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.
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.
This morning we will hop on a ferry to Uruguay and head to Colonia del Sacramento, one of the oldest and most picturesque towns in Uruguay and a Unesco World Heritage site. The afternoon is free to explore the charming narrow cobbled streets of the Barrio Histórico and the pretty riverfront. Our truck will relocate by road and catch us up in the afternoon.
Today we will head north to the Uruguayan capital Montevideo. We will have the afternoon to explore Montevideo. The city has a mix of historical buildings and modern architecture and a main feature of the city is the Rambla (waterfront promenade) where locals frequently go for a stroll to drink their mate. Mate is the traditional South American caffeine-rich infused drink sipped through a straw, particularly popular in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil and Chile.
Today we will head to the Tacuarembó area - the traditional gaucho land of Uruguay. We will spend 2 nights in an authentic estancia to learn about the gaucho way of living. We will have a chance to learn how to prepare typical food from the area (and of course taste it!) and also enjoy some traditional music.
Full day at the estancia.
Today we have a half day drive north though the provinces of Entre Rios and Corrientes, aiming to reach 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.
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.
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 nearcy Ciudad del Este.
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!
Today we have a full drive day north to the Brazilian eco-tourism capital of Bonito.
We have a full day in Bonito to take part in some of the incredible optional activities here. You could go out on a world-class snorkelling trip, explore the nearby caves, or go abseiling down some of the largest waterfalls in the area, amongst many other possibilities!
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').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!
Full day in the Pantanal.
After our morning activities and one final lunch in our beautiful ranch, it is time to leave the Pantanal. We will start driving east towards Sao Paulo state, and wild camp towards the end of the day.
Today we will drive to the remote town of Brotas in southeastern Brazil.
Today is free to take part in optional adventure activities such as white water rafting or canyoning, or to simply relax by the pool!
Today we have a full day drive to the colonial town of Paraty on the Emerald Coast of the Atlantic!
Today we will have free time to explore the town, take a historical tour, walk along the stunning scenery of the coastline, head out snorkelling or diving, or simply relax on the idyllic beaches.
Today we will travel a little further up the coast to the stunning island retreat of Ilha Grande. We will leave our truck behind for a couple of days and take a ferry, so you may wish to pack a small overnight bag. There are no private cars or banks on the island, so you will need to bring cash along with you and be prepared for a short walk with your bags to the hostel.
Free day to enjoy the island.
This morning we will drive to the incredible Rio de Janeiro, one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world and home to the most famous Carnival celebrations in Latin America!
Welcome to Rio Carnival, the biggest party on the planet!There will be an important meeting at 17:00 or 18:00, where you'll have a full briefing on how to make the most of your time in Rio and receive your tickets, maps, T-Shirt and souvenir booklet - please check the notice board in the reception area for other important information throughout the week.After the meeting we have a table booked at a nearby buffet restaurant, so you can get to know some of your fellow travellers.Our dedicated Carnival team will be on hand throughout the week for a few hours each day to provide any assistance you may need.There's a whole host of additional optional activities that you may like to take part in, such as 'Join the Parade', prior early booking is essential!If you are arriving early you may like to join a Market Tour or Jungle Tour.In Rio de Janeiro we will stay in a great hotel in the Flamengo district, accommodation is in twin or double rooms. Our hotel is close to the beach and the metro station. Our hotel check-in is from 2pm, and staff will be on hand to give you assistance.Border information: if you are joining in Rio de Janeiro, you will most likely enter Brazil at Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport.
Today we will visit the most iconic sights of Rio; the immense statue of Christ the Redeemer standing at 710m on Corcovado mountain and the Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain). We will have some time to explore these sights in our own time, you may even choose to take a helicopter ride!. We will also aim to see some other important landmarks such as the Maracanã stadium, Escadaria Selarón and the Lapa Arches. We will travel by minibus. (NB today's tour is unguided but you will be accompanied by our crew).This evening we will head out to Lapa for a night out in a samba club; Rio Scenarium, one of the City's greatest nightspots - it's an antiques warehouse, music venue, bar and restaurant all housed in a fantastic colonial mansion. There will be live samba music and DJ's on each floor. We will be hosting a beginners Samba Dance class in the late afternoon, why not sign up and learn some of the basic steps before hitting the town!
This morning why not glitter up and join us at one of the local 'blocos' or street parties, there will be live music, dancing and plenty of opportunities to get to know Rio and it's people! Blocos are great fun, crowded, hot and lively! The local 'cariocas' will be all dressed up, so make sure you come dressed to impress! In the evening it's time for the main event of the week - the parade in the Sambadrome. The top samba schools parade their fantastic floats and costumes and the party goes on well into the early hours of Monday morning. You'll be situated in Sector 11, close to the action.
This morning is free for you to recover from last night in the Sambadrome! It's a great chance to hit the beach, explore the city or simply have a lie in!In the afternoon you may wish to join us for a walking tour of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.Tonight we have the chance to re-visit the Sambadrome, this time in Sector 5 in the centre of the parade runway, to see the last 7 of the elite Samba schools parading. You even have the option to don a costume and take part in the parade itself, dancing your way down the Sambadrome runway - a once in a lifetime experience!It is important to pre-book these activities early.
Today you have free time to enjoy the activities, sights and sounds of Rio! Join a bloco, hit the beach or ride the tram to Santa Teresa. Rio has so much to offer other than it's carnival fesitivities. We will be organising some fun water based activities such as kayaking and paddle boarding (prior booking is essential).Tonight you have a free night to hit the town; head downtown and enjoy a Caipirinha under the iconic Lapa arches or join a bloco.
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro! Today there will be a group meeting day at 18:00hrs, please meet in the hotel reception.The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Rio. If you would like to book additional nights of accommodation to really explore the city, please contact your Sales agent.Border information: If you are arriving in Rio, enter Brazil at Rio Galeão International Airport International (IATA code: GIG) Airport.
Today we will drive to the beautiful old colonial mining town of Ouro Preto.Along the way we will stop at Petropolis, the cool hill-side hideaway for local Cariocas escaping the heat of Rio. We will have 2 hours to explore the Museu Imperial, the former Imperial Palace, wander the town or visit the Palacio de Cristal, the site where the last slaves of Petropolis were released.
Today we will enjoy a half day guided tour of Ouro Preto, well known for its colonial architecture and the first Brazilian town to be considered a UNESCO world heritage site. In the afternoon enjoy some free time to explore the town, visit the museum or some of the stunning baroque churches. There are some fantastic cafes and restaurants in Ouro Preto. Don't forget your camera today - Ouro Preto is one of the most picturesque towns on our itinerary!
We have a full day drive through the Brazilian countryside. We will find a nice spot and camp for the night near Tres Marias.
Today we arrive in the futuristic capital of Brasilia. In the morning we will enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating city, which was designed and built to be the Brazilian Government's headquarters in 1960. The city is designed to resemble a plane, and is a UNESCO heritage site, housing some incredible, futuristic style Cathedrals and Monuments.
After our morning tour of the city, we will drive to the chilled out town of Alto Paraiso, which will be our base for exploring the Chapada dos Veadeiros. Alto Paraiso is crossed by Parallel 14 (in the same way as Machu Picchu) and is at the centre of some fantastic stories of space ships and aliens!
Today we can explore the National Park. The Chapada dos Veadeiros is one of Brazil's hidden gems, one of the oldest and most beautiful tropical ecosystems in South America and home to incredible waterfalls, rock formations, caves and grottoes. This morning we will have an included visit to the Vale da Lua or the Valley of the Moon, so called due to the rock formations giving it an appearance similar to the moon.This area is perfect for hiking, horse and bike riding and of course swimming in natural pools and soaking up the parks atmosphere. It is said that due to the high amount of quartz in the ground, that this Chapada is glows from space!
Over the next two days we will travel overland across the central Brazilian countryside.
Overlanding through Central Brazil to Lencois.
We will spend 2 full days in Lencois, the gateway to Chapada da Diamantina National Park. A former diamond-mining town in Bahia. Lencois's friendly inhabitants, great restaurants, cobbled streets and brightly coloured buildings make it a great town to explore.
Go hiking, kayaking, riding, explore the town, or simply kick back and relax!
We head to the coast today, to the beautiful beach town of Itacare, with its stunning Atlantic rainforest, laid back eco-friendly cafes and bars, and the opportunity to surf, relax and explore.
Time to relax and enjoy some beach time!
