The Great South American Journey–Quito to Fortaleza

Arrive at any time.
Day 1 Quito

Travel overland to the jungle city of Tena, located on the edge of the Amazon. From there, transfer by truck to the local community of Pimpilala. Stay in rustic wooden huts in the community of a Quichua family, enjoy the hospitality of these wonderful people, and experience life in the jungle first-hand.
Day 2 Quito/Tena (1B, 1L, 1D)

Head out on nature walks and learn about uses of traditional plants, their cultural beliefs, and local traditions in the Amazon jungle.
Days 3-4 Tena

Travel to Baños, the perfect setting to get your adrenaline pumping, try out horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, or rafting in the surrounding mountains.
Day 5 Tena/Baños (1B)

Enjoy a free day in Baños, opt to check out the swing at the end of the world or soak in nearby hot springs.
Day 6 Baños

Enjoy the scenery on the way to the charming town of Cuenca.
Day 7 Baños/Cuenca

Enjoy a free day in beautiful Cuenca. Explore the city’s sights including cobbled streets, red-tiled roofs, art galleries, flower markets, shady plazas, and museums or opt to visit nearby Cajas National Park or the Inca ruins of Ingapirca. Later, catch an overnight bus to Mancora.
Day 8 Cuenca

Arrive early into the seaside town of Mancora, a village populated by fishermen and surfers from around Peru and the world. Chill out and breathe in the salty air.
Day 9 Máncora

Opt to relax on the beach, discover Mancora, go horseback riding, or take a surf lesson.
Day 10 Máncora

Free time in Mancora. Overnight bus to Huanchaco.
Day 11 Máncora/Huanchaco

Enjoy more beach time or opt to visit pre-Inca sites or the city of Trujillo.
Day 12 Huanchaco

Full day in Huanchaco before boarding a night bus to Lima.
Day 13 Huanchaco/Lima

Explore Peru's capital on an optional city tour or simply relax. Be sure to try the tasty ceviche and pisco sours.
Day 14 Lima (1B)

Enjoy the day exploring the city. Opt to pre-book the Lima Cooking Class and learn how to cook some classic Peruvian dishes using ingredients from the local market.
Day 15 Lima

Free morning in Lima before travelling by bus to Paracas.
Day 16 Lima/Paracas (1B)

Optional visit to Ballestas Islands before travelling to Nazca. En route, stop at a winery and at the oasis of Huacachina.
Day 17 Paracas/Nazca (1D)

Opt for a flight over the Nazca Lines before an overnight bus to Arequipa.
Day 18 Nazca/Arequipa

Opt to explore the Arequipa on a city tour or soak in a local hot spring.
Day 19 Arequipa

Take a full-day tour of the spectacular Colca Valley, and opt for a soak in hot springs.
Day 20 Arequipa/Colca Canyon (1B)

Set out looking for the majestic soaring condors.
Day 21 Colca Canyon/Arequipa (1B)

In the morning head back to Arequipa and enjoy a free day. Overnight bus to Cusco.
Day 22 Arequipa/Cusco (1B)

Free time to explore Cusco. Opt for a city tour or go whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking.
Day 23 Cusco

Enjoy another free day in Cusco.
Day 24 Cusco (1B)

Learn about the Sacred Valley en route to Ollantaytambo. Opt to take a Sacred Valley tour with a visit to a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op.
Day 25 Cusco/Ollantaytambo (1B)

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.
Day 26 Inca Trail (1B, 1L, 1D)

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.
Day 27 Inca Trail (1B, 1L, 1D)

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).
Day 28 Inca Trail (1B, 1L, 1D)

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 site and enjoy free time to explore until noon as permitted by the tourist ticket. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge, if time allows. Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to meet any non-hiking members of your group. Eat and relax before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon.
Day 29 Machu Picchu/Cusco (1B)

Free day to explore more of Cusco or just relax.
Day 30 Cusco (1B)

Travel through the high Altiplano region to travel to Puno on Lake Titicaca.
Day 31 Cusco/Puno (1B)

Guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a local village.
Day 32 Puno/Lake Titicaca (1B, 1D)

Visit the floating islands of Uros. Optional visit to the Sillustani burial site.
Day 33 Lake Titicaca/Puno (1B, 1L)

Cross over into Bolivia for a night out in the highest city of the trip. Oxygen bar anyone?
Day 34 Puno/La Paz (1B)

Free day in La Paz. Opt to visit Iglesia de San Francisco, the Valley of the Moon, the Witches' Market, or the nearby Tiahuanaco Ruins.
Day 35 La Paz (1B)

Enjoy a free day to explore the vibrant markets and winding streets of the city before boarding a night bus to Sucre.
Day 36 La Paz/Sucre (1B)

Free time to explore the beautiful colonial city of Sucre. For more active options opt to go hiking in the surrounding area or mountain biking.
Day 37 Sucre

Enjoy another free day to explore Sucre and surroundings.
Day 38 Sucre (1B)

Travel south to the one of the world's highest cities.
Day 39 Sucre/Potosí (1B)

Get out and explore Potosí, learn about the history of the city while wandering the streets. Stop at the market and interact with the locals.
Day 40 Potosí (1B)

Travel to Uyuni and get ready for an excursion to the salt flats.
Day 41 Potosí/Uyuni (1B)

