Journeys: Highlights of South America

Journeys: Highlights of South America

• Trip code: 412X016
• Dauer: 29
• Stil: National Geographic Journeys

Traverse South America's wild plateaus and ancient peaks on a path paved by community and discovery. Watch the sun set over otherworldly high-altitude deserts, feel the thunder of Iguassu Falls, stand humbled before Machu Picchu, and gaze out over the vast expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flats. From sharing regional meals cooked by local hosts to taking in the iconic views of Patagonia and Rio de Janeiro, discover the dramatic landscapes and rich heritage of this unforgettable continent.

Übersicht

Checklist

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Meal Budget

Plane USD950-1235 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Buenos Aires
- Tango Dinner Show
- Führung im Teatro Colón (25USD pro Person)

Foz do Iguaçu
- Boat Tour of Iguassu Falls (75USD pro Person)

Aguas Calientes
- Schmetterlingshaus
- Besuch der Mandor Gardens
- Thermalquellenbesuch (6USD pro Person)

Inca Trail
- Genehmigungsantrag für die eintägige Wanderung auf dem Inka Trail

Cusco
- Besuch im Archäologischen Museum (10PEN pro Person)
- Kochkurs in Cusco
- Stadtführung in Cusco (45PEN pro Person)

San Pedro de Atacama
- Archaeological Tour
- El Tatio Geysers
- Atacama Bike Tour

Start / Finish

von Santiago

What's Included

Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Wine, Family and Vineyard Experience, Santiago
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Traditionelle Anden-Erfahrung, Urubamba
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Planetarium in Cusco, Cusco
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: La Paz Culinary Experience, La Paz
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Buenos Aires City Tour & Isla Maciel Cultural Experience, Buenos Aires
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Parque de la Papa (Kartoffelpark), Pisac
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant im Heiligen Tal, Lamay
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Jukil Community Visit, Santiago de Agencha
Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Meeting, Santiago
Dein Discover-Moment: Buenos Aires
Dein Foodie-Moment: Dinner at a Churrascaría, Foz do Iguaçu
Dein Foodie-Moment: Traditionelles Pachamanca-Abendessen, Urubamba
Dein Discover-Moment: Cusco
Dein Discover-Moment: San Pedro de Atacama. Arrival transfer. Santiago city tour with a local guide. Orientation walk in Puerto Natales. Full-day panoramic tour of Torres del Paine National Park. Visit the Glaciarium Museum in El Calafate. Guided tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier. Boat ride to the north face of Perito Moreno Glacier. Visit the Brazilian and Argentine sides of Iguassu Falls over 2 days. Sugarloaf Mountain cable car visit. Full-day Rio de Janeiro tour to "Little Africa," Lapa and Christ the Redeemer. Guided visit of the Santa Teresa district and botanical gardens. International flight from Rio de Janeiro to Lima. Two-day Sacred Valley tour including Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Pisac ruins and pre-Inca salt pans. Traditional pachamanca-style dinner. Scenic train and guided tour of Machu Picchu. International flight from Cusco to La Paz. Orientation walk in La Paz. Visit La Paz's Valley of the Moon. La Paz city tour. Excursions to the Uyuni Salt Flats. Picnic lunch experience on the salt flats. 2-day 4x4 excursion across the high altiplano desert from Bolivia to Chile. Sunset visit of the Valley of the Moon. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Hotels (28 nts)

