See the best highlights of Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, and Peru, by going along the Atlantic Coastline, across the Argentine Plains, and traversing the Andes Mountains.
Day 1: Rio de Janeiro, BrazilThis is the perfect Rio City tour as you will get the chance to see and feel Rio de Janeiro, from the beautiful beach neighbourhoods, to the Tijuca Forest, up to the impressive Christ Redeemer Statue.
This specially designed Carioca Expedition is a tour in Rio de Janeiro that provides you with the unique chance to see the best highlights of the city. Our day starts with an accommodation pick-up where you will be met by your professional English speaking tour guide. We will make the first stop of the day at the hang gliding landing area at Sao Conrado beach where the hang gliders land after they take off from Pedra Bonita. Admire the incredible views of the mountains from the coast and contemplate making time in your schedule for a paragliding session.
From there, the mini-bus will take you to the Tijuca National Park and get a glimpse of the greenest tropical rainforest. This is the best spot to check how nature and urban areas can coexist. See waterfalls, tropical plants, trees and wildlife. Make a stop for lunch (not included) in Ipanema and transfer to the Christ The Redeemer Statue where you can take as many photos as your heart desires. Visit Santa Teresa, one of the oldest and most traditional neighbourhoods of Rio. See the well preserved original architecture and feel the character of this unique neighborhood.
At the end of your Rio day tour you will see the colorful Lapa steps “Escadaria Selaron" where Snoop Dogg shot his famous video for Beautiful. Finally, you will be offered two options. The first option is to be dropped off at the Sugarloaf Mountain where you can hop on the gondola and watch the sunset from the top of the hill (The ticket is not included in the package price) or choose to return to the door of your hotel.
Day 2: Ilha Grande, BrazilTransfer from Rio de Janeiro to Ilha Grande
You will be picked up at your accommodation for a private transfer to the ferry terminal in time for your departure.
(There's no 1:30 bus on 24/12 and 31/12; and 07:00 bus on 01/01)
Day 3: Ilha Grande, BrazilTravel via boat to Lopes Mendes beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. It is a 3 km long beach of white sand, clear water with waves and wild nature, all part of an environmental protected area.
Today you will take a boat tour to the stunning Lopez Mendes beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. It is a 3 km long beach of white sand, clear water with waves and wild nature, all part of an environmental protected area. The tour starts at the Abraão Pier where you will take the boat for a 45 min ride until the Pouso beach. From there, start an easy walk (30 minutes) until you reach the amazing Lopes Mendes beach. Get the chance to snorkel, swim and relax on Lopes Mendes before taking the boat back to Cais do Abraão.
Day 4: Paraty, BrazilTransfer from Ilha Grande to Paraty
You will be picked up at your accommodation for a private transfer to the ferry terminal in time for your departure.
(There's no 17:30 bus on 24/12 and 31/12; and 10:00 bus on 01/01)
Day 5: Paraty, BrazilExperience the beauty that Brazil has to offer. On this trip you will enjoy island hopping within the bay of Paraty. Your boat will stop at several relaxing and beautiful sandy beaches where you can go for a swim, or grab your snorkel gear to discover the tropical marine life off of the rocky shorelines.
Depart from the colonial harbour at Paraty for a scenic ride into the Paraty Bay. Enjoy stopping along the way at several of the most beautiful beaches and islands in the bay of Paraty, all surrounded by dense rainforest. Enjoy four 40-minute stops at two beaches and two islands. Take advantage of these pristine natural wonders to go for a refreshing swim, snorkel among colourful tropical fish, or sunbathe on a relaxing sandy beach. Although the exact locations vary for each tour, depending on weather conditions and beach capacity, the tours could pass through the islands of: Comprida, Algodão, Cotia and also the beaches of Praia Vermelha, Praia da Lula, and Saco da Velha among many others.
