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Rio to Lima Overview

    • 60
    • GDOSC
    • 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

Journey Overland from Brazil to Peru via Argentina and Bolivia.

Taking off from Rio, this colossal Overland tour from Rio de Janeiro to Lima is for travellers wanting to really peel back the layers of South America. It's got everything - bewitching Buenos Aires, Machu Picchu and Inca trekking along ancient pathways and the mysterious Nazca Lines. You will experience some of the most diverse, dramatic and captivating terrain the world has to offer including verdant Brazilian forests, the thundering Iguazu Falls, vast Bolivian salt flats, soaring Andean mountains and the moonlike Valle de la Luna. Along the way, learn about this regions fascinating, varied history, rub shoulders with chatty locals and try to find one reason not to fall in love with South America.

  • Be charmed by Cuzco
  • Be immersed in the colour of La Paz
  • Experience traditional life on Lake Titicaca
  • Explore the wetlands of the Pantanal
  • Marvel at the mysterious Nazca Lines
  • Sample Argentinean wine
  • Savour the aromas of a traditional Argentine barbecue
  • Stay at a working cattle ranch

Trip Map


Rio to Lima Summary

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Day 1 Rio de Janeiro

Bigger than life and beautiful to boot, Rio de Janeiro sits resplendent among mountains, rainforest and sea, and emits an energy that is irresistible to everyone who visits.

Days 2-4 Paraty

Step back in time in gorgeous Paraty, where Portuguese colonial buildings, cobblestone streets and horse and cart are set against a verdant backdrop of misty hills.

Days 5-6 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.

Day 7 Campo Grande

Surrounded by picturesque farming country, Campo Grande is a large, multicultural city which is the main gateway to the Pantanal.

Days 8-10 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.

Days 11-12 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.

Day 13-15 Iguazu Falls

Foz do Iguazu is a largish city famed for being at the doorstep - along with Argentina and Paraguay - of the incredible Iguazu Falls.

Day 16 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 17-20 Bush Camp/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 21 Cordoba

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

Days 22-24 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 25 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.

Day 26 Cafayate

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.

Days 27-29 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.

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.

Day 32 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 33-34 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.

Days 34-35 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.

Day 37 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 38-39 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.

Days 40-41 Copacabana

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.

Day 42 Lake Titicaca/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. 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. Known as the folklore capital of Peru, Puno often has colourful celebrations and is a great place to find goods made of alpaca wool.

Days 43-44 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 45-48 Inca Trail/Quecha Community Trek

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.

Day 49 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 50 Cuzco

Cuzco is South America’s oldest inhabited city, and a whirl of colour, culture, smiles and activity.

Day 51 Raqchi

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

Days 52-53 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 54-55 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 56 Puerto Inca

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

What's included in this trip

  • Start:

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

  • Finish:

    Lima, Peru

  • Group size:

    Min 4 , Max 22

  • Ages:

    Min 18

  • Meals:

    All meals when camping

  • Accommodation:

    Bush camp (no facilities) (3 nts), Camping (with facilities) (24 nts), Hacienda (2 nts), Homestay (2 nts), Hostel (1 nt), Hotel (27 nts)

  • Transport:

    Boat, Jeep, Overland vehicle, Train

  • Included activities:

    Alternative Inca Trail and Quechua Community trek, Ballestas Islands boat trip, Boat trip, Chauchilla cemetery, Cuzco Visitor Ticket, 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, 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)

  • 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
    • GDOSC
    • 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!