South American Explorer Itinerary

Visit Ecuador's capital Quito and wander through the atmospheric Old Town.

Accompanied by a local guide, travel into the Amazon's green heart, one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world. Retire to a rustic lodge and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.

Visit Banos and soak in steaming therapeutic thermal springs - or, better yet, take a dip just in time for sunrise.

Visit the colourful flower markets and peruse the colonial architecture of Cuenca.

Travel to Peru and enjoy free time to get to know the culture in Mancora. Why not follow Hemingway's route along the beach.

Travel through the Sechura Desert, see the surfing fishermen of Huanchaco and explore the historical city of Trujillo.

Visit Lima and try ceviche, Peru's seafood specialty. Perhaps also sample Pisco, the local tipple of choice.

Travel to Pisco and spot flamingos on an optional boat tour to the Paracas National Reserve.

Have an eerie desert adventure with visits to an ancient cemetery and the Nazca Lines.

Journey to Arequipa and see why it's nicknamed the 'White City'.

Head deep into the Andes to witness the Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons.

Get acquainted with the intriguing blend of Inca and Spanish cultures and discover some of Cuzco's lesser-known sights on a guided walking tour.

Explore the terraced Sacred Valley filled with Inca ruins, colourful markets and scenic villages.

Trek through Inca ruins, cloud forests and up ancient staircases on the way to Machu Picchu.

Visit Cuzco and relax in a cafe or hit the mountain tracks on a daring bike ride.

Enjoy an island homestay on the turquoise waters of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake.

Enjoy free time in enchanting Copacabana. See the mudejar (Moorish-style) cathedral houses and the saintly La Virgen Morena Del Lago (the Dark Virgin of the Lake), a statue carved by a direct descendant of the last Inca Emperor. Reputed to have worked many miracles, this spiritual relic is the essence of the town's Inca and Spanish heritage.

Visit La Paz and shop for trinkets at the Witches' Market or pick up some handmade alpaca wool socks at the Artesania Sorata.

Visit Bolivia's whitewashed capital to admire the spectacular interior of the Iglesia de la Merced.

The adventurous might choose to take a mine tour in Potosi.

Visit Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni and discover a surreal landscape filled with volcanoes and multicoloured lakes.

Cross the border into Argentina. Spend time in Salta's shady plaza and don't miss visiting its ornate central cathedral.

Visit Mendoza and try some Malbec wine against a backdrop of mountains.

Get a breathtaking view of Santiago from Cerro San Cristobal and sample world famous wines from this region.

Enjoy adventure sports galore at Pucon, beneath the gaze of the snow-capped Villarrica Volcano.

Stroll along the lake or head further afield to the forests of Bariloche.

Between its Latin passion, European elegance and superb cuisine, Buenos Aires is a joy to explore. Nibble on alfajores, wander San Telmo's cobblestone streets, talk football with Portenos in a cafe or get a history lesson at the quirky Museo Evita. The hippest spot in town is Palermo's Plaza Serrano so head out in the evenings to tango with the locals. There are so many awesome things to do in Buenos Aires, it's simply a matter of trying to fit them all in!

Stroll through the picturesque narrow streets of Colonia.

Visit Uruguay's capital Montevideo and explore the Old City to glimpse its colonial past.

Experience country living at an estancia. Lend a hand around the ranch and feast on hearty home-cooked meals.

Take an optional visit to Iguazu Falls and be blown away by its 270 waterfalls!

Swim in Brazil's Bay of Paraty or watch the tide rise among the cobblestone streets of this charming colonial town.

It's pure relaxation on this tropical island getaway, home to arguably Brazil's best beach.

Dance to a samba beat in Lapa or sip a caipirinha on one of Rio de Janeiro's sun-drenched beaches. Celebrate the end of the adventure overlooking this beautiful city from atop Corcovado.