5 Countries: Rio de Janeiro to La Paz (29 nights)

Arrive in wonderful Rio. Airport pick-up and check-in at your accommodation.

Breakfast. Big Dude Rio de Janeiro Full Day Tour:
Get all of Rio de Janeiro's best sights packed in just one day. There is no way you visit Rio without it leaving a mark! Whether you love the lush green vegetation or the warm beaches. Whether you are impressed by the high Morros or by the pzazz of the Scolas de Samba. Rio de Janeiro has a special identity so find your favourite spot in this amazing city, Cidade Maravilhosa!

Details:
09:00-10:00 Pick-up by mini-bus
11:00 Stop at São Conrado to watch the hang gliders land on the beach
11:30 Stop at Tijuca Forest for a walk around the park to experience a real rainforest
12:15 Drive through the Tijuca Forest towards Christ the Redeemer
12:40 Stop at the Christ Statue for a visit to the top (ticket included)
14:15 Drive to Santa Teresa for a lunch break (not included), followed by a walk around the neighbourhood
15:30 Drive to Lapa for a visit to the colorful steps Escadaria Selaron, made famous by Snoop Dog in his music video 'Beautiful'
16:30 Drive back to your accommodatio or alternatively the option of a drop-off at Sugarloaf

Breakfast. Free day to chill out, visit the beach and/or feel the rhythms at a Balada (night club).

Check out, go to the bus station to take the bus to Sao Paulo. Arrival and find your own way to your accommodation. Free day.

Free day to explore the secrets of the most powerful city in Brazil and the most populated in the American continent.

Breakfast and check out. Find your own way to the Bus Station to take the overnight bus to Foz do Iguazu (17 hours ride).

Arrival in Foz do Iguazu International bus station. Pick up for the transfer to hostel or hotel and check in. Free Day to relax or wander the streets of the village.

Breakfast. At about 07:45, to be reconfirmed by local guides. Excursion to the Falls, Argentine side (Full Day):
Pick up at your accommodation. This tour will take you to visit part of the Iguazú National Park, that preserves 67.000 ha. of giant trees, vines and ferns living with multicolored butterflies, birds and mammals, all part of the rich local flora and fauna. The park was declared Natural World Heritage in 1984, due to its scenic beauties and the great biological diversity of the subtropical jungle. The famous falls are in the heart of this Park. You will start the visit at the Local Museum and continue the tour along the Lower Trail, from where you can see the "Two sisters Falls", the "Bossetti Fall", the "Hidden Fall", a panoramic view of "San Martin island" and the "Union Fall". Later you will walk the Upper Trail shifting along walkways located above major falls up to the majestic "San Martin Fall” from where you have a panoramic view of the Brazilian falls. Finally, you go with the Train of the Jungle up to "Devil's Throat" station. From there, after a 1,000 meters walk along the catwalks, you will reach the spectacular "Devil's Throat", where the Iguazu river expresses itself with all its strength and the falling water gives the illusion of magic rainbows. You will be dropped at your accommodation.

*Entrance fee to national park not included and to be paid in the park.

Breakfast. At about 07:45, to be reconfirmed by local guides. Excursion to the Falls Brazilian Side, half day:
The guide will take you to visit the wonderful Iguazu Falls, on the Brazilian side, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Argentine side, perfect for taking the perfect picture you could not take when you were in the other side. You will get close to "Floriano", "Deodoro" and "Benjamin" waterfalls and the walkways lead you also to "Santa Maria Falls." It is a short but stunning tour. After the tour, if you are hungry, the guides will offer a stop in a Brazilian all you can eat restaurant. It will depend on your budget but it is quite a good value for money and it is your chance to try Brazilian dishes! You will be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation.

*Entrance fee to national park not included and to be paid in the park.

Breakfast. 11:00: Check out. Transfer to Puerto Iguazu Bus Station to take the overnight bus to Buenos Aires.

Arrival at Buenos Aires, find your own way from Retiro bus station to your accommodation. Check in.

