There are many sides to South America – from the bold flavours of its food to the biodiversity of its landscapes and the spirit of its people. Discover it all on this 30-day adventure with a local leader. Wind through the jungles and deserts of Peru, uncover the enigmatic cities and natural wonders of Argentina, and soak up the energy of the beaches in Rio. Spot wildlife, hit the trails and connect with the locals as you explore this special corner of the world.
- Day 1 - Lima
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. With Indigenous cultures dating back millennia, this country is a fascinating land of Amazonian rainforests, diverse wildlife and mountains. Your adventure begins in Lima with a welcome meeting at 4 pm at your hotel. If you arrive early, you might like to visit the Gold Museum or do the Lima Discovery Tour with Urban Adventures to explore hidden hangouts, markets and street food vendors loved by Limeños (people who live in Lima).
Special information: It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
- Day 2 - Paracas
Set out on a walking tour of downtown Lima this morning, where the streets are lined with old mansions, palaces and churches. Take in Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral of Lima, the San Francisco Monastery and the Central Market, where you’ll get a glimpse into Peru’s abundant produce. Then, board a local bus to Paracas – it may stop three or four times along the way. There are no activities planned in Paracas, so maybe seek out a bar serving Peru's national drink – the Pisco sour.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
- Day 3 - Nazca
This morning, wildlife enthusiasts might like to visit the Ballestas Islands in Paracas National Reserve for a chance to spot pelicans, red-footed boobies and flamingos on a two-hour boat tour. Otherwise, you could take it easy with some self-paced sightseeing in Paracas. Then, hit the road to Nazca – home to a fascinating archaeological site – the Nazca Lines. This group of geoglyphs etched into the ground of the Nazca Desert was created between 500 BC and AD500 and covers an area of about 450 sq km. You’ll stop in the town of Huacachina – a little settlement next to a small lake surrounded by sand dunes. Take in the sights from the viewing platform or opt for a scenic flight for the ultimate bird’s eye views.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Between June and September, the port to Ballestas Islands might be closed due to weather conditions. If this happens, you’ll be offered an alternative land tour of the Paracas National Reserve instead.
Flights over the Nazca Lines turn sharply to facilitate optimum viewing and are therefore not recommended for those who experience severe motion sickness. Several local operators offer flights over the lines and there have been safety issues in the past. If you wish to book a scenic flight today, your leader can only assist you with companies that we have risk assessed and deemed safe. Your leader is specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting in booking this activity through any other operators, including transfers to and from other operators. To ensure you don’t miss out, this activity is available to be pre-booked – just speak to your booking agent.
- Day 4 - Arequipa
This morning, you’ll explore the desert graveyard of Chauchilla – where the arid conditions have naturally interred the remains of the Nazca people buried here. Later in the afternoon, you'll board a local overnight bus from Nazca to Arequipa. The journey is long, so be sure to stock up on snacks.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.
- Day 5 - Arequipa
You’ll arrive in Arequipa this morning. Check into your hotel room, freshen up and have breakfast before enjoying free time for the rest of the day. Standing at the foot of El Misti Volcano, Arequipa vies with Cusco for the title of Peru's most scenic city. Built out of a pale volcanic rock called sillar, the old buildings dazzle in the sun, giving the city its nickname – the White City. The main plaza, with its cafes and nearby cathedral, is a lovely place to while away the day. Maybe wander the plaza, tuck into local dishes like rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy peppers) or visit the Andean Sanctuaries Museum which houses Peru’s famous Ice Maiden (also known as ‘Juanita’) – the Inca mummy of a girl who died in the 1440s.
Special information: From January to April, Juanita is switched to a different mummy, Sarita, so that she can be properly preserved and maintained.
- Day 6 - Chivay
Travel by minivan to the traditional market town of Chivay today. Look out for llamas, alpacas and vicunas along the way – not sure how to differentiate between these adorable creatures? Your leader will help you! You'll also stop to stretch your legs, take photos and try local coca tea. The third stop takes you to the highest point on the trip at Patapama (4800 m) before descending to Chivay. Have lunch in town, then maybe wander around the plaza or enjoy a soak in the Colca Canyon Hot Springs. Tonight, why not try llama steak at a local restaurant and watch some live Andean music at a pena (bar)?
