Quito to Rio 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. Start among the glorious colonial buildings of Quito, then penetrate deep into the Amazon Jungle before heading south to Peru to follow the footsteps of the Incas. Marvel at the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, visit the fascinating floating islands on Lake Titicaca, gaze in awe at the cascading waters of Iguazu Falls and survey vast Bolivian salt flats. 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 Quito
Savour the panoramic views of the city from El Panecillo or admire the ornate buildings of the Old Town.
Days 2-4 Amazon Jungle
Explore one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet.
Days 5-7 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 8-9 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 10-11 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 12-13 Punta Sal
Take a dip in the ocean or perhaps enjoy some deep-sea fishing.
Days 14-15 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 16-18 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 19-20 Lima
Explore Peru's vibrant capital on an optional city tour or visit some of the city's many fine museums.
Day 21 Paracas National Reserve
Soak up the serenity in one of the most important marine reserves in the world
Day 22 Ballestas Islands/Nazca
Spy penguins and boobies on a boat ride around the Ballestas Islands, then survey the vast desert landscape en route to the mysterious Nazca Lines.
Day 23 Puerto Inca
Marvel at remarkably well-preserved ancient human remains at Chauchilla Cemetery. Camp overnight near Puerto Inca.
Days 24-25 Arequipa
Admire the distinctive white buildings of this atmosperic town.
Days 26-27 Chivay/Colca Canyon
Gaze in awe as majestic Andean condors soar over this dramatic canyon.
Day 28 Raqchi Homestay
Experience local life on a family homestay.
Days 29-30 Cuzco
An enchanting fusion of Spanish and Inca culture, Cuzco is a city that captures hearts.
Days 31-34 Classic Inca Trail/Quechua Community Trek
Venture into the heart of the Andes and discover spectacular scenery on the trek of lifetime - either the Quecha Community trek or the classic Inca Trail.
Days 35-36 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 37 Puno
The impressive pre-Incan funerary towers of Sillustani are a striking contrast to the desolate altiplano landscape. Travel onto Puno and discover why it is known at the folkloric capital of Peru.
Days 38-39 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.
Days 40-42 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 43-44 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 45-46 Salar de Uyuni
One of the most spectacular sights on the planet, the Uyuni salt flats stretch over 12,000 sq km.
Days 47-48 Bolivian Altiplano/San Pedro de Atacama
Head south towards the Argentine border, soaking up the scenery and camping out in the open.
Days 49-51 Salta
This elegant city boasts delightful colonial architecture and a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 52 Cafayate
Sample some of the region's celebrated wines on a guided vineyard tour.
Days 53-56 Estancia Stay
Experience life on a working cattle ranch and sample the delicious flavours of a traditional Argentine barbecue.
Days 57-59 Mendoza
With tree-lined avenues, outdoor cafes and a range of interesting sights to explore, this atmospheric city has something for everyone.
Days 60-61 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.
Day 62 Saltos del Laja
Pitch a tent and perhaps sample some of the excellent locally produced wines.
Days 63-65 Pucon
Savour the stunning views of deep-blue lakes flanked by forest-clad mountains.
Days 66-67 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 68-69 Los Alerces National Park
The park's graceful Patagonian cypress trees and crystal-clear lakes are a breathtaking sight to behold.
Days 70-72 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 73-75 Ushuaia
Nestled between the Beagle Channel and jagged glacial peaks, Ushuaia is the gateway to Tierra del Fuego, 'the land of fire'.
Days 76-81 Torres del Paine National Park
Trek through pristine wilderness and discover sparkling lakes, cascading waterfalls and striking mountain scenery.
Day 82 Perito Moreno Glacier/El Calafate
Marvel at the towering Perito Moreno Glacier and listen to the ice groan and crack into the waters below.
Days 83-86 Los Glaciares National Park/El Chalten
Hike through spectacular glacial mountain scenery interspersed with transparent lakes and colourful forests.
Days 87-88 Bush camp
Pitch a tent among spectacular Patagonian scenery.
Day 89 Camarones
Glimpse local wildlife on a penguin colony tour.
Days 90-91 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 92 Sierra de la Ventana
Journey across the vast Pampas region, the agricultural heartland of Argentina and home of the gauchos - Argentina's proud cowboys.
Days 93-96 Buenos Aires
Immerse 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.
Days 97-98 San Ignacio Mini
Admire the intricately carved ruins of San Ignacio Mini.
Days 99-101 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.
Days 102-104 Bonito
Hike along spectacular mountain walks, dive into the cool waters at Blue Lake or perhaps snorkel among colourful fish.
Days 105-107 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 their prey.
Day 108 Brotas
This tiny town is a magnet for adventure sports fans and is the ideal place to enjoy kayaking and whitewater rafting.
Days 109-111 Paraty
Relax on one of the numerous secluded beaches or perhaps take a boat trip to nearby islands to swim in the crystalline waters.
Day 112 Rio de Janeiro
Nestled between forest-covered mountains and stunning beaches, Rio de Janeiro is sure to delight. Stay a few days and be seduced by the samba rhythms of this vibrant city.