15-day Journey from Tropical Forests to the Southern Plains culturefoodienature
OVERVIEW
Duration: 15 days, 14 nights
Accommodation: 14 hotel nights, including 3 in a Pantanal lodge
Availability: All year round
Who is this tour for:
Recommended age: 12-80
Better for families, solo travelers, seniors and couples
Nature
Active
Foodie
Culture
Relax
Join us on an exhilarating journey through two unbelievably cool places to travel in South America! Begin your adventure in the dazzling city of Rio de Janeiro. Next, experience the wild beauty of the South Pantanal and the raw power of Iguazu Falls. Cross into Argentina and wander the lively streets of Buenos Aires, continue south to El Calafate, gateway to the majestic glaciers of Patagonia, and conclude your journey in Bariloche, surrounded by alpine charm, serene lakes, and welcoming local culture.
This adventure is filled with energy, connection, and unforgettable encounters at every turn!
Upon arrival from our flight to Rio de Janeiro, we are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The vibrant energy of Rio welcomes us with the warm smiles of the cariocas and the music of its lively streets. The first part of our Brazil tour starts now!
Day 2
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil |
Breakfast
This morning we meet our guide at the hotel and head out to explore this marvelous city. Our first stop: the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, standing atop 710-meter-high Corcovado Hill. With arms outstretched over the city, the statue offers spectacular views of downtown Rio, Copacabana, and Ipanema framed by crystal-clear waters, peaks, and lush forests.
Next, we stroll through the charming streets of Santa Teresa, a quaint neighborhood filled with small shops and family-run businesses. Then, a short visit to the Lapa neighborhood brings us to the famous Selarón Steps, a colorful mosaic staircase created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. As the day winds down, we ride the cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, named for its resemblance to the sugar molds used in colonial times. The panoramic views from the summit are simply breathtaking. We return to the hotel at the end of the day.
Day 3
Arrival in Pantanal
Brazil |
Breakfast, Lunch
We transfer to the airport for our flight to Pantanal. Upon arrival, we are welcomed by our lodge representative and transferred to Caiman Lodge, a gem of Southern Pantanal, located about four hours from Campo Grande in the vast tropical wetlands. The region is renowned for its stunning biodiversity.
Upon arrival you will have time to settle in and enjoy the surroundings as we learn about the various environmental research and conservation projects the lodge is part of.
Days 4-5
Exploration in South Pantanal
Brazil |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Over the next two days, we’ll enjoy a curated selection of safari-style experiences, scheduled twice a day—once in the early morning and again in the late afternoon. This allows us to make the most of the cooler hours while relaxing during the midday heat in the comfort of our Pantanal lodge.
Activities are conducted on a shared basis and led by expert English-speaking guides. Depending on the season and conditions, they may include:
Guided walking trails through the forest
Caiman tour (exploring the surroundings of the ranch’s main area)
Photographic safari in a specially adapted vehicle
Scenic Canoe excursions through the ranch’s bays (Wet Season only)
Nocturnal wildlife spotlighting
Informative jaguar lecture
Day 6
Welcome to Iguazu Falls
Brazil |
Breakfast, Lunch
Today we transfer from the lodge to the Campo Grande airport for our flight to Iguazu. Upon arrival, a representative will greet us and escort us to our hotel. The rest of the day is ours to relax, take in the stunning natural surroundings, or enjoy the hotel’s amenities in preparation for tomorrow’s adventure in the magnificent Foz do Iguaçu.
Day 7
Iguazu Falls & Foz do Iguaçu
Brazil |
Breakfast
Our guide will meet us for a full-day full-day tour of the fantastic and famous waterfalls. Our adventure begins along a network of catwalks offering different panoramic views of the Iguazu Falls in Argentina. A gas-powered train takes us to the Upper Falls Circuit and the iconic Devil’s Throat. A 1,100-meter catwalk stretches across the Iguazu River to a spectacular viewpoint, bringing us face to face with the thunderous waterfalls and lush surroundings. We’ll also walk the Lower Circuit for dramatic river-level views of the cascades.
Later, back on the Brazilian side, we’ll head into Iguaçu National Park for a thrilling Macuco Safari experience. After a short 500-meter forest walk, we reach the dock and receive a safety briefing before boarding our bi-motor inflatable boat. The ride takes us upriver through the canyon and over gentle rapids, allowing us to take in the striking rock formations, wildlife, and lush greenery of the area. Our journey culminates with an unforgettable splash of water that will leave us soaking wet! After this unique adventure, we return to the hotel.
