19 Days Wetlands, Waterfalls & Wonders (buenos Aires To Rio)
✓ Travel with Dragoman Tour Kitty of USD $800 per person is not included in the price and it is payable locally (refer to Important Information)
✓ Two Dragoman Crew Members
✓ Local Guides where necessary
✓ Breakfasts x 14, Lunches x 11, Dinners x 11
✓ Discover the unbelievable Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side
✓ Spend the day exploring the amazing Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian side
✓ Spend 2 nights in the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland area, exploring the flora and fauna with local guides
✓ Boat trip out to islands and beaches
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Border information: if you are joining in Buenos Aires, you will most likely enter Argentina at Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also known as Ezeiza Airport (IATA code: BUE/EZE).
Welcome to Buenos Aires, the wonderful capital of Argentina! There will be an important group meeting at 6:00pm at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting. Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Buenos Aires before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Buenos Aires. In Buenos Aires we will stay in a centrally-located hotel.
Please note: The tour kitty is collected today, payable directly to your guide. Trip Kitty can be pre paid for this trip, please refer to the Important Information section of this trip.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today will be a free day to explore the incredible city of Buenos Aires, soak up the atmosphere of its streets, and discover its amazing culture, art, and music.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Learn all about the cuisine of Argentina on a food tour of Buenos Aires visiting several incredible local top-class eateries that you won't find in the guidebooks!
Tour: 85 USD
Watch a football game at La Bombonera
Entrance: 300 ARS
Enjoy a free city tour of Buenos Aires
Tour: Free
Explore the beautiful area of Palermo Viejo see the incredible modern sculpture of Floralis Generica and head out to the area's bars and restaurants at night
Entrance: Free
Visit the strangely beautiful cemetery of Recoleta the final resting place of many ex-presidents and Argentine icons most famously including the tomb of Eva Peron
Entrance: Free
Head out to a tango show in Buenos Aires' oldest cafe the Gran Cafe Tortoni - seeing a slice of iconic Argentine culture in an ideal and intimate setting
Show: 650 ARS
Today we have a full day drive north though the provinces of Entre Rios and Corrientes, aiming to reach the beautiful village of Yapeyú on the banks of the River Uruguay. Yapeyú is very famous amongst Argentines for being the birthplace of their national hero General Jose de San Martin, one of the liberators of South America from Spanish colonial rule.
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 11
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Visit the remains of the house of José de San Martín, one of the main liberators of South America (if time allows)
Entrance: Free
Border information: Exit Argentina at Tancredo Neves, enter Brazil at Tancredo Neves. Today we cross the border into Brazil and drive to the city of Foz do Iguacu.
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Today we will visit the Brazilian side of the phenomenal Iguazu Falls, to get some incredible panoramic vistas of the mighty waterfalls. There is also plenty of time to visit the bird park, take a helicopter ride over the falls, see the incredible Itaipu Dam, or quickly stop into Paraguay to pick up some bargains in the nearcy Ciudad del Este.
Accommodation: Camping
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Discover the unbelievable Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side
Today we will take a day trip back into Argentina to see the incredible Iguazu Falls from the other side. This is well worth doing as the views are even more spectacular, and you'll be able to look right down into the mighty Garganta del Diablo (the largest waterfall here) from a gantry walkway viewing point). We will have a full day at the Argentine side of the falls, allowing us lots of time to freely explore the site, hike some nature trails, or perhaps take an exhilarating (and very wet) boat ride! We will return to our base in Foz do Iguacu tonight.
Accommodation: Camping
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Spend the day exploring the amazing Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian side
Optional Activities
Get a soaking on a boat trip to the Falls
Boat: 1,500 ARS
Today we have a full drive day north to the Brazilian eco-tourism capital of Bonito.
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 12
We have two full days in Bonito to take part in the plethora of incredible optional activities here. You could go out on a world-class snorkelling trip, explore the nearby caves, or go abseiling down some of the largest waterfalls in the area, amongst many other possibilities!
Accommodation: Camping
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Take an incredible snorkelling trip through the crystal clear waters of the Rio da Prata getting a phenomenal view of the fish and aquatic plants underwater
Snorkelling trip and transport: 290 BRL
Second free day for optional activities in Bonito.
