Tour itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation: HotelArrive in Rio de Janeiro at any time. There are no planned activities so check into our hotel and enjoy the city."God made the world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio," so say the Cariocas, residents of this beautiful city. This is a densely packed city of over 9 million inhabitants, whose economic foundations lie in the cultivation of sugar cane and gold mining. Referred to as the ?cidade maravilhosa? (Marvellous City), few cities enjoy such a dramatic setting as Rio. Brilliant, white beaches at Copacabana and Ipanema, deep blue waters of the Atlantic, the luminescent green of Guanabara Bay, the bare blue slopes of the Sugar Loaf combine to make Rio unique. Standing over it all, atop Corcovado, is the huge statue of Christ the Redeemer, the best place from which to appreciate the city. Superb panoramic views of the city and area can also be found from the top of the Pao do Açucar (Sugar Loaf), reached by cable car. Head to some of the famous beaches, and prepare yourself for an experience unlike anything else on Earth.Although the Portuguese first sailed and entered the bay, it was the French who first established a settlement in the area, logging Brazil wood along the coast. Their first permanent settlement lasted a brief five years, when they were attacked and driven from the area by the encroaching Portuguese. A series of skirmishes ensued, with the Tomaio people allied with the French against the Portuguese.In 1567 the Portuguese began construction of a fortified town to repel any invaders, naming it Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro. Amassing wealth with the gold rush of Minas Gerais, in the early 18th century Rio became Brazil?s most important city and a great temptation to the French who, in 1710, waged war against the Portuguese and held the city for a sizeable gold ransom. Again in the 19th century, under threat of Napoleon?s invasion, what remained of the Portuguese monarchy fled to Brazil where they set up court in grand style; many of today?s older structures date from this period.The gold rush was followed by a coffee boom in the mid-1800s and the wealth generated led to the city?s initial modernization. Replacing Salvador de Bahia as the colonial capital in 1763, the city remained the capital until 1960, when it was replaced by Brasilia. Today, the city is a magnet for tourists who come to walk the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, and generally partake in the Carioca zest for life. Many ascend the Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao do Açucar), whose image is nearly synonymous with Rio and Carnival. Modern Rio is perhaps best known for the contrasting images offered by the favelhas (shanty towns), and the glitz and glamour preferred by the Samba schools and their Carnival celebrations.
Days 2-4 Paraty/Curitiba
Accommodation: HotelFrom Rio we head south along the Atlantic coast to Paraty an architectural gem famous for its churches and a Brazilian National Heritage site. Located in the Bay of Paraty there are endless hidden beaches and an optional boat ride is a great way to explore some of them.A young, well-managed and vibrant city, Curitiba is the capital of the State of Paraná. It was once a major thoroughfare for Gauchos (the Brazilian equivalent of the cowboy) and their cattle; today its modern economy is centred on coffee culture. The city has a large university student population, and it is a youthful, energetic place. One of Brazil's urban success stories, the city has grown tenfold in the last 40 years and now has a million people, yet it has managed to modernize in a sane manner. Historic buildings have been preserved, a handful of streets have been closed to cars and there are many parks, gardens and wide boulevards.
Day 5-7 Iguassu Falls
Accommodation: HotelAfter Curitiba head west to magnificent Foz do Iguaçu, or Iguassu Falls, which borders Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. In order to see the falls properly you need to view them from both the Brazilian and the Argentine side. The Brazilian side offers the grand overview, and the Argentine side a closer look. Sit back and soak in the stunning beauty and raw power that is Iguassu, or take a boat tour directly into the spray of the falls.At Iguassu there are 275 individual falls in all, spread over a 3-km (almost 2 mile) area. Some are over 80m (2642 ft) in height, making these cataracts both wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara; in 1986 UNESCO declared the region a World Heritage Site. The falls were originally ?discovered? by the Spaniard Juan Alvar Nuñez in 1541, when he named the falls Saltos de Santa María; the name we use today means ?great waters? in the Tupi-Guarani tongue.Film buffs know Iguassu as the site of several scenes from ?The Mission,? and not far from the falls, the ruins of Jesuit missions of the era can still be visited on a day trip. Also of interest is Itaipú, the largest hydroelectric complex in the world. Guided tours of the complex are available several times a day. The best time of the year to view the falls is from August to November, as during rainy season flooding often prevents closer viewing from the catwalks.
