Optional Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Day 1:
USD 6
Visit one of the countless art galleries in Quito, such as the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana or the Museo Guayasamín
USD 3
Visit the equator at Mitad del Mundo
USD 8.5
Take a trip on El Telerifiqo, the world's second highest cable car
USD 3
Visit the Museo De La Ciudad
USD 3.5
Take a walk around Quito's incredible Botanical Gardens, which showcases all of Ecuador's various ecosystems and their flora
USD 3
Visit the Museo Mindalae, the extremely original project showcasing Ecuador's rich cultural diversity
Free
Enjoy the fantastic view over Quito's Old Town from the statue of the Virgin Mary on top of the nearby Cerro Panecillo
USD 2
Visit the Museo Nacional del Banco Central, showcasing the country’s largest collection of Ecuadorian art and housing an impressive gold collection
Day 6-7:
USD 3
Explore the beautiful hills surrounding Banos with an abundance of activities on offer
USD 25
Go on an adrenaline-fuelled half-day rafting expedition on the Rio Pastaza near Banos, one of the best rafting experiences in South America
USD 25
Head out for an exhilarating half-day canyoning trip through the gorges near Baños
USD 40
Head out on a horse riding trip through the beautiful volcanic landscapes surrounding Baños
USD 7
Hire mountain bikes to freely explore the winding trails around Banos
USD 30
Go out on a half day rock climbing trip to the walls of natural lava rock just outside Banos, which have routes suitable for people of all levels
USD 36
Take out some quad bikes on a tour around the winding trails near Baños
USD 20
Take the famous zip-lining course through the Puntzan Canyon near Baños, flying through the forest canopy and past several waterfalls
Free
Explore the stunning gorges, forests, and landscapes of the Baños area by foot, possibly trekking the Machay River trail or visiting the nearby waterfalls of Pailon del Diablo and Machay
Day 11:
Free
Visit one of the many factories that produce the ever-stylish Panama Hats, Cuenca's most famous export!
USD 25
Take a day trip out of Cuenca to visit the site of the Ingapirca ruins, the largest known Inca ruins in Ecuador
Free
Visit the Museo Pumapungo in Cuenca, featuring an impressive range of artistic, historical, cultural, and ethnological exhibits, and most famously housing a collection of shrunken heads from the Shuar civilisation
USD 6
Visit some of the volcanic thermal baths near to the colonial town of Cuenca
Day 13:
USD 20
Try your hand at surfing in the ideal waters of the Pacific Ocean near Punta Sal or Mancora
USD 20
Rent a mountain bike to explore the coast of Punta Sal and the beautiful nearby areas of Canoas and Plateritos
Free
Explore the coastlines of Punta Sal by foot, or head out trekking through the nearby hills and farms of Canoas
USD 10
Take a beginner's belly-dancing class with our hosts at the beaches of Punta Sal
USD 10
Take a yoga session at our beach campsite in Punta Sal
Day 17-18:
USD 29.64
Explore the incredible ancient ruins of Chavín de Huantar, the religious centre for the Chavín culture which flourished in the area from 1200BCE-500BCE
USD 4.45
Explore the remarkably well-presevered three-story mausoleum of Wilcahuaín near to Huaraz, built by the Wari civilisation that ruled the area between 600-900CE
USD 4.45
Learn all about the area's incredible pre-Inca civilisations at the Museo Regional de Ancash
USD 27
Take a horse riding trip from Huaraz to the incredible viewpoints of the Cordillera Blanca
USD 30
Enjoy a half-day rock climbing excursion followed by a rejuvenating dip in the nearby thermal springs
USD 28
Go canyoning in the waterfalls and gorges of the Huaraz region
USD 55
Go downhill mountain biking through the stunning mountains of the Cordillera Blanca near Huaraz
USD 45
Trek out to the phenomenal turquoise glacier lake of Laguna 69 in the shadow of Huascaran, Peru's highest mountain
Day 20:
USD 9.78
Visit the Gold Museum & Catacombs of Lima
USD 4.45
Visit the beautiful Baroque cathedral of San Francisco in Lima's historical centre, and explore the morbidly fascinating catacombs underneath
Free
Visit the excellent Museum of the Nation in Lima, which has numerous exhibits highlighting many of the pre-conquest civilisations and an outstanding photo exhibit on Peru's Internal Conflict of the 1980s and 1990s
USD 50
