Lima to Rio Adventure — Self-Launched

Touch down in Peru's lively capital. Check into a hostel in the buzzing Miraflores or Barranco district. Spend the day exploring the Plaza de Armas, the Government Palace and the Spanish-colonial architecture along Jirón de la Unión. Try Lima's famous ceviche for dinner — street stalls and local restaurants offer it for under £5.

🚌Airport to Miraflores via Airportexpress Lima bus ~£3, or taxi ~£12

🛏Hostel in Miraflores or Barranco (e.g. The Point Lima or Pariwana Hostel), dorm ~£12/night

• →Explore Plaza de Armas and Lima's historic centre
• →Visit Museo Rafael Larco Herrera (self-entry ~£10)
• →Stroll and eat in Miraflores/Barranco

Take a bus south along the coast to Ica, then a short taxi to the magical oasis of Huacachina. Check in and get straight out on a dune buggy and sandboarding tour — a must-do at this surreal desert oasis. Watch the sunset turn the dunes golden-orange from the top of a dune.

🚌Cruz del Sur or Oltursa bus Lima to Ica ~£8-10, taxi Ica to Huacachina ~£2

🛏Hostel in Huacachina (e.g. Banana's Adventure Hostel), dorm ~£8/night

• →Dune buggy and sandboarding tour (book locally ~£10-12)
• →Sunset views over the oasis

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Huacachina — take a pedalo on the lagoon or simply relax. In the afternoon, catch a local bus to Nazca, stopping en route at a pisco winery for tastings. Arrive in Nazca and explore the town on foot.

🚌Local bus Huacachina/Ica to Nazca ~£5

🛏Budget guesthouse in Nazca (e.g. Hostal Alegria), ~£10/night

• →Pisco winery tour and tasting (~£5)
• →Evening stroll around Nazca town

See the mysterious Nazca Lines from the air on an optional light aircraft overflight (~£80-100 booked locally or via GetYourGuide). Alternatively, visit the Mirador tower for a ground-level view (~£1) and join a desert cemetery and pottery workshop tour. Board an overnight bus to Arequipa in the evening to save on a night's accommodation.

🚌Overnight bus Nazca to Arequipa (e.g. Cruz del Sur) ~£15-18

🛏Overnight bus (saves accommodation cost)

• →Nazca Lines overflight by light aircraft (~£80-100, optional)
• →Desert cemetery and pottery workshop tour (~£15, optional)
• →Mirador tower viewpoint (~£1)

Arrive in Arequipa and check into a hostel. Spend the day soaking up the laid-back vibe of Peru's 'White City', built from pale volcanic sillar stone. Visit the stunning Convent of Santa Catalina (self-entry ~£10), wander the central plaza and cathedral, and admire views of El Misti Volcano. Grab lunch at a local café.

🚌Arrive by overnight bus from Nazca

🛏Hostel in central Arequipa (e.g. Los Andes Hostel), dorm ~£9/night

• →Convent of Santa Catalina self-entry (~£10)
• →Plaza de Armas and Cathedral
• →Views of El Misti Volcano from the city

Join a self-booked 2-day Colca Canyon tour departing Arequipa (bookable via GetYourGuide or local agencies from ~£35-45 including transport, guide and one night accommodation). Drive through incredible Inca terracing and Andean scenery. Look out for Andean condors, alpacas, llamas and vicuñas. Optional hot springs soak in the evening (~£3).

🚌Included in tour package from Arequipa

🛏Included in 2-day Colca Canyon tour package, or basic guesthouse in Chivay ~£10

• →Colca Canyon guided day tour (booked via GetYourGuide ~£35-45 for 2 days)
• →Andean condor spotting at Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint
• →Optional hot springs soak (~£3)

Continue exploring the canyon in the morning before returning to Arequipa in the afternoon. Enjoy a free evening in Arequipa — the city's restaurant scene is excellent, try a traditional rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy pepper) for dinner.

🚌Return transport included in Colca Canyon tour

🛏Hostel in Arequipa ~£9/night

• →Further canyon trekking and scenery
• →Return to Arequipa
• →Dinner in Arequipa's restaurant district

A final free day in Arequipa — explore the San Camilo market, visit the Museo Santuarios Andinos (home to the famous Juanita ice mummy, ~£7), or simply relax in a café. Board an overnight bus to Cusco in the evening.

