Buenos Aires to the Amazon — 15-Day Self-Launched Adventure
15 days · Argentina & Brazil (Buenos Aires → Iguazu → Rio → Manaus → Amazon)
On The Go Tours charges £4,160
No-markup version: ~£855 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
A self-launched version of On The Go Tours' 15-day Buenos Aires to the Amazon itinerary, stitched together with local buses, domestic flights and self-booked tours. Start in Buenos Aires (city tour, Recoleta Cemetery, optional tango and gaucho day), fly or ride to Puerto Iguazu for the Argentine falls circuits, cross into Brazil for Rio (Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Santa Teresa), then fly north to Manaus for a city tour and a 3-night Amazon jungle lodge with wildlife hikes, piranha fishing and canoe trips. All activities can be arranged locally or via GetYourGuide/Klook, and accommodation uses backpacker hostels and budget guesthouses. Costs are approximate per person and exclude international flights.
Day-by-day
Arrive Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Land at Ezeiza (EZE) or Aeroparque (AEP) and get to your hostel in San Telmo or Palermo. Use the Tienda León shuttle (~£8) or the public bus 8/Manuel Tienda León combo if you're on a tight budget. Settle in, orient yourself with a walk around the neighbourhood, and have an early dinner — Argentine steak and wine is cheaper than you think. Pick up a SUBE travel card for local buses and the subway.
🚌Tienda León airport shuttle ~£8 or public transport ~£1
🛏Hostel dorm in San Telmo/Palermo (~£12-18/night)
- →Airport transfer (Tienda León shuttle or public bus)
- →Orientation walk in San Telmo/Palermo
- →Pick up SUBE card for public transport
- →Welcome empanada and steak dinner
Buenos Aires city tour
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Do a self-launched version of the operator's half-day city tour on foot and by SUBE bus. Hit 9 de Julio Avenue, the Obelisk, Corrientes Street, Plaza de Mayo, the Cathedral and Old City Hall, then wander San Telmo and colourful La Boca (stick to Caminito and El Caminito area in daylight). In the afternoon reach Puerto Madero, the Palermo woods and finish at Recoleta Cemetery (free to enter, small optional guided fee). Free walking tours run daily from Plaza de Mayo for a tip.
🚌SUBE bus/subway day pass ~£2-3
🛏Hostel dorm in San Telmo/Palermo (~£12-18/night)
- →Free walking tour (Plaza de Mayo & city centre)
- →9 de Julio Avenue & Obelisk
- →Plaza de Mayo, Cathedral & Old City Hall
- →San Telmo & La Boca (Caminito)
- →Recoleta Cemetery visit
- →Optional tango show in San Telmo
Buenos Aires — gaucho or tango day
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Choose an optional day trip: a gaucho ranch (estancia) day trip out on the pampas with horse riding, asado and folk music (~£45-70 booked locally or via GetYourGuide), or stay in the city for a tango lesson plus a milonga in the evening (~£10-15 for a group class, plus a cheap milonga entry). Day trips are easy to arrange at your hostel or online.
🚌Day trip minibus included in tour price; local SUBE otherwise
🛏Hostel dorm in San Telmo/Palermo (~£12-18/night)
- →Gaucho estancia day trip (optional, self-booked)
- →Horse riding & asado lunch
- →Tango lesson in San Telmo (optional)
- →Evening milonga (tango club) entry
Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu
Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
Fly from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu (Foz do Iguaçu or Iguazú airport). Budget airlines (Flybondi, JetSMART, Aerolíneas Argentinas) run frequent flights — book early for deals. Alternatively take the ~17-hour overnight bus (Río Uruguay or Crucero del Norte) if you want to save money and travel overland. Once in Puerto Iguazu, check into a hostel near the bus terminal and buy your Iguazú National Park ticket in advance online.
🚌Flight ~£40-70 (book early) or overnight bus ~£30
🛏Hostel in Puerto Iguazu (~£10-15/night)
- →Domestic flight or overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu
- →Check into hostel
- →Buy Iguazú National Park entry ticket online
Iguazu Falls — Argentine side
Iguazú National Park, Argentina
Full day in Iguazú National Park. Take the local park bus from the Puerto Iguazu terminal (~£3). Walk the Lower Circuit, Upper Circuit and the Devil's Throat boardwalk (accessed by the little park train). Entry ~£30. Bring your own picnic — park food is pricey. There are coatis everywhere, keep your food sealed and don't feed them.
