Arrival in Rio de Janeiro Interational Airport. Private transfer to your hostel or hotel. Check in at selected accommodation. Rest of day, free
Breakfast. At 8 am, Big Dude Rio de Janeiro Full Day Tour. All of Rio de Janeiro best sights in just one packed day.
Details:
From 8:00 am to 8:30 am: Hotel pick-up by mini-bus
11:00 am Stop at São Conrado to watch the hang gliders land on the beach.
11:30 am Stop at Tijuca Forest for a walk around the park to experience a real rainforest.
12:15 pm Drive through the Tijuca Forest towards Christ the Redeemer.
12:40 pm Stop at Christ Statue for a visit to the top (ticket included).
14:15 pm Drive to Santa Teresa for a lunch break (not included), followed by a walk around the neighborhood
15:30 pm Drive to Lapa for a visit to the colorful steps “Escadaria Selaron”, made famous by Snoop Dog in his music video “Beautiful”.
16:30 Drive back to hotel with the option of a drop-off at Sugarloaf
Big Dude Rio de Janiero Full Day Tour
Breakfast. Free day to enjoy Rio, the beaches or to take a day tour to Buzios or Angra dos Reis
Check out, go to the bus station to take the bus to Sao Paulo. Arrival and find your own way to your accommodation. Free day
Free day to explore the secrets of the most powerfull city in Brazil and the most populated in the American continent.
Breakfast and Check out. Find your own way to Tiete Bus Station to take the overnight bus to Foz do Iguazu. (17 hours ride)
Arrival in Foz do Iguazu. Please walk to Luz Hotel in front of the bus terminal and pick up for the transfer to hostel or hotel and check in. Free Day to relax or wander the streets of the village.
Breakfast. At about 7.45 hs, to be reconfirmed by local guides: Excursion to the Falls, Argentine side (Full Day):
Pick up at accommodation. This Tour will take you to visit part of the Iguazú National Park, that preserves 67.000 ha. of giant trees, vines and ferns living with multicolored butterflies, birds and mammals, all part of the rich local flora and fauna.
The park was declared Natural World Heritage in 1984, due to its scenic beauties and the great biological diversity of the subtropical jungle. The famous falls are in the heart of this Park.
You will start the visit at the Local Museum and continue the tour along the Lower Trail, from where you can see the "Two sisters Falls", the "Bossetti Fall", the "Hidden Fall", a panoramic view of "San Martin island" and the "Union Fall".
Later you will walk the Upper Trail shifting along walkways located above major falls up to the majestic "San Martin Fall” from where you have a panoramic view of the Brazilian falls.
Finally, you go with the Train of the Jungle up to "Devil's Throat" station. From there, after a 1,000 meters walk along the catwalks, you will reach the spectacular "Devil's Throat", where the Iguazu river expresses itself with all its strength and the falling water gives the illusion of magic rainbows. You will be transferred back to accommodation
*Entrance fee to national park not included and to be paid in the park
Breakfast. At about 7.45 hs, to be reconfirmed by local guides: Excursion to the Falls Brazilian Side, half day:
Pick up from accommodation. The guide will take you to visit the wonderful Iguazu Falls, on the Brazilian side, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Argentine side, perfect for taking the perfect picture you could not take when you were in the other side.
You will get close to "Floriano", "Deodoro" and "Benjamin" waterfalls and the walkways lead you also to "Santa Maria Falls." It is a short but stunning tour. After the tour, if you are hungry, the guides will offer a stop in a Brazilian all you can eat restaurant. It will depend on your budget but it is quite a good value for money and it is your chance to try Brazilian dishes! You will be transferde back to accommodation.
*Entrance fee to national park not included and to be paid in the park
Breakfast and check out. In the afternoon, transfer to Puerto Iguazu Bus Station. Departure to Buenos Aires by night bus (18-19 hours)
In the morning, arrival in Buenos Aires Bus Station (Retiro). Find your own way to your accommodation. Check in and free day
Buenos Aires City Tour Half Day
Discover the beauty and wonders of Buenos Aires, view the National Congress, The Metropolitan Cathedral next to the Government House in May Square area. Admire the Colon Theater, one of the most important opera houses in Latin America.
Visit San Telmo, traditional neighborhood where Tango performances can be seen in many bars and restaurants. Stop at La Boca, colorful neighborhood, which was seat of immigrants - mainly Italians - and now home of some artists.
Enjoy Palermo, an area that combines its architecture and history with entertainment and amusement in its green spaces. Finally, La Recoleta, an exclusive and elegant neighborhood where the famous cemetery is found. Although it may seem unusual, fashionable restaurants, bars, cafes, discos and a cinema complex also surround the area.
