The celebrities on the recent BBC series Race Across the World travelled from Northern Brazil to Uruguay, Argentina and finally to Chile. If you were inspired by their journeys, we can create more comfortable adventures exploring the many incredible sights, culture and natural wonders this region offers.
Four Country Adventure
Follow in the footsteps of the Race Across the World contestants exploring the wonders of Chile, Argentina and Brazil, from desert to the high Andes. Experience iconic cities and visit Uruguay. Extend your stay in a tropical beach resort and discover Salvador’s unique identity.
The Amazon in Brazil
Race Across the World began at the mouth of the Amazon river in Belem. You can easily travel inland and explore this vast basin of dense rainforest and mighty rivers. The region offers comfortable lodges, extraordinary biodiversity and spectacular flora and fauna.
Escape civilisation to secluded areas of pristine rainforest, and immerse yourself in the untamed wilds of the jungle.
The Amazon Rainforest is located in a vast basin that covers over one third of Brazil and is considered to be the lungs of the world. Hidden beneath the thick rainforest canopy is an ecosystem of extraordinary biodiversity and home to a spectacular array of flora and fauna. A journey into the Amazon is a magical encounter with nature, escaping civilisation to reach secluded areas of pristine rainforest and immerse yourself underneath an infinite ocean of stars whilst sleeping in the jungle. The interior of the region would be almost impenetrable were it not for the mighty Amazon River, which acts as a highway running from its source in the Andes Mountains down to the Atlantic Ocean in northern Brazil. Local communities straddle the banks of the river, forging a living and navigating the huge networks of tributaries and waterways.
Chile & Argentina
Explore Patagonia, a land of glaciers and stunning landscapes, in Chile and Argentina. Cross the mighty Andes, experience Perito Moreno Glacier and relax in the glistening Lake District.
The Atacama Desert
Travel to the north of Chile and observe incredible cinematic landscapes of brightly coloured mineral lakes, thick-crusted salt flats, flocks of Andean flamingos silhouetted on the bright blue sky, wind-sculpted rock formations and cavernous Moon Valley.
The Atacama is a popular region of cinematic rock formations, billowing geysers and expansive salt flats.
The Atacama Desert in the north of Chile, the driest non-polar desert in the world, offers a cinematic landscapes which stretch as far as the snow-capped peaks of the Andes in the distance. The Atacama is the world as you have never seen it before: brightly coloured mineral lakes, thick-crusted salt flats, flocks of Andean flamingos silhouetted on the bright clue sky, wind-sculpted rock formations, and the cavernous Moon Valley. Here, stunning sunsets tinge the land rich hues of reds, pinks and browns for as far as the eye can see. The clear, unpolluted night-time skies and powerful telescopes of the Atacama offer some of the world’s very best star gazing opportunities, close to San Pedro de Atacama.
Buenos Aires & Uruguay
Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires is famed for its wide avenues, upmarket barrios, polo fields, old-time cafes and traditional tango halls. Cross the River Plate by local ferry and visit intriguing Uruguay – the Switzerland of South America.
Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires is famed for its wide avenues, upmarket barrios, old-time cafes and traditional tango halls.
Buenos Aires is the archetypal Latin American city, with a European twist, perched on the mouth of the River Plate and bordering the immense flatlands of the Pampa. Immigration from every corner of the globe has given it a diverse, cosmopolitan feel, without ever losing its passionate Latin identity. Just as the traditional San Telmo barrio of old-fashioned cafes and leafy plazas contrasts markedly with the pristine skyscrapers of the business area, so too does colourful and lively La Boca stand at the other end of the spectrum to the solemnity of Latin America’s most impressive cemetery in Recoleta. Whilst crowds gather in front of Casa Rosada (that of Evita fame) in Plaza de Mayo, the upmarket district of Palermo offers peaceful green spaces and fashionable boutiques.
Uruguay is a quiet, well organsied and disciplined country, considered by many as “the Switzerland of South America” although it is mostly a land of flat open spaces. The coast has a trendy beach resort area around Punta del Este and Colonia is an old colonial village of great historic importance.
Uruguay is a country cut from the same cloth as its bigger sibling Argentina, but it has emerged from the shadows to forge its own identity, as rich as that of its illustrious neighbours. It is a laid-back, compact and charming country, lined with golden beaches lapped by gentle Atlantic waves and adorned with flourishing vineyards and rural estancias, where the horse-riding Guacho lifestyle remains an active part of the country’s culture. Visitors here are encouraged to take life at a slower pace and savour their surroundings, much like the rare vintage European cars which chug their way across the cobbled streets and endless plains of peaceful Uruguay.
We invite you to browse our selection of Uruguay holidays below. These itineraries have been carefully planned by our destination specialists to optimise your time and provide a deeper perspective on Uruguay.
