Tour Description

Start in the clouds, finish on the coast? Yup. On this trip, you'll trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, cruise Lake Titicaca, get seriously wowed by the Uyuni Salt Flats, desert-hop into Chile, then roll through Argentina and Uruguay before hitting Iguazu Falls and finishing strong in Rio. This is the full overland epic — 34 days of local hostels, public transport, overnight buses from the Andes to the Atlantic.

Priced From:

$ 8285pp ^*

From: 2027-01-17

To: 2028-01-02

Start Location: Cusco, Peru

End Location: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Trip Type: Latin America

Tour Advisors

Beccy Hayes

Travel Specialist

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Caitlin Lennon

Travel Coordinator

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Itinerary

Cusco

Day 1

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Viajero Cusco (or similar)

Hello and welcome to Cusco! This afternoon is yours to settle in and start soaking up that high-altitude buzz. In the evening, you’ll meet your Trip Manager for a welcome meeting.

Cusco to Puno

Day 2

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar)

Today we’ll hop on board a shared coach once again and travel to Puno along the famous Route of the Sun, with iconic stops along the way — Andahuaylillas (AKA the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”), Raqchi and the Temple of Wiracocha. Plus viewpoint and culture breaks at La Pascana, La Raya and the Pucará Museum. By the time we roll into Puno, we’ll have ticked off one of Peru’s best overland journeys. Welcome to the folkloric capital of Peru!

Puno to Lake Titicaca

Day 3

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Llachon Island Homestay (or similar)

Lake time! Today, we'll make our way to Lake Titicaca, cruising out across the lake towards Taquile Island. On the way, you’ll visit a floating island built from totora reeds, stepping onto the man-made platforms and checking out the reed houses up close. We'll explore a quieter part of Taquile on a short hike to an open-air market where the community shares dances, textiles, and local traditions. Then follow a pre-Incan path down to a sandy beach for some chill time. Hungry? Once we arrive on the Capachica Peninsula, we'll head into a local family homestay, and sit down for lunch made from local produce, with an optional late-afternoon hike up to a nearby hill for sunset. Later, after dinner, we’ll round things off with a small celebration of traditional music and dancing, then settle in for the night in basic but comfy rooms.

Lake Titicaca to Puno

Day 4

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar)

Say goodbye to your host fam. After an early brekkie, we'll boat back across the lake with the crew. The rest of the day? All yours to do whatever you please.

Puno to La Paz

Day 5

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Las Brisas Centro (or similar)

Morning! Jump in to your private transfer from the hotel to the bus station, then roll out on the tourist bus to La Paz via Copacabana (about 10 hours). Settle in, snack up, and watch the landscapes do their thing. Welcome to Bolivia! Once we arrive, we'll snag a private transfer to the hotel. Come get your first taste of La Paz on a welcome dinner with your crew.

La Paz

Day 6

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Las Brisas Centro (or similar)

We'll kick off our La Paz discovery with a half-day Shoe Shiner City Tour and see the city through a local lens. You'll tick off viewpoints, street life, and big city energy. Then it’s free time to roam, market-hop, and snack your way through town. Ever heard of the Bolivian Fighting Cholitas? Tonight, you have the option to see them live in action.

La Paz to Overnight Bus

Day 7

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Overnight Bus

Free day? To do La Paz your way? Mhm, that's right. Choose to cruise the city on Mi Teleférico for big Illimani views, wander the historic centre (San Francisco Church, Calle Jaén, Witches’ Market), or duck out to Valle de la Luna for those surreal, moon-like rock formations. Later, we’ll take a private transfer to the bus station and hop on the overnight bus on a comfy ride to Sucre. Tonight we’ll be rolling through the dark towards Bolivia’s “White City,” ready to wake up in a whole new vibe.

