Self-Launched Buenos Aires to Fortaleza: Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil

Arrive in Buenos Aires at any time. Most international flights land at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE). Take the Tienda León airport shuttle to the city centre (~£8) or the cheaper public bus 8 (~£0.50). Check into a hostel in Palermo or San Telmo — both great neighbourhoods. Get your bearings, grab a choripán from a street stall, and rest up.

🚌Tienda León shuttle from Ezeiza (~£8) or public bus 8 (~£0.50)

🛏Hostel in Palermo or San Telmo — e.g. Milhouse Avenue Hostel or America del Sur (~£12-16/night in dorm)

• →Airport transfer via Tienda León shuttle or public bus 8
• →Check into hostel — recommended areas: Palermo or San Telmo
• →Evening stroll along Avenida de Mayo or Plaza de Mayo

Spend the day exploring the 'Paris of the Americas'. Walk from bohemian San Telmo through the colourful La Boca neighbourhood, past the iconic Caminito street. Head to Palermo for leafy parks and street art. Visit Plaza de Mayo and the famous Casa Rosada balcony — the very one Eva Perón addressed the nation from. Book a self-guided bike tour via GetYourGuide (~£20) or join a free walking tour (tip-based) of the city's highlights.

🚌Walking and city bike hire

🛏Hostel in Palermo or San Telmo (~£12-16/night in dorm)

• →Free walking tour of Buenos Aires highlights (tip-based, book via Guru Walk)
• →Self-guided cycle tour via BA bike hire (~£20 via GetYourGuide)
• →Visit La Boca and Caminito street art district
• →Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada
• →Evening tango show in San Telmo (optional, ~£15-25)

Take the morning Buquebus or Colonia Express ferry from Buenos Aires port across the Río de la Plata to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay (~1 hour, ~£25-35 return). Explore the UNESCO-listed historic quarter on foot — cobblestone streets, Portuguese fortifications, and the iconic lighthouse are all within easy walking distance. Sip a cortado at a streetside café and soak up the colonial charm.

🚌Buquebus or Colonia Express ferry from Buenos Aires (~£25-35 one way)

🛏Budget guesthouse or hostel in Colonia — e.g. El Viajero Hostel (~£12-16/night in dorm)

• →Ferry crossing Buenos Aires → Colonia del Sacramento (Buquebus or Colonia Express, ~£25-35 one way)
• →Self-guided walk of the UNESCO Historic Quarter
• →Climb the lighthouse (Faro) for panoramic views (~£1)
• →Explore the ruins of the Real de San Carlos bullfighting arena

Take a morning bus from Colonia to Montevideo with COT or Turil (~2 hours, ~£6). Arrive and explore Uruguay's laid-back capital. Wander the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), browse the bustling Mercado del Puerto for a classic parrilla lunch, and stroll the iconic Rambla waterfront promenade. Football fans should seek out the Estadio Centenario — host of the first-ever World Cup final in 1930.

🚌COT/Turil bus Colonia → Montevideo (~£6)

🛏Hostel in Montevideo — e.g. El Viajero Montevideo Beach Hostel or Punto Berro (~£12-16/night in dorm)

• →Bus from Colonia to Montevideo (COT or Turil, ~£6, ~2 hours)
• →Explore Ciudad Vieja and Rambla waterfront
• →Lunch at Mercado del Puerto (~£8-12)
• →Visit Estadio Centenario and its football museum (~£3)

Enjoy a full day to explore Montevideo at your own pace. Consider a day trip to glamorous Punta del Este — buses run regularly from Montevideo's Tres Cruces terminal (~£8 each way, ~2 hours). Alternatively, relax in Parque Rodó, visit the MAPI (Pre-Columbian and Indigenous Art Museum), or rent a bike and ride the full length of the Rambla. Evening: join locals for the famous Sunday 'Feria de Tristán Narvaja' flea market if the timing works.

