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South America Discovery: Lima to Rio de Janiero

38 days, Lima to Rio de Janeiro

Itinerary

Day 1Lima

Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

We suggest arriving early to experience everything Lima has to offer. A full day tour will be available to book during your trip check-out process.

If you booked the Lima Cooking Class it does not include extra time in Lima and we highly recommend booking pre-trip accommodation. You will be picked up from your hotel at approx 10:00 (10:30 from Aug-Dec) and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. You will return back to your hotel around 13:00.

Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Latin America (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

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Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow

Lima Cooking Class (4hrs)
Lima

Get a taste of Peruvian cuisine, visit local markets, sample exotic fruit, select fresh ingredients, and try your hand at preparing unique Peruvian dishes influenced by China, Italy, West Africa, and Japan.

Please note that if you are travelling with a family there is no age restriction on this activity and the cooking class is acceptable for children.

Lima City Tour
Lima
40USD per person

Discover Lima’s cultural and culinary highlights on this half-day guided tour. Visit the Santo Domingo Monastery, walk around Plaza de Armas, marvel at the Bodega y Quadra Museum, and get to know some of Lima's lovely neighbourhoods. Stop to enjoy some authentic Peruvian tapas and be introduced to Pisco Sours during a demonstration and tasting.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Hotel Santa Cruz (or similar)
Hotel

Day 2Lima/Cusco

Hop a flight to Cusco. Enjoy a free day for shopping and exploring the city. Choose to pre-book an optional Cusco Cooking Class. Opt for a city tour.

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring this fascinating city, and getting used to the altitude.

Please note: if you pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class you will be picked up from your hotel at approx 12:30 and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. Return back to your hotel around 16:00.

Plane
Lima – Cusco1h-1h30m

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Free Time
Cusco

Spend the day shopping and exploring the city.

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Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow

Cusco City Tour
Cusco
45PEN per person

Enjoy a half-day tour of Cusco's main sights. Walk around the Plaza de Armas (main square) and explore this city steeped in one of the world's most alluring and ancient cultures. Visit Qenqo, Koricancha, the Cathedral, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and the archaeological site of Sacsaywaman.

Cusco Cooking Class
Cusco – Cuzco

Channel your inner chef and get a taste of Peruvian cuisine. Learn all about the essential ingredients, and try your hand at preparing unique Peruvian dishes with a local expert

Inka Museum
Cusco
10PEN per person

Get ready to explore the artifacts from the Inca Empire, including mummies, jewelry, skulls, and ceramics at this museum of archaeology.

Accommodation

El Puma Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Cusco

Spend a full day enjoying optional activities in the area.

Opt to visit and hike the famed Rainbow Mountain, pre-book on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Your Discover Moment
Cusco Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Cusco, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting Museo Inka, Museo de Historia Regional, and whitewater rafting. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

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Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow

Inka Museum
Cusco
10PEN per person

Get ready to explore the artifacts from the Inca Empire, including mummies, jewelry, skulls, and ceramics at this museum of archaeology.

Cusco City Tour
Cusco
45PEN per person

Enjoy a half-day tour of Cusco's main sights. Walk around the Plaza de Armas (main square) and explore this city steeped in one of the world's most alluring and ancient cultures. Visit Qenqo, Koricancha, the Cathedral, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and the archaeological site of Sacsaywaman.

Rainbow Mountain Hike - Full-day Trip
Cusco 8km

Lookout over these colourful Andean mountains striped with maroon, turquoise, lavender, and gold. The sediment, elevation, and proximity to the ocean create a landscape that has to be seen to be believed. Get started early to drive around 3 hours approximately to the starting point of this challenging, yet rewarding full-day hike. Reaching 5,029m (16,500 ft) this 8 km hike is no walk in the park, but these unique mountains do not disappoint. The ascent takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Accommodation

El Puma Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4Cusco/Ollantaytambo

Stop at the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, opt to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar).

Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing used in the Ccaccaccollo community. Opt to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them.

Have lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn about the G Adventures for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community.

Private Vehicle
Cusco – Ollantaytambo1h45m Full Day94km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit

Visit the Ccaccaccollo community centre which G Adventures travellers' donations helped create in 2005, thereby enabling local women to sell traditional textiles to travellers. See local weaving and dyeing techniques used to create garments and souvenirs, and learn how the Planeterra weaving co-operative has impacted the community and those who visit it. This includes the purchase of alpacas to provide a steady supply of wool, looms, and sewing machines as well as several training courses on production, sales and small business management.

Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley

Contribute to sustainable tourism in Huchuy Qosqo, a small village of 65 families in the Sacred Valley, by eating at the Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn how the resident-run restaurant was kickstarted by G Adventures and the Multilateral Investment Fund, to become a successful farm-to-table program that boosts the local economy and several spin-off microenterprises.

Cuyo Chico Pottery Making Demonstration
Pisac – Urubamba

In the rural village of Cuyo Chico in the Sacred Valley, a group of families joined together to create a small business based on their traditional adobe ceramic crafts. Using clay from their surroundings, they mold bowls, plates, and all manner of decorations. Learn about the ceramics process as well as the traditional adobe brick-making that forms the basis of houses throughout the valley, all while taking in a spectacular view of the Pisac Ruins. After the demonstration, peruse the items for sale directly from the artisans in their shop.

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Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow

Ollantaytambo Storehouse Ruins and Hike
Ollantaytambo1h-1h30m

Get your blood flowing on a steep hike up to the Pinkuylluna Incan storehouses. Perched on the hill, these ruins provide excellent views of the Sacred Valley and the Ollantaytambo ruins below.

Accommodation

Peru Quechua's Lodge Ollantaytambo (or similar)
Lodge

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 5Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes

Catch the scenic train to Aguas Calientes. Opt to visit the local hot springs or shop in the local market.

Board a morning train that winds through the spectacular Sacred Valley to the end of the line: the village of Aguas Calientes, a frontier town nestled in the hills beneath Machu Picchu.

Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the butterfly house, botanical gardens or hot springs. Opt for a day hike to Mandor Gardens to see orchids and a waterfall, enjoying the lush, green scenery en route.