Day 8-9 Bonito
Accommodation: CampingAfter a long travel day, arrive in Bonito for two nights of camping.Bonito, as the name (?beautiful?) implies, is a great place for nature lovers. Just outside the Pantanal area, this is water and jungle country where brilliantly coloured fish fill the area?s crystalline rivers. Explore nearby underwater caves and waterfalls, go rafting or snorkelling, or simply spend a lazy day by the river.
Day 10-12 Pantanal (2B,3L,2D)
Accommodation: Basic MultishareOur northbound journey continues as we head to the Pantanal.Less well known outside of Brazil and South America, the Pantanal, a largely flat, wetland area about half the size of France, is still one of the best places in the continent for observing wildlife. This vast alluvial plain, seasonally flooded by the Paraguay River from October to March, is all that remains from an ancient inland sea which began to dry out 65 million years ago. Today it is an area rich in bird life such as macaws and Jabiru storks. With luck and appropriate weather you may spot capivara (capybara), howler monkeys, caiman, giant river otters, anacondas, anteaters and the aforementioned Gauchos.The area is sparsely populated and what few roads exist are in poor condition. Most people use small airplanes, 4-wheel-drive vehicles and motorized canoes to get around, so expect some rough travel and more rustic accommodations while visiting the area. The area?s Transpanteneira, an elevated dirt road, which extends 145km?s (91 miles) from outside Pocone to Porto Jofre, becomes an island during the wet season. We take a two-day wildlife excursion to fully appreciate the area?s beauty and bounty.Unfortunately, as in other areas, poachers continue to do damage, and official government resources to protect the zone are scarce. This, combined with corrupt officials and a lack of commitment on the part of the government, have resulted in widespread poaching; latest estimates indicate that anywhere from half a million to two million animals are killed annually in the Pantanal.
Day 13 San José de Chiquitos (D,B)
Accommodation: CampingWe stop for a night of camping near San José de Chiquitos, after crossing the Bolivian border. Almost half of the distance between the border and Santa Cruz, this popular travel stop is known for its Jesuit Mission and as a gateway to the area's two National Parks.
Day 14-15 Santa Cruz
Accommodation: HotelContinue our journey to Santa Cruz. Once a backwater frontier town, it has now grown into Bolivia?s second largest city. Spend a free day here exploring the city's sights, or take an optional excursion outside of the city.
Day 16-18 Santa Fe/Sucre (D,B)
Accommodation: Hotel (2nts), Camping (1nt)Break up the journey by spending the night at a campsite near Santa Fe, en route to Sucre.Often referred to as Bolivia?s White City, the country?s official capital, Sucre, is situated at nearly 2800m (9184 ft) above sea level, offering its visitors and inhabitants a more moderate, comfortable climate than many of Bolivia?s cities at higher elevations. Before the conquest, military, religious and political leaders of the local indigenous population made their homes on the present day city site. Later, the city became the headquarters for the Spanish Royal Court, which by the late 1700s ruled over colonial Paraguay, parts of Peru, Argentina, Chile, and most of Bolivia. In 1825, in the wake of the Latin American independence movement, the city was renamed Sucre after Simon Bolívar?s second-in-command, General Antonio Jose de Sucre. The city?s fine museums, colonial buildings and ties to the independence movement make it a city of great historical interest. Optional activities include a visit to dinosaur footprints, an old tin baron?s mansion, a textile cooperative, mountain biking and hiking.
Day 19 Potosí
Accommodation: HotelTravel a relatively short distance to Potosí.Sitting at 4070m (13,350 ft), Potosí is the highest city of its size on earth. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 in recognition of its tragic history as a silver mining centre during the time of Spanish colonization. Potosí provided a large share of the silver mined and shipped back to Spain until the early 1800s, when both the supply of silver and world market prices began to decline; it?s said the silver taken out of Cerro Rico (rich hill) propped up the Spanish empire for over 300 years. If you are interested in visiting the mines we recommend that you read the responsible travel section of this dossier.