Day 8
Farewell Iguaçu - Hello Argentina
Argentina |
Breakfast
Our driver will take us to the Iguazu airport for our Buenos Aires flight. Upon arriving in Argentina, we will transfer to our hotel and settle in before beginning our exploration of the capital.
A Buenos Aires city tour will introduce us to its vibrant culture, rich history, and architectural beauty. We’ll start by admiring iconic landmarks like the grand Teatro Colón and Plaza Lavalle, passing the National Cervantes Theater and the Legislative Palace. Then, we’ll cross the bustling 9 de Julio Avenue, home to Plaza de la República and the city’s most famous symbol: the Obelisk. Next, we’ll visit Plaza de Mayo, the political and historical heart of Buenos Aires, where the Casa Rosada stands as a witness to Argentina’s past. Strolling along Avenida de Mayo, we’ll take in its striking European-style buildings, a testament to the city’s architectural heritage. Our journey continues through San Telmo, a neighborhood filled with colonial charm, before heading to La Boca, famous for its colorful houses and immigrant history. Finally, we’ll explore Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires’ exclusive and modern waterfront district.
Day 9
Bike Tour Buenos Aires
Argentina |
Breakfast, Lunch
Today’s adventure takes us off the beaten path to explore the life perspective of several Argentinian artists and their experiences through the shapes and colors in their work.
We will meet our guide and the rest of the group in San Telmo, where we will savor some local empanadas and talk about urban art and its meaning in local society. We start riding through Buenos Aires streets, admiring murals and local graffiti, and over a delightful meal, we will gain deeper knowledge of the past and its repercussions today. After this remarkable adventure, we will create our own artwork and leave our mark on the city. Finally, we will enjoy some leisure time to explore the city on our own.
Day 10
Los Glaciares National Park
Argentina |
Breakfast
Our driver will take us to the airport for our flight from Buenos Aires to El Calafate. Upon arrival we will be transferred to our hotel and prepare for an unforgettable excursion to Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to 47 glaciers, including the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier. Named after an Argentine explorer, this advancing glacier creates one of South America’s greatest natural spectacles.
We board a cruise (shared basis), to witness the glacier’s dramatic face from the water and from a network of walkways and viewpoints, we marvel at its towering 60-meter ice walls, which periodically calve into Lake Argentino and Lake Rico with thunderous splashes. As the day unfolds, we return to the hotel for a restful night.
Day 11
Glacier Navigation in El Calafate
Argentina |
Breakfast, Lunch
Following a scenic drive to Puerto Punta Bandera, we set sail (shared basis), across the North Arm of Lake Argentino, passing through the Devil’s Mouth and navigating among massive icebergs calved from the Upsala Glacier. We then continue through the Spegazzini Channel, where we get our first glimpse of the Dry Glacier.
Sailing onward, we admire the towering walls of the Spegazzini Glacier, as well as the Heim Sur and Peineta glaciers. We disembark at Spegazzini Base to walk a forest trail leading to the Spegazzini Refuge, where panoramic windows offer spectacular views of the glaciers. After this breathtaking experience, we return to our El Calafate hotel.
Add-on/optional tour of a traditional Patagonian Estate/Farm experience can be arranged after the National Park visit. Ask our experts for more details.
Day 12
San Carlos de Bariloche
Argentina |
Breakfast
After a transfer to the airport, we board our flight to Bariloche. Upon arrival, our guide will meet us and take us to the hotel before we begin exploring this charming city.
Our scenic drive takes us to Playa Bonita and the Llao Llao region, where we will visit the impressive San Eduardo Chapel. Further along, we cross the Angostura Bridge, which spans the river of the same name, leading us to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking Lake Moreno and the Llao Llao Peninsula.
Later, at the base of Cerro Campanario, we have the option to ascend to the summit by chairlift or on foot. The hike to the 1,050-meter-high summit takes approximately 30 minutes through a forested path. From the top, we are rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of Nahuel Huapi and Moreno Lakes, El Trébol Lagoon, San Pedro Peninsula, Victoria Island, and the surrounding mountain ranges, as well as a stunning perspective of the city of Bariloche.
Day 13
Exploration: Seven Lakes
Argentina |
Breakfast
Today’s adventure takes us through the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes Patagonia. We will enjoy a unique experience where every curve along the 7 lakes route unveils a scene straight out of a postcard, with towering Coihue forests, snow-capped peaks, and crystal-clear lakes creating a setting of unparalleled natural beauty.
