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The Great South American Journey: Quito to Rio Adventure (Cusco Stay)

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 Trip Length
65 Days
 Trip Starts
Quito
 Trip Finishes
Rio de Janeiro
65 Day The Great South American Journey: Quito to Rio Adventure (Cusco Stay) Itinerary (G Adventures)
Countries Explored: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay
Trip Style
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
18
Pace
Challenging
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
SEQR-2

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 65 Day The Great South American Journey: Quito to Rio Adventure (Cusco Stay). Sometimes the slow road is the way to go. Hit the road from Quito to Rio with other young travellers and experience pretty much everything you can imagine in between. Hike the Inca Trail and discover the thriving Inca culture, cross the Salt Flats of Bolivia, dance the tango in Buenos Aires, and hit the beach in Brazil. This trip offers up lively cities, stunning scenery, and tons of adventure. 65 days, seven countries, three nights in the Amazon, and one adventure...read more you’ll remember forever.

Itinerary

Spend the first day of your trip wandering Ecuador’s capital city. Meet the group in the evening at the hotel. Stay: Casa CarpeDM

Travel overland to the jungle city of Tena, located on the edge of the Amazon. Hop into the back of a pickup truck and head to the local community of Pimpilala where you will stay in rustic wooden huts. Enjoy the hospitality of a Quichua family and experience life in the jungle first-hand. (B/L/D)

Venture out on nature walks and become immersed in the jungle around you. Learn about uses of traditional plants, and the cultural beliefs and local traditions in the Amazon jungle. You can also choose to take a tour of an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre. Stay: Cabanas Pimpilala (B/L/D)

Wake up and cycle to the nearby community of Shandia and discover the beauty of the Amazon with a member of the community as your guide. Learn about traditional uses of cacao by watching a chocolate-making demonstration, eat meals made of fresh local ingredients, and stay at the G Adventures-supported community lodge. Stay: Shandia Lodge (B/L/D)

Travel to Baños and get your adrenaline pumping. Try out horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, or rafting in the surrounding mountains. Stay: Hotel La Floresta (B)

The day is yours to explore what Baños has to offer. Check out the swing at the end of the world or relax in nearby hot springs. Stay: Hotel La Floresta

Soak up the scenic views en route to the town of Cuenca, Ecuador's third largest town. Explore art galleries, museums, and admire its colonial architecture. Visit national parks, take walks in the breathtaking countryside, or check out the country's only Inca ruin site. Stay: Hotel La Casona

Choose your own adventure today. Wander through charming cobbled streets to discover the sights and sounds of Cuenca. From colourful homes with red-tiled roofs, to flower markets and picturesque plazas, the photo ops are endless in this town. (Prepare to have your camera roll filled with Cuenca!) Later, catch some z's on an overnight bus to Mancora. Stay: El Gran Caiman Mancora

Wake up in the seaside town of Mancora, a village populated by fishermen and surfers. Chill out and breathe in the salty air. Stay: El Gran Caiman Mancora

A lazy beach day is just what the doctor ordered. Unless you want to or take a surf lesson or join a yoga class. Totally up to you as you enjoy a free day in Mancora. Stay: El Gran Caiman Mancora

Didn't get to do everything you wanted yesterday? No worries – more time in Mancora today. Later, relax and get some sleep on an overnight bus to Trujillo.

Bienvenidos a Trujillo! You can visit the impressive Chan Chan sandstone archaeological site today, snap a photo at the yellow colonial church, or head to Huanchaco for some more beach time. Stay: Hotel Orbegoso

Enjoy another full day in Trujillo before boarding a night bus to Lima.

