A true expedition by nature of its long duration and some of the remote places we visit. You must expect a degree of hardship, some long drives on rough roads, camping and cooking in extremes of climate…but in the process you will discover the real South America and meet people you would never otherwise encounter. PLUS join in the largest party in the world at Rio’s Carnival or New Years Eve celebrations.

You can see Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Brazil on this 87 day South America adventure.

Real travelers love South America. It’s as though the continent was built for travel; a place that excites, thrills, challenges and infuriates.

Days 1 to 7

Departing Lima our next stop is the Ballestas Islands in the Paracas National Reserve. By boat we visit the rare and exotic sea birds and mammals that inhabit these islands. We now make our way to one of the world’s great archaeological mysteries The Nazca Lines. These huge figures and shapes, carved into the desert floor are best viewed from the air – South America travel is not complete until you have seen these unbelievable ancient mysteries.
Still heading south we visit Puerto Inca, at this ancient Inca harbour we camp at the beach and enjoy our last night at sea level before beginning our climb back into the towering Andes. The next two nights are spent in Arequipa at 2325m, giving us time to acclimatise, and enjoy this beautiful colonial city with its impressive El Misti Volcano in the background. Arequipa is also the gateway to one of the deepest canyons in the world. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is an awesome sight. Here, if you get up early, Condors can be seen circling lazily on the thermals rising from the canyon floor.

Days 8 to 14

We now have to face one of the most arduous and punishing dirt roads on the tour, although we soon arrive at Cuzco. Widely considered to be the most interesting city for South America travel, Cuzco is surrounded by the Sacred Valley of the Incas and offers a wide range of activities to explore the region. We will base ourselves here for 6 days giving us enough time for the Inca Trail trip, which is regarded by many to be the highlight of their South America tour. There are several treks which take in Machu Picchu. When permits are still available, we will organise the Classic Trail trek, but great alternative treks such as the Salkantay or Lares can be arranged when the Classic is not available or by your choice (must be pre-arranged at time of booking). Tours to Machu Picchu are absolutely unbelievable; a trip to this City in the Clouds is an ancient and awe-inspiring part of our South America travel tour. Besides seeing Machu Picchu, you’re able to enjoy the architectural uniqueness of Cuzco and explore some of the colourful surrounding markets.

Days 83 to 87

We now head to the coastal village of Parati. This unspoilt and picturesque town has remained fundamentally unaltered for three centuries. Cars have been banned from its cobbled streets that run down to the seashore, instead mountain bikes are used and are a good way to get around. Another great way to explore the secluded islands of this pristine coastline is taking a sailing trip in one of the traditional schooners. Our final drive takes us to the hedonistic playground of  Rio de Janeiro, where the folk are raring to party out of their minds and live purely for the moment. The Carnival and New Years Eve celebrations are always chaotic, crowded and fun and a must during any stint of travel to Brazil! If you want to spend some time in Rio we can arrange accommodation for you.

Chile Overland Info

It just doesn’t cut it to call Chile a land of contrasts – this is a land of extremes. It’s a preposterously skinny tendril of a country creeping 4300km around the foot of South America: while Arica basks in tropical heat at its tip, Punta Arenas shivers at its icy tail just short of Antarctica. Nowhere else can you stand in the world’s driest desert (near San Pedro de Atacama), gaze at snowcapped peaks then turn your head to see cool Pacific rollers creaming inland. Go on a Chile overland adventure and Follow Chile’s jagged Andean backbone of towering mountains south and you’ll pass through the ancient forests of Parque Nacional Chiloé, the rich vineyards of Talca, past shimmering lakes and immense plains, to stumble upon the exquisite labyrinth of fjords, islands and milky-blue glaciers that make up Southern Patagonia at the end of the Americas.

This 51 day South America overland adventure is perfect for outdoor lovers, adrenaline junkies and party animals alike. View the spectacular mountains and glaciers of Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks, the vast wilderness of Patagonia, or try your hand at whitewater rafting, ice trekking or join in the festivities of Rio’s Carnival or New Year’s Eve celebrations.

