South America Adventure

The ultimate South American adventure

Prepare for the ultimate South American adventure packed full of cosmopolitan capitals and breathtaking beauty on this journey from captivating Quito to vibrant Rio de Janeiro.

Travel through Ecuador's volcanic landscapes, the lush Amazon rainforest, Peru's desert coast, the vast landscapes of Bolivia and then end up in the wilds of Brazil. Hike the Inca Trail, get to know the locals at a homestay on Lake Titicaca, sleep out on the eerie Uyuni salt flats, spot rare wildlife on the Panatanal and stare in wonder at the mighty Iguazu Falls.

With plenty of free time and a do-it-yourself approach, this adventure is the perfect trip through the highlights of South America.

Itinerary / Highlights

Days 1-2 Quito
Surrounded by volcanoes and resting across a spectacular Andean valley, Quito is an impressive sight. For breathtaking views over the city visit El Panecillo.

Days 3-4 Amazon Jungle
Encounter exotic flora and fauna on an adventure into the heart of the Amazon. Walk through the jungle, swim beneath crystal clear waterfalls and visit a Quichua family to learn about life in this fascinating region.

Days 5-7 Banos
Enjoy the volcanic landscapes on foot, by bike or from the warm waters of Banos' famous hot springs.

Days 8-9 Cuenca
Stroll the narrow cobblestone streets and chill out in a shady plaza. For a glimpse of everyday life, stop by the flower market in front of the Church of Carmen de la Asuncion.

Days 10-13 Mancora/ Trujillo
Take an optional visit of the ruins of the mysterious mud city of Chan Chan, the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas, and the world's largest abode city.

Days 14-15 Lima
Discover the heart of Spanish colonial America in Peru's City of Kings. Walk along the shoreline at Miraflores or enjoy a pisco sour at one of the city's many fine bars.

Day 16 Pisco
Take an optional visit to the Ballestas Islands to spot the pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos, sea lions and penguins.

Days 17-18 Nazca
Discover the mystery of the Nazca Lines.

Days 19-21 Arequipa/ Colca Canyon
Spot condors resting on thermal air currents high above the canyon's floor and listen to the sound of the Colca River rushing by 1,200 m below the dramatic edge.

Days 22-24 Cuzco/ Ollantaytambo
Discover colonial Cuzco and travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Days 25-28 Inca Trail
Trek the spectacular Inca Trail along high plateaus, past ancient ruins and through lush cloud forests: the view of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate is a great sight at the end of this challenging trek.

Day 29 Cuzco
Chill out in the town's cobblestone streets or enjoy some of the many adventure sports on offer.

Days 30-32 Puno/ Lake Titicaca
Make local friends during a homestay on the world's highest navigable lake.

Day 33 Copacabana
With luck, witness the spectacle of locals taking their confetti-covered cars and trucks to be blessed at the Copacabana Church

Days 34-38 La Paz
Browse the weird and wonderful stalls at the Witches' Market.

Days 39-41 Salar de Uyuni
Explore the surreal landscapes, multicoloured lakes, smoldering volcanoes and cacti-studded islands of of Salar de Uyuni.

Days 42-43 Potosi
For a truly eye-opening experience, why not descend deep into the mines of Cerro Rico to learn about life in one of the tin mines.

Days 44-45 Sucre
Admire the wealth of white architecture in colonial Sucre.

Days 46-47 Santa Cruz
Head to Bolivia's border-lowlands and discover Santa Cruz, the country's agricultural capital.

Days 48-49 Pantanal
See the abundant wetland wildlife of the Pantanal.

Days 50-52 Bonito
Find a piece of aquatic paradise among the natural swimming holes teeming with fish and caves dripping with amazing stalactite formations.

Days 53-54 Foz do Iguazu
Take an optional visit to the thundering Iguazu Falls to admire the 270 cascading falls up close. In the evening of day 54 take an overnight bus to Sao Paulo.

Days 55-56 Paraty
Explore the beaches, walking trails and waterfalls of the surrounding national parks.

Days 57-59 IIha Grande
Kick back on the white sand shores of Ilha Grande and maybe take a walk along the forested trails to find Brazil's best beach.

Days 60-61 Rio de Janeiro
Filled with colour, music and the sounds of samba, Rio de Janeiro is a captivating end to this odyssey. Party in Lapa, see sunset from Sugarloaf or seek out a jazz bar to celebrate the end of the adventure over an icy caipirinha.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Simple hotels (47 nts), jungle lodge (3 nts), camping (5 nts), overnight coach (5 nts)