South America Highlights

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Lima, Peru's vibrant capital. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. With no activities planned until then, why not grab a Pisco sour in the Miraflores area or stroll to Parque del Amor (Love Park) for a great view of Lima's beaches? After, perhaps head out for dinner and get to know your group. Lima is the unofficial foodie capital of South America, so be sure to ask your local leader for their recommendations – and don't pass the chance to sample ceviche, Peru's national dish.

This morning, set out on a half-day walking tour of Lima's historic centre. Plaza Mayor is the place to begin exploring Lima – get a feel for local life as you explore streets lined with old mansions, palaces and churches. On one side of the plaza is the Cathedral of Lima, which houses the remains of Lima's founder, Francisco Pizarro. Nearby is the San Francisco Monastery, with its catacombs containing some 70,000 human remains. The tour wraps up in Lima's main square, with the rest of the day free to do as you wish. Maybe check out Lima's central market to taste fresh fruit and street food favourites.

Be ready for an early start as you’ll head to Lima’s bus station around 6 am to board a local bus to Paracas. It's unlikely the bus will make any stops, so please ensure you prepare yourself with water, snacks and anything else you need. The small fishing town of Paracas is the gateway to the Islas Ballestas and the Paracas National Reserve – and you’ll have the option to visit the reserve with a local guide when you arrive. The tour lasts for around 2.5 hours and gives you a good introduction to the landscapes and wildlife. For dinner tonight, maybe head to the boulevard near the beach and don’t forget to try some tejas – small truffles filled with nuts and dried fruits from the Ica region.

This morning, there may be a chance to visit Islas Ballestas for an optional day trip. Here, there’ll be lots of opportunities to see wildlife such as penguins, sea lions and flamingos from a speedboat. Speak to your group leader about your options. Later this morning, continue to Nazca where you’ll arrivie in the early afternoon. Nazca is famous for the Nazca Lines – enormous designs inscribed into the desert floor. Who drew them, how and why is unknown, but most scientists believe the Nazca people created them around 2000 years ago. For the best view, consider an optional scenic flight – this lasts 30 minutes and covers most of the 26 impressions. Be wary though – the planes turn sharply from side to side for viewing from both sides of the plane, so it’s not for the faint-hearted!

Enjoy a slow morning in Nazca, then head to the station to board a local bus to Arequipa – there are no stops, so don't forget to pack plenty of water, more snacks and a good book! You’ll arrive in Arequipa late in the evening and transfer to the hotel to check in. Standing at the foot of El Misti volcano, Arequipa vies with Cusco for the title of Peru's most attractive city. Depending on how you’re feeling, maybe go for a stroll around the town or grab a bite for dinner with the group.

This morning, head out on a leader-led orientation walk where you’ll visit the main square and Mercado San Camilo. As you explore Arequipa, you'll understand why it’s referred to as the ‘White City’ – built out of the pale volcanic rock, the old buildings shine brightly in the sunshine. The remainder of the day is free. Perhaps start at Monasterio de Santa Catalina – this 16th-century convent has a unique history, having once only accepted women from high-class Spanish families. From here, drop by the Juanita Museum and take a look at the ‘Ice Maiden’ – the well-preserved mummified remains of a young Inca girl who died in the 1440s. Otherwise, while away the rest of your day in the cafes and restaurants near the main plaza with a Peruvian coffee.

Around 8 am, take a private vehicle to Chivay. There’ll be plenty of time to stop and take pictures as you're likely to see llamas, alpacas and vicunas along the way. You'll also get to try coca tea – a traditional herbal drink made from coca leaves – from roadside stalls. After a stop at Patapampa (the highest point of your adventure, standing at 4800 m above sea level), descend into Chivay town for a free evening. Choose to spend it soaking in the local hot springs, dining on Alpaca steak or listening to live Andean music at a pena (music hall). Your leader will know all the best spots, so be sure to ask them.

Wake early and take a short drive into the renowned Colca Canyon. This river canyon is dotted with traditional villages, agricultural terraces and trekking routes and is also home to the Andean condor. See the morning routine of this mighty ruler of the sky, gazing as they circle this extraordinary natural ravine. Depending on weather conditions, you’ll do a short hike around the area (approximately 45 minutes) before returning to Chivay. In the afternoon, travel back to Arequipa, then relax into a free evening with your fellow adventurers.

