Buenos Aires to Rio: Iguassu Falls, Paraty & Ilha Grande

Arrive at any time into Buenos Aires. The day is unstructured, leaving time to find your footing in the city. Drop your bags and head out to one of the capital's many sidewalk cafés for a coffee. It's a good opportunity to simply watch the city's rhythm before the trip begins in earnest.

A morning flight from Buenos Aires lands in Puerto Iguazú, the gateway to the falls on the Argentine side. The first stop is the Jasy Pora Guaraní community in the Misiones rainforest for a visit guided by a local resident. From there, it's an overland journey of about an hour, including the border crossing into Brazil.

Once in Foz do Iguaçu, the day ends with a walk along the Brazilian side of the falls. This vantage point provides a sweeping, panoramic view of the 275 separate cataracts that form the main cascade, a useful orientation before exploring the Argentine trails up close.

The day is dedicated to the Argentine side of the falls, which requires crossing the border from Brazil in the morning and back again in the evening. This side offers a more intimate encounter with the water, with a network of trails and catwalks built directly over the cascades. The main circuit leads to a viewing platform at the Garganta del Diablo, or Devil's Throat, the highest and most powerful section of the falls. Other trails wind through the forest, offering different perspectives. For a more direct view, boat trips run to the base of the falls.

An early morning flight from Foz do Iguaçu marks the transition from the falls to Brazil's coast. After landing in São Paulo, the journey continues overland by van for five to six hours, arriving in the colonial town of Paraty. A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, Paraty's historic center is a grid of cobblestoned streets lined with well-preserved architecture. Settle in for the evening and get a first sense of this quiet coastal town.

Today is a free day to explore Paraty and its surroundings. The historic center itself, a national monument, is closed to vehicle traffic, preserving its colonial character. Beyond the town, options include taking a boat out into the bay to visit nearby islands and beaches, or heading inland to tour local distilleries that produce cachaça, the national spirit. Other possibilities include kayaking, horseback riding, or taking a jeep tour into the hills.

The route continues north up the coast with a 90-minute to two-hour van ride to Angra dos Reis. From there, a local ferry makes the crossing to Ilha Grande, a large, road-free island known for its protected forests and beaches. After settling in, the rest of the day is free to hike to one of the island's remote beaches or simply relax. Note that travelers must pay a Sustainable Tourism Tax of approximately 55 BRL either online in advance or at the port before boarding the ferry.

A full, unstructured day on Ilha Grande provides time for longer excursions. Ambitious hikers can tackle the trail to Pico do Papagaio for island-wide views, while a less strenuous but equally rewarding walk leads through the forest to the famous Lopes Mendes beach. Other options include snorkeling in the clear waters or simply finding a quiet stretch of sand to relax on for the day.

Leave the island by ferry, returning to Angra dos Reis on the mainland. The final leg is a three to four-hour van ride north to Rio de Janeiro. The coastal road offers dramatic scenery, culminating in the famous view of the city as the road rounds the cliffs at Vidigal. The rest of the day is free to get a first taste of one of the world's most recognizable cities.

The trip concludes today. There are no planned activities, so you can pack and depart from Rio de Janeiro at any time. Onward travel can be booked for any time of day.