Amazing South America

All content by Intrepid

61 days (ex Quito)

Destinations visited: Peru, Machu Picchu, Ecuador, Quito, Brazil, Bolivia, Rio De Janeiro, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$6,475

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Description

Visit South America and travel through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil. Prepare for the ultimate adventure packed full of cosmopolitan capitals and breathtaking beauty on this journey from captivating Quito to vibrant Rio de Janeiro. Travel through Ecuador's volcanic landscapes, the lush Amazon rainforest, Peru's desert coast, the vast landscapes of Bolivia and the wilds of Brazil. Hike the Inca Trail, get to know the locals at a homestay on Lake Titicaca, sleep out on the eerie Uyuni salt flats, spot rare wildlife in the Pantanal and stare in awe at the mighty Iguazu Falls. With plenty of free time and a do-it-yourself approach, this adventure is the perfect trip through the highlights of South America.

Highlights

Wander Ecuador's colonial streets in Quito.
Unravel the mystery of Peru's ancient Nazca Lines.
Hike the historic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Bargain at Bolivia's colourful markets in La Paz.
Admire the serene whitewashed city of Sucre.
Adventure into Brazil's Pantanal Wetlands.
Spot toucans flying over Iguazu Falls.
Relax on the shores of Ilha Grande.
Dance the samba in Rio de Janeiro.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Quito

Surrounded by volcanoes, Quito is an impressive sight.

Days 3-4 Amazon Jungle

Encounter exotic flora and fauna on an adventure into the heart of the Amazon. Walk through the jungle, swim beneath crystal clear waterfalls and visit a Quichua family to learn about life in this fascinating region.

Days 5-7 Banos

Enjoy the volcanic landscapes on foot, by bike, by horse or from the warm waters of Banos' famous hot springs.

Days 8-9 Cuenca

Stroll the narrow cobblestone streets of this World Heritage listed city and chill out in a shady plaza. Take the opportunity to visit El Cajas National Park with its cloud forest, rocky lunar landscapes and more than 200 lakes.

Days 10-11 Mancora

Cross the border into Peru. In chilled Mancora, try surfing or simply relax on the beach eating a Peruvian ceviche.

Day 12-13 Huanchaco

Witness the famed 'surfing' fishermen of Huanchaco. Explore historical Trujillo and visit the fascinating archaeological site of Huaca del Sol y la Luna.

Days 14-15 Lima

Discover the heart of Spanish colonial America in Peru's 'City of Kings'. Walk along the shoreline at Miraflores and visit the Monastery of San Francisco to see the distinctly Peruvian canvas of the Last Supper - complete with disciples dining on guinea pig.

Day 16 Pisco

Head down the coast to Pisco and sample Peru's national drink, the Pisco sour.

Days 17-18 Nazca

Take an optional visit to the Ballestas Islands then visit the Huacachina Oasis where you can try sandboarding. Continue onto the Nazca desert to explore one of the world's most mysterious archaeological sites.

Days 19-22 Arequipa/Colca Canyon

Travel to Arequipa, resting at the foot of El Misti Volcano. From here, travel to Chivay to explore the Colca Canyon and spot Andean condors, the world's largest birds.

Days 23-24 Cuzco/Sacred Valley/Ollantaytambo

Discover the heart and soul of Peru in colonial Cuzco. Browse San Pedro market then travel through the Sacred Valley, visiting a local community before spending the night in Ollantaytambo.

Days 25-28 Inca Trail/Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Trek the spectacular Inca Trail along high plateaus, past ancient ruins and through lush cloud forests; the view of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate is a great sight at the end of this challenging trek

Day 29 Cuzco

Chill out during a wander of Cuzco's cobblestone streets or enjoy some of the many adventure sports on offer.

Days 30-32 Puno/Lake Titicaca

Travel to Puno, on the shores of the world's highest navigable lake. Visit the Uros floating islands, make new friends during an unforgettable homestay and pick up some unique souvenirs on Taquile Island, where knitting is strictly a male domain.

Day 33 Copacabana

Cross the border into Bolivia. With luck, witness the spectacle of locals taking their confetti-covered cars and trucks to be blessed at the Copacabana Church.

Days 34-38 La Paz

Take an orientation walking tour of La Paz and browse the weird and wonderful stalls at the Witches' Market.

Days 39-41 Salar de Uyuni

Explore the surreal landscapes, multicoloured lakes, smouldering volcanoes and cacti-studded islands of Salar de Uyuni.

Days 42-43 Potosi

Visit Potosi and for a truly eye-opening experience, why not descend deep into the mines of Cerro Rico to learn about life in one of the tin mines.

Days 44-45 Sucre

Admire the wealth of whitewashed architecture in colonial Sucre or ride the 'dino bus' to Cal Orcko to see 60 million-year-old dinosaur tracks.

Days 46-47 Santa Cruz

Travel to Bolivia's lowlands and discover Santa Cruz, the country's agricultural capital. The markets here sell everything from coca leaf and armadillo meat to love potions and talismans.

Days 48-49 Pantanal

Cross the border into Brazil and surround yourself with the abundant wildlife of the Pantanal, the world's largest wetland.

Days 50-52 Bonito

Find a piece of aquatic paradise among the natural swimming holes teeming with fish and caves dripping with amazing stalactite formations.

Days 53-54 Foz do Iguazu

With two free days, take an optional visit to admire the thundering Iguazu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides.

Days 55-56 Paraty

While away your free time in this World Heritage listed town by exploring the beaches, walking trails and waterfalls of the surrounding national parks.

Days 57-59 IIha Grande

Kick back on the white sand shores of Ilha Grande and maybe take a walk along the forested trails to find Brazil's best beach.

Days 60-61 Rio de Janeiro

Filled with colour, music and the sounds of samba, Rio de Janeiro is a captivating end to this odyssey. Party in Lapa, see sunset from Sugarloaf or seek out a jazz bar to celebrate the end of the adventure over an icy caipirinha.

Group Size

Maximum of 16 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (43 nts), Overnight bus (5 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (5 nts), Jungle Lodge (2 nts), Guesthouse (2 nts), Overnight seated train (2 nts), Homestay (1 nt)

Transport

Bus, Canoe, Van, Overnight bus, Boat, Ferry, Overnight seated train, 4x4, Plane

Budget

Allow USD $1,000 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$6,475

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