Epic South America: Self-Launched 39-Day Adventure

Touch down in Lima and check into a hostel or budget hotel in the Miraflores district — the safest and most convenient base for travellers. Do your own orientation walk through Parque Kennedy, LarcoMar and Parque del Amor for free coastal views. In the evening, head to Barranco for craft cocktails and Lima's famous nightlife. Try ceviche at a local mercado rather than a tourist restaurant to keep costs down.

🚌Taxi from Jorge Chávez Airport to Miraflores via Uber or official taxi (~£8–12)

🛏Hostal Kokopelli Miraflores or similar (dorm £15–18/night, private £35–45/night)

• →Self-guided walk through Miraflores: Parque Kennedy, LarcoMar, Parque del Amor (free)
• →Visit Museo Larco independently — book tickets online (~£13)
• →Optional: San Francisco Monastery & Catacombs (book via GetYourGuide, ~£10)
• →Try mazamorra morada and picarones at Mercado de Surquillo (£2–3)

Catch an early morning domestic flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado. Book your flight in advance with LATAM or Sky Airlines for the best rates. On arrival, transfer to your jungle lodge by motorised canoe up the Tambopata River — a magical introduction to the Amazon. Most lodges include all meals, guided treks and night excursions in their packages.

🚌Domestic flight Lima–Puerto Maldonado with LATAM (~£55–80 booked in advance)

🛏Posada Amazonas Lodge or Tambopata Research Center (2-night all-inclusive package ~£120–160pp total including meals)

• →Motorised canoe ride to jungle lodge on Tambopata River (included with lodge)
• →Afternoon guided nature walk in primary rainforest (included)
• →Night caiman-spotting excursion on the river (included with lodge)

A full day of jungle immersion. Your lodge naturalist guide leads a half-day trek through primary rainforest — keep your eyes peeled for macaws, capybaras, monkeys and exotic butterflies. Learn about medicinal plants used by indigenous communities. Afternoons are often spent at an oxbow lake watching giant river otters or birdwatching from a canopy tower. All meals included at the lodge.

🚌All transport within jungle included with lodge

🛏Posada Amazonas Lodge or similar (included in 2-night package)

• →Half-day jungle trek with naturalist guide (included with lodge)
• →Canopy tower birdwatching session (included)
• →Oxbow lake visit — spot giant river otters and hoatzins (included)
• →Optional: visit indigenous community for cultural exchange (~£8)

Return by canoe to Puerto Maldonado and catch your domestic flight to Cusco (3,400m). Take it easy today — altitude sickness is real. Check into your hostel and drink plenty of coca tea. Join a free walking tour of Cusco's historic centre — these depart from Plaza de Armas daily and run on a tips basis. Visit Qorikancha's exterior, San Pedro market, the Twelve Angled Stone and San Blas district. Book a self-guided pisco sour class at a local bar for a fun evening activity.

🚌Domestic flight Puerto Maldonado–Cusco with LATAM (~£45–65) + taxi from airport (~£3)

🛏Pariwana Hostel Cusco or Loki Hostel (dorm £10–14/night, private £30–40/night)

• →Free walking tour of Cusco historic centre (tips only, ~£3–5) — book via Free Walking Tours Cusco
• →Qorikancha Temple exterior & Inca stonework (free outside, £4 inside)
• →San Pedro Market — browse and snack (£2–4)
• →Pisco sour class at a local bar/school (~£20–25, book via GetYourGuide)

Take a shared colectivo minibus from Cusco to Pisac (£1.50), browse the famous artisan market on market days (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday), then continue through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. The Inca fortress ruins here are among the best-preserved in Peru. Have lunch at a local comedor for £3–5. Spend the night in Ollantaytambo to rest before the trail.