Train
Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes1h30m

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

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Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow

1-Day Inca Trail Hike
Inca Trail6h-8h

Traverse cloud forests while enjoying spectacular views on this '1-day Inca Trail' trek. Start by disembarking the train at km 104. Follow the local guide as the trail rises steeply up into the mountains and winds past the archaeological sites of Wiñay Wayna and Inti Pata. Gain insight into the fascinating culture of the Incas en route to the trek's culmination at the Sun Gate. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way, and reach the Sun Gate in the late afternoon. Enjoy free time to explore a bit of Machu Picchu before the guided tour the following day. After, take one of the blue buses from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes to spend the night in a hotel in town. Opt to visit nearby hot springs to soak sore muscles, if time permits.

**Please note this must be pre-booked as it requires an Inca Trail permit, which is on request and subject to availability. Please speak to your GCO or travel agent for more information.

Hot Springs Visit
Aguas Calientes
6USD per person

Soak your sore muscles in the local hot springs for which the town, Aguas Calientes, was originally named.

Accommodation

Hotel Wiracocha Inn (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Aguas Calientes/Cusco

Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco in the evening.

Rise early to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu with your guide. Enjoy a guided visit of the ruins then take a train back to Cusco.

Local Bus
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu15m

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Machu Picchu

Set off with the local guide to explore Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples and along sculpted terraces. Feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll.

Train
Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo1h30m-1h45m31km

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Private Vehicle
Ollantaytambo – Cusco1h30m-1h45m60km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

El Puma Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Cusco

Use a free day to explore more of Cusco or relax.

Your Discover Moment
Cusco Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Cusco, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting Museo Inka, Museo de Historia Regional, and whitewater rafting. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

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Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow

Inka Museum
Cusco
10PEN per person

Get ready to explore the artifacts from the Inca Empire, including mummies, jewelry, skulls, and ceramics at this museum of archaeology.

Cusco City Tour
Cusco
45PEN per person

Enjoy a half-day tour of Cusco's main sights. Walk around the Plaza de Armas (main square) and explore this city steeped in one of the world's most alluring and ancient cultures. Visit Qenqo, Koricancha, the Cathedral, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and the archaeological site of Sacsaywaman.

Accommodation

El Puma Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Cusco/Puno

Travel day by bus from Cusco to Puno. Spend some time on arrival wandering the small city.

Travel through the high Altiplano region from Cusco to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Titicaca is also the largest lake in the world above 3800m, and the views from both Amantaní and Taquile Islands are stunning. The trip takes the better part of the day, with stark, beautiful scenery en route.

Local Bus
Cusco – Puno7h30m389km

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Accommodation

Pukara House (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9Puno

Enjoy a guided tour of Lake Titicaca including a visit to Uros and Taquile islands.

Head out by boat across Lake Titicaca. Visit the community on the Taquile Islands and enjoy a local lunch with spectacular views. Visit the floating islands of Uros before returning to Puno. Opt to visit to Sillustani burial site.

Day Trip to Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca

Head out for a day on beautiful Lake Titicaca. Travel to Taquile Island to visit the community and check out the spectacular views. Do some shopping at the local weaving cooperatives and learn about the Taquileños, known for their fine handwoven textiles and clothing.

Continue on to the floating islands of Uros. Learn about the totora reeds that grow in the shallows of Lake Titicaca used to make everything from the islands themselves to the boats the islanders use for transportation (if constructed well, they last up to six months). Find out from locals how the islands are constructed; as the layers closest to the water start to rot, they are replaced with fresh reeds on top.

Your G for Good Moment: Luquina Chico Community Visit

Enjoy a visit to the community of Luquina Chico on Lake Titicaca, where 40 families have been working to preserve their traditions, and with the support of G Adventures and Planeterra, are creating opportunities for future generations to thrive. Connect on a deeper level with the local community members whom call this place home, and learn more fascinating details about their unique ways of adapting to life away from the mainland.

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Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow

Sillustani Burial Towers Entrance
Puno
59PEN per person

Take a guided tour of the Sillustani burial towers known as "chullpas." Be awed by these fantastic ruins located outside Puno – their remarkable towers stretch up to 12m (39 ft) in height.

Accommodation

Pukara House (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 10Puno/La Paz

Travel by bus and cross the border into Bolivia, arriving in La Paz.

Enjoy the full-day drive around the lake and through the altiplano to La Paz. Bolivia is filled with spectacular views of the countryside. La Paz is at nearly 4000m (13,120ft) above sea level, so be prepared for cool evenings and mornings.

Local Bus
Puno – Yunguyo2h30m

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Border Crossing (Peru - Bolivia)
Yunguyo – Copacabana30m-1h

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Local Bus
Copacabana – La Paz3h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Accommodation

Hotel Las Brisas (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 11La Paz

Enjoy a free day in La Paz. Opt to visit the Witches' Market, the city's museums or the Valley of the Moon.

Explore the city’s many fine museums or its historic structures, like the Iglesia de San Francisco. The city is also renowned for its many markets, including the Mercado de Hechicería (Witches’ Market).

With streets lined with market stalls and vendors, the pace on the street and the vibrant atmosphere is an incredible experience.

To the south of the city is the Valley of the Moon, with crater-like formations made of sand.

Thrill seekers can pre book a Death Road mountain biking adventure.

Free Time
La Paz Full Day

The day is yours— make the most of it.

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Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow

Valley of the Moon Tour
La Paz
15USD per person

Tour the lunar landscape of the Valley of the Moon, observe the clay formations carved into the landscape by years of erosion.

Death Road Biking Adventure
La Paz

Get your adrenaline pumping as you soar down the 'world's most dangerous road.' Start high up in the Andes at 4,700m (15,420 ft) and wind your way down this steep, narrow road on the mountainside into the depths of the Bolivian jungle. This is not one for the faint of heart, adrenaline junkies only!

Please note that the entrance fee of 53 Bolivianos (not included in this activity) must be paid directly to the National Park prior to biking, only local currency is accepted. We are unable to pre-pay this fee in advance, due to the park policy.

