Itinerary
DAY 1-8: QUITO TO THE AMAZON JUNGLE AND CUENCA
Departing Quito, Ecuador’s largest city, we head east on narrow, tortuous roads to the steamy edge of the Amazon basin and our gateway into the Amazon jungle. Here accompanied by experienced guides, we explore on foot this exotic environment staying at a forest lodge.
Further south, perched high in the mountains of Ecuador, lies the outdoor adventure mecca of Banos. This spa town, where Ecuadorians go to relax in the thermal baths, is a favourite amongst those who have undertaken South America travel. With optional activities including rafting, canyoning and treks to waterfalls, you won’t be short of things to do! We hit the road again and drive south along the spine of the Andes towards Peru visiting Cuenca on the way.
DAY 9-17: CUENCA TO LIMA
A day’s drive and a bush camp on the Pan-American highway brings us to the border with Peru. You will notice an amazing transition in one day, from the glush farming country of highland Ecuador, through sub-tropical forest and immense banana plantations, to dry barren desert in Peru. We are rewarded with a couple of days chilling by the beach at Punta Sal and Mancora. Our next stops on our South America travel experience are the Chan Chan ruins, imperial citadel of the pre-Inca Chimu kings which the Incas later conquered. It claims to be the largest mud brick city in the world.
Continuing with the Andes close to our left and the sea on our right, the capital city of Lima will be our next stop on our South America tour. Here you’ll encounter both abundant wealth and grinding poverty, modern skyscrapers next to some of the finest museums and historical monuments in Latin America.
DAY 18-25: LIMA TO COLCA CANYON AND CUSCO
Departing Lima our next stop is the Ballestas Islands in the Paracas National Reserve. By boat, you have the opportunity to visit the rare and exotic sea birds and mammals that inhabit these islands. An hour’s drive inland in the heart of the Ica Desert is the Oasis of Huacachina; if it’s an adrenaline rush you’re after, you have the option to head out on a custom made dune buggy & roar across the desert sands to the top of enormous dunes & then sand board down them – head first on a greased up plank of wood! Then, after an unforgettable desert sunset, we sit around the campfire while our guides cook up a storm, followed by a night sleeping out under the stars. In the morning we make our way to one of the world’s great archaeological mysteries The Nazca Lines. These huge figures and shapes, carved into the desert floor are best viewed from the air, with various optional flights available – South America travel is not complete until you have seen these unbelievable ancient mysteries.
Still heading south we visit Chauchilla Cemetery with its well-preserved mummies, on our way to Puerto Inca, at this ancient Inca harbour we camp at the beach and enjoy our last night at sea level before beginning our climb back into the towering Andes. The next two nights are spent in Arequipa at 2325m, giving us time to acclimatise, and enjoy this beautiful colonial city with its impressive El Misti Volcano in the background. Arequipa is also the gateway to one of the deepest canyons in the world. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is an awesome sight. Here, if you get up early, Condors can be seen circling lazily on the thermals rising from the canyon floor.
A couple of day’s driving and an overnight bush camp then bring us to Cusco.
DAY 26-31: CUSCO, INCA TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU
Widely considered to be the most interesting city for South America travel, our next stop Cusco is surrounded by the Sacred Valley of the Incas and offers a wide range of activities to explore the region. We will base ourselves here for 6 days giving us enough time for the Inca Trail trip and to visit Machu Picchu, which is regarded by many to be the highlight of their South America tour. There are several treks which you can take to Machu Picchu. These are all available as Optional Add Ons which you can add to your booking. When permits are still available, we will organise the Classic Trail trek for those booking the trek option, but great alternative Inca Trail treks, like the Lares or Salkantay can be arranged when the Classic is not available or by your choice (must be pre-arranged at time of booking). These alternatives mean that you still get to visit Machu Picchu.
If you do not want to trek, then you can remain in Cusco for a couple more free days, and then we offer an option to visit Machu Picchu by train instead. This must also be booked and paid for in advance. Tours to Machu Picchu are absolutely unbelievable; a trip to this City in the Clouds is an ancient and awe-inspiring part of our South America travel tour. Besides seeing Machu Picchu, you are able to enjoy the architectural uniqueness of Cusco and explore some of the colourful surrounding markets. Please note that for all those visiting Machu Picchu there is now the option to buy a ticket to go up the summit next to Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu. Tickets for this must be requested at the time of your booking with us, and payment made in advance in the UK.