🚌Overnight bus Arequipa to Cusco (e.g. Cruz del Sur) ~£15-20

🛏Overnight bus to Cusco

• →Museo Santuarios Andinos (~£7, optional)
• →San Camilo market browsing
• →Chill in Arequipa's café scene

Arrive in Cusco and check into a hostel in the San Blas or central district. Take it easy today to acclimatise to the altitude (3,400m). Wander the Plaza de Armas, visit the Cusco Cathedral (entry ~£12 combined ticket), and explore the Koricancha ruins. Sip coca tea — the local remedy for altitude sickness.

🚌Arrive by overnight bus from Arequipa

🛏Hostel in central Cusco (e.g. Loki Hostel or Pariwana Cusco), dorm ~£10/night

• →Plaza de Armas and Cusco Cathedral (~£12 combined BTC ticket)
• →Koricancha/Santo Domingo ruins (included in BTC ticket)
• →Coca tea and acclimatisation rest

Spend a second day exploring Cusco at your own pace. Use the Boleto Turístico del Cusco (BTC tourist ticket, ~£30) to access Sacsaywaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay and more. Optionally book a half-day city tour via GetYourGuide (~£15-20). Browse the San Pedro market for local produce and souvenirs.

🚌Walking and local taxis (~£2-3)

🛏Hostel in central Cusco ~£10/night

• →Sacsaywaman archaeological site (BTC ticket)
• →Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay (BTC ticket)
• →San Pedro market
• →Optional horseback riding to archaeological sites (~£20-35)

Take a shared colectivo van or join a self-booked Sacred Valley day tour from Cusco (~£20-30 via GetYourGuide or local agency). Stop at the Ccaccaccollo Women's Weaving Centre and the Sacred Valley Brewery. Arrive in Ollantaytambo in time to check in and explore the impressive Ollantaytambo ruins (entry ~£30 combined Machu Picchu circuit).

🚌Shared colectivo Cusco to Ollantaytambo ~£3, or Sacred Valley tour ~£20-30

🛏Hostel in Ollantaytambo (e.g. Hostal KB Tambo), dorm ~£10/night

• →Ccaccaccollo Women's Weaving Centre
• →Sacred Valley Brewery stop
• →Ollantaytambo fortress ruins (~£30 entry, or included in combined circuit ticket)

Begin the legendary 4-day Inca Trail trek! Permits must be booked well in advance (up to 6 months ahead) directly through a licensed Peruvian operator — the permit alone costs ~£75pp and full guided packages (mandatory by law, including porter, cook, guide, camping equipment) run ~£350-450pp. Today's hike covers ~11km (5-6 hrs) from Km 82 to Wayllabamba, passing through stunning Andean scenery.

🚌Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Km 82 trailhead (included in trek package)

🛏Camping on the Inca Trail (included in trek package)

• →Inca Trail Day 1: Km 82 to Wayllabamba (~11km, 5-6 hrs)
• →Andean scenery and early ruin sightings
• →Camp dinner included in trek package

The toughest day of the trek. Climb to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's Pass) at 4,198m — the highest point of the entire trail. Reward yourself with breathtaking views before descending to camp. All meals and camping are included in your pre-booked Inca Trail package (~12km, 6-7 hrs).

🚌On foot

🛏Camping on the Inca Trail (included in trek package)

• →Summit Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's Pass, 4,198m)
• →Views of Cordillera Vilcabamba on clear days
• →Camp dinner included in trek package

A long but magical day (~16km, ~8 hrs) through lush cloud forest. Pass the ruins of Llactapata and Phuyupatamarca ('Town above the Clouds') and descend to the terraced campsite at Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young), with panoramic valley views. Orchids and rhododendrons line the trail.