🚌Local buses and walking; optional long-distance bus to Punta del Este (~£8)

🛏Hostel in Montevideo (~£12-16/night in dorm)

• →Optional day trip to Punta del Este by bus (~£8 each way)
• →Bike hire along the Rambla (~£5-8)
• →Visit Museo Torres García (~£3)
• →Join a free guided city walking tour (Guru Walk, tip-based)

Take a bus from Montevideo towards Mercedes or Fray Bentos in rural western Uruguay (Cot or Agencia Central, ~3-4 hours, ~£10). The ride takes you through picturesque Uruguayan countryside — rolling pastures, gaucho culture, and sleepy towns. Arrive at your estancia (ranch) accommodation for the night. Many estancias offer budget agritourism stays.

🚌Cot or Agencia Central bus Montevideo → Mercedes (~£10)

🛏Budget estancia/agritourism stay near Mercedes or Fray Bentos (~£20-30/night, includes basic meals — book direct)

• →Bus from Montevideo to Mercedes (~£10, ~3-4 hours)
• →Arrive at estancia — evening walk in countryside
• →Sunset over the Uruguayan pampa

Spend a full day living the estancia lifestyle. Learn to make empanadas in the farmhouse kitchen, join a guided countryside walk, and watch (or participate in) a traditional asado (Argentine/Uruguayan barbecue). Many estancias offer horse riding for an additional fee. A genuinely immersive and deeply local experience that money can't rush.

🚌None (based at estancia)

🛏Estancia stay (same as Day 6)

• →Empanada-making workshop with local hosts
• →Guided countryside walk
• →Traditional asado (barbecue) lunch or dinner
• →Optional horse riding (~£15-20 extra)

A big travel day. From Fray Bentos cross into Argentina at Gualeguaychú and make your way towards Iguazú. The most practical route is via a combination of buses — book an overnight bus from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú if coming from the capital (Flixbus or Via Bariloche, ~£25-35, ~18 hours overnight). Alternatively, if joining from the estancia area, travel to Buenos Aires Retiro bus terminal and board an evening overnight bus. Arrive the next morning well-rested.

🚌Overnight bus Buenos Aires → Puerto Iguazú (~£25-35)

🛏Hostel in Puerto Iguazú — e.g. Peter Pan Hostel or Iguazú Hostel (~£10-14/night in dorm)

• →Long-distance bus from Buenos Aires Retiro to Puerto Iguazú (Via Bariloche or Flixbus, ~£25-35, overnight ~18 hours)
• →Border crossing formalities (Argentina/Brazil — carry passport)
• →Arrive Puerto Iguazú — check in and rest

Cross into Brazil for the day (day visa-free for most nationalities, check requirements). Take a local bus from Puerto Iguazú to the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls (~£3-5 return). The Brazil side offers the iconic panoramic views of the entire waterfall system — over 275 individual falls stretching 3km. The elevated walkway puts you right at eye level with the thundering water. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of South America's most spectacular sights. Entry ~£10-12.

🚌Local bus from Puerto Iguazú to Brazilian falls (~£3-5 return)

🛏Hostel in Puerto Iguazú (~£10-14/night in dorm)

• →Cross to Brazilian side via local bus (~£3-5)
• →Iguaçu National Park (Brazil side) — panoramic walkway (~£12 entry)
• →Boat ride to the base of the falls (optional, ~£15 via GetYourGuide)
• →Macuco Safari boat tour (optional, ~£20)

Today explore the Argentina side of Iguaçu Falls — a completely different, and many say superior, experience. The network of elevated walkways takes you right over and beside the falls, with the famous Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) the unmissable highlight. Entry ~£12-15. Take the jungle train to different trailheads and spend a full day exploring. Coatis (raccoon-like animals) will try to steal your lunch — guard it well!

