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Lima to Rio Overview

    • 60
    • GDOTC
    • Trip Price tool tip
      USD $3,630
      CAD $3,650
      AUD $3,530
      EUR €2,830
      GBP £2,200
      NZD $4,525
      ZAR R28,210
      CHF FR3,275
    • Kitty tool tip
      USD $2,600
      ‡
    • Total price tool tip
      USD $6,230*
      CAD $6,174*
      AUD $6,018*
      EUR €4,644*
      GBP £3,786*
      NZD $7,645*
      ZAR R46,293*
      CHF FR5,331*
      *
    •  
       
       
       
       
    •  
       
       
       
       
    • Overland
    • Basix
Book
‡ As our kitty is flexible the indicated amount is indicative only - please click here to view the kitty amount for your departure date.

Trip Validity

  • 2012-01-01 - 2013-12-31

Cross the heart of South America on this epic tour.

On your marks, get set, go! This incredible Overland adventure from Lima to Rio will blow your mind. Enjoy the cosmopolitan cool vibe of Buenos Aires, trek along an ancient Inca trail to marvellous Machu Picchu and experience life on Lake Titicaca. Discover diverse landscapes and ever changing terrain as you travel into the heart of the Bolivian salt flats, Brazilian forests, the lush Pantanal wetlands, the lofty Andean mountains and the thunderous Iguazu Falls. Along the way, meet gregarious locals and soak up the rich history of these phenomenal South American nations.

  • Admire the salt flats of Bolivia
  • Be charmed by Cuzco
  • Experience traditional life on Lake Titicaca
  • Explore the wetlands of the Pantanal
  • Marvel at the mysterious Nazca Lines
  • Sample Argentinean wine
  • Soak up a relaxed vibe on a Brazilian beach
  • Watch the sun rise over Machu Picchu

Trip Map


Lima to Rio Summary

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Day 1 Lima

Lima is a large, fascinating hotchpotch of architectural styles, coastal scenes, world cuisines, impressive museums, traditional culture and modern arts and nightlife.

Day 2 Paracas/Ballestas Islands

Home to a large number of birds and wildlife species, Paracas National Reserve helps preserve Peru's marine ecosystem and the cultural heritage of the Paracas people. With birds circling ahead, a dramatic coastline with stone arches and caves, and animals galore lazing on rocks and beaches, the Ballestas Islands are a visual feast.

Day 3 Nazca

Rebuilt completely after a devastating earthquake in 1996, Nazca is home to the mysterious Nazca Lines and a city of colourful houses with a pretty main square.

Day 4 Puerto Inca

Puerto Inca is a tiny, sandy place with an abundance of ruins and beautiful coastal scenery to enjoy.

Days 5-6 Arequipa

The beautiful 'White City' of Arequipa is surrounded by volcanoes, is rich in Spanish colonial architecture and abounds with local culture and cuisine.

Days 7-8 Chivay/Colca Canyon

Known for its love of karaoke, Chivay is a small town located near the Colca Canyon with an interesting market and some relaxing hot springs close by. Over twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and with Andean Condors soaring high above, the Colca Canyon commands reverie. Chivay has a number of pubs, restaurants and hotels to relax in in-between hikes or visits to the Colca Canyon.

Day 9 Raqchi Homestay

Traditional houses, customs and handicrafts are a signature part of Raqchi, a small village just outside of Cuzco.

Days 10-11 Cuzco

Cuzco is the gateway to Machu Picchu and a city with majestic architecture, impressive ruins, a lively town centre and cultural significance around every cobblestone corner.

Days 12-15 Classic Inca Trail/Quechua Community Trek/Ollantaytambo

Winding around mountains, through valleys and up steep slopes, the iconic Inca Trail is a series of beautiful vistas and challenging hikes all the way to Machu Picchu. A relaxed and spectacular alternate to the classic Inca Trail trek, the Quecha Community Trek traverses Inca ruins, glacial lakes, lush valleys, waterfalls, soaring peaks and overnights in local villages. Located in the Urubamba Valley, the city of Ollantaytambo is an incredible archeological site and the starting point of the classic Inca Trail trek.

Days 16-17 Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Built sometime in the 15th century and rediscovered in 1911, the staggering ruins of Machu Picchu were thought to be an estate for the Incan emperor, Pachacuti. A World Heritage site set amongst red-green hills with ruins scattered close by, Cuzco is impressive in every way - be it history, culture, nightlife or architecture.

Day 18 Puno

Puno is a colourful town on the Peruvian shores of Lake Titicaca, expect to see traditionally dressed locals, chaotic markets and, if lucky enough, even dancing in the streets.

