Overland adventure through Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina
Highlights
Rio de Janeiro - where folk are raring to party and live purely for the momentEnjoy the laid back historic coastal village of Parati
Take in the enormity of Iguazu Falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides
Explore the vast wetlands of the Pantanal, home to hundreds of species of birds, mammals and fish, including Piranha!
Visit the ruins of a Jesuit Mission in Paraguay
Wander the cobbled streets and colonial buildings of Colonia in Uruguay
Experience the pulsating and cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires
Itinerary
DAY 1-5: RIO TO PARATI AND THE PANTANAL
Rio de Janeiro, famous for its Carnival and ability to party at any time, is our starting point. Christ the Redeemer, landmark on the top of Corcovado Mountain has been named one of the 'Seven New Wonders of the World.' Nicknamed 'Cidade Maravilhosa', or the 'marvellous city' it lives up to its name on many levels. With over 50 kms of white and golden sand beaches and South America's largest urban forest and legalised 'street art' there is a lot to see.
Carnival celebrations are always chaotic, crowded and fun and a must during any stint of travel to Brazil! Our trips from Rio start after Carnival and we have accommodation packages available along with Sambadrome tickets if you would like to arrive early to take part in this epic event along with other people in your group.
Leaving Rio we head to the coastal village of Parati. This unspoilt and picturesque town has remained fundamentally unaltered for three centuries. Cars have been banned from its cobbled streets that run down to the seashore, instead mountain bikes are used and are a good way to get around. Another great way to explore the secluded islands of this pristine coastline is taking a sailing trip in one of the traditional schooners.
We then begin our travel through Brazil in earnest as we head inland and journey on to the Pantanal.
DAY 6-14: THE PANTANAL, BONITO & IGUAZU FALLS
We have a couple of days in the Pantanal region, an immense wetland area, in fact the largest inland wetland in the world. Here we can organise guided treks and horse rides out into the grasslands and waterways which are home to over 600 species of birds and 350 kinds of fish, piranha being common, as well as an abundance of reptiles and animals. Keep your eyes open for howler monkeys, giant otters, caiman, capybara and beautiful macaws. Try your hand at Piranha fishing too!
Next stop is Bonito, an ecotourism base for exploring the stunning surrounding forests, waterfalls, lakes and caves. The area is most well known for its exceptionally clear rivers and lakes and we have the opportunity to swim and snorkel amongst the fish life in these pristine waters. Look out for monkeys, alligators and anaconda on walks in the mountainous forests or explore sunlit sinkholes and caves dripping with stalagmites and stalactites.
We enjoy a wild camp on our way to the incredible Iguazu Falls which form the natural border between Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. Higher than Niagara and wider than Victoria Falls, they are an awe-inspiring place to spend the next three days. The lush tropical forest surrounding the falls has many walking trails leading to smaller hidden falls, ideal to refresh from the steaming heat and abounding with parrots, toucans, woodpeckers and colourful plants. Here you can also undertake a number of optional activities such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flights and mountain bike riding.
DAY 15-18: PARAGUAY
From here we travel west, crossing the border into Paraguay and journeying to the country's capital, Asuncion. Fewer tourists come here than Rio or Buenos Aires and the city is great to explore with plenty of bars, cafes, plazas, museums, art galleries and interesting architecture on offer.
Our next stop is Trinidad, home to two of the most well preserved Jesuit Missions in South America. Now UNESCO World Heritage sites, the missions here were founded in the 17th century with the aim of converting the local Guarani people to Catholicism. An optional excursion will take you out to one of the missions where you can explore the ruins and learn about their history and the relationship between the Jesuits and the Guaranis.
DAY 19-26: THROUGH URUGUAY TO BUENOS AIRES
After crossing the border into Uruguay, we visit the city of Salto and the nearby Termas del Dayman hot springs before returning to the coast at Punta del Este. Located on the tip of a peninsular, this modern city has some beautiful beaches, the famous ‘La Mano’ (the hand) sculpture and an interesting port to wander around with its fish market and cafes.
Montevideo is Uruguay’s capital and we have a couple of nights here to explore the colonial and art deco buildings of the old town, visit a theatre or an art museum or try some traditional Uruguayan dishes at the Mercado del Puerto.
Next stop is Colonia del Sacramento, a small picturesque town on the banks of the Rio de la Plata founded in the 17th century. The historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a wealth of beautiful old buildings and cobblestone, tree-lined streets and plazas to explore with colonial houses, the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento, the restored city gate and drawbridge and the more recent 19th century lighthouse with views over the old town.