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
When stopping at Patapama, you’ll likely experience some shortness of breath. This is nothing to worry about as it’s a short stop and the bus will quickly descend to a lower altitude. Remember to prepare for altitude sickness before the trip.
The accommodation in Chivay is very basic, has no heating and can sometimes be noisy. There are ensuite toilets, and you can request extra blankets on a chilly night.
- Day 7 - Colca Canyon to Puno
Visit the Colca Canyon this morning. More than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the views here are epic. See terraced crops cultivated since pre-Inca times by local villages and look out for the Andean condor – one of the world’s largest flying birds – soaring above and below you from a prime viewing point. Later, board a bus to Puno. It’s a long drive, but the views of the Altiplano – part of the Peruvian highlands – make it an exceptionally scenic one. Puno is on the shores of Lake Titicaca, which you’ll explore in the coming days. When you arrive, you might like to get familiar with the town by exploring on foot. Known as Peru’s folklore capital, Puno is home to several Indigenous cultures, including the Aymara and Quechua peoples.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.
Puno continues to experience occasional political unrest. With safety being our top priority, on some departures you may need to use alternative transportation to avoid affected areas. Your leader will advise of any changes to transport or the itinerary that need to be put in place.
- Day 8 - Llachon community
Take a tour of the immense Lake Titicaca by motorboat today. Stop at the floating Uros Islands that were built by the Uros people hundreds of years ago to protect themselves from encroaching Inca forces. The islands are constructed from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the lake’s shallows. You’ll get a closer look at contemporary life here during a homestay with a local community. Help your host family with their daily activities, learn a few words in the Quechua language and maybe join a soccer game to make some friends on the makeshift pitch. Tonight, sit down and swap stories with your hosts over a home-cooked meal.
Special information: Your homestay tonight is a traditional mud brick house. Rooms have beds and blankets, and there are shared drop toilets, but no showers.
- Day 9 - Puno
This morning, board another motorboat and cruise to Taquile Island – where the locals are known for crafting intricate textiles. Here, knitting is strictly men’s domain and women do the spinning. It's a great place to pick up high-quality knitted goods while supporting local craftspeople. After, hike uphill to the main area of the island, where you can shop for more handicrafts. Descend about 500 steps to the boat and cruise back to Puno, where you might like to gather the group and find a local watering hole to enjoy a drink or two. Chilcano or another Pisco sour, anyone?
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Your hiking time today is approximately 1 hour.
- Day 10 - Cusco
Take a scenic bus ride across the Altiplano to Cusco – the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city. The buildings that stand here today are built on foundations from ancient Inca times. Spend some time acclimatising to the high altitude of 3450 m, then set out to explore some of Cusco's lesser-known sites on a guided walking tour. See the facade of Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, the Twelve Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. End the tour at Cusco's Chocolate Museum to sample a cup of hot chocolate made from local cacao beans. There’s also a small store where you can browse artisanal chocolate treats.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
- Day 11 - Cusco
Enjoy a free day in Cusco – the heart and soul of Peru. You may like to visit one of the city’s many museums and archaeological sites with a boleto turistico (tourism ticket). This includes the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum, Qosqo Native Art Museum and the Inca ruins of Saqsaywaman, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The most easily accessible among these sites is Coricancha, which was once the Inca empire's richest temple, until the Spanish built a Dominican church on top of it. Just speak to your leader to organise this pass or for recommendations on how to make the most of your time.
- Day 12 - Inca Trail
Depending on the travel arrangements you made before the trip, you’ll either spend the next four days hiking the Inca Trail (Route 1), hiking the Quarry Trail (Route 2) or staying in Cusco for two days before taking the train to Aguas Calientes (Route 3). All routes visit Machu Picchu.
While away from Cusco, most of your luggage will be stored at your hotel. If you’re hiking the Inca or Quarry Trails, you'll receive a small duffle bag the evening before you leave to carry your clothes (5 kg maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and camping equipment. You won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. If you’re travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, you'll be able to leave most of your luggage at the hotel in Cusco and travel with only a small bag for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
Route 1 Inca Trail:
Travel by minivan to the 82 km marker and meet your guide, cook and crew of porters. Your first day will include uphill trekking to the campsite (3100 m). On the way, you’ll see the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, as well as incredible views of snow-capped Veronica Peak. In the evening, unwind at the campsite with a nourishing meal prepared by your cook.
