Best of South America

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.

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 head out for a final dinner with your group and raise a toast to your adventure.

Today is a free day until your next welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. With your free time, feel free to explore the side streets of La Paz, or alternatively, venture out of the city in search of crisp mountain air. You could hop on a local bus out to the extraordinary landscape of Moon Valley – this maze of canyons and colossal clay spires, make for staggering views. Alternatively, why not take a cable car to the Mercado de Hechiceria (Witches Market)? Though we can’t guarantee the potions, incantations and voodoo dolls will work their magic, the experience is fascinating, and the locals will be happy to tell you about their significance. 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 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 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 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.

Today is yours to explore Potosi at your leisure. If you’d like to learn more about the mines you visited yesterday, consider a tour that discusses the brief history of Cerro Rico. Another place of interest – the Santa Teresa Convent Museum. The convent was founded in 1685 and still houses a small community of Carmelite nuns. You can observe art and treasures inside the convent’s original walls, including a Madonna by Castilian sculptor Alonso Cano.

Prepare for a long travel day as you cross the border into Argentina. Set off at 6 am from Uyuni town to La Quiaca. Arrive around 1.30 pm, then cross into Argentina on foot before jumping in a taxi to the bus station. You’ll have a chance to stop briefly for lunch before the next bus to Tilcara, arriving at approximately 6 pm. The rest of the evening is free, 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. You’ll spend the next day exploring this city’s fiery Latin passion, European architecture and superb cuisine.

This morning, set out on an orientation walk with your trip leader around the centre of Buenos Aires. The afternoon is then free to choose your own adventure – maybe 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 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. Perhaps visit La Boca – home to the colourful Caminito artists’ street and world-renowned soccer team, the 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!

Today have a free day at leisure, there are so many things to see and do in Buenos Aires, it’s simply a matter of trying to fit it all in! You'll have another welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to prepare for the rest of your adventure.

This morning begins with an orientation walk around Buenos Aires’ Microcentro district Pass by historic buildings along the Avenida de Mayo, including the Casa Rosada (Argentina’s government house), explore antiques markets in the picturesque San Telmo area and perhaps have a coffee in the famous Cafe Tortoni. This afternoon is yours to explore Buenos Aires. Perhaps you’ll kick things off in La Boca, where you can visit iconic Caminito Street, which gives the neighbourhood its distinctive spirit. Then maybe continue towards Retiro and Recoleta, famously known as the ‘Paris of South America’ for their opulent architecture, grand palaces and tree-lined boulevards. La Recoleta Cemetery is worth a stop for its ornate mausoleums – Eva Peron’s grave is located here. This evening, maybe head to a tango show for your new travel pals.

Today, jump on a ferry to cross the Rio de la Plata (River Plate) to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. When you arrive, enjoy some time on your own 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 – still in operation today.

Today make your way by public transport to an estancia near Tacuarembo where you’ll meet your hosts – they’ll take great care of you for the next couple of days. Tonight, enjoy the warm hospitality and the rural setting rich in history, culture and gaucho traditions.

Spend the day taking in the gorgeous views across the estancia. You can head out on a horse ride to explore your surroundings or help your host with the roundup of the cows and sheep. 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.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your hosts and travel to the Uruguay-Argentinian border. Cross the border to Argentina, then prepare for an overnight public bus ride 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. Now, you can stretch your legs and take in the mighty Iguazu Falls! After 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 2 km (1.2 mi) long, Iguazu Falls are made up of over 270 separate cascades, with some reaching up to 80 m (262.4 ft) 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 football 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 – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Bem-vindo! Welcome to Brazil. Your experience begins at 1 pm today with an optional leader-led orientation walk around Rio. In the evening, there will be an important meeting at 6 pm where you’ll talk through the details of your Brazilian adventure. Rio locals like to say that 'God made the world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio'. In this heaving metropolis, set against Guanabara Bay and surrounded by the slopes of Sugarloaf and Corcovado, it's hard not to be caught up in the passion of the city's residents, known as Cariocas. Known for both the glitz and glamour of Carnaval and the contrasting image of the favelas, Rio is a fascinating and diverse centre of all things colour. Tonight, after your briefing, why not keep the introductions going with an optional welcome dinner with your group.

This morning, travel from Rio to Paraty (approximately 4 .5 hours via public bus). The remainder of today and rest of tomorrow are yours to explore Paraty. Admire the architecture as you wander along the town’s cobbled, pedestrian-only streets, which become partly covered in seawater at high tide. You might prefer to explore the rainforest trails in the surrounding national park, which is rich in wildlife and waterfalls. Otherwise, a boat trip on the island-studded bay for scenic views along the coast could be on the cards, or join an excursion to the nearby village of Trindade, which boasts some of Brazil’s best beaches. The best thing is you get to decide.

Paraty

Today, jump on a shared transfer to Angra followed by a ferry to the island getaway of Ilha Grande, taking approximately 5 hours, in total. This paradise of pristine beaches and rainforest has been largely untouched by development. Previously a pirate's lair, a quarantine hospital and a prison for violent criminals, the island has a fascinating history to uncover. The ruins of the prison can still be seen today. Once you’ve arrived and got your bearings, perhaps head to dinner, your leader will have some great recommendations.

Rise and shine in paradise, ready to enjoy two full free days exploring Ilha Grande. Wander along rainforest trails to beautiful and remote beaches – Lopes Mendes and Aventureiro Beach are two of the best. You could book yourself in on an optional boat trip out to the Blue Lagoon, beach-hopping through Ilha Grande Bay along the way. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for fresh seafood, and to swim and snorkel in the clear water. Or just plonk yourself on the beach with a good book and laze the day away. In the evening, why not meet up with some of your travel pals and relax with a caipirinha at a restaurant or bar in Vila do Abraao – the island’s main town.

Ilha Grande