🚌Local bus to Argentina falls entrance (~£2)

🛏Hostel in Puerto Iguazú (~£10-14/night in dorm)

• →Iguaçu National Park (Argentina side) — full day (~£15 entry)
• →Jungle train to Garganta del Diablo viewpoint
• →Upper and Lower Circuit walkways
• →Optional: Jungle speedboat ride under the falls (~£20)

Fly from Foz do Iguaçu airport (IGU) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG or SDU). Book well in advance with LATAM, Gol, or Azul for the best prices (~£40-80 one way, ~2 hours). Arrive in Rio and take the BRT or metrô to Santa Teresa or Lapa neighbourhood. Check into a hostel in Santa Teresa, Ipanema, or Copacabana — all well located for exploring the city.

🚌Flight Foz do Iguaçu → Rio (~£40-80); BRT/metrô from airport (~£3)

🛏Hostel in Rio — e.g. Selina Santa Teresa, Mango Tree Hostel, or El Misti Ipanema (~£12-18/night in dorm)

• →Fly Foz do Iguaçu → Rio de Janeiro (LATAM/Gol/Azul, ~£40-80)
• →BRT bus or metrô from Galeão airport to city centre (~£3)
• →Arrive and check in; evening stroll along Copacabana or Ipanema beachfront

Day one in the Cidade Maravilhosa. Take the cog train to Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado, ~£18 return including entry) — book online in advance to avoid queues. Spend the afternoon at Ipanema or Copacabana beach, people-watching and swimming. Evening: head to Lapa for live samba at one of the bars around the famous Lapa Arches — free or minimal entry most nights.

🚌Metrô and local buses around Rio (~£3-5/day)

🛏Hostel in Rio (~£12-18/night in dorm)

• →Corcovado cog train + Christ the Redeemer (~£18, book via GetYourGuide or direct)
• →Ipanema or Copacabana beach afternoon
• →Evening samba at Lapa (free/minimal entry)
• →Street food dinner in Lapa (~£5-8)

Morning: take the famous cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) for sweeping views of Rio's coastline and bays (~£20, book ahead). Afternoon: explore the bohemian hilltop neighbourhood of Santa Teresa — colourful colonial houses, art galleries, and the charming yellow tram (bonde) or local minibus (jardineira). End the day with a caipirinha watching the sunset from a bar in Ipanema's Arpoador rocks — free and unforgettable.

🚌Metrô, local buses, and walking (~£3-5)

🛏Hostel in Rio (~£12-18/night in dorm)

• →Sugarloaf Mountain cable car (~£20, book via GetYourGuide or direct)
• →Explore Santa Teresa neighbourhood on foot
• →Sunset caipirinhas at Arpoador rocks (free entry)
• →Dinner in Santa Teresa (~£8-12)

Take an early bus from Rio's Rodoviária Novo Rio to Angra dos Reis or Mangaratiba (~2-3 hours, ~£8-10) then a ferry to Ilha Grande (~1.5 hours, ~£5-10). The island has no cars — just jungle, crystal-clear water, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. Check into a pousada (guesthouse) in Vila do Abraão and spend the afternoon on the beach.

🚌Bus Rio → Angra dos Reis (~£8-10); ferry to Ilha Grande (~£5-10)

🛏Budget pousada or hostel on Ilha Grande — e.g. Hollanda Hostel or Feiticeira Hostel (~£12-18/night in dorm)

• →Bus from Rio to Angra dos Reis/Mangaratiba (~£8-10, ~2-3 hours)
• →Ferry to Ilha Grande (~£5-10, ~1.5 hours)
• →Afternoon swim at Praia do Abraão or Praia do Canto
• →Explore Vila do Abraão on foot

Spend a full day hiking car-free Ilha Grande. The classic trek is the trail to Lopes Mendes beach — widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil (~3 hours each way through Atlantic rainforest). Alternatively, hike to the ruins of the old prison (Presídio) or kayak around the coastline. All trails are free to enter. Pack lunch and plenty of water.

