3-Week Argentina and Brazil Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Argentina And Brazil tour 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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• 16 Days in South America, incl. Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires

  Three days in the Amazon rainforest, 3 nights in Rio near Copacabana Beach, and 2 days at Iguassu Falls highlight this tour. Visits include Buenos Aires' historic San Telmo district and Santiago's Club Hipico, with stays at upscale hotels like Windsor Plaza Copacabana and Kenton Palace.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Amazon Rainforest

    Start your journey in Manaus, the gateway to the Amazon. Take a cruise down the Rio Negro to see the Meeting of the Waters, where the dark Rio Negro meets the brown Rio Solimões to create the Amazon. A traveler's insight: "The jungle experience was magic - watching the staff at the Ecopark Lodge make walking sticks from branches showed their incredible resourcefulness."

    
  • Days 4-7

    Rio de Janeiro

    Catch an early flight from Manaus to Rio. Take the cog railway up Corcovado Mountain before 10 AM to avoid crowds and heat. The trip up to 2,300 feet gives you great views of Guanabara Bay. You'll have time to explore Ipanema and Copacabana beaches but bring water shoes since the sand gets very hot by midday. Day 7 is perfect for a trip to Petropolis when Rio is usually packed with tourists.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Iguazu Falls

    Fly in the morning to see these incredible falls. Start on the Brazilian side for the big picture views, then cross to Argentina to get up close using the Ecological Jungle Train. Make sure to wear shoes with good grip since the boardwalks can get slippery. Want to avoid the crowds? Visit the Devil's Throat lookout after 3 PM when most tour groups have left.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Buenos Aires

    Your flight lands at Buenos Aires' domestic airport, just 15 minutes from the city center. Start your day early in historic San Telmo before the antique markets fill up. Set aside plenty of time for Recoleta Cemetery. You'll want to take your time looking at the impressive mausoleums and finding Eva Perón's resting place.

    
  • Days 13-16

    Santiago

    The 2.5-hour flight takes you over the Andes to Santiago, nestled in a valley with mountain views. Head to San Cristobal Hill in the morning before the afternoon haze blocks the mountain vista. Take a trip to Valparaiso - a recent visitor noted: "The city's 42 hills and artistic vibe made this coastal excursion a highlight."

    

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