Condors to Carnival - 49 days

Take in the stunning scenery as you travel by overland truck through Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and the Andes. Go back in time with a breathtaking trek along the Inca Trail, find yourself awestruck by the dramatic Colca Canyon and Iguassu Falls, and be amazed by the mysterious Nazca Lines. Finally, finish your adventure in culture filled Lima and check out the nightlife. Truly a trip of a lifetime!

AT A GLANCE

Starts in: Rio, Brazil Ends In: Lima, Peru

Departs 2010: April to December

Meals: 37 breakfasts, 25 lunches, 24 dinners

Tour Leader: Yes

Accommodation: 23 nights simple hotels, 18 nights Camping, 5 nights basic multi share/hammocks, 2 nights Homestay

Transport: Overland truck, train,

boat and walking

Compulsory Single Supplement: No

Average Group Size: 12-16

This trip also runs in reverse click here for more details or to book

	DAY 1: HELLO RIO! Welcome to Rio! "God made the world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio," so say the Cariocas, residents of this beautiful city. This is a densely packed city of over 9 million inhabitants, whose economic foundations lie in the cultivation of sugar cane and in gold mining. Referred to as a “cidade maravilhosa” (Marvellous City), few cities enjoy such a dramatic setting as Rio. Brilliant, white beaches at Copacabana and Ipanema, deep blue waters of the Atlantic, the luminescent green of Guanabara Bay, the bare blue slopes of the Sugar Loaf combine to make Rio unique. Standing over it all, atop Corcovado, is the huge statue of Christ the Redeemer, the best place from which to appreciate the city. Today is an arrival day so why not enjoy the numerous optional activities available, such as visiting one of the many attractions such as the Corcovado (now one of the new 7 wonders of the world), Sugarloaf, and fantastic beaches. From the top of the Pao do Açucar (Sugar Loaf), reached by cable car, superb panoramic views of the city and area unfold. Head to some of the famous beaches, and prepare yourself for an experience unlike anything else on Earth.
	DAYS 2 - 6: CURITIBA & BEACHES From Rio we head south along the Atlantic coast to Paraty an architectural gem famous for its churches. Located in the Bay of Paraty there are endless hidden beaches and an optional boat ride is a great way to explore some of them. A young, well-managed and vibrant city, Curitiba is the capital of the State of Paraná. It was once a major thoroughfare for Gauchos (the Brazilian equivalent of the cowboy) and their cattle; today its modern economy is centred on coffee culture. The city has a large university student population, and it is a youthful, energetic place, that retains its historic buildings. A handful of streets have been closed to cars and there are many parks, gardens and wide boulevards.
	DAYS 7 - 9: IGUASSU FALLS Our next stop is the majestic Iguassu Falls. Spend two full days experiencing the views and splendour of the falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. Sit back and soak in the stunning beauty and raw power that is Iguassu, or take a boat tour directly into the spray of the falls. At Iguassu there are 275 individual falls in all, spread over a 3-km (almost 2 mile) area. Some are over 80m (2642 ft) in height, making these cataracts both wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara! UNESCO declared the region an International Heritage Area in 1986. The best time of the year to view the falls is from August to November, as during rainy season flooding often prevents closer viewing from the catwalks.
	DAYS 10 - 11: BEACHES & JUNGLE After a long day's travel we arrive in Bonito, an outdoor lover's dream. Some of the many options here include snorkelling down the Rio de la Prata, swimming in crystal-clear lagoons or visiting macaw nesting spots. Bonito, as the name (“beautiful”) implies, is a great place for nature lovers. Just outside the Pantanal area, this is water and jungle country with abundant colourful fish in the area’s crystalline rivers. Explore nearby underwater caves and waterfalls, go rafting or snorkelling, or simply spend a lazy day by the river.
	DAYS 12 - 14: ANIMALS OF THE PANTANAL Our northbound journey continues as we head to the the world-famous and biologically diverse Pantanal. Less well known outside of Brazil and South America, the Pantanal, a largely flat, wetland area about half the size of France, is still one of the best places in the continent for observing wildlife. This vast alluvial plain, seasonally flooded by the Paraguay River from October to March, is all that remains from an ancient inland sea which began to dry out 65 million years ago. Today it is an area rich in bird life such as macaws and Jabiru storks. With luck and appropriate weather we may spot cute capivara (capybara), howler monkeys, caiman, giant river otters, anacondas, anteaters and gauchos also known as the Brazilian cowboy. The area is sparsely populated and what few roads exist are in poor condition. Most people use small airplanes, 4-wheel-drive vehicles and motorized canoes to get around, so expect some rough travel and more rustic accommodations while visiting the area.
