How to spend two weeks in Argentina and Brazil
- Justin Meneguzzi
- Jun 24
- 5 min read
Summary:
Combine Brazil and Argentina for a diverse first-time South America trip, blending beaches, culture, waterfalls and Patagonia’s wild landscapes.
Start in Rio de Janeiro for iconic sights, then slow the pace in Ilha Grande and Paraty. Visit Iguazu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides for contrasting perspectives and unforgettable boat experiences. Explore Buenos Aires for tango, food and culture, before heading south to Los Glaciers National Park to see the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Extend your trip with options like Patagonia hiking, Mendoza wine tasting, Uruguay visits or even an expedition to Antarctica.
Few travel pairings are as intoxicating as Brazil and Argentina. Think samba rhythms and sun-drenched beaches in Rio de Janeiro, paired with European elegance, world-class cuisine and tango culture in Buenos Aires. Linking them together creates a dynamic journey full of tropical coastlines, thundering waterfalls and icy Patagonian wilderness. While two weeks in Argentina and Brazil will leave you wanting more, it’s the perfect introduction to South America.
A two-week itinerary for first-time visitors to Argentina and Brazil
Days 1-3: Rio de Janeiro
Set between jungle-clad mountains and sweeping beaches, Rio de Janeiro is one of the world’s most visually striking cities. Ride the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain, stand beneath Christ the Redeemer, and wander the colourful Selarón Steps. Spend afternoons soaking up the energy of Ipanema Beach or Copacabana, and evenings sampling Brazilian cuisine and caipirinha cocktails.
Where to stay:
Copacabana Palace: A legendary beachfront icon offering timeless glamour, impeccable service and a prime position on Copacabana Beach.
Emiliano Rio: A sleek, contemporary boutique hotel known for its rooftop infinity pool and understated luxury on Copacabana.
Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro: A design-led favourite in Ipanema with a chic rooftop pool and views over the ocean and Dois Irmãos mountains.
Days 4-6: Ilha Grande and Paraty
A four-hour journey south of Rio (by boat or transfer), you can swap urban buzz for laid-back coastal calm at Ilha Grande and Paraty. Ilha Grande is a car-free island of jungle trails and pristine beaches, ideal for hiking and snorkelling. Paraty, meanwhile, charms with cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings and a rich colonial history. Together, they offer a slower pace and a chance to experience Brazil’s coastal soul.
Days 7-8: Iguazu Falls
Continue on to Sao Paulo (a four hour drive south), then catch a two-hour flight to Foz do Iguaçu, where you’ll find one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring waterfalls straddling the border of Brazil and Argentina. A road border crossing here means it is possible to see both sides of the falls (catch a taxi or book a transfer). The Brazilian side offers sweeping panoramas, while the Argentinian side immerses you in the cascades via walkways and close-up viewpoints. Boat tours bring you thrillingly close to the thundering water. Expect to get soaked. This is also where you’ll cross between the two countries.
Where to stay:
Hotel das Cataratas: The only hotel within Brazil’s national park, offering exclusive early access to the falls.
Awasi Iguazu Relais & Chateaux: A luxurious jungle retreat with private villas and tailored excursions on the Argentine side.
Days 9-11: Buenos Aires
Fly from Cataratas del Iguazú to Buenos Aires (two hours). The Argentine capital blends European grandeur with Latin flair. Explore colourful La Boca, visit historic cemeteries like Recoleta Cemetery, and indulge in Argentina’s famed grilled steaks. Evenings are for tango, whether in a traditional milonga or a polished stage show, paired with exceptional wine and nightlife
Where to stay:
Faena Hotel Buenos Aires: A bold, design-forward hotel famous for its theatrical interiors and tango performances.
Palacio Duhau: A refined blend of palace grandeur and modern luxury in the elegant Recoleta district.
Alvear Palace Hotel: A classic, opulent property offering old-world charm and impeccable service.
Learn more with our complete guide to Buenos Aires
Days 12-13: Los Glaciers National Park
Fly to southern Patagonia, where Los Glaciers National Park showcases the immense Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The star attraction is Perito Moreno Glacier, a towering wall of ice that dramatically calves into turquoise waters.
Staying at a traditional estancia offers a glimpse into rural life, where Argentine cowboys (known as gauchos) ride across vast plains.
Day 14: Return to Buenos Aires
Return to Buenos Aires for your onward journey. As a major aviation hub, it’s the perfect springboard to destinations like Peru, Colombia, Chile or even Antarctica.
How to do it
As a popular route, there are many options to choose from when it comes to seeing Brazil and Argentina in one trip. If you prefer to do your own thing, or plan to travel with your own private group or family, our Professional Travel Advisors can prepare the perfect itinerary for you.
If an organised tour is more your style or you're travelling on your own and would like some company, here are three options we recommend:
A 9-day tour with Abercrombie & Kent is short and sweet, but delivers the classic highlights like Rio, Iguazu Falls and Buenos Aires.
A 10-day tour with Intrepid Travel covers most things mentioned in this article, and adds a day in the Ibera Wetlands.
A 9-day tour with Insight Vacations skips the smaller coastal towns in favour of flights that hopscotch between the major locations.
Is two weeks enough in Brazil and Argentina?
Two weeks delivers an unforgettable introduction, but there’s much more to explore. In Brazil, the Amazon rainforest and Salvador’s Afro-Brazilian culture offer entirely different perspectives. In Argentina, the wine regions of Mendoza, the wild landscapes of Patagonia and the remote Lake District all reward extra time. Extending your trip allows for deeper immersion and fewer rushed transitions.
Ways to extend your Latin American holiday
Hiking in Patagonia: Explore dramatic peaks, glaciers and trails through Torres del Paine, El Calafate and El Chaltén, ideal for active travellers seeking raw wilderness.
Taste wine in Mendoza: Discover Argentina’s premier wine region, sampling Malbecs against a backdrop of the Andes.
Cross into Uruguay: Take a short ferry across the Río de la Plata to experience colonial charm, relaxed beaches and a slower pace of life.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: HOW TO SPEND TWO WEEKS IN COLOMBIA
Cruise to Antarctica
At the southern tip of Argentina, Ushuaia is one of the two gateway ports to Antarctica. Expedition cruises depart from here, making an extended stay in Argentina the perfect opportunity to add one of the world’s most extraordinary and remote destinations to your journey. Every voyage south offers the chance to encounter icebergs, penguins and untouched polar landscapes. For many travellers, it becomes the defining moment of the entire trip.
Ready to explore South America? Get in touch with one of our Professional Travel Advisors and we’ll arrange hotels, sightseeing, escorted tours, transport, travel insurance, international flights and more.
