Trips

Buenos Aires

Border information: if you are joining in Buenos Aires, you will most likely enter Argentina at Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also known as Ezeiza Airport (IATA code: BUE/EZE). Welcome to Buenos Aires, the wonderful capital of Argentina! There will be an important group meeting at 6:00pm at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting. Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Buenos Aires before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Buenos Aires. In Buenos Aires we will stay in a centrally-located hotel. Hotel for the night: Hotel Mundial Hotel Mundial Avenida de Mayo 1298 - 1085 Buenos Aires Argentina Tel: +54 11 5254 0001 OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES  Discover the beautiful Teatro Colon on a tour around the theatre, or see one of its free afternoon performances (when available) : ARS 150 Take the ferry over the river to Uruguay, and explore the serene colonial town of Colonia del Sacramento for the afternoon before returning : USD 45  Head out to an tango show in Buenos Aires' oldest cafe, the Gran Cafe Tortoni - seeing a slice of iconic Argentine culture in an ideal and intimate setting : ARS 320 Visit the strangely beautiful cemetery of Recoleta, the final resting place of many ex presidents and Argentine icons, most famously including the tomb of Eva Peron : Free Try your hand at the art of tango dancing with a private lesson in Buenos Aires : USD 25 See a different side to Buenos Aires on a tour of its incredible street art with some of the local artists : USD 20 Learn all about the cuisine of Argentina on a food tour of Buenos Aires, visiting several incredible local top-class eateries that you won't find in the guidebooks! : USD 85 Try some of Argentina's most delicious wines on a top-level wine tasting afternoon in Buenos Aires : USD 52  About Buenos Aires: At the mouth of the River Plate estuary (where the Uruguay and Paraná rivers flow out into the Atlantic Ocean) lies the fabulous city of Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan capital of Argentina. It's a buzzing, energetic city that often feels more European than Latin American, so much so that it's often referred to as "the Paris of the South". There is a huge amount to do see and do here, and it's a fantastic city to explore on foot and using the extensive metro system. Some areas to check out include San Telmo, a bohemian district full of charm, antique shops, street markets, and some excellent bars; Palermo, with its fantastic restaurants and nightlife; and Recoleta, the "Mayfair" of Buenos Aires and home to the La Recoleta cemetery, Eva "Evita" Perón's final resting place. The waterfront area known as La Boca is also worth exploring, a very photogenic district with its ramshackle buildings being painted in a rainbow of different bright colours. Everywhere you go you'll be surrounded by some fantastic architecture. The Plaza de Mayo is perhaps the most historically interesting, as this is the site of the Cabillo (original town hall), Casa Rosada (the Presidential Palace) and the cathedral where the body of General San Martín lies. In the evenings, you are spoilt for choice - Buenos Aires has a vibrant nightlife, with a huge number of bars and night clubs to choose from. Restaurants here vary from cheap and cheerful to world class, and it's a great place to get stuck into some of Argentina's finest steak and red wine. Of course this is also the home of Tango, and there are many evening Tango shows you can buy tickets for or even take a dancing class yourself! 

Buenos Aires

Today will be a free day to explore the incredible city of Buenos Aires, soak up the atmosphere of its streets, and discover its amazing culture, art, and music. 

Yapeyú

Today we have a full day drive north though the provinces of Entre Rios and Corrientes, aiming to reach the beautiful village of Yapeyú on the banks of the River Uruguay. Yapeyú is very famous amongst Argentines for being the birthplace of their national hero General Jose de San Martin, one of the liberators of South America from Spanish colonial rule. In Yapeyú we will stay in a municipal campsite. Estimated Drive Time - 10-11 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!). 