Should you choose to pre-book the Death Road Biking Adventure on day 1 of your tour, you will need to book a pre-night in order to participate in this activity.

La Paz City Tour
La Paz
35USD per person

Explore the city on a guided tour. Check out stunning cathedrals, impressive museums, and lively markets, learning more about the history of this fascinating city. Look for majestic Mt Illimani in the background.

Witches' Market Visit
La Paz

Learn more about the pre-Columbian Aymara beliefs at the Witches' Market. You can witness locals buying products such as dried frogs, potions, and talismans for use in rituals and offerings.

Accommodation

Hotel Las Brisas (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 12La Paz/Sucre

Fly to Sucre and explore this beautiful colonial city.

Optional activities include mountain biking, hiking, and searching for dinosaur footprints.

Plane
La Paz – Sucre1h

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Free Time
Sucre Afternoon

Don't waste a minute, head out and explore.

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Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow

Hiking
Sucre

Head out of town, take in some fresh air, and explore this scenic area by foot.

Mountain Biking
Sucre

Take a guided mountain biking trip on the outskirts of Sucre and explore more of this beautiful region.

Sucre Dinosaur Tracks Excursion
Sucre

Get ready to get up close and personal with the prehistoric times: Sucre is home to one of the world's largest collections of dinosaur footprints made some 68 million years ago. Discover more than 5,000 footprints perfectly preserved footprints in the Cal Orck’o cliff just outside the city centre. See the world's longest trail -- 347m (1138 ft) -- left by a baby Tyrannosaurus Rex now affectionately known as 'Johnny Walker'.

Accommodation

Hotel Independencia (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 13Sucre

Free time to explore the city, the former capital of Bolivia. For more active options opt to go hiking in the surrounding area or mountain biking.

Your Discover Moment
Sucre Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Sucre, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like hiking, mountain biking, and visiting the Textile Cooperative. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

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Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow

Hiking
Sucre

Head out of town, take in some fresh air, and explore this scenic area by foot.

Mountain Biking
Sucre

Take a guided mountain biking trip on the outskirts of Sucre and explore more of this beautiful region.

Sucre Dinosaur Tracks Excursion
Sucre

Get ready to get up close and personal with the prehistoric times: Sucre is home to one of the world's largest collections of dinosaur footprints made some 68 million years ago. Discover more than 5,000 footprints perfectly preserved footprints in the Cal Orck’o cliff just outside the city centre. See the world's longest trail -- 347m (1138 ft) -- left by a baby Tyrannosaurus Rex now affectionately known as 'Johnny Walker'.

Rewilding Yampara: Walks Through Culture and Forest
Sucre

Begin in Bolivia's capital and cultural heritage hub, Sucre. Then, travel to the Yampara Indigenous community of Pisily, located in the rural highlands near Tarabuco. The Yampara are one of the country’s oldest Andean peoples, known for their deep agricultural knowledge, ancestral weaving, and their strong relationship with the land. Hosted by a local indigenous family, the group will engage in seasonal agroecological activities, learn about sustainable practices within Andean farming, and hike through one of the largest native Polylepis forest in Chuquisaca. You'll come away from this G Adventures-supported community initiative with deeper insight into the worldview of the Yampara, their climate resilience, and food sovereignty. Finish off the experience with a traditional apthapi, a communal Andea meal featuring foods like native potatoes, quinoa, wild mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables. More than just a meal, the apthapi represents abundance, hospitality, and a shared celebration between the local community and travellers.

Accommodation

Hotel Independencia (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 14Sucre/Potosí

Travel by bus to Potosí and get a view of the mountain Cerro Rico looming over the city.

Local Bus
Sucre – Potosí2h30m

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Free Time
Potosí Afternoon

Spend free time learning about local mining production or wandering the city and soaking in the cultural atmosphere.

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Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow

Casa de la Moneda
Potosí
40BOB per person

Learn about the first global currency at this renowned National Mint museum.

Potosí Mine Visit
Potosí

Visit the inside of Potosí's historic mines on a eye-opening tour guided exclusively by former miners. They will share their stories firsthand about life underground. This is the only experience in the region guided entirely by former minders who have pursued toursim as a way to build a safer and healthier alternative to life beneath the surface. Visit the miners' market, an ore processing plant, and walk through the tunnels of Cerro Rico, an iconic mountain in global history. As you go, learn more about the cultural and historical significance of mining in Bolivia, and how important it was in fueling the global economy. This activity is the perfect way to enjoy a G Adventures-supported, community-led experience aiding local efforts towards education and safety around this important piece of Bolivian history.

Bring a bandana and wear protective gear (boots, helmet and headlamp) as you head deep into the bowels of Cerro Rico (Rich Hill).

Please note there is an optional add-on to this activity. It's recommended to consider visiting the Royal Mint Museum to complete the story. Ask your CEO for more information.

Accommodation

Hotel Gran Libertador (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 15Potosí/Uyuni

Travel through the Bolivian landscape to the town of Uyuni, the jumping off point for the three day 4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni.

During the rainy season the locations visited may change due to some routes being covered by water.

Local Bus
Potosí – Uyuni7h230km

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Accommodation

Hotel Samay Wasi (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 16Uyuni/Salt Flats and Desert Crossing

Enjoy a three-day 4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert altiplano with spectacular scenery. Today you will be heading into the Salar de Uyuni. Our groups like to get creative with photography, as the endless white of the salt flats creates some great depth illusions that are fun to play with in photos. Last stop for the evening is a G Adventures-supported community lodge in a traditional agricultural village in the heart of a desert oasis.

Salt Flats and Desert Crossing Excursion
Salt Flats

Spend three days in the stunning landscape between the Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama Desert in Chile. Enter a world unlike anything else as we drive across the salt flats; the piercing blue sky contrasts against the blinding white of the flat salt beds. Take memorable photos of the unusual landscape complete with mountains and active volcanoes. Visit the coloured lagoon of Laguna Colorada and enjoy the uniqueness of this region.

