Description

Experience the ultimate American adventure on this trip from Ushuaia to Anchorage, taking in the best sights, sounds and smells of the continent along the way. Journeying from Argentina’s southernmost city of the world right up to Alaska, this 207-day adventure is nothing short of epic. Witness the incredible scenery in South America, including the stunning Torres del Paine National Park, the Perito Moreno and Colgante glaciers, the Fitzroy Range and the world-renowned salt flats of Salar de Uyuni. As if all of that spectacular scenery wasn’t enough, there’s also the many charming South and Central American cities and towns to become acquainted with. Travel through ancient Mayan worlds and colourful Mexican cities before heading into the Uncle Sam’s backyard – the mighty USA. After being greeted by the Grand Canyon, you’ll travel on through destinations such as Las Vegas, Monument Valley, Salt Lake City, Yellowstone National Park, Banff and Canada’s Rocky Mountain, before ending up in the Alaskan city of Anchorage. From magnificent mountains and the bright lights of heaving cities to lost civilisations and remote Caribbean islands, this comprehensive trip up the spine of the Americas a truly grand adventure.

Highlights

• Sip local wine and go whitewater rafting in Argentina.

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.

Day 84 Otavalo

Cross the equator before browsing through the array of bright textiles and colourful crafts available at the famous markets of Otavalo.

Day 85 Ipiales

Cross into Columbia to the town of Ipiales. Visit the mind-blowing Santuario La Lajas, a neo-Gothic cathedral built on the outskirts of the town.

Day 86 Popayan

Discover the old town of Popayan and take a day trip to admire the spectacular volcanic landscapes of the Purace National Park.

Days 87-88 Cali

Visit Cali, a culturally diverse town, famous for its lively nightlife.

Days 89-91 Manizales

Head to Manizales for a three-night stay at a hacienda.

Days 92-94 Guatapé

Stay by the lake at the quaint town of Guatape. Bargain at the stalls on the board walk and climb El Penon de Guatape, the famous granite monolith that give stunning views of the natural surrounds.

Days 95-96 Medellin

Travel to Medellin and explore the streets of this city, which has played a pivotal role in recent Colombian history. In free time, why not take a day trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia to admire its colonial architecture.

Days 97-98 Covenas/San Bernardo Islands

Travel to Covenas on the Morrosquillo gulf and visit the ten islands of San Bernado. A myriad of wildlife species traverse the varying landscapes of stunning beaches, marshes and mangroves.

Days 99-101 Cartagena

Wander around beautiful Cartagena on a guided city tour. Discover Cartagena's old town, an exceptionally well preserved area full of cobblestone laneways, charming buildings and busy cafes. Experience the therapeutic effects of a mud bath on an optional visit to a bubbling mud volcano.

Day 102 Panama City

Check out the famous Panama Canal and discover Panama City's old and new sections, both with more culture than you can shake a stick at.

Day 103 Santa Clara

Paddle in the Pacific Ocean at Santa Clara beach, enjoying a night under the stars in Panama.

Days 104-105 Chiriqui

Get an adrenaline fix in Panama's 'wonderland', Chiriqui - famed for its rafting, hiking and Volcan Baru, the highest point in the country.

Days 106-107 Manuel Antonio National Park

Leave Panama and cross into enchanting Costa Rica. Stay in the luscious Manuel Antonio National Park and embark on jungle walks.

Day 108 San Jose

Visit San Jose, Costa Rica's capital city, and have stacks of time to wander the streets and experience local life.

Days 109-110 Monteverde

Come to grips with the mind-boggling range of flora and fauna in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Days 111-112 La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano National Park

Witness the majestic lava flow of Arenal Volcano glowing in the night, and be tempted by an optional visit to the thermal pools.

Days 113-114 Ometepe Island

Get used to the pace of island life on magical Ometepe Island, home to two imposing volcanoes and a host of diverse ecosystems.

Day 115 Granada

Be wooed by the colonial charms of Granada, Nicaragua's oldest city.

