Rio to Lima: Machu Picchu & Markets
51 days
from Rio de Janeiro to Lima
From
$ 5999
Duration51 days
If you have the time and can’t decide between Peru and Brazil, then see them both – and pretty much everything in between – on this 51-day extravaganza. Trek the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, cross the Bolivian Salt Flats, sip wine in Argentina, and hit the beach in Brazil. You’ll get plenty of energetic culture, the great outdoors, and the company of other young travellers to keep you moving. There’s time later to slow down, take the long road, and have an adventure while you can.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 51 daysService level: Basic
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Starts in: Rio de JaneiroPhysical Grading: Demanding
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Ends in: LimaAges: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Rio de Janeiro
Start place: Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy your free time by taking an optional city tour or exploring the wonders that this city has to offer from the centrally located hostel in Copacabana.
Arrive at any time.
End place: Rio de Janeiro
Day 2: Rio de Janeiro
Start place: Rio de Janeiro
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.
End place: Rio de Janeiro
Meals: B
Day 3: Rio de Janeiro/Ilha Grande
Start place: Rio de Janeiro
Head south along the Atlantic coast to the port of Angra dos Reis, and onward by ferry to Ilha Grande, with 100s of beaches for you to choose from. Known for its beauty, the island is a little piece of paradise; hiking, diving, snorkeling, sipping a fresh coconut on the beach, the choice is yours.
Continue by van up the coast and take a ferry to Ilha Grande. Opt to hike the island's remote trails, pick up some snorkel gear or relax on the beach.
End place: Ilha Grande
Meals: B
Day 4: Ilha Grande
Start place: Ilha Grande
Free time to hike and explore the island's beaches or take an optional boat tour.
End place: Ilha Grande
Day 5: Ilha Grande/Paraty
Start place: Ilha Grande
Head to colonial Paraty, explore the cobblestone streets and opt to visit a cachaça distillery.
End place: Paraty
Day 6: Paraty
Start place: Paraty
Free day in Paraty to explore.
Opt to pre-book the "Paraty Caipirinha Boat Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
End place: Paraty
Meals: B
Day 7: Paraty/Iguassu Falls
Start place: Paraty
Skip the bus ride and hop on a flight to Iguassu falls.
End place: Foz do Iguacu
Day 8: Iguassu Falls
Start place: Foz do Iguacu
In the morning, visit the Argentine side of the falls, and opt to take a boat tour to see the cascading falls from below.
End place: Foz do Iguacu
Meals: B
Day 9: Iguassu Falls/Estancia
Start place: Foz do Iguacu
Enjoy free time today, opt to visit the Brazilian side of the falls and get an incredible panoramic view. Or, opt to take a helicopter ride over the falls, or visit a bird park. Later, hop on an overnight bus to Uruguay.
Meals: B
Day 10: Estancia Stay
Dive into Uruguayan rural life known in the region as an estancia. Get dirty at a working ranch, enjoy a walk in the countryside, and indulge in local barbecues.
Meals: L, D
Day 11: Estancia Stay
Free time to explore the area or help out on the estancia.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Estancia Stay/Montevideo
In Uruguay's capital, opt to visit the carnival museum and grab a snack at the local Port Market.
Meals: B
Day 13: Montevideo
Free day in Montevideo, opt to explore the city, hop on a bike to explore the coast, or take a day-trip to glamorous Punta del Este.
Meals: B
Day 14: Montevideo/Colonia
Travel to the charming colonial city of Colonia Del Sacramento. Experience the relaxed, pleasant Uruguayan culture and stroll down its cobble-stoned streets on an orientation walk.
Accommodation in Colonia may be multi-share during high season.
Meals: B
Day 15: Colonia/Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is full of life. Be sure to check out the districts of La Boca, Recoleta and San Telmo—or catch a tango show at one of the many famous tanguerías or tango houses. When you are done exploring, have a drink in one of the many sidewalk cafés and restaurants. Buenos Aires is also your chance to try the famous bifé and parrilladas, so dig in and enjoy!
Cross the Río Plata and explore the many attractions of Buenos Aires. Check out a football game, a tango show or the city's famous nightlife.
End place: Buenos Aires
Meals: B
Day 16: Buenos Aires
Start place: Buenos Aires
Enjoy a free day to 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.