Your G for Good Moment: Jukil Community Experience & Lodge

Visit the Santiago de Agencha community, located two hours across the salt flats from Uyuni, a rural village surrounded by towering cacti and part of a small desert oasis. The community-owned salt lodge was renovated and expanded through a major project in 2016 funded by G Adventures’ foundation, Planeterra. With many of the village’s younger residences fleeing for economic opportunities, this lodge is seen by the community as a way to rescue their indigenous culture and provide opportunities for the future. Learn about their traditional agricultural practices, including their specialization in quinoa production, and take a guided walk with a community member to the sacred Jukil mountaintop for a beautiful view of the village below and the salt flats beyond. Meals of local ingredients grown in the village are prepared by ladies who were provided culinary training through the project. Leave Jukil Community Lodge knowing your visit is creating opportunities for a whole new generation of people in this community to improve their lives, and the lives of their children and grandchildren.

Accommodation

Jukil Lodge (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 17Salt Flats and Desert Crossing

Explore the desert altiplano on a 4x4 excursion. Admire the spectacular scenery while passing red and blue lagoons and interesting rock formations along the route. Spot wild llamas, alpacas and even flamingos deep within the desert.

Salt Flats and Desert Crossing Excursion
Salt Flats

Spend three days in the stunning landscape between the Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama Desert in Chile. Enter a world unlike anything else as we drive across the salt flats; the piercing blue sky contrasts against the blinding white of the flat salt beds. Take memorable photos of the unusual landscape complete with mountains and active volcanoes. Visit the coloured lagoon of Laguna Colorada and enjoy the uniqueness of this region.

Accommodation

Laguna Colorada (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 18Salt Flats and Desert Crossing/San Pedro de Atacama

Rise early to cover more ground of the unique landscape of the Salar de Uyuni. Continue to see incredible scenery, including volcanoes, salt lakes and geysers. Travel to the border and descend by bus to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. It's a long but scenic drive.

From the high Bolivian altiplano descend almost 2000m to the edge of the Atacama Desert, arriving at the small desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, just across the Chilean border. Said to be one of the driest places on the planet, this little town is an oasis in an otherwise barren, dry landscape.

4x4
Salt Flats – Estación Avaroa1h

Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.

Border Crossing (Bolivia - Chile)
Hito Cajon

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Local Bus
Hito Cajon – San Pedro de Atacama1h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Accommodation

Hostal Puritama (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 19San Pedro de Atacama

Enjoy an Included excursion to the Valley of the Moon. In San Pedro, opt to go sandboarding or mountain biking.

Enjoy an included excursion to the Valley of the Moon to learn about and appreciate the beautiful uniqueness of the landscape.

There are plenty of optional excursions in San Pedro de Atacama, including biking, exploring nearby ruins, and horseback riding. Despite its size, San Pedro offers some great restaurants as well as numerous handicrafts and artisan stores for those looking for souvenirs.

Valley of the Moon Visit
San Pedro de Atacama4h

The sunset brings out a variety of colours over this majestic valley that experts say is the area on Earth that most closely resembles moon's surface. Explore the incredible formations created by wind and rain over millennia in this unique location between the Andes mountains and one of the world's driest deserts.

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Optional Activities - Day 19 HideShow

Observatory Tour
San Pedro de Atacama
50000CLP per person

Gaze at the impressive desert stars from one of the best places to see them in the world and be guided on a planetary journey with an expert astronomer.

San Pedro de Atacama Hot Springs
San Pedro de Atacama
45000CLP per person

Relax in large geothermal pools surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and scenery.

Mountain Biking
San Pedro de Atacama1h-8h
1500-5000CLP per person

Work up a sweat while exploring this scenic destination on the seat of a mountain bike.

Sandboarding
San Pedro de Atacama
45000CLP per person

Hit the dunes and experience the rush of surfing down.

Accommodation

Hostal Puritama (or similar)
Hotel

Day 20San Pedro de Atacama/Santiago

Drive to Calama and fly to Santiago, a vibrant capital city.

From the nearby city of Calama, fly to Santiago, the capital of Chile. The city is surrounded by mountains, and there are both internationally recognized vineyards and Andean ski resorts within a couple of hours from the city centre.

Explore the city’s many museums and parks and visit the vibrant neighbourhood of Bellavista with its handicrafts, trendy cafés, and San Cristobal Hill with its views of the city and the surrounding area.

Local Van
San Pedro de Atacama – Calama3h

Climb aboard, take your seat, and enjoy the ride.

Plane
Calama – Santiago5h

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

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Optional Activities - Day 20 HideShow

Bellavista Neighbourhood Visit
Barrio Bellavista
Free

Head to Barrio Bellavista as the locals call this bohemian neighbourhood to enjoy a delicious meal, check out some art galleries, or have a drink at one of the many bars in the area.

Day Trip to Isla Negra
Isla Negra

Take a day trip to Isla Negra, Pablo Neruda’s seaside home. This house was one of the poet and politician’s three homes, while not technically an island the house is near the water and it’s believed that watching the storms on the ocean inspired Neruda to write his famous poem Oda a la Tormenta. The author and his third-wife Matilde Urrutia are both buried on the grounds and the house is now a museum.

Accommodation

Ibis Budget Santiago (or similar)
Hotel

Day 21Santiago

With a free day in Santiago, opt to visit nearby wineries.

Free Time
Santiago Full Day

Explore the city or head further afield.

3

Optional Activities - Day 21 HideShow

Bellavista Neighbourhood Visit
Barrio Bellavista
Free

Head to Barrio Bellavista as the locals call this bohemian neighbourhood to enjoy a delicious meal, check out some art galleries, or have a drink at one of the many bars in the area.

Day Trip to Isla Negra
Isla Negra

Take a day trip to Isla Negra, Pablo Neruda’s seaside home. This house was one of the poet and politician’s three homes, while not technically an island the house is near the water and it’s believed that watching the storms on the ocean inspired Neruda to write his famous poem Oda a la Tormenta. The author and his third-wife Matilde Urrutia are both buried on the grounds and the house is now a museum.

Pisco Distillery Santiago
Santiago
32700CLP per person

Sample the national spirit of Chile and learn more about how it is produced and why it's a source of pride for the country.

