South American Explorer

83 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
Get ready for the ultimate South American adventure on this journey from the Andean heights of Ecuador through Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay until finally arriving in the vibrancy of Brazil. Explore the Amazon Jungle, trek the Inca Trail, take a 4x4 through the Salar de Uyuni, enjoy a hacienda homestay and visit Foz do Iguacu, the gateway to the...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Travel to the heart of the Amazon
    • Reach dizzying heights on the Inca Trail
    • Navigate Peru and Bolivia's high waters across Lake Titicaca
    • Visit Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni
    • Unwind in Argentina's Lake District
    • Visit Argentina and tango in Buenos Aires
    • Be awed by the mighty Iguazu Falls
    • Party in Brazil's vibrant Rio de Janeiro

What's this trip about?

    Get ready for the ultimate South American adventure on this journey from the Andean heights of Ecuador through Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay until finally arriving in the vibrancy of Brazil. Explore the Amazon Jungle, trek the Inca Trail, take a 4x4 through the Salar de Uyuni, enjoy a hacienda homestay and visit Foz do Iguacu, the gateway to the mighty Iguazu Falls. Discover the rhythm of the samba, salsa and tango, get off the beaten track, visit diverse and amazing natural wonders and collect a lifetime of memories on this truly epic adventure. With plenty of free time and a do-it-yourself approach, this is the perfect way to discover South America.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • High Adventure

Destinations

  • South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Ecuador
  • Peru
  • Uruguay

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1-2 Quito

Kick off this Latin American adventure exploring the Old Town’s cobblestone streets or head to a funky bar in Quito's modern New Town.

Day 3-5 Amazon Jungle

Learn the secrets of the Amazon rainforest and the medicinal uses of plants on a local-guided tour of the jungle.

Day 6-8 Banos

With two free days in Banos, you might want to watch sunrise from the thermal springs or experience an adrenaline rush high in the Ecuadorian Andes - whitewater rafting, anyone? Banos has long been a favourite place to travel in Ecuador and it's not hard to see why.

Day 9-10 Cuenca

Wander cobblestone streets and admire the red-tiled roofs, flower markets and plazas of Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 11-12 Zorritos

Cross the border into Peru and spend a free day relaxing on Zorritos beach, surfing or taking an optional boat tour through the mangrove swamps.

Day 13 Chiclayo

Visit the colorful local market of Chiclayo or perhaps visit the Sipan museum, a very informative piece on what's been called the most important recent achaeological discovery in Peru.

Day 14-15 Trujillo

Explore the historical city of Trujillo and the nearby ancient Chimu capital of Chan Chan.

Day 16 Lima

Wander the well-preserved historical centre of Peru's capital, Lima.

Day 17 Paracas

Head to the Plaza de Armas for some tasty local cuisine or a Pisco sour - Peru's national drink made from a type of brandy.

Day 18 Nazca

Opt to visit the Ballestas Islands, a famed wildlife haven, before heading to the Nazca lines to discover ancient mummies and mysterious colossal etchings.

Day 19-22 Arequipa

Journey to Arequipa and see why it's nicknamed the 'White City'.

Day 23 Arequipa/ Overnight bus to Cusco

Enjoy a free day in Arequipa before taking an overnight bus to Cusco.

Day 24 Cusco

Founded by the Incas then taken by the Spaniards, Cuzco is the South American continent's oldest continuously inhabited city. Get a feel for this city, arguably one of the most attractive in Peru, on a guided orientation walk through its winding lane ways. In spare ti...

Day 25 Sacred Valley

Explore the terraced Sacred Valley filled with Inca ruins, colourful markets and scenic villages.

Day 26-29 Inca Trail

Walk through dense cloud forests and past ancient ruins on an awe-inspiring Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.

Day 30 Cuzco

Relax in a cafe back in Cuzco or hit the mountain tracks on a daring bike ride.

Day 31-33 Puno

Stop in at Puno, the folklore capital of Peru. Take a boat tour of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, and experience local life at a homestay.