Today we have a free day to explore the area, enjoy the beach, take part in some of the many adventure activities available here, or visit the stunning Peninsula de Marau, stopping off at Praia Taipus de Fora and Lagoa Azul.
Today we drive to the beautiful town of Salvador da Bahia. Salvador is a vibrant and exciting place to visit, with its bright colonial architecture, tasty street food scene, great music and impressive Capoeira, there's plenty to keep us busy for 2 days.
Free time to explore the energetic and vibrant city of Salvador, known around the world for its Carnaval festivities. Salvador is home to over 300 churches, the historic centre is recognised by UNESCO and full of interesting architecture, brightly coloured buildings and cobblestone streets. It's an excellent place to witness the African culture in music and dance and enjoy some delicious street food.
Welcome to Salvador! Today there is an important group meeting at 18:00hrs, please meet at the Hotel reception. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Salvador.Border information: If you are starting in Salvador, enter Brazil at Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport (IATA code: SSA)
Today we head north up the coast of Bahia, into the state of Sergipe. Along the way we will make a stop at the Projeto Tamar - a research station involved in the protection of Brazil's fives species of turtle, which spans 1000km and 9 of Brazil's states. The best time to visit is September to March when the spawning occurs.Afterwards we will continue our journey north to Aracaju, where we can chill out in one of the town's seafront eateries, listen to some traditional forro music and enjoy the fresh crabs that the town is known for.
We have a full day drive to the stunning colonial gem of Olinda, considered one of Brazil's most important historic sites.
Explore the beautiful town of Olinda, once known as 'small Lisbon' and the richest town in Brazil. Enjoy wandering the cobblestone streets, check out some of the exquisite churches and definitely make time for lunch at Alto da Se to enjoy the views!
Continue the journey to the cool seaside town of Praia da Pipa.
Today we have a drive day to the pink sands of the Canoa Quebrada beaches.
Huge pinkish sand dunes dominate the area of Canoa Quebrada, it's a fantastic spot to kick back and relax after a week of overlanding, or for the more energetic; try your hand at kite surfing, take an evening horseback ride along the beach, head out on a beach buggy. There's a laid back small town to explore too.
An all day drive brings us to the laid back beach town of Jericoacoara, or 'Jeri' as it's affectionately known. Access to Jericoacoara is only by 4x4 through unpaved tracks through the dunes, making it a wonderfully hard to reach place.
Jericoacoara is a magical place to spend some time; wander the sandy lanes, enjoy the sunset with a caipirinha on the dunes whilst the locals practise their Capoeira, head out on a quad bike adventure to remote lagoons where you can take a dip, laze in a hammock and enjoy a seafood lunch. Jeri is also one of the prime spots for surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing!
Today we drive to the town of Barreirinhas, the gateway to the Lencois Maranhenses National Park.
Today we adventure into the Lencois Maranhenses National Park begins. Seen from the sky, the meeting point of the Rio Parnaiba and the Atlantic Ocean looks like a giant puzzle, made up of 85 tiny islands.
Today we will head out to the protected area of Pequeneos Lencois, along the way, we will visit a small fishing village, take a short walk & enjoy views of the dunes and the Preguicas River.
This morning we will continue our journey to the beautiful UNESCO town of Sao Luis.
Today we can enjoy the UNESCO world heritage site of Sao Luis, the only city of Brazil to be founded by the French. The city is full is interesting museums and the historic centre houses beautiful, pastel coloured colonial mansions. You can take a boat trip to the more laid back town of Alcantara, you may spot the Scarlet Guara birds on your way.
Our final drive day brings us to Belem where the mighty Amazon River meets the Atlantic.
Today is yours to enjoy the port town of Belem, one of the first Portuguese settlements. Explore the historic centre which houses various museums and cathedrals and be sure to visit the Ver-o-Paso Market, considered the largest in South America, with its stalls scattered with Amazonian fish, baskets of Acai, herbs and crafts.
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Belem. Please note that there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your Sales agent if you would like to book additional nights in the hotel.If you are continuing your trip to Boa Vista, we will depart early this morning on a passenger boat to Macapa.Border information: If you are leaving in Belem, you will most likely exit Brazil at Val de Cans-Júlio Cezar Ribeiro International Airport (IATA: BEL)
