Guide

Services of Oasis Crew

Meals

Meals - approx. 40%

Others

Iguazu Falls - entrance to Argentina side Pantanal - includes accommodation, meals & activities Torres del Paine National Park - park entrance fee included Boat tour on Lake Titicaca Overnight stay with local family on Lake Titicaca Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu - 4 days trek including all meals & guide Entrance to Machu Picchu - including guide Chan Chan Ruins - entrance & guided tour 3 night Jungle Trip - includes accommodation and meals (activities are optional extra) Tayrona National Park - includes entrance & hammock accommodation El Totumo Mud Volcano Coffee plantation tour - Salento Playa Blanca boat trip - Cartagena City tour - Cartagena Camping and Cooking equipment

Transport

All transport on Oasis Expedition Truck

Accommodation

Accommodation - approx. 50% camping & 50% simple hostels/hotels

Not included:

Others

Visas Airport Taxes & Transfers Meals - approx. 60% Drinks Tips Local Payment of USD2990 (2023) or USD 3050 (2024) payable at the start of the trip

Flights

Flights are not included

Optional

Optional Excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

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Day 1 Day 1-6: Rio To Parati
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1-6: Rio To Parati

Rio de Janeiro, famous for it's Carnival and ability to party at any time is our starting point. Christ the Redeemer, landmark on the top of Corcovado Mountain has been named one of the 'Seven New Wonders of the World.' Nicknamed 'Cidade Maravilhosa', or the 'marvellous city' it lives up to it's name on many levels. With over 50 kms of white and golden sand beaches and South America's largest urban forest and legalised 'street art' there is a lot to see. From Rio we head to the coastal village of Parati. This unspoilt and picturesque town has remained fundamentally unaltered for three centuries. Cars have been banned from its cobbled streets that run down to the seashore, instead mountain bikes are used and are a good way to get around. Another great way to explore the secluded islands of this pristine coastline is taking a sailing trip in one of the traditional schooners.
Day 2 Day 7-12: Parati To Bonito
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7-12: Parati To Bonito

Our next stop is the Pantanal region where we organise treks and horse rides out into the vast wetlands which is home to over 600 species of birds and 350 kinds of fish, piranha being common, as well as an abundance of reptiles and animals. Try your hand at Piranha fishing too!. From here we travel to Bonito where we can swim and snorkel in some of the clearest rivers and lakes in the world. Spectacular walks in the mountainous forests may reveal wildlife that includes monkeys, alligators and anaconda.
Day 3 Day 13-18: Bonito To Buenos Aires
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13-18: Bonito To Buenos Aires

We travel to the incredible Iguazu Falls which form the natural border between Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. Higher than Niagara and wider than Victoria Falls, they are an awe-inspiring place to spend the next three days. The lush tropical forest surrounding the falls has many walking trails leading to smaller hidden falls, ideal to refresh from the steaming heat and abounding with parrots, toucans, woodpeckers and colourful plants. Here you can also undertake a number of optional activities such as whitewater rafting, helicopter flights and mountain bike riding. After crossing the border into Argentina, where we also cross from Portuguese to Spanish - and a new linguistic challenge we visit the ruins of San Ignacio - a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the most well preserved Jesuit missions in South America, dating from about 1611. Continuing on to Buenos Aires the region is home to many Jesuit Missions built in the 16th century to convert the Guarany Indians. Travel to Argentina is not complete without a visit to the country's capital, Buenos Aires.
Day 4 Day 19-20: Buenos Aires
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19-20: Buenos Aires

Renowned for it's steaks, fine wines, tango dancing, ice cream and great nightlife! A few days in this smart cosmopolitan city and you could be forgiven for thinking you were back in Europe. From here you will also have the opportunity to travel across the Rio Plata by ferry to Montevideo & Colonia de Sacramento to visit Uruguay.
Day 5 Day 21-30: Buenos Aires To Ushuaia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21-30: Buenos Aires To Ushuaia

After our time in Buenos Aires we traverse the vast Pampas grasslands, South America's cowboy country, where gun-toting gauchos on horseback look after vast herds of cattle. Following the Atlantic coast of Patagonia, we stop in Puerto Madryn which was the landing place over a century ago for the first group of Welsh settlers that subsequently colonised and now farm the surrounding area. You have the option to visit Valdez Peninsula one of the marine sanctuaries in this region where we might see Penguins, Sea Lions, Sea Elephants, Sea Birds and maybe even Whales. We continue south towards the wild and hauntingly beautiful land at worlds end, the island of Tierra del Fuego. We cross by ferry and visit the most southerly town in the world Ushuaia, from where we can view the green waters of the Beagle Channel and the surrounding snow clad peaks.
Day 6 Day 31-45: Ushuaia To Patagonia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 31-45: Ushuaia To Patagonia

