Buenos Aires to Rio Unplugged

17 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
2018 TRIP ITINERARY CHANGE – From January next year, the trip code and itinerary of this trip will change. Please see the Buenos Aires to Rio Explorer (GGBDC) on our website Hug the coastline of eastern South America on this amazing unplugged adventure. Discover an array of colourful Argentinean attractions, travel to Rio de Janeiro to soak up 'la vida' B...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Soak up the cosmopolitan, European and Latin charms of Buenos Aires and explore the sights of its historic city centre
    • Harness your inner gaucho during a three-day stay at a working estancia in Uruguay. Whether it’s getting involved in daily chores around the farm, working with livestock or simply relaxing on the ranch, experience a unique way of life and Uruguayan hospitality at its best
    • The mighty Iguazu Falls straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil, and you’ll be able to see it from both sides
    • Step back in time in the traffic-free streets of colonial Paraty, where Portugal meets Brazil, jungle meets sea and relaxation meets adventure
    • If it weren’t for the ruins of an old prison, you’d never imagine that Ilha Grande has such treacherous history of piracy, disease and criminality. Enjoy two free full days to discover virgin rainforest, crystal lagoons and some of Brazil’s best beaches in this undeveloped island paradise
    • The heaving, hedonistic metropolis of Rio de Janeiro is a great way to end the trip. Party down with the locals and experience a culture at the beating heart of Brazil

What's this trip about?

    2018 TRIP ITINERARY CHANGE – From January next year, the trip code and itinerary of this trip will change. Please see the Buenos Aires to Rio Explorer (GGBDC) on our website Hug the coastline of eastern South America on this amazing unplugged adventure. Discover an array of colourful Argentinean attractions, travel to Rio de Janeiro to soak up 'la vida' Brazil style and experience life on a working estancia in Uruguay. South America will reveal itself as a fun, feisty and flamboyant continent that will leave you giddy and wanting more, more, more!

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityBuenos Aires
End CityRio de Janeiro

Travel Themes

  • High Adventure
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

  • South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Uruguay

Attractions

  • Buenos Aires
  • Iguazu Falls
  • Paraty
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • Sao Paulo

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Buenos Aires

Bienvenidos. Welcome to Argentina. Your adventure begins with an orientation walk around Buenos Aires’ Microcentro district at 1pm. Your leader will be waiting in the lobby of your joining point hotel. Pass by historic buildings along the Avenida de Mayo, including th...

Day 2 Colonia

Today cross the Rio de la Plata (River Plate) to Colonia del Sacramento by ferry (approximately three hours). On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this charming colonial city, which is the oldest in Uruguay. The World Heritage-listed Barrio Historico is a great plac...

Day 3 Montevideo

Your adventure continues with a three-hour local bus ride to Montevideo. The city is Uruguay's capital and its commercial and cultural centre, but it still retains a laidback atmosphere. On arrival take part in an optional city tour (at your own expense). If you’d pre...

Day 4 Estancia Stay

Today make the five-hour journey to Tacuarembo by bus. The bus has reclining seats and you'll be provided with a typical Uruguayan snack, but as the bus doesn’t stop it's also recommended that you bring your own food. From Tacuarembo it takes a further hour by truck and 4WD to the ranch, where you’ll be spending the next three nights.

Day 5-7 Estancia Stay

Day 8 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 continue onto your hotel in Foz do Iguacu. Depending on traffic, this should take about an hour. Close to the borders with Argentina and Paraguay, Foz do...

Day 9 Iguazu Falls - Argentinean Side

Travel back into Argentina today to visit the falls. Following a series of boardwalks, it’s possible to get so enough to the thundering waters that you can almost touch them. At over 2 km long, Iguazu Falls are actually a series of cataracts. There are over 270 falls ...

Day 10 Paraty

Take an included flight from Foz de Iguazu to Sao Paulo (the flight will usually be early in the morning, however  the it may vary across departure dates) From Sao Paulo take a bus (approximately 6 hours) to Paraty. Head to the hotel in Paraty and check-in to the rooms. Shorlty after your Tour Leader will take you on an orientation walk around Paraty.