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, local guides

Group Size Notes

Max 16, Avg 12

Highlights

Experience a private winery tour near Santiago and enjoy a hosted tasting of wines paired with gourmet bites. Explore Torres del Paine on a guided tour past granite peaks and turquoise lakes,.Take in views from scenic boardwalks and cruise past the dramatic northern face of Perito Moreno glacier. Explore the historic streets of Buenos Aires with local guides to discover neighbourhood histories and vibrant street art. Experience the Argentine and Brazilian sides of Iguassu Falls over two full days. Ascend Sugarloaf Mountain for sweeping views of Rio. Explore Rio’s historic Afro-Brazilian roots and learn the stories that gave birth to samba. Wander hilltop streets and the ruins of a grand mansion in Rio's Santa Teresa district. Have lunch at a G Adventures-supported community restaurant in the Sacred Valley. Visit the “Parque de la Papa” (“Potato Park”) community with a local guide for immersive time observing agricultural, weaving, and cultural traditions. Explore Machu Picchu with an expert guide to uncover its secrets. Visit the Cusco Planetarium to gaze up at the southern sky and learn about the ancient Incas’ relationship with the cosmos. Set out with a local guide to see La Paz's vibrant markets and historic plazas by cable car and on foot, Join a local chef to transform traditional ingredients like quinoa into modern dishes shaping the city's food scene, Drive onto the world's largest salt flats to watch salt being harvested by hand and share a meal out on the open flats, Traverse high-altitude desert by 4x4, passing colourful lagoons, volcanoes, and remote communities along the route

Introduction

Traverse South America's wild plateaus and ancient peaks on a path paved by community and discovery. Watch the sun set over otherworldly high-altitude deserts, feel the thunder of Iguassu Falls, stand humbled before Machu Picchu, and gaze out over the vast expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flats. From sharing regional meals cooked by local hosts to taking in the iconic views of Patagonia and Rio de Janeiro, discover the dramatic landscapes and rich heritage of this unforgettable continent

Transport

Private vehicle, plane, boat, local bus, train, 4x4, walking

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Meals Included

28 Frühstück, 11 Mittagessen, 5 Abendessen

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Santiago

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included

Day 2 Santiago

Discover Santiago’s historical heart on a morning city tour, stepping through the bustling Plaza de Armas, admiring the Metropolitan Cathedral, and passing the grand La Moneda Palace. Afterwards, head into the surrounding hills to a boutique organic winery for an insider's look at the winemaking process. Meet the vineyard owners and hear the stories of their families and of the winery, before a private tasting and delicious lunch of fresh, regional ingredients. Take part in a seasonal viticulture workshop to learn hands-on care, from shoot management to irrigation and harvest before returning to the city for the evening

Day 3 Santiago/Puerto Natales

Board a morning flight heading deep into the southern reaches of Patagonia. Touch down in Puerto Natales, a coastal town resting along the waters of the Ultima Esperanza Sound, where colourful homes stand against a backdrop of wind-swept fjords and snowcapped peaks. Transfer to your hotel and spend the evening settling in and relaxing before gathering with your Expedition Leader for a short orientation walk of the town on the way to an optional dinner out with the group

Day 4 Torres del Paine National Park/Puerto Natales

Set off on a full-day guided journey through Torres del Paine National Park. Pause to admire Grey Glacier and the iceberg-dotted waters of Grey Lake on a short walk, then drive past the turquoise expanse of Pehoé Lake toward the Cuernos Lookout. Share a picnic lunch overlooking Nordenskjöld Lake, marvel at the roaring power of Salto Grande Waterfall, and take in views across Sarmiento Lake and the Blue Lagoon, where wild guanacos roam the steppe. Enjoy dinner back in Puerto Natales, reminiscing about the day's adventures before turning in for the evening

Day 5 Puerto Natales/El Calafate

Travel across the vast, rolling steppes of the Patagonian border into Argentina. Stop en route at a local restaurant to share lunch and stories with your fellow travellers. Continue onward to El Calafate, the gateway to Argentina's glacial wonders on the shores of Lake Argentino. Join your National Geographic Expedition Leader for a brief walk through town, then visit the interactive Glaciarium Museum to learn about the ice fields that have shaped this wild region

Day 6 El Calafate

Head into Los Glaciares National Park for a guided encounter with the Perito Moreno Glacier. Walk along a network of wooden boardwalks to view the towering ice wall from different angles, watching and listening to the glacier calve. Next, step aboard a boat for a cruise along the glacier's northern face to feel its sheer scale. After lunch inside the park, continue exploring the trail network for panoramic views of the glacier before returning to El Calafate for an evening on your own

Day 7 El Calafate/Buenos Aires

Travel to the airport for your flight to vibrant Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take the afternoon to settle in, explore the historic avenues, or relax in a traditional neighbourhood café. Tonight is yours to spend as you wish, or consider joining an optional evening tango show paired with a classic Argentine dinner, taking in the passion and music that define the culture here