🚌Colectivo Cusco–Pisac (~£1.50) then Pisac–Ollantaytambo (~£2) — ask locals at Cusco's Pavitos street terminal

🛏El Albergue Ollantaytambo or KB Tambo Hotel (budget double ~£25–35/night)

• →Pisac artisan market on market days — Tue, Thu, Sun (free entry)
• →Pisac Inca ruins (£4 with Boleto Turístico or ~£8 individual ticket)
• →Ollantaytambo Inca fortress (included in Boleto Turístico or ~£10 individual)
• →Explore Ollantaytambo's cobbled Inca streets (free)

The classic 4-day Inca Trail requires a licensed agency — you cannot hike it independently. Book well in advance (permits sell out months ahead). Recommended budget operators include Alpaca Expeditions, Llama Path or Peru Treks (~£280–350pp including permit, porter, cook, meals and camping). Today's trek starts at Km 82, heading uphill through cloud forest to the first campsite at 3,100m, passing Inca ruins of Llactapata.

🚌Agency minibus from Cusco to Km 82 trailhead (included in package)

🛏Camping on trail (tent and foam mat provided by agency — included in package)

• →Inca Trail permit (must be booked via licensed agency — permit alone ~£100, full package ~£280–350)
• →Trek Day 1: Km 82 to Wayllabamba campsite (~12km, 8 hours)
• →Visit Inca sites: Llactapata and Huillca Raccay en route (included with guide)
• →Camp dinner prepared by trail cook (included in package)

The hardest day on the trail. A gruelling 5-hour ascent to Warmiwanusca ('Dead Woman's Pass') at 4,215m — the highest point of the trek. The views over the valley are breathtaking. Descend to the Pacaymayo Valley campsite (3,650m) for a well-earned rest and hot meal prepared by your trail cook.

🚌On foot (all trail transport included in package)

🛏Camping on trail (included in agency package)

• →Trek Day 2: Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo (~12km, 8 hours including ascent to Dead Woman's Pass at 4,215m)
• →Views of Veronica Peak and surrounding glaciers
• →Three meals prepared by trail cook (included in package)

A spectacular day passing multiple Inca ruins in the cloud forest. Climb to Runkuracay Pass (3,980m), then descend through subtropical forest to Sayacmarca and onwards to Phuyupatamarca ('Town Above the Clouds' at 3,850m). End the day at the campsite near Winay Wayna archaeological site — an extraordinary terrace complex that serves as your last camp before Machu Picchu.

🚌On foot (all trail transport included in package)

🛏Camping at Winay Wayna (included in agency package)

• →Trek Day 3: Pacaymayo to Winay Wayna (~15km, 10 hours)
• →Visit Runkuracay, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca ruins (included with guide)
• →Explore Winay Wayna terraces at end of day (included)
• →Three meals by trail cook (included in package)

Wake at 4am for the magical final push to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at sunrise, with your first jaw-dropping view of Machu Picchu. Descend into the citadel for a guided tour of this wonder of the world. Entry must be booked in advance via the official Peru government portal. After your visit, descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for a celebratory lunch and the train back to Cusco.

🚌Train Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo with Peru Rail or Inca Rail (~£20–35) then taxi/colectivo to Cusco (~£2–3)

🛏Hostal Machu Picchu or El MaPi budget rooms, Aguas Calientes (~£20–35/night)

• →Machu Picchu entry (book via machupicchu.gob.pe — Circuit 1, 2 or 3 ~£30–45)
• →Guided tour of citadel included with trekking agency
• →Optional: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike (add-on ~£25 — book months in advance)
• →Bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes (~£8 return)

Return to Cusco and rest your legs. Use the day to visit sites covered by the Boleto Turístico (£28 for 10 sites) — Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay are all within walking distance or a short taxi ride. Indulge at one of Cusco's excellent mid-range restaurants in the evening — try Chicha by Gastón Acurio for elevated Peruvian cuisine at reasonable prices.

🚌Taxi or colectivo within Cusco (~£1–3)

🛏Pariwana Hostel Cusco or Loki Hostel (dorm £10–14/night, private £30–40/night)

• →Sacsayhuamán Inca fortress (included in Boleto Turístico or ~£8 individual)
• →Q'enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay (Boleto Turístico sites)
• →Cusco Cathedral, Plaza de Armas (exterior free, interior £7)
• →Evening meal in San Blas neighbourhood (~£8–12 for set menu)

Travel from Cusco to Puno via the scenic tourist bus along the high altiplano. The Inka Express bus is recommended (~£30pp) — it includes stops at Andahuaylillas church, Raqchi ruins and La Raya mountain pass (4,338m). Arrive in Puno in the late afternoon and settle into your hostel overlooking Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake at 3,810m.