Salvador & Lencois
Discover the unique blend of African and Portuguese heritage in Salvador, stay in charming Lencois (one of the checkpoints on Race Across the World) and hike by Rio Sossego and in the canyons of Chapada Diamantina. Unwind on the idyllic island of Morro Sao Paulo.
Special places to stay
Explora Torres del Paine
A luxury lodge located in the centre of the Torres del Paine National Park with all meals, drinks and guided activities included.
Explora Lodges and explorations offer an award-wining all inclusive luxury experience. The lodge is located in the centre of Torres del Paine National Park, and designed so it interferes the least possible with its natural surroundings. It is an extension of the park with views of Macizo del Paine.
All rooms are heated and designed to take full advantage of the beauty of the surrounding landscape, ensuring deep rest after a long day of exploration and include private bathroom, hair dryer and large bath.
Public facilities include the restaurant, lounge, bar, spa, heated swimming pool and outdoor jacuzzi’s with stunning views.
Every evening of your stay, assisted by a trusted Explora guide, you will choose from a variety of exploration options your next day’s experience. This could be a guided hiking, exploring by 4 x 4 vehicle, horse riding, the 4 day W circuit trek or self-guided treks.
The rates are on an all-inclusive basis with transfers, accommodation, all meals, all drinks and a choice of up to 40 guided activities to enjoy depending on the length of your stay.
Gran Melia, Iguazu Falls
The only hotel on the Argentine side with direct views of the Iguazu Falls. Enjoy an infinity pool, choice of restaurants, a spa and health club.
Set within the Iguazu National Park the Gran Melia Iguazu Hotel is a three-story hotel with spectaculars views of the magnificent Iguazu Falls. It is the only hotel with rooms that look directly over the Falls.
The superb public facilities include an infinity pool with views of the Iguazu Falls, the Yasi Spa and health club, 4 bars (the rooftop bar is a great place to enjoy a drink and the fantastic views) and the Merkado Restaurant serving international and Argentine specialities.
The hotel has 177 guest rooms split by deluxe, red level and suite categories. All rooms are air-conditioned and extremely well-appointed with private bathroom, king size beds, safe, mini bar, TV and luxury in room amenities.
From the hotel, you can easily walk to the nearby trails to observe the Falls, ideal for those who want to beat the tourist crowds and have more flexibility. The hotel also offers tango lessons, yoga classes and photographic tours.
The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.
Finca Adalgisa, Mendoza
An early 20th century manor house and vineyard estate in the heart of the premier wine-growing region of Argentina. Here, you can learn about Argentinean wines with local experts.
It is a charming family home converted three years ago into the first boutique hotel and winery in Mendoza. Although secluded and private, it is conveniently located within 20 minutes drive of Mendoza and is in walking distance of a thriving village community with plenty of local shops and restaurants. The finca offers a relaxing and informal environment where things can be arranged spontaneously. With a delightfully rural character in the quiet location of Chacras de Coria, this splendid finca has two hectares of Malbec grapes that were originally planted in 1916. Guests may observe the winemaking process and enjoy tasting the fruits of their labour.
The finca has eleven ensuite guest rooms (in two buildings, the La Casa Vieja and La Casa de Piedra) that are comfortable and spacious: five are suites and six are double rooms. There is a pleasant swimming pool in the garden. Accommodation includes room and breakfast.
Tivoli Resort, Praia do Forte
A charming eco resort with miles of empty beaches with coconut groves and palm trees. The nearby fishing village has old houses converted to shops, cafes and restaurants.
The Tivoli Eco Resort is on the outskirts of the village surrounded by 30,000 hectares of gardens and coconut groves. The resort has 12 km of semi-deserted white sand beaches and shallow crystalline waters where natural pools form amongst the coral reefs, perfect for snorkelling, windsurfing and sailing.
There are delightful lawns stretching along the coast, and nearby, a charming, colourful fishing village, home to the Tamar Turtle Project.
There are 12 different room types: superior room, superior plus, Superior ocean, Master, Master garden, Master club, Master club plus, Master family, Master suite, Deluxe suite, Deluxe suite ocean view, the Presidential suite and Pool villas. All rooms and suites are air-conditioned with a luxurious private bathroom, balcony or terrace, hammock and sea view.
There are three swimming pools, four tennis courts, games rooms, beach volleyball court, boutique and a children’s club, a bar and three premium a-la-carte restaurants with excellent international and Brazilian cuisine. Activities include sunset picnics, candlelit dinners, canoeing, scuba diving, sea fishing, surf lessons, Eco bike tours, horseback riding, quad bike tours and a guided visit to the natural pools at Itacimirim including snorkelling.
Rates are on a half board basis (breakfast and lunch or breakfast and dinner). Highly recommended for couples, single travellers and families.
