim and snorkel.
Day 15 Ilha Grande/Rio de Janeiro
Say goodbye to island life and head north along a dramatic coastal road with sweeping views. Round the cliffs at Vidigal to catch a first glimpse of your next destination and one of the most memorable cities in the world — Rio de Janeiro. Take a city tour to experience the sights of Rio, like the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, or take a stroll along Copacabana beach.
Day 16 Rio de Janeiro
In the morning, explore the favela with a local resident on a G Adventures-supported tour to watch a drumming demonstration, get a Capoeira lesson, and sample craft beers with a new perspective of the city. Enjoy a free afternoon to discover all that Rio has to offer.
Day 17 Rio de Janeiro
Depart at any time.
Day 1 Welcome to Montevideo!
Bienvenidos a Uruguay! Arrive at Montevideo airport and enjoy a transfer to your first hotel. Uruguay’s capital is a city of contrasts, with its well-preserved historic landmarks on one side and modern buildings on the other. Once you settle in, take a stroll on La Rambla (Montevideo's waterfront promenade), which provides access to over 18 miles of coastline.
Day 2 Montevideo
Kickstart your adventure vacation in Uruguay with a bike tour around the city! Start at the waterfront then cycle to Constitution Square, Independence Square and more. In the afternoon, consider booking a town car for the 20-minute drive to Bodega Bouza Winery. This beautiful winery is a front-runner in the local industry, creating hearty reds made with tannat, the signature Uruguayan grape, as well as tempranillo and merlot. Don't miss seeing the 1964 Citröen D.S., Ford Model T’s and a droll Messerschmitt 1957 minicar in the owner's vintage car showroom!
Day 3 Montevideo
Leave Montevideo behind today as you travel into the heart of the Uruguayan countryside! Spend the day hiking, biking and horseback riding at Estancia Finca Piedra. Upon your return to the city, head to Mercado del Puerto for a sensory food experience. Uruguayans love their meat, so saddle up to a bustling parrilla (steak restaurant) and dig in!
Day 4 Montevideo - Punta del Este
You'll be picked up this morning from your hotel for a 2-hour bus ride to your next destination: Punta del Este! Transfer to your hotel, settle in, then enjoy a 3-hour bike tour of the city highlights! Pose for a photo at the iconic La Mano (The Hand) sculpture and gaze out across the wild Atlantic Ocean. In the evening, watch the sunset at Playa Brava then enjoy a fresh seafood meal in town.
Day 5 Punta del Este
Enjoy a day at leisure in Punta del Este! Consider visiting Casapueblo, the home and atelier of internationally renowned artist, Carlos Paez Vilaró. The dazzling white complex, resembling Spanish-Moroccan architecture, is situated on a rocky bluff overlooking the ocean. Vilaró built it in 1958 with his own hands, using only traditional tools. Narrow steps lead to a maze of rooms scattered on different levels and filled with the artist’s works.
Day 6 Punta del Este
Leave Punta del Este in the early morning and drive east to the hamlet of Cabo Polonio. Trek across the expansive sand dunes and see the second-largest colonies of sea lions in the world sunbathing on the rocks!
Day 7 Punta del Este - Montevideo
At the given time, you'll be transferred to the bus terminal in Punta del Este where you'll board the bus to Montevideo. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 8 Depart Uruguay
Your Uruguayan adventure ends today. You'll be transferred to the international airport in Montevideo for your flight home.
