32 Days | See the highlights, then delve a bit deeper, on this immersive journey across South America





Do South America right. Really jump in there and cover all of the highlights, as well as a few surprises, on this epic journey across Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil. Dive deep into the Amazon jungle, trek the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, browse weird and wacky trinkets at Witches' Market of La Paz, take mind-bending photos at Bolivia's incredible salt flats, see the might Iguazu Falls and wrap up in Rio de Janeiro on this in-depth journey across South America.
Trip overview

- Start
- Lima, Peru
- Finish
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Theme
- 18 to 29s
- Destinations
- Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Argentina
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Basix
- Ages
- Min 18 - Max 29
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Trip code
- GGYDC
Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences
Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time
You book, we donate to help support local communities
- Roam the Amazon jungle at night while pretending you're David Attenborough (it has a calming influence). Float down the river, keeping an out for the glaring eyes of jaguars and caimans.
- The floating islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca seem like the sort of thing Pixar would come up with. Spend the night under the stars in a traditional island village.
- Whether you trek the classic Inca Trail, the Inca Quarry Trail or take the scenic train route to Machu Picchu, trust us, this is going to be one of the highlights of your life.
- Don't worry, we won't hog all of your time. You'll have plenty of opportunity to bounce around Cusco, digging deep into the pockets of Inca history.
- Get amongst the weird and wonderful in La Paz, from the strange brews of the witches’ market to the tasty treats of Mercado Lanza.
- Ever dreamt of walking on water? Now’s your chance. Kind of. The sprawling salt lakes of Bolivia serve up some seriously mind-bending photo ops.
- The mighty Iguazu Falls straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil, and you’ll be able to see it from both sides.
- The heaving, metropolis of Rio de Janeiro is a great way to end the trip. Party down with the locals and experience a culture at the beating heart of Brazil.
- At Intrepid we’ve always been about balancing profit and purpose and as the largest B Corp certified operator on the Inca Trail we’re committed to operating our treks for the benefit of all – join us and help make the world a better place.
- On this trip you’ll be camping along the Inca Trail and spending the night in a homestay on Lake Titicaca. Both have very basic, shared facilities (such as drop toilets and no showers). This is all part of the adventure of being amongst nature!
- While hiking the 4 Day Inca Trail or 3 Day Inca Quarry trail portion of this trip you may be joined by some non-Intrepid travellers, who might be over the age of 29 years old.
- The Amazon Jungle can be very hot and humid. Light cotton clothing is the best way to tackle this. Also, don't forget tropical-strength insect repellent.
- It’s important to wear sunscreen and other sun protection, and always drink plenty of water.
- This trip involves a lot of hiking and walking, so requires a moderate level of fitness. There are a few different trail options to suit your interests and physical capabilities. Please bring durable footwear suitable to hiking. See the ‘What to Take’ section of the Essential Trip information (ETI) for more information.
- Due to the high altitude of many of places we visit some people can suffer altitude sickness. Some people aren’t affected at all, but if you are, be sure to drink plenty of water and don’t push yourself too hard. If possible, arrive a few days early to allow yourself time to acclimatise. Please see the ‘Health’ section of the Essential Trip information (ETI) for more important information about altitude sickness.
- According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only, and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted. Please refer to the itinerary for details.
- Travellers who choose different ways of reaching Machu Picchu (Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train), will not follow the same routes within Machu Picchu. This means that you may not be able to have photos together, overlooking Machu Picchu. This applies to travellers on the same booking or separate bookings.
Itinerary
Inclusions
29 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners
4x4, Bus, Overnight bus, Plane, Taxi, Van
Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nights), Dormitory (2 nights), Amazon Lodge (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (22 nights), Overnight bus (1 night)
- Lima - Leader Led orientation walk of Miraflores
- Amazon Jungle - Jungle Lodge Stay and Activities
- Cusco - Orientation Walk
- Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch
- 3 Night/4 Day Inca Trail (or 2 Night/3 Day Inca Quarry Trail) guided hike(s) with porters' support. Or guided Cusco stay (Machu Picchu by train)
- Machu Picchu - Guided tour
- Lake Titicaca - Boat tour & Homestay
- La Paz - Visit to the 'Witches Market'
- La Paz - Orientation Walk
- Uyuni - Salt flats tour
- Salt flats - Visit to 'Fish Island/Inca Wasi'
- Uyuni - Orientation Walk
- Uyuni - Colchani Salt Factory Visit
- Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve - Altiplano tour including Laguna Colorada & Laguna Verde
- Salta - Orientation walk
- Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk
- Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Brazilian side of the falls
- Iguazu Falls - Tour of the Argentinian side of the falls
- Rio de Janeiro - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Lima - Archaeological Museum - PEN15
- Lima - Guided tour of San Francisco Monastery including The Catacombs - PEN20
- Lima - Lima Water Show (Based on 4 participants) - USD40
- Lima - Lima Pisco Making (Based on 4 participants) - USD35
- Lima - Private Larco Museum (Based on 4 participants) - USD50
- Lima - Bohemian Barranco (Based on 4 participants) - USD75
- Lima - Lima Eat Street (Based on 4 participants) - USD75
