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Southern Cross Westbound - Rio to Lima image
Find trips›Argentina›Southern Cross Westbound - Rio to Lima
GOperated by G Adventures

Southern Cross Westbound - Rio to Lima

From
Price on request
Duration
39 days
Countries
Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil
Activity
active
Group size
Max 16

The adventure

From the sands of Copacabana to the heights of the Bolivian Andes, this incredible 39-day journey will introduce you to the diverse landscape and people of South America. Explore the wetlands of the Pantanal and the bizarre landscape of Salar de Uyuni, and revel in the mists of thundering Iguassu Falls. Gain greater insight into the culture on the region’s public buses and meet locals from the rural towns along the way for an immersive experience that few travellers have. Get off the beaten path and experience Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia — a vibrant cross-section of South America.

◆Arrive at any time.
◆In the morning, explore the favela with a local resident on a G Adventures-supported tour to watch a drumming demonstration, get a Capoeira lesson, and sample craft beers with a new perspective of the city. Enjoy a free afternoon to discover all that Rio has to offer.
◆Take a bus and ferry to Ilha Grande. Enjoy free time to explore this picturesque, laid-back island, opt to go on a hike to a nearby swimming hole or explore the many beaches.
◆Ilha Grande is a car-free island surrounded by beautiful nature. Opt to go for a hike, swim, or sit at one of the beach bars.
◆Travel up the coast to Paraty and wander the cobblestoned streets of this beautiful colonial town.
◆Enjoy a free day to explore Paraty. Optional activities include a Caipirinha boat trip, kayaking and horseback riding.
◆Continue to enjoy the slow pace of Paraty, a colonial town with fantastic architecture, or opt to take a day trip to Trindade to surf and relax on the beach.
◆Take a flight to the famous Iguassu Falls. Skip the 19 hour journey by land and hop a flight to Iguassu from São Paulo. Visit the Brazilian side of the falls to get the best panoramic view.
◆Experience Iguassu in Argentina by exploring trails and catwalks. Opt to take a boat tour to view the falls from below.
◆Embark on the long travel journey to Bonito.
◆Spend time in Bonito with optional activities available like snorkelling in the rivers or exploring the nearby caves and waterfalls.
◆Journey into the Pantanal, a perfect place to experience the wildlife of Brazil. Enjoy a 2-day excursion into the wetlands with a local guide.
◆Full day of exploring the Pantanal. Try piranha fishing or horseback riding. Opportunities to spot wildlife such as monkeys, macaws, giant otters and caiman.
◆Leave the Pantanal and head for the border. Board an overnight bus to Santa Cruz, Bolivia.
◆Hop on a flight to Bolivia's colonial gem, Sucre. Enjoy a few days in the city to recover from the journey from Brazil, opt to go hiking or take it easy.
◆Spend a few days exploring all that Sucre has to offer.
◆Enjoy free time to explore all that Sucre has to offer.
◆Enjoy free time to explore all that Sucre has to offer.
◆Journey from Sucre to Potosí. Spend the afternoon exploring the city.
◆Head south to Uyuni, the starting point for the salt flats excursion.
◆Enjoy a 3-day 4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert altiplano, with spectacular scenery.
◆Continue to discover the Salar de Uyuni on a 4x4 excursion. Last stop for the evening is a G Adventures-supported community lodge in a traditional agricultural village in the heart of a desert oasis.
◆Enjoy a final day of exploring the Salar de Uyuni before boarding an overnight bus back to La Paz .
◆Enjoy a free day in the capital, walk along the winding streets, shop in the markets and enjoy the nightlife. For the thrill seekers opt to bike the famous "death road".
◆Enjoy another free day to explore La Paz. Opt to visit Iglesia de San Francisco, Chacaltaya, the Valley of the Moon or the Witches' Market.
◆Today, visit the pre-Incan ruins of Tiahuanaco.
◆Travel by bus through the altiplano, crossing the border to the Peruvian city of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
◆Enjoy a guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a small village.
◆Visit the floating islands of Uros before returning to Puno. Opt to visit the Sillustani burial site.
◆Hop on the bus for a full day's drive to Cusco.
◆Enjoy a free day to explore the city's museums and local markets. Choose to pre-book the optional Cusco Cooking Class. Opt for a city tour to see some of the ruins as well.
◆Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Stop at the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, opt to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar).
◆Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the Inca Trail begins. Ease into the adventure with a straightforward day of hiking the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins.
◆Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.
◆Cross two more passes and ruins on today's trek. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
◆The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down for a guided tour of the ruins, before your train back towards Cusco.
◆Enjoy a free day to explore Cusco or relax. Active options include, horseback riding and mountain biking.
◆Fly to Lima. Opt for a city tour or wander the neighbourhood of Miraflores.
◆Depart at any time.

At a glance

Duration
39 days
Route
Rio de Janeiro → Lima
Countries
Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil
Activity level
active
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, Local Living & Homestays, Multi-Country / Grand Tour, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Max 16
Ages
12+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Southern Cross Westbound - Rio to Lima image

Day by day

Beautiful panoramic view of Bariloche's lake and mountain landscape with lush foliage.
Your journey through

Argentina, Bolivia & 2 more countries

Showing Days 1-7

39-day itinerary

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting.
There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting.
Day 2In the morning
In the morning, explore the favela with a local resident on a G Adventures-supported tour to watch a drumming demonstration, get a Capoeira lesson, and sample craft beers with a new perspective of the city. Enjoy a free afternoon to discover all that Rio has to offer.
Day 3Take a bus and ferry to Ilha Grande
Take a bus and ferry to Ilha Grande. Enjoy free time to explore this picturesque, laid-back island, opt to go on a hike to a nearby swimming hole or explore the many beaches.
Day 4Ilha Grande is a car-free island surrounded by…
Ilha Grande is a car-free island surrounded by beautiful nature. Opt to go for a hike, swim, or sit at one of the beach bars.
Day 5Travel up the coast to Paraty and wander…
Travel up the coast to Paraty and wander the cobblestoned streets of this beautiful colonial town.
Day 6Enjoy a free day to explore Paraty
Enjoy a free day to explore Paraty. Optional activities include a Caipirinha boat trip, kayaking and horseback riding.
Day 7Continue to enjoy the slow pace of Paraty
Continue to enjoy the slow pace of Paraty, a colonial town with fantastic architecture, or opt to take a day trip to Trindade to surf and relax on the beach.
1 / 6

Discover Argentina

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

A breathtaking view of the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina surrounded by rocky landscape and misty atmosphere.
Stunning view of snow-capped mountains and serene lake under a cloudy sky, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
Stunning view of Mendoza's rugged mountains with clear blue skies.
Vibrant panoramic view of multicolored mountains under a dramatic blue sky with clouds.
Expansive desert view with cacti under a dramatic sky in Salta, Argentina.
G
Operated by G Adventures

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