Day 6: Sao Paulo, BrazilTransfer from Paraty to Sao Paulo
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Sao Paulo, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 7: Sao Paulo, BrazilEmbark on an exciting walking tour that will put you in context with the reality of Sao Paulo with some social, political and cultural insights. Connect with the rich history, the inspiring culture, the effervescent food and drink scene, at one of the most diverse city in the world!
Best way to take a look at one of the biggest cities on the planet? From the bottom to the top, of course! We'll be visiting some underground, overground and over the top historical locations that will help you understand the development of Sao Paulo. Sao Paulo's Old town is like a big maze. So bring your enthusiasm and your curiosity! The tour starts inside Sao Paulo's Sé Cathedral, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. After that, we're going to see the amazing Ground Zero. Then, the tour continues through some cultural centers, the City Hall, the Opera House and then inside the famous Galerias, ending at the iconic Copan Building, designed by Oscar Niemeyer.
NOTE: Some of the attractions may be unavailable due to weather conditions. We'll be walking for 2 kilometers during the period of 2 hours. Bottled water for purchase and toilets will be available during the route.
Day 8: Sao Paulo, BrazilTransfer from Sao Paulo to Campo Grande
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Campo Grande.
Day 9: Bonito, BrazilTransfer from Campo Grande to Bonito
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Bonito, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 10: Bonito, BrazilDepart Bonito on a shuttle for Pantanal.
Bonito Departure to the Pantanal (L/D)
Please make your way to Bonito bus station for your transfer to Pantanal. You will be taken to your wetland lodge accommodation. After a warm welcome by the friendly staff, get settled and check out the list of activities you can do over the next few days.
Day 11: Pantanal, BrazilYou will enjoy tons of included activities such as boat trips along the river, night safari by boat, horseback riding, fishing for Piranha, walking tours, jeep safaris, alligator spotting and canoeing.
Pantanal Activities (B/L/D)
Throughout your stay in Pantanal, you will enjoy meals as you join in a variety of activities. There will be boat trips along the river, night safari by boat, horseback riding, fishing for Piranha, walking tours, jeep safaris, alligator spotting and canoeing. No matter what you do you are sure to have fun! Make sure you are camera-ready as during your excursions within this large freshwater floodplain, you will get plentiful opportunities to observe native wildlife such as alligators, capybaras, armadillos, jaguars and a wide variety of birds.
*Note: Your guide will help you organise the activities you participate in and they are subject to availability and weather conditions.
Day 12: Pantanal, BrazilEnjoy the activities included in your package
Pantanal Activities (B/L/D)
Continue with the variety of activities that this place has to offer to you. Don´t forget to take a lot of pictures to show your friends and family what you have been up to!
*Note: Your guide will help you organise the activities you participate in and they are subject to availability and weather conditions.
Day 13: Corumba, BrazilYour journey comes to an end after your return transfer to Corumba.
Transfer Pantanal to Corumba (B)
Say goodbye to the Pantanal, your head full of wonderful memories, and return by shuttle at 13:30 hrs to Corumba arriving between 17:30-18:00 hrs. On the way back, admire your beautiful pictures and get ready to brag to your friends about this once-in-a-lifetime adventure! If you are planning a flight today, please make sure you book it after 19:00 hrs so you have plenty of time to connect. Otherwise, stay overnight and depart the following day at your leisure.
NOTE: Alternatively you can finish this trip in Bonito or Corumbá, just confirm with us at the time of booking.
Day 14: Puerto Quijarro, BoliviaTransfer from Corumba to Puerto Quijarro
Day 15: Santa Cruz, BoliviaTransfer from Puerto Quijarro to Santa Cruz
Please make your own way to the train station to catch your train to Santa Cruz.
Day 16: Sucre, BoliviaTransfer from Santa Cruz to Sucre
You will be transferred to Santa Cruz airport in time for your flight to Sucre.