Departure time: 9:00 / 14:00 hs (depending on Hotel pick up)
Departure Point: any hotel in Buenos Aires Downtown. Note: there are hotels away from the city center so before booking please check if the city tours reaches the hotel.
Arrival Point: Downtown Buenos Aires, not the hotels, 3 hours – 3 and a half hour later, depending on traffic
Duration: 3:00 hs.
Frequency: Daily departures. Blackout 25 dec and 1 jan. Guaranteed departures
Transport: Mini-Bus (24 pax) or Bus (40 pax)
No age limit
Half Day Buenos Aires Bike Tour
- Bilingual Guide (English – Spanish)
- Transportation
Meals
Breakfast and very early in the morning be at the port for the Colonia Day Tour: Colonia is the Uruguayan city closest to Buenos Aires, only 60 km away crossing the wide Rio de La Plata. With a day tour you will be able to cross the river and enjoy the chill and atmosphere of this quiet colonial village. You can walk about the cobble stoned streets between 16th century houses or stroll along the beach. On your way back you will be able to see the Buenos Aires skyline from the open river! Back to Buenos Aires port and make your own way to your accommodation.
Ferry from Buenos Aires Port to Colonia del Sacramento Port and Return
Colonia del Sacramento Walking guided Tour (about 40-45 minutes)
Port taxes
Meals
Breakfast, check out and free day. In the evening, departure to Mendoza by night bus. Find your own way to Buenos Aires Bus Station (Terminal de Omnibus Retiro)
In the morning, arrival in Mendoza. Find your own way from the bus station to selected accommodation.
In the afternoon: Half Day Wineries Tour in Mendoza
This kind of tour is designed for people interested in knowing the whole process of wine production. This tour covers the closest producing departments of wines in Mendoza: Maipú, including a visit to 2 wineries and an interesting visit to a factory of olive oil or a chocolate factory and artisan liquors. In each of the wineries there will be a wine tasting and a little talk of how to taste a good wine.
15 km away from the city of Mendoza, Maipu county is an area of 717 km2, cultivated mainly with high quality grapes, olives, fruits and vegetables. In the wine aspect it is located in the so-called "First Zone" of Argentina for its spectacular agroclimatic characteristics.
In Maipu, there are a variety of companies based mostly in an industrial zone with all amenities and a strategic location for its proximity to the bi-oceanic corridor linking ports in Chile and the Atlantic, through the National Routes 7 and 40, railways and international airport.
In all its districts, Maipú offers interesting places to visit: wineries, vineyards, campgrounds, museums, agro-tourism activities, with food service, and urban and rural lodgings.
Duration: Half Day
Departure Time: At 2 pm we pick up customers in the first hostel or hotel.
Arrival time: From 7 pm on
Departure days: Everyday excluding Sundays
Season: All year.
Recommendations: Bring water
Half Day Wineries Tour
- Bilingual guide,
- Transfer from your accommodation and back.
- Cellar visits and wine tastings.
- Meals
Breakfast. 9.30 am: Rafting 12 km (or High Mountain Tour): The Rafting takes place in Potrerillos, a village located 60 km south west from Mendoza city, in heart of the Precordillera, the range before the High Mountains. The landscape is of 5000 meters snowy peaks, desert and colorful rocks.
Rafting is one of the most important adventure sport in Mendoza. It is not necessary to have previous experience, the rafts can hold 6 people plus 1 guide that will provide the necessary security information and the mini course to handle the boat.
The activity is based in the Mendoza River. The base of operations is located on the banks of the river and has locker rooms, showers, two pools and solarium among other things, so it is a great place to spend a beautiful day on the mountain besides doing a Rafting. Rapids are grade III. For rafting bring some clothes and a pair of shoes to get changed after the activity. A rafting wetsuit is provided, but whatever you decide to wear underneath the wetsuit is going to get wet. Bring also a towel, sun protection (hat, sun block), water and food (or money to buy some), swimming suit (remember there are two pools at the base) and warm clothes for after rafting. Back to town at 5 pm
Note: as rafting depends on weather conditions it can be replaced by Horseback Riding with Asado or Alta Montana (Aconcagua valley day trip). For any of the day trips, you will be picked up and dropped off from your accommodation
- Transportation,
- Complete neoprene equipment,
- Professional guide,
- Showers and toilets,
- Insurance,
- First aid.
Important Note: If weather condition or river condition is not good or if customers do not want to do Rafting, the alternatives are: Horseback Riding with Argentine BBQ or Alta Montaña Day Tour
- Meals
Breakfast and make your own way to the Bus station to take the bus Santiago, crossiong the highest sector of the Andes having the chance to see breathtaking views of the mountains. Arrival in Santiago de Chile. Make your own way to hostel or hotel. Check in
Breakfast. At 9.30 am, Santiago Bike Tour:
This Tour shows you the popular culture and everyday life in Santiago. Multiculturalism, urban art and diverse religions in Patronato. Fruits and vegetables in La Vega Market. History in the Plaza de Armas. All part of the many experiences on this unforgettable Tour of Santiago.