	DAYS 15 - 17: CORUMBA & CHOCHI We travel to the quiet border town of Corumbá, giving us the chance to rest up before starting our journey into Brazil. We then stop for a couple of nights camping near the small town of San José de Chiquitos. A little more than half of the distance between Santa Cruz and the Brazilian border, this popular travel stop is known for its Jesuit Mission and as a gateway to the area's two stunning National Parks.
	DAYS 18 - 19: SANTA CRUZ We continue on to Santa Cruz, located close to the Cordillera Oriental foothills. Once a backwater frontier town, it has now grown into Bolivia’s second largest city. Spend a free day here exploring the city's sights, relax by the banks of the Pirai river or chill out with the sloths hanging from their trees in the the Plaza 24 de Setiembre or take an optional excursion outside of the city - maybe opt for a spot of trekking, before getting ready to head east into Brazil.
	DAYS 20 - 22: SUCRE Our next stop is Bolivia’s White City, the country’s official capital, Sucre. Before the conquest, military, religious and political leaders of the local indigenous population made their homes on the present day city site. Later, the city became the headquarters for the Spanish Royal Court, which by the late 1700s ruled over colonial Paraguay, parts of Peru, Argentina, Chile, and most of Bolivia. In 1825, in the wake of the Latin American independence movement, the city was renamed Sucre after Simon Bolívar’s second-in-command, General Antonio Jose de Sucre. The city’s fine museums, colonial buildings and ties to the independence movement make it a city of great historical interest. Optional activities include visiting an old tin baron’s mansion, a textile cooperative, mountain biking, hiking or we can even visit some ancient dinosaur tracks!.
	DAY 23: SILVER MINING TOWN Relatively close by is Potosí, declared the UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 in recognition of its tragic history as a silver mining centre during the time of Spanish colonization. Working conditions for miners were appalling, and the indigenous population was decimated. African slaves were brought in to replace the native workers, and it is estimated that as many as eight million indigenous people and Africans died in the mines during the first three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. Though sometimes distressing and uncomfortable because of the harsh working conditions, the optional trip underground into the mines of today is an experience that should not be missed.
	DAYS 24 - 27: THE SALT FLATS We travel to Uyuni and spend the next three days exploring the stunning landscapes between the Salar de Uyuni and Chile’s Atacama Desert by four-wheel-drive vehicle. Piercing blue skies contrast with blinding white salt as you drive across the flat lakebed. The area’s unusual landscape of mountains, active volcanoes, and geysers is like nowhere on earth. Uyuni is the starting point for our 3-night excursion through the spectacular Salar de Uyuni. Twice submerged by a large high-altitude lake, the salt flats now cover a total area of over 12000 square km (7440 square miles) and today serve as one of the country’s main salt mining centres. Absorb stunning views of the salt-encrusted lake-bed surrounded by golden-hued mountains, snow-capped peaks and an endless azure horizon that will forever engrave itself in your memory. The tour takes us through Laguna Colorada (4278 m/14,031 ft), a large red lagoon whose colour is the result of algae & plankton growth in the mineral-rich waters, and Laguna Verde (5000 m/16400 ft), a lake that owes its striking blue-green colour to high concentrations of lead, sulphur, copper and other minerals. The numerous geysers, boiling mud pools, thermal baths and Licancabúr volcano (5960 m/19549 ft), which looms just behind the lagoon, are clear evidence of the region’s volcanic activity. Surprisingly, both wildlife and flora manage to survive and even thrive in the desolate landscape, including vizcachas (of the rodent family), flamingos (3 varieties), and assorted varieties of cacti. We return to Uyuni to spend the night before embarking on our journey to La Paz