Opt to pre-book the "Buenos Aires Bike Tour" or "Buenos Aires Tango Experience" activities on the checkout page ahead of time to include these optionals on your tour.
End place: Buenos Aires
Day 17: Buenos Aires
Start place: Buenos Aires
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.
Enjoy a free day to explore beautiful Buenos Aires.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
End place: Buenos Aires
Day 18: Buenos Aires/Salta
Start place: Buenos Aires
Salta, situated in the Lerma Valley of northern Argentina, is home to empanadas salteñas - a delicious local specialty. No visit to the town will be complete without giving them a try. In the evening, opt to experience a local celebration at one of the "Peña" folklore shows.
Skip a long bus ride with an included flight to Salta.
End place: Salta
Day 19: Salta
Start place: Salta
Enjoy free time to explore the area. The scenic Quebrada de las Conchas and Cafayate, famed for its wine and vineyards, are recommended stops. The multi-coloured valleys in the foothills region of the Andes are sure to be a highlight.
Explore the city and enjoy the local cuisine. Opt to take a trip through the scenic Quebrada de las Conchas to Cafayate, or visit the High Mountain Archaeological Museum.
End place: Salta
Meals: B
Day 20: Salta/San Pedro de Atacama
Start place: Salta
In the morning, take a bus further north to the dry desert regions of Argentina and Chile. Stop in the little town of San Pedro de Atacama, on the edge of the Atacama Desert, the driest place on earth.
Travel over the border and into Chile.
End place: San Pedro de Atacama
Meals: B
Day 21: San Pedro de Atacama
Start place: San Pedro de Atacama
Opt to try out sandboarding, go mountain biking, or visit the Valley of the Moon.
End place: San Pedro de Atacama
Day 22: San Pedro de Atacama/Salt Flats
Start place: San Pedro de Atacama
Groups like to get creative with photography, as the endless white of the salt flats creates some great depth illusions that are fun to play with in photos.
Ascend by bus into the mountains and cross into Bolivia for a three-day 4x4 excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats and surrounding desert Altiplano with spectacular scenery.
Note: During the rainy season the locations visited may change due to some routes being covered by water.
We offer unique accommodation on the Uyuni Salt Flats. Instead of very basic refuges and homestays most operators use, we have upgraded to simple hotels that are equipped with solar panels to provide electricity and hot water. Rooms are multi-share and each has a private bathroom. Meals are made from local ingredients, most of which are grown on-site.
We offer unique accommodation on the Uyuni Salt Flats. Instead of very basic refuges and homestays most operators use, we have upgraded to simple hotels that are equipped with solar panels to provide electricity and hot water. Rooms are multi-share and each has a private bathroom. Meals are made from local ingredients, most of which are grown on-site.
Meals: L, D
Day 23: Salt Flats
Settle in to your G Adventures-supported salt-brick bungalow, complete with salt floors and furniture, after a guided walking tour up to the sacred Jukil mountaintop for sweeping valley views and a dinner of local ingredients prepared by ladies from the community.
Continue exploring the Uyuni Salt Flats on a 4x4 excursion. Admire the spectacular scenery while passing red and blue lagoons along the route. Spot wild llamas, alpacas and even flamingos deep within the desert. Last stop for the evening is a G Adventures-supported community lodge in a traditional agricultural village in the heart of a desert oasis.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 24: Salt Flats/Uyuni
Rise early to cover more of the unique landscape of the Uyuni Salt Flats. Continue to see incredible scenery, including volcanoes, and salt lakes.
End place: Uyuni
Meals: B
Day 25: Salt Flats/Potosí
Travel north to visit one of the highest cities in the world. On arrival spot the looming mountain of Cerro Rico, a working silver mine.
Meals: B
Day 26: Potosí
Get out and explore Potosí and wander through the streets of the city.
Meals: B
Day 27: Potosí/Sucre
Travel north to Sucre. Tackle the city as there is a lot to offer during our two days here. Optional activities include a visit to an old tin baron’s mansion and a textile cooperative, mountain biking, and hiking.
Travel north to the beautiful colonial city of Sucre.
End place: Sucre
Meals: B
Day 28: Sucre
Start place: Sucre
Free time to explore the beautiful colonial city of Sucre. For more active options opt to go hiking in the surrounding area or mountain biking.
End place: Sucre
Meals: B
Day 29: Sucre/La Paz
Start place: Sucre
Enjoy a free day in Sucre before an overnight bus to La Paz.
