Spotting condors at Colca Canyon, conquering the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, searching for wildlife in the Amazon Jungle, experiencing traditional life on Lake Titicaca, spending 3 days exploring the salt flats of Uyuni and high mountain wilderness by 4x4, searching for wildlife in the Brazilian Pantanal, being awed by Iguassu Falls.
Experience two coasts, three countries and the best of South America on an epic adventure through the heart of the continent. This 45-day long tour provides limitless opportunities for adventure—from Lake Titicaca to the streets of Rio, you’ll encounter history, culture and local interaction. Explore the continent's diverse wilderness: the Pantanal, the Salar de Uyuni, Iguassu Falls and the Amazon—and hike the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. With local transportation and authentic accommodation, this trip offers an intense blend of included activities and free time to explore on your own and is a must-do for any traveller looking to experience South America at the grassroots level.
What's Included
- Day tour Nazca Cemetery and potter's workshop , Guided tour of Colca Canyon (overnight), Guided tour of the Sacred Valley, 4-day hike on the Inca Trail with local guide, cook and porters, Guided tour of Machu Picchu, Amazon Jungle Excursion (2 nights), Guided tour of Taquile and Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca, 3-day 4WD excursion to the Salar de Uyuni, 2-day wildlife excursion to the Pantanal, Visit to Iguassu Falls.
- 11 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 11 Dinners. (Allow USD570-750 for meals not included.)
- Hotels (30 nts), night buses (3 nts), train (1 nt), camping (3 nts), jungle lodge (2 nts), homestay (1 nt), very basic hostels on Salar de Uyuni excursion (multi-share) (2 nts), multi-share tented room with hammocks in the Pantanal (2 nts).
- Public bus, local flight, train, boat, canoe, hiking, 4WD truck.
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout (except on the Inca Trail and in the jungle), local guides.
- Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 10
Add to your Experience
Places Visited
- Amazon
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Inca Trail
- Machu Picchu
- Peru
Reverse Itinerary
This trip also runs in reverse - see trip code SJRM.
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 Lima
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 Pisco
Explore Lima before catching a bus to Pisco, renowned for its local drink, the Pisco Sour. Enjoy Peruvian food and drink.
Day 3-4 Nazca
Optional visit to Ballestas Islands before travelling to Nazca. Guided tour of Nazca desert cemetery and potters studio. Optional flight over the Nazca Lines before the nightbus to Arequipa.
Day 5-7 Arequipa / Chivay / Colca Canyon
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 on day 7.
Day 8 Cuzco
Fly to Cusco. Free afternoon to explore.
Day 9 Sacred Valley/Ollantaytambo
Full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo ruins along with a visit to a Planeterra weaving project in a local community. Shopping opportunities at a local market.
Day 10-13 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (3B,3L,3D)
4-day guided Inca Trail hike with visit to Machu Picchu. Optional visit to the Inca Bridge before returning to Cuzco.
Day 14-15 Amazon Jungle (2B,2L,2D)
Fly to Puerto Maldonado and continue by fast motorized canoe to the comfortable 'G Lodge Amazon,' which boasts sustainable operational initiatives like solar panels, a recycling program and rechargeable flashlights. Guided excursions by expert naturalists to spot wildlife and learn more about the jungle. Included rubber boots while at the lodge.
Day 16 Cuzco
Fly back to Cusco in the morning. The afternoon is free to explore Cusco. Optional City Tour.
Day 17 Puno
Travel to Puno through spectacular sceneries of the Altiplano.
Day 18-19 Lake Titicaca (B,L,D)
Visit to the floating Islands of Uros and guided tour of Taquile island on Lake Titicaca. Optional visit to Sillustani burial site.
Day 20-21 La Paz
Travel by bus through the altiplano, crossing the border, to the Bolivian Capital City of La Paz, the highest capital in the World. Free time to explore the city or the surroundings.
Day 22 Uyuni
Travel by train and bus to the town of Uyuni.
Day 23-25 Uyuni / Salt Lakes Excursion (3B,3L,3D)
Three day 4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert altiplano with spectacular scenery.
Day 26 Potosí
Bus journey from Uyuni to Potosí. Optional excursion to a working silver mine or free time to explore the city.
Day 27-29 Sucre
Continue by bus to Sucre. Optional visit to the nearby dinosaur tracks, or explore the beautiful colonial city.
Day 30-31 Santa Cruz / Puerto Suarez
Fly to Santa Cruz. Travel by overnight train to the Brazilian border at Puerto Suarez.
Day 32-33 Corumbá / Pantanal (2B,2L,2D)
2-day excursion into the wetlands of the Pantanal with a local guide. Opportunities to spot wildlife such as monkeys, macaws, giant otters and caiman.
Day 34-38 Bonito / Iguassu Falls
Travel by van to Bonito. Optional snorkelling excursions in the crystal clear rivers. Continue by overnight bus to Iguazu Falls, for 2 full days of exploration from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides. Optional boat ride at the base of the falls or visit a nearby bird park.
Day 39-44 Paraty / Ilha Grande/ Rio de Janeiro
Overnight bus to Sao Paulo and continue to Paraty. Optional cachaça distillery visits of take a boat excursion in the bay to some of the nearby islands and beaches. Continue by bus up the coast and take a ferry to Ilha Grande. Optional hikes and beach time. Carry on by ferry and public bus to Rio de Janeiro for free time to explore the city or take an optional city tour.
Day 45 Depart Rio de Janeiro
Depart at any time.
Find dates, prices, and more trip options.
Book Now
Your Wishlist Add this trip