Description

Discover vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery on this epic 83-day adventure from the frozen depths of Patagonia to the lush jungle of Ecuador. Start the journey among the unspoilt wilderness of Patagonia. Soak up spectacular views of the region's majestic glaciers, crystal lakes and forest-covered mountains before heading north to discover the succulent flavours of a traditional Argentine barbecue. Survey vast Bolivian salt flats, marvel at the remarkable floating islands of Lake Titicaca and set off on the trek of a lifetime to the mesmerising ruins of Machu Picchu. Finish the adventure experiencing Ecuador's bewitching fusion of Spanish and Quechuan culture. This unforgettable trip will leave you enchanted by the dynamic culture and awe-inspiring scenery of these exceptional countries.

Highlights

• Trek through Argentina and Chile's glacial scenery.
• Admire the crystal waters of Lake Titicaca.
• Tantalise the tastebuds at an Argentine barbecue.
• Wander through the Argentinean city of Salta.
• Journey through dramatic Andean scenery in Chile.
• Be amazed by the salt flats of Bolivia.
• Delve deep into a dark mine in Potosi.
• Hike along ancient trails to the lost city of Machu Picchu .
• Sample roast cuy in Cuzco.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Ushuaia/Tierra del Fuego

A picturesque town at the end of the world, Ushuaia is the launching pad for many Antarctica trips and is also excellent for hiking and mountain-based activities.

Day 3 Strait of Magellan

Unpredictable currents and winds, combined with the narrowness of the passage, has made the Straits of Magellan a beautiful yet precarious route for many ships over the centuries.

Days 4-8 Torres del Paine National Park

Located in the wilds of Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park is one of the world's most beautiful landscapes with glaciers, lakes and dramatic mountain peaks.

Days 9-10 El Calafate/Perito Moreno Glacier

Surrounded by snowy-mountain peaks and endless grass plains, El Calafate is famed for its proximity to the Perito Moreno Glacier. One of the few advancing glaciers in the world, Perito Moreno Glacier is a glorious, electric-blue mass of ice that occasionally breaks dramatically into Lago Argentino. Originally a place for wool traders to gather, El Calafate has grown into a charming town with lots of restaurants and outdoor activities on offer.

Days 11-13 El Chalten/Los Glaciaries National Park

The small village of El Chalten, nestled between picturesque mountains within Glacier National Park, is mainly a campsite for visitors, albeit a spectacular one. Los Glaciares National Park is resplendent with its 47 glaciers, soaring mountains perfect for climbing, inviting grassy plains and lakes of the deepest blue.

Days 14-16 Carretera Austral

Running through the sunburnt Pinturas River Canyon, Rio Pinturas runs through Patagonia and is home to the Cueva de las Manos, a cave filled with pictures of prehistoric hands and animals. Chile's southern fjord coast is a kaleidoscope of fjords, channels, grassy plains, snow-capped mountains, charming villages, winding roads and virtually-untouched landscapes.

Day 17 Chaiten

When the Chaiten volcano erupted in 2008, the town of Chaiten was virtually destroyed. Today it's a basic town located on the Carretera Austral highway.

Day 18 Puerto Montt

A port city known for its salmon, Puerto Montt sits at the top of Chile's Lakes District and is a busy place with a Germanic heritage.

Days 19-20 Pucon

With the spectacular Villarrica volcano bubbling away in the background, captivating Pucon is an adventure lover's paradise with outdoor activities galore in a gorgeous natural setting.

Day 21 Saltos del Laja

With four beautiful waterfalls cascading from the river Laja, Salto del Laja is a celebrated summer holiday destination surrounded by forests and greenery.

Days 22-23 Santiago

Set within a circle of snow-capped mountains, Santiago is vibrant, artistic and gourmet - and the gateway to adventures in the snow, sea or desert.

Days 24-25 Mendoza

Famed for its wine and raft of adventure activities, Mendoza is a lovely city to get lost in with its wide streets, excellent eateries and gorgeous plazas.

Days 26-29 Estancia Stay

Set in the picturesque landscape around Rio Ceballos, this traditional Argentine estancia offers the opportunity to live like a gaucho with horse-riding, hiking and sampling an asado (barbecue).

Day 30 Quilmes

The ruined citadel of the Quilmes - a local people displaced in the 17th century by the Spanish - is a fascinating site located in Argentina's Calchaqui Valley.

Day 31 Cafayate

Vineyards, wineries and artisans dominate the picturesque town of Cafayate and its surrounds, the perfect place to sample some world-class wine, food and scenery.

Days 32-33 Salta

With its well-preserved colonial buildings, candle-lit cafes, fine museums and surrounding natural beauty, Salta is one of Argentina's most charming cities.

Days 34-35 San Pedro de Atacama

Gorgeous desert landscapes, atmospheric, whitewashed adobe houses and a lively town centre has made San Pedro de Atacama one of Chile's most popular travel destinations.

Day 36 Bolivian Altiplano

A true wilderness featuring volcanoes, salt pans and colourful lakes, the Bolivian Altiplano stretches out from Lake Titicaca to the borders of Argentina and Chile.

Days 37-39 Uyuni/Salar de Uyuni

Popular due to its proximity to the Salar de Uyuni, the town of Uyuni is small and charming, and feels very remote, especially at the photogenic train cemetery. The world's largest salt flat, the Salar de Uyuni, is a spectacular sight - whether reflecting like a mirror in the wet or cracking during the dry.