🚌On foot

🛏Camping at Wiñay Wayna (included in trek package)

• →Hike through cloud forest (16km, ~8 hrs)
• →Llactapata and Phuyupatamarca ruins
• →Wiñay Wayna ruins and terraced campsite

An early 4am start to reach Intipunku (Sun Gate) at sunrise — your first jaw-dropping glimpse of Machu Picchu emerging from the mist. Descend to the ancient citadel for an included guided tour. Explore the ruins freely, and optionally walk to the Inca Bridge (free, 15 mins). Take the bus down to Aguas Calientes (~£5) and catch the train back to Cusco (~£35-55).

🚌Bus to Aguas Calientes ~£5, train Aguas Calientes to Cusco ~£35-55

🛏Hostel back in Cusco ~£10/night

• →Sunrise at Intipunku (Sun Gate)
• →Guided tour of Machu Picchu (included in trek package)
• →Optional walk to the Inca Bridge (free)
• →Bus Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (~£5)
• →Train Aguas Calientes to Cusco (~£35-55)

A well-earned rest day after the Inca Trail! Sleep in, treat yourself to a big breakfast, and spend the day at a leisurely pace. Browse San Blas neighbourhood's artisan workshops, enjoy Cusco's vibrant café and bar scene, or simply put your feet up. Tonight, treat yourself to a proper sit-down dinner.

🚌Walking

🛏Hostel in Cusco ~£10/night

• →San Blas neighbourhood artisan workshops
• →Leisurely café and restaurant day
• →Rest and recovery

Board a local bus or tourist shuttle through the high Altiplano to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca (3,812m). The journey passes Andean villages and stunning highland scenery. Alternatively, the scenic 'Titicaca Bus' tourist service makes stops at Inca ruins along the way (~£20-25). Check into a hostel in Puno and enjoy your first views of the world's highest navigable lake.

🚌Local bus or tourist shuttle Cusco to Puno ~£8-20

🛏Hostel in Puno (e.g. Hostal Los Uros), dorm ~£9/night

• →Scenic Altiplano journey to Puno
• →First views of Lake Titicaca
• →Explore Puno town and waterfront

Book a boat tour of Lake Titicaca locally or via GetYourGuide (~£15-25). Visit the extraordinary floating Uros Islands, built entirely from totora reeds, home to around 300 families. Continue by boat to Taquile Island for a local lunch (~£5) and browse the knitting cooperatives — men knit here, women spin. Return to Puno in the late afternoon.

🚌Boat tour from Puno port (included in tour price)

🛏Hostel in Puno ~£9/night, or optional Lake Titicaca homestay ~£20-25 (recommended — see Day 19)

• →Uros floating islands boat tour (~£15-25 booked locally)
• →Taquile Island visit and local lunch (~£5)
• →Taquile weaving cooperative shopping

For a truly unforgettable experience, book a one-night homestay with a local family on the shores of Lake Titicaca (bookable via local agencies in Puno, ~£20-25 including dinner and breakfast). Experience traditional music, dance and local life. Return to Puno in the morning and optionally visit the Sillustani Burial Towers chullpas (~£8 entry).

🚌Boat to/from homestay (usually included in homestay package)

🛏Local family homestay on Lake Titicaca ~£20-25

• →Lake Titicaca family homestay (~£20-25 inc. dinner & breakfast)
• →Traditional music and dance with host family
• →Optional Sillustani Burial Towers visit (~£8)

Take a full-day bus journey from Puno around Lake Titicaca and across the Bolivian border into La Paz. The border crossing at Desaguadero or Copacabana is straightforward — most nationalities get a free Bolivia visa on arrival. The scenery along the lake is spectacular. Arrive in La Paz in the late afternoon. Note: Bolivian visa requirements vary by nationality — check in advance.

🚌Bus Puno to La Paz (via Copacabana or Desaguadero) ~£8-12

🛏Hostel in La Paz (e.g. Adventure Brew Hostel or Loki La Paz), dorm ~£10/night

• →Scenic Lake Titicaca shoreline drive
• →Bolivia border crossing (check visa requirements for your nationality)
• →Arrive and explore La Paz neighbourhood

Spend a full day in La Paz (3,640m — take it easy with the altitude!). Wander the extraordinary Mercado de Hechicería (Witches' Market) where locals buy dried frogs, potions and talismans. Visit the Iglesia de San Francisco, explore the Carnaval market, and browse shops selling alpaca wool, silver jewellery and textiles. Self-book a city tour via GetYourGuide (~£12-15) or explore on foot for free.