	DAYS 28 - 29: LA PAZ Welcome to La Paz, the highest capital city in the world. You've free time to explore and highlights include visits to museums, and excursions to Tiahuanaco ruins (cradle of Inca civilisation), the world's highest ski resort and the incredible Valley of the Moon named for its crater like formations. Check out the Mercado de Hechicería (Witches’ Market), where Paceños and visitors may purchase potions and incantations made from all sorts of herbs, seeds, and secret ingredients to remedy any number of illnesses (real or imagined) and protect from evil spirits. There is also a thriving black market and a Carnaval market, where locals purchase carnival costumes. You’ll also find a wealth of shops selling all sorts of handicrafts, mainly alpaca wool products, silver jewellery, woven textiles and leather goods.
	DAYS 30 - 32: LAKE TITICACA We travel from La Paz around the shore of Lake Titicaca to the Lluqina Peninsula where we will spend two nights in a small, local community, mostly unaffected by tourism. Unlike the neighbouring islands the communities of Lluquina have only recently started to accept visitors and have a less commercial and more authentic feel. We will stay with a local family and get a true feel of life on the shores of Lake Titicaca. After our homestay we will visit Lake Titicaca itself , the largest lake in the world above 2000m, and the views from Taquile Island are stunning. The people of Taquile Island's unique culture, style of dress and lifestyle make for a memorable visit. The men of the community do all the knitting, as this is strictly a male domain, while the women do the spinning. High quality, locally knitted goods are available for purchase at various cooperatives on the island. After Taquile Island we pass the floating islands of the Uros people. The Uros began their unusual floating existence centuries ago in an effort to isolate themselves from the Colla and Inca tribes. The Totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake are used for making everything from the islands themselves to the model boats that the islanders sell.
	DAYS 33 - 36: LIVELY CUZCO Next we head to the buzzing city of Cuzco. It is the perfect base for optional explorations of the city and area as well as a range of outdoor activities. We spend the next few days relaxing and exploring this fascinating city, while taking time to acclimatize to the higher altitude before our trek. The city attracts thousands of travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 20th century way of life. It is steeped in history, tradition and legend. There are a myriad of very old and grand churches dotted around the city and several interesting ruins in and around Cuzco. Whilst exploring, why not visit the Archaeological Museum, which also houses a small art museum, the Regional History Museum and the Religious Art Museum? Next we check out Ollantaytambo which is a major Inca ruin site and your first taste of what lies ahead on the Inca Trail. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest. We spend the night in this small town before heading out for the start of the hike the next morning.
	DAYS 37 - 40: THE INCA TRAIL A trip to Peru is not complete without a visit to the Inca ruins. For those interested in a challenging but worthwhile hike, the Inca Trail is exceptional, however you must be prepared for it! It is a 40-km (25 mile) hike, with 3 high passes to be crossed, one of which reaches an elevation of 4200m (13776 ft). The trail is often steep, and it may rain even during the dry season. The temperatures at night may fall below zero, so it is important to come well prepared. Our local crew of porters, cook and guide will look after us well for the duration of the hike. Walking the trail that linked this ancient empire will supply you with breathtaking views at every step, as we move from high plateau areas to dense cloud forest. Depending on the season, you may see a great variety of flora, including miniature and large orchids, and fiery rhododendron bushes. On the final day of the hike we climb the steps to the Sun Gate overlooking the peaks that surround Machu Picchu. There is no way to describe the feeling of the first views of Machu Picchu, as the mist rises off the mountains early in the morning and the famous ruin appears in front of you. You have the better part of the day to explore the site. In the afternoon, we have the chance to soak in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes before taking the train back to Cuzco. NOTE: If you have always dreamed of trekking the Inca Trail be warned – the numbers are strictly controlled and the trail is periodically closed due to maintenance and/or inclement weather. So please book early! If the Inca Trail is unavailable we will offer the Lares Trek as an alternative. With its breathtaking passes, glacial lakes and hot springs, this less crowded option, which also ends with a full day’s visit to Machu Picchu, is thought to be more spectacular and has more to offer than the Inca Trail (includes 2 nights camping, 1 night hotel – Aguas Calientes & comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu). DONT FANCY THE TREK? If you’re not one of these people and would rather set your weary head upon a comfy pillow than spend 2-3 days hiking either Trail, then why not spend those days in the relative comfort of your Cuzco Hotel? On the day before the group reaches Machu Picchu, you will travel by train to Aguas Calientes and overnight. The next morning we take the bus to the Machu Picchu entrance and rendezvous with the hikers at the ruins (includes 2 nights Cuzco, 1 night Aguas Calientes & comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu). Please specify either preference when making your reservation.
