South America overland tours

A 7000km journey through South America from the Ecuadorian capital of Quito to the sandy beaches of Rio de Janeiro. This incredible adventure offers the chance to experience the many and varied cultures of South America and features many outstanding physical sights including the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Jungle, the Peruvian and Bolivian Altiplano, the Brazilian Pantantal and pristine Atlantic Rainforests. We stay in eco friendly jungle lodges and small family run hotels, experience life with a local family on an island in Lake Titicaca, travel by local transport including buses, trains, canoes and taxis. Other highlights include the 4-day walk along Peru's famous Inca trail and a visit to the magnificent Iguazu Falls. This is a journey of discovery that will afford you a greater understanding of the lives of the people of South America.

We support Peru’s Challenge, a non-government charity that works to improve the lives of some of the poorest children in Peru by providing health services, education and fresh water. More than 60 children living in poor communities on the outskirts of Cusco and Pisac now benefit from education programs set up by this charity.

This trip is focused on respecting and benefiting the local people and the environment of this country. On this trip you will be lead by an experienced local leader passionate about their country's history, heritage and natural beauty that will help you to get 'under the skin' of their country and see it through the eyes of a local. This trip stays at locally run accommodation; we eat at local restaurants and travel on local transport. This ensures the financial return to the local economy opens up training and employment opportunities - and allows for informal and meaningful interaction between our travellers and local people.

In 2009, we aim to neutralise all major emissions created by our trips, so that they can be offered as the best green alternative available. This means all greenhouse gases emitted by transport and accommodation during all of our trips will be balanced by an Australian-based ‘profit for purpose’ company that invests all funds into renewable energy and will invest in projects aimed at ‘neutralising’ your contribution to greenhouse gases.

The maximum group size on all of our adventures is 16 passengers – with exception of some African trips (24 max) and in the Polar Regions, where our ship carries a maximum of 110 passengers. Travelling in small groups ensures we make significantly less impact on the natural environment, as well as breaking down many of the communication barriers presented by a larger group. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and time to make your own discoveries. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as gaining an understanding of the respective cultures you visit.