Itinerary
- Day 1
Medellin
You'll meet your group and tour leader at the hostel for a briefing to kick things off. Then head into Comuna 13 to see the neighborhood's famous street art and ride those outdoor escalators. Grab lunch at Mercado del Río food market, then you'll join a Spanish language class. After that, walk through some of Medellin's main spots like Plaza Botero, Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe, and the Catedral Basílica Metropolitana. The rest of the day is yours to do what you want, or head to El Poblado if you feel like checking out the nightlife.
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Comuna 13 with street art and outdoor escalators
- Spanish language class
- Walking tour of Plaza Botero, Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe, and Catedral Basílica Metropolitana
Optional Activities
- Paragliding
- Tejo game (local sport)
- Local football match at Estadio Atanasio Giradot
- Drinks at El Poblado party street
Landmarks Comuna 13 Plaza Botero Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe Catedral Basílica Metropolitana Mercado del Río Estadio Atanasio Giradot 
- Day 2
Guatape - Medellin
Start the day with local Colombian coffee before heading out on a day trip to Guatape, a lakeside town. You'll climb 740 steps to the top of Penol-Guatapé Reservoir for great views, then try kayaking on the water. Back in Medellin by evening, you'll take part in an included tango class, and don't worry if you've never danced before.
Included Activities
- Penol-Guatapé Reservoir hike (740 steps)
- Kayaking on Penol-Guatapé Reservoir
- Tango class
Landmarks Penol-Guatapé Reservoir Guatape 
- Day 3
Medellin to Salento
Leave Medellin and travel into the Coffee Triangle. The minivan ride takes about 6 hours to reach Salento, a colonial town surrounded by coffee plantations and towering wax palms. You'll visit Finca el Ocaso Coffee Farm where you can pick your own beans, learn how coffee gets produced, and do a tasting. After that, the day is yours to relax.
Included Activities
- Finca el Ocaso Coffee Farm visit including coffee bean picking, coffee production experience, and tasting
Landmarks Finca el Ocaso Coffee Farm Salento - Day 4
Salento to Cali
Transfer by bus from Salento to Cali, Colombia's salsa capital. Once you check in at the hostel, explore the city's main highlights with local experts, including Plaza de Caycedo and the Catedral Metropolitana, which has striking Neo-Gothic architecture. Dive into what makes Cali's salsa scene and culture unique. Evening is free, so consider checking out a salsa club if that interests you.
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Cali including Plaza de Caycedo and Catedral Metropolitana
- Salsa scene exploration and cultural discussion
Optional Activities
- Salsa club visit
Landmarks Plaza de Caycedo Catedral Metropolitana - Day 5
Cali to Bogota
Sleep in or enjoy a free morning however you like. Then you'll transfer to the airport for your included flight to Bogota, Colombia's capital. Your first evening there is at leisure to rest and settle in.
- Day 6
Bogota
Explore Bogota on an included bike tour through downtown, hitting La Candelaria, Plaza Bolívar, the Cathedral, and Presidential Palace. Stop at a local fruit market to try unusual fruits like lulo and uchuva. You'll cycle to a middle-class district to see modern Colombia firsthand. Then comes a graffiti art experience where you'll learn about the country's history and culture, plus create your own art. Later, ride the funicular up to Monserrate mountain at 3,000 meters for incredible city views, then return by cable car. Optional nightlife at Theatron, one of Latin America's largest nightclubs.
