South America Gap Year Tours

South American Adventure – 24 days

This epic tour gives you the chance to explore the highlights of South America. From the magnificent Iguaçu Falls to the remote Atacama Desert, from the El Tatio Geysers to the vast Uyuni Salt Flats, and from the timeless colonial heartland of Bolivia to the wildlife of the Pantanal wetlands, this ultimate South American Adventure will leave you spellbound!

Age Range
This tour is designed for adults over 18 years old. While most passengers are aged from 25 to 55, every year we get people both above and below this age range. All travellers over the age of 55 will be requested to complete a self-declaration of fitness.

Country Information
Chile narrowly stretches along the Pacific Ocean on the southwestern edge of South America. Its unusual shape ensures a variety of climates from the north borders with Peru and Bolivia to the extreme south where the coastline meets the Southern Ocean. Bolivia is located to the northeast and is one of the only two landlocked countries in the Americas.

To the east is Brazil, the largest country in Latin America, famous for its football, carnaval and stunning beauty. Finally we travel southwest to Argentina via the Iguaçu Falls. The country is home to some of the tallest mountains, expansive deserts and highest waterfalls imaginable.

Climate
Keep in mind that dress tends to be informal. Take a practical selection of clothes for both warm and cool climates to suit the season - and remember that the seasons south of the Equator are opposite to those north of it. You may encounter a wide variety of temperatures en route due to altitude and unforeseen weather conditions - so be prepared!

Tour Information
We begin in the capital city of Santiago catching a flight transfer to Northern Chile, arriving in San Pedro de Atacama. As you get to know your tour companions we will visit Moon Valley and Death Valley on our first afternoon, before viewing the first beautiful sunset of the tour and spending our first night in hosteria. We set for the El Tatio Geysers, the highest geyser basin in the world at a colossal 4,321m above sea level.

As we cross the border into southern Bolivia we encounter the massive salt flats of Uyuni, which are composed of a staggering 10 billion or more tons of salt. Marvel at the reflections of the surface when covered by shallow waters and the colour variations of the lakes, from Laguna Verde’s jade waters to the flaming red of Laguna Colorada.

As we move into Bolivia’s colonial heartland we visit Potosi, once one of the continent’s largest and most prosperous cities, but now a shadow of its former self. There are still beautiful churches, monuments and museums to explore among the streets of this grand old city. Its mining history is not forgotten, and a visit to the mines can also be arranged.

On Day 8 we travel to Sucre, Bolivia’s most beautiful city, which was declared a world heritage site in 1991. Here we will spend two nights in hotel accommodation. Explore the attractions such as the bustling markets, Casa de la Libertad or Museo de la Recoleta and enjoy the city’s nightlife! Our route continues east into more secluded territory as we descend through the Andes into the valleys. We stop at the town of Samaipata and visit El Fuerte, a pre-Incan ceremonial site. Santa Cruz is our next destination, and you will have the day at your leisure to explore the city.

The following day we will board an overnight train which takes us to the Bolivia-Brazil border. We arrive on the morning of Day 13 and meet with our partners in Brazil, who will accompany us into the heart of the vast wetland of the Pantanal. You have three days to soak up the atmosphere as you try piranha fishing, and enjoy hiking and horse riding through the wetlands to observe wildlife such as tapirs, sloth, anacondas, macaws and over 300 species of birds roaming this stunning part of Brazil. 

We head through the forests to the wilderness area of Bonito, well-known throughout the continent for its subterranean caves, beautiful waterfalls and clear rivers, amongst Serra do Bodoquena’s lush forests and marble hills. As we approach Argentina we stop at one of the most incredible natural wonders of the world, Iguaçu Falls. You will view the stunning panoramas from both sides of the border, decide for yourself which side is most impressive! All in the company of the countless toucans and butterflies inhabiting the trees.

On the afternoon of Day 21 we board the luxury night bus to Buenos Aires, which includes a dinner service and movie screen, as well as an on-board breakfast the following morning, leaving you refreshed for your arrival in the most cosmopolitan of all South American cities.

After exploring the city in the afternoon and sampling the nightlife, you may choose to roam the city alone or in groups during the day, or take up an optional full-day tour, visiting the pampas and gauchos, or the riverfront and markets of Delta del Tigre. Take a tango lesson or watch a tango performance and try the world famous Argentine steak and seafood.

Accommodation & Meals
On this tour, all en-route accommodation nights (HP) are INCLUDED in the tour cost. Footloose uses a mix of hotels, hosterias (hostels) and local guesthouses. Accommodation may vary, depending on location and availability. We may utilise a combination of twin-share rooms as well as multi-share rooms depending on the local destinations. We carefully select each property to ensure that it is ideally located, clean, comfortable and safe. We also choose to utilise locally owned properties whenever possible so that the local community and its members benefit from our visits.

Stops
Day 1: San Pedro (HP)  
Day 2: San Pedro (HP) 
Day 3: San Pedro (HP) 
Day 4: Altiplano (HP)   
Day 5: Uyuni (HP)
Day 6: Potosi (HP)   
Day 7: Potosi (HP)   
Day 8: Sucre (HP)   
Day 9: Sucre (HP)   
Day 10: Samaipata (HP)   
Day 11: Santa Cruz (HP)   
Day 12: Night Train to Brazil (T)
Day 13: Pantanal (HP)
Day 14: Pantanal (HP)
Day 15: Pantanal / Campo Grande (HP)
Day 16: Bonito (HP)
Day 17: Bonito (HP)
Day 18: Iguaçu Falls (HP)
Day 19: Iguaçu Falls (HP)
Day 20: Iguaçu Falls (HP)
Day 21: Luxury Overnight Bus (B)
Day 22: Buenos Aires (HP)
Day 23: Buenos Aires (HP)
Day 24: Buenos Aires

Dates and Prices

13 July 31 August 14 December 2009 15 February 29 March

£1465 £1465 £1465 £1444 £1444

Optional Activities
Here are some examples of additional excursions that may be available to you during the tour:

• Mountain biking in San Pedro
• Horseback riding in San Pedro
• Cave scuba diving in Bonito
• Whitewater rafting in Bonito
• Boat trip under Iguaçu falls
• Helicopter flight at Iguaçu
• Mamalluca Astrological Observatory
• Tango show with dinner in Buenos Aires

Included in price

• All land transportation
• 21 nights’ hotel/lodge/hostel accommodation
• Services of English/Spanish/Portuguese-speaking tour leader
• Horseback riding, guided trekking and piranha fishing in Pantanal (with some meals)
• El Tatio Geysers, Uyuni Salt Flats, and Moon Valley tour with local hot springs
• Overnight luxury bus to Buenos Aires and overnight train to Brazil
• Entry to Balneario do Sol and El Fuerte
• Admission to all National Parks and monuments as per the itinerary

Not Included

• International Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Spending Money
• All meals not described above
• Internal flight from Santiago to Northern Chile