Days 19-20 Lake Titicaca/Copacabana

Crossing the border of Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and has some fascinating islands and hefty-sized frogs living within its waters. A lovely little town situated between two hills and looking out over Lake Titicaca, Copacabana has beautiful scenery and coastline, great eateries and a fascinating religious culture.

Days 21-23 La Paz

Built in a canyon, the unique and bewtiching city of La Paz is filled with steep, cobbled streets, fascinating markets, evident tradition and captivating sights.

Day 24 Livichuco

A tiny village in the beautiful Altiplano of Bolivia, Livichuco lives very traditionally - theirs is the Qaqachaqa culture - and almost feels like stepping back in time.

Days 25-26 Potosi

The loveliness of Potosi - one of the highest and more fascinating cities in the world - is mirrored by the harshness of its mines and mining history.

Days 27-28 Uyuni/Salar de Uyuni

Popular due to its proximity to the Salar de Uyuni, the town of Uyuni is small and charming, and feels very remote, especially at the photogenic train cemetery. The world's largest salt flat, the Salar de Uyuni, is a spectacular sight - whether reflecting like a mirror in the wet or cracking during the dry.

Day 29 Bolivian Altiplano

A true wilderness featuring volcanoes, salt pans and colourful lakes, the Bolivian Altiplano stretches out from Lake Titicaca to the borders of Argentina and Chile.

Days 30-31 San Pedro de Atacama

Gorgeous desert landscapes, atmospheric, whitewashed adobe houses and a lively town centre has made San Pedro de Atacama one of Chile's most popular travel destinations.

Days 32-34 Salta

With its well-preserved colonial buildings, candle-lit cafes, fine museums and surrounding natural beauty, Salta is one of Argentina's most charming cities.

Day 35 Cafayte

Vineyards, wineries and artisans dominate the picturesque town of Cafayate and its surrounds, the perfect place to sample some world-class wine, food and scenery.

Day 36 Quilmes

The ruined citadel of the Quilmes - a local people displaced in the 17th century by the Spanish - is a fascinating site located in Argentina's Calchaqui Valley.

Days 37-39 Estancia Stay

Set in the picturesque landscape around Rio Ceballos, this traditional Argentine estancia offers the opportunity to live like a gaucho with horse-riding, hiking and sampling an asado (barbecue).

Day 39 Cordoba

A thriving university city, Cordoba is brimming with culture, beautiful scenery, an eclectic arts scene, fascinating museums and lovely colonial buildings.

Days 41-43 Buenos Aires

Cosmopolitan, cultured and chic, Buenos Aires has European sensibilities with a fiery Latin heart. Discover colonial architecture, funky neighbourhoods, exceptional cuisine and a thriving nightlife.

Day 44 Concordia

Sitting on the Uruguay River opposite the Uruguayan city of Salto, Concordia is Argentina's centre of citrus growing and a peaceful place to relax waterside.

Day 45 San Ignacio Mini

Founded in 1632 and now well-preserved ruins, San Ignacio Mini is an old Jesuit mission that was destroyed in 1817 and rediscovered amongst the jungle the late 1800s.

Days 46-48 Iguazu Falls

An Argentinean town close to the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, Puerto Iguazu is a relaxed, friendly place to rest after a day enjoying the splendour of the falls.

Days 49-51 Bonito

Beautiful by name, beautiful by nature, Bonito is a small town set amongst a gorgeous landscape of emerald jungle and glassy, blue rivers simply teeming with life.

Days 52-54 Pantanal

The Pantanal is the largest wetlands in the world and is home to thousands of species of animals and plants, and its 210,00 sq km spreads through Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia.

Day 55 Brotas

A tiny place that has a big name for eco-tourism, Brotas offers hiking, kayaking, rafting and other sports in a pristine jungle environment.
View full itinerary

What's included in this trip

  • Start:

    Lima, Peru

  • Finish:

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

  • Group size:

    Min 4 , Max 22

  • Ages:

    Min 18

  • Meals:

    All meals when camping

  • Accommodation:

    Bush camp (no facilities) (2 nts), Camping (with facilities) (25 nts), Hacienda (2 nts), Homestay (2 nts), Hostel (1 nt), Hotel (26 nts)

  • Transport:

    Boat, Jeep, Overland vehicle, Train

  • Included activities:

