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Rio Carnival to Cartagena Itinerary

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bolivia salar de vyuni team

bolivia salar de vyuni team

peru machu picchu

argentina colourful home

bolivia llama licks

bolivia salar de uyuni

brazil iguassu falls lookout

brazil tucan

ecuador otavalo markets handcrafts

peru family

peru lake titicaca boat

Day 1 Arrive Rio

Welcome to Rio. Feel the air bristle with electricity and excitement as the city gets ready for the world’s biggest party!
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Day 2 Rio de Janeiro

Take the train up to Christ the Redeemer statue for stunning 360 degree views over Rio, check out the saucy locals on Ipanema Beach or rest up in preparation for the wild nights ahead.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Day 3 Rio de Janeiro

There's an optional favela tour this afternoon, visiting the fascinating Morrinho project. Then get ready for the first big night of action at the Sambadrome! Party with 70,000 others as Brazil's top samba schools battle it out in a parade of colour, music and flamboyancy. There is nothing like the atmosphere here – be prepared for an awesome night!
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Day 4 Rio de Janeiro

Perhaps spend the afternoon at Sugar Loaf Mountain, riding up the cable car over the forested peaks that overlook the city. Then you may like to gear up for night two at the Sambadrome and this time be part of it all! Dress up, dance, sweat, and parade among the colour, sound and magic of Carnival – a never to be forgotten experience.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Day 5 Rio de Janeiro

Sleep in after a fabulous night and perhaps ease into the day lazing on Copacabana Beach. Still got some party left? It’s time to experience a wild Carnival Ball – glitter mandatory!
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Day 6 Rio de Janeiro

There’s the opportunity to see another side of Rio on a Colonial Tour of the city, which gives an insight into Rio’s colourful heritage. As the sun sets, cruise around Guanabara Bay and let the beauty of Rio sink in from the water. Raise a glass with new friends and toast this once in a lifetime adventure.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Day 1 Rio de Janeiro

See more of Rio, or catch up on some sleep.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Days 8-10 Paraty

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.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 3

Days 11-12 Brotas

The tiny town of Brotas is a magnet for adventure sports fans and is the ideal place to enjoy canyoning and whitewater rafting.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 2

Day 13 Campo Grande

Pitch a tent in the fertile Campo Grande region, surrounded by herds of cattle and crops of rice and soy.
ACCOM: Bush camp (no facilities) - 1

Days 14-16 Pantanal

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.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 1, Hacienda - 2

Days 17-18 Bonito

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.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

Day 19-21 Iguazu Falls

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.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 3

Day 22 San Ignacio Mini

The intricately carved mission ruins of San Ignacio Mini are an impressive sight.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 1

Days 23-26 Bush Camp/Buenos Aires

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.
ACCOM: Bush camp (no facilities) - 1, Hotel - 3

Day 27 Cordoba

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.
ACCOM: Hostel - 1

Days 28-30 Estancia Stay

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.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 3

Day 31 Quilmes

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.
ACCOM: Bush camp (no facilities) - 1

Day 32 Cafayate

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.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 1

Days 33-35 Salta

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.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 2, Hotel - 1

Days 36-37 San Pedro de Atacama

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.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 2

Day 38 Bolivian Altiplano

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.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Days 39-40 Uyuni/Salar de Uyuni

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.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

Days 41-42 Potosi

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.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

Day 43 Livichuco

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.
ACCOM: Homestay - 1

Days 44-45 La Paz

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.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

Days 46-47 Copacabana

Discover Copacabana, a picturesque town situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca with an amazing Moorish style cathedral. Hike over the car-free Island of the Sun and discover its scenic heart. Widely believed to be the birthplace of Inca culture, there are plenty of ruins to explore.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

Day 48 Lake Titicaca/Puno

Meet the locals of the floating, man-made Uros islands on Lake Titicaca.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Days 49-50 Cuzco

Spot the ancient funerary towers of Sillustani rising from the windswept antiplano. Then travel to Cuzco where there are plenty of adventure activities on offer.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

Days 51-54 Inca Trail/Quecha Community Trek

Embark on an unforgettable Andean trek. Follow the steps of the ancient Incas through breathtaking scenery and past remote Quechua villages.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 3, Hotel - 1

Day 55 Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Explore the crumbling ruins of Machu Picchu, the 'Lost City of the Incas'. Find a quiet spot near the Sun Gate to sit back and soak up the magical atmosphere before making the return journey back to Cuzco.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Day 56 Cuzco

Journey to Cuzco and wander through cobblestone streets lined with massive Inca stone walls and Spanish-colonial architecture. Perhaps sign up for one of the many adventure activities on offer here including horse riding and whitewater rafting.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Day 57 Raqchi

Get to know a local family as guests at a homestay in Raqchi. Spend the evening together sharing a meal and discovering traditional song and dance.
ACCOM: Homestay - 1

Days 58-59 Chivay/Colca Canyon

Try to spot the mighty Andean condors as they silently take to the sky thousands of metres above the floor of the breathtaking Colca Canyon.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

Days 60-61 Arequipa

Explore the scenic city of Arequipa and perhaps stop by the Museo Santury to view Juanita, the ice princess. The body of this frozen Inca maiden is thought to be more than 500 years-old and was found at a sacrificial site on the summit of Nevado Ampato.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

