Southern Cross Westbound - Rio to Lima Adventure Tour

From the sands of Copacabana to the heights of the Bolivian Andes, this incredible 39-day journey will introduce you to the diverse landscape and people of South America. Explore the wetlands of the Pantanal and the bizarre landscape of Salar de Uyuni, and revel in the mists of thundering Iguassu Falls. Gain greater insight into the culture on the region's public buses and meet locals from the rural towns along the way for an immersive experience that few travellers have. Get off the beaten path and experience Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia - a vibrant cross-section of South America.

Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Meals Included  

33 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 8 dinners

Highlights  

Explore the Vidigal favela on a resident-led tour, Stare in awe at Iguassu Falls, search for wildlife in the Brazilian Pantanal, spend three days exploring Salar de Uyuni by 4x4, settle in with the locals at a homestay on Lake Titicaca, conquer the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Minimum Age  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Group Leader  

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, specialist Inca Trail CEO on hike, local guides.

Meals  

Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures understands the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. A typical breakfast may include toast, coffee and tea, however this may vary depending on the city. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.

Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. While trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients.

For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Transport  

Public bus, plane, 4x4 vehicle, train, walking, hiking.

Joining Hotel  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

Joining Instructions  

Galeao International Airport is a 30 to 45 minute drive from our joining hotel. There are many private taxi companies with booths inside the building where you can pay a set rate for a taxi to Copacabana (approximately $50 USD), thus avoiding the confusion outside the airport. There is also an airport bus, called ‘Real' (approximately $9 USD) which will drop you off at the place of your choice along the route. The closest point to the Santa Clara is at the corner of Barata Ribeiro and the street Figueiredo Magalhaes. From here to the hotel is quite close. You can flag down one of the many official yellow taxis in the street to get the rest of the way to the hotel (approximately $5 USD). There is a money exchange in the Banco do Brazil on the 3rd floor of the international Arrivals area, which is open 24 hours.

If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned for that day other then your welcome meeting in the evening, so you can arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day during which no activities have been planned.

A G Adventures Representative will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. A welcome note will be left for you in the hotel so you have all the necessary information regarding the meeting time. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.

Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Laundry  

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Money Exchange  

The currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL), in Bolivia the Boliviano (BOB) and in Peru the Nuevo Sol (PEN).

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.

You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Please bear in mind that cost of living in the southern cone countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile) is much higher than the rest of South America, and more comparable with Europe. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

We do not recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are very difficult to change in country.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

What to Take  

Most airlines allow two checked bags and one carry-on per person. To avoid any problems on check-in and with possible excess baggage charges, please consult the airline for specific restrictions. We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. It can be very cold in the Andean highlands, temperatures of -10C and lower are frequent around Uyuni and the Altiplano (high plateau). It is best to layer clothes rather than wearing a heavy parka. This allows you to accommodate clothing to varying degrees of temperatures and wet/dry/windy weather conditions.

A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance  

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Tipping  

It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

If at the end of your trek you felt your trekking guide and support team did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline, we suggest each hiker contributes the following to a collective pool.

Inca Trail:
Head guide: 10-25 USD
Assistant guide: 5-12 USD
Your trekking crew: 40 USD

Lares Trek:
Head guide: 10-25 USD
Assistant guide: 4-10 USD
Your trekking crew: 35 USD

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.

Max Pax  

16

Local Flights  

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Health  

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Please note your Adventure travels to high altitude. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your Adventure, please consult your physician.

My Own Room Exceptions  

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single accommodation for all night stops, with the following exceptions: Night 9: overnight bus, Nights 12-13: Pantanal, Night 14: overnight train, Nights 21-22: Salar de Uyuni, Night 24: overnight train, Night 28: Lake Titicaca, Nights 33-35: Inca Trail.

If you have chosen the Lares Trek/Cusco Stay you will have a single room/tent for nights 33-35.

(Please note that we are currently able to accommodate “My Own Tent” requests on the Inca Trail due to the limited number of travellers as well as to additional health and safety protocols, however this may change at any time.  We will endeavour to continue providing this option for people however cannot always guarantee it.)