Day 8 Buenos Aires

Spend the day enjoying Buenos Aires at your own pace. Explore the cobbled streets of San Telmo, admire the bright facades of La Boca, or relax in a historic café over fresh pastries and coffee. As evening falls, gather back at the hotel to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and welcome any fellow travelers joining for the next leg of your journey. Over an optional dinner out with the group, swap stories from your Patagonian adventures and look ahead to the lush landscapes and cascading waters of Brazil

Day 9 Buenos Aires

Set out on a guided tour of Buenos Aires. Drive past the gilded facade of Teatro Colón and the soaring Obelisk toward Plaza de Mayo, stopping briefly at the Casa Rosada and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Continue to colourful La Boca, stroll along the brightly painted Caminito street museum before meeting your guides from the Isla Maciel community, a G Adventures-supported project. Cross the 1914 Avellaneda Bridge over the Riachuelo River into the Isla Maciel neighbourhood, taking in vivid murals and social history up close before heading back over the water. Enjoy lunch together, then spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure

Day 10 Buenos Aires/Foz do Iguaçu

Board a morning flight to Puerto Iguazú, trading city streets for lush subtropical green. Crossing into Brazil, step onto the trails on the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls, where expansive footpaths reveal breath-taking panoramic views of hundreds of waterfalls cascading through the jungle mist. Feel the cool spray on your face as you take in the sheer scale of the landscape. Spend a free afternoon to settle into your surroundings, then gather tonight for a dinner featuring delicious local flavours

Day 11 Foz do Iguaçu

This morning, cross the border back into Argentina, and spend the entire day exploring the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls. Board the park’s rainforest train to reach the trailheads, walking along scenic boardwalks that wind through dense jungle canopy and over rushing waters. Pass vibrant tropical flora, pausing to take in sweeping views of the cascades from multiple viewpoints. Return to Brazil and head to your hotel to relax and spend the evening at your own pace

Day 12 Foz do Iguaçu/Rio de Janeiro

Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Rio de Janeiro, where verdant mountains plunge straight into the blue Atlantic Ocean. Set out on an afternoon tour, taking a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain to soak in sweeping panoramic views across Guanabara Bay and the sprawling city below. Afterward, enjoy a scenic drive past the sands of Botafogo, Copacabana, and Ipanema, watching beach culture come alive at golden hour, then settle into a free evening on your own

Day 13 Rio de Janeiro

Delve into the soul of the city on a visit to Rio's "Little Africa," exploring key historical sites to learn about the profound influence of African culture on Brazilian heritage and samba. Pass the Sambadrome before stopping for lunch. Afterward, walk past the white arches of the Carioca Aqueduct, climb the colourful, mosaic-tiled Selarón Steps in Lapa, and stand at the feet of the towering Christ the Redeemer statue high atop Corcovado Mountain

Day 14 Rio de Janeiro

Head into the bohemian hilltop enclave of Santa Teresa, where narrow cobblestone streets are lined with historic mansions and artist studios. Visit Parque das Ruínas, a public park built around the glass-and-steel restoration of a 20th-century mansion, taking in art galleries and sweeping views of Guanabara Bay. Wander along the garden trails of the lush and tropical botanical gardens before returning to your hotel

Day 15 Rio de Janeiro/Lima

Bid farewell to Brazil and fly west across the heart of South America over the Andes to Peru. After touching down in Lima, you'll meet your driver and head to your hotel, located in the upscale district of Miraflores on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Settle in and take some time to explore the area around the hotel before gathering in the evening with your Expedition Leader and any new travel companions joining the next leg of the journey

Day 16 Lima/Urubamba

Board an early flight to Cusco, once the capital of the Inca empire, then drive to Urubamba through the scenic Sacred Valley. Explore the terraced salt pans of Maras, which have been used for salt extraction since pre-Inca times, and tour the Inca site of Moray—believed to have been an agricultural laboratory where priests would test soils and crops. Later, we’ll enjoy a meal of local specialities, prepared by chefs in this region for a millennium

