Border information: if you are joining in Rio de Janeiro, you will most likely enter Brazil at Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport (IATA code: RIO/GIG).Welcome to the iconic Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro! There will be an important group meeting at 6:00pm at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting.Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Rio de Janeiro before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Rio de Janeiro.In Rio de Janeiro we will stay in a great hotel in the Flamengo district, close to the beach and the metro station.
Today our journey begins with a short drive to the colonial town of Paraty on the Emerald Coast of the Atlantic!
Today we will have an included boat trip around the incredible islands and beaches off the emerald coast.
Today we will have free time to explore the town, take a historical tour, walk along the stunning scenery of the coastline, head out snorkelling or diving, or simply relax on the idyllic beaches.
Today we will drive to the remote town of Brotas in southeastern Brazil. From our campsite here it's possible to take part in a whole host of water activities such as rafting.
Today we will have a free day to take part in adventure activities such as white water rafting and canyoning, or maybe just to relax by the pool.
Today we will start driving west towards the Southern Pantanal, and stay in a local Pousada close to the city of Campo Grande.
Today we have an early start to meet our guide in Campo Grande, and then drive on to Brazil's amazing Southern Pantanal region, where we have a visit a local eco-tourism ranch (or 'fazenda').
At the Fazenda we have a wonderful package of included activities such as exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside on horseback, trips down the wildlife-abundant rivers in boats and canoes, and safaris on the ranch's trucks and on foot where we hope to spot capybaras, caimans, and (if we are very lucky) jaguars and ocelots. Our stay here is an incredible highlight!In the Southern Pantanal we will stay in dorm accommodation in a well equipped lodge with all the meals and activities included.
After our morning activities and one final lunch in our beautiful ranch, it is time to leave the Pantanal and drive to the Brazilian eco-tourism capital of Bonito.In Bonito we will camp in the grounds of an excellent hostel with a pool and good facilities.
Take part in a plethora of incredible optional activities here. You could go out on a world-class snorkelling trip, explore the nearby caves, or go abseiling down some of the largest waterfalls in the area, among many other possibilities!
Enjoy another day in Bonito to relax or take part in activities.
Today we have a full drive day south to the city of Foz do Iguacu.
Today we will visit the Brazilian side of Iguacu Falls, to get some incredible panoramic vistas of the mighty waterfalls. There is also time to visit the bird park, take a helicopter ride over the falls, see the incredible Itaipu Dam, or quickly stop into Paraguay to pick up some bargains in the nearby Ciudad del Este.
Today we will take a day trip back into Argentina to see the incredible Iguazu Falls from the other side. This is well worth doing as the views are even more spectacular, and you'll be able to look right down into the mighty Garganta del Diablo (the largest waterfall here) from a gantry walkway viewing point). We will have a full day at the Argentine side of the falls, allowing us lots of time to freely explore the site, hike some nature trails, or perhaps take an exhilarating (and very wet) boat ride!We will return to our base in Foz do Iguacu tonight.
Border information: Exit Brazil at Tancredo Neves, enter Argentina at Tancredo Neves.Today we cross the border into Argentina, and aim to reach the beautiful village of Yapeyú on the banks of the River Uruguay. Yapeyú is very famous amongst Argentines for being the birthplace of their national hero General Jose de San Martin, one of the liberators of South America from Spanish colonial rule.
Today we have a full day drive north though the provinces of Corrientes and Entre Rios to Buenos Aires, the wonderful capital of Argentina!
Today will be a free day to explore the incredible city, soak up the atmosphere of its streets, and discover its amazing culture, art, and music.
Border information: if you are joining in Buenos Aires, you will most likely enter Argentina at Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also commonly known as Ezeiza Airport (IATA code: BUE/EZE).Welcome to Buenos Aires, the wonderful capital of Argentina! There will be an important group meeting at 6:00pm at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting.Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Buenos Aires before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Buenos Aires.
Today we have a free day to enjoy the sights of Buenos Aires, soak up the atmosphere of its streets, and discover its amazing culture, art, and music.
Today we will have a full day drive to the lively university city of Córdoba.
