13-Day Southern Americas Eastern/Undiscovered Gems: Uruguay, Paraguay & Brazil in January
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the 'Southern Cone' and the Atlantic heart of South America, a route that balances the sophisticated charm of Montevideo with the untouched colonial grandeur of Paraguay and the lush, tropical luxury of Southern Brazil. This 13-day odyssey is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks more than the standard tourist trail, focusing instead on private vineyard tours, helicopter excursions, and five-star retreats in places the world is only beginning to notice.
While January is traditionally the height of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, this itinerary leverages the 'undiscovered' status of Eastern South America to find pockets of exclusivity and calm. From the chic shores of Jose Ignacio to the thundering cataracts of Iguaçu, you will travel via first-class domestic flights and private luxury transfers, ensuring that every transition is as seamless as the destinations themselves.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Montevideo, Uruguay - Arrival & Old World Elegance
Arrival at Carrasco International Airport
Touch down in Montevideo's stunning architecturally-renowned airport. Your private chauffeur will meet you at the arrivals gate to whisk you away to the historic Ciudad Vieja in a luxury sedan.
Lunch at Mercado del Puerto
Indulge in a classic Uruguayan 'asado' at the iron-framed Mercado del Puerto. Opt for a private table at El Palenque to enjoy premium cuts of grass-fed beef and local Tannat wine.
Private Walking Tour of Ciudad Vieja
Explore the cobblestone streets, colonial plazas, and Art Deco landmarks with an expert historian. Visit the Palacio Salvo and the Solís Theatre, the oldest opera house in the country.
Dinner at Jacinto
Savor contemporary Uruguayan cuisine by Chef Lucía Soria in an elegant, airy setting that highlights seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.
Day 2: Montevideo to Jose Ignacio, Uruguay - Coastal Sophistication
Private Transfer to the Atlantic Coast
A two-hour scenic drive takes you past the beach towns of the Gold Coast toward the ultra-exclusive enclave of Jose Ignacio, the 'Hamptons' of South America.
Lunch at La Huella
Secure a coveted reservation at the world-famous Parador La Huella. Dine on grilled octopus and fresh sea bass with your toes in the sand at this legendary beachfront institution.
Check-in at Estancia Vik
Experience the ultimate in ranch luxury. This colonial-style mansion doubles as an art gallery, featuring works by top Uruguayan artists and offering private polo lessons.
Sunset at Faro de José Ignacio
Climb the historic lighthouse for panoramic views of the Atlantic, followed by a quiet cocktail at a nearby boutique lounge.
Day 3: Jose Ignacio, Uruguay - Art, Wine & Wellness
Bodega Garzón Exclusive Experience
Take a private helicopter or 4x4 to the nearby hills of Garzón. Enjoy a guided tour of the sustainable winery followed by a private tasting and lunch overlooking the vineyards.
Visit to MACA (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Atchugarry)
Explore this stunning open-air sculpture park and museum designed by architect Carlos Ott, featuring works by international icons like Richard Serra.
Luxury Spa Session
Return to your estancia for a holistic treatment using local botanicals and marine elements.
Stargazing & Asado
End the day with a traditional Uruguayan barbecue under the exceptionally clear southern skies, guided by a local astronomer.
Day 4: Jose Ignacio to Asunción, Paraguay - The Heart of South America
Flight to Asunción via Buenos Aires or Sao Paulo
Depart from Punta del Este airport for a swift connection to Asunción. Paraguay is one of South America's least-visited but most rewarding luxury destinations.
Arrival & Colonial Suite Check-in
Check into a historic suite at a premium property like the Factoria Hotel, blending industrial chic with Paraguayan tradition.
Palacio de los López & Historic Center
Visit the Presidential Palace and the Panteón Nacional de los Héroes on a private tour that explains Paraguay's complex and fascinating history.
Gourmet Dining at Tierra Colorada
Dine at Paraguay’s most acclaimed restaurant, where Chef Rodolfo Angenscheidt reinvents local Guarani flavors with modern techniques.
Day 5: Asunción, Paraguay - Jesuit Ruins & Cultural Heritage
Private Day Trip to Trinidad and Jesús
Take a private flight or long-range transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Jesuit Missions. These 17th-century ruins are incredibly preserved and remain largely free of crowds.
Local Flavors Lunch
Enjoy a traditional lunch featuring 'Sopa Paraguaya' (a savory cornbread) and fresh river fish in the town of Encarnación.
Return to Asunción
Fly back to the capital, catching views of the vast Paraná River below.
Evening at Paseo La Galería
Visit the upscale shopping and dining district for a cosmopolitan evening among the city's elite.
Day 6: Asunción to Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil - Crossing Borders
Private Transfer to Ciudad del Este
Cross the 'Friendship Bridge' into Brazil. Your driver will handle the customs and immigration paperwork while you enjoy the transition from the Chaco plains to the Atlantic rainforest.
Check-in at Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas
Stay at the only hotel located inside the Iguaçu National Park. This pink colonial palace offers exclusive access to the falls before and after park hours.
After-Hours Falls Walk
Enjoy a private walk along the falls' boardwalks once the day-trippers have left. Experience the raw power of the water in near-total silence.
Dinner at Itaipu
Dine on fine Brazilian-International fusion at the Belmond’s signature restaurant, overlooking the misty glow of the falls.
Day 7: Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil - Aerial Views & Tropical Nature
Private Helicopter Flight
Soar above the 275 individual waterfalls and the 'Devil’s Throat' for a perspective that is impossible to gain from the ground.
Macuco Safari Adventure
Take a high-power boat into the spray of the falls. This premium version includes a private electric jeep through the jungle to reach the dock.