Day 17 Urubamba

Die Erkundung des Heiligen Tals geht weiter. Besuche den „Parque de la Papa“ („Kartoffelpark“), ein exklusives Erlebnis im Rahmen von National Geographic Journeys und Teil von G Adventures for Good. Spaziere mit einem lokalen Guide durch diese ländliche Gemeinschaft und erfahre mehr über den Kartoffelanbau und das Weben und wie wichtig beide für die Kultur in den Anden sind. Erkunde die Ruinen von Ollantaytambo und Pisac und besuche zum Mittagessen das G Adventures Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco

Day 18 Urubamba/Aguas Calientes

Frühe Fahrt nach Ollantaytambo, und anschließend malerische Zugfahrt nach Aguas Calientes mit Option den Markt zu besuchen

Day 19 Aguas Calientes/Cusco

Genieße eine geführte Tour durch Machu Picchu – die im 15. Jahrhundert gebauten Zitadelle der Inka, die der Archäologe Hiram Bingham der Welt in der April 1913 Ausgabe der National Geographic Magazine bekannt machte. Wandere durch die Tempeln und Terrassen dieser atemberaubenden UNESCO Welterbestätte und fahre danach zurück nach Cusco

Day 20 Cusco

Erkunde in Cusco die historischen Straßen, Museen und Märkte. Optional kannst du Wildwasserraften, reiten oder mit dem Mountainbike fahren. Abends kannst du den Nachthimmel über der Stadt im Planetarium von Cusco aus ganz neuer Perspektive erleben. Genieße eine Präsentation über den südlichen Himmel, zeitgenössische Astronomie und die Beziehung der alten Inkas zum Kosmos. Sieh dir das Museum hier an und bewundere den Sternenhimmel durch die Teleskope

Day 21 Cusco/La Paz

Bid farewell to Peru on a flight across the high Altiplano into Bolivia. As your plane approaches El Alto, look out over snow-capped Andean peaks and sprawling plains perched nearly four thousand metres above sea level. After touching down, wind your way downward from the edge of the plateau into the dramatic geological bowl that holds La Paz, where brick houses cling to canyon walls and cable cars drift across the sky. Head to your hotel in the city centre and take time to settle in. Take an orientation walk with your Expedition Leader to get your bearings before a quiet evening on your own terms

Day 22 La Paz

Leave the bustle of La Paz behind for a quick forty-minute drive that feels like traveling to another planet. Arriving at Moon Valley, step directly into a quiet, dramatic landscape where thousands of years of erosion have carved clay spires, tall towers, and deep craters into the earth. Follow your guide along winding scenic trails, feeling the crunch of dry clay beneath your boots as you learn about the complex geology and indigenous legends that give this canyon its soul. Back in the city, enjoy a free afternoon before gathering in the evening with your Expedition Leader and any new companions joining the next leg of the adventure

Day 23 La Paz

Set out on foot, by van, and on the city's famous aerial cable cars to explore La Paz alongside a local guide. Gliding over the colourful rooftops, watch the city's unique geography unfold below before stepping into lively plazas and traditional markets brimming with textiles and regional herbs. The afternoon is yours to explore independent art galleries or relax at a café. Later, gather at a popular restaurant for an interactive culinary experience. Guided by a local chef, discover how ancestral foods like quinoa are woven into contemporary dishes, sampling a tasting menu while discussing La Paz's rise as a culinary destination

Day 24 La Paz/Uyuni

Board an early morning flight from La Paz to Uyuni, landing near the vast, open plains of the high Altiplano. Head straight onto the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat on Earth, where the white horizon stretches endlessly under the blue sky. Learn how salt is harvested using age-old techniques, then gather for a picnic lunch set directly on the blindingly white expanse. Check into your hotel in the early afternoon to rest and settle in. As evening approaches, take a brief drive back out onto the flats to watch the sky shift through shades of pink and orange as the light fades into evening