Today we will have a free morning to explore Córdoba, before driving to a unique Anglo-Argentine Estancia after lunch, where we will stay for 3 nights.During our time at the Estancia, we will head out horseback riding, taste the excellent wines produced by their vineyards, be entertained by a local musician, learn some of the skills of the gauchos, and enjoy a traditional asado (Argentine BBQ). This is a magical experience in a beautiful and atmospheric location, and many people's highlight of the trip!Please note that some of these activities are subject to weather conditions. Please also note that there is a strict weight limit of 15 stone (210lbs) or 95kg to partake in the horse riding - if you should weigh more than this, then unfortunately you will not be able to participate in the horseback riding.At the Estancia we will camp with facilities in the grounds near the main house.
Full day at the Estancia.
Full day at the Estancia.
Today we will drive north across the lush flat pampas and start climbing into the drier mountains, stopping near the town of Tafí del Valle, near the ancient ruins of the indigenous city of Quilmes.
Today we will have an included visit to the Quilmes Ruins en route, then arrive in the serene town of Cafayate. This small, unassuming town is the centre of one of Argentina's principal wine producing regions, famous for the quality of its Torrentes and Tannat wines! We will have the opportunity to go to a few of the vineyards nearby to see how the wine is made, and of course to try them!
Today we will drive through the spectacular rock formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas, and reach our campsite in Cabra Corral, a small village south of Salta where we have the opportunity to go rafting or zip-lining!
Today we will have a short drive to the beautiful town of Salta, with a free afternoon to explore upon arrival.
Today we will have a free day to explore the town of Salta, visit its many museums, or explore the beautiful surrounding hills on foot or by mountain bike. We will also have the chance to take the cable car to the viewpoint on San Bernardo Hill overlooking the town.
Today we will have some more free time in Salta before heading up to the small village of Purmamarca, at the base of the aptly-named 'Hill of the Seven Colours'In Purmamarca we will camp at a local campsite.Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
Border information: Exit Argentina and enter Chile at Paso Jama.Today we will have a long drive day to cross the mighty Andes, cross the border into Chile, and then descend all the way into the Atacama desert.
Today we have a free day to explore the incredible highlights of the Atacama desert surrounding San Pedro. In the evening we will take an included trip out to the extraordinary Moon Valley, where we will hopefully see an incredible sunset. At night we will also have the chance to go stargazing, in one of the world's premier regions for astronomy (please note that this is only possible when there is not a full moon).
We will depart San Pedro de Atacama early today to drive to the world's highest Geyser field, at 4300m above sea level, the El Tatio Geysers are an impressive sight first thing in the morning. After time to explore, we will continue our journey into the Reserva Nacional Alto Loa, we will have plenty of opportunities for photographs along the way on this scenic drive.Please note: The weather in this region can be unpredictable and has been known to close the road to the border. On these occasions we will take an alternate route across the Altiplano, crossing into either Chile or Argentina at a different border point. Your Tour Leaders will keep you informed of any changes that may be necessary
Border information: Exit Chile and enter Bolivia at OllagueAfter breakfast we will break camp and cross the border into Bolivia. We will take our time to enjoy the views on the way to the town of Uyuni, the gateway to the incredible salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni.
Today we will venture out onto the salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni, spending a full day exploring this phenomenal location by jeep and on foot. En route we will explore the nearby train graveyard and the cactus-filled 'Fish Island', and take all the time we need to get plenty of perspective-bending photographs!
Today we will head to the colonial mining town of Potosí, the highest town in the world, and once famous for the area's abundance of silver!This afternoon there will be a chance to visit the infamous silver mines of Cerro Rico near to the town.
Today we will drive north to La Paz, Bolivia's seat of government and the highest administrative capital in the world!On the following day we will have a free day to independently explore the fascinating city and take part in some optional activities.
Today we have a free day to independently explore the fascinating city and take part in some optional activities
Border information: if you are finishing in La Paz, you will most likely exit Bolivia at La Paz El Alto International Airport (IATA code: LPB).Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in La Paz. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities on offer.
