Rio to La Paz Itinerary

Resting in the luminous Guanabara Bay and backed by lush mountains, Rio is a breathtaking city filled with the beat of music and the rhythm of samba. From lush mountains to white beaches, Rio demands attention!

Travel to Paraty to indulge in some R and R Brazilian style. Walk through cobblestone streets or explore the beaches, trails and waterfalls of nearby national parks.

The tiny town of Brotas is a magnet for adventure sports fans and is the ideal place to enjoy canyoning and whitewater rafting.

Pitch a tent in the fertile Campo Grande region, surrounded by herds of cattle and crops of rice and soy.

Set off on an adventure through the wild plains of the Pantanal, the world's largest wetland area. Spot colourful birds in the trees, glimpse sleek predators hunting prey and watch reptiles catching the sun's rays.

Get acquainted with Brazil's ecotourism capital where optional activities abound. Hike along spectacular mountain walks, wallow in the cool waters of lakes and springs or snorkel among a rainbow of colourful fish.

Jump at the chance to visit the most breathtaking of all Argentina attractions, the mighty Iguazu Falls. Cross narrow walkways and peer over the ledge to watch thousands of litres of water thundering into the Iguazu river. Spectacular views from either the Brazilian or Argentinean side makes a visit to Iguazu truly memorable.

The intricately carved mission ruins of San Ignacio Mini are an impressive sight.

Take a walk around the cosmopolitan city streets of Buenos Aires and perhaps relax in an intimate cafe to sample some of Argentina's world-famous cuisine. Peruse boutiques, admire art in museums and take in the elegant architecture of historic buildings.

Cordoba boats a laidback atmosphere, interesting historical sites and a festive student population. Nestled among green hills, this delightful city is home to beautiful churches, renowned galleries and lively bars.

Unleash that inner gaucho while staying on a working cattle ranch. Explore the vast Pampas on horseback and enjoy the succulent flavours of a traditional Argentine barbecue.

Visit the ruins of Quilmes, the ancient home of a tribe that resisted both the Incas and even the Spanish for over 100 years. Walk through the crumbling structures and picture the city as it once was.

Journey to the picturesque wine region of Argentina. Learn about local production on a vineyard tour in Cafayate, perhaps taking the opportunity to quaff some renowned blends.

Admire Salta's elegant colonial architecture on a walk through cobbled streets - perhaps also relax in a cafe or shop for local handicrafts. From energetic pursuits to relaxing rendezvous, there's a stack of fun things to do in Salta.

Cross the border to Chile and set up camp at San Pedro Atacama - a real little gem of this area and one of the world's best places for stargazing. By day, visit the surreal lunar landscape of Valle de la Luna and soak up the hospitality of this quirky desert town by night.

Venture deep into the wilderness through the Bolivian antiplano, where it is more common to spot a flamingo or a llama than a another human being.

Gaze out over the expansive Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert on an adventure-filled Bolivian salt flats tour. Visit the fiery-red Laguna Colorada and the blue-green Laguna Verde. These breathtaking natural wonders are a pleasure to behold and the perfect backdrop for holiday snaps.

Explore the once-wealthy mining town of Potosi, and perhaps take an optional tour through a working mine - an experience definitely not for the claustrophobic.

Head to the remote community of Livichuco and share in the Qaqachaqa culture with people of Aymara origin. Trek some ancient Inca paths and share in song and dance with the locals before an authentic community feast, made with local organic products.

The South American adventure continues into La Paz. Bolivia's cultural capital is the perfect place to pick up some alpaca wool products. Perhaps call into the Coca Museum to learn about this controversial plant's important role in Bolivian culture.