DAY 32-37: CUSCO TO LA PAZ
Bordering Peru and Bolivia at 3800m lies Lake Titicaca, the home of the Uros Indians who have made their dwellings on floating reed islands. By boat we visit the floating islands during the day and then we go that one step beyond the average tourist and spend the night with one of the Indian families on the lesser known islands Isla Amantani or Taquile. Spending some time during South America travel in these local communities will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the traditional lifestyle of the Andean people and their customs. From here it is a days drive to the capital of Bolivia – La Paz. This is a great place to visit a ‘peña’ club, dedicated to Andean folk music, and perhaps buy some souvenirs in one of the authentic markets such as the witches market. It’s also well worth while exploring the city using the network of cable cars stretching up the hillsides.
DAY 38-43: LA PAZ TO UYUNI
Leaving La Paz we enter real Bolivia, where the Aymara and Quechua Indians scrape a living from their small plots of land in the harsh climate and paved roads are virtually non-existent. A couple of day’s driving and overnight bush camp bring us to one of Bolivia’s most beautiful cities, Sucre. Known as the ‘4 Names City’ because of its long and varied history, the city is at a lower altitude than La Paz and enjoys a warmer and greener climate. The Cretaceous Park is well worth a visit, as you can see and learn about the thousands of remarkable dinosaur footprints discovered here, including the largest ever found, from a Titanosaur weighing over 70 tonnes!.
A short drive then brings us to Potosi. At over 4000m it is the highest city of its size in the world and 400 years ago it was the largest city in all the Americas. Vast amounts of silver were extracted from Potosi and shipped to Spain in years gone by. The adventurous may take the opportunity to go down one of these mines where mining techniques have remained unchanged for centuries, though read up on safety concerns first. Visiting the ancient mint or having a tour around the Casa Nacional de Moneda (National Money House) also provides a good look into Potosi’s and Bolivia’s past.
Leaving the bleak Altiplano we arrive at the shimmering white Salt Flats of Uyuni. With no roads and only vague tracks to follow, taking an optional jeep trip out onto the salt flats and salt lakes makes for an unforgettable experience
DAY 44-56: UYUNI TO SANTIAGO
Our descent through the Andean passes is spectacular as we cross into Argentina towards the colonial city of Salta. On the way we pass the rugged desert landscapes and red rock formations in the Tupiza River Valley, and see the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Hill of 7 Colours).
After a couple of nights’ break in Salta, allowing us to relax and enjoy the cafes around the Plaza 9 de Julio which is bordered by the neoclassical Salta Cathedral and 18th century El Cabildo, town hall turned museum.
After Salta, we head south winding around lakes and weaving through baked cliffs until we reach Cafayate, the first wine region of Argentina. Famous for its white wines, you can explore some of the wineries on foot or by bicycle. Continuing south we join the route 40, the longest route in Argentina, to Mendoza, the biggest wine region in Argentina. Here you can indulge in more wine and good steak! From here we head for Chile as we cross the Andes past the Inca Bridge and San Martin’s pass and into the modern capital, Santiago. We have some free time here to explore the city, and with famous Chilean Steak houses, the Casillero del Diablo winery, skiing available in the winter, you will find it easy to pass the days away.
DAY 57-64: SANTIAGO TO HANGING GLACIER
Note: If you are travelling on the trip that travels through Patagonia from July to September, please be aware it will get very cold at times with temperatures well below zero, and you can expect snowfall. Please be prepared for cold conditions, with thermal clothing and the correct sleeping bag. On any July to September trips in Patagonia, this section of the trip is subject to change en route. Please see our ‘Winter in Patagonia’ notes for further details.
Leaving Santiago, we pass small villages and deep blue lakes with mountains towering above us as we wind through Chile’s Lake District. Pucon, an outdoors centre in its own right, will be our base for the next few nights from where it is possible to organise whitewater rafting, water sports, horse riding and one day hikes up nearby Villarrica Volcano. Ascending the Andes via some spectacular mountain passes we arrive in Bariloche, Argentina. This very popular holiday destination for Argentinians is the top ski resort on the continent and also has several hiking trails and a great nightlife.