🚌Inka Express bus Cusco to Puno (~£30, ~7 hours with stops)

🛏Hostal Los Pinos Inn or similar (£12–20/night)

• →Inka Express scenic bus Cusco–Puno with guided stops (~£30, book at inkaxpress.com)
• →Raqchi Temple of Wiracocha stop (included with Inka Express)
• →La Raya mountain pass viewpoint (included)
• →Evening stroll along Puno's Jiron Lima pedestrian street (free)

Take a day tour by boat on Lake Titicaca. Visit the extraordinary Uros Floating Islands — hand-built from totora reeds by the Uros people — then continue to Taquile Island, famous for its hand-woven textiles (a UNESCO-recognised tradition). Have a set lunch on the island. Book this tour directly from the docks or via a local agency for best prices.

🚌Boat from Puno docks (included in tour)

🛏Hostal Los Pinos Inn or similar (£12–20/night)

• →Boat tour to Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island (book via local agency ~£15–20pp)
• →Meet Uros families and learn about reed-island construction
• →Taquile Island hike and textile cooperative visit (included in tour)
• →Set lunch on Taquile Island (~£5)

Take an overnight homestay on Amantaní Island for an authentic community experience equivalent to the included Titicaca homestay on the Intrepid tour. Local families host travellers in simple but warm accommodation, cook traditional meals and share their way of life. In the evening, climb to the hilltop temples of Pachamama and Pachatata for panoramic sunset views over the lake.

🚌Slow boat from Puno to Amantaní (~£8 return with local operator)

🛏Community homestay on Amantaní Island (meals included)

• →Overnight homestay on Amantaní Island (~£20–25pp including dinner and breakfast, book via Puno local agencies)
• →Hike to Pachamama Temple at sunset (free with homestay)
• →Traditional dance evening with host family (included)
• →Learn to weave with local artisans (included)

Return to Puno and cross the Peruvian-Bolivian border at Desaguadero or Kasani by shared bus — a straightforward crossing with a short walk between checkpoints. Arrive in Copacabana, a charming Bolivian town on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Visit the stunning white Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana and watch the boat-blessing ceremony on weekends. British passport holders do not need a visa for Bolivia.

🚌Shared tourist bus Puno–Copacabana (~£6, ~3 hours) — book at Puno bus terminal

🛏Hostal La Cúpula or similar (dorm £8–12, private £18–25/night)

• →Border crossing Puno–Copacabana by shared tourist bus (~£5–8, departures from Puno terminal)
• →Basilica de la Virgen de Copacabana — free entry, Bolivia's most important Catholic shrine
• →Optional: day trip to Isla del Sol (~£8 return boat + £3 entry)
• →Sunset over Lake Titicaca from Calvario Hill (free)

Take the morning boat to Isla del Sol — the mythological birthplace of the Inca sun god. Hike the north–south trail passing Inca ruins, terraces and the sacred rock. Catch the afternoon boat back to Copacabana then take the scenic tourist bus to La Paz, crossing the Strait of Tiquina by barge (a quirky experience where you cross separately from the bus). Arrive in La Paz by evening.

🚌Boat Copacabana–Isla del Sol–Copacabana (~£8) + Tourist bus Copacabana–La Paz (~£5, ~4 hours)

🛏Adventure Brew Hostel La Paz or Loki Hostel (dorm £8–12, private £20–28/night)

• →Isla del Sol boat trip and north–south trail hike (boat ~£8 return, entry ~£3)
• →Visit Chinkana Inca ruins and Sacred Rock (included in entry fee)
• →Strait of Tiquina barge crossing (included in bus fare)
• →Evening arrival in La Paz — explore Witches' Market (free)

Spend a day exploring La Paz, one of South America's most dramatic cities. Join a free walking tour (tips basis) taking in Plaza Murillo, the Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) and San Francisco Church. Ride the Mi Teleférico cable cars — the world's longest urban cable car network — for extraordinary aerial views of the city and surrounding Andes (£0.80 per ride). Don't miss a set lunch (almuerzo) at a local restaurant for under £2.