Accommodation: Camping
Today we have a short drive to Brazil's amazing Southern Pantanal region, where we have a visit a local eco-tourism ranch (or 'fazenda'). We will spend 2 nights here and have a fantastic package of included activities such as exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside on horseback, trips down the wildlife-abundant rivers in boats and canoes, and safaris on the ranch's trucks and on foot where we hope to spot capybaras, caimans, and (if we are very lucky) jaguars and ocelots. Our stay here is an incredible highlight! In the Southern Pantanal we will stay in dorm accommodation in a well equipped lodge with all the meals and activities included.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Spend 2 nights in the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland area, exploring the flora and fauna with local guides
Full day in the Pantanal.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
After our morning activities and one final lunch in our beautiful ranch, it is time to leave the Pantanal. We will start driving east towards Sao Paulo state, and wild camp or stay in a local pousada at the end of the day.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Today we will drive to the remote town of Brotas in southeastern Brazil.
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Today is free to take part in optional adventure activities such as white water rafting or canyoning, or to simply relax by the pool!
Accommodation: Camping
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Go on a half-day canyoning trip through the gorges of the Jacare River near Brotas
Activity: 270 BRL
Head out white-water rafting on the fast moving waters of the Jacare River (approxmiately Grade 3-4)
Activity: 150 BRL
Today we have a full day drive to the colonial town of Paraty on the Emerald Coast of the Atlantic!
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Today we will have an included boat trip around the incredible islands and beaches off the coast.
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Boat trip out to islands and beaches
Optional Activities
Learn all about the fascinating history of Brazil and the Gold Trail on an excellent walking tour of the old colonial town of Paraty
Walking Tour: 35 USD
Enjoy some of the best and most scenic treks in the country on the coastal trails hils and 'tropical fjords' near Paraty
Walking Tour: 50 USD
Explore the ocean islands beaches and mangroves of Atlantic coast in a more serene and tranquil fashion on a sea kayaking expedition around the bay of Paraty
Kayaking: 80 BRL
Today we will have free time to explore the town, take a historical tour, walk along the stunning scenery of the coastline, head out snorkelling or diving, or simply relax on the idyllic beaches.
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
This morning we will drive to the incredible Rio de Janeiro, one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world! In Rio de Janeiro we will stay in a great hotel in the Flamengo district, close to the beach and the metro station.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Relax and explore the world famous beaches of Rio de Janeiro including Ipanema Arpoador and of course Copacabana
Entrance: Free
Visit the world famous statue Christ the Redeemer
Train and entrance: 83 BRL
Border information: if you are leaving in Rio de Janeiro, you will most likely exit Brazil at Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport (IATA code: RIO/GIG). Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Rio de Janeiro. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Explore the magnificent Botanical Gardens of Rio de Janeiro with over 54 hectares and 6500 species of plants and flowers
Entrance: 8 USD
Take a hike into the Tijuca Rainforest, one of the largest Urban Rainforests in the world.
