Great South American Journey: Caracas to Santiago (Clockwise)

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Caracas

Arrive in Caracas at any time.

Day 2-10 Mochima / Canaima National Park / Sta Elena

Travel east towards Puerto La Cruz and enjoy the beautiful Caribbean beaches and snorkelling of Mochima National Park. Next head south to Ciudad Bolivar, for an optional excursion into Canaima National Park, and take an optional flight over Angel Falls — the tallest in the world. In the wet season (July to January) an optional three-day boat and hiking excursion to the falls can be arranged. Explore Venezuela's famous Gran Sabana for more waterfalls and spectacular scenic views.

Day 11-15 Manaus / Amazonas

Moving into the vast Amazon Basin, arrive in historic Manaus, an important trading city full of markets, museums and parks. Take a 3-day optional excursion into the depths of the rainforest for a true jungle adventure, filled with unique tropical flora and wildlife.

Day 16-20 Pará (Amazon River) (4B,3L,3D)

Take a 4-day river trip down the mighty Amazon River to the city of Belem near the Atlantic Ocean. Relax and enjoy a once in a lifetime scenic trip down a river that carries 20% of earth's fresh water.

Day 21-32 Maranhão / Piaui / Ceará / Natal

Head to Sao Luis, a historic city practically covered in hand-painted Portuguese tiles. Continue south along the coast through secluded oases, mangrove clad rivers, and beautiful remote beaches, where small fishing villages are hidden amongst huge sand dunes. Go horseback riding or try catching a dune sandboarding.

Day 33-38 Pernambuco / Bahia

Stop in for some rest and relaxation at a local beach on our long route south, before moving on to the colonial town of Olinda. Next visit Praia da Pipa, a great place for dolphin spotting.

Day 39-40 Salvador

Travel south to the state of Bahía, the epicentre of Afro-Brazilian culture. Well known for its music and folklore, the influence of African slaves brought by the Portuguese is as prominent in Salvador’s culture today as it has been in Bahía’s history. Explore the city and enjoy the Samba rhythms, or take an optional boat trip to Itaparica Island. A short flight takes us to Rio.

Day 41-43 Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy this famous fun-loving city and its beaches on a free day in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 44-52 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 53-57 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 58-59 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 60-63 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 64-65 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 66-68 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 69 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.Edit Delete Move Up