Lima To Rio (87 Days) Kingdoms & Carnivals

Lima To Rio (87 Days) Kingdoms & Carnivals

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92 Days From

$5605

$5429

Lima To Rio (87 Days) Kingdoms & Carnivals

92 Days Starting in -12.046689,-77.043089 and ending in -22.906847,-43.172897

Visiting: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru

Tour operator:

Oasis Overland

Tour code:

497

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 10

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

12-85

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Cycling, Trekking

From: $5605 $5429 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$177

NB: Prices correct on 14-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

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Tour Overview

Embark on an 87-day adventure from Lima to Rio, exploring the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Peru. Camp under the stars in the Ica Desert, walk through the ancient streets of Cusco, and trek to the iconic Machu Picchu. Discover the colorful witches market in La Paz, tour Andean wineries, and marvel at the towering Perito Moreno Glacier. Experience the natural beauty of Torres del Paine National Park and the lush Pantanal wetlands. This journey offers a mix of camping and simple hostels, with the Oasis truck as your mobile base, ensuring an immersive and active travel experience.

Highlights

  • Camp in the desert under the stars in the Ica Desert near the Oasis of Huacachina

  • Walk through the streets of the ancient Inca capital, it is like visiting a living museum

  • Trek through the Sacred Valley of the Incas reaching the famous UNESCO World Heritage site Machu Picchu

  • Visit the colourful witches market in the highest capital city in the world - La Paz

  • Tour the local wineries by foot or bicycle in the wine growing region of the Andes

  • Take a boat ride up close to this almost 200ft high glacier, Perito Moreno Glacier

  • Enjoy the outstanding beauty of Torres del Paine National Park

Itinerary

DAY 1-7: LIMA TO COLCA CANYON
Departing Lima our next stop is the Ballestas Islands in the Paracas National Reserve. By boat, you have the opportunity to visit the rare and exotic sea birds and mammals that inhabit these islands. An hour's drive inland in the heart of the Ica Desert is the Oasis of Huacachina; if its an adrenaline rush you're after, you have the option to head out on a custom made dune buggy & roar across the desert sands to the top of enormous dunes & then sandboard down them - headfirst on a greased-up plank of wood! Then, after an unforgettable desert sunset, we sit around the campfire while our guides cook up a storm, followed by a night sleeping out under the stars. In the morning we make our way to one of the world's great archaeological mysteries The Nazca Lines. These huge figures and shapes, carved into the desert floor are best viewed from the air - South American travel is not complete until you have seen these unbelievable ancient mysteries.

Still heading south we visit Chauchilla Cemetery with its well-preserved mummies, on our way to Puerto Inca, at this ancient Inca harbour we camp at the beach and enjoy our last night at sea level before beginning our climb back into the towering Andes. The next two nights are spent in Arequipa at 2325m, giving us time to acclimatise, and enjoy this beautiful colonial city with its impressive El Misti Volcano in the background.

Arequipa is also the gateway to one of the deepest canyons in the world. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is an awesome sight. Here, if you get up early, Condors can be seen circling lazily on the thermals rising from the canyon floor.

DAY 8-14: COLCA CANYON TO CUSCO
Widely considered to be the most interesting city for South America travel, our next stop Cusco is surrounded by the Sacred Valley of the Incas and offers a wide range of activities to explore the region. We will base ourselves here for 6 days giving us enough time for the Inca Trail trip and to visit Machu Picchu, which is regarded by many to be the highlight of their South America tour. There are several treks which you can take to Machu Picchu. These are all available as Optional Add Ons which you can add to your booking. When permits are still available, we will organise the Classic Trail trek for those booking the trek option, 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). These alternatives mean that you still get to visit Machu Picchu. If you do not want to trek, then you can remain in Cusco for a couple more free days, and then we offer an option to visit Machu Picchu by train instead. This must also be booked and paid for in advance. Tours to Machu Picchu are absolutely unbelievable; a trip to this City in the Clouds is an ancient and awe-inspiring part of our South America travel tour. 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, Huayna Picchu. Tickets for this must be requested at the time of your booking with us, and payment made in advance in the UK.