Accommodation

Ibis Budget Santiago (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 22Santiago/Valparaíso

Explore some of Santiago's neighbourhoods on a city tour, visit the Museum of Memory and try some local specialties. After, take a private bus to the seaside town of Valparaíso where brightly coloured houses perch on the hills.

Santiago City Tour
Santiago

Spend the day visiting different neighbourhoods of Santiago, stop at the Museo de la Memoria and learn about the history of Chile. Visit the Central Market and enjoy a traditional Chilean snack before heading to a local bar to try Terremoto (Earthquake) a local drink made with pineapple ice cream, white wine and pisco.

Private Vehicle
Santiago – Valparaíso2h30m128km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Hotel Reina Victoria (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 23Valparaiso/Santiago

Enjoy a free morning in Valparaiso to soak it all in. Later, head to the Casablanca Valley, stop at a winery to indulge in a wine tasting. After, head back to Santiago with free time before boarding an overnight bus to Pucon.

Free Time
Valparaíso

Wander the colourful streets of Valparaíso.

Private Vehicle
Valparaíso – Santiago1h30m-2h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Your Foodie Moment: Santiago Region Winery Tour

Visit nearby wineries in the area of Santiago. There are plenty of famous wineries or smaller family-run places to stop by. Learn about the process, tour the vineyards and of course, take a sample or two.

Overnight Bus
Santiago – Pucón8h

Curl up and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.

Accommodation

Hostal Mahuida (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 24Pucón

Enjoy free time in Pucon, try whitewater rafting or explore the area by foot.

Your Discover Moment
Pucón Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Pucon, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like hiking Villarica Volcano, whitewater rafting, and relaxing in thermal baths. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

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Optional Activities - Day 24 HideShow

Soak in Natural Thermal Pools
Huife Alto
40000CLP per person

Rest your muscles in the natural thermal pools outside of Pucón. There are multiple pools varying in temperature and depth, find the one that suits you best, take a deep breath and enjoy the pools and the forest that surrounds them.

Whitewater Rafting Pucon
Pucón
35000-28000CLP per person

Grab a paddle, strap on your helmet, and head down the rapids. Take a rest from paddling and take in the beautiful scenery of Chile's Lake District.

Guided Huerquehue Park Visit
Pucón
55000CLP per person

Explore the lagoons and lush forests of Chile's Lake District in Huerquehue National Park with a guide.

Accommodation

Hostal Mahuida (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 25Pucón

Enjoy another free day to take part in the many activities on offer in Pucón. Opt to hike Villarica volcano (it's active!) or soak in the nearby natural thermal pools.

Free Time
Pucón

Enjoy free time to explore this adventure hub!

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Optional Activities - Day 25 HideShow

Soak in Natural Thermal Pools
Huife Alto
40000CLP per person

Rest your muscles in the natural thermal pools outside of Pucón. There are multiple pools varying in temperature and depth, find the one that suits you best, take a deep breath and enjoy the pools and the forest that surrounds them.

Whitewater Rafting Pucon
Pucón
35000-28000CLP per person

Grab a paddle, strap on your helmet, and head down the rapids. Take a rest from paddling and take in the beautiful scenery of Chile's Lake District.

Guided Huerquehue Park Visit
Pucón
55000CLP per person

Explore the lagoons and lush forests of Chile's Lake District in Huerquehue National Park with a guide.

Volcan Villarica Hike
Pucón
100000CLP per person

If summiting an active volcano is on your bucket list, this activity it for you. Weather permitting, set out early to make it to the top and appreciate the views before sliding part of the way back down.

Accommodation

Hostal Mahuida (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 26Pucón/San Carlos de Bariloche

Cross the Andes to Argentina. Travel by local bus to San Martin and take a private van the rest of the way to Bariloche in the Lake District with a local guide.

Local Bus
Pucón – San Martín de los Andes6h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Border Crossing (Chile - Argentina)
Peulla – Puerto Frías

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Private Vehicle
San Martín de los Andes – San Carlos de Bariloche4h

Transfer to Bariloche, enjoy the scenery and a couple of photo ops in the Seven Lakes District.

Accommodation

Kenton Palace Hotel Bariloche (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 27San Carlos de Bariloche

Transfer to a Gaucho Ranch just outside of Bariloche. Enjoy a barbecue for lunch and take to the saddle with a Gaucho by your side.

Bariloche Gaucho Experience
San Carlos de Bariloche

Be an Argentinian Gaucho for the day and immerse yourself in the culture of these traditional Patagonia cowboys. Head out on an easy horseback ride through the beautiful scenery of Bariloche and learn about the area's history from a real live Gaucho. Stop along the way to try Mate, the national beverage of Argentina and some alfajores, a delicious dulce de leche cookie sandwich. Finish it all off with a traditional Patagonian barbeque.

Accommodation

Kenton Palace Hotel Bariloche (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 28San Carlos de Bariloche

Enjoy a free day to explore the beautiful area in and around Bariloche. Take a hike in the countryside or wander the town, known for its shops and in particular, artisan chocolate.

Free Time
San Carlos de Bariloche Full Day

Take advantage of all the things Bariloche has to offer.

3

Optional Activities - Day 28 HideShow

Puerto Blest and Cantaros Waterfall Navigation
Puerto Blest
90USD per person

Spend a full day navigating the Blest arm of Lake Nahuel Huapi, spotting amazing highlights such as Centinela Island, Frías River, Valdivian Rainforest, and Tronador Mountain, landing at Cantaros Port. Opt to trek through the forest and enjoy views of Lake Los Cantaros and the adjacent waterfalls.

Hiking
San Carlos de Bariloche

Hit some trails to get up close to the area's natural beauty. Enjoy amazing views amid mountains and lakes while exploring the Lake District on foot.

Circuito Chico Tour
San Carlos de Bariloche
40USD per person

Enjoy an introduction to the highlights of San Carlos de Bariloche on a circuito chico tour. Stop at Bahia Lopez (Lopez Bay) and Panoramic Point and take in the beautiful landscape. Continue on to Cerro Campanario (Bell Mountain), opt to get an even better view by riding the chairlift.