🚌Cable cars and walking (~£2–5 total)

🛏Adventure Brew Hostel La Paz or Loki Hostel (dorm £8–12, private £20–28/night)

• →Free walking tour of La Paz historic centre (tips only, ~£3)
• →Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) — browse llama foetuses and herbal remedies (free)
• →Mi Teleférico cable car network (~£0.80 per ride — take multiple lines for panoramic city views)
• →Optional: Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) half-day trip (~£8 via local tour or taxi)

Spend the morning exploring any remaining La Paz highlights — the Mercado Rodriguez for local breakfast, or a Death Road cycling day tour if you're feeling brave (~£25–35 via Gravity Bolivia or Barracuda Biking). Catch the evening overnight bus from La Paz to Uyuni — book in advance with Todo Turismo or Bolivar Bus for a semi-cama seat.

🚌Night bus La Paz–Uyuni with Todo Turismo or Bolivar Bus (~£10–15, ~10 hours)

🛏Overnight bus (semi-cama seat included in fare)

• →Optional: Death Road downhill mountain biking (~£25–35, one of Bolivia's top activities — book via Gravity Bolivia)
• →Mercado Rodriguez for street food lunch (£2–3)
• →Night bus La Paz–Uyuni (book 1–2 days ahead)

Arrive in Uyuni in the morning. Join a 3-day 4WD jeep tour of the Salar de Uyuni and Atacama — the same experience offered by Intrepid, but booked independently through a local agency. Reputable operators include Red Planet Expeditions, Oasis Bolivia or Cordillera Traveller. The tour covers the famous salt flats perspective photos, Incahuasi Cactus Island, train cemetery, coloured lagoons and flamingo lakes.

🚌4WD jeep with driver/guide (included in tour package)

🛏Salt hotel on the edge of the flats (included in tour package)

• →3-day Uyuni salt flats and Atacama 4WD tour (book in Uyuni ~£60–80pp for 3 days all-inclusive meals and accommodation)
• →Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes) — eerie rusting locomotives (included in tour)
• →Isla Incahuasi — cactus island in the middle of the salt flats (included)
• →Perspective photos on the infinite white salt flats (included)

Day 2 of your 4WD Uyuni tour. Drive across the high altiplano past volcanoes, geysers and vivid mineral lakes teeming with flamingos. The Sol de Mañana geysers at sunrise (4,850m) are a highlight — steaming fumaroles against a backdrop of snowcapped peaks. Visit the blood-red Laguna Colorada, Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca near the Chilean border.

🚌4WD jeep (included in tour package)

🛏Basic hostel/refugio on altiplano (included in tour package)

• →Sol de Mañana geysers at dawn (~4,850m elevation, included in tour)
• →Laguna Colorada — bright red mineral lake with flamingos (included)
• →Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca near Volcán Licancabur (included)
• →Hot springs at Termas de Polques (included)

Final day of the 4WD tour. Cross the Bolivian-Chilean border into Chile and arrive in San Pedro de Atacama, the gateway to the driest desert on earth. Most 3-day Uyuni tours drop off at San Pedro. Check into your hostel and recover from the high-altitude tour. In the afternoon, stroll San Pedro's dusty adobe streets and browse the artisan market.

🚌Included in 4WD tour package to San Pedro drop-off

🛏Hostal Ckunna or Hostal Katarpe, San Pedro de Atacama (dorm £10–15, private £25–35/night)

• →Border crossing Bolivia–Chile (included with tour, bring passport)
• →Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama — free afternoon
• →San Pedro artisan market browse (free)
• →Optional: Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley) sunset walk (~£3 entry)

Wake before dawn for the El Tatio geysers — the world's highest geyser field at 4,300m. Book a shared minibus tour from San Pedro (~£20) departing at 4am to catch sunrise over the steaming vents. In the afternoon, visit Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) independently by bicycle (~£5 hire) or on a shared sunset tour (~£12). The rust-red rock formations and sand dunes at sunset are unforgettable.