Route 2 Quarry Trail:
Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. From here, head to the small community near Qory Song’o (Golden Heart) hill to climb to the top for views of the Soqma Perolniyoc, Pachar and Huarocondo valleys. There are also several protected sacred tombs which you can explore and even see some of the original structure crafted from wood and leather. – travellers have seldom seen these remains. Continue to the Perolniyoc Cascade lookout to stop for snacks and photos. Arrive at the campsite (3700 m) around lunchtime. After, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site – a historic Inca checkpoint.
Route 3 Cusco:
If you choose the train option, you’ll stay in Cusco so that you have time to visit some of its many museums and archaeological sites. The most accessible is Coricancha – speak with your trip leader to organise optional activities.
Special information: Route 1 Inca Trail (starting elevation 2688 m)
Your trekking time today will be approximately 8 hours or 12 km, with an elevation gain of 412 m and a descent of 68 m.
Route 2 Quarry Trail (starting elevation 3220 m)
Your trekking time today will be approximately 6.5 hours or 7 km, with an elevation gain of 480 m.
Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the trekking options only.
The Inca Trail requires a moderate level of fitness. The trail is 45 km long and often steep. Each day generally consists of seven hours of walking (uphill and downhill), with stops for snacks and lunch. Trekking usually begins at 7 am (except on the fourth morning) and you reach the campsite around 5 pm. Accommodation is camping (three nights) – double tents (twin-share) and foam camping mats are provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.
The Quarry Trail requires a moderate level of fitness. The hike is 31 km long and its highest pass is 4450 m above sea level. Horses will carry your gear and camping equipment. The first two nights are spent camping, and the third night you’ll stay at a simple hotel. Double tents (twin-share) and foam camping mats are provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.
- Day 13 - Inca Trail
Route 1 Inca Trail:
This is the most challenging trekking day as you’ll ascend a steep path to reach the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4200 m, providing amazing views of the valley. After, descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley (3650 m).
Route 2 Quarry Trail:
This is the most challenging and rewarding day. A 3-hour walk takes you to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (4370 m). After enjoying the picturesque views, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch. Then, hike to Kuychicassa (4450 m), the trek’s highest pass. From here, descend to the sacred site that the Incas called Intipunku. This is a sun gate, where the sun streams through at certain times of the year. The Incas built several sun gates, the most notable overlooking Machu Picchu. Continue to the campsite (3600 m), only a stone’s throw away.
Route 3 Cusco:
This morning, drive through the Sacred Valley. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, it has been a source of livelihood for the locals for hundreds of years, with maize crops covering the terraced valley. Stop for lunch in a local community, where you'll also get the chance to learn about their traditional lifestyle and maybe wrap your tongue around a few words of the Quechua language. Tonight, stay in Ollantaytambo where you can check out the town’s fascinating remnants of an Inca city overlooking the present-day settlement.
Special information: Route 1 Inca Trail:
Your trekking time today will be approximately 8 hours or 12 km, with an elevation gain of 1127 m and a descent of 627 m.
Route 2 Quarry Trail:
Your trekking time today will be approximately 7.5 hours or 14 km, with an elevation gain of 750 m and a descent of 700 m.
Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the trekking options only.
- Day 14 - Inca Trail
Route 1 Inca Trail:
Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass (3980 m). Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending for around 2 to 3 hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3850 m), also known as the 'Town Above the Clouds'. Then, start the 2-hour descent down Inca steps to a campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site.
Route 2 Quarry Trail:
Today’s hike is all downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Spanish intercepted the Incas. Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo when you finish the trek, then take a short train ride to Aguas Calientes. This is where you’ll meet the travellers in your group who didn't hike. Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Route 3 Train to Aguas Calientes:
Today, you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who may have hiked the Quarry Trail. You’ll catch a 1.5-hour train through the winding Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. The city is in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Special information: Route 1 Inca Trail:
Your trekking time today will be approximately 10 hours or 15 km, with an elevation gain of 400 m and a descent of 1350 m.
Route 2 Quarry Trail:
Your trekking time today will be approximately 4.5 hours or 10 km, with a descent of 950 m.
Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the Inca Trail trekking option only. There is an included lunch for travellers on the Quarry Trail trekking option.