🚌Local park bus from Puerto Iguazu ~£3 each way
🛏Hostel in Puerto Iguazu (~£10-15/night)
- →Iguazú National Park entry & trails
- →Lower Circuit boardwalk
- →Upper Circuit boardwalk
- →Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo) walkway
- →San Martín Island boat option (seasonal)
Iguazu — Brazilian side and rainforest
Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
Cross into Brazil (bring your passport) and visit the Brazilian side of the falls for the classic panoramic views. Take the 120 bus toward the national park entrance or an organised transfer. Entry ~£18. Optional: Parque das Aves bird park or a boat trip into the falls (Macuco Safari ~£45). Return to the Argentine side or stay in Foz do Iguaçu depending on tomorrow's onward flight.
🚌Border crossing bus/transfer ~£5; park bus ~£3
🛏Hostel in Puerto Iguazu or Foz do Iguaçu (~£10-15/night)
- →Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls
- →Parque das Aves (bird park, optional)
- →Macuco Safari boat trip (optional)
- →Rainforest walks
Puerto Iguazu to Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Fly from Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG/SDU). Budget fares are usually £50-90 booked ahead. Once in Rio, take the BRT or metro-plus-bus from the airport to your hostel in Copacabana, Ipanema or Botafogo (~£2-5). Grab an early evening stroll on Copacabana beach and a cheap dinner at a buffet-style kilo restaurant.
🚌Flight ~£50-90; airport bus/metro ~£2-5
🛏Hostel in Copacabana/Ipanema/Botafogo (~£15-25/night)
- →Domestic flight Iguazu to Rio
- →Check into Rio hostel
- →Evening walk on Copacabana beach
Rio — Christ the Redeemer & Corcovado
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Book a Corcovado/Christ the Redeemer ticket in advance (official Parque Lage/Corcovado vans plus the cog train; tickets ~£15-25 depending on van vs train). Go early to beat crowds. After descending, loop round Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and explore the botanical garden or Leblon. The operator included the train ride to the statue — you'll do the same on the Corcovado cog train or an official van.
🚌Metro + bus to Cosme Velho ~£2; Corcovado transport included in ticket
🛏Hostel in Copacabana/Ipanema/Botafogo (~£15-25/night)
- →Corcovado cog train / van to Christ the Redeemer
- →Christ the Redeemer statue
- →Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas walk
- →Jardim Botânico (optional)
Rio — Sugarloaf, Santa Teresa & beaches
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Take the Sugarloaf Mountain cable car (Pão de Açúcar, ~£20) for panoramic views. Ride the historic tram (bondinho) up to Santa Teresa, wander its cobbled streets and the Selarón Steps, then hit Ipanema beach in the afternoon. In the evening catch live samba at a bar or club in Lapa — a cheap, authentic Rio night out.
🚌Metro/bus around the city ~£3; tram to Santa Teresa ~£2
🛏Hostel in Copacabana/Ipanema/Botafogo (~£15-25/night)
- →Sugarloaf Mountain cable car
- →Santa Teresa tram ride & neighbourhood walk
- →Selarón Steps
- →Ipanema & Copacabana beaches
- →Live samba in Lapa
Rio to Manaus
Manaus, Brazil
Fly from Rio (GIG/SDU) to Manaus (MAO). Direct flights take ~4 hours; fares run £70-130 booked ahead. On arrival, take a taxi or app ride (Uber/99) to your hostel near the Centro or Ponta Negra (~£5-8). Settle in and grab dinner at a local churrascaria or Amazonian river-fish restaurant.
🚌Flight ~£70-130; airport taxi/app ~£5-8
🛏Hostel/guesthouse in Manaus (~£12-18/night)
- →Domestic flight Rio to Manaus
- →Check into Manaus hostel
- →Evening around the city centre
Manaus city tour & Amazon gateway
Manaus, Brazil
Do a half-day self-guided city walk: the Amazonas Theatre (Teatro Amazonas — book an English tour ~£5), Rio Negro Palace, Mercado Adolpho Lisboa market and the floating stilt houses (casas flutuantes) near the river. The Meeting of the Waters can be seen from a local boat trip (~£15-25) or from the shore at Ponta Negra. Confirm your jungle lodge pickup for tomorrow.
