Essential Colombia to Peru & Brazil

Welcome to Medellin! Get together with the group and your tour leader in the hostel this morning (we recommend arriving in Medellin the day before your tour starts) for a trip briefing.

Our tour kicks off with an included walk through Comuna 13, a colourful neighbourhood known for its street art. Although it has a turbulent past, today it is a modern and vibrant area, much like Medellin as a whole. Ride one of the outdoor escalators and pose for photos in front of the street murals.

We'll stop so you can grab some lunch at the Mercado del Río food market, and your tour leader will then lead a Spanish language class, so you can learn some useful phrases for the trip ahead.

Next, we're walking around Medellin's most famous sights, including Plaza Botero, the Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe, and the Catedral Basílica Metropolitana. You can spend the rest of the day at leisure, or head out for a drink along the El Poblado party street. Optional activities are also available, including paragliding, a game of the local sport, Tejo, or (depending on fixtures), heading out to see a local football match at Estadio Atanasio Giradot.

Medellin - Guatape - Medellin. Begin today with a cup of local coffee, it's the best way to start a day in Colombia! We're heading out of the city for a day trip to the lakeside resort town of Guatape. We climb the 740 steps to the top of Penol-Guatapé Reservoir to enjoy the view and you can enjoy included kayaking on the reservoir itself.

Back in Medellin this evening, join an included Tango class. it doesn't matter if you're a pro or you've got two left feet, it's a fun experience and all are welcome!

Medellin - Salento. We're leaving Medellin and heading into the heart of the Coffee Triangle, specifically the town of Salento. Known for its colonial architecture, coffee plantations and towering wax palms, it's a scenic spot, well worth the 6 hour drive in a minivan.

In Salento, enjoy an included visit to the Finca el Ocaso Coffee Farm. here you can pick your own coffee beans and have a go at producing your own coffee, with a tasting at the end, of course. The rest of the day is at leisure in Salento.

Salento - Cali. Late morning, you'll transfer by bus from Salento to the vibrant city of Cali, Colombia's salsa capital. You tour leader will meet you at the other end, and you'll have some free time to relax after check in at the hostel.

In the afternoon, we'll spend some time exploring highlights of the city with local experts, including the central Plaza de Caycedo and the magnificent Neo-Gothic Catedral Metropolitana. we'll also dive into the city's salsa scene, learning more about its cultural roots and influence. The evening is at leisure in Cali - you could visit one of the city's salsa clubs to find out more about this unique dance form, if you'd like. It's a late start tomorrow, so a couple of drinks might be in order too.

Cali - Bogota. After your lie in or a free morning to do as you please, you'll transfer to the airport for your included flight to Bogota. Your first night in the Colombian capital is at leisure.

We begin our exploring of Bogota with an included bike tour through the downtown, including La Candelaria, Plaza Bolívar, the Cathedral, and the Presidential Palace. Visit a local fruit market to try unusual fruits like lulo and uchuva, then continue cycling to one of the city's middle class districts to experience modern Colombia.

Later, we enjoy an included graffiti art experience, learning more about Colombia's history, culture and politics through Bogota's incredible street art. We also visit a gallery and can have a go at some graffitiing of our own.

The day continues as we ride the funicular up to Monserrate, a mountain located 3,000 metres above sea level, with incredible views back over Bogota. There's a pretty church to explore before we head back down via cable car. You can head back to the hostel, or if you're in a party mood, how about a night out at Theatron, Latin America's largest nightclub?

Bogota - Cusco (Peru). We've spent a week in Colombia and it's time to depart, as you transfer to the airport for your included flight to Cusco, Peru. This is the former capital of the Incan Empire and gateway to Machu Picchu.

In the afternoon, your tour leader will show you around the historic downtown, and you'll be able to take in the Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral and San Pedro Market. In the evening, we'll head out for a group meal (not included), giving you the chance to try some local Peruvian cuisine. Our multi-day trek to Machu Picchu starts tomorrow, so we recommend an early night.

Our trek starts today - we always aim to secure Inca Trail permits, but these book out well in advance and the Salkantay Trek is a more than worthy alternative. Please see the Trip notes for more information about the Inca Trail trek and alternatives, should permits not be available.

