The Latin Chain
From Lima
Days 1 to 7: Accommodation: 
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: Accommodation:
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 15 to 19: Accommodation:
Bordering Peru and Bolivia at 3800m lies Lake Titicaca, the home of the Uros Indians who have made their dwellings on floating reed islands. By boat we visit the floating islands during the day and then we go that one step beyond the average tourist and spend the night with one of the Indian families on the lesser known islands Isla Amantani or Taquile. Spending some time during South America travel in these local communities will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the traditional lifestyle of the Andean people and their customs. From here it is a days drive to the capital of Bolivia - La Paz. This is a great place to visit a 'pena' club, dedicated to Andean folk music, and perhaps buy some souvenirs in one of the authentic markets such as the witches market.
Days 20 to 25: Accommodation:
Leaving La Paz we enter real Bolivia, where the Aymara and Quechua Indians scrape a living from their small plots of land in the harsh climate and paved roads are virtually non-existent. A days drive brings us to Potosi. At over 4000m it is the highest city of its size in the world and 400 years ago it was the largest city in all the Americas. Vast amounts of silver were extracted from Potosi and shipped to Spain in years gone by. The adventurous who have undertaken South American travel will appreciate the opportunity to go down one of these mines where mining techniques have remained unchanged for centuries. Visiting the ancient mint or having a tour around the Casa Nacional de Moneda (National Money House) also provides a good look into Potosi's and Bolivia's past. Leaving the bleak Altiplano we arrive at the shimmering white Salt Flats of Uyuni.
Days 26 to 29: Accommodation:
It is possible to venture out into the salt lakes for a 1 day excursion. With no roads and only vague tracks to follow it makes for an unforgettable experience. Our descent through the Andean passes is spectacular as we cross into Argentina towards the colonial city of Salta where we have a couple of free days.
Days 30 to 35: Accommodation:
APRIL TO OCTOBER TRIPS ONLY - We
cross the mighty Andes again towards the Atacama Desert in Chile. The oasis town
of San Pedro de Atacama is our next destination. Surrounded by the Valley of the Moon, salt lakes, volcanoes, geysers as well as stoneage
dwellings, its a great place to explore. Continuing south we rejoin the
Pacific Ocean and the Pan American Highway. We camp on deserted beaches for a
couple of days before our drive to Chiles capital, Santiago, which is a very
modern, well-run city and quite a change to what we have been used
to.
NOVEMBER TO MARCH ONLY - After Salta, we head south
winding around lakes and weaving through baked cliffs until we reach Cafayate, the first wine region of Argentina. Famous for its
white wines, you can explore some of the wineries on foot or by
bicycle. Continuing south we join the route 40, the longest route in
Argentina, to Mendoza, the biggest wine region
in Argentina. Here you can indulge in more wine and good steak, paraglide or try
a host of other outdoor sports. From here we head for Chile as we cross the
Andes past the Inca Bridge and San Martin's
pass and into the modern capital, Santiago.
Day 36: Accommodation:
We have a free day to explore Santiago, with
famous Chilean Steak houses, Cassilero del Diablo winery, Skiing available in
the winter, you will find it easy to pass the days away.
Days 37 to 42: Accommodation:
Leaving Santiago we pass small villages and deep blue lakes with mountains towering above us as we wind through Chile's Lake District. Pucon, an outdoors centre in its own right, will be our base for the next few days from where it is possible to organise whitewater rafting, skiing, water sports, horse riding and one day hikes up nearby Villarrica Volcano. Ascending the Andes via some spectacular mountain passes we arrive in Bariloche, Argentina. This very popular holiday destination for Argentineans is the top ski resort on the continent and also has several hiking trails and a great nightlife.
Days 43 to 50: Accommodation:
Heading further down through Argentina into the deep south on a good dirt road we enter the vast wilderness of Patagonia. The perpetual wind makes it difficult for trees and plants to grow, so for a while we are faced with endless grassland. However our long drive will soon be rewarded with the stupendous views that Los Glaciares National Park provides - it also has the largest glacier in the world and here we have the option to take a boat ride up close to Moreno Glacier, almost 200 ft high. Torres del Paine National Park is another area of outstanding beauty where huge granite cliffs dominate the landscape. A good way to explore the area is either hiking or by horseback.
Days 51 to 60: Accommodation:
We continue south towards the wild and hauntingly beautiful land at worlds end, the island of Tierra del Fuego. We cross by ferry and visit the most southerly town in the world Ushuaia, from where we can view the green waters of the Beagle Channel and the snow clad peaks beyond. We now cross to the Atlantic coast of Patagonia and visit one of the marine sanctuaries. Penguins, Sea Lions, Sea Elephants, Sea Birds and sometimes Whales can be seen. Following the excellent paved roads north along the coast we pass through some quite affluent towns. One, Puerto Madryn, was the landing place over a century ago for the first group of Welsh settlers that subsequently colonised and now farm the surrounding area. We traverse the vast Pampas grasslands, South America's cowboy country, where gun-toting gauchos on horseback look after vast herds of cattle.