Explore the bohemian areas of Barranco and Miraflores on a cycling tour of Lima
USD 1.19
See the incredible 'Magic Water Circuit' in Lima's Parque de la Reserva, an astounding evening display of water, music, light, images, and laser effects across 13 huge water fountains
USD 8.89
Explore the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum in Lima, containing the largest private collection of pre-Colombian art in the world
USD 40
Take a cebiche and pisco sour class at one of the top restaurants in Miraflores, a lively district of Lima
Day 21:
USD 20
Dune buggying or boarding in the spectacular sand dunes of Peru Desert
Day 22:
USD 0.89
Visit to the Nazca Lines
USD 130
Fly over the Nazca lines
Day 25:
USD 11.86
Guided tour of Arequipa's Santa Catalina convent
USD 35
Head out for an exciting morning of white-water rafting on the Chili River near Arequipa
USD 41.49 - 13.34
Take a 'Reality Tour' of Arequipa, a walking tour with an alternative focus on the daily lives of the local people and contemporary issues facing modern Peru
USD 44.46
Take a fascinating cooking class in Arequipa, learning how to create some iconic Peruvian cuisine and taking a tour of the nearby food markets
Day 27:
USD 4.45
Visit the thermal springs in Chivay
Day 30:
USD 79
Take part in a Peruvian cooking class in Cuzco, learning how to make a variety of local dishes
USD 5.93
Take a Spanish class in the beautiful city of Cuzco (suitable for all levels)
Day 36:
USD 79
Take part in a Peruvian cooking class in Cuzco, learning how to make a variety of local dishes
USD 5.93
Take a Spanish class in the beautiful city of Cuzco (suitable for all levels)
Day 37:
Free
Boat trip to the floating islands on Lake Titicaca
Day 40;
USD 21.70
Take a guided tour of the main sights and viewpoints around La Paz
Day 42:
USD 125
Downhill "gravity assisted" mountain biking from La Paz to Coroico
USD 31.82
Guided tour to explore Tiahuanacu Inca Ruins
USD 18.80
Take a trip out to the mountain resort of Chacaltaya and the other-worldly landscape of the Moon Valley near La Paz
USD 21.70
Take a guided tour of the main sights and viewpoints around La Paz
Day 46-47:
USD 27.94
Observe the night skies at a Chilean observatory
USD 6.98
Hire a bike to explore the incredible deserts surrounding San Pedro de Atacama at your own pace
USD 18.86
Discover the incredible deserts of San Pedro on horseback
Day 48-49:
USD 3.47
Take the cable car up to the top of San Bernardo Hill, and take in the breathtaking views out over the city of Salta below
USD 22.53
Explore the beautiful mountains and forests near Salta on a mountain biking trip
Day 50-51:
USD 2.60
Discover the bodegas and stock up on wine in Cafayate
Day 57-58:
USD 24.26
Go for a horse ride through the arid foothills west of Mendoza
USD 16.46
Explore the vineyards of the Mendoza and Maipu region, either on an organised tour or by cycling between the bodegas
USD 17.33
White water rafting on the Mendoza River
USD 7.80
Relax in the beautiful thermal baths in Cacheuta, in the hills above Mendoza
Day 59-60:
Free
Learn more about Santiago and its history on a free walking tour of the centre from a knowledgeable local guide
Free
Take in the breathtaking vista of the city skyline backdropped by the mighty Andes, from the viewpoints at Cerro San Cristobal or Cerro San Lucia
Day 61:
Free
Learn more about Santiago and its history on a free walking tour of the centre from a knowledgeable local guide
Free
Take in the breathtaking vista of the city skyline backdropped by the mighty Andes, from the viewpoints at Cerro San Cristobal or Cerro San Lucia
USD 29.33
Discover all of Santiago's sights on a hop-on/hop-off bus around the city
Day 63-64:
USD 132.70
Trek up the snowcapped volcano Mt Villarica
USD 48.89
Horseriding, white-water rafting or hikes around Pucon
USD 34.92
Head on an exciting white-water rafting trip on the rapids of the Trancura River near Pucón
Day 66:
USD 0.87
Visit the interesting Fenoglio Chocolate Museum in Bariloche, and learn all about the town's tradition of chocolate making
USD 7.28
Hire mountain bikes to explore the forests and hills surrounding Lake Nauhel Huapi and Bariloche
USD 36.39
Discover the incredible scenery of the Nauhel Huapi Lake and the Victoria Islands on a boat trip from Bariloche
Day 67-68:
USD 90.80
Head out for an exhilarating rafting or kayaking trip on the Grade 5 white water rapids near Futaleufú (if time allows).
