Buenos Aires, Iguazú & Rio: A 9-Day Tour | OffTheGrid Travel
Buenos Aires, Iguazú and Rio de Janeiro in nine days
Tango in Buenos Aires, a waterfall system on the border of two countries, and the view from Sugarloaf Mountain. This nine-day route links three of South America's defining places, with two nights inside Iguazú National Park at Gran Meliá Iguazú at its centre. It is our starting point for a first trip to the continent, and every part of it can be tailored.
City tour, tango and a free day in Palermo.
Two nights at Gran Meliá Iguazú, both sides of the falls.
Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf and Copacabana.
What does a 9-day Argentina and Brazil itinerary look like?
Nine days, eight nights: three in Buenos Aires, two at Iguazú Falls and three in Rio de Janeiro, linked by two domestic flights. Private transfers meet you at each airport, and guided touring is built into the days that need it, with free time left where it counts.
Days 1 to 3: Buenos Aires
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires
A private transfer takes you from the airport to a boutique hotel in Palermo, one of the city's most walkable neighbourhoods. The rest of the day is yours.
Day 2: The city, then tango
A half-day guided tour covers Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, the colours of La Boca and the Boca Juniors stadium, Puerto Madero and the Recoleta Cemetery. In the evening, dinner and a tango show.
Day 3: Buenos Aires at your own pace
A free day to return to the neighbourhoods you liked most, or to book a long lunch at one of the city's parrillas. We will send our recommendations before you travel.
La Boca, Buenos Aires
Days 4 to 6: Iguazú Falls and Gran Meliá Iguazú
Day 4: Fly to Iguazú
A short domestic flight north, then a private transfer to Gran Meliá Iguazú, the only hotel inside Argentina's Iguazú National Park. Breakfast and access to the Yasí Spa are included, with a complimentary drink on arrival for OffTheGrid Travel guests.
Day 5: The Argentine falls
A guided day in the national park: the eco-train through the rainforest, the upper trail along the top of the falls, and the Gran Aventura boat ride to their base. Coatis and capuchin monkeys are common company on the walkways.
Day 6: The Brazilian falls, then Rio
Cross the border for a half-day on the Brazilian side, where a walkway of around 1,200 metres gives the panoramic view back across the falls. Then fly on to Rio de Janeiro. Our guide to things to do at Iguazú Falls covers the park in more detail.
The Gran Aventura boat ride to the base of the falls
Days 7 to 9: Rio de Janeiro
Day 7: Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf
A guided day takes the Corcovado train up to Christ the Redeemer, then a scenic drive around the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, lunch, and the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain.
Day 8: Copacabana and Santa Teresa
A free day from your hotel overlooking Copacabana Beach. We suggest an afternoon in Santa Teresa, the hillside neighbourhood above the city, with lunch looking out over Rio.
Day 9: Depart
A private transfer to the airport for your flight home, or on to the coast if you would like to extend.
Three cities, one river of falls, and nine days that never feel rushed. That is the balance we build for.
What is included?
- Eight nights of accommodation, including two at Gran Meliá Iguazú
- Domestic flights from Buenos Aires to Iguazú and from Iguazú to Rio de Janeiro
- Private transfers throughout
- Guided touring in Buenos Aires, Iguazú (both sides) and Rio de Janeiro
- Daily breakfast, plus a tango dinner show in Buenos Aires
- International flights are not included, and can be arranged on request
Tailoring the route with OffTheGrid Travel
Every OffTheGrid Travel itinerary is tailor-made. This route is where we start, and we adjust the pace, the hotels and the length around you, whether that means a third night at the falls, an upgrade to a RedLevel suite, or a few days on the coast at the end. Tell us when you would like to travel, or ask our concierge to begin shaping the trip.
Frequently asked questions
Is nine days enough for Argentina and Brazil?
Nine days is enough for Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls and Rio de Janeiro at a comfortable pace, with three nights in each city and two at the falls. OffTheGrid Travel can add nights at Iguazú or on the coast for a slower trip.
How do you travel between Buenos Aires, Iguazú and Rio?
By two domestic flights, from Buenos Aires to Iguazú and from Iguazú to Rio de Janeiro, with private transfers at each end. Both flights are included in the OffTheGrid Travel itinerary.
Where do you stay at Iguazú Falls on this tour?
At Gran Meliá Iguazú, the only hotel inside Iguazú National Park on the Argentine side, for two nights.
Do UK travellers need a visa for Argentina and Brazil?
Entry requirements change, so check the FCDO's current travel advice for Argentina and Brazil before booking. OffTheGrid Travel will point you to the official guidance when you book.
Is this itinerary suitable for a first trip to South America?
Yes. It links three of the continent's best-known places with arranged flights, private transfers and guided touring, which makes it a straightforward introduction to South America.
OffTheGrid Travel curates bespoke luxury holidays across our Roam, Restore and Renew collections. This Argentina and Brazil route is a starting point: we build the final itinerary around you.
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