🚌Walking and local minibuses (~£1-2)

🛏Hostel in La Paz ~£10/night

• →Witches' Market (Mercado de Hechicería)
• →Iglesia de San Francisco
• →Valley of the Moon tour (~£20-25 via GetYourGuide)
• →Optional Tiahuanaco ruins day trip (~£15-20)

Join an optional half-day tour to Chacaltaya mountain in the Bolivian Andes (~£12-15 via local operator). Alternatively, book the famous 'Death Road' mountain biking experience (~£60-80). Spend the afternoon relaxing and preparing for the overnight bus to Sucre. Board the overnight bus in the evening.

🚌Overnight bus La Paz to Sucre ~£12-15

🛏Overnight bus to Sucre

• →Chacaltaya mountain tour (~£12-15, optional)
• →Death Road mountain biking (~£60-80, optional)
• →Witches' Market for last-minute souvenir shopping

Arrive in Sucre, Bolivia's constitutional capital and 'White City' at 2,800m. Check into a hostel and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Wander the beautifully preserved colonial centre (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), visit the Casa de la Libertad where Bolivia's independence was declared, and enjoy the vibrant café scene around the central plaza.

🚌Arrive by overnight bus

🛏Hostel in Sucre (e.g. Hostal Sucre or Villa de la Plata), dorm ~£9/night

• →Casa de la Libertad museum (~£2)
• →UNESCO colonial city centre walk
• →Optional dinosaur footprints at Cal Orck'o (~£4-5)
• →Café culture on Plaza 25 de Mayo

A second day to explore Sucre and its surroundings. Choose from: a visit to the world's longest dinosaur footprint trail at Cal Orck'o (~£5), a mountain bike ride around the outskirts (~£12), a day trip to Tarabuco Village market (~£10-12), or paragliding above the city (~£45-50). Visit a traditional backstrap weaving cooperative to see stunning textiles being made.

🚌Local taxis and minibuses (~£2-3)

🛏Hostel in Sucre ~£9/night

• →Cal Orck'o dinosaur footprint cliff (~£5)
• →Mountain biking around Sucre outskirts (~£12)
• →Tarabuco Village day trip (~£10-12)
• →Textile cooperative visit
• →Optional paragliding (~£45-50)

Travel by bus to Potosí (3 hrs, ~£4), the world's highest city of its size at 4,070m and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check in and explore the colonial silver-mining city. The Casa Nacional de la Moneda (Royal Mint) is a must-visit (~£4). Take it easy with the altitude — this is higher than Cusco.

🚌Bus Sucre to Potosí ~£4 (approx. 3 hrs)

🛏Hostel in Potosí (e.g. Hostal Carlos V), dorm ~£9/night

• →Casa Nacional de la Moneda (Royal Mint) tour (~£4)
• →Potosí colonial centre walk
• →Altitude acclimatisation — coca tea recommended!

Join a guided tour of the Cerro Rico silver mines — one of Bolivia's most unique and sobering experiences. Working miners still extract minerals from these historic mines and tours can be booked locally (~£12-15). You'll meet miners, learn about the brutal colonial history, and even bring gifts of coca leaves and dynamite (available to buy for ~£2). A genuinely eye-opening experience.

🚌Walking and local transport (~£1-2)

🛏Hostel in Potosí ~£9/night

• →Cerro Rico silver mine guided tour (~£12-15, book locally)
• →Purchase miner gifts at Potosí market (coca, dynamite sticks ~£2)
• →Potosí market exploration

Catch the bus or train from Potosí to Uyuni (~4-5 hrs). Arrive in the small town of Uyuni — the gateway to the world's largest salt flat. Check in, grab some food on the main street, and get excited for the epic 3-day 4x4 salt flats tour starting tomorrow. Book your tour at a local agency on arrival (shop around for the best deal — ~£60-80pp for 3 days all-inclusive).

🚌Bus or train Potosí to Uyuni ~£6-10

🛏Hostel in Uyuni, dorm ~£8/night

• →Travel to Uyuni
• →Book 3-day 4x4 Salar de Uyuni tour at local agency (~£60-80pp)
• →Explore Uyuni town and train cemetery

Day 1 of your incredible 3-day 4x4 tour of the Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat. Drive onto the vast white expanse (spanning over 10,500 sq km), visit Incahuasi Island (covered in giant cacti), and take the iconic perspective photos. Salt hotel lunch included in tour. Sleep in a salt hotel or basic lodge.

🚌4x4 jeep (included in tour)

🛏Salt hotel or basic lodge (included in tour package)

• →Salar de Uyuni 4x4 tour Day 1 (included in pre-booked package ~£60-80 total)
• →Incahuasi Island and giant cacti
• →Perspective photography on the salt flats
• →Train cemetery visit

Day 2 heads into Bolivia's stunning southwest — coloured lagoons (Laguna Colorada, flamingo colonies), volcanic landscapes, geysers, and the Salvador Dalí Desert. All meals and accommodation included in your pre-booked tour. One of the most dramatic landscapes on earth.

🚌4x4 jeep (included in tour)

🛏Basic stone refuge lodge (included in tour package)

• →Laguna Colorada (red lagoon with flamingos)
• →Sol de Mañana geysers (5,000m above sea level)
• →Salvador Dalí Desert
• →Laguna Verde

The final day of the salt flats tour often ends at the Chilean border at Hito Cajón, from where a bus or shared transfer takes you to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile's Atacama Desert (~1-2 hrs). Alternatively, return to Uyuni and catch a bus to Chile separately. Arrive in San Pedro and check in — the Atacama awaits.

🚌Border crossing transfer Uyuni/Hito Cajón to San Pedro ~£15-20

🛏Hostel in San Pedro de Atacama (e.g. Hostal Sonchek), dorm ~£12/night

• →Final salt flats sunrise and morning landscapes
• →Cross into Chile at Hito Cajón border
• →Arrive San Pedro de Atacama

Spend the day exploring the otherworldly Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar desert on earth. Self-book a Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) sunset tour via GetYourGuide or locally (~£12-18). Watch the setting sun turn the lunar landscape shades of gold and red. The Atacama is one of the world's best stargazing spots — book a night stargazing tour (~£25-35).

🚌Tour transport included, or bicycle hire ~£5

🛏Hostel in San Pedro de Atacama ~£12/night

• →Valle de la Luna sunset tour (~£12-18, via GetYourGuide or local agency)
• →Atacama stargazing tour (~£25-35)
• →Explore San Pedro de Atacama village

Book an early morning trip to the Géysers del Tatio (~£20-25 via local operator), the world's highest geyser field at 4,320m — best seen at sunrise when steam dramatically erupts from the earth. Return via Andean villages and natural hot springs for a soak. Afternoon free in San Pedro.

🚌Tour transport included (~£20-25 package)

🛏Hostel in San Pedro de Atacama ~£12/night

• →Géysers del Tatio sunrise tour (~£20-25)
• →Andean village stops
• →Natural hot springs soak
• →Afternoon free in San Pedro

Travel day to Buenos Aires. The most practical route from San Pedro is bus to Calama then fly Calama (or Antofagasta) to Buenos Aires — budget ~£80-130 for the flight with LATAM or Aerolíneas Argentinas, booked in advance. Alternatively, take buses via Salta for a scenic overland route (adds ~2 days). Arrive in Buenos Aires and check into a hostel in Palermo or San Telmo.

🚌Bus San Pedro to Calama ~£8, flight Calama/Antofagasta to Buenos Aires ~£80-130 (book in advance)

🛏Hostel in Buenos Aires (e.g. Milhouse Avenue or America del Sur), dorm ~£12/night

• →Travel day
• →Arrive Buenos Aires — orientation walk in your neighbourhood

Dive into Argentina's electric capital. Explore the colourful La Boca neighbourhood and its famous Caminito street art. Wander bohemian San Telmo and browse the antiques market (Sundays are best). Watch a free tango performance in the street or book a tango lesson (~£15-20 via GetYourGuide). Tonight, treat yourself to a classic Argentine parilla (BBQ steakhouse) — a proper steak dinner for ~£12-18.

