Southern Cross Eastbound - Lima to Rio

From the Nazca Lines and the heights of Incan archaeology to the beach at Ipanema, this 45-day long tour provides limitless opportunities for adventure. Explore the wetlands of the Pantanal, thundering Iguassu Falls, and the bizarre landscape of the Uyuni Salt Flats. In the thin air of the Andes, trek the challenging Inca Trail to legendary Machu Picchu. With local transportation and authentic accommodation, this one's got it all!

Day 1 Lima
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Lima/Paracas
Enjoy a free morning in Lima before travelling by bus to Paracas.

Day 3 Paracas/Nazca
Opt to visit the Ballestas Islands, an excellent chance to view a lively sea lion colony, pelicans, penguins, and other varieties of bird life, before travelling to Nazca. En route, stop at a winery and at the oasis of Huacachina.

Day 4 Nazca/Arequipa
Take a guided tour of the Nazca desert cemetery and potter's studio. Opt for a flight over the Nazca Lines before the overnight bus to Arequipa.

Day 5 Arequipa
Enjoy a free day in Arequipa, the "white city". Opt for a city tour or visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery.

Day 6 Arequipa/Colca Canyon
Travel to Chivay, a village near Colca Canyon, for an optional dip in the thermal baths. Continue on to nearby Colca Canyon for the day.

Day 7 Colca Canyon/Arequipa
Enjoy time at the canyon in the early morning before heading back to Arequipa for the night.

Day 8 Arequipa/Cusco
Fly to Cusco. Opt for a city tour or to explore the city's markets, museums, and plazas.

Day 9 Cusco/Ollantaytambo
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo ruins. Stop at the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op before exploring the Pisac ruins. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa community restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. Finish the day exploring the Ollantaytambo ruins with a local guide.

Day 10 Inca Trail
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the Inca Trail begins. Ease into the adventure with a straightforward day of hiking the meandering streams, stunning Andean scenery, and ancient Incan ruins.

Day 11 Inca Trail
Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.

Day 12 Inca Trail
Cross two more passes and ruins on today's trek. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).

Day 13 Machu Picchu/Cusco
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down for a guided tour of the site and enjoy free time to explore until noon as permitted by the tourist ticket. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge, if time allows. Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to meet any non-hiking members of your group. Eat and relax before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon.

Day 14 Cusco
Enjoy free time to explore Cusco or relax. Active options include whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Nature lovers can book an optional adventure to go to the Amazon Jungle for a 3-day/2-night excursion.

Day 15 Cusco
Enjoy free time to explore Cusco or relax. Active options include whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Nature lovers can book an optional adventure to go to the Amazon Jungle for a 3-day/2-night excursion.

Day 16 Cusco
Enjoy free time to explore Cusco or relax. Active options include whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Nature lovers can book an optional adventure to go to the Amazon Jungle for a 3-day/2-night excursion.

Day 17 Cusco/Puno
Travel day by bus from Cusco to Puno. Spend some time on arrival wandering the small city.

Day 18 Puno/Lake Titicaca
Enjoy a guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a small village.

Day 19 Lake Titicaca/Puno
Visit the floating islands of Uros before returning to Puno. Opt to visit the Sillustani burial site.

Day 20 Puno/La Paz
Travel by bus and cross the border into Bolivia, arriving in La Paz.

Day 21 La Paz
Enjoy another free day to explore La Paz. Opt to visit Iglesia de San Francisco, Chacaltaya, the Valley of the Moon or the Witches' Market.

Day 22 La Paz/Uyuni
Travel by train and bus to the town of Uyuni, home base for salt flat exploration.

Day 23 Uyuni/Salt Flats
Enjoy a three day 4x4 excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounding desert altiplano with spectacular scenery.

Day 24 Salt Flats
Continue exploring the Uyuni Salt Flats on a 4x4 excursion. Admire the spectacular scenery while passing red and blue lagoons along the route. Spot wild llamas, alpacas and even flamingos deep within the desert.

Day 25 Salt Flats/Uyuni
Rise early to cover more ground of the unique landscape of the Uyuni Salt Flats. Continue to see incredible scenery, including volcanoes, salt lakes and geysers.

Day 26 Uyuni/Potosí
Journey from Uyuni to Potosí and get a view of the mountain Cerro Rico looming over the city.

Day 27 Potosí/Sucre
Continue by bus to Sucre and explore the beautiful colonial city.

Day 28 Sucre
Free time to explore the city, the former capital of Bolivia. For more active options opt to go hiking in the surrounding area or mountain biking.

Day 29 Sucre
Free time to explore the city, the former capital of Bolivia. For more active options opt to go hiking in the surrounding area or mountain biking.

Day 30 Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Fly to Santa Cruz.

Day 31 Santa Cruz de la Sierra/Puerto Suárez
Spend some time exploring Santa Cruz before travelling by overnight train to the Brazilian border.

Day 32 Puerto Suárez/Pantanal
Travel into Brazil and straight to the Pantanal on 2-day excursion into the with a local guide. This is a perfect place to experience the wildlife of Brazil.

Day 33 Pantanal
Enjoy a 2-day excursion into the wetlands of the Pantanal with a local guide. Opportunities to spot wildlife such as monkeys, macaws, giant otters, and caiman abound.

Day 34 Pantanal/Bonito
Travel to Bonito and spend time here snorkelling in the rivers or exploring nearby caves.

Day 35 Bonito
Enjoy a full day in Bonito with optional activities like snorkelling in the crystal-clear rivers or exploring the nearby caves and waterfalls.

Day 36 Bonito/Iguaçu Falls
Enjoy the day in Bonito before overnight transport to Iguassu Falls.

Day 37 Iguaçu Falls
Spend two full days exploring Iguassu from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides. Opt to visit a nearby bird park.

Day 38 Iguaçu Falls
Cross the border to explore the Argentine side of the falls. Opt for a boat ride at the base of the falls.

Day 39 Iguaçu Falls/Paraty
Fly to São Paulo and continue by van to Paraty. Spend a day and a half discovering this town.

Day 40 Paraty
Enjoy free time to explore Paraty.

Day 41 Paraty
Enjoy free time to explore Paraty.

Day 42 Paraty/Ilha Grande
Continue by van up the coast and take a ferry to Ilha Grande.

Day 43 Ilha Grande
Enjoy a free day in Ilha Grande. Opt to hike the island's remote beaches or enjoy free time to relax and explore.

Day 44 Ilha Grande/Rio de Janeiro
Carry on by ferry and van to Rio de Janeiro. With free time, explore the city on an optional city tour.

Day 45 Rio de Janeiro
Depart at any time.