Days 61 to 68: Accommodation:
Travel to Argentina is not complete without a visit to the countries capital, and so we follow the coast to Buenos Aires. A few days in this smart cosmopolitan city and you could be forgiven for thinking you were back in Europe. There is plenty to do, museums, horse racing, football matches, shopping, tango dancing for the confident, restaurants that serve the best steak in the world, and many plazas with cafes to sit and observe Argentinean life go by. From here you will also have the opportunity to travel across the Rio Plata by ferry to Montevideo & Colonia de Sacramento to visit Uruguay.
Days 69 to 74: Accommodation:
Continuing through Argentina we visit the region between Argentina and Paraguay that is home to many Jesuit Missions built in the 16th century to convert the Guarany Indians. We visit the ruins of San Ignacio before crossing the border into Brazil, where we also cross from Spanish to Portuguese, and it is time to get our tongues around a new linguistic challenge! The Iguazu Falls form the natural border between Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, higher than Niagara and wider than Victoria Falls they are an awe-inspiring place to spend the next three days before we continue on with travel to Brazil. The lush tropical forest surrounding the falls has many walking trails leading to smaller hidden falls, ideal to refresh from the steaming heat and abounding with parrots, toucans, woodpeckers and colourful plants. Here you can also undertake a number of optional activities such as rafting, helicopter flights and mountain bike riding.
Days 75 to 82: Accommodation:
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 and anaconda. We begin our travel to Brazil in earnest as we journey on to 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 and animals.
Days 83 to 87: Accommodation:
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 Rio 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.
From Rio
Days 1 to 5: Accommodation:
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: Accommodation:
We then journey on to 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 and animals. 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 and anaconda.
Days 14 to 19: Accommodation:
Days 20 to 27: Accommodation:
Continuing south we arrive in Buenos Aires. A few days in this smart cosmopolitan city & you could be forgiven for thinking you were back in Europe. There is plenty to do, museums, horse racing, football matches, shopping, tango dancing for the confident, restaurants that serve some of the best steak in the world, & many plazas with cafes to sit & observe Argentinean life go by. You also have the opportunity to travel across the Rio Plata by ferry to Montevideo & Colonia de Sacramento to visit Uruguay.
Days 28 to 37: Accommodation:
From Buenos Aires
we traverse the vast Pampas
grasslands, South America's cowboy country,
where gun-toting gauchos on horseback look after vast herds of cattle. Following the Atlantic coast of Patagonia,
we stop in Puerto Madryn which was the landing place over a
century ago for the first group of Welsh settlers that subsequently colonised
and now farm the surrounding area. We
visit one of the marine sanctuaries
in this region where we might see Penguins, Sea Lions, Sea Elephants, Sea
Birds and maybe even Whales. We continue
south towards the wild and hauntingly beautiful land at worlds end, the island of Tierra del Fuego. We cross by ferry and visit the most southerly
town in the world Ushuaia,
from where we can view the green waters of the Beagle Channel and the
surrounding snow clad peaks.
Days 38 to 45: Accommodation:
Heading north we return to the mainland and enter Chile. Torres del Paine Nat. Park is an area of outstanding beauty where huge granite cliffs dominate the landscape. A good way to explore the area is either hiking or by horseback. Back over the border in Argentina we go to the stupendous El Chalten in Los Glaciares Nat. Park has the most spectacular views of Mt. Fitzroy. You can explore this area on foot or on horseback. Near El Calafate is the largest glacier in the world and here we have the option to take a boat ride close up to Moreno Glacier almost 200ft high alternatively you can choose to get closer by trekking on one of the glaciers. For trips that depart Rio in January we are usually able to join the Camino Austral in Chile. Large parts of this road are only open in January and February. It is a breath taking spectacle as we pass tree lined fjords and penetrate deep in to a land of spiralling volcanoes and glaciers and camp next to rushing rivers and rainforest. For tours departing over the rest of the year we continue through the vast wilderness of Patagonia on Route 40, famous as the longest road in Argentina.
Days 46 to 51: Accommodation:
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.
Day 52: Accommodation:
We have a free day to explore Santiago, with famous Chilean Steak houses, Cassilero del Diablo winery, Skiing available in the winter, you will find it easy to pass the days away.