Parque das Aves (Bird Park)
Enjoy a private 'Backstage Experience' at this conservation center, where you can feed toucans and learn about Atlantic Forest restoration.
Sunset Cocktails by the Pool
Relax at the Belmond’s pool, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle as the sun sets over the canyon.
Day 8: Foz do Iguaçu to Curitiba, Brazil - The High-Altitude Escape
Flight to Curitiba
A short domestic flight brings you to Curitiba, known as Brazil's most organized and 'European' city, famous for its parks and architecture.
Lunch at Manu
Experience the culinary brilliance of Chef Manoella Buffara, whose restaurant Manu is consistently ranked among the best in Latin America.
Botanical Garden of Curitiba
Visit the iconic glass greenhouse inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, set within perfectly manicured French-style gardens.
Check-in at Nomaa Hotel
Stay at Curitiba's premier boutique design hotel, located in the sophisticated Batel district.
Day 9: Curitiba, Brazil - The Serra Verde Express
Great Brazil Express Luxury Train
Board the only luxury train in Brazil for a journey through the Serra do Mar mountains to the town of Morretes. Enjoy sparkling wine and gourmet snacks in the refurbished 1930s-style cars.
Barreado Lunch in Morretes
Sample the regional specialty, 'Barreado'—a slow-cooked beef stew prepared in clay pots—at a private riverside table.
Return via the Graciosa Road
Return to Curitiba via the historic Estrada da Graciosa, a scenic route through the heart of the lush rainforest.
Dinner at Terrazza 40
Enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of the Curitiba skyline while dining on Italian-Uruguayan fusion.
Day 10: Curitiba to Florianópolis, Brazil - Island Paradise
Flight to Florianópolis
A 45-minute flight takes you to the 'Magic Island', home to some of Brazil's most beautiful and exclusive beaches.
Check-in at Ponta dos Ganchos
Transfer to the nearby peninsula of Governador Celso Ramos to check into Ponta dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort, one of the most romantic retreats in the world.
Private Beach Relaxation
Enjoy the resort's private beach, where staff cater to your every need with chilled cocktails and fresh fruit.
Candlelit Dinner on a Private Island
The resort offers a unique dining experience for just one couple per night on a small island connected by a bridge.
Day 11: Florianópolis, Brazil - Oysters & Azorean Heritage
Ribeirão da Ilha Private Tour
Explore the southern part of the island, where Portuguese Azorean culture is preserved in colorful architecture and traditional lace-making.
Oyster Tasting Experience
Florianópolis is the oyster capital of Brazil. Visit a private oyster farm for a tasting of 'fresh from the sea' delicacies paired with Brazilian sparkling wine.
Hidden Beaches Hike or Boat
Choose between a guided hike through the jungle to Lagoinha do Leste or a private yacht charter to explore the northern bays.
Dinner at Ostradamus
A whimsical and high-end seafood restaurant that perfectly captures the maritime spirit of the island.
Day 12: Florianópolis, Brazil - Relaxation & Wellness
Sunrise Yoga & Meditation
Balance your soul with a private session overlooking the emerald waters of the Ganchos bay.
Gourmet Picnic
A personalized picnic basket will be set up for you in a secret spot within the resort's lush gardens.
Signature Spa Treatment
Indulge in a Sisley Paris treatment at the resort’s world-class spa facility.
Farewell Tasting Menu
The resort's chef will prepare a bespoke tasting menu celebrating the best of Southern Brazil's land and sea.
Day 13: Florianópolis, Brazil - Departure
Leisurely Breakfast
Savor one last Brazilian breakfast—featuring 'Pão de Queijo' and exotic juices—on your private balcony.
Souvenir Shopping in Santo Antônio de Lisboa
Pick up high-end local ceramics and hand-made lace in this charming historic neighborhood.
Transfer to Hercílio Luz International Airport
Your private driver will ensure you arrive in plenty of time for your flight home or your next destination.
Final Departure
Board your flight, taking with you memories of the 'undiscovered' luxury of the Southern Americas.
Best Time to Visit Americas
In the Southern part of the Americas, January is the height of summer. This is the ideal time to visit the coastal regions of Uruguay and Brazil, where the weather is hot (averaging 25-30°C / 77-86°F) and the sea is warm. While it is 'peak season' for locals, the 'Undiscovered Gems' theme of this itinerary—focusing on Paraguay and the quieter enclaves of Southern Brazil—allows you to escape the largest crowds. Conversely, for those visiting the Northern part of the Americas, January is peak winter, making the South an excellent 'sun-seeking' alternative.
Visas & Border Crossings
Traveling between Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil is relatively straightforward for most Western travelers. Many nationalities (including USA, UK, and EU citizens) currently enjoy visa-free entry for tourism into Uruguay and Brazil, though Paraguay may require a visa or 'reciprocity fee' for certain citizens. Always check the latest requirements 90 days before travel. The border crossing from Paraguay to Brazil at the Friendship Bridge is a major land crossing; using a private luxury transfer service is highly recommended to expedite the immigration process and ensure comfort.
Getting Around Americas
This itinerary utilizes a combination of private chauffeured transfers and domestic flights. For cross-border travel between Uruguay and Paraguay, flights via regional hubs like Buenos Aires or Sao Paulo are the most efficient. Within Brazil, the domestic flight network is robust, connecting Foz do Iguaçu, Curitiba, and Florianópolis with ease. For a unique luxury experience, the Serra Verde Express provides a premier rail link through the Atlantic Forest, while private yacht charters are the preferred method for exploring the coastal islands of Santa Catarina.