Foz do Iguaçu

Border information: Exit Argentina at Tancredo Neves, enter Brazil at Tancredo Neves. Today we cross the border into Brazil and drive to the city of Foz do Iguacu. In Foz do Iguacu we will camp in the grounds of an excellent hostel out of town, with good facilities and a pool. Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours. About Foz do Iguaçu: Foz do Iguaçu (meaning "Mouth of the Iguazu River") is the Brazilian town nestled against the double-border with Argentina and Paraguay. The town is of course most famous as the base for exploring the incredible Iguazu Falls, and the Brazilian side of the waterfalls offers visitors a very different perspective - there are a number of cleverly constructed walkways that allow you to get right out over the water up close to some of the falls themselves, and you will often be able to see fantastic rainbows forming as the sun catches the spray. For the ultimate waterfall viewing experience, you can also organize helicopter flights from the Brazilian side, where you'll be taken out right over the falls to give you a breathtaking view of this natural wonder from a totally different perspective. There is also a fan static bird park in Foz, where you can see many of Brazil's native species including toucans and macaws. You can also visit the incredible Itaipu Dam, the world's second-largest dam (after the Three Gorges Dam in China) that stretches across the River Parana between Brazil and Paraguay, and a marvel of modern engineering. 

Iguazu Falls / Foz do Iguaçu

Today we will visit the Brazilian side of the phenomenal Iguazu Falls, to get some incredible panoramic vistas of the mighty waterfalls. There is also plenty of time to visit the bird park, take a helicopter ride over the falls, see the incredible Itaipu Dam, or quickly stop into Paraguay to pick up some bargains in the nearby Ciudad del Este.  INCLUDED ACTIVITIES  See the mighty Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side, enjoying the incredible panorama of waterfalls and exploring the beauty of the area : Included in Kitty  OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES  Visit the colossal Itaipu Dam, the second largest hydroelectric dam in the world : BRL 68 Visit the Parque das Aves bird park near Foz do Iguaçu, a wonderful conservation project which provides an excellent home to over 1000 iconic birds from the region such as toucans, macaws and eagles : BRL 36  Take an exhilarating speed boat ride around the base of the falls from the Brazilian side : BRL 66 Take an unforgettable 10-minute helicopter flight over the Iguazu Falls, enjoying a bird's eye view of one of the world's most incredible set of waterfalls : USD 125  About Iguazu Falls: The Iguazu Falls, located on the Iguazu River between Argentina and Brazil, is the world's largest waterfall system and one of the most spectacular natural sights in the world! The name "Iguazu" originates from the native Guarani words "y" (meaning "big") and "uasu" (meaning "water") - the Guarani legend says that the falls were created when a deity wanted to a beautiful mortal woman, but when she tried to escape away from him in a canoe with another man the deity sliced the river in two, condemning the water and the lovers to fall for eternity. Visitors can see the Iguazu Falls from both sides of the border - on the Argentinian side there are miles of trails and walkways through the forests and the many waterfalls along the southern banks, culminating in a kilometre-long walkway to the phenomenal "Garganta del Diablo (meaning "Devil's Throat"), the largest and most powerful section of the waterfall system. Millions of gallons of water thunder down violently to the bottom of the huge ravine, forming the most incredible display of power, rainbows, and spray! In the surrounding dense tropical jungle there are many varieties of brightly coloured butterflies and birds, and you can take an exhilarating motorboat ride up close to some of the waterfalls (if you don't mind getting soaked!). 

Foz do Iguaçu / Iguazu Falls

Today we will take a day trip back into Argentina to see the incredible Iguazu Falls from the other side. This is well worth doing as the views are even more spectacular, and you'll be able to look right down into the mighty Garganta del Diablo (the largest waterfall here) from a gantry walkway viewing point). We will have a full day at the Argentine side of the falls, allowing us lots of time to freely explore the site, hike some nature trails, or perhaps take an exhilarating (and very wet) boat ride! We will return to our base in Foz do Iguacu tonight. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES  Head on an adrenaline-fuelled speedboat trip to the base of the falls on the Argentine side - be prepared to get very wet! : ARS 350 INCLUDED ACTIVITIES  Visit the phenomenal Iguazu Falls from the Argentine side, where you can get the closest views of Garganta del Diablo and explore the web of nature trails around the area's forests and waterfalls : Included in Kitty