Day 11-12 Paraty

Day 13 Ilha Grande

Today, travel by local bus and ferry to the island getaway of Ilha Grande (approximately five hours). This island paradise of pristine beaches and rainforest has been largely untouched by development. There are no private cars or banks on the island, so make sure you ...

Day 14-15 Ilha Grande

Day 16 Rio de Janeiro

Board a boat to the small port of Mangaratiba today, and from here take a minivan to Rio de Janeiro. The total journey should take about three-and-a-half hours. The day is yours to explore. People-watch on Copacabana or Ipanema beach, take a tour of a favela or, if th...

Day 17 Rio de Janeiro

Today your South American adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,362
Price per day$139
Last Updated: 7/19/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for active and adventurous travelers at a range of different price points and service levels.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Estancia (3 nts),Hotel (11 nts),Overnight bus (1 nt),

Transportation & Flights

Bus,Overnight bus,Plane,Private vehicle,

Transportation & flights

Bus,Overnight bus,Plane,Private vehicle
Guides
All Intrepid group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/insurance.php
Visa requirements
Passport: Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months' validity remaining. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. Visas: Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The below country specific information was correct at time of writing, however please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. Also remember to check whether a transit visa is required on route to join this trip or on the way home. If you receive an immigration card upon entry, please ensure you keep this safe as it may be requested at point of exit.  ARGENTINA: Americans, Australian, Belgians, British, Canadians, Dutch, Germans, New Zealanders and South Africans do not currently require a visa for Argentina. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa or entry requirements with the Argentinean consulate in your home country. Reciprocity tax for some passport holders: The Argentine Government charges a reciprocity tax to Canadian passport holders which must be paid prior to arrival. A receipt for this payment must be produced at every border crossing into Argentina. The amount is as follows: Canadians - US$78 (multiple entry for up to 5 years from date of issue) Please use this link: http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/accesible/indexP.php?reciprocidad For instructions on how to process this payment, please visit: http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/pdf_varios/reciprocidad/Online_payment_instructions_16.pdf#zoom=100 - Select "Tasa de reciprocidad/Reciprocity fee" - Read the information in the pop up box - Select "Continuar/Continue" - Sign up & register your details (The link is in the blue box below the Login button)- Click "Tourism Fee" - Then follow the prompts  - Please save a copy & print your receipt BRAZIL: Belgians, British, Dutch, Germans, New Zealanders and South Africans do not currently require a visa for Brazil. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa or entry requirements with the Brazilian consulate in your home country. Nationals from Australia, Canada and the United States require a visa for Brazil and this must be applied for before leaving your home country. Please ensure you lodge your application at least 5 weeks before leaving home. The Brazilian Tourist Visa has a validity of 90 days from the first day of entry to Brazil and it can be used multiple times within its validity. In order to apply for this visa, you will be required to provide the following documentation: A. Original passport valid for a minimum of six months with at least two blank pages (Applicants with a middle name/s must include the middle name/s in the "Given Name" field of the online application form) B. One recent professional passport-size photograph, frontal, on white background (Only JPG/JPEG, GIF and PNG files are accepted, smaller than 300KB)  C. Visa Request Form To complete this form and for more information on this process visit: https://formulario-mre.serpro.gov.br - Change language to English top right - Click on "Visa" - Read instructions  - Click "Start new application" - Fill out required fields and follow prompts BRAZIL ENTRY POINT: Please note for visa applications, groups travelling on this itinerary will enter Brazil via the land border crossing at Puerto Iguazu-Foz do Iguacu on Day 7. Travellers return to Argentina to visit Iguazu Falls during Day 8 but spend the night back in Brazil at our hotel in Foz do Iguacu.
Health & Safety
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us/safety PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. MONEY WITHDRAWAL: In order to avoid fraud, it is advisable that you withdraw money from ATMs located inside banks or guarded shops during business hours only. SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. HORSE RIDING: Horse riding is an option available to groups on this trip. Please note however that horse riding is usually not covered by your travel insurance and helmets are not always available. If riding without a helmet is a concern then you should bring our own.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Hotel Santa Clara
  • Rua Decio Vilares #316
  • Copacabana
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • BRAZIL
Trip ID
intrepid-GGRS

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