Day 70:
Free
Enjoy a traditional Chilean BBQ
Day 71:
USD 22.35
Explore the beautiful mountain scenery of Cerro Castillo on a horse riding trip
Day 74:
USD 13.86
Boat trip beneath the Perito Moreno Glacier
USD 5.20
Learn all about glaciers at the fantastic modern Glaciarium Museum in El Calafate, and visit its cool ice bar in the basement!
Day 77:
USD 27.72
Take a day trip to Lago Escondido, the Hidden Lake
USD 110
Head out to the impressive Martial Glacier near Ushuaia, taking in the beautiful scenery of the Darwin Mountains and the Beagle Channel
USD 25.12
Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park on a day tour from Ushuaia
Day 85-86:
USD 27.72
Horse riding and trekking around El Chalten
Free
Freely explore and trek around the walking trails of Los Glaciares National Park, taking in the marvellous vistas of the Fitz Roy mountain range
USD 125
Enjoy a spectacular kayaking trip down the Río de las Vueltas, taking in some incredible views of the surrounding mountains
USD 90
Head on a rock-climbing course in the magnificent landscapes surrounding El Chaltén
Day 88:
USD 3.21
Visit the penguin colony at Camarones
Day 89:
USD 63
Guided visit to the Valdes Peninsula to meet the elephant seals and sealions
USD 47
Set off on a boat trip from Puerto Madryn, in search of playful Commerson's dolphins (all year) or Dusky dolphins (December to March) and Southern Right whales (May to December)!
Day 93:
USD 7.80
Head out to a tango show in Buenos Aires' oldest cafe, the Gran Cafe Tortoni - seeing a slice of iconic Argentine culture in an ideal and intimate setting
Free
Visit the strangely beautiful cemetery of Recoleta, the final resting place of many ex-presidents and Argentine icons, most famously including the tomb of Eva Peron
Free
Freely explore the cosmopolitan Argentina capital of Buenos Aires, or take a free walking tour of the city's highlights
Day 95:
USD 4.33
Explore cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, the coolest city in South America
Free
Enjoy a free city tour of Buenos Aires
USD 20
See a different side to Buenos Aires on a tour of its incredible street art with some of the local artists
USD 7.80
Head out to a tango show in Buenos Aires' oldest cafe, the Gran Cafe Tortoni - seeing a slice of iconic Argentine culture in an ideal and intimate setting
Free
Visit the strangely beautiful cemetery of Recoleta, the final resting place of many ex-presidents and Argentine icons, most famously including the tomb of Eva Peron
USD 25
Try your hand at the art of tango dancing with a private lesson in Buenos Aires
USD 85
Learn all about the cuisine of Argentina on a food tour of Buenos Aires, visiting several incredible local top-class eateries that you won't find in the guidebooks!