Bonito

Today we have a full drive day north to the Brazilian eco-tourism capital of Bonito. In Bonito we will camp in the grounds of an excellent hostel with a pool and good facilities. Estimated Drive Time - 11-12 hours. About Bonito: The small town of Bonito in the southern Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul is perfectly located in a beautiful and unique area. The area's main attractions are the crystal clear rivers, springs and the stunning caves, not to mention the abundant wildlife, which includes monkeys, alligators, anacondas, over 30 varieties of fish and tremendous bird life. Unsurprisingly, the town is often described as the "eco-tourism capital of Brazil". There are endless activities on offer, from spectacular walks through the surrounding hills and forests, to caving, horse-riding, abseiling, and snorkeling. Many of the best attractions are on private land and the area is being very carefully managed in order to protect the wildlife and habitats found here

Bonito

( Day 8 to 9 ) We have two full days in Bonito to take part in the plethora of incredible optional activities here. You could go out on a world-class snorkeling trip, explore the nearby caves, or go abseiling down some of the largest waterfalls in the area, amongst many other possibilities!  OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES  Relax and meet the locals in the beautiful outdoor municipal swimming areas of Bonito : BRL 30  Abseil down the Boca da Onça waterfall (meaning 'Jaguar's Mouth'), the largest waterfall in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul : BRL 460 Visit the phenomenal Buraco das Araras, one of the world's largest sink-holes and a natural aviary of macaws and toucans : BRL 46 Visit the stunning São Miguel Caves near Bonito : BRL 36 Hire a mountain bike in Bonito to freely explore the incredible countryside of Mato Grosso do Sul : USD 20 Go on a stunning sunset horse ride around the beautiful countryside around Bonito : BRL 80 Take a trek through the stunning areas surrounding Bonito, visiting some of the beautiful nearby waterfalls : BRL 50 Head on an unforgettable trip to Abismo Anhumas, an incredible day out where you abseil through a fissure into a collosal underground cavern, and snorkel in the lake at the bottom : BRL 760 Visit the ethereal and other-worldly Blue Lake Cave near Bonito, an underground lake with an incredibly vivid shade of blue : BRL 95 Take an incredible snorkeling trip through the crystal clear waters of the Rio da Prata, getting a phenomenal view of the fish and aquatic plants underwater : BRL 278 Head out on an exhilarating rafting, tubing, or kayaking expedition down the Rio Formoso : BRL 135

Bonito

( Day 8 to 9 )   We have two full days in Bonito to take part in the plethora of incredible optional activities here. You could go out on a world-class snorkeling trip, explore the nearby caves, or go abseiling down some of the largest waterfalls in the area, amongst many other possibilities!    OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES    Relax and meet the locals in the beautiful outdoor municipal swimming areas of Bonito : BRL 30    Abseil down the Boca da Onça waterfall (meaning 'Jaguar's Mouth'), the largest waterfall in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul : BRL 460    Visit the phenomenal Buraco das Araras, one of the world's largest sink-holes and a natural aviary of macaws and toucans : BRL 46    Visit the stunning São Miguel Caves near Bonito : BRL 36    Hire a mountain bike in Bonito to freely explore the incredible countryside of Mato Grosso do Sul : USD 20   Go on a stunning sunset horse ride around the beautiful countryside around Bonito : BRL 80    Take a trek through the stunning areas surrounding Bonito, visiting some of the beautiful nearby waterfalls : BRL 50    Head on an unforgettable trip to Abismo Anhumas, an incredible day out where you abseil through a fissure into a collosal underground cavern, and snorkel in the lake at the bottom : BRL 760    Visit the ethereal and other-worldly Blue Lake Cave near Bonito, an underground lake with an incredibly vivid shade of blue : BRL 95    Take an incredible snorkeling trip through the crystal clear waters of the Rio da Prata, getting a phenomenal view of the fish and aquatic plants underwater : BRL 278   Head out on an exhilarating rafting, tubing, or kayaking expedition down the Rio Formoso : BRL 135