🚌Walking (no cars on the island)

🛏Budget pousada or hostel on Ilha Grande (~£12-18/night in dorm)

• →Hike to Lopes Mendes beach through Atlantic rainforest (free, ~3 hours each way)
• →Swim and relax at Lopes Mendes — one of Brazil's best beaches
• →Optional: kayak hire (~£15 half day)
• →Optional: snorkelling boat trip (~£20 via local operators)

Take the morning ferry back to the mainland and bus back to Rio (~£13-20 combined). From Rio's bus terminal, board an overnight bus north towards Salvador, Bahia (multiple operators including Cometa and Aguia Branca, ~£35-55, ~30 hours — or break the journey). Alternatively, book a budget domestic flight Rio → Salvador (~£30-60 with Gol or Azul, ~2 hours) to save time.

🚌Ferry + bus back to Rio; overnight bus or flight to Salvador

🛏Overnight bus (saves one night's accommodation)

• →Morning ferry Ilha Grande → mainland (~£5-10)
• →Bus back to Rio (~£8-10)
• →Overnight bus or flight to Salvador (~£35-55 bus or £30-60 flight)
• →Book ahead for best prices on either option

Arrive in Salvador — the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture. Check into a hostel in the Pelourinho (Historic Centre) or Barra neighbourhood. Take the Lacerda Elevator (£0.10!) between the upper and lower city. The UNESCO-listed Pelourinho is a maze of colourful colonial architecture, candomblé temples, capoeira schools, and street musicians. Spend the afternoon wandering and soaking it all in.

🚌City buses and walking (~£2-3/day)

🛏Hostel in Salvador — e.g. Hostel Cobreu or Che Lagarto Salvador (~£10-15/night in dorm)

• →Arrive Salvador; check in to hostel in Pelourinho or Barra
• →Lacerda Elevator between upper and lower city (~£0.10)
• →Explore Pelourinho Historic Centre (UNESCO)
• →Watch live capoeira in the streets (free, or pay small tip)

Dive deeper into Salvador's extraordinary Afro-Brazilian culture. Visit the Museu Afro-Brasileiro in the Pelourinho (~£3). Head to Barra beach for a swim under the lighthouse (Farol da Barra). In the evening, seek out a candomblé ceremony (some are open to respectful visitors — ask your hostel) or enjoy live axé and forró music at one of the outdoor squares.

🚌City buses and walking (~£2-3)

🛏Hostel in Salvador (~£10-15/night in dorm)

• →Museu Afro-Brasileiro (~£3)
• →Farol da Barra lighthouse and beach
• →Street food lunch — acarajé (Bahian black-eyed pea fritter) from a street vendor (~£2-3)
• →Evening live music in Pelourinho (free or minimal cover)

Travel north towards Jericoacoara — one of Brazil's most iconic beach destinations. The most practical route: fly Salvador → Fortaleza (Gol/Azul/LATAM, ~£30-55, ~1.5 hours) or take an overnight bus (~£30-45, ~18 hours). From Fortaleza, take a 4WD transfer or shared jeep to Jericoacoara (~4-5 hours, ~£15-25 — the last stretch is through sand dunes with no paved road).

🚌Flight or bus Salvador → Fortaleza; shared 4WD to Jericoacoara

🛏Pousada or hostel in Jericoacoara — e.g. Rancho do Peixe or Hostel Jeri (~£12-18/night in dorm)

• →Fly Salvador → Fortaleza (~£30-55) or overnight bus (~£30-45)
• →Shared jeep/4WD transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara (~£15-25)
• →Arrive Jeri — check in and watch the famous sunset from the sand dune

Jericoacoara (Jeri) is a car-free fishing village turned paradise — streets of sand, swaying palms, and world-class kitesurfing. Spend the morning exploring the village and beach. Book a buggy or jeep day trip to the stunning turquoise lagoons of Lagoa Azul and Lagoa do Paraíso (~£20-30 per person via local tour operators). End the day watching the sunset from the iconic Duna do Pôr do Sol (Sunset Dune) — a Jeri ritual.