What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Favela Experience, Rio de Janeiro
Your G for Good Moment: Jukil Community Experience & Lodge, Santiago de Agencha
Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit, Ccaccaccollo
Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay
Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Ilha Grande
Your Discover Moment: Paraty
Your Discover Moment: Bonito
Your Discover Moment: Sucre
Your Local Living Moment: Lake Titicaca Homestay, Lake Titicaca
Your Discover Moment: Cusco. Iguassu Falls visit (Brazil and Argentina). Pantanal wildlife excursion (2 days). 4x4 excursion to Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats) (3 days). Floating islands of Uros visit. Lake Titicaca guided tour. Sacred Valley guided tour. Pottery making demonstration. Ollantaytambo storehouse ruins and hike. Inca Trail guided hike with cooks and porters (4 days). Machu Picchu guided tour. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Group Size Notes  

Max 16, avg 12

Solo Travellers  

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation  

Hotels (26 nts), overnight buses (4 nts), camping (3 nts), homestay (1 nt), basic hotels on Salar de Uyuni excursion (2 nts, multi-share), tented room with hammocks in the Pantanal (2 nts, multi-share).

Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Optional Activities  

Rio de Janeiro
- Rio de Janeiro City Tour (240BRL per person)
- Rio Football Game (150-200BRL per person)

Ilha Grande
- Lopes Mendes Hike
- Ilha Grande Boat Excursion (120BRL per person)
- Swimming (Free)
- Snorkelling Ilha Grande
- Hike to Pico do Papagaio (130BRL per person)
- Ilha Grande Diving

Paraty
- Kayaking (90BRL per person)
- Paraty Boat Tour (100BRL per person)
- 4x4 Tour (100BRL per person)
- Horseback Riding Paraty (120-150BRL per person)
- Diving Paraty
- Cachaça Distillery Visit (90BRL per person)

Trindade
- Trindade Day Trip (5BRL per person)

Iguaçu Falls
- Iguassu Falls Bird Park Visit (60BRL per person)
- Iguassu Helicopter Ride (460BRL per person)

Puerto Iguazú
- Iguassu Falls Visit (70USD per person)

Bonito
- Waterfall Tour (210BRL per person)
- Bonito Snorkelling (236-280BRL per person)
- Gruta Azul (100BRL per person)
- Canopy Tour Bonito (160BRL per person)
- Balneario Municipal (60BRL per person)
- Cave Rappelling & Snorkelling (700BRL per person)

Sucre
- Sucre Dinosaur Tracks Excursion
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Sunday Tarabuco Market (40BOB per person)

Potosí
- Casa de la Moneda (40BOB per person)
- Silver Mine Tour (150BOB per person)

La Paz
- Death Road Biking Adventure
- Witches' Market Visit
- Valley of the Moon Tour (150BOB per person)
- La Paz City Tour (90BOB per person)
- Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos

Chacaltaya
- Chacaltaya Visit

Puno
- Sillustani Burial Towers Entrance (45PEN per person)

Lake Titicaca
- Lake Titicaca Kayaking

Urubamba
- **Whitewater Rafting Urubamba (165PEN per person)

Cusco
- Inka Museum (10PEN per person)
- Cusco City Tour (45PEN per person)
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (130PEN per person)
- Cusco Cooking Class
- Rainbow Mountain Hike - Full-day Trip

Ollantaytambo
- Ollantaytambo Storehouse Ruins and Hike

Lima
- Lima City Tour (65-85USD per person)
- Full Day Lima Experience (150USD per person)
- Huacas and Larco Museum by Night (90USD per person)
- MALI & Peruvian Paso Horse with dinner (90USD per person)
- Bike Miraflores and Barranco (30USD per person)
- Lima Cooking Class (4hrs) (85-95USD per person)

Trip Specific Responsible Travel  

Silver Mines in Potosí

Working conditions for miners were appalling, and a large portion of the indigenous population was decimated. African slaves were brought in to replace the native workers, and it is estimated that as many as eight million indigenous and African people died in the mines during the first three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. Unfortunately little has changed throughout time and working conditions have remained the same. Although this is not an excursion for everyone, we do recommend a visit as it is an eye-opening experience that gives you a chance to glimpse the realities of life in the Andes in general and more specifically in these mines however we do not condone the working conditions of the mine.

Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Packing List  

Available for Rent:
• Camping mattress/sleep mat (45 soles)
• Sleeping bag (45 soles)
• Walking poles (15 soles each (30 per pair))

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves

Inca Trail:
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)
• Pack liners to waterproof bags
• Rain gear
• Sleeping bag (Also available for rent)
• Thermal base layer
• Travel pillow
• Walking poles, rubber-tipped (Also available for rent)
• Waterproof hiking boots

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: The best clothing for trekking is either wool or synthetic materials in layers, as this is quick-drying and can keep heat in better. We suggest a base-layer, then a mid-layer such as a light fleece jacket or similar, then a windproof and waterproof layer.

Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Group Leader Description  

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!