- Day 15 - Cusco
Route 1 Inca Trail:
This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. You’ll have an early start, with breakfast at 4 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and begin hiking. Once the final checkpoint opens at 5 am, you’ll begin the final 2.5-hour trek to Intipunku (the Sun Gate). Weather permitting, you’ll be treated to views over the Lost City of the Incas as you enter through the Sun Gate.
Route 2 and 3 Machu Picchu to Cusco:
Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 6 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for the Inca nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Inca site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters. This is a day to remember!
The whole group will then catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to stop for lunch. From here, take a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo, then drive back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
Special information: Route 1 Inca Trail:
Your trekking time today will be approximately 4 hours or 6 km, with an elevation gain of 81 m and a descent of 331 m.
Due to safety reasons, the final checkpoint for all trekkers opens at 5 am. The estimated arrival time at Machu Picchu's Sun Gate for Inca Trail trekkers is approximately 7.30 am. For Quarry Trail trekkers and train travellers, the first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs at 6 am. The estimated arrival time is between 6.30 and 7 am. The sun rises at Machu Picchu at approximately 5.30 am, so it's not possible to be there for sunrise.
Due to Intrepid's internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking trips to the mountaintop ruins of Wayna Picchu.
- Day 16 - Cusco
Enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore more of Cusco today. Maybe rest your weary legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas or head to the San Pedro Market where you’ll find vegetables, meats, local cheeses, chocolates, herbal medicines and handicrafts. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or ingredients for a picnic. The market is also where many locals (and daring travellers) eat ‘mystery soups’. Some may be just chicken – but the most popular among the locals usually contains frogs or offal. If you’re looking for something active, why not try mountain biking in the hills surrounding Cusco?
- Day 17 - Amazon Jungle
Rise and shine for your journey into the Peruvian Amazon. Take an early transfer to the airport, then fly to Puerto Maldonado. Here, you’ll pack a small duffle bag with essentials for the next two days. Board a motorised canoe and cruise deep into the jungle to your eco-lodge in the Madre de Dios region – it'll take a couple of hours, so you’ll stop for lunch along the way. Settle into your thatched-roof lodge before a short orientation walk. Spend the evening taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the jungle and enjoying an I’m-so-far-from-home moment.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Intrepid uses two different lodges in the same area. The activities may vary slightly depending on which lodge you’re at. The included night excursion may be tonight or tomorrow. As both lodges are in the same area of the jungle, you’ll see the same wildlife and your overall jungle experience will be the same.
- Day 18 - Amazon Jungle
Get ready for a day of exploring the depths of the jungle! Set out on a half-day trek guided by local experts on the area's flora and fauna. Learn about the medicinal and practical uses for some of the plants that grow here, which Indigenous people have been studying and using for thousands of years. Along the way, look out for rainbow macaws and butterflies, and listen for the barking call of the peccaries and chattering of monkeys. Capybaras, giant otters and jabirus also live in this part of the Amazon, so keep your eyes peeled. Return to the lodge for lunch, then you’ll have some free time to relax. After sunset, venture out on a night walk in search of caimans, jaguars, anacondas and other nocturnal critters.
Special information: Your jungle walk today will be approximately 11 km. The paths can be muddy, so sturdy walking shoes are a must.
- Day 19 - Lima
Leave the natural wonders of the Amazon behind and return to Puerto Maldonado to board a flight back to Lima. You'll be met by a local representative who’ll take you to your hotel. Time permitting, the rest of the day is free to explore more of Lima's sights and maybe do some last-minute shopping. In the evening, maybe regroup for one last night out on the town and a celebratory farewell dinner of Peruvian favourites.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 2 to 5 hours depending on available flight connections.
- Day 20 - Lima to Buenos Aires
Say hasta luego (see you later) to Peru and board a flight to Buenos Aires – Argentina’s capital. Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city with Latin passion, European elegance and its own distinctive style. Relax in your hotel tonight or hit the streets for some solo exploration.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
Please note that you won't be accompanied by a trip leader for today, in Lima or Buenos Aires.
- Day 21 - Buenos Aires
You have a free day today to explore bustling Buenos Aires. Why not visit the San Telmo neighbourhood to wander cobblestone streets lined with old mansions, cafes and cool shops? Or maybe visit Recoleta (the grand cemetery) or Casa Rosada (the Pink House). Tonight, you’ll have another welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your new trip leader and group members. Your leader will leave a note at the hotel reception telling you where this important meeting will take place.