Accommodation

Kenton Palace Hotel Bariloche (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 29San Carlos de Bariloche/Buenos Aires

Fly to Buenos Aires. Opt to enjoy a Tango show and dinner.

Fly north to the buzzing metropolis that is Buenos Aires, it is a vibrant city full of life.

Opt to pre-book the "Buenos Aires Tango Experience" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.

Plane
San Carlos de Bariloche – Buenos Aires1h30m1640km

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

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Optional Activities - Day 29 HideShow

Tango Dinner Show
Buenos Aires

Discover the passion of tango. Watch the pros step and slide around the dance floor while you dine on a traditional Argentine dinner. Get lost in the music, savour the sensuality, and see why this traditional dance continues to ignite the senses of locals and visitors alike.

Accommodation

Carsson Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 30Buenos Aires

The day is yours to explore Buenos Aires. From bike tours to city walks and neighbourhood visits, there is plenty to see and do.

Your Discover Moment
Buenos Aires Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Buenos Aires, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like going to a Tango show, visiting Teatro Colón, and take a city tour. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

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Optional Activities - Day 30 HideShow

Teatro Colón Tour
Buenos Aires
25USD per person

Explore this stunning opera house on a guided tour and find out why it is voted one of the best acoustic venues in the world.

Buenos Aires Guided City Tour
Buenos Aires

Enjoy a guided tour exploring beautiful, vibrant Buenos Aires. Be introduced to historic sites and districts, including Plaza de Mayo where Eva Peron's famed balcony presides over the square. See La Boca and San Telmo's colourful street life, painted houses, and the famed Recoleta Cemetery.

La Boca Neighbourhood Visit
Buenos Aires
10USD per person

Visit La Boca to soak in the vibrancy of the barrio’s brightly coloured buildings and El Caminito (a cobblestone street lined with artist studios that’s often used as an impromptu setting for tango performances). Or, if lucky, catch a match at fabled La Bombonera, the home stadium of the Boca Juniors’ fútbol club (the crowd's excitement is electric!).

San Telmo Visit
San Telmo
Free

Take a step back in time visiting charming San Telmo, one of Buenos Aires’ oldest barios (neighbourhoods). Stroll along cobblestone streets and discover colonial architecture, museums, churches, and one-of-a-kind finds in the local antique shops. The bario’s weekend market and street artists’ displays are must-sees and highlights for many visiting the capital.

Buenos Aires Bike Tour
Buenos Aires

Experience this vibrant city cruising around on a bicycle with a local Argentine. Bike, helmet, knowledgeable tour guide, they've got it all taken care of, just come along for the ride and take in the many historical sights on offer. Discover Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, colourful Caminito, and the working class neighbourhoods where Tango was born.

Meeting place: Carlos Pellegrini 1233

Please note the bike tour begins at 10 AM. We advise booking a pre-night in order to arrive on time for this pre-sold optional activity. If you choose to arrive the day of the bike tour, please ensure your flight lands no later than 8 AM to ensure enough time to make it to the arrival point.

La Boca and Isla Maciel: One History, Two Shores
Buenos Aires

Begin the experience in one of Buenos Aires' most iconic neighbourhoods, La Boca. Cross the Riachuelo River for a unique cultural adventure to the resilient community of Isla Maciel. You will be led by expert guides from a local nonprofit organization. As you walk they will share stories of the history, migration, and social transformation of this place. Enjoy a welcome at the Community Museum and discover their impressive open-air art gallery with murals created by local artists. Sit down and share a traditional lunch prepared by the women from the nieghbourhood as part of a G Adventures-supported community initiative. Through art, food, and local stories, this experience to Isla Maciel offers a meaningful perspective on how tourism can become a space for positive change.

Please note, if this activity is set for the first or final day of your itinerary pre and post nights are encouraged.

Accommodation

Carsson Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 31Buenos Aires/Foz do Iguaçu

Fly to Iguassu (Argentinean Side) and cross the border into Brazil by private vehicle and witness amazing panoramic views of the falls. Spend the next two full days exploring the area around the falls.

After settling in, opt to partake in one of the adventurous activities offered in the area like, a helicopter ride over the falls or a visit to the nearby bird park.

The luggage restrictions for all Aerolineas Argentinas flights are 15kg for checked baggage and 5kg for carry-ons.

Plane
Buenos Aires – Puerto Iguazú1h30m Morning1640km

Head to the airport and fly north to the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls. Continue on to the border via private vehicle from there.

Border Crossing (Argentina - Brazil)
Puerto Iguazú – Foz do Iguaçu1h30m-2h

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Private Vehicle
Puerto Iguazú – Foz do Iguaçu1h-1h30m

Climb aboard and drive to the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls for a little exploration.

Iguassu Falls (Brazil Side) Guided Tour
Foz do Iguaçu3h-4h

Visit the Brazil side of the falls to get a panoramic view of Iguaçu, one of the world's largest and most impressive waterfalls. In total, there are over 275 individual falls spread out over 3km (2 mi). Find the best spot to take jaw-dropping photos of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Optional Activities - Day 31 HideShow

Iguassu Falls Bird Park Visit
Iguaçu Falls
120BRL per person

Grab a camera and get up and close and personal with macaws, parrots, parakeets, and 150 other species of birds. Located on the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls, the bird park is on 12 acres of native subtropical forest. Enter a huge aviary to see the birds free from cages and nets. Check out other exhibits to view butterflies, alligators, and snakes (boas and anacondas).

Iguassu Helicopter Ride
Iguaçu Falls
130USD per person

Fly above the roaring cascades of Iguassu falls on a memorable helicopter ride to get a unique view and mind-blowing photo opportunities. Sit back in the comfortable seats, enjoy the ride and let the experienced pilot guide you over the immense falls.

Accommodation

Hotel Del Rey (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 32Foz do Iguaçu

Return to the Argentine side to explore the trails. Opt for a boat tour to get a close look at the falls. Return to the Brazilian side for one more night in town.

Explore trails that will bring you directly over the falls of the Devil's Throat—the highest and deepest of the falls. Other trails allow access to the stretch of falls across the forest on the Argentine side. Opt to take an inflatable boat to the base of the thundering falls.

