18 to 35s Real Bolivia to Brazil

Bienvenidos! Welcome to La Paz. The highest capital city in the world, this Bolivian hub rests on the Andes’ Altiplano plateau, 3500 m above sea level. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, why not head out to find the perfect dinner spot (your leader will have lots of recommendations) or explore the nightlife with your fellow travellers.

Today, you’ll head out on a brief guided walk with your leader. La Paz is a city renowned for its markets, especially the Mercado de Hechiceria (the Witches' Market), which sells potions, incantations, stones and artefacts. Ask a local about their significance – most people are happy to explain. Then, you’ll have some free time to explore. Maybe visit the Coca Museum, which isn’t too far from your hotel in the Rosario district. Late this afternoon, leave La Paz on an overnight bus to Uyuni. There are comfortable recliner seats on the bus, but it can be cold on board, so it’s important to bring warm clothing and wear base layers. There’s usually a toilet on the bus, and the driver will make a couple of stops along the way.

This morning you’ll arrive in Uyuni Town. This remote town sits on the edge of the high Altiplano – a wilderness area extending for hundreds of kilometres towards the border with Argentina and Chile. Over the next three days, you’ll explore Bolivia’s highlights and fascinating landscapes in a 4WD – an experience of a lifetime! The first stop will be an eerie Train Cemetery (a super unique photo spot), then, you’ll continue to Salar de Uyuni – the world’s largest salt flats. This is one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world and definitely a trip highlight, so make sure you take some amazing photos, explore on foot and take it all in. Make the most of your time on the salt flats before exploring Inka Wasi Isla – a rocky island covered in cacti and coral-like structures.

Today will be spent driving through the spectacular landscape of the Andean (Atacama) Desert, surrounded by volcanoes and lakes. Stop by the red lake of Laguna Colorada, where you’ll be able to spot wildlife like llamas, flamingos, viscachas and foxes feasting in the nutrient-rich waters. Tonight you’ll spend a night in the desert.

This morning, rise and shine early to embrace the cold and stop by the desert’s natural thermal baths for an optional soak. Then head to the Bolivia and Chile border, where the Bolivian part of your trip comes to an end. Pass by geysers, salt flats and snow-capped volcanoes on your way to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. As a small oasis town, San Pedro is surrounded by extraordinary scenery. Arriving around 3 pm, your night is free to find a delicious local dinner with your group.

Over the next two days, get under the skin of San Pedro. The local cafe and restaurant scene has grown considerably over the last couple of years, with a mix of Chilean, French and Italian influences, so you’ll definitely find a great spot for lunch and dinner. Take a self-guided walk around the old square and people-watch with a cup of coffee or consider joining an astronomy tour tonight once the stars come out and bring out your inner stargazer – just chat to your leader for details.

Today will be a long day of travel as you leave Chile and head for Salta, Argentina. Salta's rich history, architecture, friendly locals and natural surroundings make it one of Argentina's main attractions. Grab a window seat or a good book and watch the scenery pass you by. Tonight, you’re free to rest or head out for a late dinner when you arrive.

This morning, head to San Telmo market with your leader and sample some empanadas (a must-try in Buenos Aires) and some local ice cream (Argentina’s famous dulce de leche). The rest of the day is free to explore the city. Join the tourists and walk among the tombs at the La Recoleta Cemetery – the final resting place of Eva Peron. There are also some great museums to check out in the Recoleta district. Visit the neighbourhood of La Boca, home to the colourful Caminito artists’ street and world-renowned soccer team, the Boca Juniors. If you need to rest your feet, settle down at one of the many streetside cafes to watch the world go by with the locals. Tonight, why not head out to a couple of bars with your group for some classic Argentinian nightlife?

You’ll have a free morning, then you’ll meet the new travellers joining you for the last leg of your adventure at a 1 pm group meeting. Head out for an orientation walk around Buenos Aires’ Microcentrodistrict with your group to get your bearings around your accommodation and see a couple of sights along the way, like the historic buildings along the Avenida de Mayo, the Casa Rosada (Argentina's government house) and the famed Obelisk. For dinner, why not try some famed Argentinian BBQ? Your leader will be happy to provide restaurant recommendations.

Today you’ll cross the Rio de la Plata (River Plate) to Colonia del Sacramento by ferry. Enjoy free time to explore this charming city, known as the oldest in Uruguay. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Barrio Historico (Old Quarter) is a great place to start. Stroll down the cobblestone streets and rub shoulders with locals as they sip their yerba mate (tea). Listen to the noisy parakeets in the Plaza Mayor or comb Colonia’s small museums. For great views over the city, climb to the top of a 19th-century lighthouse that’s still in operation. In the afternoon, hop on a bus to Montevideo, then the evening is free for you to explore Uruguay’s capital city.

Enjoy a free day to wander through Montevideo. Your leader will be on hand to provide suggestions for how to spend your day, or feel free to set out on your own adventure. You might go for a wander along the Rambla and soak in the fresh coastal air or brush up on your Uruguayan history at the Museo del Gaucho. For food, it’ll be tough to top the offerings of Mercado del Puerto. If a day at the beach is more your thing, the soft sand of Playa de Los Pocitos will be for you.