Featured Stops: Bellavista Neighborhood, La Chascona: Pablo Neruda´s House, Metropolitan Park, Patronato Neighborhood, La Vega Market, Mapocho Station, Central Market, Plaza de Armas, Bellas Artes Museum, Forestal Park
- Single-speed green bike,
- Helmet,
- Bilingual guide,
- Bottle of water,
- Snack: hot chocolate (fall/winter), natural juice (spring/summer)
Breakfast. Check out and make your own way to the bus station to take the bus to Valparaiso. Arrival and make your own way to the accommodation.
Free day to explore the city called by the sailors: the Jewel of the Pacific
Check out and go yo the bus station to take the night bus to Calama. It will be a long trip, about 20 to 22 hours.
Arrival at Calama bus Station and take the new bus to San Pedro de Atacama. The bus from Calama takes an hour and a half to reach San Pedro so you can choose to change buses immediately or to stretch your legs, have something to eat and then depart for San Pedro. Arrival and make your own way to the hostel or hotel. Free day
Geysers del Tatio Excursion: You will be picked up at the hostel between 4.30 and 5 am depending on season to be able to admire the driest and highest desert in the world. The road will take you between hills and mountains of the tough Andes range until you reach the geothermal site of the Geysers, 1 hour and a half after departure. There you will be able to admire the out of this world Geysers, fumaroles and steaming craters that show the volcanic activity of the region. The Geysers reserve is located at 89 km from San Pedro and 4.230 meters above sea level. So temperature is low in summer (-6 degrees Celcius) and even colder in winter (july-august) (-20 degrees Celcius). It is very important to take warm clothes and plenty of water to help your body adapt to such a high altitude. Breakfast is offered viewing the geothermic field and on the way back there is a short stop at Machuca Village. Back to San Pedro hostel at about mid day
Free day to relax or taking optional tours like Moon Valley or Altiplanic Lagoons.
San Pedro – Uyuni Overland 1st day
6.30 am - 7 am pick up at your hostel for the beginning of the San Pedro to Uyuni Overland. There is a stop at the border to go through Chilean immigration before departing San Pedro. After a short but nice ride the minibus reaches Hito Cajon, the border with Bolivia and in the foothills of the Licancabur Volcano. There you will change to the Jeep 4WD you are going to use until the end of the overland and have breakfast meeting your driver and other staff. They almost don´t speak English and even their Spanish is basic but are normally very friendly and helpful. This is the beginning of the real adventure. The vehicle will ride along deserted landscapes, climbing higher and higher without even noticing it is happening. You will see lagoons with plenty of wild life (Red and White lagoons), huge white topped mountains and volcanoes, and altiplanic plains while you talk to your companions and learn about their travels. Lunch is provided at a place of hot springs and after that, the second part of the day takes you to the Sol de Mañana Geysers and finally to Laguna Colorada, where more than 30.000 flamingoes nest every year. The night will be spent at Huaylajara or Villamar at a family or communal hostel. Basic but clean and enough to sleep and eat to be ready for next day! Attention, this 1st day you will reach 4.500 meters above sea level, so take into account the many tips to avoid “soroche”.
San Pedro to Uyuni Overland Tour
To read before travelling.
This San Pedro to Uyuni overland is a true adventure, one you won´t forget. But if you are looking for a comfortable air conditioned seat, smooth paved roads, swiss punctuality and perfect information in your mother language, you may re think your destination.
The landscapes are incredible and unique but also extreme and rough.
People with high blood pressure and heart conditions should check with the doctor before coming.
The altitude reached is 4.900 meters above sea level. The lack of oxygen may affect people in some way or another. You need to be prepared to follow some advices to reduce the effect of altitude to the minimum, in order to enjoy the trip. Ref the age, it is not a matter of years but attitude and some minimum fitness.
In the extreme conditions of dirt and stone roads, things can go wrong: a flat tire, a cable burned, a broken battery, so schedules may need to be changed. Drivers have the experience to take you safely to destination but be open to changes in times, accommodation and meals places.
Although it is a desertic high plateau, it can rain and conditions in roads and in the salt flat can change rapidly, so again changes must be expected.
Drivers and other staff in Bolivia have not the education you have. They almost don´t speak English and Spanish is their second language. They speak quechua. Don’t expect a lot of information and communication. But they really know what they do. They look for you, adapt to changing situations, give advices when sick, prepare the food, book accommodation, look for the best times to be at destinations, and generally speaking, always try to help you to have an unforgettable time. Comparing to this, their different education is just another color of the adventure and the cultural immersion.