Stay: Hotel Gemina (B)

Enjoy the day exploring the city. Opt to pre-book the Lima Cooking Class and learn how to cook some classic Peruvian dishes using ingredients from the local market. Stay: Hotel Gemina

Travel along Peru's breathtaking coast to the oasis of Huacachina where you can sandboard on the desert dunes while watching the sun go down. Stay: Carola Lodge (B)

Wake up and make the most of your time in Huacachina before your adventure continues on to Nazca. There is time in the morning for an optional excursion to the Ballestas Islands, home to a lively colony of sea lions, pelicans, and other varieties of birds. Later, catch a bus to Nazca. Stop along the way at a Pisco winery and try the country's national drink! Stay: San Marcelo City Hotel (D)

Choose to soar over the iconic Nazca Lines today with a pre-bookable flight, or take a tour of the Nazca Desert Cemetery and Potter's Studio. Tonight, catch some z's on an overnight bus to Arequipa.

Welcome to Arequipa! Take the day to explore what is known as the 'white city.' If you're into history and architecture, visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, where you'll get a unique glimpse into a bygone way of life. For spicy food lovers, visiting one of the 'picanterías' is a must. Satisfy your craving with a variety of local regional foods: alpaca, shrimp, pork, lots of soups, and spicy sauces. Stay: Terra Mistica Casa Consuelo

Enjoy a full-day tour of the spectacular Colca Valley and venture to the impressive Colca Canyon — one of the deepest canyons in the world — on an overnight excursion. With a little luck, you'll spot some unusual Andean animals such as vicuñas, and alpacas. Give your body some much needed relaxation by taking an optional dip in the the hot springs. Stay: Vita Colca Hotel (B)

Get an early start to be on the look out for condors. Travel from Chivay town to a condor viewpoint to get a glimpse of these magnificent birds in the air. On the way back, stop in local villages, and see old terraces. Later, head out for a drink in the Calle Zela area – restaurant, bar, or club, there's something for everyone! Stay: Terra Mistica Casa Consuelo (B)

Explore Arequipa – take a city tour if you want or check out a monastery or museum. Later, sit back and relax on an overnight bus to Cusco. (B)

Explore the city on your own today or choose from a variety of activities that will help you discover the magic of Cusco. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and plazas or choose to take a half-day tour of the city. Or, pre-book the Cusco cooking class if you want to learn to prepare delicious local specialties! Stay: Hostelworld Kokopelli Cusco

To arrange the hike to the famed Rainbow Mountain, pre-book on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance. Stay: Hostelworld Kokopelli Cusco (B)

Head into the Sacred Valley today to visit the G-Adventures supported women's weaving co-op in the Ccaccaccollo community. Learn about weaving, and meet the adorable resident llamas. If you see a knitted item you like, buy it — a perfect keepsake from your journey. Stop and sample some craft beer at a brewery on your way to Ollantaytambo. Stay: Las Orquideas Ollantaytambo (B)

Enjoy a breakfast at your hotel before visiting the Ollantaytambo ruins where you'll walk up the 200 stone steps to reach the top. Afterwards, return to the Sacred Valley with the CEO to explore the sites of the Maras Salt Mines and the ancient Incan agricultural terraces of Moray. Stop in Piuray and opt to grab lunch before visiting the Chincheros ruins. Known to the Incas as the birthplace of the rainbow, this site offers stunning views of the Andean countryside. Return to Cusco for the evening. Stay: Hotel Prisma (B)

Fill up on breakfast at your hotel in Cusco before walking to the Cusco Cathedral where your guide will meet the group for your walking tour of Cusco's colonial side. The group will see the colonial architecture and influence visible in Cusco and visit the beautiful Sapantiana waterfalls before having lunch at Nuna Raymi in the city. Afterwards, the group will walk back to the hotel and can enjoy free time for the rest of the evening. Stay: Hotel Prisma (B/L)

After breakfast at the hotel in Cusco, the group will travel by van to Ollantaytambo to catch the scenic train to Aguas Calientes. After enjoying a quick orientation walk around the town of Aguas Calientes the group will have free time for optional activities. Opt to visit the Machu Picchu Museum, the Mandor Waterfalls, and the butterfly garden. Or consider taking a dip in some thermal baths to relax those muscles. Stay: Hotel Andino Humantay (B)

Wake up ready to discover the magic of Machu Picchu today with a guided tour. Later, head back down to Aguas Calientes to meet with your group and board a train back to Cusco. Tonight, dance the night away at a popular night club. Stay: Hostelworld Kokopelli Cusco (B)