Make sure you have your favourite podcasts or playlists queued for your travel day today. Leaving Montevideo behind, you’ll travel to your estancia (ranch) stay, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. When you arrive, settle into your room, then get to know your hosts over a group dinner and rest up for a day on the farm tomorrow.

Spend a day experiencing life on a Uruguayan farm! With a slow morning, you’re welcome to relax and explore your surroundings at your leisure. As a farm, the accommodation isn’t fancy, but the incredible surroundings and hospitality are something special. Enjoy home-cooked meals and the chance to ride horses in true gaucho (cowboy) style.

Spend a final morning taking in the gorgeous views across the estancia. Have your last home-cooked meal together and say goodbye to your hosts, sharing the memories of your stay over lunch. This afternoon, you'll depart for a long travel day, so make sure you have some road trip games ready for the drive, or simply watch the scenery pass by from the window seat as you reapproach Argentina. Tonight, you’ll transfer to an overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu, so maybe take the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers a little better on the drive.

Arrive at Puerto Iguazu bus station late this morning, then take a minivan across the border into Brazil. Your destination is Iguazu National Park, home of the majestic Foz do Iguacu (Iguazu Falls). This UNESCO World Heritage site makes up the largest waterfall system in the world, with the Iguazu River also forming the border between Argentina and Brazil. Head out to explore the Brazilian side of the falls, where you’ll have panoramic views and the chance to get a great pic.

Return to Argentina today to see Iguazu Falls from a different angle. Following a series of boardwalks, it’s possible to get so close to the thundering waters that you can almost touch them. At over 2 km long, Iguazu Falls are made up of over 270 separate cascades, with some reaching up to 80 m in height. For a more exhilarating experience, take an optional Zodiac boat ride to the base of the falls! In the afternoon, return to your accommodation in Foz do Iguacu in Brazil.

Take an included flight to Sao Paulo, then board a transfer to Paraty. After arriving, take the rest of the day to explore your new surroundings. Maybe spend tonight at one of the many restaurants near the historic centre or relax and catch the sunset near the water – it’s up to you! Your leader will be able to provide the best recommendations if you need some ideas.

Today is a free day in Paraty. Maybe go on a walking tour to learn about cachaca (Brazil’s national spirit made from sugarcane juice) with tastings of this aromatic drink along the way. Or you could keep exploring the streets of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town – a pedestrian-only area where you can see the 18th-century Santa Rita Church, learn about Paraty’s history and culture at the Casa da Cultura or see religious art at the Museu de Arte Sacra. Tonight, why not gather your group to try some local specialties for dinner – Paraty is known for its gastronomy. Moqueca (seafood stew cooked in a clay pot) is a must-try and the Jorge Amado is Paraty’s signature cocktail, made of passionfruit, lime and cachaca.

Spend the morning relaxing in Paraty or maybe head out on a hike on the Old Gold Road to take in some incredible views of the region's natural surroundings. Then, head to Angra for your ferry to the island getaway of Ilha Grande – full of beautiful beaches and lush rainforest. Once a pirate's lair and a prison for violent criminals, this island has plenty of history to uncover during your stay – the ruins of the prison can still be seen today! When you arrive, take the short walk from the port to your hotel and settle in.

Rise and shine for a free day in Ilha Grande today. Maybe wander along rainforest trails to some remote beaches – Lopes Mendes and Aventureiro Beach are two of the best. You could book yourself in for an optional boat trip out to the Blue Lagoon, beach-hopping through Ilha Grande Bay. There are plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel in the clear water, then you can feast on fresh seafood when you’ve worked up an appetite. Or, maybe just plonk yourself on the beach with a good book and laze the day away. Tonight, why not meet up with some of your travel pals and relax with a caipirinha at a restaurant or bar in Vila do Abraao – the island’s main town.

Bid farewell to Ilha Grande as you board a boat to the small port of Mangaratiba, before travelling to Rio de Janeiro. Home to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Rio has lots of daytrip opportunities to take advantage of, if you decide to extend your stay. Settle into your accommodation, then head out with your leader for an orientation walk through the city. You’ll take the metro to Cinelandia, where you’ll see iconic landmarks like the Municipal Theatre and National Library. Next, make your way to the Selaron Steps. Covered in colourful mosaics and designed by Chilean artist Jorge Selaron, this is one of Rio’s most photographed spots. Continue to Pedra do Arpoador, a rocky peninsula that separates Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. From here, you can get an excellent view of the sunset over the Atlantic. Return to your hotel in the evening, then maybe get together with your new friends for a final night of food, drinks and some samba – speak to your local leader who’ll have some great recommendations for what to do tonight.

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end. But that doesn’t mean your adventures have to stop here! If you would like to continue soaking up the sun in Rio, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. If you do decide to stay, you could explore Tijuca National Park and its lush rainforest, visit the botanical gardens for a relaxing walk or take in sweeping views over Rio from the foot of the Christ the Redeemer statue.