Day 17: Sucre, BoliviaExperience a unique Bolivian cooking class with cocktail making experience in the heart of the beautiful white city of Sucre. Enjoy cooking and eating the delicious food you make, and through food, learn more about Bolivian culture and traditions, whilst making new friends!
Bolivia is fast becoming a gastronomic hot-spot with its abundance of local Bolivian dishes and their distinct flavours which sets it apart from the rest of the world. In this interactive half day cookery class, our local chef will teach you the art of preparing a delicious 3-course meal and a Bolivian hot sauce whilst learning about local ingredients and traditional cooking methods such as the Batan. Shake up your very own cocktail using Bolivian spirits and seasonal fruits as demonstrated by the chef. Under 18s and non-drinkers make a mocktail. Finish off the experience by dining together in the company of the chef and receive a recipe of the main dish to recreate it for friends and family! We are passionate about the Bolivian food scene and want to share our passion for Bolivian food with like-minded travellers.
Sample Menu:
*Starter: "Ensalada de Yuyu" - Succulent purslane shoots served on a selection of baby Bolivian potatoes with Creole cheese and lemon dressing.
*Main: "Cazuela de Maní" - A peanut based dish that packs in chicken, vegetables, pasta and a generous garnish of straw fries.
*Dessert: "Singani Chocolate Capas" - Layers of chocolate bizcocho infused with Singani coffee liqueur layered with Chantilly cream.
NOTE: With prior notice we can adapt certain recipes to accommodate dietary requirements including vegetarian and vegan. Example main dishes include Picante de Pollo, Cazuela de Maní, Papas Rellenas or Mondongo Chuquisaqueño.
Day 18: Potosi, BoliviaTransfer from Sucre to Potosi
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Potosi.
Day 19: Uyuni, BoliviaTransfer from Potosi to Uyuni
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Uyuni.
Day 20: Villa Candelaria, BoliviaEmbark on a journey of a lifetime into the Uyuni Salt Flats on Day 1 and sleep overnight in a salt hotel (depending on conditions).
Uyuni - Colchani - Incahuasi Island - Pia Pia Island - Candelaria (L/D)
We will begin our journey at 10:00 AM with a departure from our starting location. At 10:30 AM, we will start the tour by visiting the Cementerio de trenes (Train Cemetery) which is a unique and interesting train graveyard located in the middle of the Uyuni Salt Flat. Then, we will continue to El proceso de sal en Colchani (The Salt Production Process in Colchani) to see how salt is extracted and processed. After that, we will visit the Artesanías de sal (Salt crafts) to see the various ways in which salt is used to create beautiful and unique crafts. We will also visit the Montones de sal (Salt piles) to see the vast expanse of salt flats, and the Ojos de sal (Salt Eyes) which are small pools of water that are surrounded by salt flats. Lastly, we will visit Isla Incahuasi (Incahuasi Island), which is a small island located in the middle of the salt flats and is home to cacti and other unique plants. Then, we will check-in to the Hotel de Sal, which is built entirely out of salt bricks and provides guests with an opportunity to experience what it's like to sleep on a bed of salt.
8:00 PM we check-in to the first night's accommodation at the Hotel de Sal, (shared bathroom) and we will enjoy dinner together.
Day 21: Polques, BoliviaGo deeper into the desert to see rock formations and desert landscapes with red and green-coloured lakes and native flamingos before soaking in natural hot springs in the evening.
Chiguana Desert - Lagoons - Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve - Red Lagoon Sol de Mañana Geyser (B/L/D)
We will start the day with a 7:30 AM breakfast before departing at 8:00 AM. We will visit Volcán Ollague which is an active volcano, as well as Lagunas con Flamencos (Cañapa Hedionda - Honda), which are saltwater lagoons that are home to thousands of flamingos. We will also visit Desierto de Siloli (Siloli Desert) which is a desert that is located in the Andes Mountains and is known for its unique rock formations. After lunch, we will visit Montañas de 7colores (7-Colored Mountains), El árbol de Piedra (The Stone Tree) and Laguna Colorada (Huayllajara) which is a red-colored lagoon that is home to thousands of flamingos. We will spend our second night at the Albergue Laguna Colorada (shared bathroom)
Day 22: Uyuni, BoliviaOn your last day in the desert visit the Dali Pampas to see the landscapes that inspired this famous artist and see the Green Lagoon before returning to Uyuni, where your trip ends.
