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This epic trip takes you right the way across South America from Quito to Rio, from steaming jungle to icy mountain passes, from sparkling salt flats to Brazil's beautiful beaches. Starting in Ecuador's capital we overland through the Andes then down Peru's Pacific Coast, visiting Arequipa and the dramatic Colca Canyon before heading inland to Machu Picchu. Crossing the Altiplano we make for Bolivia, through the surreal Uyuni Salt Flats, and crossing into Argentina's Lake District. There's a chance to ride out with some gauchos as we stay on a working estancia and overland across the pampas to Buenos Aires. Going north we stop at Iguazu Falls, crossing into Brazil and exploring the beaches of the Emerald Coast before ending our trip in the vibrant city of Rio.

what's included?

Week 1: Quito, Otavalo & the Amazon Jungle

• Overnight stay in historic Quito
• 2 days to enjoy village tours and optional activities in Otavalo
• 3 days discovering the Amazon Jungle

Week 2: Rio Verde, Cuenca & Punta Sal

• 2 or 3 nights camping at the stunning Rio Verde
• Time for optional adventure activities at Banos
• Overland through the Ecuadorian Andes
• Time exploring the historic city of Cuenca
• 2 nights stay at Punta Sal on the Pacific coast
• Learn about Northern Peru's ancient Moche culture at the Sipan Museum

Week 3: Huaraz, Lima & Paracas NP

• Guided tour of Moche Pyramids and the Chimu city of Chan Chan
• Spend time in the spectacular mountain scenery around Huaraz
• Overnight stay in colonial Lima
• Visit to Paracas National Park, coastal wildlife reserve

Week 4: Nazca, Arequipa & the Colca Canyon

• Boat trip to see the seals & seabirds on the Ballestas Isles
• Visit to the Nazca Lines and Chauchilla Cemetery
• 2 night stay in the beautiful white city of Arequipa
• Overland through the high andes of Peru
• 2 night stay and guided trip to see Colca Canyon and condors
• Quechua Indian homestay and community crafts project

Week 5: Cusco, the Inca Trail & Machu Picchu

• 7 nights in and around Cusco and the Urubamba Valley
• Sacred Valley tour and entrances to all major sites
• EITHER hike unspoilt Inca Trails and visit Quechua communities in remote stunning Andes scenery away from tourist treks on our exclusive Inca Trails Community Trek.
• OR Trek the Classic Inca Trail up the Royal Inca Road
• Guided visit to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas

Week 6: Lake Titicaca, Copacabana & La Paz

• Traverse the high altiplano of Peru to Lake Titicaca
• Visit to the pre-Inca Sillustani Ruins near Puno
• Time to explore Lake Titicaca and its ancient history
• Boat trips to Uros Islands and Isla del Sol
• Stay in the pretty lakeside colonial town of Copacabana
• 2 night stay in the colourful city of La Paz
• Overland across the stunning Altiplano to the colonial city of Potosi

Week 7: Potosi, Uyuni Salt Flats & Laguna Route

• 2 nights in Potosi, the world's highest city
• Overland through the Bolivian wilds to Uyuni
• Spend 3 days exploring this extraordinary landscape
• Take jeeps out onto the dazzling Uyuni Salt Flats
• Visit the beautiful Laguna Colorado and Verde
• Overland to Argentina across the dramatic landscapes of southern Bolivia

Week 8: Salta, Cafayate & Anglo-Argentinian Estancia

• Time to explore the colonial city of Salta and local area
• Travel to the heart of the Argentinian wine region
• Discover the bodegas and stock up on wine in Cafayate
• Overland journey through high passes and stunning mountain vistas
• Spend 3 unique days enjoying the hospitality at an Anglo-Argentinean estancia
• Explore the hills around the estancia riding pure bred horses

Week 9: Cordoba & Buenos Aires

• Spend time in colonial Cordoba, Argentina's second-largest city
• Explore cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, the coolest city in South America
• Visit the Jesuit ruins at San Ignacio de Mini

Week 10: Iguazu Falls & Bonito

• Discover the majestic Iguazu Falls from Argentina and Brazil
• Overland adventures across the Tropic of Capricorn
• 2 full days to enjoy the crystal clear waters at Bonito, Brazil's ecotourism capital

Week 11: Brazilian Pantanal, Parati & Rio de Janeiro

• 2 night wildlife safari into the Pantanal
• Travel overland via Campo Grande, capital of Mato Grosso do Sul
• Time for optional adventure activities at Brotas
• 3 days on Brazil's Emerald Coast
• Laid back boat trips to islands off Parati
• Arrive in vibrant Rio de Janeiro

what can I do on the way?

(Activities available at extra costs)

• Rafting and Horseback Trekking around Rio Verde
• Try horse riding, fishing, salsa and surfing at Punta Sal
• Mountain biking the High Andes
• Trek to the glaciers from Huaraz
• Guided city tour of the Peruvian capital
• Visit the Gold Museum & Catacombs of Lima
• Fly over the Nazca lines
• Guided tour of Arequipa's Santa Catalina convent
• White-water rafting and mountain biking in the Cusco region
• Downhill "gravity assisted" mountain biking from La Paz to Coroico
• Head down into the tunnels of the Potosi silver mine
• Get your adrenaline buzz rafting at Salta
• Practice your dance steps in the birthplace of Tango
• Experience the atmosphere at an Argentinian football match
• Boat trips, forest hikes and helicopter over Iguazu Falls
• Caving, rafting and snorkeling in the waters of Bonito
• If time allows white-water rafting and canyoning at Brotas
• Scuba dive on Parati's Emerald Coast
• Horseriding and mountain biking in Parati
• Visit the favelas of Rio de Janeiro
• Take a cable car up Sugarloaf mountain in Rio
• Visit the world famous statue Christ the Redeemer

General Notes:

WHICH INCA TRAIL? When you book this trip, you will have a choice of either the Community Inca Trail or the Classic Inca Trail. The costs for each are included, but you must tell us when you book, if you want to book the Classic Inca Trail. If you do not tell us this you will automatically be booked onto the Community Inca Trail. For full details click here

Kitty does not cover food while staying in hotels and hostels. Because of its nature, this itinerary may vary: occasionally road conditions are too adverse during the rainy season (Jan. & Feb.) to make the crossing from Uyuni to Argentina and we may have to change the route.

Alternative routes starting from Quito: