Bienvenidos! Welcome to Lima, the capital of Peru. Your adventure begins at around 2 pm with a welcome meeting. Then, your trip leader will take you on a walking tour of the Miraflores district, including Central Park (Parque Kennedy), the LarcoMar entertainment complex and Parque del Amor (Love Park) for great views over the coast of Lima. Along the way, maybe treat yourself to some Limenian desserts like mazamorra morada, rice pudding or rice zambito. Tonight, you’re free to explore or hit the city’s nightlife with your new fellow travellers. Maybe head to the famed Tanta restaurant in downtown Lima – home to the most famous chef in Peru Gaston Acurio. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

This morning, you’ll fly to Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon Jungle, where you'll be staying for two nights. When you arrive, the lodge staff will take you to their office in town. Here, you can leave most of your luggage in safe storage and continue travelling with a small pack of essentials. You’ll take a motorised canoe upriver to your jungle lodge right in the middle of the jungle, in the Madre de Dios area – this is a real pinch-me moment! The next two days are packed with activities. Your full day in the jungle includes a half-day trek – this can get muddy and tiring, but what better way to explore the Amazon than on foot. There will be regular stops on the way and you'll encounter diverse flora and fauna in their natural habitat. You might even spot macaws, monkeys, peccaries, jabirus and otters, not to mention thousands of butterflies. The guides will also teach you about the medicinal properties and practical uses of the local plants. For your night-time excursion, you’ll venture out in the dark in search of caimans on the Tambopata River. The naturalist guide will use a spotlight to locate them on the banks of the river, so you can observe them from a respectable distance. Travelling in the dark, on the river in the jungle can be a bit spooky, but this atmosphere just adds to the fun. Your travel time on Day 2 will be approximately 7 hours. You’ll stay at two different lodges in the same area. The activities may vary slightly according to which lodge you’re in. The included night excursion may be on the night of Day 1 or Day 2. As both lodges are in the same area of the jungle, you’ll see the same wildlife and your overall jungle experience will be the same at either lodge.

Say goodbye to the jungle and fly to Cusco, where you’ll spend the day acclimatising to the high altitude. After dropping off your luggage and having lunch, your leader will take you on a walk around downtown Cusco. You’ll visit the facade of Qoricancha temple, the local San Pedro market, the main square, the Twelve Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. Maybe try some donas along the way. This afternoon, head to Casa Tuuur – our new concept shop, community hub and bar in the heart of the city. Here, you'll learn how to craft the Pisco sour, Peru's national cocktail, in a hands-on mixology class. Discover the perfect balance of Pisco, lime juice, syrup, egg white and bitters while learning about the story behind the drink. The rest of the evening is free to explore as you like. As you’re acclimatising today, we recommend keeping strenuous activity to a minimum.

This morning, unwind on a drive through the Sacred Valley, on the fringes of Cusco. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas – this lush, fertile valley has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Head to a local community to learn about the valley’s lifestyle and activities – if your travel falls on a Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday, it’s market day! Comb the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos and master the local Quechuan language (a few words will be deemed a success). Take a short drive to Ollantaytambo. Later in the afternoon, maybe head out to visit Ollantaytambo’s awesome Incan ruins. Tonight, rest up at your hotel and prepare for the Inca Trail. Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours including activities.

Depending on the travel arrangements you made before the trip, during the next four days, you’ll be doing one of the following – hiking the Inca Trail (Route 1), hiking the Quarry Trail (Route 2) or staying in Cusco for two days before taking the train to Aguas Calientes (Route 3). All routes visit Machu Picchu. The bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel. If you’re hiking the Inca Trail or the Quarry Trail, the evening before you leave Cusco you'll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in for the next four days (5 kg maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, along with the trail's food and equipment. You won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. If you’re travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, you'll be able to leave most of your luggage at the hotel in Cusco and travel with only a small bag for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. Route 1 Inca Trail Travel by minivan to the 82 km marker and meet your crew of local porters, your cook and your guide. Today you’ll trek uphill to the campsite, 3100 m above sea level. On the way, you’ll see the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, as well as incredible views of snow-capped Veronica Peak. Tonight, unwind at the campsite with a nourishing meal prepared by your cook. Route 2 Quarry Trail Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. From here, you’ll head to the small community near Qory Song’o (Golden Heart) hill, where you’ll climb to the top for the incredible views of the Soqma Perolniyoc, Pachar and Huarocondo valleys. There are also several sacred tombs in the area, protected by the locals, which you can explore with your leader and even see some of the original structures crafted from wood and leather. These remains have never been seen by travellers before, so you can be a part of this exclusive experience. Carry on to the Perolniyoc Cascade lookout, where you can stop for some snacks and photos. Arrive at the campsite, 3700 m above sea level, around lunchtime. After, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas. Route 3 Cusco Enjoy a free day in Cusco – the heart and soul of Peru. You may like to purchase a boleto turistico, which allows entry to the city's many museums and archaeological sites. Ask your leader for their recommendations. Route 1 Inca Trail (starting elevation 2688m) - Your trekking time today will be approximately 8 hours or 12 km, with an elevation gain of 412m and a descent of 68m Route 2 Quarry Trail (starting elevation 3220m) - Your trekking time today will be approximately 6.5 hours or 7 km, with an elevation gain of 480m and a descent of 0m Included lunch and dinner today are for travellers on the trekking options only. The Inca Trail is within the abilities of most people with moderate fitness. The trail is 45 km long and often steep, so come prepared. Each day's journey generally consists of seven hours of walking (uphill and downhill), with stops for snacks and lunch. Trekking usually begins at 7 am (except on Day 4) and you reach the campsite around 5 pm. Accommodation on the trek is camping (three nights). Double tents (twin-share) and foam camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals. The Quarry Trail is suitable for those with a moderate level of fitness. The hike is 31 km long in total and its highest pass is at 4450 m above sea level. Throughout the trek, horses will carry your gear and camping equipment. The first two nights are spent camping and the third night you will stay at a simple hotel. Double tents (twin-share) and foam camping mats will be provided.

Route 1 Inca Trail Today is the most challenging day of the trek, as you’ll ascend a 5-hour long steep path to the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4200 m above sea level, providing amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3650 m. Route 2 Quarry Trail Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. A 3-hour long walk takes you to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (approximately 4370 m high). After enjoying picturesque views of the valley, you’ll stop for lunch. Then make the 2-hour hike to Kuychicassa – the highest pass of the trek at 4450 m. From here, descend to the sacred site the Incas called Intipunku. This is a sun gate, where the sun will stream through at particular times of the year, and there are views of the Nevado Veronica mountain year-round. The Incas built several sun gates, the most notable overlooking Machu Picchu. Head to the campsite, only a stone’s throw away, at 3600 m. Your trek today will take about 5 hours. Route 3 Cusco Today is yours to spend as you wish in Cusco. Perhaps use the day to indulge your inner foodie at Cusco's many cafes, restaurants and markets. The ChocoMuseo is a must for those with a sweet tooth – they offer tastings and chocolate-making workshops, too. Route 1 Inca Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 8 hours or 12 km, with an elevation gain of 1127m and a descent of 627m Route 2 Quarry Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 7.5 hours or 14 km, with an elevation gain of 750m and a descent of 700m Included lunch and dinner on this day are for travellers on the trekking options only.

Route 1 Inca Trail Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass (3980 m). Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending for 2 to 3 hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3850 m), also known as 'Town Above the Clouds'. Start the 2-hour descent down the Inca steps to the final night's campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site. Route 2 Quarry Trail Today’s hike will all be downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata Quarry, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish. If time permits, you can explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes. This is where you’ll meet with the travellers in your group who didn't hike. Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu. Route 3 Train to Aguas Calientes After a drive to Ollantaytambo, catch a train through the winding Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. The city is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. This is where you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who hiked the Quarry Trail. Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu. Route 1 Inca Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 10 hours or 15 km, with an elevation gain of 400m and a descent of 1350m Route 2 Quarry Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 4.5 hours or 10 km, with an elevation gain of 0m and a descent of 950m Included lunch and dinner on this day are for travellers on the Inca Trail only. There will be an included lunch for travellers on the Quarry Trail.