Day 116 Masaya National Park

Whether visiting the market or exploring the volcano, there's plenty to do in this stunning national park.

Day 117 Leon

Explore the fascinating university town of Leon. With its colonial architecture clashing with graffiti and political emblems, this is a real culture hotspot.

Day 118 Lake Yojoa

Pass into Honduras and camp by the tranquil waters of Lake Yojoa.

Days 119-121 Roatan Island

Kick back in a posada on this Caribbean Island paradise. Laze on the beach, swim in turquoise waters, or chat to locals in one of the many bars and restaurants.

Days 122-123 Copan

Weave through the astonishing Mayan ruins of Copan.

Day 124 Suchitoto

Stroll the cobblestone streets of Suchitoto and observe the abundance of gorgeous whitewashed houses.

Day 125 Cerro Verde National Park

Absorb intoxicating views of the surrounding volcanic countryside from the grounds of Cerro Verde National Park.

Days 126-127 El Imposible National Park

Glimpse diverse flora and fauna in El Imposible National Park, keeping an eye out for pumas, tigrillos and black-crested eagles.

Days 128-129 Antigua

Cross the border into Guatemala and stay in the gorgeous colonial city of Antigua.

Days 130-132 Panajachel/Lake Atitlan/Chichicastenango

Unwind on the shores of picturesque Lake Atitlan, and visit villages around the lake on an optional boat ride. Visit renowned and colourful Chichicastenango market and drop some pennies on local goods and produce.

Day 133 San Andres Itzapa

Perhaps visit the Totonicapan market before travelling to San Andres Itzapa where we stay at a community centre helping victims of domestic abuse.

Day 134 Livingston

Drive to Rio Dulce then board a boat and meander down the river, through dense jungle, to Livingston, located on the Caribbean coast.

Days 135-136 Poptun

Stay on a working farm and experience a piece of local life in this small Guatemalan town.

Day 137 Tikal

Discover the incredible Mayan ruins of Tikal, hiding among jungle vines.

Days 138-139 San Ignacio

Travel into Belize to San Ignacio, which is a beautiful town that offers plenty of optional adventure activities, including canoeing and mountain-biking.

Days 140-142 Caye Caulker

Travel to Belize City then board a boat to Caye Caulker. Relax in the sun and frolic on the beach on this Caribbean island - this slice of paradise is one of Belize's most beautiful places.

Days 143-144 Tulum

Sleep under the stars on a remote beach on the Caribbean coastline. Fill the days with relaxing and swimming, and have enough time left over to visit the cliff-top Maya-Toltec ruins at Tulum.

Day 145 Chichen Itza

A guided tour of Chichen Itza - one of the most spectacular Mayan sites in the area - will reveal the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 146 Merida

Soak up the colonial, artistic vibe of Merida, the capital of the Yucatan state, and make the most of the ample nightlife.

Days 147-148 Palenque

There are lovely waterfalls to be viewed in Palenque, but even they pale in comparison to the sheer wow-factor of the famed ruined city.

Day 149 Yaxchilan

Marvel at the awe-inspiring Mayan ruins at Yaxchilan and the impressive murals at Bonampak.

Days 150-152 San Cristobal De Las Casas

Admire brightly painted buildings while traipsing through the cobbled streets of charismatic San Cristobal de las Casas, and cruise along the stunning Sumidero Canyon.

Days 153-154 Oaxaca

Wander the streets of this lovely, laidback colonial city, before heading off to explore the Zapotec remains at Monte Alban.

Days 155-156 Mexico

One of the world's busiest and most populated cities, Mexico City is a wealth of culture and history. Explore museums, ruins and art galleries by day, and buzzing restaurants and bars by night.

Day 157 Patzcuaro

Make the most of the relaxing atmosphere of the small colonial town of Patzcuaro.

Days 158-159 Angahuan

Visit the gateway to the Paricutin volcano, and perhaps choose to do an optional climb or trek around the volcano.

Day 160 Tequila

A guided tour of the Jose Cuerva tequila distillery presents the ideal opportunity to get absolutely educated on this ancient tipple.