Included Activities
- Bike tour of downtown Bogota including La Candelaria, Plaza Bolívar, Cathedral, and Presidential Palace
- Local fruit market visit
- Graffiti art experience and gallery visit
- Funicular ride to Monserrate
- Cable car descent from Monserrate
Optional Activities
- Night out at Theatron nightclub
Landmarks La Candelaria Plaza Bolívar Cathedral of Bogota Presidential Palace Monserrate - Day 7
Bogota to Cusco, Peru
Transfer to the airport for your included flight to Cusco, Peru, the former Incan capital and your gateway to Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, your tour leader guides you around the historic downtown, visiting Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral, and San Pedro Market. Join a group meal in the evening (not included) to try local Peruvian cuisine. Get an early night since your Machu Picchu trek starts tomorrow.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Cusco historic downtown including Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral, and San Pedro Market
Optional Activities
- Group meal at local restaurant
Landmarks Plaza de Armas Cusco Cathedral San Pedro Market 
- Day 8
Inca Trail Trek Day 1
Your trek begins today with a relatively gentle hike to help you acclimatize to the altitude. Carry just a day pack while your luggage gets sent ahead. After hiking, your trekking team sets up camp and prepares dinner. You'll spend your first night camping in the Andes.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner prepared by trekking team)
Included Activities
- First day of Inca Trail hike (or Salkantay Trek alternative)
- Day 9
Inca Trail Trek Day 2
Continue your trek by crossing mountain passes and walking past small archaeological sites while taking in incredible Andean scenery. Watch for wildlife like tiny hummingbirds and giant Andean condors. Today's hike is more challenging than yesterday with mostly uphill terrain. Another night of Andes camping with a hearty dinner awaits.
- Meals
- Dinner (Hearty dinner prepared by trekking team)
Included Activities
- Second day of Inca Trail hike with mountain pass crossings and archaeological site visits
- Day 10
Inca Trail Trek Day 3
Another gentle climb today reaches Phuyupatamarca, the third-highest point on the trail and an important Inca archaeological site. You'll descend to your third campsite, experiencing the dramatic transition from snow-capped mountains to lush Amazon jungle in a single day. Pass the impressive Intipata archaeological site along the way. Arrive at the campsite in the afternoon with extra time to relax. Machu Picchu awaits tomorrow.
Included Activities
- Third day of Inca Trail hike to Phuyupatamarca Inca site
- Intipata archaeological site visit
Landmarks Phuyupatamarca Intipata - Day 11
Machu Picchu
Wake early for spectacular morning views over Machu Picchu. Visit the Lost City, an ancient Inca citadel hidden from the world for 400 years until its rediscovery in 1911. A local guide leads you through this New Seven Wonders site with plenty of time to explore and take photos. Return to Cusco by bus rather than hiking back. Your evening in Cusco is at leisure, so rest up or celebrate with a Pisco Sour.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Optional Activities
- Pisco Sour celebration drink
Landmarks Machu Picchu - Day 12
Cusco
Sleep in this morning, your legs definitely deserve it. If you're up for it, head into the city for a traditional Peruvian breakfast or browse San Pedro Market for souvenirs. In the afternoon, visit the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman on a hill above Cusco. Take time to admire the impressive stone walls and enjoy the views. It's your last night in Cusco, so consider a bar crawl to experience the city's famous nightlife.
Included Activities
- Sacsayhuaman Inca fortress visit
Optional Activities
- Traditional Peruvian breakfast
- San Pedro Market shopping
- Bar crawl
Landmarks Sacsayhuaman San Pedro Market - Day 13
Cusco to Puno
Travel along the Ruta del Sol, one of Peru's most scenic journeys. Stop for a short hike at iconic Rainbow Mountain, where the earth and soil display brilliant colors thanks to millennia of tectonic activity. Continue to Puno, a town on the shore of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Evening is at leisure.
Included Activities
- Rainbow Mountain short hike and visit
Landmarks Rainbow Mountain Lake Titicaca - Day 14
Lake Titicaca
Enjoy an included boat ride on UNESCO-listed Lake Titicaca, one of Peru's most famous natural wonders. Soak up the Andean scenery and visit the floating reed islands of the indigenous Uros people. Learn how they took to the water originally to protect against Inca attacks, a tradition that's continued for centuries. Return to Puno in the evening with free time to relax.