With another day in Arequipa, why not get out and explore more of the city's highlights? For a bit of culture, take a stroll down to Casa Museo Villalobos for a peek into its extensive art collection. If you’re looking for something a bit more hands-on, there are regular cooking classes around the city – be sure to speak to your leader for their recommendations. Keep in mind that you’ll head to the bus station in the afternoon to board an overnight bus to Cusco.

Arrive in Cusco on your overnight bus sometime in the early morning. When you arrive, drop your bags at the hotel and head into town for breakfast. After, your leader will give you the choice of going straight out for an orientation walk or resting in the hotel for a few hours before a stroll in the afternoon. On your walking tour, you’ll visit the facade of Qoricancha temple, local San Pedro market, the main square, the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. This evening, join your leader and fellow travellers at Casa Intrepid for a trekking and Machu Picchu briefing.

Depending on the travel arrangements you made before the trip, during the next four days you’ll be doing one of the following: hiking the Inca Trail (Route 1), hiking the Quarry Trail (Route 2) or staying in Cusco for two days before taking the train to Aguas Calientes (Route 3). All routes visit Machu Picchu.

While away from Cusco, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel. If you’re hiking the Inca Trail or the Quarry Trail, the evening before you leave Cusco you'll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in for the next four days (5kg maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. You won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. If you’re travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, you'll be able to leave most of your luggage at the hotel in Cusco and travel with only a small bag for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.

Route 1 Inca Trail
Today travel by minivan to the 82 kilometre marker and meet your crew of local porters, cook and guide. The first day includes uphill trekking to the campsite, which is at 3100m above sea level. On the way you’ll see the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, as well as incredible views of snow-capped Veronica Peak. In the evening, unwind at the campsite with a nourishing meal prepared by your cook.

Route 2 Quarry Trail
Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. Drive to the starting point of the trek, Rafq'a, and meet the horsemen who join us on the hike. After an hour’s walk, reach the small community of Socma. Carry on to the Perolniyoc Cascade lookout, an opportunity to stop for photos and a food break. Continue to the campsite, which is 3700 metres above sea level. You should reach the campsite around lunchtime. After lunch, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas.

Route 3 Cusco
Enjoy a free day in Cusco, the heart and soul of Peru. You may like to purchase a boleto turistico, which allows entry to the city's many museums and archaeological sites. Ask your leader for their recommendations.

Route 1 Inca Trail
This is the most challenging day of the trek as you ascend a long steep path (approximately 5 hours) to reach the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4200 metres above sea level, providing amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3650 metres.

Route 2 Quarry Trail
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. A 3 hour walk takes us to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (approximately 4370 metres high). After enjoying picturesque views of the valley, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch. Afterwards, make the two-hour hike to Kuychicassa, the highest pass of the trek at 4450 metres. From here, descend to the sacred site the Incas called Intipunku. This is a sun gate, where the sun will stream through at particular times of the year and there are views of the Nevado Veronica mountain year-round. The Incas built several sun gates, the most notable overlooking Machu Picchu. Head to the campsite, only a stone’s throw away and at 3600 metres.

Route 3 Cusco
Today is yours to spend as you wish in Cusco. Perhaps use the day to indulge your inner foodie at Cusco's many cafes, restaurants and markets. The ChocoMuseo is a must for those with a sweet tooth - they offer tastings and chocolate-making workshops.

Route 1 Inca Trail
Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass (3980 metres). Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending for around 2 to 3 hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3850 metres), also known as 'Town Above the Clouds'. Start the 2 hour descent down the Inca steps to the final night's campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site.

Route 2 Quarry Trail to Aguas Calientes
Today’s hike will all be downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish. Around midday, come to the end of the trek. Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes. This is where you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who didn't hike. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.

Route 3 Train to Aguas Calientes
After a drive to Ollantaytambo (about 1.5 hours), catch a train through the winding Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes (another 1.5 hours). The city is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. This is where you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who hiked the Quarry Trail. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.

Route 1 Inca Trail
This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu. The day starts before dawn with breakfast at 4 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and then begin hiking by 4.30 am. Once the final checkpoint opens at 5 am, begin the final leg of the trek. The walk to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) takes around 2.5 hours. Weather permitting, enjoy unforgettable views over the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ as you enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

Route 2 Machu Picchu to Cusco
Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 5.30 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters.