Hike: 65 USD
Take a cable car up Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain)
Cable car (return ticket): 85 BRL
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Buenos Aires - Learn all about the cuisine of Argentina on a food tour of Buenos Aires visiting several incredible local top-class eateries that you won't find in the guidebooks! - USD 85
Buenos Aires - Watch a football game at La Bombonera - ARS 300
Buenos Aires - Enjoy a free city tour of Buenos Aires - Free
Buenos Aires - Explore the beautiful area of Palermo Viejo see the incredible modern sculpture of Floralis Generica and head out to the area's bars and restaurants at night - Free
Buenos Aires - Visit the strangely beautiful cemetery of Recoleta the final resting place of many ex-presidents and Argentine icons most famously including the tomb of Eva Peron - Free
Buenos Aires - Head out to a tango show in Buenos Aires' oldest cafe the Gran Cafe Tortoni - seeing a slice of iconic Argentine culture in an ideal and intimate setting - ARS 650
Yapeyu - Visit the remains of the house of José de San Martín, one of the main liberators of South America (if time allows) - Free
Foz do Iguacu - Get a soaking on a boat trip to the Falls - ARS 1500
Bonito - Take an incredible snorkelling trip through the crystal clear waters of the Rio da Prata getting a phenomenal view of the fish and aquatic plants underwater - BRL 290
Brotas - Go on a half-day canyoning trip through the gorges of the Jacare River near Brotas - BRL 270
Brotas - Head out white-water rafting on the fast moving waters of the Jacare River (approxmiately Grade 3-4) - BRL 150
Paraty - Learn all about the fascinating history of Brazil and the Gold Trail on an excellent walking tour of the old colonial town of Paraty - USD 35
Paraty - Enjoy some of the best and most scenic treks in the country on the coastal trails hils and 'tropical fjords' near Paraty - USD 50
Paraty - Explore the ocean islands beaches and mangroves of Atlantic coast in a more serene and tranquil fashion on a sea kayaking expedition around the bay of Paraty - BRL 80
Rio de Janeiro - Relax and explore the world famous beaches of Rio de Janeiro including Ipanema Arpoador and of course Copacabana - Free
Rio de Janeiro - Visit the world famous statue Christ the Redeemer - BRL 83
Rio de Janeiro - Explore the magnificent Botanical Gardens of Rio de Janeiro with over 54 hectares and 6500 species of plants and flowers - USD 8
Rio de Janeiro - Take a hike into the Tijuca Rainforest, one of the largest Urban Rainforests in the world - USD 65
Rio de Janeiro - Take a cable car up Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) - BRL 85
Accommodation
Dragoman's overland trips are designed for shared accommodation, whether camping or staying in hotels or hostels, and therefore do not involve a single supplement. Whilst our crew will do their best to accommodate couples travelling together in twin rooms, all our travellers should expect to stay in multi-share accommodation when staying in hostels, gers or yurts. The type, variety and standard of accommodation will vary greatly depending on what options are available at the time; hotels can vary from very basic rooms without electricity or running water to high standard hotels with good facilities! Generally in hotels most rooms will be single sex, twin-share, but in South America many rooms are triple/quad-share. Hostels, gers and yurts are nearly always multi-share and may be mixed sex.
The campsites will range from rather basic to those with excellent facilities, including swimming pools, restaurants and bars. In some cases it may also be possible to upgrade locally to bungalows, lodges or even tree-houses. One of the highlights of overlanding is that in more remote areas we wild camp away from the tourist crowds. Occasionally on some of our trips we are able to stay in villages or local homestays allowing us to get close to the indigenous population and ensuring that our money stays within the local community.
Single Supplement
We do not offer a single supplement during the booking stage, as this will be unavailable for camping with a full truck, and difficult to confirm in many hotels. However, if you would like to ‘upgrade’ to having your own room whilst on the road then this is possible if you pay the difference yourself, subject to availability. Your tour leader will assist with this as they make ongoing bookings on the road.
Group Size
The maximum group size we take on our overland journeys ranges from 19 to 22 depending on the geographical location; however the average number of passengers is more likely to be around 16. On some departures there may be more than one truck doing the same route. This means that you will be in the same hotel or campsite as another Dragoman group on some days. To ensure that you are not always at the same place at the same time as another group, your itinerary will most likely be slightly altered from the itinerary advertised on the website and in the Trip Itinerary. Even on the majority of our trips where there is only the one truck, you may from time to time meet up with other groups at points on the road, and may partake in activities jointly with other groups on these occasions.