🚌SUBE transport card for buses/metro ~£1-2 per journey

🛏Hostel in Buenos Aires ~£12/night

• →La Boca and Caminito street art
• →San Telmo antiques market
• →Free street tango performances
• →Optional tango lesson (~£15-20 via GetYourGuide)
• →Argentine steak dinner (~£12-18)

Explore more of Buenos Aires. Visit the famous Recoleta Cemetery — the ornate mausoleum of Evita Perón and Argentina's elite (free entry). Stroll through the leafy Palermo neighbourhood and enjoy its parks, boutique shops and café scene. Optionally visit the Teatro Colón (one of the world's greatest opera houses, tours ~£10-12 via GetYourGuide). Evening in Palermo Soho's bars.

🚌SUBE card buses/metro ~£1-2

🛏Hostel in Buenos Aires ~£12/night

• →Recoleta Cemetery (free)
• →Palermo parks and café scene
• →Teatro Colón guided tour (~£10-12)
• →Palermo Soho evening bar crawl

Fly or take an overnight bus to Salta in northwest Argentina (flight ~£50-70 with Aerolíneas Argentinas, bus ~20 hrs ~£30-40). Salta is the gateway to stunning Andean scenery, colonial architecture and some of Argentina's most dramatic landscapes. Arrive and check in — explore the beautiful main plaza and enjoy local empanadas for dinner.

🚌Flight Buenos Aires to Salta ~£50-70 (recommended) or overnight bus ~£30-40

🛏Hostel in Salta (e.g. Backpackers Home), dorm ~£10/night

• →Travel to Salta
• →Salta main plaza (Plaza 9 de Julio) exploration
• →Local empanadas dinner

Join a self-booked day tour from Salta to the stunning Quebrada de Cafayate and Cafayate wine region (~£25-35 via GetYourGuide or local agencies). Drive through dramatic red rock canyons, visit Cafayate's famous Torrontés wine bodegas for tastings (many are free), and marvel at the Quebrada de las Conchas rock formations. Return to Salta in the evening.

🚌Day tour from Salta ~£25-35 including transport

🛏Hostel in Salta ~£10/night

• →Quebrada de Cafayate rock canyon scenery
• →Cafayate bodega wine tasting (several free)
• →Quebrada de las Conchas rock formations

Fly back to Buenos Aires then take the Buquebus ferry across the Río de la Plata to Montevideo, Uruguay (~3.5 hrs, ~£35-50 including luggage — book in advance at buquebus.com). Alternatively, take a direct ferry from Buenos Aires' Puerto Madero. Arrive in Montevideo, South America's southernmost capital, and check into a hostel in the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town).

🚌Flight Salta to Buenos Aires ~£30-50, Buquebus ferry Buenos Aires to Montevideo ~£35-50

🛏Hostel in Montevideo Old Town (e.g. Che Lagarto Montevideo), dorm ~£12/night

• →Travel day via Buenos Aires
• →Buquebus ferry to Montevideo (~£35-50)
• →Arrive and explore Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja

Spend a full day exploring Uruguay's laid-back capital. Wander the Ciudad Vieja with its ornate Teatro Solís, the Mercado del Puerto for a massive chivito (steak sandwich) lunch (~£6-8), and the colourful Mercado Agrícola. Walk the Rambla — one of the world's longest waterfront promenades — at sunset. Sample Uruguay's excellent tannat wine in the evening.

🚌Walking and local buses (~£1)

🛏Hostel in Montevideo ~£12/night

• →Ciudad Vieja walking tour (self-guided, free)
• →Teatro Solís exterior and plaza
• →Mercado del Puerto lunch (~£6-8)
• →Rambla waterfront sunset walk
• →Tannat wine tasting at a local bar

Take a local bus west to the charming UNESCO-listed town of Colonia de Sacramento (~2.5 hrs, ~£8). En route or separately, consider a night at a traditional estancia (ranch) for a true Uruguayan experience — many offer day or overnight packages including horse riding, asado BBQ and gaucho culture (~£60-100/night, bookable via local tourism offices or estancia-uruguay.com). Colonia is wonderfully walkable and its cobbled old town is magical.

