The South American trip of a lifetime! From Andes to Amazon, Inca to Iguassu and Paddington to Patagonia, all sprinkled with Samba, Tango and Pisco Sours, this epic itinerary spans the length and breadth of the Andes, from Colombia to the Straits of Magellan and across to the golden beaches of Brazil. Cruise the Galapagos, tour Inca Peru, explore the southern icefields and marvel at the Salar de Uyuni. This trips combines South America’s natural and ancient wonders with the vibrant colours and culture of the urban centres such as Buenos Aires, Rio and Cartagena!
Itinerary Highlights
What’s included
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
50
Nights
Price Guide
$POA
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Fly to Bogota
Bogota – History, Art & Botero
Welcome to Colombia! Bogota is one of South America’s artistic centres that brims with galleries, musuems, boutiques and exhibitions. Explore the colonial centre on foot and take a funicular train up to Monserrate mountain and shrine for stunning views across the Andes. For a breath of fresh air, head to the cloud-forest of the nearby Chicaque National Park or marvel at the weird, wonderful and dazzling salt cathedral at Zipaquira.
Cartagena – pirates & Colonial Splendour
Fly north to the colonial gem of Cartagena lapped by the turquoise waters and golden beaches of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Cartagena iis among the prettiest of South America’s cities, a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site whose stunning architecture and imposing rampart walls have been lovingly restored. Lose yourself amidst the cobbled streets, shaded plazas and elegant townhouses and browse the museums, churches and colonial treasures. For a change of scenery, head out to to the sun-kissed beaches of the Baru peninsula and Rosario Islands where you can snorkel in the crystal clear waters.
Quito & the Centre of the world
Fly to Quito and stay at the heart of the city’s UNESCO-protected old town. Explore the city on foot, visiting the cathedral and the neo-gothic Basilica del Voto Nacional before you head out to the offical “Mitad del Mundo” line and museum which marks where the Equator crosses the country. Time allowing, why not head down the “Avenue of Volcanoes” to visit the Cotopaxi National Park or head north into the highlands to explore Otavalo Market, one of the largest in the America and surrounded by historic haciendas.
The Galapagos islands – evolution in action!
South America’s natural highlight! Fly to the Galapagos and board your chosen vessel for a spectacular naturalist cruise through these extraordinary volcanic islands, source of inspiration behind Darwin’s iconic “Origin of the Species”. Each day, you will explore the breathtaking flora and fauna above and below the water with your expert guide. Please contact us for detailed cruise itineraries or click here for our preferred vessels. Alternatively, if you are poor sailors, you may prefer a land-based experience staying on one of the inhabited islands or even an island hopping adventure which has you walking, biking, paddling and snorkelling!
Lima & Foodie heaven
Return flight to mainland Ecuador and take an onward connection to Lima. A couple of days in the Peruvian capital gives you time to explore the colonial monuments, bustling markets and pre-Incan ruins. For history buffs, head to the ancient temple complex of Huaca Pucllana and the fascinating Larco Herrera Musuem or simply wander the elegant parks of Miraflores or the cobbled streets of the coastal suburb Barranco. Either way, Lima is arguably the foodie capital of South America and there is no better place to treat yourself to a culinary feast at one of the city’s acclaimed restaurants such as Maido or Central.
Into the Amazon
Fly to Puerto Maldonado, southern gateway to Peru’s Amazon basin and continue by road and river to reach your wildlife lodge nestled deep in the tropical rainforest. Enjoy a fully-inclusive progam which includes daily guided excursions into the jungle to experience the unique flora and fauna. Activities range from piranha-fishing, walking and bird-watching to boat trips, night walks, community visits and ethno-botannical tours. With luck you may even spot a jaguar!
Sacred Valley – The Inca Heartland
Return to Puerto Maldonado and civilisation and take an onward flight to Cusco. Here, you will be met and driven into the picturesque Sacred Valley, the Inca heart of Peru and an area spilling over with whitewashed Andean towns, buzzing markets and enigmatic Inca ruins. Wander amidst the ruins of Moray or Pisac, browse Chinchero market or marvel at the terraces and fortifications of Ollantaytambo. For adventure enthusiasts, the Sacred Valley is biking, hiking and paddling heaven and you may like to walk the trail from Chinchero to Urquillos or challenge yourself with a day’s rafting on the Urubamba river. Or for something more sedate, how about a ceramic or textile workshop learning age-old techniques?