Across the immense Rio de la Plata is Argentina, our destination as we leave Uruguay and travel to Argentina’s famous capital, Buenos Aires
included with
- Accommodation - approx. 67% camping & 33% simple hostels/hotels
- Pantanal - includes accommodation, meals & boat trip
- Iguazu Falls - entrance to Argentina side
- Meals - approx. 50%
- All transport on Oasis Expedition Truck
- Camping and Cooking equipment
- Services of Oasis Crew
excluded by
- Local Payment of USD 1000 (2026) payable at the start of the trip
- Visas
- Optional Excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information
- Flights
- Airport Taxes & Transfers
- Travel Insurance
- Meals - approx. 50%
- Drinks
- Tips
Detailed Description
DAY 1-5: RIO TO PARATI AND THE PANTANAL
Rio de Janeiro, famous for its Carnival and ability to party at any time, is our starting point. Christ the Redeemer, landmark on the top of Corcovado Mountain has been named one of the 'Seven New Wonders of the World.' Nicknamed 'Cidade Maravilhosa', or the 'marvellous city' it lives up to its name on many levels. With over 50 kms of white and golden sand beaches and South America's largest urban forest and legalised 'street art' there is a lot to see.
Carnival celebrations are always chaotic, crowded and fun and a must during any stint of travel to Brazil! Our trips from Rio start after Carnival and we have accommodation packages available along with Sambadrome tickets if you would like to arrive early to take part in this epic event along with other people in your group.
Leaving Rio we head to the coastal village of Parati. This unspoilt and picturesque town has remained fundamentally unaltered for three centuries. Cars have been banned from its cobbled streets that run down to the seashore, instead mountain bikes are used and are a good way to get around. Another great way to explore the secluded islands of this pristine coastline is taking a sailing trip in one of the traditional schooners.
We then begin our travel through Brazil in earnest as we head inland and journey on to the Pantanal.
DAY 6-14: THE PANTANAL, BONITO & IGUAZU FALLS
We have a couple of days in the Pantanal region, an immense wetland area, in fact the largest inland wetland in the world. Here we can organise guided treks and horse rides out into the grasslands and waterways which are home to over 600 species of birds and 350 kinds of fish, piranha being common, as well as an abundance of reptiles and animals. Keep your eyes open for howler monkeys, giant otters, caiman, capybara and beautiful macaws. Try your hand at Piranha fishing too!
Next stop is Bonito, an ecotourism base for exploring the stunning surrounding forests, waterfalls, lakes and caves. The area is most well known for its exceptionally clear rivers and lakes and we have the opportunity to swim and snorkel amongst the fish life in these pristine waters. Look out for monkeys, alligators and anaconda on walks in the mountainous forests or explore sunlit sinkholes and caves dripping with stalagmites and stalactites.
We enjoy a wild camp on our way to the incredible Iguazu Falls which form the natural border between Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. Higher than Niagara and wider than Victoria Falls, they are an awe-inspiring place to spend the next three days. The lush tropical forest surrounding the falls has many walking trails leading to smaller hidden falls, ideal to refresh from the steaming heat and abounding with parrots, toucans, woodpeckers and colourful plants. Here you can also undertake a number of optional activities such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flights and mountain bike riding.
DAY 15-18: PARAGUAY
From here we travel west, crossing the border into Paraguay and journeying to the country's capital, Asuncion. Fewer tourists come here than Rio or Buenos Aires and the city is great to explore with plenty of bars, cafes, plazas, museums, art galleries and interesting architecture on offer.
Our next stop is Trinidad, home to two of the most well preserved Jesuit Missions in South America. Now UNESCO World Heritage sites, the missions here were founded in the 17th century with the aim of converting the local Guarani people to Catholicism. An optional excursion will take you out to one of the missions where you can explore the ruins and learn about their history and the relationship between the Jesuits and the Guaranis.
DAY 19-26: THROUGH URUGUAY TO BUENOS AIRES
After crossing the border into Uruguay, we visit the city of Salto and the nearby Termas del Dayman hot springs before returning to the coast at Punta del Este. Located on the tip of a peninsular, this modern city has some beautiful beaches, the famous ‘La Mano’ (the hand) sculpture and an interesting port to wander around with its fish market and cafes.
Montevideo is Uruguay’s capital and we have a couple of nights here to explore the colonial and art deco buildings of the old town, visit a theatre or an art museum or try some traditional Uruguayan dishes at the Mercado del Puerto.
Next stop is Colonia del Sacramento, a small picturesque town on the banks of the Rio de la Plata founded in the 17th century. The historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a wealth of beautiful old buildings and cobblestone, tree-lined streets and plazas to explore with colonial houses, the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento, the restored city gate and drawbridge and the more recent 19th century lighthouse with views over the old town.
Across the immense Rio de la Plata is Argentina, our destination as we leave Uruguay and travel to Argentina’s famous capital, Buenos Aires