End place: La Paz
Meals: B
Day 30: La Paz
Start place: La Paz
Wake up from the overnight bus ride, get settled, and have the day to check out the city of La Paz.
Optional activities in La Paz include a pre booked Death Road biking adventure, museum visits, a tour of the Valley of the Moon, or a visit to the world’s highest ski resort, Chacaltaya (5600m/18,368 ft).
Optional activities in La Paz include a pre booked Death Road biking adventure, museum visits, a tour of the Valley of the Moon, or a visit to the world’s highest ski resort, Chacaltaya (5600m/18,368 ft).
Enjoy free time to explore the markets and winding streets of this high altitude city.
End place: La Paz
Day 31: La Paz
Start place: La Paz
Free day in La Paz. Opt to visit Iglesia de San Francisco, the Valley of the Moon, the Witches' Market, or the nearby Tiahuanaco Ruins.
Opt to pre-book the "Death Road Biking Adventure" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
End place: La Paz
Meals: B
Day 32: La Paz/Puno
Start place: La Paz
The drive around Lake Titicaca and through the Altiplano from La Paz to Peru is impressive.
Travel by bus through the Altiplano, crossing the border to the Peruvian city of Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Meals: B
Day 33: Puno/Lake Titicaca
Start place: Puno
In the morning, board a boat on Lake Titicaca. Head to Taquile Island for lunch in a local restaurant and the chance for some shopping in the local weaving cooperatives.
After, cruise to another village for an overnight homestay on the shores of the lake (the homestay location can vary based on community availability). This experience provides an opportunity to learn more about rural life in the Peruvian highlands and to participate in local traditions. Eat with the family, learn some Quecha and Spanish language skills, try on traditional costumes, and help out with daily chores around the village.
After, cruise to another village for an overnight homestay on the shores of the lake (the homestay location can vary based on community availability). This experience provides an opportunity to learn more about rural life in the Peruvian highlands and to participate in local traditions. Eat with the family, learn some Quecha and Spanish language skills, try on traditional costumes, and help out with daily chores around the village.
Guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a small village.
Split into smaller groups for the night and split into family homes to experience their style of living firsthand.
Meals: B, D
Day 34: Lago Titicaca/Puno
Leave the homestay families late morning, and visit the Uros Islands on the way back to Puno. A popular optional activity in Puno is a visit to the spectacular chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site only a short drive away.
Visit the floating islands of Uros. Optional visit to the Sillustani burial site.
End place: Puno
Meals: B
Day 35: Puno/Cusco
Start place: Puno
Travel through the high Altiplano region to Cusco.
End place: Cusco
Meals: B
Day 36: Cusco
Start place: Cusco
Free time to explore Cusco. Choose to pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class. Opt for a city tour, or go whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking.
End place: Cusco
Meals: B
Day 37: Cusco/Ollantaytambo
Start place: Cusco
Ollantaytambo is a major Inca ruin site and your first taste of what lies ahead. For those craving more before they head out on the Trail, opt to take a Sacred Valley tour which includes not only Ollantaytambo and the ruin site of Pisac, but also a visit to a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op.
En route to Ollantaytambo, opt to take a Sacred Valley tour and visit a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op.
End place: Ollantaytambo
Meals: B
Day 38: Inca Trail
Start place: Ollantaytambo
Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the hike begins.
A crew of local porters, cooks, and guides will take care of all the details for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear so you’ll only need to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 39: Inca Trail
Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 40: Inca Trail
Cross two more passes and ruins along the way. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through cloud forest on the gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley.
At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
Meals: B, L, D
Day 41: Machu Picchu/Cusco
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Wake up around 03:30 and walk to the checkpoint. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the site and free time to explore. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge, if time allows.
Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to meet any non-hiking members of your group. Eat and relax before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon.
Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to meet any non-hiking members of your group. Eat and relax before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon.
End place: Cusco
Meals: B
Day 42: Cusco
Start place: Cusco
Free day to explore Cusco or relax after the trek. If you are ready for more adventure, opt to go whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking.
End place: Cusco
Meals: B
Day 43: Cusco/Arequipa
Start place: Cusco
Enjoy a final free day in Cusco before an overnight bus to Arequipa.