Border Crossing (Brazil - Argentina)
Foz do Iguaçu – Puerto Iguazú1h-1h30m

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Iguassu Falls Visit
Puerto Iguazú Full Day

Spend the whole day on the Argentine side of Iguassu, exploring the paths over the falls or experience the UNESCO World Heritage site from a boat tour. Tours utilize trails and catwalks adapted to the landscape of the area, and walking is easy for all ages; guided tours of the complex are available several times a day.

Border Crossing (Argentina - Brazil)
Puerto Iguazú – Foz do Iguaçu1h30m-3h

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

1

Optional Activities - Day 32 HideShow

Boat Tour of Iguassu Falls
Foz do Iguaçu
75USD per person

Explore the jungle by 4x4 crossing the Yacaratiá path and then hop on a boat to explore the thundering falls from a VERY close view. Take some amazing pictures and then float under the water to have the real Iguassu experience.

Accommodation

Hotel Del Rey (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 33Foz do Iguaçu/Paraty

Fly to São Paulo and continue by van to Paraty. Wander the cobblestoned streets and shops of this gorgeous coastal town and its historical centre, designated as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Plane
Foz do Iguaçu – São Paulo1h30m Morning

An early morning flight gets you Paraty with plenty of time to explore.

Flight time may very if there is not a direct flight available.

Shared Van
São Paulo – Paraty5h-6h

Enjoy the drive to São Paulo, stopping for lunch along the way.

Accommodation

Pousada Laguna Blue (or similar)
Guesthouse

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 34Paraty

Enjoy a free day to explore Paraty. Opt to visit the cachaça distilleries or take a boat into the bay to explore the nearby islands and beaches.

Paraty is a quaint colonial town renowned for its architecture—the pace might be slow but there's a lot to choose from. Considered one of the world's most important examples of Portuguese colonial architecture by UNESCO, the historic centre is a well-preserved national historic monument, and today has been closed to vehicles to preserve its laid-back colonial ambiance. Opt to take a boat trip in the bay, kayak, go horseback riding, or take a jeep tour.

Opt to pre-book the "Paraty Caipirinha Boat Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.

Your Discover Moment
Paraty Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Paraty, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like going on a boat tour, watching a puppet show, and visiting a cachaça distillery. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

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Optional Activities - Day 34 HideShow

4x4 Tour
Paraty6h-7h30m
150BRL per person

Hop in the back of a jeep and hang on for this tropical tour. Enter the Serra da Bocaina National Park, visit waterfalls (great for photos and swimming), and step back in time along the Gold Trail road, constructed by African slaves to transport gold mined inland and transported to Paraty port bound for Portugal.

Kayaking
Paraty1h-6h
90BRL per person

See Paraty's from a whole other level—sea level! Check out the spectacular views of the old town and the coastal mountain range and explore otherwise inaccessible mangroves.

City tour Paraty + cachaça tasting
Paraty
160BRL per person

Tour a cachaça distillery where sugarcane juice is used to create the most popular distilled spirit in Brazil. If it tastes familiar, that's because it's the main ingredient in a Caipirinha, the country’s national cocktail. Often called “Brazilian rum,” cachaça is so popular, it’s produced by 40,000 micro-companies across the country. The blend from Paraty is sweet and salty; taste the sea as you sip this local liquid.

Diving Paraty
Paraty

Brazil is a diver’s paradise. Its waters include a rich variety of fish, mammals, kelp and coral. Spot brilliantly coloured fish accented against the white sand ocean floor. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sea turtles and nurse sharks. Paraty boasts at least 10 locations recommended for SCUBA diving. Explore the waters off islands with exotic names – Cocos, Meros, Deserta – and add an unforgettable underwater adventure to your list of most memorable moments.

Horseback Riding Paraty
Paraty3h-6h
390BRL per person

Throw on some long pants, grab the reins and hop up on a well-trained horse. Trail ride through the Atlantic Rainforest in the mountains around Paraty. Cross rivers and follow trails lined with tropical trees. Reach a lookout and see the village and the water below. Stop at a waterfall and jump in! Let the rushing water massage your muscles then hop back on the horses and gallop home.

Paraty Boat Tour
Paraty
150BRL per person

Home to hundreds of pristine islands and idyllic white sand beaches it doesn't get much better than the Costa Verde. Cruise up the coast with a caipirinha in one hand and your camera in the other. Stop along the way to swim in the crystal clear waters or to catch a few rays. Snorkeling equipment is provided for those wanting a peek at what is under the water's surface.

Trindade Day Trip
Trindade
20BRL per person

Located about 25km (15.5 mi) away from the town of Paraty is the small beach town of Trindade, which can be reached by public transport. Walk along the sandy beach, play in the water and opt to go surfing.

Accommodation

Pousada Laguna Blue (or similar)
Guesthouse

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 35Paraty/Ilha Grande

Continue by van up the coast and take a ferry to Ilha Grande. Opt to hike to remote beaches and enjoy free time to relax and explore the island.

A short, scenic drive along the coast takes us to Angra dos Reis. Board the ferry to Ilha Grande—home to some of Brazil's most beautiful beaches.

Enjoy free time to soak up the sun, snorkel, hike and cruise to various beaches, not to mention feast on fresh seafood and sip caipirinhas in the plaza in the evenings.

Shared Van
Paraty – Angra dos Reis1h30m-2h100km

Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.

Ferry
Angra dos Reis – Ilha Grande1h30m

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

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Optional Activities - Day 35 HideShow

Hike to Pico do Papagaio
Ilha Grande6h-7h
150BRL per person

Enjoy a guided hike from Abraão to Pico do Papagaio, soaking in the scenery along the way. It will take roughly 4 hours to hike up and about 2 hr to hike back down. The 360 degree views from the top are well worth the effort.

Ilha Grande Boat Excursion
Ilha Grande4h-5h
130BRL per person

From the main village of Vila do Abraão, take a boat tour to some of the best beaches around the island. See tropical fish and cool off in the salt spray of the turquoise waters. Stop to swim and snorkel and pinch yourself for being lucky enough to partake in this tropical piece of paradise. Enjoy the scenery while drinking a caipirinha, Brazil's national drink.