Included Activities
- Boat ride on Lake Titicaca
- Visit to floating reed islands of Uros people
Landmarks Lake Titicaca 
- Day 15
Puno to La Paz, Bolivia
Board a sleeper bus at 5am to La Paz, Bolivia's capital, approximately 6 hours away. Meet your new tour leader upon arrival and check into the hostel. Enjoy an included afternoon tour of La Paz starting from Plaza Murillo. See the Presidential Palace, Cathedral of La Paz, and National Congress building. Visit the Witches Market where you can find traditional remedies, spiritual artifacts and Andean ritual offerings. The tour finishes with an included cable car ride over the city for incredible views.
Included Activities
- Walking tour of La Paz including Plaza Murillo, Presidential Palace, Cathedral of La Paz, and National Congress building
- Witches Market visit
- Cable car ride over La Paz
Landmarks Plaza Murillo Presidential Palace Cathedral of La Paz National Congress building Witches Market 
- Day 16
La Paz
Optional mountain biking adventure along Death Road, officially the world's most dangerous road, with stunning views. All equipment and expert guidance provided for safety. If that's not for you, spend the day exploring La Paz at your own pace. In the evening, regroup and head to the bus station for your overnight bus to Uyuni.
Optional Activities
- Death Road mountain biking trip with expert guide and all equipment
Landmarks Death Road 
- Day 17
Salt Flats Tour Day 1
Arrive in Uyuni early morning to begin your 3-day, 4x4 adventure across the Salar de Uyuni salt flats to San Pedro de Atacama. Start at the Train Cemetery with abandoned locomotives from mining days. Visit Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, then head to Incahuasi Island with giant cacti and incredible views. You'll have an included picnic lunch there. Continue exploring the salt flats and settle into a remote guesthouse for the night in the heart of the desert.
- Meals
- Lunch (Picnic lunch on Incahuasi Island)
Included Activities
- Train Cemetery visit
- Salar de Uyuni (world's largest salt flat) exploration
- Incahuasi Island visit with giant cacti
- Picnic lunch on Incahuasi Island
Landmarks Train Cemetery Salar de Uyuni Incahuasi Island - Day 18
Salt Flats Tour Day 2
Explore more incredible Bolivian landscapes today. Start with the Chiguana Desert framed by towering volcanoes. Visit several lakes including Laguna Canapa, Laguna Hedionda, and Laguna Honda, where you'll see great flocks of flamingos. Discover the Stone Tree, a unique rock formation shaped by erosion. See the red-hued Laguna Colorada in Eduardo Avaro National Park, home to more flamingos. Settle into accommodation for the night.
Included Activities
- Chiguana Desert exploration
- Laguna Canapa visit
- Laguna Hedionda visit
- Laguna Honda visit with flamingo viewing
- Stone Tree of the Siloli Desert visit
- Laguna Colorada visit in Eduardo Avaro National Park with flamingo viewing
Landmarks Chiguana Desert Laguna Canapa Laguna Hedionda Laguna Honda Stone Tree of the Siloli Desert Laguna Colorada Eduardo Avaro National Park - Day 19
Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Early start to reach the Sol de Manana geyser field for sunrise. Watch steam rising from bubbling mud pots. Continue to the Polques Hot Springs for a relaxing dip. View the green lake of Laguna Verde at the base of Licancabur Volcano. After a spectacular few days exploring the salt flats, cross into Chile and head to San Pedro de Atacama in the Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth. Your first evening in San Pedro is at leisure.
Included Activities
- Sol de Manana geyser field sunrise visit
- Polques Hot Springs dip
Landmarks Sol de Manana Polques Hot Springs Laguna Verde Licancabur Volcano - Day 20
San Pedro de Atacama
Optional sandboarding in Death Valley in the morning if you're interested. Enjoy an included bike tour to Valle de la Luna, featuring impressive rock formations, salt flats and sand dunes with views of the Atacama Desert and Andes. In the evening, head to a nearby observatory for unspoiled views of the night sky, one of the world's clearest and darkest spots. Spot shooting stars, constellations and the Milky Way in incredible detail.