Day 34-37 Puno/La Paz

Travel to Bolivia's eclectic capital La Paz. Browse the Witches' Market for everything from woolly hats and alpaca gloves to potions and incantations to cure any ailment. Celebrate the end of the Peru and Ecuador Adventure with a night on the tiles.

Day 38-40 Sucre

Travel from La Paz to Sucre and peruse a bejewelled painting at the Museo de la Catedral, compare footprints with those of a dinosaur at Cal Orck'o or head to Recoleta, an old convent at the top of a hill from where you will be able to see why Sucre is regarded as Bolivia's most beautiful city.

Day 41 Potosi

Learn about the bleak past of what was once the world's richest city.

Day 42-44 Uyuni

Discover the gleaming salt flats, cactus-studded islands, multicoloured lakes and abundant wildlife of the surreal Salar de Uyuni.

Day 45-46 San Pedro de Atacama

Leave behind the mesmerising salt flats of Uyuni and make tracks to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. Located in the Atacama Desert, this oasis town has low-lying adobe buildings lining narrow streets. It's a charming town, to say the least, and a great place see mummies and various Indian artefacts.

Day 47-49 Salta

Cross the border between Bolivia and Argentina and delve into the pre-Columbian and colonial history of one of Argentina's most splendid towns, Salta. Need a thrill? Optional bungee jumping and horseriding can be easily arranged. After a few days here, you'll have no doubt why the Argentineans affectionately call this city 'Salta the Pretty'.

Day 50-52 Mendoza

Visit bountiful, sun-kissed vineyards and lock lips with some Malbec - Mendoza's premier wine. Winter travellers will delight in the nearby ski resorts, though Mendoza is a treat all year round. To give a little back, choose to visit Brazos Abiertos, a community project that supports local underprivileged children and mothers.

Day 53-56 Santiago

Travel across the spectacular Andes and arrive in the bustling capital of Chile, Santiago. At the centre is the Plaza de Armas, home to the cathedral. For a serene look at Chilean life, visit Barrio Bella Vista - a cluster of cafes and galleries affectionately referred to as the 'Paris Quarter'. It is here that the Bolivia and Argentina exploration comes to an end.

Day 57-59 Pucon

Adrenaline junkies and thrillseekers will delight in the bundle of activities on offer in Pucon, Chile's adventure capital. Set out on a hike up the smouldering Volcán Villarrica, or get to mountain biking, whitewater rafting, hiking, climbing, horse riding - whatever gets your blood pumping!

Day 60-61 San Martin de los Andes

Journey over the Andes and into Argentina. Drop by the country's picturesque Lake District for excellent skiing or trekking possibilities, weather permitting.

Day 62-64 Bariloche

Savour the fine dining opportunities, artisan chocolate shops and quaint, chalet-style wooden architecture of Bariloche. With plenty of ski runs open during winter and stunning lakes sure to entice swimmers over summer, you could well be forgiven for thinking you were in Northern Italy.

Day 65-67 Buenos Aires

Fiery Latin passion, European elegance and superb cuisine combine to make Buenos Aires one of the world's most enthralling cities. Nibble on alfajores, wander San Telmo's cobblestone streets, talk football with Portenos in a cafe or get a history lesson at the quirky ...

Day 68 Colonia

Hop aboard a ferry across the tea-coloured Rio de la Plata to the Uruguayan port town of Colonia. Wander the town's quaint narrow streets, dine at a riverside restaurant and admire the homely mix of sandstone architecture at every twist and turn.

Day 69 Montevideo

Travel on to Uruguay's vibrant beach-side capital, Montevideo. Hit the attractive beaches, park your posterior at one of the pretty plaza cafes, or feast on sizzling plates of barbecued meats to sizzling sounds of live jazz beats at Mercado del Puerto.

Day 70-73 Estancia Stay

Sample something of the simpler life on a traditional estancia (ranch) homestay. Those prone to pondering a possible career change may like to test their mettle helping out with the daily farm chores, such as sheep herding or tending the garden. Otherwise just sit back on the veranda and chew the fat with your travel companions before being treated to some hearty Uruguayan home cooking.