Breakfast. At 09:00, Buenos Aires City Tour.
You will discover the beauty and wonders of Buenos Aires city, viewing the National Congress, The Metropolitan Cathedral next to the Government House in May Square area among other important buildings. You will catch a glimpse of the Colon Theater, one of the most important opera houses in Latin America and San Telmo, traditional neighborhood where Tango performances can be seen in many bars and restaurants. There is an important stop at La Boca colorful neighborhood, which was seat of immigrants - mainly Italians - and now home of some artists. Enjoy Palermo, an area that combines its architecture and history with entertainment and amusement in its green spaces. Finally, La Recoleta, an exclusive and elegant neighborhood where the famous cemetery is found.

Alternative at no extra cost: Buenos Aires Bike Tour. If you want a more active tour to discover the corners of Buenos Aires with a small group and pedal your way along the city streets, the bike tour is your choice.

Important: Make your choice (either Buenos Aires City Tour OR Buenos Aires Bike Tour) when booking because if you wait until last minute you might not have the spaces for a change.

Breakfast. The day is free for you to enjoy the city. In the evening at 20:00 you're picked up from your accommodation for a tango show including dinner. In the very heart of Puerto Madero, the newest neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, this show represents the best of the Porteño culture. A tango show is a trip to older and passionate times. Professional artists will show you their best art, singing songs and dancing typical pieces. The show consists of several parts in which you can appreciate a live tango orchestra, dancers and singers. Includes return transfers, a welcome drink, dinner (starter, main course and dessert), wine or soft drinks and of course, a beautiful tango show.

Breakfast and check-out at 11:00. Spend the day exploring the city on your own, and in the evening make your own way to Retiro bus station to board the night bus to Mendoza.

Upon arrival in Mendoza, make your own way to your accommodation. At 14:30, Half Day Winery Tour: This tour runs among vineyards in the areas of Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu. You will experience the work culture brought by immigrants, using irrigation techniques (canals and ditches) inherited from the former Huarpes Indians. They managed to change a vast desert into a productive river oasis. This is the scene of the settlement of prestigious wineries, which represent Argentine wines in the world with high quality wines. You will visit two wineries, one with traditional organic methods and the other that uses the latest available technology. Guided by professionals in winemaking, you will learn about the vinification methods and processes, bottling and labeling of wines, in the end of the tour you will taste the different grapes that the wineries offer. Departure: 14:30 Sundays 08:30. You will be picked up and dropped off from your accommodation.

Breakfast. 09:30 Rafting 12 km (or High Mountain Tour):
The Rafting takes place in Potrerillos, a village located 60 km south west from Mendoza city, in heart of the Precordillera, the range before the High Mountains. The landscape is of 5000 meters snowy peaks, desert and colorful rocks. Rafting is one of the most important adventure sports in Mendoza. It is not necessary to have previous experience, the rafts can hold 6 people plus 1 guide that will provide the necessary security information and the mini course to handle the boat. The activity is based in the Mendoza River. The base of operations is located on the banks of the river and has locker rooms, showers, two pools and solarium among other things, so it is a great place to spend a beautiful day on the mountain besides doing a Rafting. Rapids are grade III. For rafting bring some clothes and a pair of shoes to get changed after the activity. A rafting wetsuit is provided, but whatever you decide to wear underneath the wetsuit is going to get wet. Bring also a towel, sun protection (hat, sun block), water and food (or money to buy some), swimming suit (remember there are two pools at the base) and warm clothes for after rafting. Back to town at 17:00.

Note: As rafting depends on the weather conditions, this activity can be replaced by horseback riding with Asado or Alta Montana (Aconcagua Valley day trip).

Breakfast. Check out. In the morning, make your own way to the bus station for departure to Santiago and time to relax and enjoy one of the most beautiful scenery roads in west Argentina. It is a day bus so don´t fall asleep and try to catch a glimpse of the Aconcagua, the highest peak in the American Continent (almost 7.000 meters). Arrival during the evening. Check in to your accommodation.