The first day of the hike is relatively gentle, as we acclimatize to the altitude and get used to the long days of hiking. You'll only be carrying a day pack, the rest of your luggage will be sent ahead. After a day of hiking, we'll set up camp and enjoy a dinner prepared by your trekking team. Enjoy your first night camping in the Andes.

Our second day of trekking sees us crossing mountain passes, passing small archaeological sites and enjoying the incredible scenery of the Andes. Look out for wildlife such as tiny hummingbirds and giant Andean condors. Today's hike will be trickier than yesterdays and is mostly uphill - but we know you'll crush it! Another night of Andes camping and a hearty dinner lies in wait.

We did most of our climbing yesterday, but there's another gentle climb today to reach the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca, the third-highest point along the entire trail. We then descend to our third campsite - you'll find yourself going from snow-capped mountains to lush Amazon jungle in a single day, which is quite the experience. We'll pass the impressive Intipata archaeological site today too and you'll be glad to know we arrive at the campsite in the afternoon, with a bit more time to chill later in the day. Machu Picchu awaits tomorrow!

We wake early today, but the morning views over Machu Picchu are absolutely worth the effort. It's then time to visit the Lost City, an ancient Inca Citadel that was lost to humanity for 400 years until its rediscovery in 1911. It's so well hidden, even the invading Spanish conquistadors never found it!

A local guide will show you around, and you'll have plenty of time to take in one of the New Seven Wonders of the World before we head back to Cusco (don't worry, we're not making you hike back again). Your evening in Cusco is at leisure, so you can turn in for an early night or enjoy a Pisco Sour to celebrate the end of the hike.

Your aching legs are probably calling for a lie in, and that's what we're giving you this morning, with a free morning to relax. If you are up and about, then why not head into the city for a traditional Peruvian breakfast, or shop for souvenirs at the San Pedro Market.

In the afternoon, we enjoy an included visit to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which is located on a hill above Cusco. Take some time to admire the towering stone walls and to enjoy the surrounding views. It's our last night in Cusco, so why not celebrate with a bar crawl to enjoy the city's famous nightlife?

Cusco - Puno. We're following the Ruta del Sol (Route of the Sun), one of the most scenic journeys in Peru, which isn't exactly short of them. Along the way, we'll stop at the iconic Rainbow Mountain for a short hike. The earth and soil of the mountain is brightly coloured thanks to the tectonic activity that has shaken this area for millennia.

After this detour, we continue to Puno, on the shore of Lake Titicaca, which is the world's highest navigable lake. The evening is at leisure.

Today we enjoy an included boat ride on UNESCO-listed Lake Titicaca, one of Peru's most famous natural wonders. Soak up the Andean scenery and visit the floating reed islands of the indigenous Uros people. They took to the water originally to protect against attacks from the Incas, and the tradition has well and truly stuck. Back in Puno, your evening is at leisure.

Puno - La Paz (Bolivia). We're leaving Peru today, taking a sleeper bus at 5am to the Bolivian capital of La Paz - the drive should take about 6 hours. Meet your new tour leader on arrival and check in to the hostel.

Enjoy an included tour of La Paz in the afternoon, setting off from the central Plaza Murillo to see the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral of La Paz, and the National Congress building. We'll also pop into the Witches Market, where you can find traditional remedies, spiritual artefacts and offerings for Andean rituals. The tour ends with an included cable car ride over the city. La Paz is already the highest capital city in the world, and you'll enjoy incedible views from your lofty cable car.

Adrenalin junkies can enjoy an optional mountain biking trip along Death Road, officially the world's most dangerous road today. If you ever watched the old series of Top Gear then you might be familiar with it from the show's Bolivia Special. The views from the route are absolutely stunning, if you don't mind the heights. You'll be absolutely safe, with all equipment provided and an expert guide on hand at all times. If you prefer to stay in La Paz, then you're welcome to, and the day is yours to explore. In the evening, we'll regroup and head to the bus station, where we board an overnight bus to Uyuni.