- Lima - Lima Discovery + San Francisco and Pisco Sour - Urban Adventures (Price based on 2 participants) - USD39
- Lima - Coast Biking Tour - Urban Adventure (Price based on 2 participants) - USD52
- Lima - Private: Home Cooked Tour Ceviche experience Urban Adventure (Based on 2 Participants) - USD85
- Cusco - Cathedral Entrance Fee - PEN40
- Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) - PEN135
- Cusco - Coricancha Temple (entrance fee) - PEN15
- Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class - USD70
- Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) - USD57
- Cusco - Stand Up Paddle Boarding (minimum 4 people) - USD85
- Sacred Valley - Via Ferrata & Zipline - USD95
- Cusco - Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD105
- Cusco - Humantay Lake Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD130
- Cusco - Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 paticipants) - USD100
- Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking (Price Based on 2 Participants) - USD170
- Cusco - Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline - USD95
- Cusco - Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Based on 4 participants) - USD85
- La Paz - Guided City Tour - USD18
- La Paz - Chacaltaya & Moon Valley Tour - USD16
- La Paz - Tiawanaku tour - USD39
- La Paz - City Tour & Moon Valley - USD25
- La Paz - Coca Museum - USD2
- Bolivian Altiplano – Polques Thermal Baths - USD1
- San Pedro de Atacama - Bike Rental - USD25
- San Pedro de Atacama - Astronomic Tour - USD35
- San Pedro de Atacama - Moon Valley - USD18
- San Pedro de Atacama - Sandboarding - USD60
- Salta - Archaeological Museum - USD2
- Salta - Cerro San Bernardo Chairlift - USD3
- Buenos Aires - Tango Show and Dinner - USD90
- Buenos Aires - Football game (subject to availability) from - USD120
- Buenos Aires - Polo day - USD185
- Buenos Aires - Recoleta Cemetery - USD7
- Buenos Aires - Ateneo Bookshop - Free
- Buenos Aires - Caminito Street - Free
- Buenos Aires - Recoleta Cemetry - USD7
- Iguazu Falls - Bird Park Entrance - BRL70
- Iguazu Falls - Helicopter ride - BRL530
- Iguazu Falls - Guarani community visit - USD15
- Iguazu Falls - Zodiac ride up to the falls - USD70
- Rio de Janeiro - Botanical Gardens - BRL67
- Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car - BRL150
- Rio de Janeiro - Football Game (schedule dependent) from - BRL400
- Rio de Janeiro - Christ the Redeemer - BRL118
- Rio de Janeiro - Carnaval Experience (transfer not included) - BRL75
- Rio de Janeiro - Santa Teresa tramcar - BRL20
- Ilha Grande - Day trip - BRL390
- Rio de Janeiro - Carnival rehearsal (June to Carnival only) from - BRL120
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 2 pm. If you are unable to find a suitable flight it is possible to book additional nights at the joining accommodation.
2. There are no activities on the final day and you are free to depart anytime.
3. In order to obtain the necessary permit to trek the Inca Trail, we must be provided with accurate details of the passport to be used whilst travelling in Peru. If the name, passport number, nationality or date of birth shown on the permit are different from the passport, park authorities will refuse entry. If passport details have not been supplied, the permit cannot be issued. When we are unable to secure the "Classic Trail", our groups take the "Inca Quarry Trek". This also applies during February each year, when the Classic Trail is closed for restoration.
4. While hiking the 4 Day Inca Trail or 3 Day Inca Quarry trail portion of this trip you may be joined by some non-Intrepid travelers, who might be over the age of 29 years old.
5. Nationals from the United States need a visa to enter Bolivia and you we highly recommend you obtain this visa in advance from your nearest Bolivian consulate or Embassy. Not obtaining the visa in advance is likely to cause long delays at the border.
6. Please note you may require a Brazilian Visa for this trip. Processing can take around 2-5 weeks at the discretion of the embassy or consulate. Please speak with your travel agent well in advance for further advice.
7. Parts of your trip go above 2800 meters / 9200 feet where it is common for travelers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness.
8. Please note that the Single Supplement does not include nights 2,3,12,17,18 and 19.
9. This trip is a combination of three of our most popular departures. As such the make up of the group and the tour leader may change on Days 15 and 26.
10. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase Entrance fees to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
11. On June 30th Peruvian authorities released a new list of regulations for visiting Machu Picchu, which came into effect from July 1st. The main points impacting our visits are:
1. There is now a time limit to visit the citadel. Morning visitors must exit the site by 12pm and afternoon visitors by
4.30pm
2. Visitors must complete a designated circuit, in one direction only. Exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted and, upon completion, visitor must exit the site. There is no allowance for personal exploration of the site any longer.
Overall we support these changes as they help preserve this invaluable archaeological site. While this somehow restricts the amount of time we are now allowed to spend in Machu Picchu, we’ll do all possible to maximize your time there and make sure you have the best possible experience.
12. In addition to a Traveler’s Affidavit, and health insurance, entry into Chile currently requires submitting proof of vaccination in advance of travel or proof of a negative PCR test within 48 hours of departure. As this validation process can take a while, it is recommended that you submit your electronic validation request 30 days in advance of Travel. The link to submit and more information is available here: https://www.chile.travel/en/traveltochileplan/
13. As you can choose different ways of reaching Machu Picchu (Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train), there is a small chance you may be the only traveller on your selected option.
14. Fees may apply if you choose to change from the Inca Trail to the Train or Quarry Trail after your booking has been made.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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