Breakfast. Santiago Bike Tour: 09:30-12:30: This Tour shows you the popular culture and everyday life in Santiago. Multiculturalism, urban art and diverse religions in Patronato; fruit and vegetables in La Vega Market; history in the Plaza de Armas. All part of the many experiences on this unforgettable Tour of Santiago, Chile.

Stops: Bellavista Neighborhood, La Chascona: Pablo Neruda´s House, Metropolitan Park, Patronato Neighborhood, La Vega Market, Mapocho Station, Central Market, Plaza de Armas, Bellas Artes Museum, Forestal Park.

Breakfast. Check out and make your own way to the bus station to take the bus to Valparaiso. Arrival and make your own way to your accommodation.

Free day to explore the city called by the sailors: the Jewel of the Pacific.

Check out and make your own way to the bus station to catch the night bus to Calama (about 20 hours ride).

Arrival at Calama bus Station and take the new bus to San Pedro de Atacama. The bus from Calama takes an hour and a half to reach San Pedro so you can choose to change buses immediately or to stretch your legs, have something to eat and then depart for San Pedro. Arrival and make your own way to the hostel or hotel. Free day.

Free day to relax or taking optional tours like Moon Valley or Astro Photography tour.

Geysers del Tatio Excursion:
You will be picked up at the hostel between 04:30-05:00, depending on season, to be able to admire the driest and highest desert in the world. The road will take you between hills and mountains of the tough Andes range until you reach the geothermal site of the Geysers, 1 hour and a half after departure. There you will be able to admire the out of this wolrd Geysers, fumaroles and steaming craters that show the volcanic activity of the region. The Geysers reserve is located at 89 km from San Pedro and 4.230 meters above sea level. So temperature is low in summer (-6 degrees Celcius) and even colder in winter (July-August) (-20 degrees Celcius). It is very important to take warm clothes and plenty of water to help your body adapt to such a high altitude. Breakfast is offered viewing the geothermic field and on the way back there is a short stop at Machuca Village. Back to San Pedro at about 12:30.

San Pedro - Uyuni Overland 1st day
06:30-07:00 pick up at your hostel for the beginning of the San Pedro to Uyuni Overland. There is a stop at the border to go through Chilean immigration before departing San Pedro. After a short but nice ride the minibus reaches Hito Cajon, the border with Bolivia and in the foothills of the Licancabur Volcano. There you will change to the Jeep 4WD you are going to use until the end of the overland and have breakfast meeting your driver and other staff. They almost don´t speak English and even their Spanish is basic but are normally very friendly and helpful. This is the beginning of the real adventure. The vehicle will ride along deserted landscapes, climbing higher and higher without even noticing it is happening. You will see lagoons with plenty of wildlife (Red and White lagoons), huge white topped mountains and volcanoes, and altiplanic plains while you talk to your companions and learn about their travels. Lunch is provided at a place of hot springs and after that, the second part of the day takes you to the Sol de Mañana Geysers and finally to Laguna Colorada, where more than 30.000 flamingoes nest every year. The night will be spent at Huaylajara or Villamar at a family or communal hostel. Basic but clean and enough to sleep and eat to be ready for next day! Attention, this 1st day you will reach 4.500 meters above sea level, so take into account the many tips to avoid “soroche”.

**Important note**:
The Bolivian High Plateau, also known as the Puna, is a remote region with limited services, scarce water, no electricity in many areas, and a local culture very different from what most travelers may be used to. The landscapes are breathtaking, and the journey is unforgettable - but the itinerary is subject to change at any time due to weather conditions, road closures, or limited availability of accommodations. Schedules are flexible, food is simple (not gourmet), and both the altitude and the vehicles can be uncomfortable. The salt flats may be flooded, requiring alternate routes.

If you're approaching this trip with expectations of punctuality, comfort, and polished service, you might not enjoy it. But if you come with an open mind, understanding the limitations of the region and its people, you'll likely have the adventure of a lifetime - and take home some of your best travel memories.

