Tour Alaska To Ushuaia Group Overland Tour | Visit United States of America, Argentina

Accommodation

You will spend 50% of the time on this expedition staying in local hotels, guest houses and hostels. The other 50% of the time you will be in your tent camping. Quite often we will wild camp by ourselves out in the bush or in the desert and other times we will use designated campsites with amenities. The majority of our wild camp locations are usually very scenic and we always strive to find the perfect spot on the banks of a river, overlooking a canyon, behind a dune in the desert, on a remote beach, etc. but sometimes we just have to camp wherever we can find a spot. From past experience on expeditions of this length and nature we have found that people prefer to supply their own tents as they are then not forced to share and they can pick a tent that suits their needs. As a general rule, try and choose a good quality lightweight and waterproof free-standing tent that is easy to erect, take down and carry. At some of the campsites there are upgrade options available so should you prefer not to camp or you just want some time alone you can sometimes rent yourself a private room at your own expense. When we are not camping (usually in cities) we always try to use decent, clean budget hotels, guest houses and hostels, however, taking into consideration the sometimes unpredictable nature of this expedition and the remoteness of some of the areas we visit, please be aware that in some circumstances we just have to take what we can get, good or bad. When staying in hotels, guest houses and hostels you can expect to share your room with other expedition members of both sexes. There is usually an opportunity for anyone to upgrade to a single room or a superior room if they so wish. All accommodation upgrades are at your own expense.

Guide

A driver/guide is included during this tour.

Transport

We will be travelling in a purpose-built Madventure overland vehicle 100% of the time on this expedition. A standard bus simply wouldn’t be able to tackle many of the roads we travel on. The overland vehicle we use is a custom-built expedition truck which can accommodate up to 36 people although most of our expeditions travel with approximately 25 people. Comfort and safety is of course a big factor during expeditions of this length and nature so all our vehicles have high-backed coach seats with safety belts. The seating is on the upper level of the vehicle giving you an almost 360° view of the surrounding scenery. Our vehicles are designed to allow sufficient luggage storage and are also equipped with lockers to keep all your gear safe. Our long range diesel and water tanks ensure our self sufficiency in remote areas and the equipment we take with us is also of vital importance. In case of a breakdown we are equipped with a good selection of spare parts as well as a comprehensive tool kit to undertake any necessary repairs on our own as and when we need to. There may also be times when we get stuck in the sand or mud when travelling off road so all necessary recovery equipment such as sand mats, cables, ropes, shovels and pickaxes are also on board. We spend a lot of nights around the campfire so we take along good axes and saws for the times when we have to replenish our wood supply. We usually carry 400 litres of treated drinking water and we are equipped with a good kitchen which includes all cutlery, plates, cups, pots and pans, utensils, gas cooker, BBQ grate, etc. Our vehicles are equipped with a small fridge which is used for the cook group’s breakfast and dinner food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use. Comfortable fold up chairs are provided for outdoor seating and we also have a large tarpaulin to keep us dry on those rainy days. We carry a portable shower and shower tent so you can take a shower every day on this tour if you like, even when we are wild camping in remote areas. Our vehicles are equipped with USB charging points only so try and bring all of your important electronic devices such as telephone, tablet and head-torch to charge from a USB socket. We do not have a 120V or 240V power supply on the vehicle but you will have the opportunity to charge your 120/240V electronic equipment at the hotels we stay at. We carry a comprehensive first aid kit for emergencies but we recommend you bring your own for general use.