    Alternative Inca Trail and Quechua Community trek, Ballestas Island entrance fee, Boat trip, Chauchilla cemetery, City tour (half day), Isla del Sol boat trip, Jeep tour of Uyuni Salt Flats, Jesuit Mission ruins and museum, San Ignacio de Mini, Machu Picchu guided tour, Paracas National Park, Quilmes Ruins, Raqchi Artisan Centre and ruins, Sillustani Ruins and Museum w/Guide, Tour of the Sacred Valley, Sacsayhuaman and Ollantaytambo, Trekking, Uros Island boat trip on Lake Titicaca, Valle de la Luna Excursion, Vineyard Tour, Visit Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls (entrance fee included), Visit Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls (entrance fee included)

  • Carbon emissions offset:

    1673kg pp per trip

  • Notes:

    1. You need to choose whether you wish to hike the Classic Inca Trail or the <a href="http://www.intrepidtravel.com/pdf/inca-advisory/Community_Trek_Peru.pdf&quot;&gt; Quechua Community Trek </a> at the time of booking. If you do not indicate a preference, the <a href="http://www.intrepidtravel.com/pdf/inca-advisory/Community_Trek_Peru.pdf&quot;&gt; Quechua Community Trek </a> will be confirmed automatically.

    Classic Inca Trail permits are sold on a request basis only. Once deposit is paid and passport details provided, Intrepid will endeavour to secure a permit for you. If Classic Inca Trail permits are unavailable by the time you book, you will be booked on the <a href="http://www.intrepidtravel.com/pdf/inca-advisory/Community_Trek_Peru.pdf&quot;&gt; Quechua Community Trek </a> instead.

    The Classic Inca Trail closes in February to allow cleaning and restoration works. If the trek portion of your trip starts in February you will be automatically booked to hike the <a href="http://www.intrepidtravel.com/pdf/inca-advisory/Community_Trek_Peru.pdf&quot;&gt; Quechua Community Trek </a>.

    Should you choose not to hike at all, please let us know in writing at the time of booking so alternative arrangements can be made. Without this prior warning, local fees may apply.

    2. Please note that this trip requires minimum numbers to depart, and may be cancelled up until 56 days prior to departure. The places showing on the dates and availability page are an indication only so please contact Intrepid to check if your preferred date will depart before making any final arrangements, such as booking non-changeable flights.

  • Trip price from

    USD $3,630
    CAD $3,650
    AUD $3,530
    EUR €2,830
    GBP £2,200
    NZD $4,525
    ZAR R28,210
    CHF FR3,275
    Price information
  • +

    Kitty

    USD $2,600
    ‡ Price information

  • Total price from

    USD $6,230*
    CAD $6,174*
    AUD $6,018*
    EUR €4,644*
    GBP £3,786*
    NZD $7,645*
    ZAR R46,293*
    CHF FR5,331*
    *     Price information
  • * Refer to booking conditions
  • ‡ As our kitty is flexible the indicated amount is indicative only - please click here to view the kitty amount for your departure date.

  • Per day from:

    USD $103
    CAD $102
    AUD $100
    EUR €77
    GBP £63
    NZD $127
    ZAR R771
    CHF FR88
Book

About Argentina , Bolivia , Brazil , Chile , Peru

    • 60
    • GDOTC
    • Trip Price tool tip
      USD $3,630
      CAD $3,650
      AUD $3,530
      EUR €2,830
      GBP £2,200
      NZD $4,525
      ZAR R28,210
      CHF FR3,275
    • Kitty tool tip
      USD $2,600
      ‡
    • Total price tool tip
      USD $6,230*
      CAD $6,174*
      AUD $6,018*
      EUR €4,644*
      GBP £3,786*
      NZD $7,645*
      ZAR R46,293*
      CHF FR5,331*
      *
    •  
       
       
       
       
    •  
       
       
       
       
    • Overland
    • Basix
Book
‡ As our kitty is flexible the indicated amount is indicative only - please click here to view the kitty amount for your departure date.

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Check Inca Trail Permit Status

You must check that permits are available for the date you start the Inca Trail. For example, if your trip starts on July 11, and the Inca Trail starts on day 4, you will need your permit on July 14.

This information should be used as a guide only as availability may change by the time we receive your request.

  • Date

  • Availability

Inca Trail Availability

Available

Inca Trail permits are available. You can book your trip for this date.

Contact us

Inca Trail permits may still be available, please contact us so we can check the current availability and make arrangements for you.

Alternative Routes

Inca Trail permits are now sold out. However, you can opt to hike the Inca Quarry Trail - with spectacular and diverse sceneries this trek is an exceptional alternative to the very busy Inca Trail. Alternatively, travel by train through the picturesque Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. Both options include a visit to Machu Picchu! Please contact us to arrange the one that suits you best!