San Pedro - Uyuni Overland 2nd day:
Breakfast, a bit relax before everyone is ready and off you go to learn a bit more about life in the Altiplano. The second day, the road is less dramatic and lonely and you will see more signs of civilization. You will visit the Siloli desert where the wind and sun and a bit rain carved strange volcanic rock formations. By lunch time you will be at Laguna Escondida (Hidden Lagoon, also called Laguna Negra) and in the afternoon you will see the canyon of river Anaconda. In the evening, arrival at Salt Hotel in the shores of the Uyuni Salt Flat for a comforting 2nd night in the desert.

San Pedro - Uyuni 3rd day (Salt Flat) - La Paz:
04:00-05:00 departure to cross the biggest and highest salt flat in the world. If weather helps, you will be able to see the sunrise in the middle of the salt flat, one of the most beautiful experiences the Altiplano has to offer…and being at the salt flat is already breathtaking! Breakfast in the salt flat. The driver has to drive slowly and you will have plenty of time to relax, enjoy and be amazed by an “out if this world” landscape. You will never forget this day. At midday there is a stop to have lunch at a restaurant close to Colchani village, the gate way to the flats. So after lunch you will go out and arrive to Uyuni at about 13:00-14:00. You will have time to relax, grab a coffee, eat something, charge your mobile devices and connect with your friends and family to tell them about your adventures. But Uyuni town is not a really nice place to be so, at 20:00, night bus to La Paz!

Arrival to La Paz Bus Station, find your onw way to your accommodation. Free day to explore this high city.

At 08:00, Tiwanaku Day Trip:
After 1 hour and a half ride you will reach this pre Columbian ruins, surrounded by beautiful nature. The ancient city and culture of Tiwanacu is supposed to be one of the most important in the American continent. It is believed that they were even more advanced in pottery, astronomy and math than the neighboring Incas. If you are traveling further north you will see Tiwanacu influence in the archaeological sites of Peru. After a visit to the uncovered ruins (there is a lot that is being uncovered but is not open to the public), the tour returns to La Paz and will leave you at you hostel or hotel at about 16:00. You will be amazed to learn how this ancient people used to leave and what they believed, so different from us nowadays.

Check out. End of an incredible adventure.

- Rio de Janeiro International Airport pick up
- 3 nights accommodation in Rio de Janeiro
- Big Dude Tour in Rio de Janeiro
- Bus from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo
- 2 nights accommodation in Sao Paulo with breakfast
- Night Bus from Sao Paulo to Foz do Iguazu
- 3 nights accommodation in Puerto Iguazu with breakfast
- Foz do Iguazu Bus Station pickup and Puerto Iguazu Bus Station drop off
- Full Day Tour to the Falls, Argentine Side
- Half Day Tour to the Falls, Brazilian Side
- Bus from Puerto Iguazu to Buenos Aires
- 3 nights accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast
- Buenos Aires City Tour AM or PM 3 hours OR Buenos Aires Bike Tour
- Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay) Day Tour (Ferry crossing of Rio de la Plata)
- Night Bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza
- 2 nights accommodation in Mendoza with breakfast
- Half Day Wineries Tour
- Rafting 12 km with transfers to rafting post (Note: rafting depends on weather condition and on river condition. If rafting can´t be done the alternatives will be: Alta Montaña Full Day Excursion or Horseback Riding + Asado)
- Bus from Mendoza to Santiago de Chile
- 2 nights accommodation in Santiago de Chile with breakfast
- Santiago de Chile Bike Tour
- Bus from Santiago to Valparaiso
- 2 nights accommodation with breakfast in Valparaiso
- Night Bus from Valparaiso to Calama
- Bus from Calama to San Pedro de Atacama
- 3 nights accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama
- Geysers del Tatio Day Trip (04:30 to 12:30)
- San Pedro to Uyuni Overland (including 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, transportation in shared Jeep 4WD for 6 customers from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni, 2 nights dorm accommodation, Spanish speaking guide/driver)
- Night Bus from Uyuni to La Paz
- La Paz Bus station pick up
- 2 nights accommodation in La Paz with breakfast
- Tiwanaku Ruins day tour