Dali Desert - Green Lagoon – Uyuni (B/L)
We will start the day early with a 5:00 AM departure. We will visit the Geiseres, which are geysers that spout hot water and steam and the Aguas Termales (Thermal Waters) where people can relax and enjoy the natural hot water. After breakfast, we will visit Rocas de Dalí (Dali's Rocks) which is a unique rock formation that was named after Salvador Dalí, as well as Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) and Laguna Blanca (White Lagoon) which are both known for their vibrant and stunning colors. We will also visit Valle de Rocas (Valley of Rocks) and finish the tour visiting Culplina and San Cristobal. We will be back at Uyuni by 5:00 PM.
Day 23: Uyuni, BoliviaTransfer from Uyuni to La Paz
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to La Paz.
Day 24: La Paz, BoliviaOrient yourself in Bolivia's sprawling capital city with ease during a sightseeing tour that’s designed with first-time visitors in mind. You'll see both major sights and hidden gems as you visit a cemetery, meet a shaman, and explore the vertiginous neighborhood of El Alto by cable car.
One of the best ways to see this offbeat and colorful city is in the sky! This adventure will show you the real La Paz exploring the amazing cable cars, the fascinating cemetery, local shamans and the pulsating city of El Alto with an amazing guide. This is one of the most stunning city tours in the world! Not only do you get to take in the magnificent views of La Paz and the surrounding mountains, but you also explore some of the most off the beaten path spots in the city! Take local transport up to the cemetery where we explore the open air street art museum and learn about the fascinating culture and traditions that can only be found here, then up to El Alto in the world’s most scenic form of transport, the teleferico (cable car). In El Alto we visit a local shaman and have the opportunity to get our fortunes read before exploring the city further and then taking 2 more telefericos back to the city center. Get a chance to see the real La Paz!
Day 25: Copacabana, BoliviaTransfer from La Paz to Copacabana
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Copacabana, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Day 26: Puno, PeruTransfer from Copacabana to Puno
Day 27: Luquina, PeruYou will be picked up from your accommodation and transferred to the port of Puno to board a motorboat to the charming Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island. Later, continue on to Luquina community to meet your host family and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Depart Puno for the Uros Floating Islands, Taquile Island & Luquina Homestay (L/D)
You will be picked up from your hostel between around 7:10 am and transferred to the port of Puno, where you will meet your guide and board the motorboat. The first stop will be the Uros Floating Islands, where you will spend about one hour. There are more than 90 floating islands and you will get the chance to visit two of them. On the first floating island, your guide will explain to you about the people who live on the floating islands. Then you will have some free time to walk around, visit the small huts made from reeds, take some pictures and buy a souvenir to support the people of these islands if you wish.
After this visit, you will continue on with a boat ride to Taquile Island. The people who live on this island are very famous because they are considered “the best weavers of Peru”. There, you will go on a beautiful hike for about one and a half hours to admire the panoramic of the lake. On your way, you will get the chance to visit a local family home where you will learn more about the famous textile from the island. You will then head towards the town square of Taquile and visit the handicraft shops to see the typical weaving. The square is also the highest point of the hike (3950 m or 12960 feet). You will finish the hike going to the second part of the island and take off in a boat (35 minutes of navigation) that will lead you to the Luquina community where you will overnight. Your host families will wait for you at the port of Luquina and will take you to their house. You will enjoy a delicious dinner with the local family before going to bed.
