South America Overland - Lima to Rio

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Lima

Arrive in Lima at any time.

Day 2-3 Pisco/Nazca (D)

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 4 Puerto Inca (B,L,D)

This beautiful seashore location along one of the most important archeological sites off the Peruvian coast between Nazca and Copiapo is also called "Quebrada de la Vaca".

Day 5-6 Arequipa (B,L)

Peru's second-largest city is surrounded by the Andes mountains. The city stands at the foot of the snow-capped volcano El Misti in the highlands.

Day 7 Colca Canyon

Explore Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world and home to the majestic Andean condor.

Day 8-14 Cuzco/Ollantaytambo/Inca Trail ( 3B,3L,4D)

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. On the final day watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu and the surrounding Andean mountain peaks from the Sun Gate.

Day 15-17 Puno/Amantani (B,2L,D)

An unforgettable journey through the high Altiplano region from Cuzco to Puno ends at the highest navigable lake in the world where you will find the mysterious pre-Inca Sillustani ruins . Stay overnight in Amantani Island or Taquile Island and visit the Uros floating islands.

Day 18-19 La Paz

La Paz is the highest capital city in the world. Highlights include visits to museums and local markets, excursions to Tiahuanaco ruins and the Valley of the Moon.

Day 20-24 Uyuni/Salt Lakes Excursion (3B,3L,3D)

Journey through the piercing blue skies and white salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni. Spend three days exploring the remote flats and other-worldly landscapes - keep your camera handy!

Day 25 Potosí

A travel day north takes us to the UNESCO World Heritage site Potosí, the highest city of its size in the world and a silver mining centre during colonial times. Descend into the working mines for an eye-opening optional excursion.

Day 26-28 Sucre/Santa Fe (D,B)

Sucre is a lovely, historic town with museums and colonial buildings. The official Bolivian seat of government, Sucre, enjoys a milder climate than much of the country. Options here include mountain biking, museums or even a visit to see dinosaur tracks!

Day 29-30 Santa Cruz

Some spectacular views await as we travel across the country, down out of the Andes and into the city of Santa Cruz. It is Bolivia's second-largest city, and has an entirely different feel than the Bolivian cities of the Andes. Spend a free day here exploring the city's sights, or take an optional excursion outside of the city before getting ready to head east into Brazil.

Day 31 San José de Chiquitos (D,B)

Spend the night near the small town of San José de Chiquitos. A little more than half of the distance between Santa Cruz and the Brazilian border, this popular travel stop is known for its Jesuit Mission and as a gateway to the area's two National Parks.

Day 32-34 Pantanal (2B,3L,2D)

Venturing further east, cross the border into Brazil, our gateway into the world-famous and biologically diverse Pantanal. Spend two days in these immense wetlands, famed for their prolific wildlife. Marvel at macaws, Jabiru storks, giant otters, and caimans.

Day 35-36 Bonito

From the Pantanal, our overland truck takes us south to the town of Bonito, an outdoor lover's dream. Some of the many options here include snorkelling down the Rio de la Prata, swimming in crystal-clear lagoons or visiting macaw nesting spots.

Day 37-39 Iguassu Falls

A long journey south brings us into the Paraná province, and to the majestic Iguassu Falls area. Spend two full days experiencing the views and splendour of the falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. Other optional activities abound in the area and we have plenty of time to make the most of our time in this special part of the world.

Day 40-42 Curitiba/Paraty

Leaving Paraná province, continue east to the Brazilian Atlantic coast, stopping for a night in Curitiba. Paraty is a colonial gem on the beautiful "Emerald Coast" of Brazil. Nestled at the foothills of lush green mountains, Paraty, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is great to explore on foot. You may opt for an optional day trip to see some of the islands and gorgeous beaches in the harbour of Paraty.

Day 43 Rio de Janeiro

A short drive up the coast, Rio de Janeiro awaits and signals the end of our travels. Enjoy some of the numerous optional activities available in the city, such as visiting one of the many attractions such as the Corcovado (now one of the new 7 wonders of the world), Sugarloaf, and fantastic beaches.