Rio to Quito via Ushuaia
Get set for the ultimate South American odyssey. Covering six countries over 112 amazing days, this epic adventure incorporates all the highlights of this mighty continent: spectacular scenery, magnificent ruins, fascinating culture and some of the friendliest people on the planet. Head south from sun-kissed Rio to amazing Argentina. Sip world-class wines in Chile and marvel at Bolivia's vast salt flats. Follow in the footsteps of the Incas in Peru and discovering the irresistible charm of Ecuador. If it's unspoilt nature you're after then this trip has it covered: majestic glaciers, verdant forests, crystal lakes, soaring mountains and more. This unforgettable trip will leave you enchanted by the breathtaking scenery and friendly people of this remarkable continent.
Itinerary
Day 1 Rio de Janeiro
Nestled between forest-covered mountains and stunning beaches, Rio de Janeiro is sure to delight. Arrive early and be seduced by the samba rhythms of this vibrant city.
Days 2-4 Paraty
Relax on one of the numerous secluded beaches or perhaps take a boat trip to nearby islands to swim in the crystalline waters.
Days 5-6 Brotas
This tiny town is a magnet for adventure sports fans and is the ideal place to enjoy kayaking and whitewater rafting.
Day 7 Campo Grande
Pitch a tent in the fertile Campo Grande region, surrounded by vast herds of cattle and crops of manganese, rice and soy.
Days 8-10 Pantanal
Set off on an adventure through the wildlife-dotted plains of the vast Pantanal, the world's largest wetland area. Spot the many colourful birds and keep an eye out for sleek predators hunting prey.
Days 11-12 Bonito
Hike along spectacular mountain walks, dive into the cool waters at Blue Lake or perhaps snorkel among colourful fish.
Days 13-15 Iguazu Falls
Enjoy an unforgettable visit to the mighty Iguazu Falls. Marvel at the panoramic views and be enchanted by the lush wilderness and colourful butterflies.
Day 16 San Ignacio de Mini
Admire the intricately carved ruins of San Ignacio de Mini.
Days 17-19 Buenos Aires
Be immersed in the vibrant culture of Argentina's cosmopolitan capital. Stroll through the magnificent La Recoleta Cemetery or admire works by renowned Latin American artists at the impressive Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires.
Day 20 Monte Hermoso
Journey across the vast Pampas region, the agricultural heartland of Argentina and home of the gauchos - Argentina's proud cowboys.
Days 21-22 Puerto Madryn
Visit the Valdes Peninsula to spot some of the region's diverse wildlife. An optional boat trip is a great way to observe the magnificent whales that grace the area.
Day 23 Camarones
Glimpse local wildlife on a penguin colony tour.
Days 24-26 Bush camp
Pitch a tent among spectacular Patagonian scenery.
Days 27-29 Los Glaciares National Park/El Chalten
Hike through spectacular glacial mountain scenery interspersed with transparent lakes and colourful forests.
Days 30-31 Moreno Glacier/El Calafate
Marvel at the towering Perito Moreno Glacier and listen to the ice groan and crack into the waters below.
Days 32-36 Torres del Paine National Park
Trek through pristine wilderness and discover sparkling lakes, cascading waterfalls and striking mountain scenery.
Days 37-39 Ushuaia
Nestled between the Beagle Channel and jagged glacial peaks, Ushuaia is the gateway to 'the land of fire'.
Days 40-41 Monte Leon National Park
The park's extraordinary coastal rock formations are home to the world's fourth-largest penguin colony as well as sea lions, guanacos and abundant seabirds.
Days 42-45 Los Alerces National Park
The park's graceful Patagonian cypress trees and crystal-clear lakes are a breathtaking sight to behold.
Days 46-47 Bariloche
An adventure lover's dream, Bariloche offers a range of outdoor activities to enjoy as well as great restaurants for those not feeling too active.
Days 48-50 Pucon
Savour the stunning views of deep-blue lakes flanked by forest-clad mountains.
Days 51-52 Saltos del Laja
Pitch a tent and perhaps sample some of the excellent locally produced wines.