Day 20-24 Uyuni/Salt Lakes Excursion /La Paz (3B,3L,3D)
Accommodation: Hotel (2nts), Basic Multishare (3nts)Despite its isolation and challenging climate (cold and blustery most of the year), Uyuni has earned the nickname of Hija Predilecta de Bolivia (Bolivia?s Favourite Daughter). Most of its hardy residents are either public sector workers or salt miners in the dried out lake-beds, with tour operators a close third. The main attraction in town is the Train Cemetery, a collection of rusting railway relics just southwest of the present train station.Uyuni is the starting point for our 3-night excursion through the spectacular Salar de Uyuni. Twice submerged by a large high-altitude lake, the salt flats now cover a total area of over 12000 square km (7440 square miles) and today serve as one of the country?s main salt mining centres. The last large lake dried up about 8000 years ago, leaving the small lakes of Poopó and Ururu, as well as the salt flats of Uyuni. Absorb stunning views of the salt-encrusted lakebed surrounded by golden-hued mountains, snow-capped peaks and an endless azure horizon that will forever engrave itself in your memory. The tour takes us through Laguna Colorada (4278 m/14,031 ft), a large red lagoon whose colour is the result of algae & plankton growth in the mineral-rich waters, and Laguna Verde (5000 m/16400 ft), a lake that owes its striking blue-green colour to high concentrations of lead, sulphur, copper and other minerals. The numerous geysers, boiling mud pools, thermal baths and Licancabúr volcano (5960 m/19549 ft), which looms just behind the lagoon, are clear evidence of the region?s volcanic activity. Surprisingly, both wildlife and flora manage to survive and even thrive in the desolate landscape, including vizcachas (of the rodent family), flamingos (3 varieties), and assorted varieties of cacti.Return to Uyuni to spend the night before embarking on our journey to La Paz.
Day 25-26 La Paz
Accommodation: HotelFounded by Alonso de Mendoza in 1548, La Ciudad de Nuestra Señora de La Paz (the City of Our Lady of Peace) is the highest capital in the world. Although Sucre is the official capital, La Paz is the Bolivian centre of commerce, finance and industry, and the de facto capital. This is a busy modern city, with its centre at the base of a canyon 5 km (3 miles) wide and sprawling impromptu housing all the way up the surrounding hillsides. The city is at nearly 4000 m (13,120 ft) above sea level, so visitors should be prepared for cool evenings and mornings.Explore the city?s many fine museums or its historic ecclesiastical structures, such as the Iglesia de San Francisco, whose architectural details reflect the indigenous and mestizo heritage of modern Bolivia. The city is also renowned for its many markets, including the Mercado de Hechicería (Witches? Market), where Paceños and visitors may purchase potions and incantations made from all sorts of herbs, seeds, and secret ingredients to remedy any number of illnesses (real or imagined) and protect from evil spirits. With streets lined with market stalls and vendors, the pace on the street and the vibrant atmosphere is an incredible experience. There is also a thriving black market and a Carnaval market, where locals purchase carnival costumes. You?ll also find a wealth of shops selling all sorts of handicrafts, mainly alpaca wool products, silver jewellery, woven textiles and leather goods.Optional activities in La Paz include museums, excursions to Tiahuanaco ruins (cradle of Inca civilization), a tour of the Valley of the Moon, or a visit to the world?s highest ski resort, Chacaltaya (5600 m/18,368 ft). To the south of the city is the Valley of the Moon, with crater-like formations made of sand.
Day 27-29 Puno/Amantani (B, 2L, D)
Accommodation: Hotel (2nts), Homestay (1nt)Enjoy the spectacular views as we travel from La Paz to Puno. A boat trip on the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, takes us on an overnight excursion to the Islands on Lake Titicaca. This includes a visit to the Uros floating islands, and an overnight stay with a family on Taquile or Amantani Island. We return to Puno in the late afternoon.Located 3830 m (12562 ft) above sea level, Puno?s weather can be extreme with very cold nights, and a strong sun during the day. There is not a lot to see in Puno itself, however there are several good spots offering scenic views of Lake Titicaca and the town. Puno is also known for its wealth of traditional dances. There are up to 100 different varieties, usually performed in the street processions celebrating Catholic feast days. You may see these celebrations if you?re fortunate enough to be visiting at the appropriate time.Lake Titicaca, at 3820 m (12529 ft) above sea level, is touted as the highest navigable lake in the world. This is, however, not entirely true, it is simply the best known. It is however, the largest lake in South America, over 170 km (106 miles) in length, and the largest lake in the world above 2000m (6560 ft). The horizon appears limitless from the lake, and the water a deep and inviting blue.On the morning of Day 29 we board a boat on Lake Titicaca and head to Taquile Island for lunch in a local restaurant and the chance for some shopping in the local weaving cooperatives. From there we head to Amantani where overnight with a local family and enjoy typical music of the area. The following morning we will visit the floating islands of Uros en route to Puno.The Totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake are used for making everything from the islands themselves to the model boats that the islanders sell. The islands are made up of layers upon layers of reeds; as the layers closest to the water start to rot, they are replaced with fresh reeds on top. The reeds are also used to build their boats, which if constructed well will last up to 6 months.The people of Taquile Island's unique culture, style of dress and lifestyle make for a memorable visit. The men of the community do all the knitting, as this is strictly a male domain, while the women do the spinning. High quality, locally knitted goods are available for purchase at various cooperatives on the island. Despite the short distance that separates the two islands, Amantaní is quite distinct. Its soil is a rich terra cotta red, due to the high iron deposits, and the colour contrasts brightly with the deep azure blue of the lake and sky and the greenery of the local crops. For the night we split into smaller groups and billet into family homes to experience their style of living first-hand.