🚌Walking (car-free village); shared buggy for day trip (~£20-30)

🛏Pousada or hostel in Jericoacoara (~£12-18/night in dorm)

• →Morning on Jeri beach and village exploration
• →Lagoa Azul and Lagoa do Paraíso buggy day trip (~£20-30)
• →Optional kitesurfing or windsurfing lesson (~£30-40)
• →Sunset from Duna do Pôr do Sol (free)

A free day to truly bliss out in Jeri. Swim in the freshwater lagoon behind the dunes, rent a stand-up paddleboard, or simply lie in a hammock and read. The beaches here — especially Praia de Jericoacoara — are among Brazil's finest. For the active: hike the coastal trail to Praia do Preá or take a windsurfing lesson. In the evening, live forró music fills the sandy streets.

🚌Walking

🛏Pousada or hostel in Jericoacoara (~£12-18/night in dorm)

• →Relax on Praia de Jericoacoara
• →Freshwater lagoon swim behind the dunes
• →Optional SUP or kitesurfing rental (~£15-25)
• →Evening forró dancing in the village square (free)

Take a shared 4WD jeep transfer back from Jericoacoara to Fortaleza (~4-5 hours, ~£15-25). Arrive in Fortaleza and check into a hostel in the Meireles or Iracema beach neighbourhood. Fortaleza has a vibrant nightlife scene — Thursday is the famous forró night, considered one of the best in Brazil. Explore the Mercado Central for local crafts and street food.

🚌Shared 4WD jeep Jericoacoara → Fortaleza (~£15-25)

🛏Hostel in Fortaleza — e.g. Albergue Fortaleza or Che Lagarto Fortaleza (~£10-14/night in dorm)

• →Shared 4WD jeep back to Fortaleza (~£15-25)
• →Check into Meireles or Iracema area hostel
• →Mercado Central for crafts and snacks
• →Evening forró at a local dance hall (~£3-5 entry)

Fortaleza has 25km of urban beach — spend the morning at Praia do Futuro, the locals' favourite beach with its famous barracas (beach bars) serving fresh seafood and ice-cold drinks. Afternoon: visit the Dragão do Mar Centre for Art and Culture (free entry to some sections) and the Centro Cultural Belchior. The city is Brazil's third-largest and has a fantastic food scene — try tapioca and fresh crab at the seafront market.

🚌City buses and walking (~£2-3)

🛏Hostel in Fortaleza (~£10-14/night in dorm)

• →Morning at Praia do Futuro — beach bars and fresh seafood (~£8-12 for food)
• →Dragão do Mar Centre for Art and Culture
• →Explore the historic centre and local craft markets
• →Fresh tapioca and crab lunch at the seafront (~£6-10)

Take a day trip to Canoa Quebrada, one of the most dramatic coastal landscapes in northeast Brazil — red sandstone cliffs, white dunes, and turquoise sea (~2 hours from Fortaleza by bus, ~£5-8 each way). Walk the cliffside trail, swim in the warm Atlantic, and grab a fresh juice at a beachside bar. Return to Fortaleza by evening for a farewell dinner and drinks.

🚌Bus Fortaleza → Canoa Quebrada and return (~£10-16 total)

🛏Hostel in Fortaleza (~£10-14/night in dorm)

• →Bus from Fortaleza to Canoa Quebrada (~£5-8 each way, ~2 hours)
• →Walk the cliffside trail and red sand dunes
• →Swim in the warm Atlantic
• →Farewell dinner and drinks back in Fortaleza (~£10-15)

Your 25-day South American adventure ends in Fortaleza. Fortaleza Airport (FOR) has international connections to Europe, the US, and across Brazil. Depart at any time. If you have time before your flight, grab one final tapioca breakfast and a stroll along Beira Mar waterfront. The end of an epic self-launched journey from the pampas of Uruguay to the dunes of northeast Brazil.

🚌Taxi or bus to Fortaleza Airport (~£5-10)

🛏N/A (departure day)

• →Final breakfast — tapioca and fresh fruit at Mercado dos Pinhões
• →Last stroll along Beira Mar waterfront
• →Transfer to Fortaleza International Airport (FOR)