26 days in Brazil, Buenos Aires & Montevideo Itinerary

Cultural capital of South America, Buenos Aires remains one of the largest cities on the continent, serving as a point of departure for exploring the rest of the country.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento. Museo de La Plata and Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires will appeal to museum buffs. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Buenos Aires: Basilica de Lujan (in Lujan) and Delta El Tigre (in Tigre). And it doesn't end there: stroll the grounds of Cemiterio de Recoleta, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Catedral Primada, get to know the fascinating history of La Boca, and explore the world behind art at Museo Nacional De Arte Decorativo.

For traveler tips, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Buenos Aires tour itinerary planning app.

Johannesburg, South Africa to Buenos Aires is an approximately 19-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 5 hours traveling from Johannesburg to Buenos Aires. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Johannesburg in December since evenings lows in Buenos Aires dip to 23°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Montevideo.

With a rich cultural scene and plenty of developed beaches, Montevideo vacations appeal to a growing number of visitors from around the world.

Palacio Taranco and Castillo Pittamiglio will appeal to museum buffs. Your inner history buff will appreciate Catedral de Montevideo and Galeria de Arte Porton de San Pedro. And it doesn't end there: pause for some serene contemplation at Iglesia de las Carmelitas, stop by Escaramuza Libros, walk around La Plaza Fabini o Plaza del Entrevero, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa Pocitos.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Montevideo travel planner.

Traveling by flight from Buenos Aires to Montevideo takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry; or do a combination of bus and car. Traveling from Buenos Aires in December, Montevideo is slightly colder at night with lows of 19°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Sao Paulo.

Don't let the city's nickname--"Land of Drizzle"--dampen your spirits during a trip to Sao Paulo.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Praia de Pernambuco and Praia Guarau. Let the collections at Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil and Museu do Futebol capture your imagination. There's still lots to do: take a stroll through Paulista Avenue, admire the landmark architecture of Pateo do Collegio, and pause for some serene contemplation at São Paulo Cathedral.

For ratings, maps, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Sao Paulo travel app.

Getting from Montevideo to Sao Paulo by flight takes about 6.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 32°C in December, and nighttime lows around 22°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Thu) so you can travel to Rio de Janeiro.

Bustling with samba music and all-night street parties, no city encapsulates the spirit of Brazil better than Rio de Janeiro.

Explore hidden gems such as Barra da Tijuca Beach and Sao Bento Monastery. Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Copacabana Beach and Pedra do Arpoador. Get out of town with these interesting Rio de Janeiro side-trips: Petropolis (Museu Casa de Santos Dumont & Catedral de Sao Pedro de Alcantara). There's lots more to do: wander the streets of Urca, don't miss a visit to Boulevard Olimpico, take in panoramic vistas at Mirante Do Leblon, and admire the natural beauty at Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro.

To see photos, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Rio de Janeiro sightseeing planning app.

You can fly from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Sao Paulo in December, expect a bit warmer with lows of 27°C in Rio de Janeiro. On the 2nd (Thu), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Sao Paulo.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Mosteiro De Sao Bento and Paulista Avenue. Get some historical perspective at São Paulo Cathedral and Pateo do Collegio. See some other sides of Sao Paulo: see the interesting displays at Afro Brazil Museum and admire the masterpieces at Itau Cultural Institute.

For reviews, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, read our Sao Paulo trip planner.

You can fly from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Rio de Janeiro in January, with highs in Sao Paulo at 33°C and lows at 23°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.