🚌Shared tours and bicycle hire within Atacama (~£5–20)

🛏Hostal Ckunna or Hostal Katarpe (dorm £10–15, private £25–35/night)

• →El Tatio geysers at sunrise (shared tour ~£20, departs 4am from San Pedro)
• →Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) — self-guided by hired bike (~£5 bike hire + £3 entry) or shared tour (~£12)
• →Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley) — sunset viewpoint (£3 entry)
• →Stargazing tour at night (~£20 — San Pedro has some of the clearest skies on earth, book via Space obs)

Catch the morning bus from San Pedro to Calama (~1.5 hours, £5), then fly from Calama Airport to Santiago with LATAM or Sky Airline (~£50–80 booked ahead). Arrive in Santiago by early afternoon and check into Barrio Italia or Lastarria — two of the city's coolest neighbourhoods. Explore on foot, grab a completo (Chilean hot dog) and sample the local craft beer scene.

🚌Bus San Pedro–Calama (~£5, 1.5 hrs) + flight Calama–Santiago with LATAM/Sky (~£50–80) + Metro from airport (~£1.50)

🛏La Casa Roja Hostel or Happy House Hostel Santiago (dorm £10–15, private £28–40/night)

• →Self-guided walk around Barrio Italia — murals, vintage shops, cafés (free)
• →Cerro Santa Lucía park — panoramic views over Santiago (free)
• →Optional: La Chascona (Neruda's house museum) (~£6)
• →Craft beer at local Barrio Italia brewpub (~£4–6 per pint)

A full day in Chile's vibrant capital. Take the Metro to Cerro San Cristóbal for panoramic views of Santiago and the Andes (cable car or walk up). Explore the bohemian Bellavista neighbourhood and Plaza de Armas. Visit the Mercado Central for a seafood lunch (budget around £8–12). In the afternoon, head to the trendy Lastarria neighbourhood for coffee and gallery hopping.

🚌Santiago Metro and walking (~£3–5)

🛏La Casa Roja Hostel or Happy House Hostel Santiago (dorm £10–15, private £28–40/night)

• →Cerro San Cristóbal — funicular or walk up, panoramic views (funicular ~£3 return)
• →Mercado Central — seafood lunch at a market stall (~£8–12)
• →Free walking tour of Santiago historic centre (tips only, ~£3)
• →Bellavista neighbourhood street art walk (free)

Fly from Santiago to Buenos Aires with LATAM, Aerolíneas Argentinas or JetSMART (~£50–90 booked ahead). Arrive in BA and transfer to your hostel in Palermo, San Telmo or San Telmo — the most traveller-friendly and characterful neighbourhoods. Buenos Aires is one of South America's great cities — spend the evening exploring the cobbled streets of San Telmo and joining a free milonga (tango session) if the timing is right.

🚌Flight Santiago–Buenos Aires (~£50–90) + bus or Uber from Ezeiza airport (~£10–15)

🛏Milhouse Hostel or Portal del Sur Hostel Buenos Aires (dorm £12–18, private £35–50/night)

• →Self-guided walk around San Telmo — antique market, cobbled streets, street tango (free)
• →Optional: tango show with dinner (book via GetYourGuide ~£40–60, or find free milongas at neighbourhood cultural centres)
• →La Boca neighbourhood and Caminito street art walk (free, go in daytime for safety)
• →Confitería Ideal — historic café for coffee and people-watching (~£3)

Immerse yourself in porteño life. Visit the colourful Recoleta Cemetery (free) — Eva Perón's resting place. Stroll through Palermo's parks and trendy Soho neighbourhood. In the evening, do as the locals do — dinner doesn't start until 9pm. Head to a traditional parrilla (grill restaurant) for the full Argentine asado experience: order a mixed grill (parrillada mixta) for two and pair it with a Malbec.

