Buenos Aires to Rio | - Contiki Tour
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Contiki Guided Tour

Buenos Aires to Rio |

16 Days 34 Departures
From $2,355 per person

Tour Overview

Get ready for 16 days of city buzz, slow-coast moments and headline hits, moving through hostels, ferries, transfers and overnight buses with your crew. You'll go from Buenos Aires to Uruguay’s laid-back corners in Montevideo & Colonia, dip into gaucho country in San Antonio de Areco, then crank it up at Iguazu Falls (both Argentina and Brazil sides) before finishing with Ilha Grande island time and Rio de Janeiro to close it out in style.

Tour Summary

Duration16 Days / 15 Nights
OperatorContiki
Departures34 in 2027–2028
Starting From$2,355 pp

Tour Route

Map of your 16-day journey

Buenos Aires to Rio | route map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

16 days through your journey

Day 1

Buenos Aires

Hello and welcome to Argentina! This afternoon is yours to settle in and start soaking up that high-altitude buzz. In the evening, you’ll meet your Trip Manager for a welcome meeting.
Day 2

Buenos Aires

Hola Argentina! We'll kick things off with an orientation to get you sorted, then the afternoon will be yours to explore. Hit the neighbourhoods, cafe-hop, people-watch, or just wander until something delicious finds you. For dinner tonight, opt in for an Argentine Sherpa dinner.
Day 3

Buenos Aires

Today’s yours to dive deeper. You can opt for a trip out to Tigre and explore its riverside delta life. Back in Buenos Aires tonight, level things up with an optional dinner & tango Show — bold moves, big flavours, and pure Argentine drama (the good kind).
Day 4

Buenos Aires to Montevideo

This morning we’ll cruise by private transfer to the port and hop on the ferry across the Río de la Plata, waving goodbye to BA as we head for Uruguay. We’ll arrive into Montevideo, take a private transfer to the hostel, then hit the streets for an orientation of the relaxed coastal vibes, cafe stops, and your first taste of Uruguay.
Day 5

Montevideo

Today's yours to do Montevideo your way — beach strolls, old town wandering, long lunches, the works. Later, hop on an optional bike ride and see more of the city with the breeze in your face.
Day 6

Montevideo to Colonia

You’ll hop on a private transfer to Colonia, swapping city streets for slower, sunnier vibes. After dropping your bags at the hostel, we'll head out on an orientation through this cobbled, bougainvillea-draped beauty of a town. You’ll wander the Barrio Histórico past the old city gate, Plaza Mayor and the Basilica, with the option to climb the lighthouse for rooftop-and-river views, then ease into rambla time for beaches, pier sunsets and the famous Colonia sign.
Day 7

Colonia to San Antonio de Areco via Buenos Aires

Catch ya' later, Colonia. We’ll walk from the hostel to the cruise terminal and board a fast ferry back across the river. Touch down, meet our private transfer, and trade city buzz for wide-open pampas as we head out of town. Welcome to estancia life. We’ll check into our Special Stay at La Cinacina, just a stroll from the historic heart of this gaucho town — think low colonial houses, tree-lined streets and horses casually passing by. You can opt for horseback riding, then slow it right down: wander the estancia grounds, read under a shady tree, or claim a poolside spot. Tonight, we’ll head into town for dinner at a local restaurant. Pampas energy = unlocked.
Day 8

San Antonio de Areco to Puerto Iguazu

Soak up a lazy morning at the estancia — wander the grounds or claim a poolside spot for a few more hours. Then it’s a private transfer to Campana bus station. Snack stock-up for the ride, and you’re set. Settle in for the comfy overnight bus (lie-flat seats = yes please) as the scenery shifts from Buenos Aires plains to greener, subtropical Misiones. Tomorrow, we'll wake up to red earth, rainforest pockets, and yerba mate plantations.
Day 9

Puerto Iguazu to Foz do Iguaçu

At noon, we'll arrive into Brasil! Check into the hotel, freshen up, and get ready for what’s next. Wanna see Iguassu Falls from above? Of course, you do. So opt in for a helicopter ride for full-scale, jaw-drop views (cue the camera roll).
Day 10

Foz do Iguaçu

Today, we'll check out the Argentinian side of Iguassu Falls and spend the day getting up close to the thunder and mist on the walkways. If you’re chasing an extra hit of adrenaline, you can opt into the Iguassu Falls Jet Boat. Next up, you’ll visit the Güira Oga Refuge to learn about rescued wildlife and the conservation work happening in the surrounding rainforest, before crossing back into Brazil with free time for dinner.
Day 11

