South American Explorer

Tailor made tours

SUMMARY

37 Days

Ecuador, Galapagos Islands, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina

Embark on the ultimate five-week adventure across South America with our South American Explorer tour. This journey is perfect for those who want to experience the best of Latin America’s diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and iconic landmarks. Starting in Ecuador, you’ll travel through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, a breathtaking route lined with towering volcanoes and stunning natural beauty.

From Ecuador, venture to the Galapagos Islands, where you’ll encounter unique wildlife and crystal-clear waters, either through an exciting cruise or island hopping adventure. Next, explore Peru’s vibrant culture, beginning in Lima, the gastronomic capital of South America. In the Sacred Valley, marvel at Inca ruins before heading to Machu Picchu, the awe-inspiring ancient city perched high in the Andes. Continue to Cuzco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, and the serene shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.

Cross into Bolivia, where you’ll discover the high-altitude city of La Paz, set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains. Explore the surreal Uyuni Salt Flats, vast white plains stretching as far as the eye can see. Visit the stunning Andean lagoons, with their vivid colours, and continue to the mystical Atacama Desert in Chile, the driest desert on Earth. Spend a few days marvelling at the desert’s extraordinary landscapes before travelling overland to Salta, Argentina, a charming colonial city nestled in the foothills of the Andes.

Your journey culminates with a visit to the majestic Iguazu Falls, where you’ll be awestruck by the sheer power of the cascading waters. Finally, immerse yourself in the tango-filled streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina’s vibrant capital. This tailor-made five-week South America tour offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust the itinerary to your preferences and budget, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience across this fascinating continent.

HIGHLIGHTS

Journey through stunning volcanic regions, with towering peaks, lush valleys, and dramatic views.
Discover diverse wildlife in some of the world’s most pristine and biodiverse environments.
Experience the rich cultures and vibrant histories of South America’s most renowned cities, including culinary delights, local traditions, and fascinating architecture.
Hike through breathtaking mountain ranges and visit the world’s highest navigable lakes, offering unforgettable views and cultural experiences.
Visit awe-inspiring Inca ruins, including the legendary Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and other archaeological marvels.
Witness the surreal beauty of vast salt flats and vibrant Andean lagoons, some of the most photogenic landscapes on Earth.
Be awestruck by massive waterfalls like Iguazu Falls, and explore the dramatic fjords and crystal-clear waters of remote regions.
Travel through scenic mountain routes, vast plains, and unique landscapes, uncovering hidden gems along the way.
Explore high-altitude deserts and high plains, where harsh climates create extraordinary scenery and diverse ecosystems.
Experience the surreal lanscapes of Bolivia’s southwest, the Uyuni Salt Plains and coloured lagoons.
Stay in the adobe village of San Pedro Atacama, the perfect base for explorations of this magical desert region.
Cafayate is known for its iconic rock formations and excellent wines.
End your journey in one of South America’s most vibrant capitals, with its lively arts, music, and culinary scenes.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Quito

Arrive in Quito and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 Quito

Free morning. Afternoon walking tour of Quito’s UNESCO-listed colonial center. Visit key landmarks including El Ejido Park, the Basilica, Plaza de la Independencia, and La Compañía de Jesús. Option to visit the Middle of the World monument.

Day 3 Quito

Visit Otavalo’s famous textile market and explore Peguche village. Enjoy lunch at a local hacienda before returning to Quito.

Day 4 Quito/Baños

Drive to Cotopaxi National Park, visit Limpiopungo lagoon, and stop at an Indigenous market. Continue to Baños for a short city tour.

Day 5 Baños/Riobamba

Tour Baños, famous for its waterfalls and hot springs. Visit “Manto de la Novia” and “Pailon del Diablo” waterfalls, then head to Riobamba.

Day 6 Riobamba/Cuenca

Very early in the morning, you will be transferred to Alausí’s to see the famous “Devil’s Nose”. This section of railroad is a masterpiece of railway engineering, commonly named “the most difficult railway in the world”. After, visit Ingapirca Ruins, the best preserved Inca ruins in Ecuador. Continue to Cuenca this afternoon and overnight.

Day 7 Cuenca

Half-day tour of Cuenca’s colonial center, including the cathedral, Panama Hat factory, and flower market

Day 8 Cuenca/Guayaquil

Visit El Cajas National Park which has more than 200 lagoons and is a very important water resource for Cuenca and Ecuador. Continue overland to Guayaquil and overnight.

Day 9 Riobamba/Cuenca

Fly to the Galapagos Islands for your cruise, choosing from various itineraries.

Day 10 Galapagos Islands

Explore Punta Pitt for frigates and sea lions. Snorkel and visit Cerro Brujos beach.

Day 11 Galapagos Islands

Hike Punta Suarez on Espanola Island, visit seabird colonies, and snorkel at Gardner Bay.