Crossing back into Chile, we stop at Futaleufu, which sits at the confluence of the Fugaleufu and Espolon river valleys, and has some of the very best river rafting in the world. Those inclined will have the chance to try this out, and enjoy the fast waters, regular rapids, and beautiful turquoise waters and surrounding mountain scenery.
We’ll continue driving south through the mountains along Chile’s famous Carretera Austral highway to Hanging Glacier National Park. Weather permitting, you’ll be able to hike to see the spectacular sight of the glacier as it terminates at the end of a rocky mountain valley with a high sheer cliff, waterfall and lake beneath.
After more scenic mountain roads, we cross back into Argentina again and continue south past Cueva de las Manos, which is named after the hundreds of stencilled hands painted in numerous collages on the rocky walls of the caves.
Heading further down through Argentina into the deep south on a good dirt road we enter the vast wilderness of Patagonia. The perpetual wind makes it difficult for trees and plants to grow, so for a while we are faced with endless grassland. However our long drive will soon be rewarded with the stupendous views that Los Glaciares National Park provides.
DAY 65-70: Hanging Glacier to El Chalten & El Calafate
After arriving in El Chalten we have a few days to explore and enjoy the amazing scenery here. El Chalten is rightly known as the trekking capital of Argentina, and there are many optional day hikes in the surrounding mountains, including up to the base camp of Mount Fitz Roy.
From El Chalten we drive back along the shore of Lago Viedma and then drive south to Lago Argentina and the town of El Calafate which is a bigger base for more adventures into Los Glaciares National Park. This includes the largest glacier in the world and here you have the option to take a boat ride up close to Perito Moreno Glacier, almost 200 ft high. Options are also available to take guided walks with crampons on top of the glacier, hikes in the surrounding mountains, and horse rides in nearby Estancias.
DAY 71-75: TORRES DEL PAINE NP & PUERTO NATALES
From Calafate we cross back into Chile and arrive at the coast at Puerto Natales. We base ourselves here for several days particularly for visits to Torres del Paine National Park, another area of outstanding beauty where huge granite cliffs dominate the landscape. A good way to explore the area is either hiking or by horseback. Here there is also the option to complete the famous W-Trek (bookable as an Add on), and we allow 4 full days for people to complete this trek. Please note that spaces on the trek are subject to availability. For those who do not want to complete the W-Trek there are options of shorter day hikes in the park which do not need to be booked ahead and you are free to do as you choose once there. You could also take a boat trip to Magdalena Island, which hosts one of the largest colonies of Magellanic Penguins, exceeding 150,000. During the trip you may also spot Austral Dolphins and Toninas.
DAY 76-79: PUERTO NATALES TO USHUAIA
We continue south towards the wild and hauntingly beautiful land at worlds end, the island of Tierra del Fuego. We cross by ferry to the most southerly town in the world Ushuaia, from where you can view the green waters of the Beagle Channel, and the snow clad peaks beyond.
We have a few days here, and boat trips on the Beagle Channel and to Penguin Island are available as well as hiking trips to the Emerald Lagoon or the Vinciguerra Glacier. For those not feeling so active, a fun and scenic vintage steam train ride is available on the Fuegian Railway into the Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Ushuaia is also the starting point for many cruise ships and expeditions heading to Antarctica, and you could aim to time a trip there with the end of your expedition with us.
Note: Winter in Patagonia – Please note that any trips which travel through this part of Patagonia between July and September will coincide with winter in Patagonia. This will give us the opportunity to see the Andes at their most impressive, driving past towering snow-capped peaks and experiencing this rugged wilderness at a time of year that not many other travellers get to see! We will hopefully have the chance to ski or snowboard in Bariloche and Ushuaia, ice-climb across glaciers in El Chalten, and hike in national parks at the most dramatic time of year. However, weather conditions can be unpredictable, and there is a chance that certain roads will not be passable, so we cannot guarantee following our planned itinerary to Tierra del Fuego; changes may have to be made with little or no notice. But if this is required we will make a new plan and find a different route that will be sure to offer its own attractions and experiences, so come prepared for an adventure!
