South America Overland - Quito to Rio

Itinerary

Day 1 Quito

Arrive in Quito at any time.

Day 2-4 Tena/Amazon (2B,2L,3D)

Travel from the mountains near Quito to the Amazon jungle. Watch the scenery and climate change dramatically as we enter the rainforest. Visit an indigenous community to experience local Quichua history and culture. Hike through the rainforest, explore jungle waterfalls or learn about the uses of a variety of tropical plants.

Day 5-6 Baños (B,L)

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

Day 7-8 Cuenca (L)

Cuenca is perhaps the most beautiful city in Ecuador with its cobblestone streets, busy markets and fascinating architecture. Explore the city, hike in Cajas National Park, or visit the nearby Inca ruins of Ingapirca.

Day 9-10 Mancora (B,2L,2D)

Head south across the border to the relaxing beach town of Mancora.

Day 11-12 Huanchaco (B)

Continue to Trujillo, the largest city in northern Peru, known for the nearby Chan-Chan ruins and the resort town of Huanchaco.

Day 13-14 Lima (L)

Lima's museums are filled with cultural treasures, reflecting a long and varied history. Make an optional visit to the Paramonga Ruins. The "City of Kings", Lima is filled with colonial buildings, and boasts excellent cafes and great nightlife.

Day 15-16 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 17 Puerto Inca (B,L,D)

This beautiful sea shore location provides you with the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful Pacific sunset and if lucky to catch a glimpse of some of Peru's coastal fauna.

Day 18-19 Arequipa (B,L)

Peru's second largest city is surrounded by the Andes and lies in the shadow of El Misti Volcano.

Day 20 Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon is one of the world's deepest canyons. Watch for Andean condors soaring and nesting against the towering canyon walls.

Day 21-27 Cuzco/Ollantaytambo/Inca Trail (3B,3L,4D)

Depart to Cuzco and explore the colonial centre and ancient Incan capital 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 28-30 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 have the option to visit the mysterious pre-Inca Sillustani ruins. Stay overnight in Amantani Island or Taquile Island and visit the Uros floating islands.

Day 31-32 La Paz

With streets lined with market stalls and vendors, the vibrant atmosphere of the highest capital city in the world is an incredible experience. Optional activities include excursions to Tiahuanaco ruins or the Valley of the Moon.

Day 33-37 Uyuni/Salt Lakes Excursion (3B,3L,3D)

We leave La Paz on our overland vehicle heading south to Uyuni. 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 38 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 39-41 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! The night of day 41 will be spent near Santa Fe, en route to Santa Cruz.

Day 42-43 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 44 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 45-47 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 48-49 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 50-52 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.

Day 53-55 Curitiba/Paraty

Leaving Paraná province, continue east to the Brazilian Atlantic coast, stopping for a night in Curitiba on the way. Paraty is a colonial gem on the beautiful "Emerald Coast" of Brazil. Paraty, a Brazilian 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 56 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; Christ the Redeemer, (now one of the new 7 wonders of the world), Sugarloaf, and fantastic beaches.