Lima to Ushuaia

Get acquainted with Lima, Peru's modern capital. There's plenty to see in this bustling city, from colonial mansions to vibrant plazas, fine museums and ornate churches.

Leave the city behind and travel south along the coast of Peru. Pitch a tent in Paracas, which spans over 335,000 hectares and is one of the world's most important marine reserves. Take a walk along the coastline and spot the vibrant birdlife Paracas is famous for.

Spot penguins, sea lions and boobies during a boat tour through the Ballestas Islands. Learn about the mysterious sand images on a Nazca Lines tour and perhaps take an overhead flight to fully appreciate the scale of this puzzling creation.

The windswept graves at the Chauchilla Cemetery display the eerie skeletons and mummified bodies of the Nazca people, some of which date from 1,000 AD. Camp overnight near Puerto Inca.

Explore the scenic city of Arequipa and perhaps stop by the Museo Santury to view Juanita, the ice princess. The body of this frozen Inca maiden is thought to be more than 500 years old, and was found at a sacrificial site on the summit of Nevado Ampato.

Try to spot the mighty Andean condors as they silently take to the sky thousands of metres above the floor of the breathtaking Colca Canyon.

Get to know a local family as guests at a homestay in Raqchi. Spend the evening huddled around a crackling fire, sharing a meal, and discovering traditional Peruvian song and dance.

Arrive in the city set high city in the mountains of Peru, Cuzco. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with massive Inca stone walls and Spanish-colonial architecture. Perhaps enjoy a traditional dance performance or sign up for one of the many adventure activities on offer in Cuzco, including quad-biking and whitewater rafting.

Relax amid the quaint cafes and cobblestone streets of Cuzco and take time to acclimatise to the soaring 3,400m altitude.

Follow ancient footpaths through the Andes on a four-day alternative Inca trail trek that winds through traditional Quechua communities. Pass soaring mountain peaks, trek amid grazing herds of llamas and camp beside ancient forests. Meet the locals and discover lesser-known Inca pathways before descending into the Sacred Valley to explore the massive Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo.

Rise early to discover the ruins of Machu Picchu bathed in the golden morning light. Spend a memorable day in the 'lost Inca city', perhaps hiking to the Sun Gate for the breathtaking views. For those wishing to unwind post-trek, seek out bustling markets and cosmopolitan Cuzco cafes.

Spot the ancient funerary towers of Sillustani rising from the windswept antiplano. Spend the night in Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Sailing across the glassy surface of Lake Titicaca is a memorable experience. Hike around the car-free Island of the Sun and discover its scenic heart. This island is widely believed to be the birthplace of Inca culture - there are plenty of ancient ruins and traditional villages to explore here.

Arrive in La Paz and set off on foot to explore the myriad of winding streets. La Paz is a colourful, enigmatic city, packed full of markets, restaurants and cultural attractions. Why not stay a few extra days to explore it.

Adjust and acclimatise to one of Latin America's highest cities, browsing the bustling Witches' Markets, visiting the stimulating Coca Museum, or hitting the greens for a 12-hole round with a truly staggering backdrop.

Soak up the barren but impressive Andean landscapes en route to Bolivia's colonial mining town, Potosi. An optional tour of a working mine provides a fascinating, if somewhat hair-raising, insight into life in the region.

Gaze in awe at the seemingly endless expanse of Bolivia's largest salt flats before admiring the remarkable red waters of Laguna Colorada.

Journey towards the Argentine border, camping among scenery as spectacular as it is sparse.

Visit the extraordinary Moon Valley, home to stunning sunsets, other-worldly rock formations and awesome stargazing opportunities. Stay in the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, where low-lying buildings hug narrow streets, surrounded on all sides by the huge dunes and salt-lake lagoons of the world's driest desert.

Settle in to the laidback atmosphere of Salta, Argentina's elegant colonial city. Relax in the main plaza, discover the pumping nightlife, or head out of town to Quebrada de Humahuaca – a narrow valley flanked by spectacularly colourful mountains and giant cacti clusters.

Learn about Argentina's wine production on a guided vineyard tour, perhaps taking the opportunity to sample some renowned regional blends.

Stop by the Quilmes ruins, ancient homes of a tribe that resisted the Incas, and even the Spanish, over the centuries. In its heyday, the city would have housed almost 5,000 people.

Experience Argentine hospitality while staying on a working cattle ranch. Perhaps explore the Pampas on horseback before savouring the mouth-watering aromas and succulent flavours of a traditional barbecue.

Traverse the steep peaks and winding passes of the Andes on the road to Mendoza. Visit the city's local art galleries, take to the rapids for some whitewater rafting and – come evening – steam it up in the buzzing local nightlife.

Arrive in Chile's cosmopolitan capital, Santiago, and perhaps get a bird's-eye view of the city on a cable car ride up Cerro San Cristobal. To top off this unforgettable Latin American adventure, why not gather the troops for a final dinner in the kooky Barrio Bellavista quarter.

Discover the cosmopolitan streets of Santiago, Chile's vibrant capital.

Travel down the spine of the Andes, through the heart of Chilean wine country.

Opt to climb the nearby volcano of Villarrica or relax in the thermal springs around Pucon.

Perhaps explore the scenery around the resort town of Bariloche on horseback or mountain bike, or just stay in town and sample some of the region's delicious chocolate.

Today we cross back into Chile and drive to Futaleufu. From this point we will join the famous Carretera Austral, probably one of the most stunning roads in South America.

Today we leave Futalefu and drive through the Chilean Fjords to Queluat National Park.

Today is another drive day through magnificient scenery. In Cerro Castillo we stay the night in a lovely family run campsite.

Today we cross into Argentina and continue our journey south on the famous Ruta 40 (Route 40)

Arrive in Los Glaciares National Park. Trek over glaciers, admire stunning views of mountain ranges or take a boat trip on Viedma Lake.

Two days to enjoy the stunning Los Glaciares National Park and Fitzroy National Park where lots of treks are available.

Listen to the moan of the advancing glacial ice and watch as huge chunks break off Perito Moreno Glacier and collapse into the channel below.

Spend four days exploring the rugged Torres del Paine National Park, punctuated by granite cliffs and home to guanacos and flightless rhea birds.

During the next few days you will get to walk part of the famous W-walk circuit with a local guide. You can also complete the full trek if you have pre-booked this option.

Base package group: If you have not opted for the optional 2 day W-walk extension package, this orning will be free time around Paine Grande.

Base package group: Today is free for those that have not booked the W-walk optional 2 day extension package. There are many other optional activities available near our campsite, or maybe take a day to relax and just enjoy the spectacular views from the campsite.

Today is our last full day in this beautiful National Park.

Travel to the end of the world and enter the wilds of Tierra del Fuego.

End this epic South American adventure at the world's southernmost town, Ushuaia, set between the Beagle Channel and looming glacial peaks.

The trip ends this morning. No accommodation is provided for tonight.