Days 161-162 Sayulita

Visit the surfing town of Sayulita, where surfing is optional, but enjoying the chilled-out beach life is not!

Day 163 Los Mochis

Make tracks to the coastal town of Los Mochis and perhaps rejuvenate with a last Mexican feast.

Day 164 Tombstone

Say 'adios' to Mexico and Central America and 'hello' to the USA. Spend the night in the wild-west town of Tombstone, a place steeped in history.

Days 165-166 Grand Canyon National Park

Stand in awe at the mind-blowing Grand Canyon, where there is time a plenty for optional treks and flights.

Days 167-168 Las Vegas

Switch gear in the bright and raucous city of Las Vegas. Enjoy casinos, star-studded shows and people-watching galore in 'Sin City'.

Day 169 Zion National Park

Stop at Hoover Dam then head into Zion National Park. This remarkable park is a playground for adventurous types. Why not go river-tubing, canyoning, or hiking.

Day 170 Bryce Canyon National Park

Visit Bryce Canyon and camp overnight in a lovely spot in Kodachrome Basin State Park.

Day 171 Lake Powell

Head to Lake Powell in Arizona, which is a haven for water sports or great for just relaxing in one of the many sandstone coves.

Day 172 Monument Valley

Journey through the surreal landscapes of Monument Valley, a United States icon and the film set for countless movies.

Days 173-175 Moab/Arches National Park/Canyonlands National Park

Discover bizarre rock formations, contrasting colours and countless canyons in Moab's two famous national parks - Arches and Canyonlands.

Day 176 Salt Lake City

Get educated on the origins of the Mormon culture while staying in Salt Lake City.

Days 177-178 Jackson Hole/Grand Teton National Park

Staying in nearby Jackson means Grand Teton National Park is well within reach, and presents the ideal spot for hiking and checking out a rodeo.

Days 179-181 Yellowstone National Park/Gardiner

Experience the power of Old Faithful and other geysers while staying near Yellowstone National Park.

Days 182-183 Glacier National Park

Go hiking in spectacular Glacier National Park, and pay a visit to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Days 184-186 Banff National Park

Be entranced by the intense blue of Banff National Park's Lake Louise, bordered by green pines that grow right up to the shoreline and gunmetal grey mountains striped with snow.

Days 187-188 Jasper National Park

Camp in breathtaking Jasper, and behold the nearby Athabasca Falls - a magnificent sight.

Day 189 Hazelton

Leave the Rocky Mountains behind and stay near Hazelton, making a visit to the 'Ksan Indian Village.

Days 190-191 Hyder

Discover Misty Fjords National Park and keep an eye out for bears roaming among the amazing scenery.

Day 192 Cotton Lake

Cross back into Canada and camp by lovely Cotton Lake.

Day 193 Whitehorse

Head to the capital of the Yukon Territory, Whitehorse, and perhaps enjoy the warmth of the Takhini Hot Springs.

Days 194-195 Dawson

Journey into Canada's Klondike region and spend some time in Dawson, a city that offers an abundance of real out-west experiences!

Day 196 Tok

A scenic drive winds up in Tok, a major centre for dog-sledding.

Days 197-198 McCarthy/Wrangell-St Elias National Park

Visit the largest national park in the USA and perhaps choose to hike, go on a glacier walk, and ice-climb.

Days 199-200 Maclaren

Enjoy plenty of time to revel in the heavenly Alaskan wilderness.

Days 201-202 Denali National Park

Try to spot grizzlies, bull moose and an array of other amazing wildlife in the sublime surrounds of Denali National Park. Camp in the shadow of impressive Mount McKinley.

Days 204-205 Seward/Kenai Fjords National Park

Savour the sound of cracking ice at stunning Portage Glacier.

Day 206-207 Anchorage

End this epic adventure in Anchorage, Alaska's gateway to the state's vast wilderness.

Group Size

Maximum of 22 travellers per group

Accommodation

Bush camp (no facilities), Cabin, Camping (with basic facilities), Camping (with facilities), Guesthouse, Hogan, 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.