Day 1 - Depart the UK
Today you will depart the UK on your overnight international flight to Asuncion, Paraguay
Days 2 & 3 - Asuncion
Arrive in Asuncion where you will spend the next two nights. The following day you will have a city tour visiting the colonial downtown area with its many historic buildings, the oldest locomotive in South America and a traditional craft market. In the afternoon head out of the city towards Ypacarai Lake to visit the idyllic town of San Bernardino and small villages surrounding the lake that are known for their intricate handicrafts and artisan wares, from filigree gold and silver jewellery to pottery and spiders web lace products.
Leaving the city behind, you’ll travel south to an estancia near the town of Santiago. En route, you’ll stop at Santa Maria de Fe. This was once a Jesuit settlement, known as a reduction, where you will visit a small museum housing a collection of carvings and statues produced by the Guaraní people. On arrival at the estancia, you have the afternoon to embark on one of the excursions offered by the ranch, explore one of the many walking trails, learn about traditional life, or relax and soak up the surroundings.
Days 5 & 6 – Encarnacion
Depart the estancia and journey to Encarnacion, located on the banks of the Paraná River, this city is known as "the pearl of the south". On your first afternoon, you’ll have a city tour to visit the Plaza de Armas, the Stairs of San Pedro, the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Itacuá, and the waterfront, a hub for locals enjoying water sports and pretty sunsets.
Your second day will be spent exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Trinidad del Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangué. These Jesuit ruins are some of the best examples in the country, although not completed by the time the Jesuits were ejected from the country, they are impressive and atmospheric sites, nonetheless. After your visit, you will travel to Cuidad del Este for the night.
Day 7 – Monday Falls and Itaipú Dam
Today you will visit the beautiful Monday Falls, a warm-up of what’s to come the following day. Meaning “stolen water” in the native Guaraní language, these falls consist of three main cascades, dropping 45m and surrounded by forest. In contrast to this natural wonder, you’ll then visit Itaipú Dam, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern Technological World, this impressive dam produces an enormous amount of renewable energy and is an incredible feat of engineering. Your journey then continues across the border, through Brazil, to Iguazu, Argentina.
Day 8 – Iguazu Falls
Spend a full day discovering the mighty Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian side. Follow walkways and get up close to the thundering falls, feeling the spray of water on your face.
Days 9 & 10 - Buenos Aires
Fly to Buenos Aires where you will spend two nights in the home of the tango. Enjoy a fascinating half-day city tour and learn about the fascinating history of Argentina which has shaped what the country has become today. In the evening, continue your cultural experience and enjoy a local tango show with dinner.
Days 11 & 12 - Colonia del Sacramento
Today you will journey across the Rio de la Plata estuary to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. In the afternoon you will have a guided walking tour through the old district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old District was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese and is a beautiful and peaceful area. It is still very well preserved today, allowing visitors to witness the fusion of Portuguese, Spanish and post-colonial architectural styles. Your tour will take in the “Street of Sighs” (or Calle de los Suspiros), a narrow pedestrianised road paved with wedge stones, that dates back to 1720, as well as the Main Square, the ruins of the San Francisco Church and much more.
On your second day, head to the sleepy town of Carmelo. This is the region’s centre of wine production where you’ll get to see some of Uruguay's beautiful countryside and visit different wineries to learn about the production and how the wines here differ greatly from those on offer in Argentina. You’ll also get to try a few too! Lunch is included in Carmelo. You’ll then journey back to Colonia for the night.
Days 13 & 14 - Montevideo
Transfer to Uruguay’s capital city, Montevideo. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. You could spend some time relaxing at the hotel or start exploring on your own. The following day, you'll enjoy a guided tour of Montevideo. Life in the city revolves around the Plaza de la Independencia which is known for its rich culture as well as vibrant and eclectic atmosphere. You can expect to see Montevideo's monuments, gardens and parks, impressive landmark buildings, such as the Parliament Building, the pretty residential district of Carrasco with its early 20th century architecture and scenic coastal roads.
Days 15 & 16 - Depart Uruguay and arrive back in the UK
You will be transferred to Montevideo Airport where you will catch your flight back home, alternatively, return to Colonia for the ferry to Buenos Aires, or spend a few days relaxing on the beaches in Punta del Este, speak to your Travel Specialist for more information.