Continuing our journey in Patagonia, we have options to explore the area by hiking or horseback. There is also an option to complete the famous W-Trek. Please note that spaces on this trek are subject to availability and this must be booked in advance. This can be added to your booking, at additional cost. For those who do not want to complete the W-Trek there are options of shorter day hikes in the park which do not need to be booked ahead and you are free to do as you choose once there. We visit Torres del Paine NP, another area of outstanding beauty where huge granite cliffs dominate the landscape. From here we travel to Los Glaciares NP, home to the largest glacier in the world. Here we have the option to take a boat ride up close to Perito Moreno Glacier, almost 200 ft high. Heading northwards, on a good dirt road we continue our journey in the vast wilderness of Patagonia. The perpetual wind makes it difficult for trees and plants to grow, so for a while we are faced with endless grassland.
Day 7 Day 46-51: Patagonia To Santiago
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 46-51: Patagonia To Santiago

Arriving in Bariloche, Argentina, this very popular holiday destination for Argentinians is the top ski resort on the continent and also has several hiking trails and a great nightlife. From here we travel to Pucon, Chile, an outdoors centre in its own right, and our base for the next few days from where it is possible to organise whitewater rafting, water sports, horse riding and one day hikes up nearby Villarrica Volcano. Travelling through small villages, alongside deep blue lakes with mountains towering above us as we wind through Chile's Lake District until we reach the country's capital Santiago.
Day 8 Day 52: Santiago
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 52: Santiago

We have a free day to explore Santiago, with famous Chilean Steak houses, Casillero del Diablo winery, Skiing available in the winter, you will find it easy to pass the days away.
Day 9 Day 53-56: Santiago To Salta
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 53-56: Santiago To Salta

Leaving Chile's capital, Santiago, we begin our Argentina overland travel towards the Andes - past the Inca Bridge and San Martin's pass. Continuing north, we join Route 40, the longest route in Argentina, to Mendoza. This is the biggest wine region in Argentina, and an overland stop of note, where you can indulge in wine and good steak! We then continue north winding around lakes and weaving through baked cliffs until we reach Cafayate, another renowned wine region of Argentina. You can explore some of the wineries on foot or by bicycle. Our Argentinean overland journey then takes us to the attractive colonial city of Salta where we have a couple of days to go horse riding, mountain biking or mountain trekking, or just enjoy this relaxed city.
Day 10 Day 57-62: Salta To Uyuni
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 57-62: Salta To Uyuni

Heading overland from Argentina, we venture into Bolivia where you will notice the difference as paved roads become non-existent and locals still follow tradition, wearing bright woollen clothes and bowler hats. Quite a contrast is the shimmering white Uyuni Salt Lake. It is possible to venture out into the salt lakes for a 1 day excursion. With no roads and only vague tracks to follow it makes for an unforgettable overland experience.
Day 11 Day 63-68: Uyuni To La Paz
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 63-68: Uyuni To La Paz

Continuing north we arrive in Potosi which at over 4000m, it is the highest city of its size in the world and 400 years ago it was the largest city in all the Americas. Vast amounts of silver were extracted from Potosi and shipped to Spain. There are tours to the mines and it is still clear to see that, unfortunately, working conditions here have hardly improved over the centuries. The adventurous among us will appreciate the opportunity to go down one of these mines with a local guide. The less adventurous can visit the ancient mint or take a tour around the Casa Nacional de Moneda (National Money House) which will provide a good look into Potosi's and Bolivia's past. The history and past colonial splendour make Potosi a fascinating place to visit on an overland trip to the Andes & Amazon. A tortuous drive across the Altiplano, where Aymara and Quechua Indians scrape a sparse living from their small plots of land in this harsh climate, brings us to La Paz. It's the highest capital city in the world and is built on a steep slope that falls away from the Altiplano. La Paz is a great place to visit on an overland trip to the Amazon, be sure to stop in at a 'pena' club, where live bands entertain us with Andean folk music.
Day 12 Day 69-71: La Paz To Lake Titicaca
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 69-71: La Paz To Lake Titicaca

Leaving La Paz we head to a Peru tour highlight - Puno. Nestling on the shores of Lake Titicaca it is a friendly, well-kept place and much calmer than the hustle and bustle of La Paz. A must visit attraction on any Peru tour, Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake at 3800m, it is also the original home of the Uros Indians who have made their dwellings on floating reed islands. By boat we visit the floating islands during the day and then we go that one step beyond the average and spend the night with one of the Indian families on the lesser known islands Isla Amantani or Taquile. Spending some time in these local communities on a Peru tour will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the traditional lifestyle of the Andean people and their customs.
Day 13 Day 72-78: Lake Titicaca To Cusco
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 72-78: Lake Titicaca To Cusco