Included Activities
- Bike tour to Valle de la Luna with rock formations, salt flats and sand dunes
- Observatory night sky experience
Optional Activities
- Sandboarding in Death Valley
Landmarks Valle de la Luna Death Valley 
- Day 21
San Pedro de Atacama to Buenos Aires, Argentina
Transfer to the airport and board an included flight to Santiago, then connect to a flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital. On arrival, have time to freshen up before meeting your new tour leader and any new group members. After a quick briefing, head out together for an included tango lesson with professional instructors to learn this quintessential Argentine dance form.
Included Activities
- Tango lesson with professional instructors
- Day 22
Buenos Aires
Explore Buenos Aires by bike using the city's developed cycle lane network. Visit highlights including the historic central square Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada, the iconic pink Presidential Palace. See the beautiful Teatro Colon opera house. The bike tour concludes at the modern MALBA art gallery. Take a Spanish lesson with your tour leader in the afternoon. Explore the San Telmo Market (Sundays only) and enjoy an included BBQ dinner at a local restaurant, traditional Argentine wood-fired meat cooking. Wash it down with malbec wine before heading into town for drinks.
- Meals
- Dinner (BBQ dinner at local asado restaurant with malbec wine)
Included Activities
- Bike tour of Buenos Aires including Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, and Teatro Colon
- MALBA art gallery visit
- Spanish lesson
- San Telmo Market visit (Sundays only)
- BBQ dinner at local asado restaurant
Landmarks Plaza de Mayo Casa Rosada Teatro Colon MALBA art gallery San Telmo Market - Day 23
Buenos Aires
Explore more of Buenos Aires, beginning with the parks, galleries and cafes of the Palermo and Recoleta neighborhoods. Visit the Recoleta Cemetery where many prominent figures from Argentina's history are laid to rest. Enjoy some free time, with the option to take the local train to Tigre for a public boat tour exploring the Tigre River Delta. In the afternoon, an included bus tour takes you to La Boca. See the iconic Caminito Walkway and La Bombonera, home to Boca Juniors football club. Tour the stadium if no game is scheduled.
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Palermo and Recoleta neighborhoods
- Recoleta Cemetery visit
- Bus tour of La Boca
- Caminito Walkway visit
- La Bombonera stadium tour (or match tickets if available)
Optional Activities
- Local train to Tigre and public boat tour of Tigre River Delta
- La Bombonera match tickets (if available, surcharge applies)
Landmarks Palermo Recoleta Recoleta Cemetery Tigre Tigre River Delta La Boca Caminito Walkway La Bombonera - Day 24
Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
Transfer to the airport for your included flight south to Ushuaia in the heart of Patagonia, known as El Fin Del Mundo (the End of the World). On arrival, spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. Consider a stroll around Plaza Malvinas, which honors veterans of the Falklands War.
Optional Activities
- Stroll around Plaza Malvinas
Landmarks Plaza Malvinas 
- Day 25
Ushuaia
Enjoy a 6-hour hike to Laguna Esmerelda (Emerald Lagoon). Along the route, discover some of Patagonia's best scenery and nature, from turbales wetlands to lush forests, crystal clear lagoons and rugged mountain peaks. Keep an eye out for wildlife including guanacos, beavers, armadillos and perhaps even a puma. It's a long trek but manageable and we're not in a rush. You've already conquered the Inca Trail, so this should be doable. Return to Ushuaia for the evening.
Included Activities
- Laguna Esmeralda 6-hour hike
Landmarks Laguna Esmeralda - Day 26
Ushuaia
Take it easy after yesterday's hike with a free morning. In the afternoon, enjoy an included catamaran ride through the Beagle Channel. These nutrient-rich waters are the gateway to Antarctica and home to whales, sea lions, giant albatrosses and the famous Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, often called the 'End of the World Lighthouse'. Evening is at leisure back in Ushuaia.