Route 1 Inca Trail This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu. Start your day before dawn with breakfast at a crisp 4 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and then begin hiking. Walk 2.5 hours to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) and, weather permitting, enjoy unforgettable views over the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ as you enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. When you arrive, all the hiking and the early morning will definitely be worth it! Route 2 and 3 Machu Picchu to Cusco Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 5.30 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters. For all travellers, after taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it's time to catch the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll stop for lunch together. From here, take a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo, then drive back to Cusco, arriving in the evening. Route 1 Inca Trail - Your trekking time today will be approximately 4 hours or 6 km, with an elevation gain of 81m and a descent of 331m According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only, and once you exit, re-entering the site is not permitted. Personal exploration is not permitted. Due to safety reasons, the final checkpoint for all trekkers does not open until 5 am. The estimated arrival time at Machu Picchu's Sun Gate for Inca Trail trekkers is approximately 7.30 am. For Quarry Trail trekkers and train travellers, the first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs at 5.30 am. The estimated arrival time is between 6 and 6.30 am. The sun rises at Machu Picchu at approximately 5.30 am, therefore it's not possible to be there in time for sunrise. Due to Intrepid's internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking trips to the mountaintop ruins of Wayna Picchu.

Today you’ll enjoy free time to relax, shop for souvenirs or see more of Cusco's sites. Maybe head to a cafe on the Plaza de Armas, or if you're a thrill-seeker, try mountain biking in the hills surrounding Cusco. You might also want to go for a walk through Seven Borreguitos – one of the most photogenic streets in Cusco. In the evening, you might want to head out to dinner with your group and share photos of your Machu Picchu experience. Cusco is also a hotspot for fun nightlife, so if you’re feeling like a boogie or a cocktail, grab your new mates and hit the streets.

This morning, travel by bus through the Altiplano plateau to Puno. The town is known as the folklore capital of Peru and is famous for its traditional dances. If you're lucky, your visit might coincide with an evening parade, when the streets fill with costumed dancers and musicians. When you’re settled, maybe head out and make the most of the nightlife. Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. Puno continues to experience some occasional ongoing political unrest. With safety always our priority, on some departures, we may need to use alternative transportation to avoid affected areas. Your leader will advise of any specific changes to transport or the itinerary in this destination.

Puno sits on Lake Titicaca's shores – the world's highest navigable lake. Today, you'll take a tour of the lake by slow motorboat, stopping off to visit the Uros floating islands. The Uros peoples built these islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes in ancient times. They're built completely from multiple layers of totora reeds, which grow in the shallows of the lake. Tonight is your homestay in a local community on Llachon – a cosy mud-brick house with shared drop-toilets (no shower is available here). It can get quite cold, but the homestay will provide plenty of blankets. It’s recommended that you pack thermals and plenty of layers. Help your host family with their daily activities or maybe play a game of soccer in the village. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Enjoy a home-cooked breakfast by your host family this morning, learning about their life and their stories. Then, explore the rest of the island. In the afternoon, take the boat back to Puno, where the rest of your day is free to explore. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Travel by local bus this morning and cross the border into Bolivia. You'll be asked to leave the bus to proceed through Peruvian immigration. The group will then walk across a bridge, submit passports at the Bolivian immigration office and reboard the bus for La Paz. Today is a long travel day, so make sure you’ve got your favourite playlists or books ready – or play some road trip games with your fellow travellers. Tonight, why not head out on the town for an optional group dinner. Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours. In some instances, you may take an alternative route across the Strait of Tiquina via boat for the border crossing. Your leader will advise the best option on the day of travel.