Continuing on our Peru tour, from Lake Titicaca we drive on very good sealed roads through some spectacular scenery as we make our way to Cusco, the outdoors capital of Peru and our base for the next 6 days. This gives us enough time to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, enjoy the architectural uniqueness of Cusco and explore some of the colourful surrounding markets. There are several treks which you can take in Machu Picchu. When permits are still available, we will organise the Classic Trail trek, but great alternative Inca Trail treks, like the Lares or Salkantay can be arranged when the Classic is not available or by your choice (must be pre-arranged at time of booking). Tours to Machu Picchu are absolutely unbelievable; a trip to this City in the Clouds is an ancient and awe-inspiring part of South America travel. Besides seeing Machu Picchu, you are able to enjoy the architectural uniqueness of Cusco and explore some of the colourful surrounding markets. Please note that for all those visiting Machu Picchu there is now the option to buy a ticket to go up the summit next to Machu Picchu, Huanapicchu. Tickets for this must be requested at the time of your booking with us, and payment made in advance in the UK. You will have the option to add the tickets to go up Huanapicchu when you make your booking online, be sure to add them if you would like them.
Day 14 Day 79-83: Cusco To Colca Canyon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 79-83: Cusco To Colca Canyon

From here, we continue west on our Peru tour, passing herds of llama, alpacas and unspoilt Andean villages as we head towards the world's deepest canyon. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is an awesome spectacle. Here you have the option, accompanied by a local guide, of a one day excursion to view Condors circling lazily on the thermals rising from the canyon floor. On your trip into the canyon you can overnight in the town of Chivay. Because it was isolated for so many years, customs and dress have changed relatively little, which gives a rare glimpse of what life in the Andes would have been like during colonial times. From here we begin dropping down out of the Andes as we head to Arequipa, a beautiful colonial city set at the foot of the impressive El Misti Volcano.
Day 15 Day 84-87: Colca Canyon To Lima
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 84-87: Colca Canyon To Lima

We then camp on our way to one of the world's great archaeological mysteries and a Peru tour highlight - The Nazca Line. These huge figures and shapes, carved into the stony desert are best viewed from the air, we also visit Chauchilla Cemetery with its well-preserved mummies. We stop in the Oasis town of Huacachina, where there is the option for the adreneline rush of a dung-buggy ride across the enormous sand dunes, and you can also try your hand at sandboarding down them, before a barbecue and night out under the stars in the desert. Following the Coastal Highway, the Ballestas Islands in the Paracas National Reserve is our next stop. Here you can take a boat trip to view one of the most important marine reserves in the world with one of the highest concentrations of rare and exotic sea birds and sea mammals. Further up the coast is Peru's capital city, Lima. On this stop on your overland trip to the Amazon you will encounter both abundant wealth and grinding poverty, modern skyscrapers next to some of the finest museums and historical monuments in Latin America.
Day 16 Day 88-92: Lima To Punta Sal
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 88-92: Lima To Punta Sal

Continuing north along the coast towards Huanchaco we reach the Chan Chan ruins & the Temple of Sun and Moon, the imperial citadel of the pre-Inca Chimu Kings which the Incas later conquered - claimed to be the largest mud brick city in the world. Nearing the border with Ecuador we have a couple of relaxing days chilling by the beach at Punta Sal or Mancora before our tour of Peru comes to an end.
Day 17 Day 93-98: Punta Sal To Banos
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 93-98: Punta Sal To Banos

You will see an almost immediate change from the dry, barren desert of Peru through sub-tropical forest to the fertile farming country of highland Ecuador. We will visit Cuenca on our way to the outdoors mecca of Banos, a spa town nestled at the foot of a volcano, where Ecuadorians go to relax in the thermal baths. On this stop of our overland Amazon trip you can hike, mountain bike or horse-ride to one of the surrounding waterfalls including El Pailon del Diablo. For the more adventurous there is the option to go canyoning down one of the many rivers in the area.
Day 18 Day 99-105: Banos To Quito
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 99-105: Banos To Quito

On the final leg of our overland trip, we descend to the lowlands and the steamy edge of the Amazon basin to the town of Tena, gateway to the Amazon jungle. Here, accompanied by experienced guides, we explore on foot and by motorised canoes this exotic environment for two days. There may also be the chance to go whitewater rafting on the rapids of the Rio Napo (time permitting). Returning to higher altitudes and mountain scenery, we visit the town of Otavalo, famous for its colourful crafts market. Finally we cross the Equator, just 25km's south of Quito and discover how Ecuador got its name, before ending our journey in the capital of Ecuador, Quito.
Day 19 Day 106-110: Quito To Parque Purace
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 106-110: Quito To Parque Purace