The Lost city of machu Picchu
The Inca highlight Machu Picchu awaits as you embark your train and journey through the lush Vilcabamba mountains to reach Aguas Calientes. Here, you will meet your guide and head up to the magical site of Machu Picchu for an in-depth tour, drinking in the stunning panoramic views. For a slice of luxury, upgrade to the refined elegance and golden-age charm of the Hiram Bingham Train. Or for hiking-enthusiasts, why not challenge yourself with the 1-Day Inca Trail, a spectacular route that takes you up into the mountains to reach Machu Picchu via the amazing site of Wiñay Wayna and the Inti Punku Sun Gate.
The Inca Capital Cusco
Enjoy a morning visit to Machu Picchu before you return by train to Cusco. Built on the ashes of the Inca capital, Cusco is a fascinating colonial city that teems with markets, musuems, galleries, monuments and Incan intrigue. Wander the narrow cobbled streets of the old town where you can marvel at the incredible Inca stonework, exemplified by the famous 14-angle block that draws the crowds along Hatunrumiyoc street. Join a walking tour and visit the towering cathedral and its Incan counterpart, the Korikancha Temple of the Sun, before you head up to the archaeological wonders in the hills above the city. Stroll across the vast rampart walls of Sacsayhuaman and explore the fascinating Inca sites of Qenko, Tambo Machay and Inkilltambo. And then back in the city, why not treat yourself to one of Cusco’s acclaimed restaurants – or even guinea pig if you prefer!
Lake titicaca – Reeds, rafts & Raqchi
All aboard the Titicaca train or Andean Explorer! Cusco to Puno is one of South America’s classic rail journeys, a dizzying route that takes you higher up into the Andean plateau past remote farmsteads, herds of alpaca and desolate grassland to reach Lake Titicaca, sacred lake of of the inca. Enjoy a boat trip out to the island communities of Taquile or Llachon and tour the famous uros “totora” reed islands. For something different, enjoy a homestay with a local family on Amantani or kick back at one of the island luxury retreats.
on the roof of the world in la Paz!
Today you bid farewell to Peru as you continue your journey across the highlands into Bolivia. Time allowing, you may like to make a stop in Copacabana (Bolivia not Brazil!) on Lake Titicaca to visit the fascinating Island of the Moon and Island of the Sun, birthplace of the Inca. La Paz is a fascinating clutter of colonial monuments, traditional markets and modern cityscape, all under the shadow of the snowcapped Illimani Mountain. Tour the city by “Mi Teleférico” cable car system, browse the “witches market” and venture out to visit the eerie rock formations of the Valley of the Moon. Or, if this is all too sedate, why not bike the famous “Death Road” to Coroico in the steamy Yungas cloud forest.
Uyuni & Bolivia’s geological wonders
Fly south to Uyuni, gateway to the geological wonders that straddle the border with Chile. On arrival, you will set off on a mesmerising jeep tour through the other-worldly landscapes to reach the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama on the other side of the Andes. Marvel at the vast expanse of the great Uyuni saltlake as you journey past petrified forests, smoking volcanoes, multi-coloured lakes and bubbling hotsrpings. Better still, travel at the end of the wet season when Uyuni floods and enjoy the extraordinary mirrored landscapes that blur the the bounday between heaven and earth – simply magical!
The Atacama Desert
Time to relax and enjoy some R&R after your Uyuni jeep crossing. That said, the Atacama Desert has no shortage of attractions. Enjoy an Andean sunset from the Valley of the Moon, tour the pre-incan ruins of Pukara de Quito or Tulor and head up to the breathtaking Tatio geysers and Puritama hotspings. The Atacama offers wonderful hiking and biking or what better way to experience the terracotta canyons and salt-lakes than by taking a hot air balloon over the desert. The Atacama is blessed with the clearest skies in the world and a tour of the cosmos from one of the nearby observatories is unmissable in our eyes!
cosmopolitan Santiago
Fly south to Chile’s cosmopolitan capital and spend a couple of days exploring Santiago perhaps with a wine tour or a visit to the mountains of the Cajon del Maipo. Close by, you may like to venture out to the colourful bohemian port of Valparaiso famous for its UNESCO-protected funicular trains or hike in the Cerro La Campana National Park or Yerba Loca Nature Sanctuary.
Into patagonia – the Torres del Paine
Fly south to Puerto Natales and head into the magnificent Torres del Paine, South America’s most impressive national park. This is a wild and remote area of soaring jagged peaks, booming waterfalls and giant glaciers that descend from the continent’s vast “Campo de Hielo Sur” icefield. Based at an all-inclusive mountain lodge, you will have the option of jeep safaris, boat-trips, daily walks and horse-rides to take in the magnificent landscapes, traditional gaucho culture and unique flora and fauna of the Torres del Paine – all under the shadow of soaring condors!