Included Activities
- Catamaran ride through Beagle Channel with wildlife viewing
Optional Activities
- Upgrade to smaller boat with penguin island stops (November-February only)
Landmarks Beagle Channel Les Eclaireurs lighthouse - Day 27
Ushuaia to Iguazu Falls
Enjoy an included flight from Ushuaia to Iguazu Falls on the Argentine side. Rest of today is at leisure. Note: On some departures, due to flight availability, you may fly to Buenos Aires today instead and spend the night there, with the journey to Iguazu Falls continuing the next morning.
Landmarks Iguazu Falls 
- Day 28
Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Visit UNESCO-listed Iguazu National Park. Besides the jaw-dropping waterfall, the park features lush tropical rainforest and wildlife including toucans and jaguars. Hike the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) to get up close to Iguazu Falls through a series of walkways. Ride a train through the park to enjoy different angles of the falls. Optional boat ride if you don't mind getting wet from the spray. Watch a magical sunset at the Three Borders Landmark where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet. Evening is at leisure.
Included Activities
- Iguazu National Park visit
- Garganta del Diablo hike (Devil's Throat)
- Train ride through the park
Optional Activities
- Boat ride through the national park
Landmarks Iguazu National Park Garganta del Diablo Three Borders Landmark 
- Day 29
Iguazu Falls to Sao Paulo, Brazil
Cross the border to explore the Brazilian side of Iguazu National Park. Hike the Cataratas Trail and take in stunning views from the Garganta do Diabo viewpoint. Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Sao Paulo. On arrival, have free time to freshen up before meeting your new tour leader. Head out to Vila Madalena, an area known for its street art, especially Beco de Batman, and vibrant nightlife.
Included Activities
- Brazilian side of Iguazu National Park exploration
- Cataratas Trail hike (Trilha das Cataratas)
- Garganta do Diabo viewpoint visit
- Vila Madalena visit
Landmarks Iguazu National Park Cataratas Trail Garganta do Diabo Vila Madalena Beco de Batman - Day 30
Sao Paulo
Explore Sao Paulo on a guided tour. Stroll along Avenida Paulista, where street performers, street art and pop-up markets collide. Explore the historic city center, visiting Se Cathedral and the Monastery of Sao Bento. Climb to the observation deck of the Edifício Itália tower for incredible sunset views of the city. For nightlife, Rua Augusta is recommended.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Sao Paulo
- Avenida Paulista stroll
- Se Cathedral visit
- Monastery of Sao Bento visit
- Edifício Itália observation deck climb and sunset views
Optional Activities
- Nightlife on Rua Augusta
Landmarks Avenida Paulista Se Cathedral Monastery of Sao Bento Edifício Itália Rua Augusta - Day 31
Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro
Travel approximately 6 hours by bus from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival, head out to Copacabana Beach for some sunbathing. Enjoy an included beach volleyball class. Later, head to the Ipanema District to have churrasco, traditional Brazilian barbecued meat and vegetable skewers grilled over open flames.
Included Activities
- Beach volleyball class on Copacabana Beach
Optional Activities
- Sunbathing at Copacabana Beach
- Traditional churrasco dinner in Ipanema District
Landmarks Copacabana Beach Ipanema District 
- Day 32
Rio de Janeiro
Visit another of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Christ the Redeemer. Make an early start to beat the crowds, then stop at a local cafe for traditional Brazilian breakfast and coffee. Ride the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain, an iconic granite peak with panoramic city views. It's the final night of the tour, so celebrate at a beach-side bar with dinner and cocktails, and perhaps a night out at a local samba club.
Included Activities
- Christ the Redeemer visit
- Cable car ride to Sugarloaf Mountain
Optional Activities
- Traditional Brazilian breakfast and coffee at local cafe
- Beach-side bar dinner with cocktails
- Samba club night out
Landmarks Christ the Redeemer Sugarloaf Mountain - Day 33
Departure
It's been an incredible 33-day adventure through South America. Say goodbye to the group, swap contact details, and make your way to the airport or your next destination. Safe travels!
