Self-Launched Argentina to Brazil: Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro

Touch down in Buenos Aires and check into your hostel in the central Microcentro or San Telmo neighbourhood. Get your bearings with a self-guided walk along Avenida de Mayo, past the iconic pink Casa Rosada and the famous Obelisk on Avenida 9 de Julio. These are all free to view from outside and within easy walking distance of each other. In the evening, head to a parrilla (grill restaurant) in San Telmo or Palermo for a classic Argentinian BBQ — expect to pay around £8–12 for a full bife de chorizo with wine.

🚌Taxi or Tienda León shuttle from Ezeiza Airport to city centre (~£15–20). Alternatively take the public bus (Route 8 or 45, ~£0.50) if arriving light.

🛏Hostel in Microcentro or San Telmo (e.g. Circus Hostel & Hotel, America del Sur Hostel) — dorm ~£12–15/night

• →Self-guided walk: Avenida de Mayo, Casa Rosada & the Obelisk (free)
• →Explore the San Telmo neighbourhood and its street market stalls (free)
• →Dinner at a local parrilla — try El Desnivel or La Brigada in San Telmo (~£10)

A full free day to explore Buenos Aires at your own pace. The city is incredibly walkable and most highlights are free or very cheap. Start with a self-guided wander through the colourful Caminito street in La Boca, then head to the opulent Recoleta Cemetery (free entry) and stroll the upscale Recoleta neighbourhood. If you love books, the El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookshop — built inside a converted 1919 theatre — is an unmissable free visit. In the evening, Palermo Soho has world-class restaurants and bars for every budget.

🚌Subte (metro) day pass ~£2, or walk between most attractions

🛏Hostel in Microcentro or San Telmo — dorm ~£12–15/night

• →El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookshop (free entry)
• →Caminito Street & La Boca neighbourhood (free)
• →Recoleta Cemetery self-guided visit (free)
• →Optional: Teatro Colón guided tour (~£12, book via their official website)
• →Palermo Soho for dinner and evening drinks

Take the morning Buquebus or Colonia Express ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento (~1 hour). These run multiple times daily and can be booked online in advance. Spend 3–4 hours exploring the beautiful UNESCO-listed Barrio Histórico: cobblestone streets, the old lighthouse (climb for panoramic views for around £1), Plaza Mayor and the tiny museums. In the afternoon, catch a COT or Turil bus from Colonia to Montevideo (~2.5 hours, ~£5). Check into your Montevideo hostel and spend the evening exploring the Ciudad Vieja (Old City).

🚌Ferry Buenos Aires–Colonia (~£25–35) + bus Colonia–Montevideo (~£5)

🛏Hostel in Montevideo (e.g. Che Hostel or Discovery Hostel) — dorm ~£13–16/night

• →Buquebus/Colonia Express ferry: Buenos Aires → Colonia del Sacramento (~£25–35 one-way, book at buquebus.com or coloniaexpress.com)
• →Self-guided walk of the Barrio Histórico UNESCO Old Quarter (free)
• →Climb the 19th-century lighthouse for city views (~£1)
• →COT/Turil bus: Colonia → Montevideo (~£5, ~2.5 hours)
• →Evening wander through Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo

A relaxed free day in Uruguay's laid-back capital. Start with a long walk or bike ride along the Rambla — the 22km coastal promenade — soaking up the fresh River Plate breeze. Visit the Mercado del Puerto, a gorgeous 19th-century iron market hall packed with parrillas grilling meat over open flames — perfect for a long, indulgent lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Museo del Gaucho y de la Moneda (free or minimal entry) or head to Playa de los Pocitos for a beach afternoon.