Southern Pantanal

( Day 10 to 11 ) Today we have a short drive to Brazil's amazing Southern Pantanal region, where we have a visit a local eco-tourism ranch (or 'fazenda'). Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.  We will spend 2 nights here and have a comprehensive package of included activities such as exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside on horseback, trips down the wildlife-abundant rivers in boats and canoes, and safaris on the ranch's trucks and on foot where we hope to spot capybaras, caimans, and (if we are very lucky) jaguars and ocelots. Our stay here is an incredible highlight! In the Southern Pantanal we will stay in dorm accommodation in a well equipped lodge with all the meals and activities included.  INCLUDED ACTIVITIES  Activity Approximate Cost Take an unforgettable 2-night fully inclusive package from our eco-lodge in the Southern Pantanal, where we will go out on jeep safaris, canoe expeditions, boat rides, horse back trails, and enjoy a BBQ night with local music and dancing : Included in Kitty About Southern Pantanal: The Pantanal is a vast wetland that covers much of inland central and southern Brazil - it is formed of a huge gently-sloping depression surrounded by rolling highlands, so the water from thousands of small rivers runs off from the highlands to collect in the basin before draining out into the Paraguay River. The Pantanal was a predominantly agricultural area, dotted with cattle ranches known locally as "Fazenda" - having realised the importance of their home as a unique habitat for wildlife, many of the Fazendas have opened up for eco-tourism in recent years and offer safaris and tours of the area. The wildlife here is staggering, and there is probably nowhere else in South America where you'll be able to see as many indigenous species. There are over 250 different species of birds that have been recorded here, including parakeets, macaws, owls, kingfishers, ibis, storks, kites and hawks, hummingbirds and more, and there are prolific numbers of caiman, anacondas, iguanas, two species of anteaters, ocelots, jaguars, tapirs, giant river otters and thousands of marsh deer. One of the easier animals to spot is the capybara, a giant guinea-pig-type rodent that grows up to 60 kgs and lives in large herds in the swamps. 

Southern Pantanal

( Day 10 to 11 )   Today we have a short drive to Brazil's amazing Southern Pantanal region, where we have a visit a local eco-tourism ranch (or 'fazenda').    Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.    We will spend 2 nights here and have a comprehensive package of included activities such as exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside on horseback, trips down the wildlife-abundant rivers in boats and canoes, and safaris on the ranch's trucks and on foot where we hope to spot capybaras, caimans, and (if we are very lucky) jaguars and ocelots. Our stay here is an incredible highlight!   In the Southern Pantanal we will stay in dorm accommodation in a well equipped lodge with all the meals and activities included.    INCLUDED ACTIVITIES    Activity Approximate Cost Take an unforgettable 2-night fully inclusive package from our eco-lodge in the Southern Pantanal, where we will go out on jeep safaris, canoe expeditions, boat rides, horse back trails, and enjoy a BBQ night with local music and dancing : Included in Kitty   About Southern Pantanal: The Pantanal is a vast wetland that covers much of inland central and southern Brazil - it is formed of a huge gently-sloping depression surrounded by rolling highlands, so the water from thousands of small rivers runs off from the highlands to collect in the basin before draining out into the Paraguay River. The Pantanal was a predominantly agricultural area, dotted with cattle ranches known locally as "Fazenda" - having realised the importance of their home as a unique habitat for wildlife, many of the Fazendas have opened up for eco-tourism in recent years and offer safaris and tours of the area. The wildlife here is staggering, and there is probably nowhere else in South America where you'll be able to see as many indigenous species. There are over 250 different species of birds that have been recorded here, including parakeets, macaws, owls, kingfishers, ibis, storks, kites and hawks, hummingbirds and more, and there are prolific numbers of caiman, anacondas, iguanas, two species of anteaters, ocelots, jaguars, tapirs, giant river otters and thousands of marsh deer. One of the easier animals to spot is the capybara, a giant guinea-pig-type rodent that grows up to 60 kgs and lives in large herds in the swamps. 

Southern Pantanal / Campo Grande

After our morning activities and one final lunch in our beautiful ranch, it is time to leave the Pantanal. We will start driving east to wards Sao Paulo state, and wild camp to wards the end of the day. Estimated Drive Time - 5-7 hours.