La Paz - Uyuni. Arrive in Uyuni early this morning to begin our 3-day 4X4 adventure in the Uyuni salt flats, crossing all the way to San Pedro de Atacama. Our tour starts at the Train Cemetery in Uyuni, home to abandoned locomotives from the area's mining days. Next, visit Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat before continuing to Incahuasi Island, home to giant cacti and incredible views over the salt flats - it's the perfect spot for an included picnic lunch.

The rest of the day is spent exploring more of the salt flats, and we spend the night at a guesthouse in the middle of the desert - talk about remote!

We take in more of the incredible Bolivian landscapes today, starting with the Chiguana Desert, framed by towering volcanoes. We also take in some of the area's lakes, including Laguna Canapa, Laguna Hedionda, and Laguna Honda, where we should be able to see great flocks of flamingos.

Later, we see the Stone Tree of the Siloli Desert, a unique rock formation shaped by erosion. We see the red-hued Laguna Colorada in Eduardo Avaro National Park, home to more flamingos, before heading to our accommodation for the night.

Uyuni - San Pedro de Atacama (Chile). It's an early start as we make our way to the Sol de Manana geyser field for sunrise. Watch the steam rising from bubbling mud pots before we continue to the Polques Hot Springs for a relaxing dip. We then see the green lake of Laguna Verde, located at the base of Licancabur Volcano.

After a spectacular few days, it's time to leave the salt flats and Bolivia behind, as we cross into Chile and head to San Pedro de Atacama, located in the Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth. In some parts of the Atacama, it has never rained on record. Your first evening in San Pedro de Atacama is at leisure.

Opt to spend the morning sandboarding in Death Valley, before embarking on an included bike tour to the Valle de la Luna, home to impressive rock formations, salt flats and sand dunes, with views of both the Atacama Desert and the Andes.

In the evening, we head to a nearby observatory, where you can enjoy unspoiled views of the night sky in one of the world's clearest and darkest spots. Spot shooting stars, constellations and the Milky Way in incredible detail.

San Pedro de Atacama - Buenos Aires (Argentina). From San Pedro de Atacama, you'll transfer to the airport and board an included flight to Santiago, where you'll take a connecting flight to the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires.

On arrival, you'll have some time to chill before meeting your new tour leader and any new members of the group who are joining the tour in Argentina. There's a quick briefing to prep you for the next part of the tour, and then we head out together for an included tango lesson, where you'll learn the ways of this popular Argentinean dance form with professional instructors.

Please note: Some members of the tour group may be ending their trip in Santiago, and not continuing with you to Buenos Aires. Other travellers may also join the tour in Buenos Aires, and your tour leader will change.

Today we're exploring Buenos Aires by bike, using the Argentinean capital's developed network of cycle lanes. We'll take in highlights of the city including the historic central square, Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada, the pink Presidential Palace. We'll also see the beautiful opera house of Teatro Colon. Our tour ends at the modern MALBA art gallery.

Enjoy another Spanish lesson with your tour leader in the afternoon before we explore the San Telmo Market (Sundays only) and enjoy a BBQ dinner at a local asado, a traditional Argentine wood-fired way of cooking meat. We'll wash it down with a glass of malbec before heading into town for a few drinks.

We're exploring more of Buenos Aires today, beginning with the parks, galleries and cafes of the Palermo and Recoleta neighbourhoods. We'll visit the Recoleta Cemetery, where many prominent figures from Argentina's history were laid to rest. There's some free time then, and you can opt to take the local train to Tigre, where a public boat tour allows you to explore the Tigre River Delta.

In the afternoon, we'll enjoy an included bus tour of La Boca, one of the city's most popular areas. See the iconic Caminito Walkway and La Bombonera, home to Boca Juniors, one of the biggest teams in this football-mad country. We'll take a tour of the stadium, unless there's a game on, in which case we'll do our absolute best to secure match tickets if you'd like them (cannot be guaranteed, a surcharge may apply).

Buenos Aires - Ushuaia. This morning, transfer to the airport for the included flight south to Ushuaia, in the heart of Patagonia. On arrival, the rest of the day is yours to begin exploring ‘El Fin Del Mundo’ (the End of the World) - perhaps enjoy a stroll around the Plaza Malvinas, which honours veterans of the Falklands War.

