South America Explorer
Get ready for the ultimate South American adventure on this journey from the Andean heights of Ecuador, through Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay, until ending in the vibrancy of Brazil. Explore the Amazon Jungle, trek the Inca Trail, take a 4x4 through Salar de Uyuni, enjoy a hacienda homestay and visit Foz do Iguazu, the gateway to the mighty Iguazu Falls. Discover the beats of the samba, salsa and tango, get off the beaten track, visit diverse and amazing natural wonders and collect a lifetime of memories on this truly epic adventure. With plenty of free time and a do-it-yourself approach, this is the perfect way to discover South America.
Itinerary
Days 1-2 Quito
Wander through the capital's atmospheric Old Town.
Days 3-4 Amazon Jungle
Accompanied by a local guide, journey into the Amazon's green heart, one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world. Retire to a rustic lodge and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.
Days 5-7 Banos
Soak in steaming therapeutic thermal springs - or, better yet, take a dip just in time for sunrise.
Days 8-9 Cuenca
Visit the colourful flower markets and peruse the colonial architecture in this picturesque city.
Days 10-11 Mancora
Enjoy free time to get accustomed to Peruvian culture in Mancora. Why not follow Hemingway's route along the beach?
Days 12-13 Huanchaco
Travel through the Sechura Desert, see the surfing fishermen of Huanchaco and explore the historical city of Trujillo.
Days 14-15 Lima
Try ceviche, Peru's seafood specialty and perhaps sample Pisco, the local tipple of choice.
Day 16 Pisco
Spot flamingos on an optional boat tour to the Paracas National Reserve.
Days 17-18 Nazca
Witness the enigmatic Nazca Lines - best seen from the air. Why not splurge on a scenic flight?
Days 19-22 Arequipa/Chivay/Colca Canyon
Be dazzled by Arequipa and spot Andean condors gliding above the Colca Canyon.
Days 23-24 Cuzco/Sacred Valley/Ollantaytambo
Explore the terraced Sacred Valley, filled with Inca ruins, colourful markets and scenic villages.
Days 25-28 Inca Trail/Machu Picchu/Cuzco
Trek through ruins, cloud forests and up ancient staircases on the way to Machu Picchu.
Day 29 Cuzco
Relax in a cafe or hit the mountain tracks on a daring bike ride.
Days 30-32 Puno/Lake Titicaca
Enjoy an island homestay on the turquoise waters of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake.
Day 33 Copacabana
Enjoy free time in enchanting 'Copa'. The mudejar (Moorish-style) cathedral houses the saintly La Virgen Morena Del Lago (the Dark Virgin of the Lake), a statue carved by a direct descendant of the last Inca Emperor. Reputed to have worked many miracles, this spiritual relic is the essence of the town's Inca and Spanish heritage.
Days 34-37 La Paz
Shop for trinkets at the Witches' Market, or pick up some handmade alpaca wool socks at the Artesania Sorata.
Days 38-39 Sucre
Stop by Bolivia's whitewashed capital to admire the spectacular interior of the Iglesia de la Merced.
Days 40-41 Potosi
The adventurous might choose to take a mine tour in Potosi.
Days 42-45 Salar de Uyuni
Hit the salt plains and discover a surreal landscape filled with volcanoes and multicoloured lakes.
Days 46-49 Salta
Cross the border to Argentina. Spend time in Salta's shady plaza and don't miss visiting its ornate central cathedral.
Days 50-52 Mendoza
Try some Malbec wine against a backdrop of mountains.
Days 53-56 Santiago
Get a breathtaking city view from Cerro San Cristobal and sample the world famous wines from this region.
Days 57-58 Pucon
Enjoy adventure sports galore beneath the gaze of the snowcapped Villarrica Volcano.
Days 59-61 Ancud
Join an optional kayaking trip or penguin-spotting excursion. Be sure to try the super-fresh seafood available at local restaurants, cafes and markets.
Days 62-64 Bariloche
Stroll along the lake or head further afield to the forests of Bariloche.
Days 65-67 Buenos Aires
There is plenty of free time to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Buenos Aires.
Day 68 Colonia
Stroll around the picturesque narrow streets in Colonia.
Day 69 Montevideo
Explore the capital's Old City to glimpse its colonial past.
Days 70-73 Estancia Stay
Experience country living at an estancia. Lend a hand around the ranch and feast on hearty home-cooked meals.
Days 74-76 Foz do Iguazu
Take an optional visit to Iguazu Falls and be blown away by its 270 waterfalls!
Days 77-78 Paraty
Swim in the bay's warm waters or watch the tide rise among the cobblestone streets in this charming colonial town.
Days 79-81 Ilha Grande
It's pure relaxation on this tropical island getaway, home to arguably Brazil's best beach.
Days 82-83 Rio de Janeiro
Dance to a samba beat in Lapa or sip a caipirinha on one of Rio's sun-drenched beaches. Celebrate the end of the adventure overlooking this beautiful city from atop Corcovado.
