Itinerary
- Day 1
Departure to Montevideo
Your journey starts today. Head to the airport and get through check-in, then board your flight to Montevideo. You'll have a few hours in the air before touching down in Uruguay.
- Day 2
Montevideo
After checking into your hotel, spend the day walking around Montevideo on foot. The Rambla waterfront promenade is the main draw here, and you can wander through Palermo and Barrio Sur from there. Plaza Independencia gives you a look at the historic Puerta de la Ciudadela and the Palacio Estévez. Continue into Ciudad Vieja where colonial buildings, colorful murals, and palm-lined streets fill the streets.
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Montevideo including Rambla, Palermo, and Barrio Sur districts
- Visit Plaza Independencia, Puerta de la Ciudadela, and Palacio Estévez
- Exploration of Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) colonial buildings and murals
Landmarks Palacio Salvo Plaza Independencia Puerta de la Ciudadela Palacio Estévez Rambla Ciudad Vieja - Day 3
Montevideo
Start with an acai bowl at the Mercado Agricola, then join a local guide to see Montevideo's key spots. You'll check out the Mercado del Puerto, the Catedral Metropolitana, and Avenida 18 de Julio. The Legislative Palace is worth seeing for its size and detail. Stop by the Centenario Stadium if you're interested in soccer history, then finish the day relaxing at Parque Rodo.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Montevideo with local English-speaking guide
- Visit Mercado del Puerto
- Visit Catedral Metropolitana
- Visit Legislative Palace
- Visit Centenario Stadium
Landmarks Mercado Agricola Mercado del Puerto Catedral Metropolitana Avenida 18 de Julio Legislative Palace Centenario Stadium Parque Rodo - Day 4
Montevideo
Head to the beach for the day. Playa Malvin is Montevideo's largest beach and gets busy for good reason. You can swim, relax on the sand, or try Playa Montoya if water sports appeal to you. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are options if you're interested. Later on, join in volleyball or soccer with locals.
Included Activities
- Beach day at Playa Malvin
Optional Activities
- Kitesurfing or windsurfing at Playa Montoya (payable on site)
- Volleyball or soccer tournament with locals
Landmarks Playa Malvin Playa Montoya - Day 5
Montevideo
Take it easy this morning with café con leche and medialunas, then spend time at Parque Rodó where you can hang out with locals. The murals around the area are worth checking out. You might rent a pedalo on the lake or visit the Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales if the weather's nice. If it's Saturday, the Villa Biarritz market has vintage finds and handmade jewelry.
Optional Activities
- Pedalo ride on the lake at Parque Rodó (payable on site)
- Visit Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales (payable on site)
- Villa Biarritz market (Saturday only)
Landmarks Parque Rodó Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales Villa Biarritz market - Day 6
Montevideo to Buenos Aires
Travel day to Buenos Aires starts with a coach bus to Colonia del Sacramento, then you'll cross by ferry. Once you settle in, walk through the Recoleta district with its Parisian-style townhouses and old architecture. El Ateneo Grand Splendid is a bookshop inside a converted theater and it's worth the visit. End by seeing the Floralis Genérica steel flower sculpture at Plaza de las Naciones.
Included Activities
- Coach bus from Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento
- Ferry from Colonia del Sacramento to Buenos Aires
- Guided exploration of Recoleta district
- Visit El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookshop
- Visit Floralis Genérica sculpture
Landmarks Colonia del Sacramento Recoleta El Ateneo Grand Splendid Floralis Genérica Plaza de las Naciones - Day 7
Buenos Aires
Find the famous 'BA' obelisk with green letters on Avenida 9 de Julio, which ranks among the world's widest roads. The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes has free admission and shows work from South American artists plus European pieces by Van Gogh and Monet. Grab coffee and churros at the historic Café Tortoni from 1858, then head to Bosques de Palermo Park to relax.
Included Activities
- Visit Avenida 9 de Julio and BA obelisk
- Visit Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (free admission)
Optional Activities
- Stop at Café Tortoni
Landmarks Avenida 9 de Julio BA Obelisk Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes Café Tortoni Bosques de Palermo Park Avenida de Mayo - Day 8
Buenos Aires
Walk through La Boca's rainbow-painted facades and check out the famous El Caminito street with restaurants and food stalls serving empanadas and craft beer. By evening, you'll learn tango at a dance class where instructors teach the fundamentals and cultural background. Then you'll dance the night away.
Included Activities
- Walking tour through La Boca district
- Visit El Caminito street
- Tango dance class with locals and cultural introduction
Landmarks La Boca El Caminito - Day 9
Buenos Aires
Explore San Telmo, Buenos Aires' historic center. Wander through art galleries and markets along the cobblestone alleys with street art everywhere. Stop at Plaza Dorrego to try mate, Argentina's national drink. Have lunch at a traditional parrilla where you'll taste authentic Argentine asado barbecue. The district also has hip bars if you want to explore after.