Overnight Bus to Sucre

Day 8

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hostal Sucre (or similar)

We'll arrive around 7am, then hop into a private transfer to the hotel to freshen up. Welcome to Bolivia’s “White City”! We'll explore the city on foot, checking out colonial streets, car-free plazas, and museums if you’re keen, and that chilled Spanish-era vibe. Thinking of what to grab for lunch? Check out Salteñería El Patio, Sucre's go-to spot for authentic Bolivian salteñas (juicy, baked empanadas stuffed with meat, cheese or veggies) in a charming colonial courtyard setting.

Sucre

Day 9

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hostal Sucre (or similar)

It’s a free day to roam your way - whether that means browsing Mercado Central for fresh juices, street snacks and local handicrafts, or heading up Recoleta hill to catch sunset over the whitewashed rooftops and tiled domes. If you’re keen to get out of town, join us for an optional visit to the Maragua Crater to check out dinosaur footprints (no kidding!).

Sucre to Potosi

Day 10

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Virreyes (or similar)

This morning we’ll leave Sucre behind and roll by private transfer to Potosí, trading white-city charm for high-altitude history. This afternoon, we'll explore a city that wears its past loud and clear — cobbled streets, ornate colonial facades, and Cerro Rico looming over it all. We'll hit Plaza 10 de Noviembre for Cathedral views and local market energy, then dive into the Casa Nacional de la Moneda to see the silver-boom story up close (it’s equal parts fascinating and haunting).

Potosi

Day 11

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Virreyes (or similar)

You’ve got free time to explore your way, and if you’re curious, you can opt into a tour of the nearby mines for a deeper look at the city’s history. Tonight, we’ll share dinner with a local miner’s family and hear firsthand stories about life here.

Potosi to Uyuni

Day 12

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Samay Wasi (or similar)

We'll kick off today with a private transfer to Uyuni (around 4 hours), swapping colonial streets for wide-open Andean plains. First things first: a quick orientation of this dusty, high-altitude outpost, its adobe buildings and markets selling llama wool and quinoa. You’ll have the afternoon free to get prepped for the Salt Flats — snack run, anyone?

Uyuni to Uyuni Salt Flat

Day 13

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel De Sal "Tambo Loma" - Colcha K (or similar)

After breakfast, you’ll jump into a private 4x4 with a Local Guide and head out into the wide-open weirdness. Kick things off at the Train Cemetery for rusted-locomotive photo ops and a hit of rail history, then roll through Colchani to see how salt is cut and processed and to browse the local handicraft stalls (yes, there are salt-brick shops). Quick stop at Plaza de las Banderas for a picnic-style lunch with flags snapping in the wind and nothing but white horizon for days. Then, we'll head to Incahuasi Island to walk among towering cacti. Later, we'll pull over on a perfectly flat stretch for those iconic perspective photos, before chasing sunset across the salar and finishing at a (very) remote salt hotel for dinner and a proper rest.

Uyuni Salt Flat to Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa

Day 14

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hotel Ecologico de Piedra (or similar)

Kick things off at the Ollagüe Volcano viewpoint, where a smoking peak cuts into endless salt plains and copper-toned hills. Then, we'll roll across the Altiplano to the lagoons of Cañapa, Chiarcota and Turquiri to see flamingos strut through neon-blue water (your camera will be working overtime here). Ready for surreal views? Here in Laguna Colorada, the lake glows red and white borax islands pop against a backdrop of distant volcanoes. From there, we'll climb higher into a geothermal field to check out hissing fumaroles and mud pots at nearly 5,000 metres. And if slowing it down sounds like your kind of plan, you're welcome to spend the rest of the day floating in the hot springs and taking in those unreal views.

Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa to San Pedro de Atacama

Day 15

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hostal Puritama (or similar)

After brekkie, we'll roll into landscapes that look straight out of a painting, starting with the Salvador Dalí Desert’s wind-sculpted rock formations. Then it’s on to Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca for green and milky-white waters shimmering beneath towering volcanoes. After soaking up the final Bolivian views, we’ll cross the border into Chile, swap our 4x4s for a bus, and continue on towards San Pedro de Atacama. We'll arrive in San Pedro and check into our hostel before easing into this laid-back desert oasis. We'll spend tonight in this bohemian backpacker hub. Come sunset, the desert flips through shades of orange and pink, and by night the sky goes full stargazer mode.

San Pedro de Atacama

Day 16

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hostal Puritama (or similar)

You’ll have a free day to take it at your own pace — sleep in, cafe crawl, or wander the dusty little streets. If you’re keen to level it up, you can opt into sandboarding for some desert thrills, or jump on the optional Vallecito sunset tour to chase golden-hour views.

San Pedro de Atacama to Salta

Day 17

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hostal Prisamata (or similar)

Today, we'll jump on a public tourist bus for an epic Andean crossing to Salta (in around 10 hours). Expect big-window views as you climb out of the desert, pass salt flats and volcanoes, and hit the Chile–Argentina border at Paso de Jama (4,200m). After winding down into greener northwest Argentina and the Lerma Valley, you’ll arrive at Salta Bus Station and take a private transfer straight to your hostel.

Salta

Day 18

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hostal Prisamata (or similar)

We'll kick with an orientation of the city centre, where leafy plazas, pastel colonial facades and arcaded cafes circle Plaza 9 de Julio, with the cathedral and San Francisco Church stealing the skyline. Then it’s a free day to do Salta your way — slow strolls, market wanderings, or cafe hopping. When night falls, you can opt into a Peña dinner & show, soaking up local folk music vibes alongside regional flavours in the streets that come alive after dark.

Salta to Buenos Aires

Day 19

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Viajero Hostel (or similar)

Say goodbye to Salta. Today, we're jumping on a plane straight to the capital of Argentina. Buenas! You've got the evening to spend exploring the streets of this city before we dive in deeper tomorrow.

Buenos Aires

Day 20

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Viajero Hostel (or similar)

Hola Argentina! We'll kick things off with an orientation to get you sorted, then the afternoon will be yours to explore. Hit the neighbourhoods, cafe-hop, people-watch, or just wander until something delicious finds you. For dinner tonight, opt in for an Argentine Sherpa dinner.

Buenos Aires

Day 21

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Viajero Hostel (or similar)

Today’s yours to dive deeper. You can opt for a trip out to Tigre and explore its riverside delta life. Back in Buenos Aires tonight, level things up with an optional dinner & tango Show — bold moves, big flavours, and pure Argentine drama (the good kind).

Buenos Aires to Montevideo

Day 22

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Viajero Montevideo (or similar)

This morning we’ll cruise by private transfer to the port and hop on the ferry across the Río de la Plata, waving goodbye to BA as we head for Uruguay. We’ll arrive into Montevideo, take a private transfer to the hostel, then hit the streets for an orientation of the relaxed coastal vibes, cafe stops, and your first taste of Uruguay.

Montevideo

Day 23

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Viajero Montevideo (or similar)

Today's yours to do Montevideo your way — beach strolls, old town wandering, long lunches, the works. Later, hop on an optional bike ride and see more of the city with the breeze in your face.

Montevideo to Colonia

Day 24

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Viajero Colonia (or similar)

You’ll hop on a private transfer to Colonia, swapping city streets for slower, sunnier vibes. After dropping your bags at the hostel, we'll head out on an orientation through this cobbled, bougainvillea-draped beauty of a town. You’ll wander the Barrio Histórico past the old city gate, Plaza Mayor and the Basilica, with the option to climb the lighthouse for rooftop-and-river views, then ease into rambla time for beaches, pier sunsets and the famous Colonia sign.