Today is another free day to get the most out of Cusco and to do anything you may not have done yet. Continue to explore and be active or relax and watch the world go by from one of they many bars and restaurants on the main plaza. Stay: Hostelworld Kokopelli Cusco (B)

Sit back, relax, and soak in the impressive views as you travel by bus through the Altiplano on your way to Puno on Lake Titicaca. Stay: Hostal Milagros Inn (B)

This morning, you will board a boat on Lake Titicaca and head to Taquile Island. Opt to have lunch in a local restaurant and shop in the afternoon at the local weaving cooperatives. Later, cruise to another village for an overnight homestay to live like a local on the shores of the lake. Learn more about rural life in the Peruvian highlands and create unforgettable memories with the family and fellow travellers. Stay: Luquina Homestay (B/D)

Say goodbye to your homestay family and stop at the Uros Islands on your way back to Puno. If you want, you can check out the spectacular chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site. Or kayak on Lake Titicaca. Stay: Hostal Milagros Inn (B/L)

Today, enjoy a full-day drive around the picturesque lake and through the Altiplano to La Paz. Cross over into Bolivia and catch your breath before a night out in the highest city of the trip. Check out the area of Sopocachi for cool bohemian vibes. Stay: Hotel Las Brisas (B)

If you didn't have time yesterday to do everything you wanted in La Paz — no worries! Today is another day to explore the city as you wish. If you're an adrenaline junkie, make sure to experience the Death Road Biking Adventure. Stay: Hotel Las Brisas (B)

Get to know La Paz with a free day to wander through the city's winding streets and vibrant markets before boarding a night bus to Sucre. (B)

Discover the beauty of Sucre, known as Bolivia's "White City" at your own pace with a free day to explore. Set in a valley surrounded by mountains, you can choose to go hiking or mountain biking to admire this city from a different point of view. Stay: Hotel Independencia

One day in Sucre isn't enough, so take another free day to explore! Try optional activities such as hiking, mountain biking, a visit to the Textile Cooperative, or get up close and personal with real dinosaur tracks. Stay: Hotel Independencia (B)

Staying in the Bolivian highlands, we travel south to the city of Potosí. The highest city of its size in the world, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has had a tumultuous history as a silver mining centre during colonial times. Stay: Hotel Gran Libertador (B)

Get out and explore Potosí on a free day. Choose to take an excursion to the silver mine, visit the Casa de la Moneda or wander the streets and visit the local market. Stay: Hotel Gran Libertador (B)

It's off to Uyuni today. Breathe in the beautiful scenery while relaxing in a private vehicle. Take it easy today because your next adventure is right around the corner! Stay: Hotel Samay Wasi (B)

Embark on a three-day 4x4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni. Get your camera ready because the endless white of the salt flats creates the perfect backdrop for mindbending photo ops. Settle in to your G Adventures-supported community salt-brick bungalow — complete with salt floors and salt furniture, and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared with local ingredients. Stay: Jukil Lodge (B/D)

Continue crossing the desert today, admiring the scenery while passing red and blue lagoons and intriguing rock formations along the route. Keep an eye out and you might spot wild llamas, alpacas, and even flamingos deep within the desert. Stay: Quetana (B/L/D)

Get a head start on your day by rising early to cover more ground on your journey through the unique landscape of the Salar de Uyuni. Soak in the views of unimaginable scenery including volcanoes and salt lakes. Travel to the border then kick back and relax on your descent by bus to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Stay: Hostal Puritama (B/L)

Today is full of possibilities. Explore San Pedro de Atacama on a mountain bike, cruise down the dunes on a sandboard, or chill out in the hot springs. Or visit the Valley of the Moon, an area on Earth that resembles the moon's surface. (How cool is that?) Stay: Hostal Puritama

Say "Adios!" to Chile because you're heading to Argentina today. Relax on the bus en route to Salta, home to empanadas salteñas—and no visit to the town is complete without trying them! Unwind at the hotel or liven it up with a visit to a Peña Folklore show to dance the night away and sip delicious Argentine red wine. Stay: La Candelaria Hotel

