Southern Cross Westbound - Rio to Lima

From the sands of Copacabana to the heights of the Bolivian Andes, this incredible 39-day journey will introduce you to the diverse landscape and people of South America. Explore the wetlands of the Pantanal and the bizarre landscape of Salar de Uyuni, and revel in the mists of thundering Iguassu Falls. Gain greater insight into the culture on the region’s public buses and meet locals from the rural towns along the way for an immersive experience that few travellers have. Get off the beaten path and experience Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia — a vibrant cross-section of South America.

Day 1 Rio de Janeiro
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Rio de Janeiro
In the morning, explore the favela with a local resident on a G Adventures-supported tour to watch a drumming demonstration, get a Capoeira lesson, and sample craft beers with a new perspective of the city. Enjoy a free afternoon to discover all that Rio has to offer.

Day 3 Rio de Janeiro/Ilha Grande
Take a bus and ferry to Ilha Grande. Enjoy free time to explore this picturesque, laid-back island, opt to go on a hike to a nearby swimming hole or explore the many beaches.

Day 4 Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande is a car-free island surrounded by beautiful nature. Opt to go for a hike, swim, or sit at one of the beach bars.

Day 5 Ilha Grande/Paraty
Travel up the coast to Paraty and wander the cobblestoned streets of this beautiful colonial town.

Day 6 Paraty
Enjoy a free day to explore Paraty. Optional activities include a Caipirinha boat trip, kayaking and horseback riding.

Day 7 Paraty
Continue to enjoy the slow pace of Paraty, a colonial town with fantastic architecture, or opt to take a day trip to Trindade to surf and relax on the beach.

Day 8 Paraty/Iguaçu Falls
Take a flight to the famous Iguassu Falls. Skip the 19 hour journey by land and hop a flight to Iguassu from São Paulo.
Visit the Brazilian side of the falls to get the best panoramic view.

Day 9 Iguaçu Falls
Experience Iguassu in Argentina by exploring trails and catwalks. Opt to take a boat tour to view the falls from below.

Day 10 Iguaçu Falls/Bonito
Embark on the long travel journey to Bonito.

Day 11 Bonito
Spend time in Bonito with optional activities available like snorkelling in the rivers or exploring the nearby caves and waterfalls.

Day 12 Bonito/Pantanal
Journey into the Pantanal, a perfect place to experience the wildlife of Brazil. Enjoy a 2-day excursion into the wetlands with a local guide.

Day 13 Pantanal
Full day of exploring the Pantanal. Try piranha fishing or horseback riding. Opportunities to spot wildlife such as monkeys, macaws, giant otters and caiman.

Day 14 Pantanal/Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Leave the Pantanal and head for the border. Board an overnight bus to Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

Day 15 Santa Cruz de la Sierra/Sucre
Hop on a flight to Bolivia's colonial gem, Sucre. Enjoy a few days in the city to recover from the journey from Brazil, opt to go hiking or take it easy.

Day 16 Sucre
Spend a few days exploring all that Sucre has to offer.

Day 17 Sucre
Enjoy free time to explore all that Sucre has to offer.

Day 18 Sucre
Enjoy free time to explore all that Sucre has to offer.

Day 19 Sucre/Potosí
Journey from Sucre to Potosí. Spend the afternoon exploring the city.

Day 20 Potosí/Uyuni
Head south to Uyuni, the starting point for the salt flats excursion.

Day 21 Uyuni/Salt Flats
Enjoy a 3-day 4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert altiplano, with spectacular scenery.

Day 22 Salt Flats
Continue to discover the Salar de Uyuni on a 4x4 excursion. Last stop for the evening is a G Adventures-supported community lodge in a traditional agricultural village in the heart of a desert oasis.

Day 23 Salt Flats/Uyuni
Enjoy a final day of exploring the Salar de Uyuni before boarding an overnight bus back to La Paz .

Day 24 La Paz
Enjoy a free day in the capital, walk along the winding streets, shop in the markets and enjoy the nightlife. For the thrill seekers opt to bike the famous "death road".

Day 25 La Paz
Enjoy another free day to explore La Paz. Opt to visit Iglesia de San Francisco, Chacaltaya, the Valley of the Moon or the Witches' Market.

Day 26 La Paz
Visit the pre-Incan ruins of Tiahuanaco.

Day 27 La Paz/Puno
Travel by bus through the altiplano, crossing the border to the Peruvian city of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Day 28 Puno/Lake Titicaca
Enjoy a guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a small village.

Day 29 Lake Titicaca/Puno
Visit the floating islands of Uros before returning to Puno. Opt to visit the Sillustani burial site.

Day 30 Puno/Cusco
Hop on the bus for a full day's drive to Cusco.

Day 31 Cusco
Enjoy a free day to explore the city's museums and local markets. Choose to pre-book the optional Cusco Cooking Class. Opt for a city tour to see some of the ruins as well.

Day 32 Cusco/Ollantaytambo
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Stop at the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op before visiting a local pottery making community. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. After lunch, opt to head out on a hike to the Ollantaytambo storehouses and look out over the ruins. Or, wander around the cobblestone streets and visit a local Chicheria (corn beer bar).

Day 33 Inca Trail
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the Inca Trail begins. Ease into the adventure with a straightforward day of hiking the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins.

Day 34 Inca Trail
Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.

Day 35 Inca Trail
Cross two more passes and ruins on today's trek. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).

Day 36 Machu Picchu/Cusco
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down for a guided tour of the ruins, before your train back towards Cusco.

Day 37 Cusco
Enjoy a free day to explore Cusco or relax. Active options horseback riding and mountain biking.

Day 38 Cusco/Lima
Fly to Lima. Opt for a city tour or wander the neighbourhood of Miraflores.

Day 39 Lima
Depart at any time.