Day 30-36 Cuzco/Ollantaytambo/Inca Trail ( 3B,3L,4D)
Accommodation: Camping (3nts) & Hotel (4nts)Cuzco attracts thousands of travellers who come to experience an age-old culture and to delve into its tragic and noble past. It is the perfect base for optional explorations of the city and area as well as a range of outdoor activities. We spend the next few days relaxing and exploring this fascinating city, while taking time to acclimatize to the higher altitude before our trek.Cuzco is the hub of the South American travel network. The city attracts thousands of travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 20th century way of life; one could easily spend a week just in and around the area. Cuzco is the continent?s oldest continuously inhabited city. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and you don't have to go far to see other Inca ruins. It is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend.Cuzco?s numerous colonial churches are one of the most common sights. The Cathedral was started in 1559 and took 100 years to build. It is also one of the city?s greatest repositories of colonial art. Immediately in front of the entrance is a vault containing the remains of the famous Inca historian, Garcilaso de la Vega. Also worth visiting are the churches of La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco.While most ruins are just outside of the city, the main ruin within is that of the Coricancha, once the Inca Empire's richest temple. This ruin forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. During Inca times this temple was literally covered with gold, but within months of the arrival of the first conquistadors this incredible wealth had all been melted down. It is left to the individual imagination to envision the magnificence of the original structure.There are several good museums in Cuzco, including the Archaeological Museum, which also houses a small art museum, the Regional History Museum and the Religious Art Museum. The best advice in exploring Cuzco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map and set off to explore!Ollantaytambo is a major Inca ruin site and your first taste of what lies ahead on the Inca Trail. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest. We spend the night in this small town before heading out for the start of the hike the next morning.INCA TRAIL:The 4-day hike on the Inca Trail, to Machu Picchu, is included in the cost of the tour. For those interested in a challenging but worthwhile hike, the Inca Trail is exceptional, however you must be prepared for it! It is a 40-km (25 mile) hike, with 3 high passes to be crossed, one of which reaches an elevation of 4200m (13776 ft). The trail is often steep, and it may rain even during the dry season. The temperatures at night may fall below zero, so it is important to come prepared.We depart Ollantaytambo for km 82 where we begin our walk in the footsteps of the Incas. Our local crew of porters, cook and guide will look after us well for the duration of the hike. Walking the trail that linked this ancient empire will supply you with breathtaking views at every step, as we move from high plateau areas to dense cloud forest. Depending on the season, you may see a great variety of flora, including miniature and large orchids, and fiery rhododendron bushes.You will be passing smaller ruin sites the first of which is Llactapata. The second day you will climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman?s Pass. At 4198 m (13769 ft) above sea level, this pass is the highest point of the trek. The second pass of the hike is at 3998 m (13113 ft) where on clear days, we enjoy superb views of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. The trail goes through some beautiful cloud forest on the gentle climb to the third pass, where you will walk through a causeway and a tunnel, both original Inca constructions. The highest point of the third pass is at 3700m (12136 ft). You?ll be rewarded by devastatingly beautiful views of the Urubamba Valley below (on clear days). Soon you will reach the serene looking ruins of Phuyupatamarca, or the 'Town above the Clouds', at about 3650 m (11972 ft) above sea level. We camp for the final night close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) ruins, a grandiose terraced hillside site, with panoramic views of the valley below and just a short hike from Machu Picchu.On the final day of the hike we climb the steps to the Sun Gate overlooking the peaks that surround Machu Picchu. There is no way to describe the feeling of the first views of Machu Picchu, as the mist rises off the mountains early in the morning and the famous ruin appears in front of you.Machu Picchu is both the best and the least known of the Inca ruins. It is not mentioned in any of the chronicles of the Spanish conquistadors and archaeologists today can do no more than speculate on its function. Machu Picchu was known for centuries by the local Quechua farmers in the area. It was not until the American historian Hiram Bingham, in search of Villcabamba, was led to the site by an 11 year old boy on July 24, 1911, that the rest of the world became aware of its existence. At that time it was covered in thick vegetation. Bingham and his team returned in 1912 and 1915 to clear the growth. Over the years, a lot of work has been done on excavating and studying the site. Despite these efforts, many unanswered questions remain.You have the better part of the day to explore the site. In the afternoon, we have the chance to soak in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes before taking the train back to Cuzco.NOTE: Those passengers not able or interested in the hike spend 2 days in Cuzco, then take the train to Aguas Calientes, where they will overnight. Next morning they will be taking the bus to the Machu Picchu entrance, and will rendezvous with the hikers at the ruins. If you decide not to do the hike we need to know prior to your departure, in order to obtain train tickets. Please advise your agent or G.A.P Adventures.Also note that portions of the Inca Trail will be closed for general maintenance during the month of February each year. Also, closures may occur at various times throughout the year due to inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control. During these periods, any tour affected will hike the Lares Trek.
