Great South American Journey - Rio to Quito

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Rio de Janeiro

Arrive in Rio at any time.

Day 2-10 Paraty /Ilha Grande/ Iguassu Falls

From Rio we head south on Day 2 along the Atlantic coast to the port of Angra dos Reis, and onward by ferry to Ilha Grande. Relax and enjoy a cool Caipirinha on the beach, or try surfing. Further down the mainland coast we encounter the quaint colonial town of Paraty, an architectural gem famous for its churches.After Paraty we head west to the magnificent Foz do Iguaçu, or Iguassu falls, which borders Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.

Day 11-15 Salto / Montevideo / Colonia

From Brazil we cross through Argentina to the Uruguayan city of Salto, famous for its thermal baths. After some time in the capital city of Montevideo, travel along the shores of the Rio de la Plata to charming colonial Colonia del Sacramento before crossing back into Argentina.

Day 16-17 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.

Day 18-21 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 22-23 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 24-26 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 27-28 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 29-30 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 46-49 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 50-52 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 53-60 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 67-69 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 70-73 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 74-75 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 76-77 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 78- 82 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.