Enjoy a free day to explore La Paz. Despite the abundance of colonial architecture, La Paz's Indigenous roots run deep, and the atmosphere in the streets is both modern and traditional. Maybe head out into the city, which sits in the middle of a vast volcanic crater. Breathe the ‘thin’ air, marvel at the vistas of buildings clinging to the canyon sides and explore the lively streets like Calle Jaen. Tonight, you’ll have a second group meeting at 6 pm. After, why not head out to find the perfect dinner spot (your leader will have the best recommendations) or explore the nightlife with your fellow travellers. As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.

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. Your travel time today will be approximately 12 hours. Our leaders cannot organise a trip to the ‘Death Road’ to Coroico for you due to safety concerns. Injuries are common along the road, and there have been a number of fatal accidents. Our leaders can also not organise tours to the Potosi Mines for safety reasons.

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. From December to March, there’s a risk of the salt lake being flooded. If this is the case, the itinerary will be adapted.

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. Accommodation in the desert is basic and shared. A single supplement is not available here. Shower facilities can be unreliable and cold, as the pipes often freeze in winter. Solar panels generate electricity, so there won’t be enough power to charge electronic devices. In the rainy season, the itinerary may need to be altered depending on the accessibility of roads. Today you’ll reach an altitude of around 4900 m.

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 San Pedro 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. Your travel time today will be approximately 12 hours.

After breakfast, today is a free day to explore Salta and its many attractions. If you’re after something active, hike up the 1070 steps to the summit of Cerro San Bernardo, the mountain that looms over Salta. If you'd prefer, you can also take a gondola (cable car) to the top to take in the views of the mountainous city below. Either way, the view from the top is magnificent!

After breakfast and a free morning in Salta, you’ll take an included flight to Buenos Aires – Argentina's capital. When you arrive, you might like to head to a local tango show or a football match. Maybe grab a steak and glass of Malbec (the steak and wine combo are what Argentina is known for) in one of the city’s fashionable restaurants for dinner. Your flight time today will be approximately 2 hours.

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. As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.

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. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. During your time in Colonia, your baggage will be safely stored at a local hotel. This includes a limit of two pieces of luggage per person (one large bag and one smaller bag). If you have additional bags to store, you will need to pay the hotel directly (approximately USD 3 per piece).

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. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Accommodation is multi-share and hot water supply can occasionally be inconsistent. If you experience any issues, just let your leader or the accommodation staff know and they’ll be happy to help. You’ll have tonnes of time to relax here – make sure to bring a book or some cards to play with your group.

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. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours, and your travel time on the overnight bus will be approximately 18 hours. While the train may be tiresome, your leader will encourage you to use this time to mingle, play games and get to know your trip mates. We recommend bringing food and drinks in case you get hungry. There will be a toilet on board, and the reclining seats are comfortable, but you might want to bring a travel pillow and a warm layer for a good night’s sleep.

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. If time allows, you can take an optional helicopter flight over the falls (at your own expense) for an unforgettable bird’s eye view or see colourful birdlife at Parque das Aves. After some time spent admiring this force of nature, head to your hotel in Foz do Iguacu. If you arrive with time to spare, you might want to visit the Three Borders Landmark or go for a ride on the Yup Star Foz Ferris wheel. Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.

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. Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.

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. Your travel time will be approximately 5 hours. We’re committed to reducing our carbon emissions. One way we’re doing this is by assessing our transportation options and selecting a lower-carbon alternative where possible. Today, you'll be travelling on a public ferry instead of using a private speedboat. There are no banks on Ilha Grande, so it’s important to bring cash with you to pay for incidentals or any optional activities you might want to take part in while on the island. During the rainy season (Dec to Feb), Ilha Grande can experience some intermittent electricity outages. This can affect some amenities such as hot water and wi-fi.

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. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

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.