🚌Local bus or walking (bus ~£0.80/ride)

🛏Hostel in Montevideo — dorm ~£13–16/night

• →Walk or hire a bike along the Rambla coastal promenade (free)
• →Lunch at Mercado del Puerto — parrilla meal ~£10–14
• →Museo del Gaucho y de la Moneda (~free)
• →Playa de los Pocitos beach afternoon (free)
• →Sunset drinks in the Ciudad Vieja

Head out of Montevideo towards the Uruguayan countryside for a two-night estancia (ranch) stay. Several estancias near the towns of San José or Colonia welcome independent travellers with full-board packages. A recommended option is Estancia Panagea or Estancia La Paz — both offer online booking, horse riding, and authentic gaucho experiences. Contact the estancia directly to arrange a pick-up from a nearby town, or take a bus towards San José de Mayo (~1.5 hours from Montevideo, ~£3) and arrange a transfer. Settle in, meet your hosts, and enjoy a home-cooked dinner.

🚌Bus Montevideo–San José (~£3) + local transfer (~£10)

🛏Estancia with full board (e.g. Estancia Panagea, Estancia La Paz, or similar) — approx £60–80/night including all meals

• →Bus Montevideo → San José de Mayo (~£3, ~1.5 hours, via COET/Agencia Central)
• →Arranged estancia transfer from San José (~included in estancia rate or ~£10)
• →Welcome dinner and introduction to gaucho farm life (included in estancia stay)
• →Evening relaxation in the countryside

A full, unhurried day experiencing life on an authentic Uruguayan ranch. Take part in farm activities such as horse riding in true gaucho style, helping with cattle, or simply wandering the open fields. Most estancias offer an asado (BBQ) lunch cooked over an open wood fire. All meals are typically included in the estancia rate. Bring a book, a journal or a deck of cards for the slower parts of the day — this is slow travel at its finest.

🚌No transport needed today

🛏Estancia with full board — approx £60–80/night including all meals

• →Horse riding across the estancia grounds (usually included)
• →Participate in farm activities — cattle herding, gaucho rope skills (included)
• →Asado lunch cooked over open fire (included in estancia rate)
• →Relax in the sun, read, or explore the surrounding countryside

Enjoy a final morning at the estancia with a home-cooked breakfast and farewell to your hosts. Arrange a transfer back to Montevideo, then make your way to Tres Cruces bus terminal to board an overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu via the international crossing at Paso de los Libres. Several companies including Crucero del Norte, Flecha Bus, and CATA Internacional operate this route. Book in advance online via Plataforma 10 or OmniLineas. Cama or semi-cama seats recline almost flat — bring a travel pillow, a warm layer, and snacks.

🚌Overnight bus Montevideo → Puerto Iguazu (~£35–50 via Crucero del Norte or Flecha Bus)

🛏Overnight bus (semi-cama or cama class seat)

• →Farewell breakfast at the estancia (included in rate)
• →Transfer back to Montevideo bus terminal (~£10–15)
• →Overnight bus Montevideo → Puerto Iguazu (~£35–50 semi-cama/cama class, ~18–20 hours — book via plataforma10.com)

Arrive at Puerto Iguazu bus station late morning. Drop your bag at your hotel, then cross the border into Brazil by local bus or shared taxi (~£3–5). Purchase your entry ticket to Parque Nacional do Iguaçu at the gate (~£12). Take the free shuttle bus within the park to the start of the main trail — the panoramic walkways on the Brazilian side give sweeping views of the entire falls system. The famous 'Garganta do Diabo' (Devil's Throat) viewpoint is the highlight. For an unforgettable perspective, book an optional helicopter flight over the falls via Macuco Safari (~£80–100). Return to Foz do Iguaçu for the evening — optionally visit the Parque das Aves (Bird Park, ~£12) near the park entrance.

