Great South American Journey - Buenos Aires to Quito

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Buenos Aires

Arrive in Buenos Aires at any time.

Day 2-5 Nightbus / Bariloche

After exploring Buenos Aires board a bus southbound for our full day trip to Bariloche, in Upper Patagonia. A popular resort town for Argentines, the spectacular surroundings of Bariloche offer loads of outdoor options, like hiking, biking, parapenting, lake tours, and skiing/snowboarding (in season). Bariloche is also famous for its quality and quantity of chocolate.

Day 6-7 Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas

Journey through the Andes of Southern Argentina, cross into Chile and arrive at Puerto Montt, Chile’s most important southern port and the gateway to Patagonia. Take a day trip to the island of Chiloé and sample the seafood!

Day 8-10 Pucón

Continue north to the Lake District of Chile, and the town of Pucón, a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Climb a volcano, hike, go rafting, mountain biking or skiing/snowboarding (in season).

Day 11-14 Nightbus / Santiago

Take a night bus to Chile’s largest city and capital, Santiago. Explore the many museums and parks, and visit the vibrant neighbourhood of Bellavista to see some handicrafts and trendy cafés. Day-trips include a trip to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, Chile’s premier beach resort, and to Isla Negra, Pablo Neruda’s seaside home.

Day 15-16 La Serena

A journey north takes us to the seaside city of La Serena. Take a tour to the Elqui Valley and visit a Pisco factory, or stop by one of the numerous international astronomical observatories scattered throughout the valley.

Day 17-20 Nightbus / San Pedro de Atacama

A night bus brings us further north to the dry, desert regions of the country, where we arrive at the small desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama. Optional excursions include biking, exploring nearby ruins, horseback riding, or a tour of the Valley of the Moon.

Day 21-23 4x4 Atacama Desert Crossing Excursion / Uyuni (2B,3L,2D)

Climbing almost 3000 metres into the Chilean altiplano, we embark on our 3 day desert crossing into Bolivia. A surreal landscape awaits between the Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama Desert (Chile), the driest in the world. Travel by 4X4 and marvel at the contrast of piercing blue skies and blinding white salt on the flat lakebed.

Day 24 Potosí

The highest city of its size in the world, UNESCO declared Potosí a World Heritage Site in recognition of its tragic history in the mining of silver during the time of Spanish colonization. Option to visit the silver mines of today.

Day 25-27 Sucre

With beautiful architecture and plenty of good museums, the city has much to offer during our two days here. Optional activities include visits to dinosaur footprints, an old tin baron’s mansion, and a textile cooperative.

Day 28-29 Nightbus / Cochabamba

Staying in the Bolivian highlands, we travel north to the city of Cochabamba, famous for its spring-like climate and for its chicha (fermented maize drink). Explore the museums and this pleasant city before heading to La Paz.

Day 30-32 La Paz

Considered the highest capital city in the world, La Paz offers streets lined with market stalls and vendors. This vibrant atmosphere makes it the perfect city to explore by foot.

Day 33-35 Puno

Drive through the altiplano to the town of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Stay with a family on Amantani Island and visit the unique Uros floating islands.

Day 36-44 Cuzco/Ollantaytambo/Inca Trail (3B,3L,3D)

A full day’s bus journey takes us through the high Altiplano region to get from Puno to Cuzco, the capital of the Inca Empire. The landscape is dramatic.Explore the colonial centre and ancient Incan capital of Cuzco before heading out on the Inca Trail. Ollantaytambo is a major Inca ruin site and the starting point for this once in a lifetime journey. Local porters and guides ensure that the trip is worry free, and days are filled with fascinating ruins and spectacular mountain scenery. On the final day, if lucky, watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu and the surrounding Andean mountain peaks from the Sun Gate.

Day 45-48 Arequipa / Colca Canyon

The beautiful colonial city of Arequipa is the departure point for our excursions to the Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest. Watch for Andean condors soaring and nesting against the towering canyon walls.

Day 49-50 Nazca / Pisco

Nazca is best known for the mysterious Nazca Lines, where an optional flight is the best way to get a bird’s eye view. Pisco, famous for the drink of the same name, is the starting point for excursions to the Ballestas Islands.

Day 51-53 Lima

Lima's museums are filled with cultural treasures, reflecting a long and varied history. The ‘City of Kings,’ Lima is filled with colonial buildings, and boasts excellent cafes and great nightlife.

Day 54-57 Huanchaco / Mancora

Heading north from Lima along the coast, we reach Trujillo, the largest city in northern Peru, known for the nearby Chan-Chan ruins and the resort town of Huanchaco where we spend the evening. Enjoy the relaxing beach atmosphere in Mancora before heading north across the border.

Day 58-59 Cuenca

Cuenca is a laid-back colonial gem filled with galleries and museums. Cajas National Park and the ruins of Ingapirca are possible day trips.

Day 60-61 Baños

A great climate makes this area perfect for hiking, and optional activities include mountain biking, horseback riding and rafting. A dip in the famous hot springs offers a welcome end to the day.

Day 62-66 Quito/Amazon Jungle Lodge (3B,3L,3D)

Ecuador's World Heritage capital has a rich colonial past. We include a journey into the lush Amazon jungle.