Rio de Janeiro to Santiago

Please note: this is not a group trip and there will be no guide.

Our independent trips are here to make your travelling plans so much easier. All of your essentials - including comfortable bus journeys, suitable multi-share hostel accommodation and itinerary routes - are taken care of by our incredible local experts who know these destinations better than anyone. There is no set guides or group on this trip, giving you absolute flexibility while you travel. However, we have included lots of amazing activities for you such as day trips with local guides.

Our independent trips are an amazing way to uncover all of the beautiful places that so many backpackers miss out on when they try to plan everything alone. With all the important details sorted for you on these trips, this means more time for you to start dreaming about all the things you want to see and do inside each destination!

After landing at the airport, a private transfer will be waiting to take you to the lively hostel in Copacabana, one of the most stunning neighbourhoods in all of Rio! Renowned for its glistening, golden coastline stretching for miles and the sensational nightlife, shops and restaurants, you'll probably want to start exploring right away.

Today we've included an epic sightseeing tour, introducing you to all of Rio de Janeiro's legendary landmarks. You will visit the Christ the Redeemer statue, the Santa Teresa neighbourhood, the Escadaria Selarón steps, Sambadrome, and even more unmissable highlights! Then escape the city life and get ready to discover the emerald jungle trails inside Tijuica National Park. Finish the day driving by the ocean on the stunning Sao Conrado Road. A drop-off back at your hostel is included.

Today, you are completely free to explore Rio de Janeiro at your own pace. If you're craving a change of scenery, we have two optional activities for you. Escape to the upscale resort town of Búzios, or go island-hopping around Angra dos Reis on a party boat!

Check out of your accommodation after breakfast. Then, make your way to the bus station for the overnight service to Foz do Iguazú. Drift off, thinking about the adventures ahead!

After arriving in Foz do Iguazú, it's just a short walk to the bus terminal in front of the Luz Hotel where you will be picked up for transfer to your accommodation in Puerto Iguazú. For the rest of today, you are free to chill by the pool and explore the local village.

Split across two destinations, today you will explore the giant natural wonder that is Iguazú Falls in all its glory! Its epic beauty is revealed as you wander along the rich rainforest trails. Hop onto a little rainforest train as you ride past even more magical scenery. The most spectacular view has been saved until last, as you stroll along the wooden catwalks to reach Devil's Throat. From the cascading cliffs covered in tropical fauna to the thundering water that splashes with extraordinary force and speed, it certainly lives up to its name!

Iguazú Falls is one of those awe-inspiring places that you just need to visit more than once, especially since Argentina and Brazil offer totally different experiences. While yesterday was all about jungle trekking and immersing yourself in the wildlife, today is all about stepping back, taking it all in and getting some amazing travel photos!

After breakfast and checking out this morning, head to the bus station where you will take the night bus. Are you ready to experience one of the most exhilarating cities in the world?

Once you have arrived at the bus station and made your way to the hostel, the rest of today is completely free for you to explore. Buenos Aires offers a wealth of travel experiences, from its rooftop bars and live folk music featuring Tango dancing on the streets, to its café culture, incredible restaurants and stunning bookshops. If you're after chilled activities, you could visit the famous El Ateneo Grand Splendid, take a "fútbol" tour around La Bombanera stadium, or unwind inside the city's green spaces.

Nicknamed the 'Paris of South America', today is all about diving into the bustling culture of Buenos Aires and exploring its breathtaking sights on a walking or cycling tour. Visit the capital's most famous landmarks, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Congress and the Teatro Colón opera house. Then get ready to experience the heart of Buenos Aires inside its liveliest neighbourhoods, from the historic streets of San Telmo to the iconic rainbow facades of La Boca. After your tour is finished, you could spend the rest of today heading back to your favourite place and doing more exploring!

Most of today is completely free for you to explore at your own pace. While this is an amazing opportunity to experience more of Buenos Aires, such as the markets of Palermo and the street art of La Boca, you can also plan an idyllic day trip to Tigre. Tonight, you have tickets to the best Tango show in town - with dinner and drinks included! Enjoy a three-course dinner with complimentary champagne, wine or soft drinks, as you admire the sensational art of Tango dancing onstage. Transfers from your accommodation and back are also included.

After breakfast, check out of your accommodation and enjoy one final free day in Buenos Aires. This evening, make your way to the bus station for the sleeper service to Mendoza: Argentina's world-renowned wine region!

Upon arrival in Mendoza this morning, make your way to the hostel and enjoy some free time to rest and relax ahead of this afternoon. Escape into the rolling valleys backed by mountains, and get ready to savour the flavours of Mendoza. As you visit two different wineries in Maipú, home to some of Mendoza's finest vineyards, you will also tour the cellars and learn all about the art of wine tasting. While you're here, you can also sample fresh olive oil, artisan liquors and chocolate that melts in your mouth. Transportation to Maipú and back from your hostel is included.

While Mendoza is renowned for its vineyards, there is so much adventure to be had inside its wild landscapes. Imagine winding rivers and mountains that stretch from north to south, practically made for exploring. Choose your activity at the time of booking. You could try white water rafting for a real adrenaline rush, go horseback riding through the valleys and enjoy a BBQ lunch, or take a scenic drive through the High Mountains. Pick-ups and drop-offs to your accommodation are included for all.

Please let us know at the time of booking which included activity you are interested in.

Depart for the bus station after breakfast, where the journey continues onto Chile, your next destination in South America. On the drive, try to catch a glimpse from the windows of the breathtaking Cerro Aconcagua, which is only second in height to Mount Everest. Once you have arrived in the capital city of Santiago, make your way to the accommodation with a free evening ahead.

Take a cycling tour around Santiago this morning, designed to give you a taste of everything this energetic city has to offer. From the local markets and street murals of Patronato, the rainbow-coloured alleyways of Bellavista, and the Bellas Artes gallery, today is filled with endless fascination and beauty. Other incredible spots include the colourful La Vega Market, as well as the stunning parks of Santiago.

Your trip finishes here, and what an adventure it's been! Travellers are welcome to depart at any time.