Accommodation standards: Close to the salt flat, accommodation is in a Salt Hostel or Salt Hotel. Close to the Lagoons and Avaroa National Park accommodation is a communal hostel taken care by village families. Basic but clean and comfortable enough to rest and continue the adventure.
Some useful tips for the overland:
If you are taking the trip from San Pedro to Uyuni, get some Bolivianos before the trip, you will need to pay entrances to National Parks and they only receive national currency. You may change at the entrance of the park but the exchange rate will be horrible.
Bring toilet paper or fresh baby towels with you, toilets are available only in specific places along the road, usually they don´t have paper. In the desert: “inca toilets”!
The night before the beginning of the trip, try to avoid smoking, red meat and alcohol. The 1st day of the San Pedro trip or the 3rd day of the Uyuni – San Pedro direction, the cars get to an altitude of 4.900 meters. During the trip try to eat light and drink a lot of water to help your body to adapt to thin air. If despite the preparation you get “soroche” or “apunamiento”, don´t panic. It can be uncomfortable but your body will finally adapt. Common symptoms are headache, dizziness, nausea, and bad humor. Think positively, do everything slowly, breath calmly and drink lots of water. It is a good idea to buy some “soroche” pills before the beginning of the overland. If you don’t need them maybe a travel companion does!
If you are coming from La Paz or from San Pedro (and visited high places like the Tatio Geisers) your body may be already adapted to altitude and you will feel less its effects.
Try to avoid the last seats. You will end up switching with your companions but be aware that the last seats vibrate more and affect you more.
Accomodation is basic but clean and comfortable. A hot shower costs 10 Bolivianos so mind this money (less than 2 USD) if you want to refresh from dirt road.
Bring clothes for 30 degrees Celcius and 0 degrees Celcius the same day! Depending when you are travelling, weather can be extremely unpredictable. It is normally hot but in the rainy season (DEC-FEB a bit of MAR) storms can appear suddenly. Also take into account that every 180 meters, the temperature reduces 1 degree. Do the math and calculate the temperature when you are between 3.500 m and 4.900 m. So pack your swim suite along with good boots, polar clothes and a good jacket. Use the onion layers technique to adapt to ever changing temperature.
Plus: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, trekking shoes, a hat and again enough water (Note: calculate how much water you will really drink, many people carry big bottles of 6 liters of water and it may be too much and uncomfortable)
San Pedro - Uyuni Overland 2nd day:
Breakfast, a bit relax before everyone is ready and off you go to learn a bit more about life in the Altiplano. The second day, the road is less dramatic and lonely and you will see more signs of civilization. You will visit the Siloli desert where the wind and sun and a bit rain carved strange volcanic rock formations. By lunch time you will be at Laguna Escondida (Hidden Lagoon, also called Laguna Negra) and in the afternoon you will see the canyon of river Anaconda. In the evening, arrival at Salt Hotel in the shores of the Uyuni Salt Flat for a comforting 2nd night in the desert.
San Pedro - Uyuni 3rd day (Salt Flat) – La Paz:
4 or 5 am departure to cross the biggest and highest salt flat in the world. If weather helps, you will be able to see the sunrise in the middle of the salt flat, one of the most beautiful experiences the Altiplano has to offer…and being at the salt flat is already breathtaking! Breakfast in the salt flat.
The driver has to drive slowly and you will have plenty of time to relax, enjoy and be amazed by an “out if this world” landscape. You will never forget this day.
At midday there is a stop to have lunch at a sat hotel and restaurant in close to Colchani village, the gate way to the flats. So after lunch you will go out and arrive to Uyuni at about 1 or 2 pm. You will have time to relax, grab a coffee, eat something, charge your mobile devices and connect with your friends and family to tell them about your adventures. But Uyuni town is not a really nice place to be so, at 8 pm, cama bus to La Paz!
Arrival to La Paz bus station, transfer to your accommodation. Check in and free day to rest, relax or to visit town
At 8 am, Tiwanaku Day Trip
After 1 hour and a half ride you will reach this pre Columbian ruins, surrounded by beautiful nature. The ancient city and culture of Tiwanacu is supposed to be one of the most important in the American continent. It is believed that they were even more advanced in pottery, astronomy and math than the neighboring Incas. If you are traveling further north you will see Tiwanacu influence in the archaeological sites of Peru. After a visit to the uncovered ruins (there is a lot that is being uncovered but is not open to the public), the tour returns to La Paz and will leave you at you hostel or hotel at about 4 pm. You will be amazed to learn how this ancient people used to leave and what they believed, so different from us nowadays.
Check out. End of an incredible adventure.