Day 25 Uyuni/High Altiplano Desert

Climb into 4x4 vehicles to begin a two-day journey across the mountain desert, where towering volcanoes and sculpted rock formations frame the horizon. Stop at the Jukil community, a G Adventures-supported project, to share a meal and learn about daily life in this remote environment. Continue through dramatic landscapes, pausing at viewpoints near San Juan, the Chiguana salt flat, the snow-draped Ollague volcano, and Laguna Cañapa. Keep an eye out for high-altitude wildlife and flamingos gathering along the shores of mineral-rich lakes. Arrive by late afternoon at your lodge set right beside Laguna Hedionda, settling in for a dinner surrounded by the stillness of the high plateau

Day 26 High Altiplano Desert/San Pedro de Atacama

Resume your 4x4 crossing through the desert, navigating through the surreal sandstone formations of the Valley of the Rocks and stopping to marvel at the Árbol de Piedra, a stone tree carved by centuries of wind. Enjoy lunch together, then continue past multi-coloured lakes, including the bright red waters of Laguna Colorada, before driving through steaming geyser fields and natural hot springs. Near the foot of the towering Licancabur Volcano and the emerald waters of Laguna Verde, cross the border into Chile. Descend into the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, where the warm desert air welcomes you for a free evening to dine at your leisure

Day 27 San Pedro de Atacama

Spend a free day in San Pedro de Atacama at your own pace. Choose to rent a bicycle to ride through nearby desert canyons, visit local archaeological ruins, or relax under the trees in the town plaza. In the late afternoon, gather to travel into the Valle de la Luna. Walk across rippled sand dunes and sculpted salt caverns as the afternoon light transforms the Valley of the Moon into deep shades of red and gold. Find a quiet vantage point to watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting the Andes in brilliant light before returning to town for the evening

Day 28 San Pedro de Atacama/Santiago

Travel to Calama for a morning flight to Chile's bustling capital, Santiago. Upon landing, see some of the sights on the way to the hotel, taking in the contrast of historical plazas, leafy neighbourhoods, and the dramatic backdrop of the snow-topped Andes mountains rising just beyond the city limits. Take a bit of downtime at the hotel or explore the surrounding area before joining your group in the evening for an optional dinner to toast the unforgettable landscapes and shared moments of the trip

Day 29 Santiago

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Santiago

Day 2 Santiago

Day 3 Santiago/Puerto Natales

Day 4 Torres del Paine National Park/Puerto Natales

Day 5 Puerto Natales/El Calafate

Day 6 El Calafate

Day 7 El Calafate/Buenos Aires

Day 8 Buenos Aires

Day 9 Buenos Aires

Day 10 Buenos Aires/Foz do Iguaçu

Day 11 Foz do Iguaçu

Day 12 Foz do Iguaçu/Rio de Janeiro

Day 13 Rio de Janeiro

Day 14 Rio de Janeiro

Day 15 Rio de Janeiro/Lima

Day 16 Lima/Urubamba

An einigen Tagen auf dieser Reise geht es sehr früh los, damit wir unsere Woche in Peru optimal ausnutzen und so viel wie möglich von diesem fantastischen Land sehen können

Day 17 Urubamba

Day 18 Urubamba/Aguas Calientes

Denk bitte daran, dass die Stadt einiges zu bieten hat, die Infrastruktur aufgrund der abgeschiedenen Lage jedoch gelegentlich einfacher sein kann als vielleicht erwartet. Als einzige Option für Besucher von Machu Picchu ist die Stadt ziemlich rasch und ohne viel Planung gewachsen, und die Servicequalität entspricht unter Umständen nicht ganz dem, was man von anderen Landesteilen gewohnt ist

Day 19 Aguas Calientes/Cusco

Day 20 Cusco

Please remember that star gazing is completely weather dependent and sometimes there can be cloudy skies. Please note: if you pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class you will be picked up from your hotel at approx 12:30 and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. Return back to your hotel around 16:00

Day 21 Cusco/La Paz

Day 22 La Paz

Day 23 La Paz

Day 24 La Paz/Uyuni

Day 25 Uyuni/High Altiplano Desert

Day 26 High Altiplano Desert/San Pedro de Atacama

Day 27 San Pedro de Atacama

Day 28 San Pedro de Atacama/Santiago

Day 29 Santiago