Day 62 Puerto Inca

Visit the chilling Chauchilla Cemetery en route to Puerto Inca. The windswept graves display the eerie skeletons and mummified bodies of the Nazca people, some of which date from 1,000 AD.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 1

Day 63 Nazca

Learn about Peru's mysterious Nazca Lines and perhaps take a scenic flight to fully appreciate the scale of this puzzling creation.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 1

Day 64 Paracas National Reserve

Pitch a tent in Paracas, which spans over 335,000 hectares and is home to one of the world's most important marine reserves. Take a walk along the coastline and spot the vibrant birdlife this region is famous for.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 1

Days 65-66 Ballestas Islands/Lima

Spot penguins, sea lions and boobies during a boat ride through the Ballestas Islands. Get acquainted with Peru's modern capital, Lima - there's plenty to see in this vibrant metropolis.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

Days 67-68 Huanchaco

Pitch a tent at seaside Huanchaco, home to the surfing fishermen. Walk along the shoreline and watch these skilful fishermen among the waves, balancing on their narrow reed canoes. Perhaps even give this method a try to discover how difficult it really is! Spend a full day exploring the ruins of Chan Chan, the largest pre-Columbian city in South America. Visit the Temples of the Sun and the Moon, huge crumbling pyramids built from an estimated 140 million adobe bricks.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 2

Days 69-71 Punta Sal

Seaside activities abound in Punta Sal, a haven of sun, surf and sand. Perhaps enjoy deep-sea fishing, explore the scenic shoreline by boat or simply kick back on the beach with a good book.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 3

Days 72-73 Cuenca

Farewell Peru and discover the production secrets of Ecuador's iconic Panama hat during a factory tour. Head out shopping for one of these hats or maybe ramble through Cuenca's scenic streets and shady plazas.
ACCOM: Guesthouse - 1, Hotel - 1

Day 74 Riobamba

Be treated to more stunning scenery on the journey towards Riobamba.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Days 75-76 Chugchilan/Quilotoa Loop

Enjoy spectacular views while driving along the winding Quilotoa Loop. Stretch legs on a guided trek and stay overnight in an eco-lodge nestled on the slopes of the Rio Toachi Canyon.
ACCOM: Hostel - 2

Days 77-79 Rio Verde

Pitch a tent in the lush, mountainous Tungurahua Province. Explore nearby Banos, Ecuador's famous adventure playground. Maybe soak in the town's hot springs filled with therapeutic waters or choose from one of many optional activities - from horse riding to mountain biking and even whitewater rafting.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 3

Day 80 Coca

Prepare for the jungle adventure ahead in Coca.

Days 81-83 Amazon Jungle

The lush jungle of the upper Amazon Basin is one of the world's most biologically diverse regions. Set off on treks heading deep into the heart of the Amazon jungle. Visit freshwater pools inhabited by caimans and canoe down twisting rivers to meet hospitable locals.
ACCOM: Lodge - 3

Days 84-85 Quito

Explore some of the attractions dotted throughout breathtaking Quito - from cathedrals and churches, to lookouts and plazas.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

Day 86 Otavalo

Farewell Ecuador and travel across the border into Colombia. Browse through the array of bright textiles and colourful crafts available at the famous markets of Otavalo.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Day 87 Ipiales

Explore the town of Ipiales. Perhaps take time to visit the area's prime attraction, Santuario de Las Lajas - believed to be the site of many miracles and apparitions. Set dramatically amid impressive mountain scenery, Las Lajas is a hidden highlight of Colombia.
ACCOM: Hotel - 1

Day 88 Popayan

Discover the old town of Popayan and take a day trip to admire the spectacular volcanic landscapes of the Purace National Park.

Days 89-90 Cali

Visit Cali, a culturally diverse town, famous for its lively nightlife.
ACCOM: Hostel - 2

Days 91-93 Manizales

Head to Manizales for a three-night stay at a hacienda. Tour a coffee plantation and admire scenic mountain vistas on a trip to Los Nevados National Park.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 3

Days 94-96 Guatapé

Stay by the lake at the quaint town of Guatape. Bargain at the stalls on the board walk and climb El Penon de Guatape, the famous granite monolith that give stunning views of the natural surrounds.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 3

Days 97-98 Medellin

Travel to Medellin and explore the streets of this city, which has played a pivotal role in recent Colombian history. In free time, why not take a day trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia to admire its colonial architecture.
ACCOM: Hostel - 2

Days 99-100 Covenas/San Bernardo Islands

Travel to Covenas on the Morrosquillo gulf and visit the ten islands of San Bernado. A myriad of wildlife species traverse the varying landscapes of stunning beaches, marshes and mangroves.
ACCOM: Camping (with facilities) - 2

Days 101-103 Cartagena

Wander around beautiful Cartagena on a guided city tour. Discover Cartagena's old town, an exceptionally well preserved area full of cobblestone laneways, charming buildings and busy cafes. Experience the therapeutic effects of a mud bath on an optional visit to a bubbling mud volcano.
ACCOM: Hotel - 2

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Trip Map

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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!