🚌Buenos Aires Subte (metro) and walking (~£3)

🛏Milhouse Hostel or Portal del Sur Hostel Buenos Aires (dorm £12–18, private £35–50/night)

• →Recoleta Cemetery — Eva Perón's tomb and extraordinary mausoleums (free)
• →Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (free on certain days)
• →MALBA (Latin American Art Museum) (~£6)
• →Parrillada dinner with Malbec at a traditional parrilla (~£15–20 per person)

Take the fast Buquebus ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay — a UNESCO World Heritage colonial town that can be explored in a day. Wander the cobbled streets of the Historic Quarter, visit the lighthouse and enjoy lunch at a riverside café. Return to Buenos Aires in the evening. British passport holders do not need a visa for Uruguay.

🚌Buquebus ferry Buenos Aires–Colonia–Buenos Aires (~£25–35 return)

🛏Milhouse Hostel or Portal del Sur Hostel Buenos Aires (dorm £12–18, private £35–50/night)

• →Buquebus or Colonia Express ferry BA–Colonia del Sacramento (~£25–35 return, ~1 hour)
• →Historic Quarter of Colonia (UNESCO site) — self-guided walk (free)
• →Climb the colonial lighthouse for rooftop views (~£1)
• →Lunch at riverside restaurant — try chivito sandwich (£6–10)

Take the Buquebus or Seacat ferry from Buenos Aires directly to Montevideo (3 hours, ~£30–40). Alternatively, book a day trip to a traditional Uruguayan estancia (ranch) near Montevideo for an authentic gaucho experience including horseback riding, asado lunch and mate tasting — equivalent to Intrepid's included estancia night. Rios y Sierras estancias offer day programmes from ~£50pp.

🚌Ferry Buenos Aires–Montevideo with Buquebus (~£30–40, 3 hours)

🛏Punkt Hostel Montevideo or Che Hostel (dorm £10–15, private £28–35/night)

• →Estancia day visit near Montevideo — horseback riding, asado lunch, gaucho culture (~£45–55pp, book via local operators or GetYourGuide)
• →Alternatively: Montevideo free walking tour of Ciudad Vieja (tips only)
• →Mercado del Puerto — Montevideo's iconic covered market for lunch (~£8–12)
• →Rambla waterfront promenade stroll at sunset (free)

Travel from Montevideo back to Buenos Aires by ferry, then catch an overnight bus or short flight to Puerto Iguazú, gateway to the falls. The overnight bus from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú is one of South America's great bus journeys — cama (lie-flat) seats, meals served on board and incredibly comfortable. Book with Crucero del Norte or Via Bariloche (~£25–35 for cama class).

🚌Ferry Montevideo–Buenos Aires (~£30) + overnight cama bus Buenos Aires–Puerto Iguazú (~£30, Via Bariloche or Crucero del Norte)

🛏Overnight cama bus (seat reclines fully flat)

• →Morning: final stroll in Montevideo or ferry back to Buenos Aires (ferry ~£30)
• →Afternoon: transfer to Buenos Aires bus terminal (Retiro)
• →Evening bus Buenos Aires–Puerto Iguazú (overnight cama bus ~£25–35, ~18 hours)

Arrive in Puerto Iguazú in the morning. Check into your hostel and head straight to Iguazú National Park on the Argentine side — the more immersive side of the falls where you walk through the jungle to multiple viewpoints. The highlight is the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) boardwalk — you'll feel the spray and the thunder of the falls from metres away. Book the national park entry online in advance.