🚌Local bus Puerto Iguazu → Foz do Iguaçu (cross-border, ~£3)

🛏Hostel or budget hotel in Foz do Iguaçu (e.g. Tetris Container Hostel or Natura Hostel) — dorm ~£10–14/night

• →Cross border Argentina → Brazil by local bus (~£3)
• →Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls — self-guided via park walkways (entry ~£12, book at cataratasdoiguacu.com.br)
• →Free park shuttle bus to trailhead (included with entry)
• →Optional: Helicopter flight over the falls (~£80–100 via Helisul)
• →Optional: Parque das Aves (Bird Park) near the falls (~£12)
• →Evening: Visit Marco das Três Fronteiras (Three Borders Landmark) (~£3)

Cross back into Argentina this morning to explore the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls — widely considered the more immersive of the two sides. Entry via Parque Nacional Iguazú (~£15, book at iguazuargentina.com). The park has three main trails: the Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit, and the Garganta del Diablo walkway — where you'll stand directly above the roaring Devil's Throat. The boardwalks bring you within metres of multiple cascades. For extra thrills, book the optional Zodiac/Gran Aventura boat ride to the base of the falls (~£25–30 via Iguazu Jungle). Allow a full day — you'll want it.

🚌Local bus Foz do Iguaçu → Puerto Iguazu → return (~£6 return)

🛏Hostel or budget hotel in Foz do Iguaçu — dorm ~£10–14/night

• →Argentine side of Iguazu Falls — self-guided via three trail circuits (entry ~£15, book at iguazuargentina.com)
• →Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit & Garganta del Diablo boardwalk (all included with entry)
• →Optional: Gran Aventura Zodiac boat ride to base of falls (~£25–30)
• →Optional: Guaraní community visit (~£12 via local operators at park entrance)
• →Return to Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil by local bus for the night

Take a budget domestic flight from Foz do Iguaçu Airport (IGU) to São Paulo Guarulhos or Congonhas — book in advance with LATAM, Gol, or Azul for the best fares (~£35–70). From São Paulo, take a Reunião or Normandy bus from Terminal Rodoviário Tietê to Paraty (~£12–15, ~5 hours — book via buscaonibus.com.br). Arrive in the magical colonial town of Paraty in the evening. Check into your pousada (guesthouse) and explore the car-free historic centre, where the stone streets flood with sea water at high tide.

🚌Flight IGU → GRU/CGH (~£35–70) + bus São Paulo → Paraty (~£12–15)

🛏Budget pousada or hostel in Paraty (e.g. Che Lagarto Paraty or Pousada do Príncipe) — dorm ~£12–15/night

• →Domestic flight Foz do Iguaçu → São Paulo (~£35–70, book via LATAM/Gol/Azul)
• →Bus São Paulo Tietê → Paraty (~£12–15, ~5 hours via Reunião/Normandy)
• →Evening self-guided walk through Paraty's historic car-free centro (free)
• →Dinner at a restaurant near the waterfront (~£8–12)

Spend the morning in Paraty. For nature lovers, the Old Gold Road (Caminho do Ouro) hike is a spectacular trail through Atlantic Forest with colonial-era paving and waterfalls — bookable via local guides in town (~£20–30). Alternatively, join a cachaça distillery walking tour (~£10–15). In the early afternoon, take a local bus or taxi to the port of Angra dos Reis (~1.5 hours, ~£5–8) and catch a public ferry or scheduled schooner to Vila do Abraão on Ilha Grande (~£5–8, ~1.5 hours). Check into your pousada and explore the island's main village on foot.

🚌Bus/taxi Paraty → Angra (~£5–8) + ferry Angra → Ilha Grande (~£5–8)

🛏Pousada or hostel on Ilha Grande (e.g. Che Lagarto Ilha Grande or Pousada Naturalia) — dorm ~£13–16/night

• →Optional: Old Gold Road (Caminho do Ouro) guided hike in Paraty (~£20–30 via local guides — minimum group may apply)
• →Optional: Cachaça distillery walking tour in Paraty (~£10–15)
• →Bus or shared taxi Paraty → Angra dos Reis (~£5–8)
• →Public ferry Angra dos Reis → Ilha Grande / Vila do Abraão (~£5–8, book at the dock or via atravessadoresdeangra.com.br)
• →Evening walk around Vila do Abraão village (free)

A full free day on one of Brazil's most beautiful islands — and there are no cars here, so the pace is perfectly slow. Lace up your hiking boots and tackle the trail to Lopes Mendes beach (~2 hours each way through Atlantic rainforest) — consistently rated one of Brazil's best beaches. Alternatively, hike to Aventureiro Beach for a wilder, more secluded experience. For those who prefer the water, book an optional boat trip around the island stopping at the Blue Lagoon, Lagoa Azul, and various beaches (~£20–25 via local operators in Vila do Abraão). In the evening, join fellow travellers for caipirinhas and fresh seafood at a bar in the village.