Route 3 Machu Picchu to Cusco
Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 5.30 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters.

For all travellers, after taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it's time to catch the bus to Aguas Calientes where you’ll stop for lunch together. From here, take a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo where you'll spend the night.

Today you’ll travel into the Sacred Valley to meet a traditional community and enjoy an included lunch prepared and cooked by your hosts. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, the fertile Sacred Valley has long been the main source of food for communities in the high Andes. If your visit coincides with market day, you could also spend time browsing the stalls for hand-painted beads or warm ponchos. In the afternoon, take a bus back to Cusco for a free evening.

Enjoy some free time to delve a little deeper into Cusco today. Those with weary legs might want to grab a coffee from a cafe at Plaza de Armas and do some people-watching. For those feeling active, the hills surrounding Cusco are well-suited for mountain biking. Ask your leader for optional activities and tips to make the most of your day

This morning, travel by local bus through the Altiplano plateau to Puno. There'll be one brief stop along the way at Pucara, where you'll have the chance to buy some snacks and take a toilet break. Puno is known as the folklore capital of Peru and is famous for its diverse cultures and traditional dances. If you're lucky, your visit might coincide with an evening parade, when the streets fill with costumed dancers and musicians.

Puno sits on the shores of Lake Titicaca – the highest navigable lake in the world. Enjoy a tour of the lake by slow motorboat, stopping to visit the Floating Islands of Uros. Built completely from layers of totora reeds which grow in the lake’s shallows, the Uros people historically built these islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes in ancient times. After your boat trip, transfer to the Llachon Peninsula where you'll stay with a local family in their traditional mud-brick home. You’ll have the chance to help your host family with their daily activities and maybe join a game of soccer or volleyball in the village with the local kids.

In the morning, board a boat to Taquile Island – a great place to pick up some locally knitted goods. Knitting here is strictly a male domain, while women do the spinning. You can also do a one-hour uphill hike to the main area of the island where you can explore the local markets before descending the 500 steps back to the boat. After, return to Puno, where the rest of the day is free to explore as you like.

At around 7 am, take a local bus to Desaguadero and cross the border into Bolivia – you’ll say goodbye to your Peruvian leader and meet your Bolivian leader. You'll be asked to leave the bus to proceed through Peruvian migration. The group will then walk across a bridge, submit passports at the Bolivian migration office, and reboard the bus for La Paz. Approximately 30 minutes after crossing the border into Bolivia, there's another stop where the army will check your documents again. The journey time to La Paz varies depending on the border crossing queues. Tonight, maybe chill out with an optional dinner with your group.

Today you have a free day in La Paz, until your next welcome meeting at 6 pm. Why not explore the side streets of La Paz or take a cable car to the Mercado de Hechiceria (Witches Market)? Though we can’t guarantee the potions and incantations will work their magic, the experience is fascinating, and the locals will be happy to tell you about their significance. You could even hop on a local bus to the extraordinary Moon Valley to explore the maze of canyons clay spires. After your meeting this evening, you might like to head out with your new travel buddies for a group dinner.

You’re free to discover La Paz at your own pace today. Perhaps visit the Museo de la Coca, which isn’t too far from your hotel. This unusual museum delves into the history of the coca plant that grows in the region. You may also like to check out the local cuisine in La Paz on a food tour – taste fish fresh from Lake Titicaca as well as a variety of intense flavours on a chocolate stop. Just ask your leader about your options. Late in the afternoon, leave La Paz on an overnight bus to Sucre.

When you arrive in Sucre, drop off your luggage at the hotel and enjoy free time in Bolivia’s World Heritage-listed capital. The city sits in a mountainous valley and is a hub of Indigenous cultures and Spanish influences, as you can see in its colonial architecture and local markets. You might like to visit the Museo de la Recoleta – a 400-year-old convent home to a fascinating collection of sculptures and paintings and also a great spot to take in views over the city. If you have time, you could also head to the Plaza 25 de Mayo to rub shoulders with Sucre's affluent residents and check out the extravagant interior of the Senora de la Merced.