On a clear day, fresh after winter showers, Santiago basks in one of the most spectacular settings of any city in the world. A glance through the downtown blocks reveals a mighty circle of mountains – the snowcapped Andean peaks to the east, and a smaller coastal range to the west – that frames the Chilean capital.

Days 1 to 5

Our trip begins in Rio after the chaotic, crowded, crazy celebrations of Carnival or New Year’s Eve. On the first day we drive south along the coast to the coastal village of Parati. This unspoilt and picturesque town has remained fundamentally unaltered for three centuries.  Cars have been banned from its cobbled streets that run down to the seashore, instead mountain bikes are used and are a good way to get around.  Another great way to explore the secluded islands of this pristine coastline is taking a sailing trip in one of the traditional schooners.

Days 6 to 13

We then journey onto the Pantanal region where we organise treks out into the vast wetlands which is home to over 600 species of birds and 350 kinds of fish, piranha being common, as well as an abundance of reptiles (such as caiman) and capyibaras, the world’s largest rodent Next stop is Bonito where we can swim and snorkel in some of the clearest rivers and lakes in the world. Spectacular walks in the mountainous forests may reveal wildlife that includes monkeys, alligators & anaconda.

Days 46 to 51

Our long drive is soon rewarded as we arrive in Bariloche. This very popular holiday destination for Argentines is the top ski resort on the continent and also has several hiking trails and a great nightlife and Swiss influenced cuisine. Ascending the Andes via some spectacular mountain passes we cross the border again and arrive in Pucon, an outdoors centre in Chile’s beautiful Lake District. This will be our base for the next few days from where we can organise whitewater rafting, skiing, water sports, horse riding and one day hikes up nearby Villarrica Volcano.
As our trip draws to a close we pass small villages and leave behind the deep blue lakes and towering mountains and arrive in Chile’s modern capital, Santiago.

Contemplating  South America Overland Tours?

South America overland travel tours are by far one of the best ways to see the continent. They provide a ground-up view of life as it is, in and between the interesting cities and villages of the South American countries.

Sure, you could fly directly between destinations, saving a lot of time and catching the highlights on-the-go by joining fellow tourists at the common sightseeing spots.

You could organise your own transport between road and rail, but this type of organisation can be rather delicate, especially for a trans-continental trip – plus, miss one connecting train or bus and your entire itinerary can be left null and void. Car rental is another option, but with the vast distances and unpredictable road conditions, this may also end in unnecessary holiday headaches.

South America overland tours with a professional operator eases the organisational hassles of arranging your own itinerary. The South America overland travel packages have many different options to choose from, combining different countries and destinations of interest.

See these mountains in Santiago on South America Overland tours

Why South America?

South America – the continent of contrasts. Amazon rainforest and dense jungles, the spectacular Andes, sophisticated cities like Buenos Aires and Santiago, ancient cultures like the Incas, colonial history, spectacular wildlife in the Pantanal and Galapagos Islands, snow capped volcanoes, monumental glaciers in Patagonia, dramatic and stunning scenery. Combined with the vibrancy and warmth of its people, will make you want to stay forever.

Whether it be a quick stopover in Argentina or Chile, or experience the vibrancy of Rio de Janeiro for Carnival or New Year, explore the Inca Trail in Peru, or across Lake Titicaca to Bolivia, the rich culture and unique wildlife of Ecuador, we invite you experience South America with us. There are a range of Packages, Adventure Tours, Personalised Tours, Escorted Tours to suit all styles of travel to this fascinating continent.

What are some options?

Learn spanish: This can help you communicate while you travel

Volunteer: Volunteer Programs provide the unique opportunity to live and work in South America

Short breaks: These breaks are all only a short flight away and quickly immerse you into a different culture – the perfect escape after a week in the office..

Where was your favorite place to go in South America?