🚌Local bus from Puerto Iguazú town to park entrance (~£2 return) + electric train within park (included)

🛏Marco Polo Inn Iguazú or Peter Pan Hostel (dorm £10–15, private £25–35/night)

• →Iguazú National Park — Argentine side (entry ~£12, book at ventanilla.iguazuargentina.com)
• →Upper and Lower Circuit walkways — multiple waterfall viewpoints (included in entry)
• →Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) via electric train and boardwalk (included)
• →Optional: boat ride under the falls with Iguazú Jungle (~£20)

Cross the border into Brazil (you'll need a Brazilian visa if you're British — apply online in advance via the e-visa portal, ~£65) and visit the Brazilian side of the falls. Though you walk less, the panoramic views of the full cascade system are arguably even more dramatic from this side. In the afternoon, visit the Parque das Aves (Bird Park) adjacent to the park — home to toucans, parrots and macaws.

🚌Local bus or taxi from Puerto Iguazú to Brazilian side (~£5 return) + border crossing (bring both passports, Brazil e-visa ~£65)

🛏Pousada Sonho Meu or Hostel Natura, Foz do Iguaçu (dorm £10–14, private £22–30/night)

• →Iguaçu National Park — Brazilian side (entry ~£10 + mandatory shuttle bus ~£3)
• →Main walkway with panoramic views of 275 individual waterfalls (included)
• →Parque das Aves (Bird Park) — toucans, macaws, anacondas (~£12, adjacent to park)
• →Optional: helicopter tour over the falls (~£80 — splurge-worthy if budget allows)

Fly from Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) to Rio de Janeiro with LATAM or GOL (~£40–70 booked ahead). Arrive in Rio — one of the world's most beautiful cities. Check into Santa Teresa or Lapa neighbourhoods for an authentic Rio experience. Head to Lapa's famous arches and staircase in the evening — the neighbourhood comes alive at night with samba, street vendors and street parties (Thursday–Saturday).

🚌Flight Foz do Iguaçu–Rio de Janeiro (~£40–70) + bus or Uber from Galeão airport (~£8–15)

🛏Mango Tree Hostel or Casa Cool Beans, Santa Teresa (dorm £12–18, private £30–45/night)

• →Arrive Rio de Janeiro — check in and explore neighbourhood (free)
• →Lapa Arches (Arcos da Lapa) and Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón) — free iconic photo spots
• →Optional: evening samba at Lapa clubs or Pedra do Sal samba circle (free, Friday nights)
• →Santa Teresa neighbourhood walk — arts, craft beer, street art (free)

Tackle Rio's two most iconic sights. Head to Corcovado Mountain for Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) — book the tram online in advance to avoid queues (~£18 return). In the afternoon, take the cable car up Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) for sunset views over Guanabara Bay and Copacabana Beach. In the evening, head to a boteco (neighbourhood bar) for cold chopp (draft beer) and pastéis.

🚌Metro and local buses (~£3–5)

🛏Mango Tree Hostel or Casa Cool Beans, Santa Teresa (dorm £12–18, private £30–45/night)

• →Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) — tram up Corcovado (~£18, book at tremdocorcovado.rio)
• →Sugarloaf Mountain cable car (~£20, go at sunset for best views)
• →Copacabana or Ipanema beach walk (free)
• →Boteco evening — cold chopp and petiscos (~£5–8)

Spend the morning on Ipanema or Copacabana beach — bring your own snacks from the supermarket and buy coconut water from a beach vendor (~£1). In the afternoon, take a responsible guided favela tour of Rocinha or Santa Marta (book via Favela Experience or Be A Local, ~£20pp) — these community-run tours directly benefit local residents. Evening at a samba school rehearsal if timing allows.

🚌Metro, Uber and walking (~£5)

🛏Mango Tree Hostel or Casa Cool Beans, Santa Teresa (dorm £12–18, private £30–45/night)

• →Ipanema or Copacabana beach morning (free — just bring sunscreen)
• →Responsible favela tour of Rocinha or Santa Marta (~£20, book via Favela Experience or Be A Local)
• →Feira de São Cristóvão (forró music and northeastern food market) on weekends (free entry, food ~£3–5)
• →Optional: samba school rehearsal visit at Salgueiro or Mangueira (~£5–10, check schedules)

Explore Tijuca National Park — the world's largest urban rainforest — either on a self-guided hike to Pico da Tijuca or on a guided eco-tour (~£20). The park is full of monkeys, toucans and exotic flora. Alternatively, spend a lazy day beach-hopping between Barra da Tijuca and Prainha (wilder, less touristy beaches accessible by bus). Evening: splurge on a churrascaria (Brazilian BBQ) for the full rodízio experience.