Enjoy a three-day 4x4 excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounding desert altiplano with spectacular scenery. Stay in simple hotels upgraded with solar panels to provide electricity and hot water.
Day 42 Uyuni/Salt Flats and Desert Crossing (1B, 1D)

Explore the desert altiplano on a 4x4 excursion. Admire the spectacular scenery while passing red and blue lagoons and interesting rock formations along the route. Spot wild llamas, alpacas and even flamingos deep within the desert.
Day 43 Salt Flats and Desert Crossing (1B, 1L, 1D)

Rise early to cover more ground of the unique landscape of the Uyuni Salt Flats. Continue to see incredible scenery, including volcanoes, and salt lakes. Travel to the border and descend by bus to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. It's a long but scenic drive.
Day 44 Salt Flats and Desert Crossing /San Pedro de Atacama (1B, 1L)

Opt to go sandboarding or mountain biking, or visit the Valley of the Moon.
Day 45 San Pedro de Atacama

Cross the border into Argentina.
Day 46 San Pedro de Atacama/Salta

Explore the city and enjoy the local cuisine. Opt to take a trip through the scenic Quebrada de las Conchas to Cafayate, or visit the High Mountain Archaeological Museum.
Day 47 Salta (1B)

Skip a long bus journey with a quick flight to Buenos Aires.
Day 48 Salta/Buenos Aires (1B)

Enjoy a free day to explore beautiful Buenos Aires.
Day 49 Buenos Aires

Explore the "Paris of the Americas," from the hidden patios of trendy Palermo to bohemian vibes in San Telmo this city has something for everyone.
Day 50 Buenos Aires

Cross the Río de la Plata by ferry to Colonia, Uruguay. Explore on an orientation walk, then enjoy free time to explore the area and relax at a streetside café.
Day 51 Buenos Aires/Colonia del Sacramento

Travel from Colonia to Montevideo in the morning. Explore Montevideo in the afternoon; opt to grab a snack at the Port Market, wander around the colourful old town, or visit Estadio Centenario where the first World Cup was played.
Day 52 Colonia del Sacramento/Montevideo (1B)

Enjoy another day to get to know Montevideo. Opt to take a day trip to glamorous Punta del Este or chill in the park like a local.
Day 53 Montevideo (1B)

Travel by day through picturesque settlements and pastures finishing in the last Uruguayan stop—a local ranch, known in the region as an estancia.

Day 54 Montevideo/Mercedes (1B, 1L, 1D)

Spend a day in the life on an Uruguayan ranch, go for a walk in the countryside, learn how to make empanadas, and experience a local barbecue.
Day 55 Estancia Stay (1B, 1L, 1D)

In the morning cross the border into Gualeguaychu in Argentina, then begin the long overnight journey to Iguassu Falls.
Day 56 Mercedes/Iguaçu Falls (1B)

Explore the Brazilian side of the falls with free time in the afternoon. Opt to take a helicopter ride over the falls, visit a bird park or see the Itaipu Dam.
Day 57 Iguaçu Falls

Today enjoy a full day excursion to the Argentine side of the falls. Wander along the walk paths that connect different viewpoints of the falls. Opt to take a boat tour to see the cascading falls from below.
Day 58 Iguaçu Falls (1B)

Skip an overnight bus ride and fly to São Paulo, heading straight to the coast. Explore colonial Paraty, then hit the beach.
Day 59 Iguaçu Falls/Paraty

Free time to explore Paraty's beaches, a national park and surroundings. Opt to visit a cachaça distillery or take a boat tour to nearby islands.
Day 60 Paraty (1B)

Continue by van up the coast, and take a ferry to Ilha Grande.
Day 61 Paraty/Ilha Grande (1B)

Free time to explore the beaches of Ilha Grande. Opt to hike the remote trails, take a boat trip around the island, play in the waves or go snorkelling.
Days 62-63 Ilha Grande

Travel to Rio de Janeiro. Take a city tour to experience sights like Rio's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, or take a leisurely stroll along Copacabana beach as the waves lap at your feet.
Day 64 Ilha Grande/Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy a free day to soak up the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro.
Day 65 Rio de Janeiro

Fly up the coast to the capital of Bahia and enjoy an orientation walk around the Pelourinho or old city centre complete with brightly painted colonial buildings.
Day 66 Rio de Janeiro/Salvador (1B)

Enjoy free time to explore town. Hit the beach, take a capoeira lesson, or learn how to samba.
Day 67 Salvador

Cover the long distance with another flight to the vibrant city of Fortaleza. Enjoy an orientation walk upon arrival.
Day 68 Salvador/Fortaleza

Spend the day travelling further north past beaches and sand dunes to reach Jericoacoara, a tranquil slice of beachside paradise.
Day 69 Fortaleza/Jericoacoara

Enjoy a few free days and opt to take a dunebuggy tour across the sand, go surfing or relax in a hammock over the sea.
Day 70 Jericoacoara

Explore the small town, take a stroll along the endless beach and watch windsurfers ride the waves. Opt to take a surf lesson, rent a stand up paddle board or soak up the sun.
Day 71 Jericoacoara

Transfer back to Fortaleza and after leaving behind the chill town of Jeri enjoy the hustle and nightlife of the city.
Day 72 Jericoacoara/Fortaleza

Depart at any time.
Day 73 Fortaleza