Days 53 to 56: Accommodation:
APRIL TO OCTOBER TRIPS ONLY - Leaving Chiles capital, Santiago, which is a very
modern, well-run city we head for the Pacific coastline and relax at a - beach campsite near to La Serena for a day. Then rejoining the Pan American highway we enter
the Atacama Desert. The oasis town of San Pedro de
Atacama is our next destination. Surrounded by the Valley of
the Moon, salt lakes, volcanoes, geysers as well as stone age
dwellings, its a great place to explore. From the desert our ascent through the
Andean passes is spectacular, with dozens of volcanic peaks all over 5000m,
leading us to the attractive colonial city of Salta in
Argentina. Founded over 400 years ago Salta is a good place for live folk music
venues and is also a great area for horse riding, mountain biking, mountain
trekking and river rafting.
OCTOBER TO APRIL ONLY - Leaving Chiles capital, Santiago, we head for
Argentina and cross the Andes past the Inca Bridge and San Martin's pass. Continuing north we join Route 40, the longest route in Argentina, to Mendoza, the
biggest wine region in Argentina. Here you can indulge in wine and good steak,
paraglide or try a host of other outdoor sports. We then continue north winding
around lakes and weaving through baked cliffs until we reach Cafayate, another renowned wine region of Argentina. You can
explore some of the wineries on foot or by bicycle. Our journey then takes us to
the attractive colonial city of Salta where we have couple of
days to go horse riding, mountain biking, mountain trekking or river
rafting.
Days 57 to 62: Accommodation:
From here we venture into Bolivia where you will notice the difference as paved roads become non-existent and locals still follow tradition, wearing bright woollen clothes and bowler hats. Quite a contrast is the shimmering white Uyuni Salt Lake. It is possible to venture out into the salt lakes for a 1 day excursion. With no roads and only vague tracks to follow it makes for an unforgettable experience.
Days 63 to 68: Accommodation:
Continuing north we arrive in Potosi. At over 4000m, it is the highest city of its size in the world and 400 years ago it was the largest city in all the Americas. Vast amounts of silver were extracted from Potosi and shipped to Spain. There are tours to the mines and it is still clear to see that unfortunately, working conditions here have hardly improved over the centuries. The adventurous among us will appreciate the opportunity to go down one of these mines with a local guide. Visiting the ancient mint or having a tour around the Casa Nacional de Moneda (National Money House) also provides a good look into Potosi's and Bolivia's past. The history and past colonial splendour make Potosi a fascinating place to visit. A tortuous drive across the Altiplano, where Aymara and Quechua Indians scrape a sparse living from their small plots of land in this harsh climate, brings us to La Paz. The highest capital city in the world, it is built on a steep slope that falls away from the Altiplano. La Paz is a great place to visit a 'pena' club, where live bands entertain us with Andean folk music.
Days 69 to 71: Accommodation:
Leaving La Paz we head to Puno in Peru. Nestling on the shores of Lake Titicaca it is a friendly, well-kept place and much calmer than the hustle and bustle of La Paz. Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake at 3800m, it is also the original home of the Uros Indians who have made their dwellings on floating reed islands. By boat we visit the floating islands during the day and then we go that one step beyond the average and spend the night with one of the Indian families on the lesser known islands Isla Amantani or Taquile. Spending some time in these local communities will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the traditional lifestyle of the Andean people and their customs.
Days 72 to 78: Accommodation:
Continuing on our Peru tour, from Lake Titicaca we drive on very good sealed roads through some spectacular scenery as we make our way to Cuzco, the outdoors capital of Peru and our base for the next 6 days. This gives us enough time to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, enjoy the architectural uniqueness of Cuzco and explore some of the colorful surrounding markets. There are several treks which you can take in Machu Picchu. When permits are still available, we will organize the Classic Trail trek, but great alternative Inca Trail 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.
Days 79 to 83: Accommodation:
From here, we continue west on our Peru tour, passing herds of llama, alpacas and unspoilt Andean villages as we head towards the world's deepest canyon. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is an awesome spectacle. Here you have the option, accompanied by a local guide, of a one day excursion to view Condors circling lazily on the thermals rising from the canyon floor. On your trip into the canyon you can overnight in the town of Chivay. Because it was isolated for so many years, customs and dress have changed relatively little, which gives a rare glimpse of what life in the Andes would have been like during colonial times. From here we begin dropping down out of the Andes as we head to Arequipa, a beautiful colonial city set at the foot of the impressive El Misti Volcano.
Days 84 to 87: Accommodation:
We then camp on the beach on our way to one of
the world's great archaeological mysteries - The Nazca Lines.
These huge figures and shapes, carved into the stony desert are best viewed from
the air. Following the Coastal Highway, the Ballestas Islands
in the Paracas National Reserve is our next stop. Here we take a boat trip to
view one of the most important marine reserves in the world
with one of the highest concentrations of rare and exotic sea birds and
sea mammals. Further up the coast is Peru's capital city, Lima. Here you'll encounter both abundant wealth and grinding
poverty, modern skyscrapers next to some of the finest museums and historical
monuments in Latin America.