Day 37 Colca Canyon (L)
Accommodation: HotelExcursion to the Colca Canyon involves a remarkable drive through Inca and pre-Inca terracing. Once at the Canyon we will look for the king of the Andes, the Andean Condor, as well as alpacas, llamas and vicuñas, while enjoying the stunning highland scenery.
Day 38-39 Arequipa (B,L)
Accommodation: HotelPeru?s second largest city after Lima, Arequipa, maintains a traditional colonial style and more laid back pace in comparison with the capital. Arequipa is built from a very light coloured volcanic rock called sillar, the older buildings dazzle in the sun, thus the nickname, ?the White City.? The main plaza with its cafés and nearby cathedral is a top draw for visitors.Those with an interest in history and architecture may take an optional visit to the Convent of Santa Catalina, offering a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a by-gone way of life. Spectacular mountains surround Arequipa, the most famous of which is El Misti Volcano, at 5822 m (19096 ft) and with a beautiful snow-capped peak.
Day 40 Puerto Inca (B,L,D)
Accommodation: CampingThis beautiful sea shore location is home to great sunsets, a small but rare coastal Inca archeological site and some of Peru's interesting coastal fauna.
Day 41-42 Nazca/Pisco (D)
Accommodation: Hotel, CampingFurther north we descend from the Andes to find one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries, the Nazca Lines, consisting of patterns and pictures etched in the ground, crisscrossing an area of flat desert. Some of the lines measure up to 10 km (32 miles) in length, and yet remain perfectly straight. The depictions of birds, insects and animals are only recognizable from the air. Who drew the lines, and why, is something that modern archaeologists can only theorize about, but current beliefs suggest that they may be part of complex agricultural calendar. From the ground we can make out very little, and the best view is from a light aircraft, which can easily be arranged.The entire desert area was also once the home for the Paracas and the Nazca cultures, which preceded the Incas by more than half a millennia. Remains of the Nazca culture are still visible during an optional tour of an ancient desert cemetery site, which also includes a visit to a pottery workshop.Pisco is an oasis in a barren land and an important port town. It derives its name from the white grape brandy produced in the region. If you haven?t tried the national drink, Pisco Sour, then this is the place to do it. Pisco is the starting point for an optional visit to the Ballestas Islands, where we observe the sea lion colonies, penguins and a variety of other birds.
Day 43 Lima (L)
Accommodation: HotelFounded by Francisco Pizarro, on the Day of the Three Kings (Epiphany) in 1535, Lima is known as the City of Kings. It is Peru?s capital city and as such, deserves a visit. The Plaza de Armas is the heart of old Lima and you?ll find the Cathedral, Government Palace and Archbishop?s Palace. The Cathedral dates back to the 1700s and houses the remains of the conquistador Pizarro.To get a feel for colonial Lima, take a cab to the Plaza de Armas and watch the changing of the Palace Guard in the afternoon. Walk around the streets surrounding the Jirón de la Unión for great examples of Spanish-colonial architecture and to experience life in a large South American city. There are many fine museums in and around the city, including the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, which houses an equally impressive collection of pottery, mummies and textiles from the Paracas and Nazca cultures. An optional city tour visits many of the cities highlights.The more affluent coastal districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro offer good nightlife and cafés. The Limeños are friendly and the city?s many interesting museums, churches, markets, restaurants and nightlife will surely entice you. Seafood lovers should be sure and try a ceviche, for which Lima is well known.
Day 44 Depart Lima