	DAY 41 - 42: COLCA CANYON The Colca Valley is an area of stunning natural beauty. Our excursion to the Colca Canyon involves a remarkable drive through Inca and pre-Inca terracing, we will see huge volcanoes towering above us. The Canyon itself is a spectacular sight, more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the States. Once at the Canyon we will look for the king of the Andes, the mighty Andean Condor, as well as seeing a variety of birdlife, including the giant humming bird, eagles and alpacas, llamas and vicuñas,
	DAYS 43 - 44: THE WHITE CITY Peru’s second largest city after Lima and hailed as the most beautiful, Arequipa, maintains a traditional colonial style and more laid back pace in comparison with the capital. Arequipa is built from a pearly white volcanic rock called sillar, the older buildings dazzle in the sun, thus the nickname, “the White City.” The main plaza with its cafés and nearby cathedral is a top draw for visitors and the friendly locals make the city a great place for visitors. Why not take an optional visit to the Convent of Santa Catalina, which offers a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a by-gone way of life. In the evening you can explore and sample the yummy cuisine in the many restaurants (try an alpaca steak - low in fat and calories and very tender!), check out some of the nightlife (and do like the locals by tasting some Pisco sour) or just take a wander round the streets and squares. The city looks particularly beautiful at night when the Cathedral and other monuments are lit up.
	DAY 45: PUERTO INCA This beautiful sea shore location along one of the most important archeological sites off the Peruvian coast between Nazca and Copiapo is also called "Quebrada de la Vaca". Our campsite is located by the beautiful beach and we can enjoy swimming and sunbathing on the warm sands, or try to spot some of the fabulous flora and fauna, including a variety of birds, adorable sea lions and cute penguins, before perhaps trying some of the tasty seafood available and then settling down to a night under a blanket of stars.
	DAY 46 - 47: SANDBOARDING & NAZCA LINES Huacachina is literally an oasis in the middle of the desert. Surrounded by some of the world's highest sand dunes sandboarding has become this area's claim to fame. Whether you are an avid snowboarder looking for something new or trying it for the first time you are sure to enjoy this optional activity. Close by are the mysterious Nazca Lines, consisting of patterns and pictures etched in the ground, crisscrossing an area of flat desert. Some of the lines measure up to 10 km (32 miles) in length, and yet remain perfectly straight. The depictions of birds, insects and animals are only recognizable from the air. Who drew the lines, and why, is something about which modern archaeologists can only theorise. From the ground we can make out very little and the best view is from a light aircraft, which can easily be arranged. Remains of the Nazca culture are still visible during our tour of an ancient desert cemetery site, which also includes a visit to a pottery workshop.
	DAYS 48 - 49: LIMA Welcome to Lima, Peru's capital city! To get a feel for colonial Lima, take a cab to the Plaza de Armas and watch the changing of the Palace Guard in the afternoon. Walk around the streets surrounding the Jirón de la Unión for great examples of Spanish-colonial architecture and to experience life in a large South American city. There are many fine museums in and around the city, including the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, which houses an equally impressive collection of pottery, mummies and textiles from the Paracas and Nazca cultures. An optional city tour visits many of the cities highlights. The more affluent coastal districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro offer good nightlife and cafés. The Limeños are friendly and the city’s many interesting museums, churches, markets, restaurants and nightlife will surely entice you. Seafood lovers should be sure and try a ceviche, for which Lima is well known. Day 47 heralds the end of a trip of a lifetime. We hope you had a great time!