Ilha Grande Diving
Ilha Grande

Explore one of the world’s largest concentrations of underwater shipwrecks, many lost during pirate battles in the 16th-18th centuries in the waters off Ilha Grande. Dive to see the Pinguino cargo ship as well as the remains of a helicopter near Laja do Mataríz. Discover massive underwater caves, swim with schools of tropical fish and admire the colours of corals and reefs, in the warm salt water where visibility varies from 6-20m (20-66 ft).

Lopes Mendes Hike
Ilha Grande2h30m-4h

Grab your bathing suit, slip on your walking shoes and take the hike from Abraão to the beautiful beach of Lopes Mendes. Follow a well-marked trail up and down, through forest and past other beaches. Eat Jack fruit picked along the way. Drink water from a natural spring. Listen to howler monkeys. After 2.5-3 hrs, arrive at the stunning Lopes Mendes beach, where the white powder sand squeaks under foot and the rolling green hills provide a stunning contrast to the turquoise water.

Snorkelling Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande

Rent a mask and snorkel, pull on some fins and get set to enter the underwater world of colourful tropical fish, shells and all things seaworthy. November through May is Ilha Grande’s best time to snorkel. Hotspots include the Blue Lagoon, Green Lagoon and Abraãzinho Beach. Luxuriate in the warm salt water, look down and, in some cases, see to a depth of 15m (50 ft).

Accommodation

Pousada Mata Nativa (or similar)
Guesthouse

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 36Ilha Grande

Enjoy a free day in Ilha Grande. Optional activities include hiking Pico Do Papagaio or to Lopes Mendes, snorkelling or relaxing on the beach.

Your Discover Moment
Ilha Grande Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Ilha Grande, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like taking a boat to Lopes Mendes Beach, taking a guided walk to Pico do Papagaio (Parrot's Peak), and snorkelling. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

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Optional Activities - Day 36 HideShow

Hike to Pico do Papagaio
Ilha Grande6h-7h
150BRL per person

Enjoy a guided hike from Abraão to Pico do Papagaio, soaking in the scenery along the way. It will take roughly 4 hours to hike up and about 2 hr to hike back down. The 360 degree views from the top are well worth the effort.

Lopes Mendes Hike
Ilha Grande2h30m-4h

Grab your bathing suit, slip on your walking shoes and take the hike from Abraão to the beautiful beach of Lopes Mendes. Follow a well-marked trail up and down, through forest and past other beaches. Eat Jack fruit picked along the way. Drink water from a natural spring. Listen to howler monkeys. After 2.5-3 hrs, arrive at the stunning Lopes Mendes beach, where the white powder sand squeaks under foot and the rolling green hills provide a stunning contrast to the turquoise water.

Ilha Grande Boat Excursion
Ilha Grande4h-5h
130BRL per person

From the main village of Vila do Abraão, take a boat tour to some of the best beaches around the island. See tropical fish and cool off in the salt spray of the turquoise waters. Stop to swim and snorkel and pinch yourself for being lucky enough to partake in this tropical piece of paradise. Enjoy the scenery while drinking a caipirinha, Brazil's national drink.

Ilha Grande Diving
Ilha Grande

Explore one of the world’s largest concentrations of underwater shipwrecks, many lost during pirate battles in the 16th-18th centuries in the waters off Ilha Grande. Dive to see the Pinguino cargo ship as well as the remains of a helicopter near Laja do Mataríz. Discover massive underwater caves, swim with schools of tropical fish and admire the colours of corals and reefs, in the warm salt water where visibility varies from 6-20m (20-66 ft).

Snorkelling Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande

Rent a mask and snorkel, pull on some fins and get set to enter the underwater world of colourful tropical fish, shells and all things seaworthy. November through May is Ilha Grande’s best time to snorkel. Hotspots include the Blue Lagoon, Green Lagoon and Abraãzinho Beach. Luxuriate in the warm salt water, look down and, in some cases, see to a depth of 15m (50 ft).

Accommodation

Pousada Mata Nativa (or similar)
Guesthouse

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 37Ilha Grande/Rio de Janeiro

Carry on by ferry and van to Rio de Janeiro. With free time, explore the city on an optional city tour.

Travel back to the mainland by ferry before continuing north along the coast. Enjoy the incredible scenery before rounding the cliffs at Vidigal. Get your first look at one of the most memorable cities in the world—Río de Janeiro.

Ferry
Ilha Grande – Angra dos Reis1h30m Morning

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Shared Van
Angra dos Reis – Rio de Janeiro3h-3h30m87km

Enjoy the incredible scenery before rounding the cliffs at Vidigal. Get your first look at one of the most memorable cities in the world—Río de Janeiro.

Free Time
Rio de Janeiro Evening

Use your free time in Rio to start your exploration of this world-class city.

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Optional Activities - Day 37 HideShow

Rio de Janeiro City Tour
Rio de Janeiro
340BRL per person

There’s so much to see and do in this vibrant city pulsing with passion, music and the waves of the sea. Take a city tour and visit some of Rio’s hot spots. Visit the art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, the colourful Lapa Steps and the Rio Cathedral. Ride a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and marvel at the magnificent views of the bay, city and beaches beyond.

Accommodation

Royalty Rio Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 38Rio de Janeiro

Depart at any time.

There are no planned activities today so feel free to book onward travel at any time. Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

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Optional Activities - Day 38 HideShow

Rio Football Game
Rio de Janeiro
500BRL per person

If it's a game day, catch a football match (or some call it soccer). Watch the locals cheer for their team and join in the celebrations.

Please note the pricing for this activity is approximate and could vary slightly on the ground when booked.

Rio Hang Gliding
Rio de Janeiro
980BRL per person

Glide like a bird on this exhilarating and inspiring air adventure. Get all the guidance you need to go airborne with your instructor, and take to the skies for an unbeatable experience and amazing views of this incredibly picturesque city. Careful – you may become addicted to the freedom of flying!

Meals included:

Breakfast

South America Discovery: Lima to Rio de Janiero

| 38 days - Lima to Rio de Janeiro - from $7599 USD