Day 12 Galapagos Islands/Guayaquil

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre, then fly back to Guayaquil.

Day 13 Guayaquil/Lima

Fly to Lima, followed by a city tour of the historic center, Miraflores, San Isidro, and Larco Museum.

Day 14 Lima

Free day for optional activities such as a cooking class, visiting Pachacamac Ruins, or a bike tour of Barranco.

Day 15 Lima/Sacred Valley

Fly to Cuzco and transfer to the Sacred Valley of the Incas located at around 2700m above sea level and the best place to adjust to the high altitude of this region.

Day 16 Sacred Valley

Discover the best of the Sacred Valley of the Incas through this full day tour to Chinchero, Ollantaytambo ruins, and the town of Ollantaytambo.

Day 17 Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu

Train to Machu Picchu for a guided tour. Enjoy lunch at Sanctuary Lodge and overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Day 18 Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Return to Machu Picchu for more exploration, then train back to Cuzco.

Day 19 Cuzco

Half-day tour of Cuzco including the Cathedral, Koricancha Temple, Pre-Colombian Art Museum, and nearby ruins.

Day 20 Cuzco

Free day to relax and explore on your own.
Optional Community Project day; visit an Andean village for a more in-depth cultural encounter. Learn about their way of living and their everyday activities including a one-on-one weaving lesson.

Day 21 Cuzco/Puno

Full day bus journey to Puno, passing Abra La Raya at 4321 meters, then reaching Lake Titicaca.

Day 22 Puno

Visit the Uros Islands, made from totora reeds, and experience the traditional lifestyle of the Uros people. Optional visit to Taquile Island.

Day 23 Puno/La Paz

Visit Copacabana and sail to Sun Island. Continue to La Paz by land.

Day 24 La Paz

Half-day city tour, visiting the Valley of the Moon and the Witches’ Market. Afternoon free to explore.

Day 25 La Paz/Uyuni

Fly to Uyuni and explore the Salt Flats, Incahuasi Island, and nearby sites, including the Aique Pucara fort and Tunupa Volcano. Overnight at the Salt Hotel.

Day 26 Uyuni/Villamar

Travel south across the salt flats, passing through remote villages and stunning landscapes, reaching Villamar.

Day 27 Villamar/San Pedro de Atacama

Cross the Siloli Desert, visit Laguna Colorada and Sol de Mañana geysers, then reach San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 28 San Pedro de Atacama

Free day with optional excursions to El Tatio Geysers or explore the Wetlands and Pecan Monks.

Day 29 San Pedro de Atacama/Salta

A full day bus ride across wild and remote Andean landscapes will take you to Salta, one of Argentina’s most beautiful cities with some of the best preserved colonial architecture in the country.

Day 30 Salta

Day at leisure to relax and explore. We suggest to visit the excellent Museum of High Mountain Archaeology and see the brilliantly preserved remains of child sacrifices found over 6000m in the Andean Range.

Day 31 Salta

Today’s tour will take you to one of Argentina’s picturesque wine regions. We’ll head south passing through the Quebrada de Cafayate, with its beautiful colours and rock formations, to arrive in Cafayate, a lovely colonial town right in the heart of the Calchaquies Valley. You’ll see traditionally dressed gauchos (Argentine cowboys) riding through town on horseback and many old-style stores selling locally made cheeses, preserves and cured meats. Return to Salta. Why not add a night in a beautiful wine lodge in Cafayate?

Day 32 Salta/Puerto Iguazu

Morning at leisure. Fly to Puerto Iguazu this afternoon and transfer to your hotel.

Day 33 Puerto Iguazu

Depart on a full day tour of the Argentina side of the Iguazú National Park. The tour includes a visit to the Upper and Lower trails, and the Devil’s Throat, one of the greatest shows on earth. Return by train to the Visitor’s Centre & transfer back to your hotel. Option to add Speedboat to the falls & 4WD truck ride in the jungle.

Day 34 Puerto Iguazu/Buenos Aires

Fly to cosmopolitan Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel.

Option to include a visit to the Brazilian side of the falls this morning, for the best panoramic view of the magnificent falls. Or travel overland from Iguazu to the Ibera Wetlands for a chance to see jaguar, giant anteater and more!

Day 35 Buenos Aires

Depart on a half day tour of Buenos Aires, known as the “Paris of the Americas” with its strong European influence. A city of grand architecture, beautiful parks, wide avenues and wonderful walks. The tour takes in the most important monuments and sights of the city, including Plaza 25 de Mayo, Government House, San Telmo, La Boca, Puerto Madero, and Recoleta Cemetery.
This evening, enjoy a dinner and tango show. Ask us about having a tango lesson before!

Day 36 Buenos Aires

Free day. Consider an Estancia visit in Areco, famous for the conservation of Creole customs and home to the Guiraldes Museum, or a day trip to charming and historic Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay).