Journeys: Highlights of South America

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your Expedition Leader will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.

Navigate Santiago’s historic center on a guided morning walk, examining the colonial architecture of Plaza de Armas, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the La Moneda presidential palace.

Discover the world of Chilean wine through an authentic experience hosted by the owners and families behind the vineyards. Enjoy a guided visit, learn the story and vision behind each family, and taste different exclusive house wines paired with an abundant selection of local products, including charcuterie, cheeses, breads, fresh vegetables, nuts, seasonal fruits and warm bites. Then take part in a seasonal micro-workshop in viticulture, offering the opportunity to gain a hands-on understanding of the vineyard and learn about the seasonal practices taking place during their visit, from grape and shoot management to irrigation, harvest and flowering.

Take advantage of a free afternoon and evening to explore the Chilean capital at your own pace. Consult your Expedition Leader for recommendations on navigating the city's attractions and diverse culinary scene.

Make your way to the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport to catch a flight to Puerto Natales.

Catch a flight south from Santiago. Watch the central valleys transition into a stark landscape of deep fjords, glaciated peaks, and sweeping steppe before descending to the Patagonian outpost of Puerto Natales.

Discover the diverse ecosystems and spectacular natural beauty of Torres del Paine National Park on this panoramic tour. Take a short walk to the black sand beach of Grey Lake and soak in the scenery from the drive along Pehoé Lake to Cuernos Lookout. Enjoy lunch with a view from Nordenskjöld Lake viewpoint, facing one of the most striking, unobstructed postcard views of the mountain range. See the powerful Salto Grande Waterfall and look out for wildlife and birds at Laguna Amarga before reaching Laguna Azul, for a clear, frontal view of the Torres del Paine towers without requiring a strenuous trek, surrounded by low vegetation and local birdlife.

Depart your hotel for an overland drive into Argentina.

Gain insight into the region's dramatic topography at the Glaciarium, a modern interpretation center featuring interactive exhibits and 3D models detailing the formation of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Conclude your visit by stepping into the museum's subterranean ice bar, where the walls, seats, and glasses are carved entirely from glacial ice.

Depart your hotel for your transfer west along the scenic shores of Lago Argentino, watching the Patagonian steppe transition into dense sub-Antarctic beech forests as you enter Los Glaciares National Park.

Explore Los Glaciares National Park to witness the towering walls of the Perito Moreno Glacier from multiple vantage points. Step closer to the deep-blue formations as you cruise on a boat along the glacier's imposing north face. Following lunch, walk the park's extensive network of wooden boardwalks and central balconies as a group to take in panoramic views of the actively advancing ice sheet.

Leave Perito Moreno Glacier behind and trace the shores of Lago Argentino eastward back to your El Calafate hotel.

Depart your hotel for the airport to catch a flight north to Buenos Aires.

Catch a flight north from Patagonia, watching the rugged southern terrain give way to the vast Argentine pampas on the way to Buenos Aires.

Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, take in your first glimpses of the grand, European-style avenues that define Argentina’s vibrant capital.

Take advantage of a free day in Buenos Aires to stroll the lively pedestrian streets, explore architectural monuments, wander through the Recoleta Cemetery or relax in a café to watch the world go by.

You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, relax or choose from a variety of recommended activities.

Led by local community guides from Isla Maciel, guests will embark on a specialized walking tour through the neighborhood’s historic streets before crossing the Riachuelo river Avellaneda Bridge, situated alongside the historic transporter bridge, a heritage landmark built in 1914. On the other side, a guided walk through Isla Maciel offers an intimate look at local mural art and social history. This experience provides a unique perspective on the city’s dual identity, concluding with a return crossing over the river after a day of profound cultural discovery.

Transfer from your hotel to the airport to catch a flight to Puerto Iguazú

Fly north from cosmopolitan Buenos Aires to the tri-border area with Paraguay and Brazil.

Cross the border from Argentina into Brazil, en route to the mighty Iguassu Falls.

Visit the Brazil side of the falls to get a panoramic view of Iguaçu, one of the world's largest and most impressive waterfalls. In total, there are over 275 individual falls spread out over 3km (2 mi). Find the best spot to take jaw-dropping photos of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, relax or explore the area near the hotel.

Experience an authentic taste of Brazil at a traditional churrascaría where servers carve a wide variety of premium grilled meats directly at your table.

Enjoy the surroundings from a private vehicle as you transfer from your hotel and cross the Argentinian border to reach Iguazú National Park.

Spend the whole day on the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls to experience it in all of its glory. See the different cascades of water from various perspectives, exploring the paths, trails and catwalks adapted to the landscape of the area.

Soak in the scenery on the drive back into Brazil to your hotel.

Transfer from your hotel to the Foz do Iguaçu airport and catch a flight to Rio.

Fly to Rio de Janeiro, transitioning from the thundering waterfalls to the dramatic coastal landscapes and vibrant energy of the Marvellous City.

After arriving in Rio, transfer to your hotel by private vehicle

Set off to explore Rio and ascend the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car. From this spectacular vantage point, take in breathtaking views of the vibrant cityscape and the glittering expanse of Guanabara Bay. Descend back to sea level for a scenic drive along Botafogo beach, capturing glimpses of daily Carioca life against a backdrop of coastal mountains. Conclude your tour by cruising past the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, immersing yourself in the magnetic energy and sun-drenched beauty of Rio's celebrated coastline.

Head out on a full-day exploration of Rio de Janeiro, beginning with an in-depth walking tour of the historic "Little Africa" district. Accompanied by a local guide, discover the profound influence of Afro-Brazilian culture as you visit landmarks like the UNESCO-listed Valongo Wharf, the birthplace of samba at Pedra do Sal, and the Instituto dos Pretos Novos memorial. After pausing outside the iconic Sambadrome, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing through the Lapa neighborhood to view the towering Carioca Aqueduct and the vibrantly tiled Selarón Steps. The day concludes with an ascent up Corcovado Mountain to stand beneath the monumental Christ the Redeemer statue, offering a remarkable view over the sprawling city.

Explore the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, starting at Parque das Ruínas, a cultural center set within the ruins of a historic mansion that offers sweeping views of downtown Rio and Guanabara Bay. Take a guided walk through the area's cobblestone streets to discover colonial architecture, vibrant street art, and artisan shops. Discover the extraordinary tropical plant collections and towering imperial palms of the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, concluding your tour at the historic Parque Lage at the base of Corcovado Mountain.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Leave the Atlantic shores behind and fly across the heart of the continent on the way to Llma, Peru on South America's Pacific coast.

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.

Private transfer to the Lima airport to catch a flight to Cusco.

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Times includes all stops and visits enroute through the Sacred Valley.

Including stops and visits.

Explore the ancient site of Moray, which archeologists believe was used to conduct agricultural experiments. Walk down through the great circular terraces and notice how the temperature shifts with the depth – sometimes as much as 15°C (27°F)!

Visit the pre-Incan salt pans of Las Salineras – still in use today. Marvel at the terraced pools set amongst the beauty of the Sacred Valley.

The thousand-year-old tradition of pachamanca is typically prepared in an underground oven using hot stones, earth, and aromatic herbs. For this experience, you will enjoy pachamanca a la olla, a variation prepared in a pot. Using the same local ingredients and seasonings, meats such as lamb, pork, chicken, or guinea pig are slow-cooked with vegetables to recreate the rich, earthy flavors of the original method. Savour this traditional meal, prepared by an experienced chef.

Times includes all stops and visits enroute through the Sacred Valley.

Including stops and visits.

In Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Inca, six communities of approximately 6000 indigenous people are working together to preserve over 700 species of potato – a cornerstone of life here. As part of an experience exclusive to National Geographic Journeys travellers – and part of our G Adventures for Good program – visit this area, named “Parque de la Papa” (“Potato Park”), to learn about life in an Andean agricultural community. Walk through the park here with a local guide, dropping by the seed bank (which has direct ties to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway) and then head out to the fields to watch the planting or harvesting process, depending on the season. After, enjoy some of the delicious varieties of potato and visit the small stone hut where traditional weaving takes place. Learn about the natural dyeing process and witness alpaca wool strands being transformed into beautiful textiles through a centuries-old backstrap weaving style. Your visit to this special community means this local enterprise can continue earning an income that supports their development and conservation goals.

Parque de la Papa (meaning "Potato Park") serves two important purposes for the community of Pampallacta: the preservation of agricultural biodiversity and economic opportunity. National Geographic Journeys travellers visit the park to learn about life in a rural agricultural Andean community and take a tour of the seed conservation program, which is preserving heritage potato species. They also learn about traditional planting, harvesting and indigenous weaving practices. With G Adventures' support, the community is able to create jobs in the area and invest in local businesses, which helps the community preserve their culture.

Tour the fascinating hilltop citadel of Pisac, an Incan ruin with plunging gorges, a ceremonial centre, and winding agriculture terracing that's still in use today. Be captivated by this truly amazing site sitting amid sweeping green valleys and mountain peaks. Explore the back of the site to see a pocketed cliff across Kitamayo Gorge, which once contained hundreds of Inca tombs.

Contribute to sustainable tourism in Huchuy Qosqo, a small village of 65 families in the Sacred Valley, by eating at the Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn how the resident-run restaurant was kickstarted by G Adventures and the Multilateral Investment Fund, to become a successful farm-to-table program that boosts the local economy and several spin-off microenterprises.

Tour the town and fortress of Ollantaytambo with a local guide. Take a step back in time at this Inca archaeological site; it still shows signs of its former glory, including agricultural terraces, a Temple Hill, and storehouses. Learn how the area, overlooking the Urubamba River Valley, was an important stronghold during warfare between the Spanish and Incas.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Enjoy a scenic train ride through the Sacred Vally and along the Urubamba river to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Set off with the local guide to explore Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples and along sculpted terraces. Feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll.

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Take in the sights on horseback or rent a motorbike for a more thrilling ride. Looking to learn more about Cusco? Head to one of the many museums in the city.

Look to the night sky for a different view of the city. Explore the Cusco Planetarium surrounded by the serene nature of the Llaullipata Ecological Reserve. Enjoy a presentation on the southern sky, contemporary astronomy, and the ancient Incas’ relationship with the cosmos. Check out the on-site museum and use the telescopes to admire the stars (weather-permitting).

Fly south from Cusco south across the Andes and past Lake Titicaca into Bolivia, to the city of La Paz.

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Head out from the hotel with your Expedition Leader on foot to explore the bustling nearby area. Pass by busy shops and stroll through the witches market, witnessing the deep indigenous traditions that are ever-present in daily life in Bolivia. Continue through picturesque cobblestone streets past San Francisco Church to Plaza Murillo.

Explore the lunar landscape of the Valley of the Moon and see the breathtaking, otherworldly landscape formed by the thousands of years of erosion. Rather than a traditional valley, it is a mesmerizing maze of towering stalagmites, rugged canyons, and sharp spires that closely resemble a lunar terrain. Visitors can explore this unique geological formation via well-maintained walking trails and suspension bridges, which offer stunning panoramic views of the surreal, beige and reddish clay structures set against the backdrop of the dramatic Andean sky and the towering Illimani Mountain in the distance.

Get out and explore the vibrant and diverse energy of sky-high La Paz. Bustling markets, bohemian neighbourhoods with street art, trendy cafes and restaurants await.

You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.

Head out with a local guide this morning to discover the sky-high city of La Paz by foot, van and cable car. Explore vibrant squares, historical landmarks, and bustling artisan markets as you learn about the fascinating balance of ancient Andean traditions and modern life.

Enjoy a free afternoon to explore La Paz at your own pace.

Delve into Bolivia's evolving culinary scene during an interactive tasting experience at a celebrated La Paz restaurant. Alongside a local chef, discover how traditional Andean staples like quinoa are reimagined into modern fusion cuisine, and sample the innovative dishes driving the city's emergence as a foodie destination.

Transfer from your hotel to El Alto Airport to catch a flight to Uyuni.

Fly south to Uyuni, touching down on the high-altitude plains of the Bolivian Altiplano at the edge of the salt flats.

Set out across the vast Salar de Uyuni, beginning with a stop at the historic Train Cemetery before continuing to the indigenous community of Colchani to observe traditional methods of salt processing. Venture deeper into the endless white desert to witness unique geological features like bubbling "ojos de sal" and geometric salt extraction mounds, culminating with a visit to the region's very first salt hotel, now preserved as a museum.

Pause your exploration to enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch set directly upon the blindingly white, seemingly endless expanse of the world's largest salt flat.

Venture back onto the salt crust as evening approaches to witness a dramatic Andean sunset. Watch as the fading light transforms the stark landscape, painting the unbroken horizon in vivid shades of pink and orange.

Spend 2 days on a 4x4 journey through the dramatic Altiplano, traversing a high-altitude landscape of towering volcanoes, mineral-rich lagoons, and wind-sculpted plains.

Visit the Jukil Community to gain authentic insight into traditional Altiplano life and the region's enduring agricultural heritage. Connect with local residents over a freshly prepared lunch highlighting regional Andean ingredients.

Set out early to continue your overland expedition through the striking, high-altitude terrain of the Bolivian Altiplano. Navigate the wind-sculpted geological formations of the Valley of Rocks, including the iconic Arbol de Piedra, before encountering a series of vibrant, mineral-rich lakes such as the crimson Laguna Colorada and the striking Laguna Verde. Pause for lunch near the Polques hot springs, taking in a rugged landscape defined by steaming geysers, towering volcanoes, and the surreal expanses of the high desert wilderness.

Descend from the high altitude desert and cross the border into Chile on the way to the town of San Pedro de Atacama.

Enjoy a free day to relax or navigate the sun-baked streets of San Pedro de Atacama at your own pace. For those wishing to venture into the surrounding desert, choose from several optional half-day excursions.

Depart in the late afternoon for Valle de la Luna, navigating salt-carved canyons, dried lakes, and towering sand dunes. As dusk nears, gather at the Piedra del Coyote, perched high above the Kari Gorge, to watch the fading sunlight cast deep shadows and intense colours across the volcano horizon.

Drive from San Pedro de Atacama to the airport in Calama to catch a flight to Santiago.

Fly south along the spine of the Andes, watching the fractured canyons of the Atacama Desert slowly give way to the fertile central valleys before descending into Chile's capital, Santiago.

Transfer from the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport to your hotel.

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.