The journey invites us to make several stops and take short walks, including strolls around Lake Espejo Chico, Lake Hermoso, and the northern arm of Lake Traful. We will also visit the Arrayán Viewpoint, which offers stunning vistas of Lake Lácar and San Martín de los Andes. After a day of exploration, we return to our Bariloche hotel for a relaxing evening.
Day 14
Bariloche to Buenos Aires
Argentina |
Breakfast, Dinner
Our driver will take us to the airport for our flight back to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel and settle in.
Later in the day, we are treated to a time traveling experience into the soul of Buenos Aires through the magic of music. A spectacular tango show awaits, where the melodies of a live quartet—featuring piano, double bass, bandoneón, and violin—set the stage for an unforgettable performance. The elegance and passion of world-class dancers fill the venue with the energy, history, and traditions of tango. After an evening of mesmerizing dance, music, and exquisite cuisine, we return to our hotel, marking a perfect end to our Argentina adventure.
Day 15
Argentina Departure - Conclusion of Trip
Argentina |
Breakfast
As our journey comes to an end, our driver will transfer us to the airport for our international flight. We leave with unforgettable memories of Argentina and Brazil’s stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to lively Brazil
Day 2: Rio de Janeiro
Day 3: Arrival in Pantanal
Day 4: Exploration in South Pantanal
Day 6: Welcome to Iguazu Falls
Day 7: Iguazu Falls & Foz do Iguaçu
Day 8: Farewell Iguaçu - Hello Argentina
Day 9: Bike Tour Buenos Aires
Day 10: Los Glaciares National Park
Day 11: Glacier Navigation in El Calafate
Day 12: San Carlos de Bariloche
Day 13: Exploration: Seven Lakes
Day 14: Bariloche to Buenos Aires
Itinerary Map
1
Welcome to lively Brazil
2
Rio de Janeiro
3
Arrival in Pantanal
4-5
Exploration in South Pantanal
6
Welcome to Iguazu Falls
7
Iguazu Falls & Foz do Iguaçu
8
Farewell Iguaçu - Hello Argentina
9
Bike Tour Buenos Aires
10
Los Glaciares National Park
11
Glacier Navigation in El Calafate
12
San Carlos de Bariloche
13
Exploration: Seven Lakes
14
Bariloche to Buenos Aires
15
Argentina Departure - Conclusion of Trip
Availability: All year round
Price per person starting from:
Not available
Rates in US Dollars based on double accommodation (2 guests). Valid throughout 2025.
What's included and not:
Rates Include
14 nights of accommodation
Transfers, guided tours, and entrance fees as specified
Meals as described in the itinerary
English-speaking professional guides
Environment Tax for Pantanal Region
Not Included
International and domestic flights
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses, tips, and additional services
Video/camera fees where applicable
Optional/Extra Tours
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Travel insurance
Tourist taxes in Buenos Aires
Additional Information
The itinerary and order of visits are subject to change due to guests’ interests, time constraints, physical endurance, weather, municipal regulations, safety, and/or unforeseen circumstances.
We recommend that guests to bring appropriate warm clothing and a waterproof jacket, for El Calafate portion of the trip.
Bike art tour on Day 9 is available only on Mondays and fridays. Meeting point: Balcarce 1016, Casa de Castagnino in San Telmo at 11 AM.
Hotel-to-airport transfers may be provided with a driver only (no guide).
Special dates like Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, Carnival, highly-demanded seasons and national holidays may have a surcharge.
Information for Caiman Lodge:
The main entrance gate is open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. Entry is not permitted outside these hours, even for guests with private transfers.
Guests are welcome to arrive at the lodge from 9:00 am onward, but check-in to rooms is only available from 3:00 pm.
On departure day, guests may remain at the lodge until 3:00 pm, but room check-out is at 12:00 pm.
Please note: Children under 8 years old are not permitted at the lodge.
Caiman Lodge activities are in Shared Basis with an English-speaking guide.
The order and selection of pantanal excursions are subject to change and will be coordinated directly by the lodge.
Experience the Best South America Tours with the Experts
From the stunning landscapes of the Andes and Amazon to historical and modern cities, you can explore ancient civilizations, discover ancient ruins, hike through breathtaking national parks, and savor delicious local cuisine. South America: There is something for everyone!