South America Encompassed

The South American Adventure of a Lifetime

South America is a continent like no other, with its diverse culture, awe-inspiring natural beauty and an abundance of adventures that await you. This multi-country South American adventure takes you through seven major countries exploring the most important sights of this beautiful continent in just over a month. 

Your 39-day South America Encompassed trip starts in the tropical and vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro and continues through to the most spectacular waterfalls in the world - Iguazu falls. Admire the world's longest mountain range, the Andes, and the driest place on the planet, the Atacama Desert. Visit the giant natural mirror of Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia, trek through one of the most important heritage sites, Machu Picchu, discover incredibly unique wildlife like the blue-footed booby in the Galápagos Islands, and swim in the Caribbean shores of Colombia. As you hop from one country to another, you will explore many historical cities, taste the delicious flavours of local cuisines and stand between two hemispheres at the centre of the world! 

These are just a few highlights of this once-in-a-lifetime trip, which encompasses the best of South America.

Highlights

• Visit the almighty Iguazu Falls
• See Machu Picchu with an expert guide to bring it to life
• Observe the endemic species of the Galapagos archipelago
• Visit Lake Titicaca and enjoy lunch on Sun Island
• Discover the world-famous attractions of Rio de Janeiro

Quick Itinerary

Day  1 - 3 - Rio

Days 4 & 5 - Iguazu

Days 6 & 7 - Buenos Aires

Days 8 & 9 - Mendoza

Days 10 & 11 - Santiago

Days 12 & 13 - Atacama Desert

Days 14 & 15 - Salt Flats

Days 16 & 17 - La Paz

Day 18 - Lake Titicaca

Days 19 & 20 - Sacred Valley

Day 21 - Machu Picchu

Days 22 & 23 - Cusco

Days 24 & 25 - Lima

Day 26 - Guayaquil

Days 27 - 29 - Galapagos Islands

Days 30 & 31 - Quito

Days 32 & 33 - Bogota

Days 34 - 36 - Cartagena

Days 37 - Bogota

Day 38 - Depart Bogota

Day 39 - Arrive back in the UK

Truly Individual Holiday

Any element of this holiday can be tailormade to your requirements, including the places you want to see and the things that are important to you. Just contact one of our Travel Specialists today.

Days 1-3 - Rio de Janeiro

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, a colourful city which is home to beautiful sandy beaches, samba rhythms and friendly locals. Take a private tour to the top of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World - Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the beaches below. Next, ascend to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car and take in more stunning views including the famous Copacabana beach and the Santa Cruz fortress. Spend your final day in Rio de Janeiro at your leisure. 

Meals: B

Days 4 & 5 - Iguazu

Fly to Iguazu for a two-night stay. The following morning, explore the Argentine National Park and visit the famous Iguazu Falls, located on the border between Brazil and Argentina. Devil’s Throat is the largest waterfall in the Iguazu Falls and it is easily accessible for people of all fitness levels.

Meals: B

Days 6 & 7 - Buenos Aires

Fly to Buenos Aires and enjoy a half-day tour to explore the lively capital city of Argentina. Visit some of the most famous neighbourhoods, the striking Metropolitan Cathedral, the colourful Caminito street and much more. In the evening, enjoy a fantastic tango show accompanied by a delicious traditional Argentine dinner.

Meals: Day 6: B

Day 7: B, D

Days 8 & 9 - Mendoza

Fly to Mendoza for two nights and visit three wineries located at the foot of the Andes mountains; enjoy a classic gourmet lunch paired with wine. Learn the history behind Mendoza’s extensive wine production and listen to the stories of winemaking from a local family that has been in business for centuries. 

Meals: Day 8: B

Day 9: B, L

Day 10 & 11 - Santiago

Fly to the colonial capital city, Santiago. Take a half-day city tour around to discover the history of Chile and the different influences that helped shape the country. Explore the heart of the city, Plaza de Armas as well as some of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods.

Meals: B

Days 12 & 13 - Atacama Desert

Fly to Calama and transfer to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Discover the beauty of the desert on a tour to the otherworldly Moon Valley, watch the sunset over the desert and enjoy unbeatable views. The following day, visit the Toconao region and discover the contrasting arid landscape and lush green vegetation of the Tamarugos Forest. You will also visit the spectacular Chaxa Lagoon, located in the Atacama salt flat.

Meals: B

Days 14 & 15 - Salt Flats

A short drive from your hotel takes you to the border of Bolivia, and from here you will be transported to the REA Reserve, where you can visit the Green Lagoon, a high-altitude mineral lake known for its stunning emerald green colour. En route to Villamar, a landscape of desert, springs and geysers await, and the Red Lagoon, the nesting place of over 30,000 nesting Andean flamingos is a highlight. The next day, it’s time to see the largest natural mirror in the world, the Uyuni Salt Flats – a truly unique and magical experience. Overnight in Colchani.