DAY 80-87: USHUAIA TO BUENOS AIRES
We now cross to the Atlantic coast of Patagonia and visit one of the marine sanctuaries. Penguins, Sea Lions, Elephant Seals, Sea Birds and sometimes Whales can be seen. Following the excellent paved roads north along the coast we pass through some quite affluent towns. One, Puerto Madryn, was the landing place over a century ago for the first group of Welsh settlers that subsequently colonised and now farm the surrounding area. We traverse the vast Pampas grasslands, South America’s cowboy country, where gun-toting gauchos on horseback look after vast herds of cattle.
Travel to Argentina is not complete without a visit to the country’s capital, and so we follow the coast further north to Buenos Aires. The city is renowned for it’s steaks, fine wines, tango dancing, ice cream and great nightlife! A few days in this smart cosmopolitan city and you could be forgiven for thinking you were back in Europe.
DAY 88-94: BUENOS AIRES TO URUGUAY
We leave Buenos Aires and cross the Rio Plata by ferry into Uruguay and the historic cobbled centre of Colonia del Sacramento. We’ll continue along the coast to the capital city of Montevideo which is a cosmopolitan city with some excellent museums, art galleries, music venues, and nightlife. The food and flea markets are also well worth exploring, along with the many restaurants and cafes.
Further along the coast we have time to enjoy the fine beaches of Punta del Este before turning north and heading back towards Argentina via the town of Salto, famous for its hot springs and indoor and outdoor geothermal pools.
DAY 95-100: ESTEROS DEL IBERA WETLANDS AND PARAGUAY
Back in Argentina, we visit the Esteros del Ibera wetlands where you can take a trip to try and spot some of the abundant wildlife, including capybara, caiman, howler monkeys and myriad birdlife.
We leave Argentina again and cross into Paraguay, where we can visit the impressive ruined Jesuit Mission near the village of Trinidad. A stop at the capital of Asuncion, one of the oldest cities in South America is next. Little visited by tourists, you’ll find you are met with a friendly curiosity unlike many other big cities in the region.
We cross another border now, entering Brazil, and also change from Spanish to Portuguese Spanish to Portuguese, and it is time to get our tongues around a new linguistic challenge!
DAY 101-109: IGUAZU FALLS TO THE PANTANAL
The Iguazu Falls form the natural border between Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. Higher than Niagara and wider than Victoria Falls they are an awe-inspiring place to spend the next few days before we continue on with our travel through Brazil. The lush tropical forest surrounding the falls has many walking trails leading to smaller hidden falls, ideal to refresh from the steaming heat and abounding with parrots, toucans, woodpeckers and colourful plants. Here you can also undertake a number of optional activities such as rafting, helicopter flights and mountain bike riding.
Next stop is Bonito where we can swim and snorkel in some of the clearest rivers and lakes in the world, one of the best experiences in the whole of Brazil. Spectacular walks in the mountainous forests may reveal wildlife that includes monkeys, alligators and anaconda.
Our next highlight in Brazil is the Pantanal region where spend a couple of days and include some activities in the vast wetlands which are home to over 600 species of birds and 350 kinds of fish, piranha being common, as well as an abundance of reptiles and animals. Try your hand at Piranha fishing too!
DAY 110-114: PANTANAL TO RIO
We now head to the coastal village of Parati. This unspoilt and picturesque town has remained fundamentally unaltered for three centuries. Cars have been banned from its cobbled streets that run down to the seashore, instead mountain bikes are used and are a good way to get around. Another great way to explore the secluded islands of this pristine coastline is taking a sailing trip in one of the traditional schooners.
Our final drive takes us to the hedonistic playground of Rio de Janeiro, where people famously enjoy a party and live for the moment. Your adventure finishes on arrival into Rio. The Carnival and New Years Eve celebrations are always chaotic, crowded and fun and a must during any stint of travel to Brazil! We have Carnival and New Year accommodation packages available if you would like to extend your stay and remain with other people in the group for the celebrations.