Tantalize your tastebuds with the local cuisine today as you explore freely. Choose to saddle up and admire the scenery on horseback. Or, if you'd prefer, take a visit to the town of Cafayate to roam vineyards and sample some of the white wine produced at insanely high altitudes. Stay: La Candelaria Hotel (B)

Skip the long bus journey with a quick flight to Buenos Aires. Spend the afternoon exploring the city. Cruise around on a bike with a local or dine on a traditional Argentine meal while experiencing the art of the tango. Stay: Milhouse Avenue Hostal (B)

Get out and explore. Consider visiting the districts of La Boca, Recoleta, and San Telmo or catch a tango show at one of the many famous tanguerías. Pre book an optional city bike tour, and get a local's eye view of your surroundings! Wander the pedestrian walkways and see some dancing in the streets. Stay: Milhouse Avenue Hostal

Explore the "Paris of the Americas," from the hidden patios of trendy Palermo to bohemian vibes in San Telmo this city has something for everyone. Don’t miss out! Today is your last chance to experience a guided tour of the city and to immerse yourself in the passion of the tango. Stay: Milhouse Avenue Hostal

Hop aboard a ferry and cruise across the Río de la Plata to Colonia, Uruguay. Wander through the colourful streets of this quaint seaside retreat on an orientation walk before free time to explore (and relax!) at your own speed. Stay: Royal Hotel

Your journey continues in the morning as you travel from Colonia to Montevideo. The afternoon is yours for the taking — so explore as you wish! You can wander through the vibrant streets of old town searching for street art or visit an iconic soccer stadium that was host to the first World Cup. Hungry? Bring your appetite to Port Market where you will find an endless bounty of delicious meats. (And fruits and veggies, too.) Stay: Dazzler Hotel Montevideo (B)

Wake up ready to take on another day in Montevideo. Hop on a bike and cruise down the Rambla, soaking up sun and gorgeous views from this coastline avenue. Take a day trip to glamorous Punta del Este to admire the upscale neighbourhoods and gardens. Or if you prefer to relax today, kick back and chill in the park like a local. Stay: Dazzler Hotel Montevideo (B)

Today, let the scenery of picturesque settlements and pastures guide you to Mercedes, your last Uruguayan stop at a local ranch, known in this region as an estancia. Stay: Estancia El Copihue (B/L/D)

Live like a local today as you experience life on an Uruguayan ranch. Walk through the serene countryside, learn how to make empanadas, and enjoy horseback riding with amazing views. End your estancia stay in the best way possible — with a local barbecue. Stay: Estancia El Copihue (B/L/D)

Cross the border into Gualeguaychu in Argentina today. Unwind, relax and reflect on your travels as you begin your overnight journey to Iguassu Falls. (B)

Welcome to Iguassu Falls where your next adventure awaits. Choose to visit the Brazilian side of the falls and experience unforgettable panoramic views. Reach new heights with the option to take a helicopter ride over the falls, or check out a bird park. Stay: Hotel Mirantes

Enjoy a full day excursion to the breathtaking Argentine side of the falls. Don't forget to take pictures as you wander along paths to experience the falls from each exhilarating vantage point. You can also take a boat tour to see the cascading falls from below. Stay: Hotel Mirantes (B)

Wheels up! Take a quick flight to São Paulo today then head straight to the coast. Take some time to explore the colonial town of Paraty, then hit the beach. Stay: Refron du Mar Pousada Paraty (B)

Paraty is a quaint colonial town renowned for its architecture—the pace might be slow but there's a lot to choose from. Considered one of the world's most important examples of Portuguese colonial architecture by UNESCO, the historic centre is a well-preserved national historic monument, and today has been closed to vehicles to preserve its laid-back colonial ambiance. Stay: Refron du Mar Pousada Paraty (B)

Continue up the coast today and hop aboard a ferry to where your island paradise awaits. Stay: Pousada Bugio (B)

The day is yours to explore Ilha Grande. Break a sweat hiking remote trails to experience jaw dropping views, or choose to relax on a boat tour through turquoise waters to some of the island's most beautiful beaches to swim and snorkel. Stay: Pousada Bugio (B)