🚌Local buses and Uber (~£5–8)

🛏Mango Tree Hostel or Casa Cool Beans, Santa Teresa (dorm £12–18, private £30–45/night)

• →Tijuca National Park hike — self-guided to Vista Chinesa or Cascatinha Taunay waterfall (free entry, trail maps available)
• →Optional: guided Tijuca eco-tour with wildlife spotting (~£20 via GetYourGuide)
• →Bus to Barra da Tijuca or Prainha beach (less crowded, ~£2 by bus)
• →Churrascaria rodízio dinner — all-you-can-eat Brazilian BBQ (~£15–20)

A free day to revisit favourites or explore new corners of Rio. Consider a visit to the Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow) on the revitalised Porto Maravilha waterfront (~£6), or walk across the Ponte Estaiada in Barra. Try açaí bowls for breakfast — a Rio staple. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a farewell meal in Ipanema or Santa Teresa.

🚌Tram, metro and walking (~£3)

🛏Mango Tree Hostel or Casa Cool Beans, Santa Teresa (dorm £12–18, private £30–45/night)

• →Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow) — stunning architecture and sustainability exhibits (~£6)
• →Porto Maravilha waterfront walk (free)
• →Santa Teresa tram ride — Rio's last remaining tram line (~£1)
• →Farewell dinner in Ipanema — try moqueca (Brazilian fish stew) at a local restaurant (~£10–15)

Use this day as a buffer for any missed activities, late departures or spontaneous adventures. Rio de Janeiro rewards slow travel — there's always another beach, neighbourhood or viewpoint to discover. Consider a day trip to Ilha Grande (2 hours by bus + ferry, ~£15 return) for crystalline waters and hiking trails through Atlantic rainforest.

🚌Bus, ferry and cycling (~£5–15)

🛏Mango Tree Hostel or Casa Cool Beans (dorm £12–18, private £30–45/night)

• →Optional day trip to Ilha Grande — ferry from Angra dos Reis (~£15 return total, ~3 hours)
• →Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas — cycle around the lagoon (bike hire ~£5/hour)
• →Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden) (~£3 entry)
• →Final shopping at Hippie Fair, Ipanema (free, Sundays only)

Final buffer day before departure. Use the time to repack, exchange leftover currency, pick up last souvenirs at Feira de Ipanema or catch any remaining sights. If flying home late, most hostels offer luggage storage. A final swim at Ipanema at sunset is a fitting farewell to South America.

🚌Uber to Galeão airport (~£15–25)

🛏Mango Tree Hostel or Casa Cool Beans (dorm £12–18, private £30–45/night)

• →Luggage storage at hostel (usually free for guests)
• →Final Ipanema sunset swim (free)
• →Last café stop in Santa Teresa for coffee and brigadeiros
• →Airport transfer — book Uber in advance (~£15–25 to Galeão GIG)

Additional travel buffer day built into the itinerary to allow for any missed connections, flight delays or spontaneous extra exploration. South America's internal transport can be unpredictable — having this extra day ensures you won't miss your international flight home.

🚌As needed (~£5)

🛏Mango Tree Hostel or similar (dorm £12–18, private £30–45/night)

• →Flexible day — use as needed for rest, exploration or onward travel
• →Visit Museu Nacional de Belas Artes (~£3) if not yet visited
• →Final churrascaria or street food lunch (~£5–10)

Your South American adventure ends in Rio de Janeiro. Check out of your accommodation and transfer to Galeão International Airport (GIG) or Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) depending on your onward flight. Allow at least 3 hours before international departure. Bom voo — safe travels!

🚌Uber or bus to Galeão Airport (~£15–25)

🛏N/A — departure day

• →Check out of hostel and collect stored luggage
• →Final coffee and pão de queijo (cheese bread) at airport (~£3)
• →International departure from Galeão (GIG)