Leaving the richly historical capital city of Ecuador, Quito we cross the Equator and head towards Colombia. Depending on the time we may cross the border and camp at either Ipiales or Pasto and see the Santuario De Las Lajas – a neo gothic church built on a stone bridge spanning a gorge. We head to the beautiful colonial city of Popayan which is nicknamed the White City, where we shall make a small stop to admire the chalk white facades and take the opportunity to stock up on supplies before continuing our journey north.
Day 20 Day 111-113: Parque Purace To Bogota
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 111-113: Parque Purace To Bogota

We arrive on unpaved roads to Parque Purace as this is the only place in Colombia to see Condors. Whilst in the area there are good walking trails and the more adventurous can scale Volcan Purace at 4750 meters however there are less strenuous hikes to the sulphur mine and Termales De San Juan – a spectacular hot spring with mud slides!. Embarking on a gruelling drive on the famous Pan American Highway we continue our journey towards the Tatacoa Desert. This arid area of striking eroded cliffs are surrounded by peaks rising to over 5000 meters resulting in a unique ecosystem and due to the dry and clear conditions it presents an excellent opportunity for some star gazing and we will try to camp here to maximise this.
Day 21 Day 114-122: Bogota To Tayrona National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 114-122: Bogota To Tayrona National Park

Bogota is our next stop and we have a couple of nights here to see the different sides of this once notorious city. Having has the accreditation in the 1980's and 90's as being one of the most dangerous cities in the world things in Bogota have really turned around for the better! The city is cradled by Andean Peaks and great views can be seen from a trek up the Cerro De Monserrate. Visit the cobbled historic district of La Candelaria as well as taking in a few cafes and picturesque buildings whist sampling the age-old tradition of adding cheese to your hot chocolate!. Leaving Bogota, we head to Parque Los Nevados with more peaks topping 5000 meters and weirdly tall palm trees this is a great place to spend the day trekking and then check out the towns funky bars in the evening. Continuing north we head into the mountains around Salento with its cool climate this is the heart of coffee growing country where we have the opportunity to visit one of the coffee farms. After Salento there is an opportunity to visit Santa Fe De Antioquia by local bus to visit this sleepy colonial town and its several art galleries, museums and colonial architecture. As we arrive into the famous and lively town of Medellin, this is a great spot to get some tango or salsa lessons before trying out your moves at one of the local bars or clubs.
Day 22 Day 123-127: Tayrona National Park To Cartagena
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 123-127: Tayrona National Park To Cartagena

We head off in the truck to Tayrona National park where we spend 2 days exploring the trails and to beaches set in deep bays shaded by coconut palms, Here we have the option to snorkel and possibly scuba dive in some of the bays widely regarded as some of South Americas loveliest coastline. Lack of roads means we will likely hike in with our gear to our overnight spots where we sleep in hammocks!. On leaving we set off for Taganga where we spend the night in this chilled out Caribbean town with a strong alternative feel. We take a quick dip in the Volcan De Lodo el Totumo before heading towards Cartagena. An undoubted highlight of any trip to Colombia is Cartagena with its colonial past and UNESCO World Heritage status. The old city is an ideal place to just wander the maze of cobbled streets and alleys amongst churches, monasteries, plazas and bougainvillea draped balconies. La Murallas, the thick walls built around the old city to protect it from pirates are wonderfully preserved and make for an interesting walk before stopping off in one of the hidden patio cafes. We spend 2 nights here to get a flavour of the city and also the trendy area of Bocagrande. We also include a boat trip at Playa Blanca with its turquoise waters and golden sand, it is one of Cartagenas most famous beaches.

+19

22 days tour

Rio To Cartagena (18 Weeks) Kingdoms & Carnivals

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Itinerary of your trip Rio To Cartagena (18 Weeks) Kingdoms & Carnivals

Day 1-6: Rio To Parati

Day 7-12: Parati To Bonito

Day 13-18: Bonito To Buenos Aires

Day 19-20: Buenos Aires

Day 21-30: Buenos Aires To Ushuaia

Day 31-45: Ushuaia To Patagonia

Day 46-51: Patagonia To Santiago

Day 52: Santiago

Day 53-56: Santiago To Salta

Day 57-62: Salta To Uyuni

Day 63-68: Uyuni To La Paz

Day 69-71: La Paz To Lake Titicaca

Day 72-78: Lake Titicaca To Cusco

Day 79-83: Cusco To Colca Canyon

Day 84-87: Colca Canyon To Lima

Day 88-92: Lima To Punta Sal

Day 93-98: Punta Sal To Banos

Day 99-105: Banos To Quito

Day 106-110: Quito To Parque Purace

Day 111-113: Parque Purace To Bogota

Day 114-122: Bogota To Tayrona National Park

Day 123-127: Tayrona National Park To Cartagena

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