18-Day Southern Americas Classic Highlights: Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil in January
Experience the ultimate Southern Americas crossing with this curated 18-day journey through Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. This itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks a blend of "Paris of the South" sophistication, tranquil Uruguayan coastal elegance, and the pulsating energy of Rio de Janeiro. Expect world-class hospitality, private transfers, and a deep dive into the cultural landmarks that define these iconic nations.
Traveling in January means you will be escaping the Northern winter for the vibrant warmth of the Southern Hemisphere's summer. While this is the peak season, our luxury approach ensures you bypass the crowds with exclusive access to the continent's most sought-after attractions. From the tango halls of San Telmo to the exclusive vineyards of Mendoza and the high-end boutiques of Ipanema, this is a journey of pure indulgence.
Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina - The Grand Arrival
VIP Airport Arrival & Private Transfer
Arrive at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and meet your private chauffeur for a luxury transfer in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class to your hotel in the Recoleta district.
Check-in at Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt
Settle into one of the most prestigious hotels in the city, an architectural gem that combines a historic palace with a modern building.
Private Recoleta Cemetery Tour
Join an expert historian for a private walkthrough of Argentina's most famous cemetery, visiting the final resting place of Eva Perón.
Tasting Menu at Aramburu
Experience an 18-course tasting menu at this Michelin-starred restaurant, showcasing modern Argentine culinary techniques.
Day 2: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Art & Aristocracy
Teatro Colón Backstage Access
Take an exclusive morning tour of one of the world's finest opera houses, including the workshops and dressing rooms.
Lunch at Elena (Four Seasons)
Savor aged beef and local wines in the stunning courtyard of the Four Seasons Hotel.
MALBA Art Immersion
Explore the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA) with a private guide to see works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
San Telmo Antique Walk
A sunset stroll through the historic San Telmo district, famous for its colonial architecture and antique markets.
Day 3: Buenos Aires, Argentina - The Tango Experience
Private Tango Masterclass
Learn the basics of Argentine Tango in a private studio with professional dancers from the city's top shows.
Classic Parrilla Lunch
Dine at Don Julio, often cited as one of the best steakhouses in the world, for a traditional 'asado' experience.
Palermo Soho Boutique Shopping
Explore the high-end leather goods and fashion boutiques of Palermo with a personal shopper.
Rojo Tango Show at Faena
Watch the city's most intimate and luxurious tango show inside the Philippe Starck-designed Faena Hotel.
Day 4: Buenos Aires to Tigre Delta, Argentina - River Retreat
Private Yacht Charter to Tigre
Depart from Puerto Madero on a private yacht, cruising up the Rio de la Plata to the lush islands of the Tigre Delta.
Gourmet Island Lunch
Enjoy a secluded lunch on a private island, catered by a personal chef with fresh, local ingredients.
Kayaking the Quiet Channels
Explore the smaller, serene waterways of the Delta where motorboats cannot reach.
Return to the City
Sunset cruise back to Buenos Aires with cocktails served on board.
Day 5: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Pampa & Polo
Estancia Day Trip
Travel to an exclusive Estancia (ranch) outside the city for a day of polo and gaucho traditions.
Polo Lesson & Exhibition
Learn how to play the "Sport of Kings" from professional players and watch a high-speed match.
Gaucho Asado
A lavish outdoor barbecue featuring premium Argentine cuts and locally grown vegetables.
Horseback Riding
Explore the vast Argentine pampas on horseback before returning to the city.
Day 6: Buenos Aires to Montevideo (Argentina/Uruguay)
First-Class Buquebus Crossing
Board the Francisco ferry in 'Proa' class for a high-speed, luxury crossing across the Rio de la Plata to Montevideo.
Old City Walking Tour
Check into the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and begin a private tour of Ciudad Vieja.
Mercado del Puerto
Experience the smoky atmosphere and incredible meats of Montevideo's most famous port market.