Meals and Group Participation
On an overland journey you are more than just an individual passenger - you're part of the team. You are expected to pitch in to set up camp, shop for food, cook and generally help out. As part of your trip you will be assigned a truck job which could be collecting water and firewood, sweeping out the truck, loading the back locker, etc. While camping on overland journeys, the meals are included in the kitty. This means that you will have to work together to cook for everyone in your group. You will be divided into smaller units of 3-4 people and take it in turns to cook for the whole group according to a rota system. When it is your group's turn to cook you will have to plan the meal, shop for the ingredients in local markets or supermarkets and then prepare the meal for the whole group. The secret to cooking for 20+ people using a basic camping kitchen is to keep it simple! (On trips south of Nairobi we
have a cook on board the truck; however you will still be required to help them to prepare meals). An example of a typical camp breakfast might be toast with spreads, fruit and cereal as well as tea and coffee. When time allows it
will also be possible to serve something hot such as eggs or pancakes. Lunch is almost always a sandwich heaped high with healthy salad and assorted fillings, with fruit to follow. Dinner might be a BBQ, risotto or pasta dish and there is always the chance to try some local cooking. Generally our passengers find the more they put into a trip, the more they benefit from it.
Our Overland Trucks
Dragoman's fleet is truly unique. We use rugged and sturdy Mercedes-Benz trucks (known for their durability) that will take you off road and off the beaten track. They are specially modified at our workshop in Suffolk, UK, into our custom designed overland vehicles. Features such as our integrated cabs are unique to Dragoman trucks, and our customers regularly say that they make our trucks the best on the road. With their distinctive orange and white livery and their personalised names, our trucks have become iconic. All of our trucks are affectionately named and have their own individual personality. Many of our passengers remember the name of their truck many years after their trip!
Our trucks are fully equipped for self-sufficient wild camping, and have comfortable coach-style seating. All Dragoman trucks are owned and maintained by us, and our crew follow a strict maintenance schedule - this means we can manage the quality and safety of our fleet. We currently have 26 overland trucks (and 1 overland bus) on the road worldwide, and the fleet is growing all the time! For more information on our trucks, please visit: https://dragoman.com/overlanding/our-trucks/meet-the-fleet
The Kitty
In addition to the trip price on our overlanding trips, you will also be required to pay a kitty specified for your trip. The kitty is payable in instalments at the start of each section of the trip for combination trips, and in full at the start of the trip for individual trips. Each customer joining a trip pays their kitty into a central fund. The fund is managed by the Dragoman crew and the kitty accounts can be viewed by all throughout the trip. The kitty covers all things that the whole group does, such as:
• Hotel accommodation and campsite fees
• Meals whilst camping (not whilst staying in hotels)
• Activities listed as included (e.g. National Park or historical site entrances, excursions, etc.)
The kitty system is unique to overlanding and allows us to have flexibility and transparency on our trips. You can see exactly how your money is being spent and ensure that you are getting the best value by buying locally. It also helps to keep the costs competitive and save on administration costs so that we can pass the saving on to you. Dragoman makes NO PROFIT on kitties, as they are the group's fund. We constantly update the kitty prices on our website and the kitty advertised in the brochure is an estimate at the time of printing. Prices can go up or down with no notice, and exchange rate fluctuations will affect costs. If there is money left in the kitty at the end of your trip, then this is divided between the group and you receive a refund. Once you book your trip it is very important that you check our website on a regular basis and just before departure for any changes to the kitty amount. Some hotels and hostels increase their rates substantially over Christmas and New Year. Please therefore be aware that the kitty for trips in this period may be substantially higher than for the rest of the year and an additional amount may be required from you.
Paying your kitty
Remember to arrange to bring sufficient cash USD to pay your kitty at the start of the trip, or to arrange for prepayment (if available for your trip). If you choose to prepay your kitty then this must be done via bank transfer 3-4 weeks before the start of your trip. Please note that prepayment is not available for our trips to West Africa, Iran, Tajikistan, and any trip in Africa north of Nairobi. For more details on how to prepay your kitty, please refer to your Kitty Payments sheet which will been sent to you via email or visit this link: https://www.dragoman.com/files/Dragoman_Kitty_Document.pdf
If you are bringing the kitty out in cash, please ensure your USD notes are clean and undamaged and no more than 8 years old. If needed, your tour leader will be able to accept some of the kitty in local currency, and they will let you know the exchange rate locally. In most destinations you can withdraw local currencies from ATM machines, using either a cash passport or a credit/debit card. However, please bear in mind that most cards have a maximum withdrawal amount per day, local ATMs may run out of cash, and your bank could block the card despite you warning them of your travel plans, so it could be impractical to try to get the entire kitty out from an ATM.