🚌Bus Montevideo to Colonia de Sacramento ~£8

🛏Hostel in Colonia de Sacramento (~£12/night) or traditional estancia (~£60-100 inc. meals)

• →Colonia de Sacramento UNESCO old town walk (self-guided, free)
• →Optional estancia stay with horse riding and asado (~£60-100)
• →Colonia lighthouse and city gate

Travel day to Iguassu Falls — one of the great journeys of South America. Take the ferry from Colonia to Buenos Aires (1 hr, ~£15), then fly from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú (~£40-70 with Aerolíneas Argentinas, book in advance). Check into a hostel in Puerto Iguazú town. Tomorrow, the falls await.

🚌Ferry Colonia to Buenos Aires ~£15, flight Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú ~£40-70

🛏Hostel in Puerto Iguazú (e.g. Peter Pan Hostel or Tapi Hostel), dorm ~£12/night

• →Ferry Colonia to Buenos Aires (~1 hr, ~£15)
• →Flight Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú (~£40-70)
• →Arrive Puerto Iguazú — relax and prepare for the falls

Spend a full day at magnificent Iguassu Falls — one of the world's greatest natural wonders and wider than Niagara. Visit the Argentine side (Parque Nacional Iguazú, entry ~£12) for the up-close walkways and the iconic 'Devil's Throat' cataracts. Take the jungle train between circuits. Cross to the Brazilian side the same day (visa requirements vary — check in advance) for the panoramic views (entry ~£12). Book a boat ride under the falls via GetYourGuide (~£20-25) for an absolutely soaking experience.

🚌Local bus from Puerto Iguazú to Argentine park entrance ~£3, taxi/bus to Brazilian side ~£5

🛏Hostel in Puerto Iguazú ~£12/night

• →Argentine side of Iguassu Falls (Parque Nacional, ~£12 entry)
• →Devil's Throat walkways
• →Brazilian side panoramic views (~£12 entry, check visa requirements)
• →Optional boat ride under the falls (~£20-25 via GetYourGuide)

Travel day into Brazil. Fly from Foz do Iguaçu (Brazilian side) to Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, then take a bus to Paraty (~4-5 hrs from Rio, ~£10-15). Alternatively, fly direct to Rio and take the coastal bus to Paraty. Paraty is a stunning 17th-century colonial port town and UNESCO World Heritage Site — check in and explore the car-free cobbled centre. Note: Ensure you have a valid Brazilian visa if required for your nationality.

🚌Flight Foz do Iguaçu to Rio ~£40-70, bus Rio to Paraty ~£10-15 (or fly via São Paulo)

🛏Hostel in Paraty (e.g. Che Lagarto Paraty), dorm ~£14/night

• →Travel day into Brazil
• →Explore Paraty's colonial cobbled old town (self-guided, free)
• →Waterfront sunset drinks

Paraty sits amid lush Atlantic rainforest and is surrounded by stunning beaches and waterfalls. Join a self-booked boat tour to nearby islands and beaches (~£15-20 via local operators or GetYourGuide). Visit the famous Cachaça distilleries in the surrounding hills — Paraty is Brazil's cachaça capital and many offer free tastings. Enjoy fresh seafood by the waterfront in the evening.

🚌Local boat tour (included in price), short taxi/walk to waterfalls

🛏Hostel in Paraty ~£14/night

• →Boat tour to Paraty's beaches and islands (~£15-20)
• →Cachaça distillery tour and tasting (many free)
• →Waterfall swimming (e.g. Cachoeira do Tobogã, ~£2 entry)
• →Fresh seafood dinner by the waterfront

Take a bus from Paraty to Angra dos Reis (or Conceição de Jacarei), then a ferry to the stunning, car-free island of Ilha Grande (~£8-12 total). With no cars allowed, the island is accessed only by boat and explored on foot or by water. Check in to a pousada (guesthouse) in Vila do Abraão. Ilha Grande's beaches and rainforest trails are breathtaking.