Sunset at Rambla de Montevideo
Enjoy the longest continuous sidewalk in the world as the sun sets over the river.
Day 7: Montevideo to Punta del Este, Uruguay - Coastal Glamour
Scenic Drive to Punta del Este
Private transfer along the coast to South America's most exclusive beach resort town.
Check-in at Hotel Fasano Las Piedras
Settle into your bungalow at this architectural masterpiece set in the hills of La Barra.
La Mano Sculpture & Playa Brava
Visit the iconic hand emerging from the sand and enjoy the Atlantic breeze.
Dinner at Parador La Huella
Secure a table at the world-renowned beachfront restaurant in nearby José Ignacio.
Day 8: Punta del Este, Uruguay - Art & Sunsets
Beach Club Relaxation
Spend the morning at an exclusive beach club in Manantiales with private cabanas and service.
Luxury Yacht Charter
Cruise to Isla de Lobos to see the sea lion colony from the comfort of a private yacht.
Sunset at Casapueblo
Visit Carlos Páez Vilaró’s living sculpture for a cocktail as the sun dips below the horizon during the famous 'Sun Poem' ceremony.
Enjoy the Casino
Experience the high-stakes glamour at the Enjoy Punta del Este Resort & Casino.
Day 9: Punta del Este, Uruguay - The Tannat Wine Trail
Bodega Garzón Experience
A private helicopter transfer to Bodega Garzón, Uruguay's premier winery and vineyard.
Francis Mallmann’s Cooking Class
A private culinary session focused on open-fire cooking techniques with local ingredients.
Winery Tasting & Tour
Sample award-winning Tannat wines while touring the gravity-fed winery and olive oil mill.
Return to Punta del Este
A relaxing evening at your hotel spa overlooking the Uruguayan countryside.
Day 10: Punta del Este to Rio de Janeiro (Uruguay/Brazil)
Flight to Rio de Janeiro
Private transfer to Montevideo Airport (MVD) for your flight to the Marvelous City.
Arrival at Belmond Copacabana Palace
Check into Rio's most iconic hotel, where royalty and rockstars have stayed since 1923.
Copacabana Beach Walk
A guided stroll along the famous black-and-white patterned sidewalk to soak in the summer atmosphere.
Dinner at Mee
Dine at the hotel's Michelin-starred pan-Asian restaurant for a sophisticated start to your Brazilian journey.
Day 11: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - The Icons
Private Sunrise at Christ the Redeemer
Beat the crowds with a private sunrise visit to the Corcovado mountain before the park opens to the public.
Helicopter Tour over Rio
A 30-minute flight offering unparalleled views of Sugarloaf, the beaches, and the city's lush mountains.
Seafood Lunch in Ipanema
Enjoy fresh catch-of-the-day at Bazzar, a stylish spot frequented by locals.
Sugarloaf Mountain Sunset
Ascend the cable cars to Pão de Açúcar for cocktails as the city lights begin to sparkle.
Day 12: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Historic Rio & Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa Art Walk
Explore the bohemian hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa, visiting artists' studios and the Selarón Steps.
Lunch at Aprazível
Dine in a tree-house-style setting with spectacular views of Guanabara Bay.
Royal Portuguese Reading Room
Visit one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, a hidden gem in the city center.
Samba Night in Lapa
A private guide takes you to Rio Scenarium, a legendary samba club housed in a three-story antique warehouse.
Day 13: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Rainforest & Botanical Gardens
Jeep Tour of Tijuca Forest
Explore the world's largest urban forest in a private open-top Jeep, searching for monkeys and toucans.
Botanical Garden Stroll
Walk through the Avenue of Royal Palms and the sensory garden in this UNESCO-recognized site.
Vista Chinesa Lookout
Stop at the Chinese Pavilion for the most photographed panoramic view of Rio.
Contemporary Brazilian Dining
Experience Oteque, an award-winning restaurant serving modern, seafood-forward Brazilian cuisine.
