South America Essentials: Uruguay, Buenos Aires, Iguazú & Rio

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred by private service to your hotel in Montevideo. The rest of the day will be free for you to begin exploring at your own pace.

Montevideo blends coastal scenery with a rich cultural identity. You can stroll along La Rambla, discover its historic neighborhoods, or take time to experience the local gastronomy. A visit to Mercado del Puerto is a great way to get a first taste of traditional Uruguayan cuisine.

Ease into the rhythm of the city as your South American journey begins.

Today, you will explore Montevideo’s main landmarks on a guided city tour. After being picked up from your hotel, the journey begins in the historic center, where pedestrian streets, the cathedral, and the town hall reflect the city’s colonial past.

From there, you will continue to Independence Square and the Legislative Palace, two of the most important sites in Montevideo’s civic life.

Neighborhoods & Coastal Views
The tour then moves through the Prado neighborhood, known for its green spaces and residential charm, before following La Rambla, where the coastline opens into wide views of the Río de la Plata.

You will also visit Carrasco, one of the city’s most elegant areas, with a stop at Plaza Virgilio for panoramic views and a chance to see the monument dedicated to fallen Navy soldiers.

At the end of the tour, you will return to your hotel, enjoying a final drive along the coast.

Today, you will head out on a full-day excursion to Punta del Este, one of South America’s most renowned seaside destinations. Along the way, the landscape gradually shifts from the capital’s urban setting to a coastline defined by beaches, open views, and relaxed seaside towns.

Exploring Punta del Este
Once there, you will discover its main highlights, including the port, the lighthouse, and the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. You will also pass through residential areas such as San Rafael, Golf, and Beverly Hills, known for their distinctive homes and coastal atmosphere.

The route continues along the main avenues, where you will find local markets, restaurants, and the lively character that defines the destination. A stop at La Barra will introduce you to its iconic wavy bridge and a more laid-back, bohemian setting.

Coastal Villages & Ocean Views
Further along the coast, you will pass through smaller beach towns such as Punta Piedras and José Ignacio, once a fishing village and now a quiet retreat known for its understated charm.

Before returning, you will visit Punta Ballena and Casapueblo, the former home and workshop of artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. From here, you can take in panoramic views of the coastline and, if timing allows, one of the region’s most memorable sunsets.

At the end of the day, you will return to Montevideo after a full experience along Uruguay’s coastline.

At the scheduled time, you will be transferred from your hotel in Montevideo to the bus station for your trip to Colonia del Sacramento. Upon arrival, a transfer will take you to your hotel.

Arrival in a Historic Town
Colonia del Sacramento is known for its well-preserved colonial character and relaxed atmosphere. Its historic quarter, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features cobblestone streets, low houses, and traces of both Spanish and Portuguese influence.

The rest of the day will be free to explore at your own pace. You can walk through the old town, browse small local shops, and enjoy views of the Río de la Plata in a setting that feels far removed from the pace of the capital.

Today, you will explore Colonia del Sacramento on a guided walking tour through its historic district. Founded by the Portuguese in 1680, the town preserves a unique character shaped by centuries of history.

During the tour, you will visit key landmarks such as the City Gates, the Street of Sighs, the Main Square, the ruins of San Francisco Church, the Lighthouse, the Governor’s House, and the Basilica of the Holy Sacrament. Each stop reveals part of the story behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A Step Back in Time
Walking through its cobblestone streets offers a closer look at the blend of Portuguese and Spanish influences that define the town’s identity.

At the end of the tour, you will return to your hotel, with time to continue enjoying Colonia at your own pace.

At the scheduled time, you will be transferred from your hotel in Colonia to the port to board a shared ferry to Buenos Aires. This short crossing connects Uruguay with Argentina, offering a smooth transition between two distinct destinations.

Arrival in Buenos Aires
Upon arrival at the port, a private transfer will take you to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free to start exploring the city at your own pace.

Buenos Aires is a dynamic capital, known for its European-style architecture, cultural life, and vibrant neighborhoods. As you settle in, you will begin to experience the energy and character that define this city.

Today is free for you to continue discovering Buenos Aires on your own. You can revisit your favorite neighborhoods, explore museums, enjoy the city’s gastronomy, or simply take in the atmosphere at your own rhythm.

Optional Experience: The Pampas
If you are looking to go beyond the city, an optional excursion to the Pampas can be arranged. Just under two hours away, San Antonio de Areco offers insight into traditional gaucho culture and rural life in Argentina.

This experience is not included in your itinerary, but can be added upon request.

Today, you will visit Iguazú National Park on the Argentine side. After being picked up from your hotel, you will head into the rainforest, where the falls are surrounded by a rich subtropical ecosystem. Along the way, your guide will help you spot local wildlife such as toucans, parrots, and coatis.

Up Close to the Falls
A network of trails and walkways will take you to different viewpoints, allowing you to experience the falls from multiple perspectives. The highlight of the visit is the “Devil’s Throat,” the largest and most powerful section of the falls. To reach it, you will take the ecological train and continue along boardwalks that lead directly to this impressive viewpoint.

After exploring the park, you will have some free time to relax and enjoy lunch before returning to your hotel. This full-day experience offers a close connection to one of South America’s most iconic natural landscapes.

This morning, you will cross the border into Brazil to visit Foz do Iguaçu National Park. Remember to bring your passport for the border crossing.

While the Argentine side offers close-up encounters, the Brazilian side provides wide panoramic views of the falls. Inside the park, you will follow walkways that lead to different viewpoints, allowing you to appreciate the scale of the landscape. Along the way, you will walk the Salto Santa María boardwalk and approach the area near the Devil’s Throat, where the force of the water becomes most evident.

After the visit, you will return to the park entrance and be transferred back.

Flight to Rio de Janeiro
At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to Foz do Iguaçu Airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel.

The rest of the day will be free to relax or begin exploring the city, whether walking along the coastline or settling into Rio’s atmosphere.

Today, you will head to the Urca neighborhood to visit one of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic landmarks: Sugarloaf Mountain. After being picked up from your hotel, you will begin the ascent by cable car.

The first ride takes you to Urca Hill, where you will enjoy views over Guanabara Bay, its islands, the Rio–Niterói bridge, and Corcovado in the distance. From there, a second cable car continues to the summit of Sugarloaf.

Panoramic Views of Rio
At the top, you will have time to take in wide views of the city, including Copacabana Beach, the coastline, and surrounding hills. This vantage point offers a different perspective of Rio’s landscape, where the city and nature meet.

After the visit, you will be transferred back to your hotel, with the rest of the day free to continue exploring or relax.

Today, you will set out on a half-day jeep tour to explore some of Rio de Janeiro’s most emblematic landmarks. After being picked up from your hotel, you will head toward Corcovado Hill, home to the Christ the Redeemer statue.

From the summit, you will take in panoramic views of the city, including the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon, as well as Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon.

Into the Tijuca Forest
The journey continues into Tijuca National Park, one of the largest urban forests in the world. Here, you will take a short walk to Cascatinha Falls, surrounded by dense vegetation and a quieter natural setting that contrasts with the city below.

Santa Teresa’s Local Character
On the way back, you will visit Santa Teresa, a neighborhood known for its historic houses, artistic atmosphere, and traditional tram. Walking through its streets offers a different perspective of Rio, shaped by local culture and a more relaxed pace.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

At the scheduled time, you will be transferred from your hotel to Rio de Janeiro airport for your onward flight.

This marks the end of your journey across South America, connecting cities, cultures, and natural landscapes along the way.

Important Information
We strive to ensure that all services and reservations are carried out as planned. However, for safety reasons, local operators may adjust the order of activities in case of weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.