Meals:  B, L, D

Days 16 & 17 - La Paz

Fly to La Paz to explore the highest administrative capital city in the world on a half-day tour; stroll through the street markets filled with handicrafts, weaving and witchcraft items. Visit the colonial area of the city, the gold museum, the “Mirador de Killi Killi" viewpoint and the Valley of the Moon. Descend back to the centre of La Paz by cable car and take in the city views. 

Meals: B

Day 18 - Lake Titicaca

Today is all about exploring the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca. Cross the lake by boat, to the Island of the Sun where you’ll enjoy a typical highlands lunch. Continue to Yumani to see the “Eternal Youth” stairs, then on to the ruins of Pilkokaina, a 15th Century Inca Temple. At the end of your tour, take the boat back to Copacabana and enjoy a scenic drive along the lake to your hotel in Puno.

Meals: B, L

Days 19 & 20 - Sacred Valley

Fly to Cusco and transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Visit the small picturesque Andean village of Chinchero, where you can visit the home of a textile artisan and learn about their craft. After that, visit the 15th-century Inca ruins and Ollantaytambo, one of the most representative building complexes of the Inca Empire as well as one of the most important strategic terraced fields during the Spanish conquest.

Meals: Day 19: B

Day 20: B, L

Day 21 - Machu Picchu

Explore one of the wonders of the world - Machu Picchu. It is the most visited tourist destination in Peru, and for good reason. Located more than 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, it is also an important symbol of the Inca Empire, and there remain several legends around the citadel to this day. Take a scenic train journey, followed by a bus to Machu Picchu, and enjoy a guided tour of the site to learn about its fascinating history.

Meals: B, L, D

Days 22 & 23 - Cusco

A second entry to Machu Picchu is included so you can further explore the citadel at your own pace, before taking an afternoon train to Cusco for two nights. Enjoy a half-day tour of this beautiful colonial city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in the ancient history of the Incas; visit Koricancha Temple, Plaza de Armas and its impressive cathedral.

Meals: B

Days 24 & 25 - Lima

Fly to Lima for two nights, where your full day is packed with activities! Begin with a gastronomic tour around the city. Learn how to make two traditional Peruvian specialities, pisco sour and ceviche, at an exclusive restaurant, then finish your tour by tucking into a delicious meal! Spend the remainder of your day on a city tour that reveals modern and colonial parts of Lima, plus some of the most important sights.

Meals: B

Day 26 - Guayaquil

Fly to Guayaquil in Ecuador, the gateway to the incredible Galapagos Islands. Spend one night in the coastal city ready to fly to the archipelago the following morning.

Meals: B

Days 27-29 - Galapagos Islands

Fly to the remote Galapagos Islands for an unforgettable three days in this awe-inspiring destination. Base yourself on Santa Cruz Island and take day trips by boat to nearby islands; explore beautiful red mangrove forests and lava rock cliffs. There will be opportunities to enjoy gentle hikes, snorkelling, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding, as well as a visit to Charles Darwin’s research station, where you can learn more about the conservation of giant tortoises and land iguanas. Experience close encounters with the exotic wildlife endemic to the Galapagos, such as blue- and red-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, land and marine iguanas, not to mention sea lions, reef sharks, sea turtles and much more!

Meals: B, L

Days 30 & 31 - Quito

Fly to Quito, a well-preserved and oldest capital in South America! A full-day tour will take you to the extinct Pululahua volcanic crater, where you can walk around its rim. Next, visit the ‘Middle of the World’ monument and the Intiñan museum, located right on the equator, providing the opportunity to stand between the northern and southern hemispheres! Afterwards, head back to the centre of Quito and explore historical landmarks in the Plaza of Independencia. End your day by indulging in some of the best chocolate that Ecuador has to offer. 

Meals: B

Days 32 & 33 - Bogota

Fly to Colombia - your last destination on this incredible holiday. Explore the vibrant capital of Bogota by visiting the fascinating Gold Museum, which holds 34,000 unique and historical gold pieces, and the gallery of the renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero. In the evening, why not try some traditional Colombian cuisine, indulge in the growing craft beer scene, or take a salsa lesson?

Meals: B

Days 34-36 - Cartagena

Fly to Cartagena and spend the rest of your trip at your leisure. It is a lively city with a distinct character, and we recommend taking a walking tour of the colourful streets of the walled Old City, or visit the impressive Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress strategically located on a large hill. Cartagena is also a great jumping-off point to explore some small islands along the Caribbean coast; a full day visiting the Rosario Islands will reward you with a relaxing end to your adventure, where white sand beaches and crystal-clear water await you.

Meals: B

Days 37 - Bogotá

Return to Bogota for your last night in the capital and get ready for your flight back to the UK the following day.

Meals: B

Days 38 - Depart Bogotá

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight

Meals: B

Day 39 - Arrive back in the UK

Today you will land back in the UK from Colombia

From £11,299 per person

(valid for 2023 prices, based on 2 sharing)

Includes:

• International flights
• 37 nights’ accommodation as detailed
• 50 meals; 37 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 4 dinners
• 21 sightseeing tours & excursions
• Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary

Excludes:

• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Local departure taxes payable locally
• Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc
• Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)
• Camera or video fees at any sites