Foz do Iguaçu to Ilha Grande via Rio de Janiero and Porto Real

Bye bye Iguacu. Time for flight no. 2 of this trip.  Hop on your included flight to Rio, then meet your private transfer to our next destination. Island mode = loading. Once we touch down in Porto Real, we'll take a ferry to Ilha Grande . Sandy streets, açaí in hand, jungle-covered hills behind you, and little fishing boats doing their thing out on the water. That's the vibe on this island. Take tonight to do whatever you please.
Day 12

Ilha Grande

Today's all yours to spend relaxing on this show-stopping island. Wanna check out the blue lagoons nearby? There's a speed boat experience up for grabs.
Day 13

Ilha Grande

Today's the final day on this island, so make the most of it. Chill on the sand, swim, or maybe even hike to one of the island’s waterfalls.
Day 14

Ilha Grande to Rio de Janiero via Porto Real

Sorry, island time is up. But don't worry, there's something even more epic awaiting us today. Time to hop on the ferry back to Porto Real. Jump into a private transfer and head straight to your Rio hostel. After check-in, you can opt in to take the the train up to Christ the Redeemer for sweeping views over the city. Another wonder of the world, ticked off!
Day 15

Rio de Janiero

We'll kick off today by visiting Favela Cantagalo for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. In the evening, you'll have the option to head out with a crew for a farewell dinner. That's right, our South American adventure comes to an end tomorrow.
Day 16

Rio de Janiero

Aaaand, that's it. 16 unforgettable days of exploring South America has come to an end. Grab a final brekkie, take those group pics and leave with memories you'll be talking about for decades.

Departure Dates & Pricing

34 departures available

Departure DateEnd DateStatusPrice Per Person
Feb 4, 2027 Feb 19, 2027 Available $2,390per person Get Quote
Feb 18, 2027 Mar 5, 2027 Available $2,490per person Get Quote
Apr 1, 2027 Apr 16, 2027 Available $2,355per person Get Quote
Apr 15, 2027 Apr 30, 2027 Available $2,456per person Get Quote
Apr 29, 2027 May 14, 2027 Available $2,456per person Get Quote
May 13, 2027 May 28, 2027 Available $2,456per person Get Quote
May 20, 2027 Jun 4, 2027 Available $2,456per person Get Quote
May 27, 2027 Jun 11, 2027 Available $2,355per person Get Quote
Jun 3, 2027 Jun 18, 2027 Available $2,496per person Get Quote
Jun 10, 2027 Jun 25, 2027 Available $2,496per person Get Quote
Jun 17, 2027 Jul 2, 2027 Available $2,496per person Get Quote
Jun 24, 2027 Jul 9, 2027 Available $2,496per person Get Quote
Jul 1, 2027 Jul 16, 2027 Available $2,496per person Get Quote
Jul 8, 2027 Jul 23, 2027 Available $2,496per person Get Quote
Jul 15, 2027 Jul 30, 2027 Available $2,496per person Get Quote
Jul 29, 2027 Aug 13, 2027 Available $2,496per person Get Quote
Aug 5, 2027 Aug 20, 2027 Available $2,496per person Get Quote
Aug 12, 2027 Aug 27, 2027 Available $2,496per person Get Quote
Aug 26, 2027 Sep 10, 2027 Available $2,496per person Get Quote
Sep 2, 2027 Sep 17, 2027 Available $2,496per person Get Quote
Sep 9, 2027 Sep 24, 2027 Available $2,496per person Get Quote
Sep 23, 2027 Oct 8, 2027 Available $2,496per person Get Quote
Sep 30, 2027 Oct 15, 2027 Available $2,355per person Get Quote
Oct 7, 2027 Oct 22, 2027 Available $2,355per person Get Quote
Oct 14, 2027 Oct 29, 2027 Available $2,355per person Get Quote
Oct 28, 2027 Nov 12, 2027 Available $2,355per person Get Quote
Nov 11, 2027 Nov 26, 2027 Available $2,355per person Get Quote
Nov 18, 2027 Dec 3, 2027 Available $2,355per person Get Quote
Nov 25, 2027 Dec 10, 2027 Available $2,355per person Get Quote
Dec 9, 2027 Dec 24, 2027 Available $2,355per person Get Quote
Dec 16, 2027 Dec 31, 2027 Available $2,355per person Get Quote
Dec 30, 2027 Jan 14, 2028 Available $2,355per person Get Quote
Jan 6, 2028 Jan 21, 2028 Available $2,355per person Get Quote
Jan 20, 2028 Feb 4, 2028 Available $2,355per person Get Quote

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