USD 52
Try some of Argentina's most delicious wines on a top-level wine tasting afternoon in Buenos Aires
Day 98:
USD 16.77
Visit the colossal Itaipu Dam, the second largest hydroelectric dam in the world
USD 8.88
Visit the Parque das Aves bird park near Foz do Iguaçu, a wonderful conservation project which provides an excellent home to over 1000 iconic birds from the region such as toucans, macaws and eagles
USD 16.28
Take an exhilarating speed boat ride around the base of the falls from the Brazilian side
USD 125
Take an unforgettable 10-minute helicopter flight over the Iguazu Falls, enjoying a bird's eye view of one of the world's most incredible set of waterfalls
Day 101-102:
USD 7.40
Caving, rafting and snorkeling in the waters of Bonito
USD 123.08
Abseil down the Boca da Onça waterfall (meaning 'Jaguar's Mouth'), the largest waterfall in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul
USD 18.50
Visit the phenomenal Buraco das Araras, one of the world's largest sink-holes and a natural aviary of macaws and toucans
USD 12.33
Visit the stunning São Miguel Caves near Bonito
USD 20
Hire a mountain bike in Bonito to freely explore the incredible countryside of Mato Grosso do Sul
USD 19.73
Go on a stunning sunset horse ride around the beautiful countryside around Bonito
USD 12.33
Take a trek through the stunning areas surrounding Bonito, visiting some of the beautiful nearby waterfalls
USD 187.45
Head on an unforgettable trip to Abismo Anhumas, an incredible day out where you abseil through a fissure into a collosal underground cavern, and snorkel in the lake at the bottom
USD 23.43
Visit the ethereal and other-worldly Blue Lake Cave near Bonito, an underground lake with an incredibly vivid shade of blue
USD 68.57
Take an incredible snorkelling trip through the crystal clear waters of the Rio da Prata, getting a phenomenal view of the fish and aquatic plants underwater
USD 33.30
2 full days to enjoy Bonito, Brazil's ecotourism capital
Day 107:
USD 37.00
Head out white-water rafting on the fast moving waters of the Jacare River (approxmiately Grade 3-4)
USD 24.66
Float down the Jacare on a fun tubing trip down the River Jacare near Brotas
USD 66.60
Head out on a half-day canyoning trip through the gorges of the Jacare River near Brotas
Day 108-110:
USD 61.66
Go for a scuba diving trip in the incredible oceans around Paraty
USD 40
Explore the ocean, islands, beaches, and mangroves of Atlantic coast in a more serene and tranquil fashion, on a sea kayaking expedition around the bay of Paraty
USD 35
Learn all about the fascinating history of Brazil and the Gold Trail, on an excellent walking tour of the old colonial town of Paraty
USD 8.63
Try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding by hiring a board from one of the many vendors at the Jabaquara beach in Paraty
Day 111:
USD 18.25
Visit the world famous statue Christ the Redeemer
Day 112:
USD 4.93
Take a tour to discover Niteroi, the city over the bridge
USD 18.25
Visit the world famous statue Christ the Redeemer
USD 19.73
Take a cable car up Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain)
USD 1.48
Find out all about Brazil's fascinating history by visiting the National Historical Museum in the centre of Rio de Janeiro
USD 1.48
Visit the Museu da República, and learn all about the turbulent recent history of Brazil and the story of the creation of the republic in 1889
Free
Relax and explore the world famous beaches of Rio de Janeiro, including Ipanema, Arpoador, and of course Copacabana
USD 1.97
Explore the magnificent Botanical Gardens of Rio de Janeiro, with over 54 hectares and 6500 species of plants and flowers
Free
Visit the iconic Escadaria Selaron, a colourful tiled staircase lovingly created by local resident Jorge Selaron
Free
Explore the stunning natural Atlanic rainforest of Tijuca, the largest urban forest in the world
Free
Take a brilliant free walking tour with an expert local guide around Lapa and Central Rio de Janeiro (or Copacabana and Ipanema on certain days)