Included Activities
- Exploration of San Telmo district including galleries, markets, and street art
- Visit Plaza Dorrego
Optional Activities
- Lunch at traditional parrilla (steakhouse)
Landmarks San Telmo Plaza Dorrego - Day 10
Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu
Your final morning in Buenos Aires gives you time to take in the city's feel before heading to the airport for your flight to Puerto Iguazú. You'll land and go straight to the Brazilian side in Foz do Iguaçu. After checking into your hotel, relax and settle in. If you have energy left, explore local bars and try a coconut mocktail.
Optional Activities
- Evening exploration of bars in Foz do Iguaçu
Landmarks Foz do Iguaçu - Day 11
Foz do Iguaçu
You're seeing Iguazú Falls today with a local guide on the Brazilian side where you get full panoramic views. Hike through the national park trails surrounded by jungle and wildlife. The sound of water cascading from green cliffs gets louder as you get closer. The mist and raw power of the falls make it clear why this is one of South America's top natural sites.
Included Activities
- Guided tour to Iguazú Falls with local English-speaking guide
- Hiking trails through national park
Landmarks Iguazú Falls Iguazu National Park - Day 12
Foz do Iguaçu
Continue at Iguazu National Park but on the Argentine side now. You can choose the Circuito Superior route which takes about 40 minutes and offers waterfall and river delta views, or go for the 10 km Yacatatiá Trail if you want more of a challenge. Both routes take you through wild jungle where you'll spot colorful wildlife. There's also an optional boat tour for a different perspective.
Included Activities
- Hiking in Iguazu National Park (Argentine side) with local English-speaking guide
Optional Activities
- Circuito Superior hiking route (40 minutes)
- Yacaratía Trail (10 km)
- Boat tour through the jungle (payable on site)
Landmarks Iguazu National Park Circuito Superior Yacaratía Trail - Day 13
Foz do Iguaçu to Rio de Janeiro
You leave the jungle behind and fly to Rio de Janeiro where vibrant energy fills the air. After checking in to your accommodation, head straight to the legendary Copacabana beach. With its palm trees and colorful street life, the atmosphere is magical. Spend time just taking in Rio's vibe.
Landmarks Sugar Loaf Mountain Copacabana - Day 14
Rio de Janeiro
You'll arrive in Rio and head straight to the main attractions. Take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for views of the whole city, then continue to Corcovado to stand under the Cristo Redentor statue with its arms over the city. Stop by the Catedral de São Sebastião with its colorful stained glass. A guided tour can help you navigate Rio's neighborhoods with a local expert.
Included Activities
- Cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain summit
- Visit Cristo Redentor at Corcovado
- Visit Catedral de São Sebastião
Optional Activities
- Guided city tour with local guide (payable on site)
Landmarks Sugarloaf Mountain Cristo Redentor Corcovado Catedral de São Sebastião - Day 15
Rio de Janeiro
Take a guided walking tour through Rocinha, Rio's largest favela, with a local guide who grew up in the neighborhood. Walk the narrow alleyways and interact with residents. You'll see kids playing soccer and learn how this settlement became officially recognized. The tour gives you a real look at Rio beyond tourist spots.
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Rocinha favela with local guide
Landmarks Rocinha - Day 16
Rio de Janeiro
Spend time at Jardim Botânico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 140 hectares of gardens. Walk the paths and look for monkeys and hummingbirds. Then head to Santa Teresa, an artistic neighborhood with cobblestone streets and vintage character. The Escadaria Selarón is a colorful street staircase you won't want to miss.
Included Activities
- Visit Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden)
Optional Activities
- Taxi ride to Corcovado area (payable locally)
Landmarks Jardim Botânico Santa Teresa Escadaria Selarón - Day 17
Rio de Janeiro
Relax at either Copacabana or Ipanema beach, both offering Rio beach life at its best. White sand and warm water are the main draws. Swim, try surfing, or play soccer with others. Grab a caipirinha from a beach bar and soak in the atmosphere. Rio's laid-back vibe makes it easy to just go with the flow.
Included Activities
- Beach time at Copacabana or Ipanema
Landmarks Copacabana Beach Ipanema Beach - Day 18
Departure from Rio de Janeiro
Your last morning in Rio lets you take one final moment to feel the city's special energy. Head to the airport for your flight home. As the plane rises, Rio spreads out below like a patchwork quilt. You'll carry memories of waterfalls, street food, jungle trails, and city vibes home with you.
- Day 19
Arrival Home
Your plane touches down and you're heading home. Your mind fills with memories of thundering waterfalls, street food, jungle trails, and city vibes from the whole trip. Your camera has plenty of photos, but the real highlights are stored in your heart to share with people back home.