Calafate & the Perito Moreno Glacier
Head across the border into Argentina and on to Calafate, gateway to the “Los Glaciares National Park”. Spend a day visiting the awesome Perito Moreno Glacier, the world largest (and only advancing glacier) outside of the poles. Walkways overlook the ice and combine beautifully with a boat-trip across the face of the glacier or even an ice-hiking experience to bring you up, close and personal to the Perito Moreno.
Bariloche & northern Patagonia
Fly north to Bariloche which sits on the northern edge of Patagonia, Bariloche is a bustling swiss-Alpine style tourist centre surrounded by soaring peaks and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Here, you can walk, bike, paddle and take boat trips to hidden waterfalls. Hire a car and you can drive the 7 Lakes Circuit to San Martin de los Andes, one of South America’s classic road-trips or head east into Patagonian’s desolate steppe. Bariloche is also synonymous with gaucho culture and why not base yourself at a traditionasl estancia and arrange a ride through the the eerie caves and rock formations of the “Enchanted Valley”.
Discover Buenos Aires, a true world city
Fly north to the vibrant Argentine capital, Buenos Aires – the “Paris of the Americas” as it has been dubbed. Many of the city’s most famous attractions need little introduction – the regenerated docklands of La Boca, the Pink Palace, San Telmo’s antique market, Recoleta Cemetery, final resting place of the country’s most famous daughter Evita. Further afield, you may like to visit a traditional estancia or take a relaxing cruise through the Tigre Delta or even a ferry across the River Plate to the colonial gem of Colonia del Sacramento at the southern tip of Uruguay. Whatever you choose, what better way to round off your stay than with a traditional Tango Show and Dinner?
The thunderous Iguazu Falls
A short flight north takes you to the tropical rainforest of Misiones Province, home to the mighty Iguazu Falls, one of South America’s greatest natural sights. Tour the waterfalls from both the Argentine and Brazilian side of the border. For thrill-seekers, you may like to take the Macuco Safari boat trip right under the raging water itself or a scenic helicopter overflight over the incredible gorge. A highlight is the “Devil’s throat” viewpoint, a dramatic 150m wide section through which flows some 200,000 gallons of water per second.
Rio de Janeiro, Samba Central!
What better place to finish your grand tour of South America than in Rio amidst the pulsing beats of Samba and Bossanova. A short flight from Iguassu, Rio is Brazil’s most exciting city set against the iconic backdrop of golden beaches and soaring peaks clad in Atlantic Rainforest. Copacabana and Ipanema need little introduction while both the Statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain and the Sugar Loaf (by cable-car of course) are unmissable. For wildlife enthisasts, head to the waterfalls and lush forests of the Tijuca National Park or for spectacular views across the cityscape, hike up Tiuca Peak or Dois Irmaos Hill. Or while away your time people-watching on the beach and enjoying Rio’s spectacular nightlife!
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide From $POA
When to travel
Argentina’s weather is as diverse as the country’s landscapes. In the far south, temperatures reach the high teens during the spring and summer months of November to March (best time to visit) though can drop close to zero at night. Due to its latitude, days are long – 16 hours of light in December which contrasts with around 8 hours in mid-winter when temperatures run close to zero during the day and sub-zero at night. Heading north, the Lake District follows a similar pattern though is warmer over 20° in the summer and wettest in March/April though with beautiful autumnal colours. Buenos Aires and central Argentina enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with annual highs of 30° while the subtropical north is very hot and sticky with tempestuous downpours during the summer months – Iguazu Falls are particularly impressive in January in February though often the sheer volume of water and surrounding mist shroud the view.
Add on’s
With even more time to spare, why not continue on into Central America and so complete a Grand Tour of Latin America – our Central America Explorer itinerary would be the ideal add-on giving you a classic sweep through Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Belize & Panama. Alternatively, if you are looking for some R&R at the end of the trip, head to Salvador and the sun-kissed beaches of Bahia or Paraty and the tropical biss of Ilha Grande.
For wildlife and the chance to observe jaguar, the Pantanal is the place or if you are birders, few destinations compare with Mindo in Ecuador, a short distance from Quito. All this, however, pales into significance if you combine your ultimate South America trip with the Great White Continent of Antarctica – simple extraordinary!
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