Say goodbye to island life and head north along a dramatic coastal road with sweeping views. Round the cliffs at Vidigal to catch a first glimpse of your next destination and one of the most memorable cities in the world — Rio de Janeiro. Take a city tour to experience the sights of Rio, like the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, or take a stroll along Copacabana beach. Stay: CabanaCopa Hostel (B)

In the morning, explore the favela with a local resident on a G Adventures-supported tour to watch a drumming demonstration, get a Capoeira lesson, and sample craft beers with a new perspective of the city. Enjoy a free afternoon to discover all that Rio has to offer. Stay: CabanaCopa Hostel (B)

Depart at any time. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Mingle with the locals of a small community in the Amazon.
  • Go sandboarding on the dunes of Huacachina.
  • Spot condors at Colca Canyon.
  • Conquer the Inca Trail on the way to Machu Picchu.
  • Experience traditional life on Lake Titicaca.
  • Cross the the world's largest salt flat on a 4x4 excursion.
  • Experience rural life at a working ranch in Uruguay.
  • Stand in awe at Iguassu Falls.
  • Explore bustling Rio de Janeiro on your own time.
  • See a tango show or take part in Buenos Aires' buzzing nightlife.

  • Your G for Good Moment: Shandia Biking & Community Experience, Shandia
  • Your G for Good Moment: Shandia Community Lodge, Shandia
  • Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit, Ccaccaccollo
  • Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products
  • Your G for Good Moment: Jukil Community Experience & Lodge, Santiago de Agencha
  • Your G for Good Moment: Favela Experience, Rio de Janeiro
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
  • Your Local Living Moment: Amazon Jungle Experience, Tena
  • Your Discover Moment: Baños
  • Your Discover Moment: Lima
  • Your Foodie Moment: Huacachina Winery Visit, Huacachina
  • Your Discover Moment: Cusco
  • Your Foodie Moment: Sacred Valley Brewery, Ollantaytambo
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: Cusco
  • Your Local Living Moment: Lake Titicaca Homestay, Lake Titicaca
  • Your Discover Moment: Sucre
  • Your Discover Moment: Salta
  • Your Discover Moment: Buenos Aires
  • Your Discover Moment: Paraty
  • Your Discover Moment: Ilha Grande
  • Your Discover Moment: Rio de Janeiro
  • Amazon Jungle excursion to a local community
  • Beach time in Mancora
  • Sunset sandboarding & dune buggies (Huacachina)
  • Pachamanca-style dinner (Nazca)
  • Colca Canyon excursion
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Inca Trail hike with a local guide and cook (4 days)
  • Lake Titicaca excursion
  • Salar de Uyuni excursion
  • Entrance and visit to the Argentine side of the Iguassu Falls
  • Internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Simple hotels (38 Nights, twin-share), hostels (9 Nights, multi-share), jungle homestay (2 Nights), G Adventures-supported community lodge (1 Night), overnight buses (6 Nights), camping (3 Nights), homestay (1 Night), G Adventures-supported lodge/basic hotels on Salar de Uyuni excursion (2 Nights, multi-share), estancia/ranch (2 Nights, multi-share)
  • Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Some nights on this tour will be multi-share. This may involve 4-6 group members sharing a room. The majority of accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities.
  • Where we use multi-share hostels, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Travel Style.

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer), specialist Inca Trail CEO on hike, local guides

  • 44 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners

  • Local bus, boat, truck, motorized canoe, train, hiking, plane, 4x4 truck

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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Brochure

18-To-Thirty Somethings

G Adventures 18-To-Thirty Somethings (2023-24)

So you’re thinking of adventuring around the world? Good call. Sure, there’s no one perfect way to do it. But there is “your way.” Want days filled with culture, followed by nights of just going with the flow? Do it. Want to go where the entire planet hasn’t already been, with free time to explore how you want? Make it happen. Want to travel far and...more wide with new friends from far-off places? You do you. Because in your life, you call the shots. Make sure you travel that way, too.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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