🚌Local bus/taxi around Manaus ~£3-5; boat trip ~£15-25
🛏Hostel/guesthouse in Manaus (~£12-18/night)
- →Teatro Amazonas guided tour
- →Rio Negro Palace
- →Mercado Adolpho Lisboa market
- →Meeting of the Waters boat trip
- →Stilt houses (casas flutuantes)
Into the Amazon jungle — lodge day 1
Amazon Jungle (Rio Negro)
Transfer by boat from Manaus to your jungle lodge on the Rio Negro (e.g. a budget-friendly lodge like Juma or a small family-run operation — book directly or via local agencies, 2-3 night packages often £120-200 per person incl. meals). After lunch, take a guided nature hike with wildlife spotting — monkeys, birds, insects — and an evening canoe tour with alligator (caiman) spotting.
🚌Boat transfer from Manaus (included in lodge package)
🛏Amazon jungle lodge, shared dorm/hammock (~£30-45/night incl. meals)
- →Boat transfer to jungle lodge
- →Guided rainforest nature hike
- →Wildlife spotting (monkeys, birds)
- →Evening canoe tour with alligator spotting
Amazon jungle — hikes & piranha fishing
Amazon Jungle (Rio Negro)
Full day at the lodge. Morning wildlife walk and a visit to a local family or 'Monkey Forest' conservation area. Afternoon piranha fishing on the river (gear provided by the lodge) — you might even get your catch grilled for dinner. Sunset canoe back to the lodge.
🚌Lodge boats (included)
🛏Amazon jungle lodge, shared dorm/hammock (~£30-45/night incl. meals)
- →Morning jungle hike
- →Monkey Forest / local community visit
- →Piranha fishing
- →Sunset canoe trip
Amazon jungle — Meeting of the Waters & return prep
Amazon Jungle (Rio Negro)
Another morning of activities — canopy/boardwalk walks, birdwatching or a swim in the Rio Negro (careful of strong currents). Optional night safari to spot nocturnal wildlife. Cross off the Meeting of the Waters observation en route back if not already done. Pack up and prepare for tomorrow's return to Manaus.
🚌Lodge boats (included)
🛏Amazon jungle lodge, shared dorm/hammock (~£30-45/night incl. meals)
- →Jungle canopy/boardwalk walk
- →Birdwatching
- →Swim in the Rio Negro
- →Optional night safari
- →Meeting of the Waters (on return)
Return to Manaus & depart
Manaus, Brazil
Boat back to Manaus in the morning, then head to the airport for your onward flight. If you have a late flight, squeeze in any missed city sights or last-minute souvenir shopping at the Mercado. Trip ends in Manaus as per the original itinerary.
🚌Lodge boat then taxi/app to airport ~£5-8
🛏None (departure day) or pre-book a hostel if flying out late
- →Boat transfer back to Manaus
- →Final Manaus sightseeing (time permitting)
- →Airport transfer & departure
Self-launched vs. On The Go Tours
| This itinerary (self-launched) | On The Go Tours | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£855 | £4,160 |
| Duration | 15 days | 15 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £3,305 per person (79%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more On The Go Tours-style trips? Check them out here.~£855
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Buenos Aires to the Amazon — 15-Day Self-Launched Adventure cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £855 per person for 15 days in Argentina & Brazil (Buenos Aires → Iguazu → Rio → Manaus → Amazon). This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with On The Go Tours?+
Yes — On The Go Tours charges around £4,160 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £855 — a saving of roughly £3,305 (79%) per person.
How long is the Argentina & Brazil (Buenos Aires → Iguazu → Rio → Manaus → Amazon) trip?+
This itinerary runs 15 days, covering 15 day-by-day stops through Argentina & Brazil (Buenos Aires → Iguazu → Rio → Manaus → Amazon).
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a adventure, culture, backpacker trip through Argentina & Brazil (Buenos Aires → Iguazu → Rio → Manaus → Amazon), self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
Drop your comment below — if you've done a similar route, tell us what worked, what you'd add, or what you'd skip.
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