Colonia to San Antonio de Areco via Buenos Aires

Day 25

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Estancia la Cinacina (or similar)

Catch ya' later, Colonia. We’ll walk from the hostel to the cruise terminal and board a fast ferry back across the river. Touch down, meet our private transfer, and trade city buzz for wide-open pampas as we head out of town. Welcome to estancia life. We’ll check into our Special Stay at La Cinacina, just a stroll from the historic heart of this gaucho town — think low colonial houses, tree-lined streets and horses casually passing by. You can opt for horseback riding, then slow it right down: wander the estancia grounds, read under a shady tree, or claim a poolside spot. Tonight, we’ll head into town for dinner at a local restaurant. Pampas energy = unlocked.

San Antonio de Areco to Puerto Iguazu

Day 26

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Overnight Bus

Soak up a lazy morning at the estancia — wander the grounds or claim a poolside spot for a few more hours. Then it’s a private transfer to Campana bus station. Snack stock-up for the ride, and you’re set. Settle in for the comfy overnight bus (lie-flat seats = yes please) as the scenery shifts from Buenos Aires plains to greener, subtropical Misiones. Tomorrow, we'll wake up to red earth, rainforest pockets, and yerba mate plantations.

Puerto Iguazu to Foz do Iguaçu

Day 27

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Smart Cataratas Hotel (or similar)

At noon, we'll arrive into Brasil! Check into the hotel, freshen up, and get ready for what’s next. Wanna see Iguassu Falls from above? Of course, you do. So opt in for a helicopter ride for full-scale, jaw-drop views (cue the camera roll).

Foz do Iguaçu

Day 28

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Smart Cataratas Hotel (or similar)

Today, we'll check out the Argentinian side of Iguassu Falls and spend the day getting up close to the thunder and mist on the walkways. If you’re chasing an extra hit of adrenaline, you can opt into the Iguassu Falls Jet Boat. Next up, you’ll visit the Güira Oga Refuge to learn about rescued wildlife and the conservation work happening in the surrounding rainforest, before crossing back into Brazil with free time for dinner.

Foz do Iguaçu to Ilha Grande via Rio de Janiero and Porto Real

Day 29

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Refugio Hostel (or similar)

Bye bye Iguacu. Time for flight no. 2 of this trip. Hop on your included flight to Rio, then meet your private transfer to our next destination. Island mode = loading. Once we touch down in Porto Real, we'll take a ferry to Ilha Grande . Sandy streets, açaí in hand, jungle-covered hills behind you, and little fishing boats doing their thing out on the water. That's the vibe on this island. Take tonight to do whatever you please.

Ilha Grande

Day 30

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Refugio Hostel (or similar)

Today's all yours to spend relaxing on this show-stopping island. Wanna check out the blue lagoons nearby? There's a speed boat experience up for grabs.

Ilha Grande

Day 31

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Refugio Hostel (or similar)

Today's the final day on this island, so make the most of it. Chill on the sand, swim, or maybe even hike to one of the island’s waterfalls.

Ilha Grande to Rio de Janiero via Porto Real

Day 32

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Jo&Joe (or similar)

Sorry, island time is up. But don't worry, there's something even more epic awaiting us today. Time to hop on the ferry back to Porto Real. Jump into a private transfer and head straight to your Rio hostel. After check-in, you can opt in to take the the train up to Christ the Redeemer for sweeping views over the city. Another wonder of the world, ticked off!

Rio de Janiero

Day 33

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Jo&Joe (or similar)

We'll kick off today by visiting Favela Cantagalo for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. In the evening, you'll have the option to head out with a crew for a farewell dinner. That's right, our South American adventure comes to an end tomorrow.

Rio de Janiero

Day 34

Duration: 1

Aaaand, that's it. 34 unforgettable days of exploring South America has come to an end. Grab a final brekkie, take those group pics and leave with memories you'll be talking about for decades.

Dates & prices

Start Date: 2027-01-17

End Date: 2027-02-19

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Cusco to Rio | Summer 2027

Tour Advisors

Itinerary

Dates & prices