Enjoy another free day in Sucre today. Wander the streets lined with centuries-old houses and medieval churches. Or for something more active, hike along the pre-Inca path known as the Chataquila trek – a mostly downhill route that offers stunning views of the surrounding Andes. For something completely different, discover a prehistoric landscape and compare shoe sizes with a dinosaur at Cal Orcko – the world’s largest collection of dinosaur footprints with evidence suggesting they’re 68-million years old. There’s also a great food scene in Sucre, so enjoy some delicious empanadas at a restaurant or a fresh juice at the Central Market.

This morning, take a local bus to the colonial mining town of Potosi – once the wealthiest city in the Americas thanks to its location at the base of silver ore-rich Cerro Rico (Rich Hill). The discovery and extraction of the silver led to a financial boom for the Spanish empire, though the city’s riches quickly diminished and its citizens slipped into poverty once the silver dried up. A tour and brief history of Cerro Rico is definitely a highlight to consider here. Another place of interest is the Santa Teresa Convent Museum, where you can observe art and treasures inside the convent’s original walls.

Leave Potosi behind and travel to the city of Uyuni. This remote town sits on the edge of the high Altiplano – a wilderness area extending for hundreds of kilometres towards the border with Argentina and Chile. Apart from being a gateway to the Salt Flats, Uyuni also happens to sit above one of the world’s largest lithium reserves. While it won’t help you if you’ve arrived with a flat battery, Uyuni’s lithium, once extracted, could potentially power the planet’s smart phones and electric cars for the next century. Enjoy free time on arrival – perhaps take the opportunity to rest up before you kick off your exciting excursion to Salar de Uyuni tomorrow. Tonight’s hotel is fairly basic, but it’s clean, comfortable and has hot water. As you’ll be heading out into the desert over the next few days with limited amenities, make the most of the facilities.

Depart Uyuni this morning and venture out on a three-day 4WD excursion – be prepared for a busy few days ahead. The first stop will be Cementerio de Trenes (the Train Cemetery) for an eerie look at abandoned locomotives that have been engulfed by the desert. Then continue to the highlight of Bolivia, Salar de Uyuni – the world’s largest salt flats. This vast desert-like landscape of blinding white salt and cactus-studded islands is the remains of a dried-up prehistoric lake. The desolate and dehydrated eco-system hosts very little wildlife, though it is home to loads of flamingos. Make the most of your time on the salt flats, pose for some snaps and explore Inca Wasi – an island covered in cacti and coral-like structures.

After breakfast, hit the road through the incredible wilderness of the Andean Desert. Pass by Chiguana Salt Lake, the active Ollague Volcano and other small lakes of various colours – perhaps with a streak of pink if flamingos are nearby. Continue to the Siloli Desert – known for its seven-coloured mountain and Arbol de Piedra (Stone Tree) rock formation. You’ll also visit an Andean wildlife reserve (Reserva de Eduardo Avaroa) and hike around the Laguna Colorada (Red Lake) – keep an eye out for llamas, vicunas and foxes along the way. After a big day, head to your accommodation in a local community (either Huayllajara or Polques) for a well-earned rest and an included dinner.

Rise early to try to catch the sunrise over the surrounding geysers. These bubbling fumaroles are especially active in the morning thanks to the cold air. There may also be an opportunity to visit a hot spring for an optional morning dip. After, drive through more barren landscapes – some of which are frequently compared to Salvador Dali’s paintings – to the strikingly green Laguna Verde, Valle de Rocas (Rock Valley) and the San Cristobal mining town. You’ll return to Uyuni around 5 pm to spend the night at your leisure. After a few days in the desert, you may want to check out a local restaurant with your group for an optional dinner and drinks.

Prepare for a long travel day as you cross the border into Argentina. Set off at 6 am from Uyuni town to La Quiaca. Arriving around 1.30 pm, cross into Argentina on foot before jumping in a taxi to the bus station. You’ll have a chance to stop briefly for lunch with before the next bus to Tilcara, arriving at approximately 6 pm. Nothing is planned on arrival, but if you’re not too exhausted from the journey, perhaps head out for dinner – your group leader will be able to point you in the right direction for a feed.

Today is a free day to explore this dusty town. Located in the mountain valley of Quebrada de Humahuaca, Tilcara is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Argentina with an Indigenous culture dating back more than 10,000 years – and the influx of tourists hasn’t stopped the age-old customs and rituals from flourishing. You might like to check out the pre-Inca ruins at Pucara de Tilcara, or venture out of town and check out the colourful hills of Purmamarca. If you’re keen for an authentic lunch, visit the vibrant local market, Mercado Municipal de Tilcara, to try some local street food favourites like empanadas. Your leader can provide suggestions and help you make the best of your time here.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Tilcara before taking a transfer to Jujuy for an evening flight to Buenos Aires. Fiery Latin passion, European architecture and superb cuisine combine to make Buenos Aires an enthralling city. Over the next few days, you can choose your own adventure – nibble on alfajores, wander San Telmo's cobblestone streets, talk football with Portenos (people from Buenos Aires) in a cafe or get a history lesson at the quirky Museo Evita. You might also like to walk among the tombs of La Recoleta Cemetery – the final resting place of Eva Peron – or check out the museums in the Recoleta district. A visit to La Boca is another must – home to the colourful Caminito artists’ street and world-renowned soccer team, Boca Juniors. In the evening, be sure to check out Palermo's Plaza Serrano for tango with the locals. There are so many things to see and do in Buenos Aires, it's simply a matter of trying to fit it all in.

After a free morning, head out on an orientation walk around Buenos Aires’ Microcentro district at 1 pm. Stroll around the picturesque streets of San Telmo filled with antique markets and pass historic buildings along the Avenida de Mayo – including the Casa Rosada (Argentina's government house) – and perhaps have a coffee in Cafe Tortoni, a cultural landmark and one of the city’s oldest cafes. At 6 pm, you’ll have another welcome meeting to prepare for the next leg of your adventure.

The morning is free to explore Buenos Aires – just ask your leader if you need any recommendations. Later in the day, jump on a ferry to cross the Rio de la Plata (River Plate) to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. When you arrive, enjoy some free time to get acquainted with one of the country’s oldest cities. The World Heritage-listed Barrio Historico (Old Quarter) is a great place to start. Listen to the noisy parakeets in the Plaza Mayor or comb Colonia’s small museums. For great views, climb to the top of the city’s 19th-century lighthouse that’s still in operation today.

Enjoy a free morning in Colonia De Sacramento. You could continue strolling around Barrio Historico or maybe check out the artisan stalls selling Swiss cheese – Colonia was also settled by Swiss immigrants and is home to a unique local Swiss cheese. In the afternoon, you’ll take a private transfer to an estancia near the city of Mercedes where you'll meet your hosts who’ll look after you for the next couple of days.

Spend a couple of days experiencing life on a Uruguayan estancia. Although you’re welcome to relax and explore your surroundings at your leisure, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with ranch activities, like making fresh empanadas or joining a game of football or volleyball. The digs aren’t fancy, but the surroundings and hospitality are something special. Eat homecooked meals including a traditional asado (barbecue), enjoy music around the campfire and maybe saddle up for a horse ride in true gaucho style.

Spend another day taking in the gorgeous views across the estancia. Maybe head out on another horse ride to explore your surroundings or make your way into nearby Mercedes for a river walk and an ice cream.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your hosts and travel to the Uruguay/Argentinian border. Cross the border to Argentina, then prepare for an overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu – the gateway to Iguazu Falls. There’ll be a chance to grab a light dinner and some snacks before the journey.

When you arrive at Puerto Iguazu bus station this morning, jump in a minivan across the border into Brazil and head straight to the national park to stretch your legs and see the mighty Iguazu Falls. After some time spent admiring this force of nature, head to your hotel in Foz do Iguacu, where you have free time for the rest of the day.

Return to Argentina today to see Iguazu Falls from a different angle. Following a series of boardwalks, it’s possible to get so close to the thundering waters that you can almost touch them. At over two km long, Iguazu Falls are made up of over 270 separate cascades, with some reaching up to 80 m in height. For a more exhilarating experience, why not take an optional Zodiac boat ride to the base of the falls? After, head back to your hotel to relax.

Today you’ll take a flight to Rio de Janeiro. Settle into your hotel room, then head out with your leader for an orientation walk. The remainder of the day is free to explore at your own pace. Maybe head to Copacabana or Ipanema Beach or, if the time of year is right, check out a soccer game at the famous Maracana Stadium. You could also take the tramcar up to the artistic hillside neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, or head up Corcovado Mountain for sweeping views over Rio from the foot of the Christ the Redeemer statue.

With no activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you'd like to spend more time in Rio, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).