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Backpacking South America: Express Adventure

From the vibrant streets of São Paulo to the tango bars of Buenos Aires, this 9-day adventure packs three countries and South America's biggest highlights into one express trip. Marvel at the thundering Iguaçu Falls, saddle up for a taste of ranch life in Uruguay, and soak up the energy of Buenos Aires before it's time to say goodbye. Nine days, three countries, one unforgettable adventure.

  • 7 Meals (Vegetarian Options)
  • All Trips and Excursions
  • All Accommodation
  • No Hidden Charges
  • Flight to Foz do Iguaçu
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Airport Transfers
Rated 4.9/5 by 568 Travellers on Google & Facebook
from$2519
Pay $350 deposit
  • Length9 Days
  • Starting PointSão Paulo, Brazil
  • Ending PointBuenos Aires, Argentina
  • No. Of Stops4
  • Avg. Group Size6-20
  • Avg. Age18-45
  • No. Of Activities6
  • No. Of Meals7

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Tour Itinerary

Downtown Sao Paulo stretching to the horizon
Day 1

São Paulo

A day to get under the skin of São Paulo — sprawling, cultured and packed with some of the best food in the country. Say your hellos to the group before we set our sights on the mighty Iguaçu Falls.

  • Room TypeHostel
The thundering cascades of Iguacu Falls seen from the Brazilian side
Rainbows rising from the mist above Iguacu Falls
Day 2

Iguaçu Falls — Brazilian Side

We catch a short flight to Foz do Iguaçu and head straight for the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls — hundreds of waterfalls thundering through the jungle. Walkways take you right up to the spray, so prepare to have your jaw on the floor and your clothes completely soaked. Later we cross the border into Argentina.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedIguaçu Falls (Brazil Side)
Walkways stretching out over the falls on the Argentine side of Iguazu
The powerful curtain of water at the Devil's Throat, Iguazu
Lush subtropical jungle framing the Iguazu Falls in Argentina
Day 3

Devil's Throat & Jasy Porá

Today we take on the Argentine side of the falls, riding the little train out to the Devil's Throat — a jaw-dropping horseshoe where the river simply vanishes over the edge — and walking the Superior Circuit for views from above. Afterwards we visit the Jasy Porá indigenous community and walk forest trails where native trees are being replanted.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedIguassu Falls (Argentina Side), Devils Throat, Superior Circuit, Jasy Porá Community
Open Argentine countryside on the road south near Gualeguaychu
Riverside scenery near Gualeguaychu on the route to the border
Day 4

Southbound

A slower day on the road as we travel south by overnight bus, trading the subtropics for the wide-open gaucho country near the Uruguayan border. Get comfy, put a playlist on and watch Argentina roll by.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeOvernight bus
A traditional working estancia in the Uruguayan countryside
Horses grazing in the fields of a Uruguayan ranch
Rolling farmland around Mercedes in rural Uruguay
Gaucho country in the Uruguayan interior near Mercedes
Day 5

Ranch Life in Uruguay

We cross into rural Uruguay for a taste of estancia life on a working ranch. Saddle up for a horse ride across the fields, roll up your sleeves for an empanada-making class (and, yes, a go at milking the cows), then sit down to proper, hearty countryside cooking for lunch and dinner.

  • Meals IncludedLunch, Dinner
  • Room TypeEstancia
  • Activities IncludedRanch Experience (Horseback riding & Cooking Class)
Cobbled streets in the historic quarter of Colonia del Sacramento
The UNESCO-listed old town of Colonia del Sacramento on the Rio de la Plata
Day 6

Colonia del Sacramento

Today we reach Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO-listed old town on the banks of the Río de la Plata. Spend the day getting happily lost among its cobbled streets, leafy plazas and Portuguese-Spanish architecture — camera very much required.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeGuesthouse
A classic street scene in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires
Grand avenues and elegant architecture in Buenos Aires
Day 7

Hello, Buenos Aires

We hop a ferry across the Río de la Plata and into Buenos Aires, the elegant, high-energy capital of Argentina. After settling in, a walking tour introduces us to the city, and tonight we sit down together for dinner in the home of steak, wine and tango.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Dinner
  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedBuenos Aires Walking Tour
Elegant boulevards in the heart of Buenos Aires
City life in downtown Buenos Aires
A vibrant sun mural on a wall in the La Boca neighbourhood of Buenos Aires
Brightly painted buildings and pavement cafes in La Boca, Buenos Aires
Day 8

Buenos Aires Your Way

A deeper dive into Buenos Aires today, from grand boulevards to the rainbow-coloured streets of La Boca, with plenty of history and culture along the way. The afternoon is free to shop, relax or hunt down the perfect steak, before we raise a glass together at our final group dinner.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedLa Boca Neighbourhood Exploring
A last look at the grand avenues of Buenos Aires before heading home
Day 9

Hasta Luego!

And just like that, 9 days are up. After breakfast it's time for goodbyes and onward adventures — but with Iguaçu Falls and Buenos Aires in the bag, you'll be leaving with a phone full of photos and a crew of new friends. ¡Hasta luego!

    Tour Dates

    All This Included & More!

    • Iguaçu Falls (Brazil Side)
    • Iguaçu Falls (Argentina Side), Devils Throat, Superior Circuit
    • Jasy Porá Community
    • Ranch Experience (Horseback riding & Cooking Class)
    • Buenos Aires Walking Tour
    • La Boca Neighbourhood Tour

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which airport do I need to fly into?

    You need to fly into São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU).

    What is the closest airport to the end destination?

    The closest airport to the end destination is Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires.

    Where does the trip start and finish?

    The trip starts in São Paulo and ends in Buenos Aires.

    Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

    Are there any age restrictions for this tour? We have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to join the tour. Group members aged 16-17 years old are welcome to join the tour but only with a family member that will act as their guardian whilst on tour. Aside from that, no age requirements at all! While our target age is 20-45, what matters most is mindset. If you’re looking for a backpacking-style experience, with hostel-style stays, local transport, and optional evening activities - you’re welcome to join us.

    What travel insurance do you recommend?

    We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.

    What if I’m travelling solo?

    Can’t convince your mates? No worries! Most of our travellers come solo, and it’s one of the best ways to experience a new destination.

    You’ll join an instant crew, meet amazing people, and make new friends from day one. Plus, you can keep your travel plans flexible and fully your own.

    Ready to roll solo? You won’t be alone for long.

    See all questions

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