DAY 15-19: CUSCO TO LA PAZ
Bordering Peru and Bolivia at 3800m lies Lake Titicaca, the 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 tourist and spend the night with one of the Indian families on the lesser-known islands Isla Amantani or Taquile. Spending some time during South America travel in these local communities will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the traditional lifestyle of the Andean people and their customs. From here it is a day drive to the capital of Bolivia - La Paz. This is a great place to visit a club, dedicated to Andean folk music, and perhaps buy some souvenirs in one of the authentic markets such as the witches market.

DAY 20-25: LA PAZ TO UYUNI
Leaving La Paz we enter real Bolivia, where the Aymara and Quechua Indians scrape a living from their small plots of land in the harsh climate and paved roads are virtually non-existent. A days drive brings us to Potosi. 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 in years gone by. The adventurous who have undertaken South American travel will appreciate the opportunity to go down one of these mines where mining techniques have remained unchanged for centuries. Visiting the ancient mint or having a tour around the Casa Nacional de Moneda (National Money House) also provides a good look into Potosi's and Bolivia's past. Leaving the bleak Altiplano we arrive at the shimmering white Salt Flats of Uyuni.

DAY 26-29: UYUNI TO SALTA
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 experience. Our descent through the Andean passes is spectacular as we cross into Argentina towards the colonial city of Salta where we have a couple of free days.

DAY 30-35: SALTA TO SANTIAGO
After Salta, we head south winding around lakes and weaving through baked cliffs until we reach Cafayate, the first wine region of Argentina. Famous for its white wines, you can explore some of the wineries on foot or by bicycle. Continuing south we join route 40, the longest route in Argentina, to Mendoza, the biggest wine region in Argentina. Here you can indulge in more wine and a good steak! From here we head for Chile as we cross the Andes past the Inca Bridge and San Martin's pass and into the modern capital, Santiago.

DAY 36: 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 37-42: SANTIAGO TO BARILOCHE
If you are travelling on a trip that travels through Patagonia from July to September, please be aware it will get very cold at times with temperatures well below zero, and you can expect snowfall. Please be prepared for cold conditions, with thermal clothing and the correct sleeping bag.

On our July to September trips in Patagonia, this section of the trip is subject to change en route. Please see our 'Winter in Patagonia' notes below for further details.

Leaving Santiago, we pass small villages and deep blue lakes with mountains towering above us as we wind through Chile's Lake District. Pucon, an outdoors centre in its own right, will be 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. Ascending the Andes via some spectacular mountain passes we arrive 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 great nightlife.

DAY 43-58: BARILOCHE TO USHUAIA
Heading further down through Argentina into the deep south on a good dirt road we enter 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. However, our long drive will soon be rewarded with the stupendous views that Los Glaciares National Park provides - it also has the largest glacier in the world and here we have the option to take a boat ride up close to Perito Moreno Glacier, almost 200 ft high. Torres del Paine NP is another area of outstanding beauty where huge granite cliffs dominate the landscape. A good way to explore the area is either hiking or by horseback. Here there is the option to complete the famous W-Trek (bookable as an Add on). Please note that spaces on this trek are subject to availability. For those who do not want to complete the W-Trek, there are options of shorter day hikes in the park that do not need to be booked ahead and you are free to do as you choose once there.

We continue south towards the wild and hauntingly beautiful land at the world's end, the island of Tierra del Fuego. We cross by ferry to the most southerly town in the world Ushuaia, from where you can view the green waters of the Beagle Channel and the snow-clad peaks beyond.

Winter in Patagonia - Please note that the trips which travel through this part of Patagonia between July and September will coincide with winter in Patagonia. This will allow us to see the Andes at their most impressive, driving past towering snow-capped peaks and experiencing this rugged wilderness at a time of year that not many other travellers get to see! We will hopefully have the chance to ski or snowboard in Bariloche and Ushuaia, ice-climb across glaciers in El Chalten, and hike in national parks at the most dramatic time of year. However, weather conditions can be unpredictable, and there is a chance that certain roads will not be passable, so we cannot guarantee following our planned itinerary to Tierra del Fuego; changes may have to be made with little or no notice. But if this is required we will make a new plan and find a different route that will be sure to offer its attractions and experiences, so come prepared for an adventure!