Please note that we cannot accept traveller’s cheques on our trips.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected. We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of your return.
Visa information for Argentina
Citizens of the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and all EU countries will not need a visa to visit Argentina as a tourist for up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required. If a visa is required, you will need to obtain it in advance.
Visa information for Brazil
Citizens of the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, South Africa, US, Canada, Japan, countries of South America and all EU countries will not need a visa to visit Brazil as a tourist for up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required. If a visa is required, you will need to obtain it in advance.
Yellow Fever
A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home. It is your responsibility to check with your doctor well in advance of leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting.
Malaria & Other other Mosquito-Borne Diseases
There is a risk of contracting malaria in some areas which we travel through. If your trip goes to a areas with malaria it is always best to get expert advice before travelling about the types of malaria pills available, whether they are recommended, and take any that are prescribed as instructed. Consult your GP or travel clinic for the most up-to-date requirements. Other mosquito-borne diseases such as yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika are continuing to spread and are becoming a bigger problem around the world. Mosquito bite prevention is vital to avoid contracting any of these diseases, as there are no vaccines or specific treatments available. Health professionals have issued warnings for pregnant women travelling to areas affected by the Zika virus. For more information about Zika please visit:
• WHO: www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/zika-virus
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/zika
The Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit malaria usually bite between the hours of dusk and dawn, whereas the Aedes mosquitoes that transmit yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika bite both during the day and the night. To prevent being bitten, it is recommended to cover up by wearing long-legged and long-sleeved clothing, preferably light-coloured and buttoned at the wrists. Do not sleep without closing your windows, tent door, etc. and use a mosquito net in hotels or if sleeping outside where there are mosquitoes present. Use mosquito repellent applied directly to your skin or soaked into your clothing. Treating clothes and mosquito nets with a Permetherin solution also provides significant protection. It should be available at most travel stores. Mosquito coils are useful on still nights and in hotel rooms, but cannot be used inside the tents. For more advice on how to avoid bites please see: www.travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/38/insect-and-tick-bite-avoidance
Vaccinations
Recommended vaccinations and other health protections vary according to different regions and recent bulletins issued by health authorities. It is essential to get the latest specific health advice on the regions and countries you are planning to travel in, so please check with either your doctor or travel clinic in good time before you travel. The following websites are also a helpful resource: www.nathnac.net and www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
Contingency Emergency Fund
Sometimes, civil or political unrest, or reasons beyond Dragoman's control (e.g. a natural disaster), can mean that an itinerary is disrupted and we have to make a contingency plan. This may involve hiring alternate transport or even the whole group flying over an area. Although Dragoman will help organise travel arrangements, in circumstances outside Dragoman's control you will be required to contribute the additional costs involved and therefore we ask you to bring the equivalent of USD400 as a contingency fund. In almost all cases trips run smoothly and this fund is therefore never used. We also recommend that you bring an internationally recognised credit or charge card with a decent limit in case of emergencies, such as medical treatment en route, or even the need to be repatriated; though these occurrences are rare. Remember that travel insurance policies in some instances only refund you for expenses after you have already paid out.
A Few Rules
We expect all group members to act respectfully towards our staff and other group members. Bullying will not be tolerated. Engaging in commercial or exploitative sexual activities, committing acts of violence or threatening violence towards local people, other group members or any member of our staff is not allowed. Any customer engaging in such activities will be required to leave the trip immediately with no refund of the trip price. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited and conduct yourself in accordance with our responsible travel policy. Any customer found contravening such laws or regulations will be required to leave the trip immediately with no refund of the trip price. Although we are aware that in some parts of the world taking, carrying or selling drugs, or carrying weapons may be legal, it is not acceptable for Dragoman customers and our tour leaders have the right to ask you to leave the trip immediately with no refund of the trip price if you are found to be engaging in such activities.
Issues on the trip
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. If this is the case please contact our customer relations department on [email protected]. You may also choose to provide details in your feedback questionnaire which we ask you to complete at the end of your trip, but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete
Triple Share
Not available.
Children
Children must be 18 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.