🚌Ilha Grande is car-free — travel on foot or by water taxi

🛏Pousada or hostel on Ilha Grande — dorm ~£13–16/night

• →Hike to Lopes Mendes beach through Atlantic rainforest (~2 hrs each way, free trail)
• →Hike to Aventureiro Beach (more remote, full-day hike, free trail)
• →Optional: Full-day boat trip — Blue Lagoon, Lagoa Azul & beach-hopping (~£20–25, book with local operators at the dock)
• →Swimming and snorkelling in clear water (free)
• →Evening caipirinhas and seafood dinner in Vila do Abraão (~£10–15)

Take a morning ferry from Ilha Grande to the small port of Mangaratiba or Angra dos Reis (~£5–8), then catch a 2Costa Verde or 1001 bus to Rio de Janeiro's Novo Rio bus terminal (~£8–12, ~2.5 hours). Check into your Rio hostel in Santa Teresa, Lapa, or near Copacabana. Then do your own orientation walk through the city's iconic highlights: the Selaron Stairs (free), Lapa Aqueduct (free), Ruins Park in Santa Teresa (free), and the Cinelândia square area. In the evening, ask your hostel for samba venue recommendations in Lapa — Rio's legendary Friday/Saturday night samba scene is an unmissable experience.

🚌Ferry Ilha Grande → port (~£5–8) + bus → Rio (~£8–12)

🛏Hostel in Santa Teresa, Lapa or Copacabana (e.g. Selaron Hostel, Mango Tree Hostel, or Che Lagarto Copacabana) — dorm ~£13–18/night

• →Ferry Ilha Grande → Mangaratiba or Angra dos Reis (~£5–8)
• →Bus Mangaratiba/Angra → Rio de Janeiro Novo Rio terminal (~£8–12 via 1001 or 2Costa Verde buses)
• →Self-guided walk: Selaron Stairs, Lapa Aqueduct & Cinelândia (all free)
• →Ruins Park (Parque das Ruínas) in Santa Teresa (~£1 entry)
• →Pedra do Arpoador viewpoint at sunset (free)
• →Evening: Live samba in Lapa (~£3–5 cover charge at Carioca da Gema or Democraticos)

Your last day in Rio — make it count! The two big-ticket items are Christ the Redeemer (entry ~£15 via trem do corcovado.com.br — book online in advance to avoid queues) and Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car (~£22 via bondinho.com.br). If budget is tight, hike up to Mirante Dona Marta for a free panoramic view of Christ the Redeemer and the city. Tijuca National Park has excellent free or low-cost hiking trails including Pedra Bonita (~£5 guide optional). The Jardim Botânico (Botanical Gardens) is a lovely final wander (~£3). Fly home from Galeão (GIG) or Santos Dumont (SDU) airports.

🚌Metro or taxi to airport. Metro ~£1.20; taxi to Galeão ~£20–25

🛏Check-out — no accommodation needed (or extend your stay!)

• →Christ the Redeemer via Corcovado train (~£15, pre-book at trem do corcovado.com.br)
• →Sugarloaf Mountain cable car (~£22, book at bondinho.com.br)
• →Free alternative: Hike to Mirante Dona Marta for views of Christ & the city (free)
• →Tijuca National Park hike — Pedra Bonita trail (~free, optional guide ~£5)
• →Jardim Botânico (Botanical Gardens) (~£3)
• →Optional: Maracanã Stadium tour (~£10 — schedule dependent)
• →Copacabana or Ipanema beach for a final sunset (free)