Great South American Journey - Rio to Lima

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Rio de Janeiro

Arrive in Rio at any time.

Day 2-4 Ilha Grande

Head south from Rio along the Atlantic coast by bus, then by ferry to Ilha Grande - perfect for relaxing on the beach and sipping caipirinhas. You can take a surfing lesson, walk the trails or go snorkeling, it's all up to you.

Day 5-6 Paraty

Today we leave the island to head further down the coast to the quaint colonial town of Paraty, famous for both its colonial architecture and beaches.

Day 7-10 Iguassu Falls

After relaxing on the coast we take a full day to travel west to the awesome Iguassu Falls, where we spend a couple of days to take full advantage of the many opportunities including our visit to both sides of the Falls.

Day 11 Salto

From Brazil we cross through Argentina and across the Salto Grande hydroelectric dam and into Uruguay, and stay in the city of Salto, famous for its relaxing thermal baths.

Day 12-14 Montevideo / Colonia

A day’s journey through picturesque settlements and pastures leads us to the nation’s capital city of Montevideo. followed by the charming colonial city of Colonia del Sacramento. Experience the relaxed, pleasant Uruguayan culture before crossing into Argentina.

Day 15-16 Buenos Aires

Cross the Rio de la Plata by ferry to reach the dynamic city of Buenos Aires. There is much to do in this vibrant metropolis, with plenty of museums, theatres and historical areas. Be sure to visit the colourful neighbourhoods of La Boca, San Telmo, and the Recoleta, and catch some tango at one of the many tanguerias, or tango houses. Buenos Aires is sure to leave lasting memories and will make you want to return.

Day 17-20 Nightbus / Bariloche

After a full day exploring the capital, board a night bus 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.

Day 21-22 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 23-25 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 26-27 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 28-30 Santiago

Santiago is known equally for its museums and parks and its vineyards and ski resorts. Visit the vibrant Bellavista neighbourhood or go exploring. Day-trips include Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, Chile’s premier beach resort, and Isla Negra, Pablo Neruda’s seaside home.

Day 31-32 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 33-36 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 37-39 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 40 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 41-43 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 44-45 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 46-48 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 49-51 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 52-60 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 61-64 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 65-66 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 67 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.