Southern Adventure - La Paz to Rio

Itinerary

Days 1-2 La Paz

Explore an intriguing blend of the modern and traditional in Bolivia's cultural capital. Hit the markets for everything from ponchos and leather goods to lucky charms.

Days 3-5 Salar de Uyuni

Take a 4WD tour of the amazing salt flats and harsh landscapes of Salar de Uyuni, stopping off at the striking rich, red lake of Laguna Colorada. Explore this strange and stunning landscape and take advantage of myriad opportunities for incredible, perspective defying photos across the endless white salt. This geyser-studded area also provides some great thermal baths to soak in - the perfect end to a day on the plains.

Days 6-7 Potosi

Descend deep underground, crawl through tight spaces and experience cool temperatures on an optional guided tour of one of Potosi's famed mines - an experience not for the faint-hearted.

Days 8-9 Sucre

Head to the Plaza 25 de Mayo to mingle with Sucre's well-heeled residents and have a look at the beautiful interior of the Iglesia de la Merced. Go to Col Orko to see real dinosaur footprints that are 60 million years old.

Days 10-11 Santa Cruz

Fly to the steamy lowlands of the Andean foothills and travel to Santa Cruz, a friendly city with arcaded streets, for a final night in Bolivia.

Days 12-13 Pantanal

Cross the border at Brazil's frontier town of Corumba, gateway to the Pantanal, the world's largest wetland area. Wildlife galore call this place home, and it might be possible to catch sight of a howler monkey, giant otter, anteater or even a caiman - but hopefully not too close.

Days 14-16 Bonito

The rivers here are incredibly clear and teeming with fish and there are some excellent caves in this area, including one which has an underground lake with jewel-blue warm waters.

Days 17-18 Iguazu Falls

Bordering Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, there are many spectacular views of these falls. It's not just one stunning waterfall here, but 270 of them, magnificently cascading into a central river.

Days 19-20 Curitiba

Stroll the leafy streets of Curitiba, considered a model city for quality of life in Brazil.

Days 21-23 Island Getaway

Sip caipirinha, snooze in the sun or swim in the beautiful warm waters of this island getaway.

Days 24-25 Rio de Janeiro

Say hello to the party capital, refreshed and ready to samba the night away with local residents. Or if too much relaxing is never enough, head to the iconic white sand beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.