Day 28: Puno, PeruToday you will discover the daily life of the local family before heading back to Puno.
Luquina community & Return to Puno (B/L)
Start the day quite early with a tasty breakfast with the family before getting the opportunity to participate in their daily activities such as sheep grazing, working in the crops, or even learning how to milk a cow. You will then enjoy a delicious lunch before saying goodbye to the family and leave the community. You will take the motorboat back to Puno, finishing the tour around 3:45 pm.
Day 29: Cuzco, PeruTransfer from Puno to Cuzco
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Cuzco.
Day 30: Cuzco, PeruEnjoy a free day to experience on your own
Day 31: Cuzco, PeruVisit the San Pedro Market and get a little taste of local life in Cusco before walking to the cooking studio to experience a cooking class where you will learn how to prepare traditional Peruvian exquisite dishes, drinks, and a delicious dessert.
Our Cusco Culinary cooking experience starts at San Pedro Market (at door number 1), with a visit to this historical and traditional local market. We will try some of the most exotic fruits of Peru, the best chocolate, local cheeses, and traditional bread. After that, we will walk to our cooking studio, a traditional house from 1922, that is part of the world heritage Cusco center. We will start our cooking classes preparing the national drink of Peru, passion fruit Pisco sour. Then, we will prepare three traditional Peruvian exquisite dishes and a delicious dessert. Our class is full hands on, and you will take part in all the preparation. After we finish we will enjoy all the food, and you will have a great Peruvian meal. After the class we will also send you the recipes, so then you can share your new talent, as a Peruvian chef, with your family and friends.
NOTE: To know your food requirements is very important. Our dishes are easy to be converted into vegetarian, so if you are vegetarian or Vegan this is the perfect class for you. This experience includes alcohol. Only guests who meet the legal drinking age will be served alcoholic beverages.
Day 32: Cuzco, PeruTransfer from Cuzco to Arequipa
Day 33: Colca Canyon, PeruBegin with a very early morning departure from Arequipa around 3:00am to reach the Colca Canyon for breakfast and to visit the “Cruz del Condor” overlook. Trek deep into the canyon through local villages and reach your lodge for a rewarding dinner.
Arequipa - Colca Canyon Trekking (B/L/D)
We will pick you up from your downtown accommodation between 3:00 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. and transfer you to Chivay town in the heart of the Colca Canyon. We'll have breakfast and then go directly to “Cruz Del Condor viewpoint” where we will see the flight of the condors. From here, we will make our way to the Mirador De San Miguel, the starting point of our trekking route. We will begin our hike towards the Colca Canyon at around 10:00 am by walking down to San Juan De Chucchu Village (3 ½ hours walking), where we will have lunch. Afterward, we will hike back uphill through Cosnirgua and Malata villages arriving in Sangalle by the end of the day where you will have the opportunity to relax in the swimming pool (3 hours walking). Overnight in rustic bungalows.
Day 34: Arequipa, PeruToday, follow a steep trail up to Cabanaconde and take a bus to Chivay. Soak your sore legs in the hot springs before returning to Arequipa after a challenging, but enjoyable trip.
Colca Canyon trekking - Arequipa (B)
Today, we will get an early start and begin trekking up to Cabanaconde town at around 05:00 am where we will have breakfast (3 hours steep uphill hike). From Cabanaconde, we will take our bus to Chivay Village making a few short stops along the way in Maca town and tourist viewpoints. Upon arrival to Chivay, we will visit the relaxing hot springs in town (30-40 minutes), the perfect remedy for our tired muscles and have lunch. On our way back to Arequipa we will stop to see the National Park and get beautiful views of the volcanoes (weather permitting) and to see native animals such as alpacas and vicuñas. Relax and enjoy the scenic ride back to Arequipa arriving around 6.00 pm.
Day 35: Arequipa, PeruEnjoy a free day to experience on your own
Day 36: Arequipa, PeruTransfer from Arequipa to Nazca
Day 37: Ica, PeruTransfer from Nazca to Ica
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Ica.
