Southern Cross Westbound - Rio to Lima Adventure Tour

From the sands of Copacabana to the heights of the Bolivian Andes, this incredible 39-day journey will introduce you to the diverse landscape and people of South America. Explore the wetlands of the Pantanal and the bizarre landscape of the Uyuni Salt Flats, and revel in the mists of thundering Iguassu Falls. Gain greater insight into the culture on the region's public buses and meet locals from the rural towns along the way for an immersive experience that few travellers have. Get off the beaten path and experience Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia ' a vibrant cross-section of South America.

Highlights

Stare in awe at Iguassu Falls, search for wildlife in the Brazilian Pantanal, spend three days exploring the Uyuni Salt Flats by 4x4, settle in with the locals at a homestay on Lake Titicaca, conquer the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

What's Included

Your G for Good Moment: Jukil Community Experience & Lodge, Santiago de Agencha Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co
op visit, Ccaccaccollo Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay 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 Discover Moment: Bonito Your Discover Moment: Sucre Your Local Living Moment: Lake Titicaca Homestay, Lago Titicaca Your Discover Moment: Cusco. Iguassu Falls visit (Brazil and Argentina). Pantanal wildlife excursion (2 days). 4x4 excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats (3 days). Floating islands of Uros visit. Lake Titicaca guided tour. Sacred Valley guided tour. Pottery making demonstration. Ollantaytambo storehouse ruins and hike. Inca Trail guided hike with cooks and porters (4 days). Machu Picchu guided tour. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Accommodation

Hotels (26 nts), overnight buses (4 nts), camping (3 nts), homestay (1 nt), basic hotels on Uyuni Salt Flats excursion (2 nts, multi
share), tented room with hammocks in the Pantanal (2 nts, multi
share).

Meals Included

33 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 8 dinners

Transport

Public bus, plane, 4x4 vehicle, train, walking, hiking.

Group Leader

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

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi
share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

What to Take

Most airlines allow two checked bags and one carry
on per person. To avoid any problems on check
in and with possible excess baggage charges, please consult the airline for specific restrictions. We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium
sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. It can be very cold in the Andean highlands, temperatures of
10C and lower are frequent around Uyuni and the Altiplano (high plateau). It is best to layer clothes rather than wearing a heavy parka. This allows you to accommodate clothing to varying degrees of temperatures and wet/dry/windy weather conditions.