End place: Arequipa
Meals: B
Day 44: Arequipa
Start place: Arequipa
Those with an interest in history and architecture may take an optional visit to the Convent of Santa Catalina, offering a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a bygone way of life. Other optional excursions include rafting and mountaineering.
For spicy food lovers, checking out one of the “Picanterías” is a must. Arequipa has a variety of regional food: alpaca, shrimp, pork, lots of soups, and spicy sauces.
For spicy food lovers, checking out one of the “Picanterías” is a must. Arequipa has a variety of regional food: alpaca, shrimp, pork, lots of soups, and spicy sauces.
Travel from Cusco to Arequipa. Opt to visit the Santa Catalina Convent or soak in local hot springs.
End place: Arequipa
Day 45: Arequipa/Colca Canyon
Start place: Arequipa
Enjoy an overnight excursion to the impressive Colca Canyon - one of the deepest canyons in the world. Stop in fascinating villages and at “miradors” (scenic lookouts), where, with a little luck, spot Andean condors soaring over the majestic Andes. Other unusual animals that may be spotted in the Andean landscape include three different species of camelids: alpaca, llama, and vicuña.
Take a full-day tour of the spectacular Colca Valley and opt for a soak in hot springs.
End place: Chivay
Meals: B
Day 46: Colca Canyon/Arequipa
Start place: Chivay
Get an early start to be on the look out for the condors flying. Travel from Chivay town to a condor viewpoint to admire these magnificent birds in the air. On the way back, stop by some local villages and viewpoints to see old terraces and sections of Colca Canyon, the deepest canyon in the world.
Continue exploring Colca Canyon with opportunities to view condors, visit local villages, and see the old terraces. Travel back to Arequipa for the evening.
End place: Arequipa
Meals: B
Day 47: Arequipa/Nazca
Start place: Arequipa
Explore Arequipa and opt to take a city tour. Take an overnight bus to Nazca.
End place: Nazca
Meals: B
Day 48: Nazca
Start place: Nazca
Travel north to one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries, the Nazca Lines. Very little can be seen from the ground. The best view is from a light aircraft, which can easily be arranged.
Optional flight over the Nazca Lines.
In the evening, assist in the preparation of a thousand-year-old tradition: a "Pachamanca," an ancient ceremony akin to the Polynesian meal of burying a variety of delicious treats wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooking them with pre-heated rocks burie
End place: Nazca
Meals: D
Day 49: Nazca/Paracas
Start place: Nazca
Leave Nazca and stop at the Huacachina Oasis for some optional sandboarding. Continue to visit an artisanal winery to sample some local pisco and wine. Paracas is located one hour further.
Transfer to Paracas with a stop at a winery and at the Oasis of Huacachina.
End place: Paracas
Day 50: Paracas/Lima
Start place: Paracas
Opt to visit the Ballestas Islands in the morning before travelling to Lima for a final night. Be sure to try some ceviche and a Pisco Sour.
End place: Lima
Day 51: Lima
Start place: Lima
Depart at any time.
End place: Lima
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Favela Experience, Rio de Janeiro Your G for Good Moment: Jukil Community Experience & Lodge, Santiago de Agencha Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Ilha Grande Your Discover Moment: Paraty Your Local Living Moment: Estancia Stay, Colonia La Concordia Your Discover Moment: Buenos Aires Your Discover Moment: Salta Your Discover Moment: San Pedro de Atacama Your Discover Moment: Sucre Your Local Living Moment: Lake Titicaca Homestay, Lake Titicaca Your Discover Moment: Cusco Your Big Night Out Moment: Cusco Your Foodie Moment: Huacachina Winery Visit, Huacachina
- Entrance and visit to the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls
- Uyuni Salt Flats excursion (3 days)
- Lake Titicaca excursion
- Inca Trail hike with a local guide and cook (4 days)
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Colca Canyon excursion
- Pachamanca-style dinner (Nazca)
- Internal flights
- Transportation between destinations and included activities
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Transport
Public bus, Plane, Train, Hiking, Ferry, 4X4 -
Accommodation
Simple hotels (29 nts, twin-share), Hostels (9 nts, multi-share), Overnight buses (4 nts), Camping (3 nts), Estancia/ranch (2 nts, multi-share), Homestay (1 nt), Basic hotels on Uyuni Salt Flats crossing (2 nts, multi-share) -
Meals
36 breakfasts,
7 lunches,
9 dinners