Day 38: Huacachina, PeruCruise to the top of 500 meter high sand dunes and go rocketing down the slopes in a sand buggy. Let go of your fears and sandboard down the steep sandy slopes with a few pointers from your local guide. Admire the breathtaking sunset over the vast desert landscape and take photos in the golden twilight before racing back to Huacachina.
Welcome to the quaint, quiet and cute oasis of Huacachina with its tranquil lagoon and backdrop of amazing sand dunes anywhere you turn to look. Get ready to cruise to the tops of 500 meter high sand dunes and go rocketing down the slopes in the sand buggy. A roller coaster ride of 360's, sharp turns and steep hills will get your adrenaline pumping before you take your first shot at sand boarding. Strap yourself in tightly, throw your hands in the air and scream away as you are carried over sand dunes in the middle of the expansive desert.
You will have the opportunity to sandboard on 3-4 different dunes so you can try your luck. You will take thrilling rides on a basic sandboard by laying face first on the board and letting yourself fly down the dune to see how far (and fast) you can go. Cheer on your mates and don't let anyone shy away from this unforgettable experience. Lastly, you will admire the breathtaking sunset over the vast desert landscape and have the chance to take photos in the golden twilight before racing back to Huacachina.
Day 39: Paracas, PeruTransfer from Ica to Paracas
Please make your own way to the bus station to catch your bus to Paracas.
Day 40: Paracas, PeruTake a boat tour to see the impressive Candelabra geoglyph, Peruvian boobies, Humboldt penguins and abundant marine life at the Ballestas Islands archipelago. Visit the pristine Paracas Natural Reserve in the afternoon to see La Catedral rock formation and watch flamingos and parihuanas from a breathtaking scenic overlook.
As you cruise west from the tiny beach town of Paracas, you won't be able to miss the Candelabra geoglyph, a 150m high and 50m wide figure of a candlestick etched into the mountain, rumored to have been an ancient guide for sailors or a connection to the Nazca lines. A short description and time for photos is given before cruising on to the famous Ballestas Islands.
Ballestas islands is an excellent opportunity to see large families of over 100 sea lions sleeping on the shores, basking in the sun on the rocks or some barking loudly in efforts to protect their territory. Spot cormorants, the Peruvian booby and Peruvian pelican as well as other impressive varieties of sea bird species and Humboldt penguins nesting together in small groups. Feeling lucky? Watch the waters for dolphins.
Apart from the abundant marine and bird life found here, the Ballestas Islands are also very well known for the guano (seabird droppings) deposited on the island over thousands of years which creates a natural reserve of nitrogen-rich fertilizer over 50 meters deep in some areas. The guano came to be Peru's #1 export in the mid-19th century however today the extraction of guano has been regulated to every 10 years.
The return trip to Paracas is a quick, very windy, direct boat ride to the dock. You should have some time to take photos of the friendly pelicans that hang out on the shore line beside the dock, do some souvenir shopping or grab a snack before heading on to your next destination.
Day 41: Lima, PeruTransfer from Paracas to Lima
Day 42: Lima, PeruBike through Lima in a fun and active way to explore the city's enclaves while getting a sense of local character that's all too easily missed when touring by car. Along the way we will enjoy the awesome views, parks and spots that this part of Lima has to offer.
We will meet three blocks away from Kennedy Park, where we will cover safety instructions and information about the amazing places we'll visit. Our tour will cover top sights around Miraflores and Barranco, including the Kennedy Park, Huaca Pucllana, Park of love, Larcomar, Bridge of Sights and Plaza Barranco. As you ride, you will enjoy an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean and street art, learn stories and fun facts about the neighborhoods and our culture. Along this tour we will talk about Peruvian food, spots, culture, local history and anything you'll like. When arriving Barranco feel free to ask your guide for a free beer!