3-Week Argentina and Brazil Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Argentina And Brazil itineraries

Compiled by

NinaArgentina and Brazil travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Day South America & Antarctica Itinerary, incl. Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires

  A 21-day adventure spans Brazil and Argentina, from Rio's colorful Selaron Stairs to Iguazú Falls' thundering cascades. The trip culminates in Buenos Aires' vibrant tango culture before an Antarctic expedition aboard Scenic Eclipse II, featuring luxury amenities and expert-guided polar excursions.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Rio de Janeiro

    Start with 3 days in Rio. Take the cogwheel train up Corcovado Mountain before 9 AM to see Christ the Redeemer without the crowds. Visit the vibrant Selaron Steps and Metropolitan Cathedral downtown. Go to Sugarloaf Mountain at sunset for stunning views over Guanabara Bay. The Botanical Gardens are best in early morning when it's cooler and you can spot more wildlife.

    
  • Days 4-6

    Iguazú Falls

    Fly 2 hours to Iguazú. See both Brazilian and Argentinian sides for different views. Start on the Brazilian side at sunrise for panoramic vistas, then take a jet boat ride in the afternoon. The Argentinian side needs more walking but brings you right up to Devil's Throat. Bring waterproof shoes and camera protection.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Buenos Aires

    Spend 3 days in this beautiful city. Walk through Recoleta in the morning when locals are out with their dogs. Visit La Boca's Caminito in early afternoon when the art scene is most active. End with a tango show on your last night. As one traveler said: "The passion and precision of the dancers at the Gala Tango show was mesmerizing. Spring for the dinner option - the Argentine beef and Malbec were exceptional."

    
  • Days 10-11

    Ushuaia & Drake Passage

    Take a 3-hour flight to Ushuaia to board the Scenic Eclipse II. The Drake Passage crossing takes 48 hours. Attend polar briefings and adjust to the ship's movement. Bring motion sickness medication.

    
  • Days 12-18

    Antarctica Peninsula

    Spend a week exploring Antarctica. Your schedule will depend on weather and ice conditions, with 2-3 Zodiac trips each day. Wear layers for freezing temperatures and wind chill. With up to 20 hours of daylight, you'll have plenty of time to see wildlife.

    
  • Days 19-21

    Return Journey

    Take 2 days crossing the Drake Passage back. Sort photos, join recap sessions, and enjoy the ship's amenities before flying from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires.

    

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• 17 Day South America Itinerary, incl. Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires

  A 17-day adventure from Rio's Christ the Redeemer to Iguazu Falls connects Brazil and Argentina. The itinerary includes Tijuca Forest, Devil's Throat waterfall, and cultural highlights from Madero Tango show to Lujan de Cuyo wine tasting.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Rio deserves three full days to explore. Start with the Big Dude Tour to see Christ the Redeemer and Tijuca Forest. Get to the Christ Statue before 9 AM to avoid crowds. Spend late afternoons at Copacabana Beach when it's cooler. Visit Sugarloaf Mountain at sunset for the best photos. Use Uber instead of street taxis. "I was pleasantly surprised how safe I felt in Rio," one traveler shared.

    
  • Days 4-7

    Iguazu Falls (Both Sides)

    Take an overnight bus to Iguazu (28 hours) or fly to save time. Book the Argentine side first for close-up views (full day) followed by the Brazilian side for panoramas (half day). Buy national park tickets ahead of time at about $30 per side. Pack rain gear and quick-dry clothes. "El Pueblito hostel in Iguazu was a highlight," according to one guest.

    
  • Days 8-11

    Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Take another overnight bus to Buenos Aires. Start with a city tour to see San Telmo and La Boca. Book an evening tango show at Madero Tango with dinner and wine included. Stay in Palermo for great food and nightlife. One traveler notes: "Most places only accept cash, but ATMs can be hard to find - plan ahead."

    
  • Days 13-14

    Mendoza Wine Region

    Mendoza offers a nice break after busy Buenos Aires. Take the afternoon winery tour in Luján de Cuyo to see traditional and modern wineries. For rafting (Class III rapids), bring warm clothes to change into. "The rafting was a highlight, but check weather conditions in advance," suggests one visitor.

    
  • Days 15-17

    Santiago, Chile

    Take the bus from Mendoza through the Andes. Sit on the left for mountain views including Aconcagua peak. A morning bike tour helps you get to know Santiago. "The cycling tour was perfect for seeing local life, especially the markets." Stay in Bellavista near restaurants and cultural spots.

    

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• 17 Day South America Itinerary, incl. Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro

  The 17-day route links Argentina and Brazil, from Buenos Aires' San Telmo markets to Rio's Sugarloaf Mountain. Stops include Iguazu Falls from both countries, colonial Paraty's cobblestone streets, and Ilha Grande's pristine beaches, with comfortable hotel stays throughout.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Buenos Aires & Colonia

    Begin in Buenos Aires with an afternoon walking tour through Microcentro and San Telmo districts. A traveler's tip: "Get to San Telmo Market early on Sunday morning before the crowds - the antique stalls are incredible and the café con leche is at its freshest." On Day 2, take a 1.5-hour ferry to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay's historic colonial town. The streets are uneven, so comfortable shoes are essential.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Uruguay Estancia Experience

    The journey into Uruguay's countryside takes 9 hours total. Bring snacks for the trip. The next two days offer a genuine ranch experience with 6 AM starts for farm activities. A past guest shares: "The authentic gaucho experience was worth the basic accommodations - nothing beats drinking mate with the farm workers at sunrise."

    
  • Days 6-8

    Iguazu Falls

    Take an overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu (12 hours, with reclining seats). You'll need two full days to see the falls from both Brazilian and Argentine sides. Start on the Brazilian side for the big picture, then get closer on the Argentine boardwalks. Pack a waterproof bag if you plan to take the boat ride. Visit outside 10 AM-2 PM to avoid peak crowds.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Rio de Janeiro

    After your flight to Rio, start with a walking tour. Visit Christ the Redeemer before 9 AM to avoid tour buses, and take the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain around sunset. The Metro is a safe, efficient way to explore. Get a rechargeable card for convenience.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Paraty

    The 4.5-hour trip to Paraty brings you to a beautiful colonial coastal town. Watch the tide tables when planning walks, as streets flood at high tide. A recent visitor noted: "The boat trip to the beaches was a highlight - opt for the smaller boats that can access the more secluded coves."

    
  • Days 13-15

    Ilha Grande

    Travel 5 hours by road and ferry to reach this car-free island. The trek to Lopes Mendes beach takes 2 hours but rewards you with incredible views. Start early and bring water. For the Blue Lagoon, consider a private boat to avoid the crowds.

    
  • Days 16-17

    Rio de Janeiro

    Back in Rio (3.5 hours), spend time at the beaches and explore more sites. Copacabana bustles with local activity in the morning, while Ipanema offers stunning sunsets. Ask your guide about authentic samba venues away from tourist spots.

    

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