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Rio Carnival to Cartagena Overview

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‡ 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

  • 2013-01-01 - 2013-12-31

Enjoy a South American adventure from Brazil to Ecuador.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of South America on this incredible Overland adventure from Rio de Janeiro to Cartagena. Enjoy the pulsating energy of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, trek along ancient Inca paths to the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu and experience life aboard the amazing floating islands of Lake Titicaca. Discover diverse landscapes and breathtaking scenery as you explore verdant Brazilian forests, marvel at thunderous Iquazu Falls, survey vast Bolivian salt flats, traverse soaring Andean mountains and venture deep into the lush Amazon Jungle. Along the way, meet friendly locals and discover the rich cultural heritage of this utterly bewitching continent.

  • Celebrate in Rio
  • Experience life on Lake Titicaca
  • Explore the verdant Pantanal wetlands
  • Immerse yourself in the colour of La Paz
  • Marvel at the mysterious Nazca Lines
  • Savour the aromas of an Argentine barbecue
  • Travel through the surreal landscapes of the Bolivian Salt Flats
  • Watch the sun rise over Machu Picchu

Trip Map


Rio Carnival to Cartagena Summary

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Day 55 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.

Day 56 Cuzco

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 57 Raqchi

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

Days 58-59 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.

Days 60-61 Arequipa

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

Day 62 Puerto Inca

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

Day 63 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 64 Paracas National Reserve

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.

Days 65-66 Ballestas Islands/Lima

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

Days 67-68 Huanchaco

Famed for its 'surfing' fishermen, Huanchaco was once a small fishing village but is now a relaxed beach haven for travellers keen on seeing the nearby ruins.

Days 69-71 Punta Sal

Gorgeous secluded beaches, blue skies and a relaxed pace of life are on offer in Punta Sal, a lovely beachside town in the very north of Peru.

Days 72-73 Cuenca

With roots tracing back to 8000BC, Cuenca is a fascinating and beautiful city, and World Heritage-listed due to its wonderfully preserved heritage buildings.

Day 74 Riobamba

Ecuador's mountain-climbing and trekking capital, Riobamba is a lovely city at the starting point of the Nariz del Diablo (Devil's Nose) train ride.

Days 75-76 Chugchilan/Quilotoa Loop

Nestled in amongst the Andes, Chugchilan is a picturesque village with amazing mountain scenery, wonderful hiking trails and is a perfect base to explore the area. The Quilotoa Loop starts in Latacunga and journeys through local villages, stunning mountain vistas, cloud forests and valleys, and to the beautiful Laguna Quilotoa.

Days 77-79 Rio Verde

Rio Verde is a beautiful little town set in a valley with great hiking and close to several lovely waterfalls, including the San Miguels falls.

Day 80 Coca

Prepare for the jungle adventure ahead in Coca.

Days 81-83 Amazon Jungle

The Amazon Rainforest, over 1.7 billion acres in size and spilling over into 8 countries, is a wondrous place with a bounty of plantlife, animals and fascinating communities.

Days 84-85 Quito

Quito is a cultured city with a wonderous Old Town, a dynamic nightlife and atmospheric streets showcasing Ecuadorian life in all its splendour.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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What's included in this trip

  • Start:

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

  • Finish:

    Cartagena, Colombia

  • Group size:

    Min 4 , Max 22

  • Ages:

    Min 18

  • Meals:

    All meals when camping

  • Accommodation:

    Bush camp (no facilities) (3 nts), Camping (with facilities) (40 nts), Guesthouse (1 nt), Hacienda (2 nts), Homestay (2 nts), Hostel (7 nts), Hotel (42 nts), Lodge (3 nts)

  • Transport:

    Boat, Jeep, Metro, Overland vehicle, Train

  • Included activities:

    3 night/3 day Amazon Adventure, Alternative Inca Trail and Quechua Community trek, Ballestas Islands boat trip, Boat trip, Chan Chan Archaeological Site, Chauchilla cemetery, City tour, Coffee Plantation Tour, Manizales, Cuzco Visitor Ticket, El Penon de Guatape, Guided tour of Cartagena, Guided tour to San Bernardo islands, Hat Factory Tour, Isla del Sol boat trip, Jeep tour of Uyuni Salt Flats, Jesuit Mission ruins and museum, San Ignacio de Mini, Lord of Sipan Museum, Machu Picchu guided tour, Mitad del Mundo, Paracas National Park, Pyramids of Sun and Moon, Quilmes Ruins, Raqchi Artisan Centre and ruins, Sambadrome Ticket, Sillustani Ruins and Museum w/Guide, Sunset Cruise on Guanabara Bay, Tour of the Sacred Valley, Sacsayhuaman and Ollantaytambo, Trek from Quilotoa to Chugchilan, Trekking, Two night Pantanal adventure, 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), Visit to Santuario la Lajas

  • Carbon emissions offset:

    2279kg 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.
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About Argentina , Bolivia , Brazil , Chile , Colombia , Ecuador , Peru

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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!