Special information: As this is a combo trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader will likely change today.
- Day 22 - Buenos Aires
After breakfast, head out on an orientation walk of the city with your leader. You'll be introduced to some of Buenos Aires' major sights – the likes of the Colon Theatre (considered one of the most beautiful opera theatres in the world), the historic monument of Obelisk and Plaza de Mayo – home to the original town hall and the presidential palace known as the Pink House. The rest of the day is free to explore as you like – how about a beginner’s tango class or some people-watching with a glass of malbec? For dinner tonight, you could ask your leader where to find the best traditional asado (barbecue).
- Day 23 - Ituzaingó
This morning, take a short flight to Posadas followed by a drive to Ituzaingo – a riverside city on the banks of the Parana River and your base to explore the Ibera Wetlands region. Spanning over 15,000 square kilometres, these wetlands are roughly the size of Belgium, which gives you an idea of how much there is to explore. The biodiversity is incredible, and the swamps, lakes and lagoons are home to many creatures including otters, alligators, deer, wolves and black howler monkeys to name a few. Also keep a look out for those oddly noble-looking creatures, the capybaras – cousins of the guinea pig and the largest rodents in the world.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
- Day 24 - Ibera Wetlands/Ituzaingó
Today you’ll do full day tour and safari of the wetlands with a local guide. You could see an array of mammals, reptiles and birds – maybe caiman or swamp deer, an armadillo, or a flock of rhea (which are like a South American equivalent of an emu). Anacondas, though particularly hard to spot at certain times of the year, are also known to inhabit these wetlands. Keep an eye to the sky, as you're bound to catch a glimpse of some of the 350 bird species here, from the sharp-tailed tyrant to the gorgeous yellow robin. For lunch, tuck into a delicious asado and maybe even have a go at kneading some dough for Argentinian bread. The evening is free to unwind or grab dinner with the group.
- Day 25 - Foz do Iguazu
Have a hearty breakfast and prepare for a long travel day. Take a comfortable local bus to Puerto Iguazu. From here, you’ll transfer to a minivan and drive to a Guarani community. The Guarani are one of the region’s remaining Indigenous peoples, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn about their way of life and how they've preserved their traditions on the edge of one of South America’s most popular attractions. Later, cross the border into Brazil and continue to your hotel in Foz do Iguazu.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
- Day 26 - Foz do Iguacu
Today you'll visit the mighty Iguazu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides. At over two km long, the falls are actually a series of cataracts (large waterfalls). There are over 270 in total, with some reaching up to 80 m tall, and they're wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara. Enjoy the panoramas on the Brazilian side – including a view of San Martin Island which you don't quite get from the Argentinean side. You might like to take a helicopter ride over while you're here. This optional activity gives you spectacular views of the cascades and the lush parklands that surround it.
- Day 27 - Iguazu Falls
Today you'll go to the Argentinean side of the falls where it’s possible to follow a series of boardwalks and get up close to the thundering waters – so close you can almost touch them. For a more exhilarating experience, you could also jump on a Zodiac tour that takes you around the base the cascades. Return to your hotel later in the afternoon to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s journey to Rio de Janeiro.
- Day 28 - Rio de Janeiro
Today you'll take a flight to Rio de Janeiro, the festive heart of Brazil. When you arrive, settle into your hotel and then join your leader for an orientation walk. Rio is a diverse city best known for its beaches, Carnaval and contrasting images of favelas (informal settlements) and luxury districts. After, enjoy some free time to explore your way – your leader can provide recommendations. Perhaps head to a football game, take a cable car ride between Praia Vermelha and the Sugarloaf Mountain for views over the city or enjoy a caipirinha at a beachside bar.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
- Day 29 - Rio de Janeiro
This morning you'll be picked up at your hotel and head straight to Christ the Redeemer to try and beat the crowds. Soak up the early morning air and take some photos of this iconic statue before heading to a local farmers’ market. Your leader will show you some of the favourite local foods to try and introduce you to market traditions. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore more of the city. As it’s your last night together as a group, you could head out for a farewell dinner and say saude (cheers) to your adventure.
- Day 30 - Rio de Janeiro
With no activities planned, you’re free to leave your hotel after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your time in Rio, just let us know and we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
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