🚌Bus Paraty to Conceição de Jacarei ~£5, ferry to Ilha Grande ~£5-8

🛏Pousada (guesthouse) or hostel in Vila do Abraão (e.g. Che Lagarto Ilha Grande), dorm ~£14-16/night

• →Ferry to Ilha Grande (~£8-12 including bus connection)
• →Explore Vila do Abraão village
• →Evening beach swim

Spend a full day exploring Ilha Grande's extraordinary natural beauty. Hike through Atlantic rainforest to the legendary Lopes Mendes beach (consistently voted one of Brazil's best, ~3 hrs each way on foot or take a water taxi ~£8-10). Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or join a boat tour of the island's hidden coves and beaches (~£15-20 booked locally). A true paradise.

🚌On foot (free) or water taxis (~£5-10)

🛏Pousada/hostel in Vila do Abraão ~£14-16/night

• →Hike to Lopes Mendes beach (~3 hrs, free)
• →Water taxi to Lopes Mendes (~£8-10 return)
• →Boat tour of Ilha Grande's coves (~£15-20)
• →Snorkelling

Take the ferry back to the mainland and a bus or shuttle north to Rio de Janeiro (~3-4 hrs total, ~£15-20). Arrive in Rio and check into a hostel in Santa Teresa, Lapa or Ipanema. Get your first glimpses of the incredible Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain as you arrive. Grab a caipirinha and enjoy Rio's infectious energy.

🚌Ferry Ilha Grande to mainland ~£8, bus/shuttle to Rio ~£10-15

🛏Hostel in Rio (e.g. Mango Tree Hostel or El Misti Ipanema), dorm ~£14/night

• →Ferry and bus journey to Rio de Janeiro
• →Arrive and orientate in your Rio neighbourhood
• →First caipirinha with views of the city

No trip to Rio is complete without visiting Christ the Redeemer (book timed entry in advance via the official website or GetYourGuide — ~£15-20 including cog train). Arrive early to beat the crowds and the clouds. Explore the bohemian Santa Teresa neighbourhood on foot, browse local art studios and enjoy lunch at a traditional boteco. In the evening, head to Lapa for samba live music (free entry at many bars).

🚌Metro and local buses ~£1-2 per journey

🛏Hostel in Rio ~£14/night

• →Christ the Redeemer (pre-book via GetYourGuide ~£15-20 inc. cog train)
• →Santa Teresa neighbourhood walk (free)
• →Lapa samba and live music evening (free/low cost)

Cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for 360-degree views of Rio's jaw-dropping geography — book via GetYourGuide (~£20-25). Spend the afternoon on the iconic Copacabana and Ipanema beaches — swim, play footvolley, and people-watch. Grab a fresh coconut from a beach vendor (~£1). Watch the sun set over the Two Brothers mountains from Ipanema's Arpoador rock — it's free and spectacular.

🚌Metro and local buses ~£1-2

🛏Hostel in Rio ~£14/night

• →Sugarloaf Mountain cable car (~£20-25 via GetYourGuide)
• →Copacabana and Ipanema beach day (free)
• →Footvolley on the beach
• →Arpoador sunset (free)

Join a responsible, community-led favela walking tour of Vidigal or Santa Marta (~£15-20 via GetYourGuide or local social enterprises) to gain insight into Rio's complex social fabric. Climb up to Vidigal for panoramic views of the city. Spend the afternoon at leisure — browse the Feira do Rio Antigo market, explore Botafogo, or revisit your favourite spots. Enjoy a final celebratory dinner and caipirinha as the sun sets over Guanabara Bay.

🚌Local buses and metro ~£1-2

🛏Hostel in Rio ~£14/night

• →Community favela walking tour (~£15-20 via GetYourGuide)
• →Vidigal viewpoint for panoramic Rio views
• →Feira do Rio Antigo market
• →Celebratory farewell dinner and caipirinhas

Final morning in Rio — grab a last breakfast of pão de queijo (cheese bread) and fresh fruit juice at a local padaria (bakery). Head to Galeão International Airport for your departure. Allow plenty of time — Rio traffic can be unpredictable. What an incredible 51-day adventure across six countries!

🚌Bus or taxi to Galeão Airport ~£5-15

🛏Check out of hostel

• →Last Rio breakfast at a local padaria
• →Final souvenir shopping
• →Transfer to Galeão International Airport