Day 74-76 Foz do Iguazu

Venture out for a visit to Argentina's most breathtaking attraction, the mighty Iguazu Falls. Cross the wooden walkways to peer over the ledge at thousands of litres of water thundering down the Iguazu River. Wider than Victoria Falls, higher than Niagara Falls and covered in swathes of lush jungle, they're a truly awe-inspring spectacle to behold and explore.

Day 77-78 Paraty

Travel to paradisal Paraty for a spot of Brazilian-style rest and relaxation. Dawdle the wide cobblestone streets or head off along the network of jungle trails in search of waterfalls and wildlife.

Day 79-81 Ilha Grande

With a unique blend of tropical beaches and steamy rainforest, Ilha Grande is one of Brazil's most idyllic island getaways. Relax beachside with a caipirinha in hand, hike through the forests to Praia Lopes Mendes or don a mask and snorkel and enter an underwater wonderland.

Day 82-83 Rio de Janeiro

What better place to end this South American odyssey than in rowdy and rambunctious Rio de Janeiro. Sprawl on the sands of Copacabana, hike up Sugarloaf Mountain for stunning bay views and revel 'til you drop at the local bars and street parties that overwhelm this sensational city.

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Dates & Availability

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Last Updated: 12/7/2021

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for active and adventurous travelers at a range of different price points and service levels.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Overnight bus (4 nts), Donde German Hotel or similar (3 nts), Overnight Bus (3 nts), Sucre Hotel or similar (3 nts), Estancia (3 nts), Pousada Cachoeira or similar (3 nts), Hotel Two or similar (3 nts), Hotel Los Andes or similar (3 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nts), Urbana Class Hotel or similar (3 nts), Hotel Leonards or similar (3 nts), Villa Santa Clara Hostel or similar (3 nts), Shiripuno Community Lodge or similar (3 nts), Tango Inn hotel or similar (2 nts), Rukalhue Hotel or similar (2 nts), Hotel Nuestro Sueño or similar (2 nts), Hotel Don Raul or similar (2 nts), Pousada Sonho Meu or similar (2 nts), Hotel Cassino or similar (2 nts), Hotel Sagarnaga or similar (2 nts), Hotel Balsa Inn or similar (2 nts), La Castellana Hotel or similar (2 nts), Casa Grillo Hostel or similar (2 nts), San Francisco Hotel or similar (2 nts), Ecohostel or similar (1 nt), La Casona Hotel or similar (1 nt), Hotel Romi or similar (1 nt), Hotel Los Angeles or similar (1 nt), Hotel Toledo or similar (1 nt), Homestay (1 nt), Hotel Camiluz or similar (1 nt), Hotel Zarcillo or similar (1 nt), Hotel Colca Inn or similar (1 nt), Hotel Munay Tika or similar (1 nt), Hotel The Place or similar (1 nt), Eras Hotel or similar (1 nt), Recreo Hotel or similar (1 nt),

Transportation & Flights

Overnight bus, Bus, 4x4, Ferry, Canoe,

Transportation & flights

Overnight bus, Bus, 4x4, Ferry, Canoe
Guides
All Intrepid group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Requirements
This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required. ,Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and don't involve a compulsory single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same gender in accommodation ranging from twin to multishare. Some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis and where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On a selection of our trips, you have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure that you have your own accommodation (where available). Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour - pre-trip and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Please go to our website for links to various travel insurance providers:
Visa requirements
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.
Health & Safety
www.intrepidtravel.com/safety
Meals Included

Meals introduction

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialities so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though.

Meals

25 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 10 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Style descriptions Our Basix style trips are designed for travellers who want exceptional value, plenty of free time and having the flexibility to choose where and how their time and money is spent. By working plenty of free time into the itineraries and keeping many of the activities optional, we aim to make travel possible for those on even the most slender of budgets. After all, why pay for an activity or excursion you wouldn’t otherwise be interested in? Or a level of comfort you don’t require? As a wise person probably once said, a bed's just a bed when there's exploring to be done.
Trip ID
intrepid-GGRIC

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