Mingling with the locals at a homestay in the Amazon, spotting condors at Colca Canyon, conquering the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, seeing traditional life on Lake Titicaca, spending 3 days crossing by 4x4 into Chile, being awed by Iguassu Falls.
A big trip running 82 days through seven countries. The heart of our Great South American Journey, from Ecuador to Brazil, this trip offers up lively cities, stunning scenery, great culture and tons of adventure.
What's Included
- Amazon Jungle excursion from Quito, Pachamanca ceremony in Nazca, Colca Canyon excursion, Guided tour of Machu Picchu, 4-day Inca Trail hike with a local guide and cook, Lake Titicaca excursion, Uyuni Salt Flats Excursion (Chile/Bolivia), Entrance and visit to Iguassu Falls.
- 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners. (Allow USD1425-1875 for meals not included.)
- Simple hotels (65 nts), buses (9 nts), camping (3 nts), jungle lodge (3 nts), homestay (1 nt).
- Public bus. train, hiking, ferry, 4X4.
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
- Small group experience; Max 16, avg 10.
Places Visited
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Ecuador
- Inca Trail
- Machu Picchu
- Peru
- Uruguay
Reverse Itinerary
This trip also runs in reverse - see trip code JRQ.
Inca Trail Advisory
Read our information page about the regulations and booking procedures for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, or learn about the annual Inca Trail Closure in February. Are you hiking Lares? View the Lares Trek route information.
Day 1 Quito
Arrive at any time.
Day 2-5 Quito/Amazon Jungle Homestay (3B,3L,3D)
Free day in Quito for an optional city tour or for individual exploration. On Day 3, travel by bus to the jungle city of Tena, then continue by truck and motorized canoe to a local community in the jungle. Three days of guided nature walks to spot wildlife and to learn about the traditions of life in the jungle while staying in a homestay.
Day 6-7 Baños
Continue by bus to Baños. Numerous outdoor optional activities available like hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking, or soak in the nearby hot springs.
Day 8-9 Cuenca
Bus ride south to colonial city of Cuenca. Optional day trips to Cajas National Park or to the Inca ruins of Ingapirca.
Day 10-14 Mancora/Huanchaco/Night bus
Travel by bus and cross the border into Peru, arriving at Mancora. Optional activities include surfing, horseback riding or relaxing on the beach. Continue by overnight bus to Huanchaco on Day 12, where optional activities include a visit pre-Inca sites such as Huaca de la Luna and Chan Chan, visit nearby Trujillo, surf lessons or relax on the beach. Continue by overnight bus to Lima on day 14.
Day 15-17 Lima
2 Free days to explore Lima. Take an optional city tour, go paragliding, or simply relax, explore and enjoy the seafood.
Day 18-19 Pisco/Nazca/Night bus (D)
Travel by bus to Pisco. Optional visit to Ballestas Islands before travelling to Nazca. Stop at a winery en route as well as at the Oasis of Huacachina. Optional sandboarding. In the evening, take part in a traditional Pachamanca meal. Optional flight over the Nazca Lines before the night bus to Arequipa.
Day 20-24 Arequipa/Colca Canyon/Night bus
Free day in Arequipa. Optional Visit of the Catalina Convent. Guided tour to Colca Canyon to spot condors. Optional visit to local hot springs. And drive back to Arequipa before taking the night bus to Cuzco.
Day 25-31 Cuzco / Ollantaytambo /Inca Trail (3B,3L,3D)
Free time to explore Cuzco or take an optional city tour. Active options include whitewater rafting, horseback riding and mountain biking. Travel to Ollantaytambo through the Sacred Valley. 4-day guided Inca Trail hike with visit to Machu Picchu. Optional visit to the Inca Bridge before returning to Cuzco.
Day 32-34 Puno/Lake Titicaca
Travel by bus to Puno. Visit the floating Islands of Uros and take a guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a small village. Optional visit to Sillustani burial site.
Day 35-37 La Paz
Travel by bus and cross the border into Bolivia, arriving to La Paz. Optional excursion to the Valley of the Moon or explore the city's winding streets and lively markets.
Day 38 La Paz/Night bus
Free day in La Paz before boarding an overnight bus to Sucre.
Day 39,40 Sucre
Free time for an optional excursion to nearby dinosaur tracks, explore the city or optional hiking or mountain biking.
Day 41,42 Potosí
Travel by bus to Potosí. Optional tour to a working mine, or explore the city and visit the Casa de la Moneda museum.
Day 43-45 Uyuni/4x4 Desert Crossing Excursion (2B,2L,2D)
Travel to Uyuni by bus. Embark on a three day 4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert altiplano with spectacular scenery.
Day 46-48 San Pedro de Atacama
Cross by 4x4 into Chile and descend by bus to San Pedro de Atacama. Optional excursions to nearby ruins, mountain biking, or a visit to the Valley of the Moon.
Day 49-51 Night bus/La Serena
Travel by overnight bus to La Serena. Enjoy the beach or optional excursions to the Elquí Valley and vinyars or visit a nearby astronomical observatory.
Day 52-54 Santiago
Continue by bus to Santiago. Optional winery visits, city tour or day trips to Valparaíso or Viña del Mar.
Day 55-58 Night bus/Pucón
Overnight bus journey to Pucón. Optional activities include rafting, hiking, hot springs or a climb up the nearby Villarica Volcano.
Day 59-60 Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas
Travel by bus to Puerto Varas. Optional boat tours on the lake, day-trips to Chiloé Island or free time to enjoy the scenery and explore.
Day 61-63 Bariloche
Travel by bus across the Andes to Bariloche, Argentina. Optional activities include biking, rafting or hiking, or free time to explore the city and sample the local artisan chocolate.
Day 64 Night bus
Travel by overnight bus to Buenos Aires.
Day 65-67 Buenos Aires
Free time for individual exploration to visit the many attractions and museums or take an optional city tour. Optional tango show and dinner.
Day 68-72 Colonia/Montevideo/Salto
Cross the Rio de la Plata by ferry to Colonia, Uruguay. Free time to explore the area and relax at a streetside cafe. Continue by bus to Montevideo. Optional city tour, visit the Carnival museum or eat at the Port Market. Travel by bus to Salto. Optional visit to nearby hot springs.
Day 73-80 Iguassu Falls/Paraty/Ilha Grande
Arrive to the Iguassu area by overnight bus. Explore both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the falls, with and optional boat ride near the base of the falls or visit the nearby bird park. Continue by overnight bus to colonial Paraty. Optional cachaça distillery visit or boat tour of the bay and nearby beaches. Travel by bus and ferry to Ilha Grande. Free time for hikes and walks around the island to explore the beaches or take an optional boat tour.
Day 81 Rio de Janeiro
Travel to Rio de Janeiro by ferry and bus for free time to explore the city using our centrally-located hotel in Copacabana as a base. Optional city tour.
Day 82 Rio de Janeiro
Depart at any time.
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