Days 53-54 Santiago
This modern capital has heaps to offer. Admire the extensive collection at the Museo de Artes Visuales or head to one of the city's lively barrios to sample Chilean delicacies.
Days 55-56 Mendoza
With tree-lined avenues, outdoor cafes and a range of interesting sights to explore, this atmospheric city has something for everyone.
Days 57-60 Estancia Stay
Experience life on a working cattle ranch and sample the delicious flavours of a traditional Argentine barbecue.
Days 61-62 Cafayate
Sample some of the region's celebrated wines on a guided vineyard tour.
Days 63-65 Salta
This elegant city boasts delightful colonial architecture and a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 66 San Pedro de Atacama
Head south towards the Argentine border, soaking up the scenery and camping out in the open.
Days 67-69 Salar de Uyuni
One of the most spectacular sights on the planet, the Uyuni salt flats stretch over 12,000 sq km.
Days 70-71 Potosi
Traverse the barren Andean landscape to the colonial mining town of Potosi and descend into an active mine on an optional tour - an eye-opening experience that is not for the faint-hearted.
Days 72-73 La Paz
Browse the city's vibrant markets or visit the Coca Museum for a fascinating insight into the history of this infamous plant.
Days 74-75 Copacabana
Visit the famous floating islands of Lake Titicaca and discover the Uros' unique way of life. Feast on fresh trout in Copacabana and sail to Isla del Sol, regarded as the birthplace of Inca civilisation.
Day 76 Puno
Discover a wealth of art and culture in Peru's folkloric capital.
Days 77-78 Cuzco
An enchanting fusion of Spanish and Inca culture, Cuzco is a city that captures hearts.
Days 79-82 Classic Inca Trail/Quechua Community Trek
Take either the Quechua Community Trek or the classic Inca Trail and venture into the heart of the Andes.
Days 83-84 Machu Picchu/Cuzco
Follow the undulating twists and turns of the Sacred Valley en route to the phenomenal ruins of Machu Picchu. Explore the citadel at length or simply relax and absorb the serenity of the surroundings.
Day 85 Raqchi Homestay
Experience local life on a family homestay.
Days 86-87 Chivay/Colca Canyon
Gaze in awe as majestic Andean condors soar over this dramatic canyon.
Days 88-89 Arequipa
Admire the distinctive white buildings of this atmospheric town.
Day 90 Puerto Inca
Marvel at remarkably well-preserved ancient human remains at Chauchilla Cemetery. Spend the night camped near Puerto Inca.
Day 91 Nazca
Survey the vast desert landscape en route to the mysterious Nazca Lines.
Day 92 Paracas National Park
Discover one of the most important marine reserves in the world.
Days 93-94 Lima
Explore Peru's vibrant capital on an optional city tour or visit some of the city's many fine museums.
Days 95-97 Huaraz
Dominated by the highest tropical mountain range in the world, Huaraz offers a range of optional adventure activities including hiking, rock climbing and mountain bike riding.
Days 98-99 Huanchaco
Be amazed by the extraordinary artefacts on display at the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum before visiting the intriguing Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.
Days 100-101 Punta Sal
Take a dip in the ocean or perhaps enjoy some deep-sea fishing.
Days 102-103 Cuenca
Wander cobblestone streets and admire the red-tiled roofs, flower markets and shady plazas of this historic city. Visit a Panama hat factory to see how this legendary item is created.
Days 104-105 Chugchilan/Quilotoa Loop
Enjoy spectacular views while driving along the winding Quilotoa Loop. Stretch legs on a guided trek and overnight in an eco-lodge nestled on the slopes of the Rio Toachi Canyon.
Days 106-107 Rio Verde
Situated in a valley of waterfalls and hot springs, Rio Verde offers a host of optional activities include horse riding, mountain biking and whitewater rafting.
Days 108-110 Amazon Jungle
Explore one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet.
Days 111-112 Quito
The journey comes to an end amid the quaint cobbled streets of Ecuador's capital. Celebrate the journey over a meal in one of the many great restaurants, or explore some of the sights dotting this breathtaking city - from cathedrals and churches, to lookouts and plazas.