Day 14: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - The Beach Culture
Private Surf Lesson at Arpoador
Learn to ride the waves at the birthplace of Brazilian surf culture with an expert instructor.
Beachside Caipirinhas
Relax at a high-end 'Quiosque' in Leblon with gourmet snacks and Brazil's national cocktail.
Sunset Paddleboarding
Enjoy the calm waters of Posto 6 for a sunset paddle overlooking the Copacabana skyline.
Bossa Nova Evening
Live music performance at Beco das Garrafas, the historic cradle of Bossa Nova.
Day 15: Rio de Janeiro to Niterói, Brazil - Modernist Icons
Ferry to Niterói
Cross the bay to see Oscar Niemeyer’s Contemporary Art Museum (MAC), an architectural marvel.
Lunch at Gruta de Santo Antônio
A legendary Portuguese seafood lunch in Niterói, known for its incredible bacalhau.
Fortaleza de Santa Cruz
Visit the historic colonial fortress guarding the entrance to Rio’s harbor.
Luxury Speedboat Return
Avoid the bridge traffic with a private speedboat return to Rio, passing the city skyline at dusk.
Day 16: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Carnival Behind the Scenes
Samba School Backstage
Visit the 'City of Samba' to see where the massive floats and costumes for the upcoming Carnival are made.
Feijoada Saturday
Experience the traditional Brazilian bean and meat stew, a Saturday staple in Rio's luxury hotels.
Maracanã Stadium VIP Tour
Walk onto the pitch of the world's most famous football stadium on a private tour.
Farewell Dinner at Lasai
A farm-to-table Michelin-starred journey in a restored colonial house in Botafogo.
Day 17: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Luxury Leisure
Shopping at Shopping Leblon
Find Brazil’s most prestigious brands like Osklen and Adriana Degreas with a concierge.
Spa Treatment at Copacabana Palace
Indulge in a Brazilian ritual massage using local essential oils.
Private Bossa Nova Recital
Enjoy an exclusive private performance in your suite or a private lounge.
Last Brazilian Toast
Cocktails at the hotel’s pool bar, soaking in the final night of Carioca luxury.
Day 18: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Departure
Final Brazilian Breakfast
Enjoy a lavish tropical breakfast with exotic fruits and fresh pão de queijo.
Last Minute Souvenirs
Pick up high-quality coffee and H. Stern jewelry at the hotel boutique.
Private Transfer to GIG
Your chauffeur will transport you to Galeão International Airport for your flight home.
Lounge Relaxation
Utilize the Star Alliance or American Express lounge before your long-haul flight.
Best Time to Visit Americas
For the Southern Americas (Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil), the best time to visit depends on your climate preference. January is the peak of summer, characterized by hot temperatures (30°C-35°C) and high humidity, especially in Rio de Janeiro. While this is the "High Season" for local vacationers, it is the best time for beach lovers and those wanting to experience the pre-Carnival energy. For slightly cooler weather and fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of October-November and March-April are ideal.
Visas & Border Crossings
Travelers from the US, UK, and EU generally do not require visas for short stays in Argentina or Uruguay. However, Brazil has recently updated its visa requirements for some nationalities (including US, Canadian, and Australian citizens), requiring an e-visa. It is essential to check the latest reciprocity rules at least 30 days before departure. Border crossings between Argentina and Uruguay are seamless via the Buquebus ferry, which handles immigration at the terminal. Flights between Uruguay and Brazil follow standard international protocols.
Getting Around Americas
To maintain a luxury standard across these large distances, private transfers and domestic flights are highly recommended. Within cities, private chauffeured cars provide the safest and most efficient transport. For international legs (like Buenos Aires to Rio), business class on airlines like LATAM or Aerolineas Argentinas offers superior comfort. In Uruguay, the high-speed ferry is a unique and luxurious way to cross the Rio de la Plata, avoiding the time-consuming airport process.