DAY 59-67: USHUAIA TO BUENOS AIRES
We now cross to the Atlantic coast of Patagonia and visit one of the marine sanctuaries. Penguins, Sea Lions, Elephant Seals, Sea Birds and sometimes Whales can be seen. Following the excellent paved roads north along the coast, we pass through some quite affluent towns. One, Puerto Madryn, was the landing place over a century ago for the first group of Welsh settlers that subsequently colonised and now farm the surrounding area. We traverse the vast Pampas grasslands, South America's cowboy country, where gun-toting gauchos on horseback look after vast herds of cattle.

Travel to Argentina is not complete without a visit to the country's capital, and so we follow the coast to Buenos Aires.

DAY 68-69: BUENOS AIRES
Renowned for its 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.
Note: From 2025 the route will be extended slightly to 97 days and will include time travelling through both Uruguay and Paraguay as part of the set itinerary.

DAY 70-75: BUENOS AIRES TO IGUAZU FALLS
We depart Buenos Aires and start making our way north towards Brazil. Continuing through Argentina, we visit the region between Argentina and Paraguay that is home to many Jesuit Missions built in the 16th century to convert the Guarany Indians. We visit the ruins of San Ignacio before crossing the border into Brazil, where we also cross from Spanish to Portuguese, and it is time to get our tongues around a new linguistic challenge! The Iguazu Falls 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 before we continue with travel to Brazil. 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 several optional activities such as rafting, helicopter flights and mountain bike riding.

Note: Starting from our November 2025 departure, the route for this section will be extended to include time visiting Uruguay and Paraguay. From Buenos Aires we will cross into Uruguay and travel through Colonia, Montevideo, Punta del Este and Salto before returning to Argentina briefly to visit the Esteros del Ibera wetland area. We will then cross into Paraguay and visit Trinidad and Asuncion before arriving at the Iguacu Falls.

DAY 76-81: IGUAZU FALLS TO PANTANAL
The next stop is 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. We begin our travel to Brazil in earnest as we journey on to the Pantanal region where we organise treks and horse rides out into the vast wetlands which are 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!

DAY 82-86: PANTANAL TO PARATI
We now 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 of 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 by taking a sailing trip in one of the traditional schooners.

DAY 87: PARATI TO RIO
Our final drive takes us to the hedonistic playground of Rio de Janeiro, where the folk are raring to party out of their minds and live purely for the moment. Your adventure finishes on arrival in Rio. The Carnival and New Year's Eve celebrations are always chaotic, crowded and fun and a must during any stint of travel to Brazil! We have Carnival and New Year packages available if you would like to join us for the celebrations.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided for approximately 50% camping and 50% simple hostels/hotels.

  • Boat Tour on Lake Titicaca

    A boat tour on Lake Titicaca is included.

  • Overnight Stay with Local Family on Lake Titicaca

    An overnight stay with a local family on Lake Titicaca is included.

  • Torres del Paine National Park

    The park entrance fee for Torres del Paine National Park is included.

  • Pantanal

    Accommodation, meals, and activities in the Pantanal are included.

  • Iguazu Falls

    Entrance to the Argentina side of Iguazu Falls is included.

  • Meals

    Approximately 50% of meals are included.

  • Transport

    All transport on the Oasis Expedition Truck is included.

  • Camping and Cooking Equipment

    Camping and cooking equipment are provided.

  • Services of Oasis Crew

    The services of the Oasis Crew are included.

What's Not Included

  • Visas

    Visas are not included.

  • Local Payment

    Local payment of USD 2800 for 2024 and USD 3200 for 2025, paid in cash at the start of the trip, is not included.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information are not included.

  • Inca Trail Trek, Machu Picchu and W-Trek Add-ons

    Inca Trail Trek, Machu Picchu, and W-Trek add-ons are not included.

  • Flights

    Flights are not included.

  • Airport Taxes and Transfers

    Airport taxes and transfers are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Meals

    Approximately 50% of meals are not included.

  • Drinks

    Drinks are not included.

  • Tips

    Tips are not included.

More Info

Take a trip like no other with our 12.5-week expedition that takes you all the way from Peru to Brazil. This no-frills journey is not for the faint hearted and will see you travelling over tough terrains, tackling back to basics camping and cooking in extreme conditions. Along the way you will discover the true South America, taking in the striking landscapes and meeting people who you would not otherwise encounter. As the trip comes to an end relax and unwind afterwards by joining in with a New Year's Eve or Rio Carnival celebration, after all, you have earnt it!

Mode of Transport

The Oasis truck will be your new home giving you a comfortable, secure base with which to experience your trip. As part of the adventure you will be expected to have an active involvement in the day to day running of the trip, be part of the group and get stuck in and help with various tasks, whether it's cooking meals over open fires, pitching your tent or keeping the truck clean & tidy. Seatbelts All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seat belts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving.

Accommodation

Camping - Oasis provides tents for those nights you will be camping. Tents are shared (between two people of the same sex from your group unless you are a couple). We spend some nights bush or desert camping, and on some occasions it is necessary to camp at overnight services, which are basic but equipped with showers and other facilities; the rest of the time in campsites. Facilities and standards at campsites vary, some are well equipped and managed and some are very basic. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities! At certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed. Simple Hotels/Hostels - At some locations we will stay at small locally owned hostels/hotels. These are usually basic places, and often the accommodation will be mixed sex dormitory style. Upgrades may be available on arrival, but cannot be reliably pre- booked. Please be aware that the quality of accommodation can vary quite a lot from area to area and sometimes in a small hotel the standard of rooms can vary even from one room to the next - so there needs to be a level of understanding within the group that your Oasis Crew does not often have power over room allocation or services provided by various hotels and it is unavoidable that they have to rely on the local staff. Please note if you choose to participate on an overnight optional activity, then you will not receive reimbursement for any accommodation or meals that you are missing out on with the rest of the group.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of involvement is expected from participants during the trip?

    Participants are expected to have an active involvement in the day-to-day running of the trip. This includes tasks such as cooking meals over open fires, pitching tents, and keeping the truck clean and tidy.

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    Accommodation is approximately 50% camping and 50% simple hostels/hotels. Tents are provided for camping, and they are shared between two people of the same sex unless you are a couple. Some nights are spent bush or desert camping, while others are at campsites with varying facilities. In some locations, upgrades to private rooms may be available at your own expense.

  • What should I expect in terms of facilities at campsites?

    Facilities and standards at campsites vary. Some are well-equipped and managed, while others are very basic. At bush camps, you will be living off the truck with no showers or en-suite facilities. Some campsites offer the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense.

  • Are there any special considerations for the winter months in Patagonia?

    Yes, if you are traveling through Patagonia from July to September, be prepared for very cold conditions with temperatures well below zero and possible snowfall. The itinerary may change due to unpredictable weather conditions, and certain roads may not be passable. However, alternative routes and activities will be planned to ensure a fulfilling experience.

  • What kind of activities can I expect during the tour?

    The tour includes a variety of activities such as visiting the Ballestas Islands, sandboarding in the Ica Desert, exploring the Nazca Lines, trekking to Machu Picchu, visiting Lake Titicaca, exploring the Salt Flats of Uyuni, wine tasting in Argentina, and hiking in Torres del Paine National Park. Optional activities like the Inca Trail Trek, W-Trek, and various excursions are also available.

  • What is the policy on seatbelt usage in the Oasis Overland trucks?

    All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seat belts. For your own safety and security, it is recommended that travelers wear seat belts at all times while the vehicle is moving.

  • What happens if I participate in an overnight optional activity?

    If you choose to participate in an overnight optional activity, you will not receive reimbursement for any accommodation or meals that you miss out on with the rest of the group.

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?

    You can expect to see a variety of wildlife including rare and exotic sea birds and mammals at the Ballestas Islands, condors at Colca Canyon, and various species in the Pantanal region such as monkeys, alligators, anacondas, and over 600 species of birds.

  • Are there any language considerations during the tour?

    Yes, the tour travels through countries where the primary languages are Spanish and Portuguese. You will need to get accustomed to these languages, especially when crossing from Argentina to Brazil.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.

  • How many people do you take on your Trips?

    On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Giles  

LIMA TO RIO (87 DAYS) KINGDOMS & CARNIVALS

Jan 2020

Life changing, exhilarating, wonderful, at times tough and challenging.

1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Tuesday

Dec 03, 2024 - Mar 04, 2025
$5605 $5429

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$177

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Nov 09, 2025 - Feb 08, 2026
$6258 $6061

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$197

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