Enjoy a 6-hour hike to Laguna Esmerelda today, translating in English to the "Emerald Lagoon". Along the route, discover the best scenery and nature that Patagonia has to offer, from turbales wetlands to lush forests, crystal clear lagoons and rugged mountain peaks. Keep your eyes open for wildlife, such as guanacos, beavers, armadillos and perhaps even a puma. Although this is a long trek, it's quite a manageable one and we're not in a rush, so you can take your time. You've already mastered the Inca Trail, so this should be a doddle! We're back in Ushuaia for the evening.

After yesterday's hike, we'll take things a bit easier today. You've got a free morning before our included afternoon catamaran ride through the Beagle Channel. These nutrient rich waters are not only the gateway to the Antarctic, they're also home to whales, sea lions, giant albatrosses and the famous Les Eclaireurs lighthouse – often called the ‘End of the World Lighthouse’. The evening is at leisure back in Ushuaia.

Please note: If you’re travelling between November and February, you can opt to upgrade your catamaran experience to a smaller boat which stops at an island where you can walk amongst the penguins who migrate here from Antarctica for the summer.

Ushuai - Iguazu Falls. You have another included flight today, this time from Ushuaia to Iguazu Falls (the Argentinean side). On arrival, the rest of today is at leisure.

Please note: On some departures, because of flight availability, we may not fly to Iguazu until the morning of day 28. If this is the case, we'll fly to Buenos Aires on day 27, spend a night here and complete our journey the next morning.

Today we'll visit the UNESCO-listed Iguazu National Park. Besides the jaw-dropping waterfall, the park is home to lush tropical rainforest and wildlife including toucans and even jaguars. We'll hike the Garganta del Diablo (the Devil’s Throat), where you can get up close and personal to Iguazu Falls through a series of walkways. We'll also ride a train through the park to enjoy different angles of the falls.

Later, you can opt for a boat ride through the national park, if you don't mind getting wet from the spray of the falls.

Leaving the park, we watch a magical sunset at the Three Borders Landmark, where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet. The rest of the evening is at leisure in Puerto Iguazu, why not head out for some street food and a few drinks?

Iguazu Falls - Sao Paulo (Brazil). We've got one final country to discover on our adventure - Brazil! Crossing the border, we explore the Brazilian side of Iguazu National Park, hike the Cataratas Trail (Trilha das Cataratas), and take in the stunning views from the Garganta do Diabo viewpoint. We then make our way to the airport for the short flight to Sao Paulo.

On arrival, there's free time to freshen up before we head out to Vila Madalena, an area of Sao Paulo renowned for its street art (especially the Beco de Batman) and nightlife.

Today we're exploring this Brazilian city on a guided tour. Stroll along Avenida Paulista, where street performers, street art and pop up markets and stalls collide. Later, we explore the city's historic centre, taking in landmarks such as the Se Cathedral and the Monastery of Sao Bento. We'll also climb to the observation deck of the Edifício Itália tower, from where you can enjoy incredible views of the city as the sun sets. If you're looking for a night out tonight, we recommend Rua Augusta.

Sao Paulo - Rio de Janeiro. It's about a six hour journey by bus from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro today. On arrival, you've got a bit of free time to head out to Copacabana Beach for some sunbathing, before we enjoy an included beach volleyball class.

Later, head out to the city's Ipanema District, where you can gorge on ‘churrasco’, traditional Brazilian barbecued meat and vegetable skewers, grilled over open flames.

We already ticked off Machu Picchu, and we're visiting another of the New Seven Wonders of the World today - Christ the Redeemer. We'll make an early start to beat the crowds, before stopping at a local cafe to enjoy a traditional Brazilian breakfast and coffee.

Next, we'll ride the cable car to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, an iconic granite peak where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

It's the final night of our tour, and where better to spend it than at a beach-side bar, with dinner and a few cocktails, and maybe a night out at a local samba club.

It's been an incredible month, but today your tour comes to an end. Say goodbye to the group, swap Insta handles and make your way to the airport or your next destination. Safe travels!