Days 40-41 Potosi

The loveliness of Potosi - one of the highest and more fascinating cities in the world - is mirrored by the harshness of its mines and mining history.

Days 42-43 La Paz

Built in a canyon, the unique and bewtiching city of La Paz is filled with steep, cobbled streets, fascinating markets, evident tradition and captivating sights.

Days 44-45 Copacabana

A lovely little town situated between two hills and looking out over Lake Titicaca, Copacabana has beautiful scenery and coastline, great eateries and a fascinating religious culture.

Day 46 Lake Titicaca/Puno

Puno is a colourful town on the Peruvian shores of Lake Titicaca, expect to see traditionally dressed locals, chaotic markets and, if lucky enough, even dancing in the streets.

Days 47-48 Cuzco

Cuzco is the gateway to Machu Picchu and a city with majestic architecture, impressive ruins, a lively town centre and cultural significance around every cobblestone corner.

Days 49-52 Inca Trail/Quecha Community Trek

Winding around mountains, through valleys and up steep slopes, the iconic Inca Trail is a series of beautiful vistas and challenging hikes all the way to Machu Picchu. A relaxed and spectacular alternate to the classic Inca Trail trek, the Quecha Community Trek traverses Inca ruins, glacial lakes, lush valleys, waterfalls, soaring peaks and overnights in local villages.

Day 53 Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Built sometime in the 15th century and rediscovered in 1911, the staggering ruins of Machu Picchu were thought to be an estate for the Incan emperor, Pachacuti.

Day 54 Cuzco

A World Heritage site set amongst red-green hills with ruins scattered close by, Cuzco is impressive in every way - be it history, culture, nightlife or architecture.

Day 55 Raqchi

Traditional houses, customs and handicrafts are a signature part of Raqchi, a small village just outside of Cuzco.

Days 56-57 Chivay/Colca Canyon

Known for its love of karaoke, Chivay is a small town located near the Colca Canyon with an interesting market and some relaxing hot springs close by. Over twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and with Andean Condors soaring high above, the Colca Canyon commands reverie. Chivay has a number of pubs, restaurants and hotels to relax in in-between hikes or visits to the Colca Canyon.

Days 58-59 Arequipa

The beautiful 'White City' of Arequipa is surrounded by volcanoes, is rich in Spanish colonial architecture and abounds with local culture and cuisine.

Day 60 Puerto Inca

Puerto Inca is a tiny, sandy place with an abundance of ruins and beautiful coastal scenery to enjoy.

Day 61 Nazca

Rebuilt completely after a devastating earthquake in 1996, Nazca is home to the mysterious Nazca Lines and a city of colourful houses with a pretty main square.

Day 62 Paracas National Reserve

Home to a large number of birds and wildlife species, Paracas National Reserve helps preserve Peru's marine ecosystem and the cultural heritage of the Paracas people.

Days 63-64 Ballestas Islands/Lima

With birds circling ahead, a dramatic coastline with stone arches and caves, and animals galore lazing on rocks and beaches, the Ballestas Islands are a visual feast. Lima is a large, fascinating hotchpotch of architectural styles, coastal scenes, world cuisines, impressive museums, traditional culture and modern arts and nightlife.

Days 65-66 Huanchaco

Famed for its 'surfing' fishermen, Huanchaco was once a small fishing village but is now a relaxed beach haven for travellers keen on seeing the nearby ruins.

Days 67-69 Punta Sal

Gorgeous secluded beaches, blue skies and a relaxed pace of life are on offer in Punta Sal, a lovely beachside town in the very north of Peru.

Days 70-71 Cuenca

With roots tracing back to 8000BC, Cuenca is a fascinating and beautiful city, and World Heritage-listed due to its wonderfully preserved heritage buildings.

Day 72 Riobamba

Ecuador's mountain-climbing and trekking capital, Riobamba is a lovely city at the starting point of the Nariz del Diablo (Devil's Nose) train ride.

Days 73-74 Chugchilan/Quilotoa Loop

Nestled in amongst the Andes, Chugchilan is a picturesque village with amazing mountain scenery, wonderful hiking trails and is a perfect base to explore the area. The Quilotoa Loop starts in Latacunga and journeys through local villages, stunning mountain vistas, cloud forests and valleys, and to the beautiful Laguna Quilotoa.

Days 75-77 Rio Verde

Rio Verde is a beautiful little town set in a valley with great hiking and close to several lovely waterfalls, including the San Miguels falls.

Day 78 Coca

Prepare for the jungle adventure ahead in Coca.

Days 79-81 Amazon Jungle

The Amazon Rainforest, over 1.7 billion acres in size and spilling over into 8 countries, is a wondrous place with a bounty of plantlife, animals and fascinating communities.

Days 82-83 Quito

Quito is a cultured city with a wonderous Old Town, a dynamic nightlife and atmospheric streets showcasing Ecuadorian life in all its splendour.

Group Size

Maximum of 22 travellers per group

Accommodation

Bush camp (no facilities), Camping (with facilities), Guesthouse, Homestay, Hostel, Hotel, Lodge

Transport

Boat, Ferry, Jeep, Overland vehicle, Train

Important notes

Please note that this trip requires minimum numbers to depart, and may be cancelled up until 56 days prior to departure. The places showing on the dates and availability page are an indication only so please contact Intrepid to check if your preferred date will depart before making any final arrangements, such as booking non-changeable flights.