Others

Services of your expedition leader/driver Transportation in custom-built Madventure overland trucks and use of all equipment Local transportation costs (if required) Diesel, mechanics, shipping and any other costs relating to the vehicle Ferry tickets (when travelling together as a group) 208 breakfasts, 104 evening meals All accommodation costs (50% hotels, guest houses and hostels, 50% camping) National Park entry fees when we enter as a group with our vehicle

Meals

Eating well is a very important factor on our expeditions and good food is vital for everyone’s health and well-being. When we are camping we usually cook breakfast and the evening meal on the vehicle. For lunch we usually stop at a cheap local restaurant giving you a chance to taste the local fare. Occasionally we may prepare lunch on the vehicle when we are in remote areas. When staying in hotels (usually in cities) we always strive to provide you with one healthy, wholesome and plentiful meal every day, usually breakfast at the hotel. Lunches and evening meals are at your own expense when we stay in hotels. Local food is generally very cheap so if you are on a budget then eat what the locals eat. Western restaurants tend to be more expensive. When it comes to shopping and cooking while camping we will divide ourselves up into groups of 3 or 4 people (depending on group size) who will do their own fresh food shopping, prepare the day’s meals and clean up at the end. This will work out that you roughly get to cook once every 10 days (depending on the group size). Fresh food is generally available daily so when we are camping we try to eat meat and vegetables for every main evening meal. We do cater to vegetarians but we do not cater to vegans or fussiness. In these group situations everybody must appreciate we cannot cater to restrictive diets or individual likes and dislikes. Don’t worry if you are not a gourmet cook as your crew are also always there to give advice. Our vehicles are equipped with a small fridge which is used for the cook group’s breakfast and dinner food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use. Cleanliness plays an important role throughout this expedition and your crew will make sure an acceptable level of general hygiene is maintained throughout your journey to ensure the wellbeing of the group.

Not included:

Others

Personal travel insurance Personal spending money (£120 – £150 per week recommended) Visas (approximately £200 depending on nationality) Lunches and evening meals when in hotels, guest houses and hostels Lunches when camping Accommodation upgrades Entrance fees to optional sites and national parks Any optional activities and excursions International and domestic flights Tent, roll mat, sleeping bag and pillow Tips (USD $210 per crew member recommended)

Optional

Below is a list of the most popular optional excursions along with the most recent prices. Prices can of course change and are not controlled in any way by Madventure so please use the list below as an approximate guide only. Prices are shown in USD. USA Prince William Sound boat trip $210 Mt Denali flightseeing tour with glacier landing $400 Denali National Park bus pass $30 Prudhoe bay oilfield tour $70 Canoes (per hour), Grand Teton National Park $15 Monument Valley 4×4 tour $50 Helicopter flight over Grand Canyon $250 Aeroplane flight over Grand Canyon $190 CANADA Mt. Edith Cavell hike $50 Columbia Icefields tour $85 Frank Slide interpretive centre $15 Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump $15 MEXICO Copper Canyon train tour $400 Copper Canyon zip-line $60 Cable car ride, Zacatecas $5 Teotihuacan ruins $5 Mexico City open top bus tour $15 Mexico City Anthropology Museum $5 Monte Alban ruins $5 Sumidero Canyon boat trip $15 Palenque Mayan ruins $10 Uxmal ruins $30 Chichen Itza ruins $35 Dos Ojos cenote swim $20 Tulum ruins $5 BELIZE Lamanai ruins boat excursion $60 Islands of Belize, per day (max. 3 days) $40 Belize Zoo animal sanctuary $15 GUATEMALA Tikal ruins $20 Lake Atitlan boat tour $20 EL SALVADOR Fishing trip, La Libertad $25 Surfing lessons, La Libertad (per hour) $20 Museum of Art, San Salvador $2 HONDURAS Copan ruins $15 Bay Islands, per day (max. 3 days) $40 Scuba diving, Bay Islands (per dive) $50 Lake Yojoa boat tour $20 NICARAGUA Volcano-boarding $35 Masaya volcano tour $25 COSTA RICA Rio Frio boat tour $60 Arenal Volcano National Park $15 Arenal volcano hike $50 Sloth watching tour $50 Cloudforest zip-line tour $70 Cloudforest suspension bridge trail $50 Manuel Antonio National Park $20 PANAMA Panama Canal full transit boat tour $270 Sailing trip from Panama to Colombia – 5 days $500 COLOMBIA Cartagena pirate ship boat trip $35 Tayrona National Park day tour $30 Cocora Valley return transport $20 Purace National Park day tour $70 ECUADOR Equator exhibit $5 2 day Amazon jungle excursion $150 White water rafting in jungle $50 Horse riding (per hour), Banos $15 Mountain biking, Banos $30 Canyoning and rappelling, Banos $60 Bungee jump, Banos $20 Cuenca open top bus $10 PERU Swimming with green sea turtles $15 Chan Chan ruins day tour $25 Laguna Paron day tour $50 Laguna 69 hike $50 Pastoruri Glacier tour $30 Ballestas Islands boat tour $15 Huacachina sandboarding and dune buggy tour $30 Nazca lines flight $70 Cusco tourist ticket giving access to all main sites $35 Sacred valley day tour, Cusco $80 4 day Inca trail and Machu Picchu $750 2 day Inca trail and Machu Picchu $600 Lake Titicaca islands day tour $25 BOLIVIA Cycling the world’s most dangerous road $125 Silver mine tour, Potosi $20 Uyuni salt flats day tour $30 CHILE Valley of the moon, Atacama desert $50 Pan de Azucar National Park boat tour $20 Wine tasting tour, Santiago $70 Villarica volcano climb, Pucon $140 White water rafting, Pucon $50 Horse riding (per hour), Pucon $20 Trout fishing day trip, Pucon $100 White water rafting, Futaleufu $90 6 Lagunas tour, Coyhaique $40 San Rafael Glacier boat tour $180 Marble caves boat tour $15 Ferry to Torres del Paine hiking trails (one way) $30 King Penguin reserve $15 ARGENTINA Perito Moreno Glacier day trip, El Calafate $50 Perito Moreno Glacier mini-trekking, El Calafate $300 Beagle Channel boat tour, Ushuaia $40

Flights

No flights included during this tour. Only one flght expected from Panama City to Cartagena so budget between £100 - £200 for this flight.

Insurance

It is compulsory that every person who travels with Madventure obtain travel insurance for the complete duration of the tour. Proof of travel insurance must be shown before joining a tour. You may be covered under your credit card’s travel insurance so it might be worth checking with your credit card provider first. There are various travel insurance companies to choose from and a Google search will bring up a vast selection but for a comprehensive reliable policy that includes Covid Cover and Medical Repatriation we recommend a London based company named Campbell Irvine, Telephone: +44 20 7938 1734, https://microsite.campbellirvinedirect.com/madventure/. They are familiar with what we do so if you mention Madventure and the tour you are travelling on they should be able to provide excellent cover for you. For people based in North America a company called Allianz offers good cover – Telephone: +1 866 884 3556, www.allianztravelinsurance.com If you choose to obtain your travel insurance through another company please ensure you read the small-print and make sure your policy includes Covid Cover and Medical Repatriation.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1-11: Alaska
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1-11: Alaska

The natural splendour and abundant wildlife make Alaska the perfect place to start our expedition through the Americas.

Anchorage is our meeting point and is Alaska’s only true city, but even here wild moose still chomp through suburban flower beds and graze alongside the highways.

Please note that we depart Anchorage on day 1 of this expedition so if you want more time to see Anchorage we advise you to arrive a day or two early.

A short drive away from Anchorage we reach the tiny port town of Whittier which is set impressively amongst mountains, glaciers and a glistening fjord. From here you have the option to take a boat cruise and explore the Prince William Sound where breaching humpback whales, pods of orcas, porpoises, seals and sea otters are all common-place, as well as over 200 species of birds. Also keep an eye out for grizzly bears on the shore!

The quirky town of Talkeetna is a step back in time and is a great place to go flightseeing, rafting, hiking and fishing.

A thousand lakes and tundra capped hills line our way to the wonderful Denali National Park, alive with browsing bears, lone wolves and herds of grazing moose and caribou. We base ourselves here for a couple of days allowing time to explore the magnificent hiking and biking trails on offer.

We feel that our journey through Alaska would be incomplete without a visit to the far north so we continue on to the town of Fairbanks where we provision ourselves for the Dalton Highway. This desolate road has been made famous by the ice road truckers and will take us into the arctic circle, onto the tundra and up to the town of Prudhoe Bay where you have the option to take a tour around USA’s most productive oil fields. This northern route has proved to be a wildlife viewing highlight with grizzly bears, musk ox, arctic fox, caribou, moose and black bears spotted regularly.

Returning to the south we find the quirky settlement of Chicken. Fewer than 20 people reside here but travellers are well catered for at their infamous bar. Remember, what happens in Chicken stays in Chicken!

The Top Of The World Highway now takes us east to Canada.
Day 2 Day 12-26: Canada
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12-26: Canada

Our first stop in Canada is Dawson City, made famous by the Klondike Gold Rush and once home to the author Jack London (his original house is now a museum you can visit). The town remains evocative of its past and a day is easily spent lounging around the wild–west bars that offer live music and can-can girls!

From here the Klondike Highway takes us along a wonderful road running through almost utter wilderness where black bears and wood bison are in abundance by the roadside. This route also offers us the chance to soak ourselves in the Liard hotsprings, a soothing experience in an impressive natural landscape.

The river and mountain landscapes of the Skeena Valley now take us south towards the Canadian Rockies where Jasper National Park offers us wonderful hiking and stunning camping amidst craggy peaks, deep canyons and the world’s 2nd largest glacier-fed lake, Maligne.

Following the Parkway south we stop at numerous waterfalls before arriving at the massive Columbia Icefields where it is possible to visit the Athabasca Glacier from the comfort of an all-terrain Ice Explorer vehicle or walk to the glacier itself via the Toe of the Glacier trail.

We now visit 2 of Canada’s most picture-perfect destinations, Lake Louise and Lake Moraine, where you have time to wander the lakeshores and get those iconic photos of mountains reflecting in the water.

At Banff National Park you have the chance to go rafting, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking or just relaxing at the hot springs.

Calgary is a friendly city where we spend 2 nights for you to enjoy some of the country’s best bars and restaurants.

At Frank Slide you have the option to visit the interpretive centre to get a better understanding of this area where Canada’s deadliest landslide occurred in 1903.

Our final destination in Canada is at Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO world heritage site where an interesting museum explains how the Blackfoot tribe used the natural features of this area to their advantage for over 5500 years by driving buffalo over a cliff edge to their deaths.

We now cross a remote border into Montana, USA.
Day 3 Day 27-44: Usa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 27-44: Usa

After driving through the big sky state of Montana we arrive in Wyoming where we get to spend 3 nights in Yellowstone National Park, one of America’s most iconic parks! This is prime grizzly bear territory with bison, elk, moose and wolves also in abundance. This park accommodates more than half the world’s geysers which put on an amazing display, the most famous being Old Faithful.

Just south of here we enter Grand Teton National Park, a little known gem of a park offering great hiking amongst crystal-clear lakes, dramatic jagged peaks and wildlife rich plains.

Near to Salt Lake City we spend a night camping on Antelope Island with spectacular views of the Great Salt Lake. The island is also home to buffalo, pronghorns and coyotes.

The following morning we spend a few hours in Salt Lake City to give you time to explore the huge Mormon Tabernacle, the gleaming centrepiece of the city.

We continue to Zion National Park, a stunningly beautiful area where a highlight is to walk through the rivers that meander through the massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink and red.

A few hours away we now reach Bryce Canyon National Park. Hiking through the canyons here is an amazing experience where you will see incredible red cliff formations, wondrous pinnacles and the odd formations known as hoodoos.

At Arches National Park we spend half a day exploring the beautiful red-rock wonderland of natural stone arches, soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins and giant balanced rocks.

Monument Valley is a setting straight out of the wild-west where you have the option to visit the towering sandstone pinnacles, mesas and buttes with a Navajo tour guide in a 4×4.

Our journey through Navajo lands now brings us to Antelope Canyon where you have the option to scramble through a series of narrow slot canyons where beams of sunlight shine down from small openings above and bring out the colours of this magnificent natural creation.

Crossing into Arizona we now visit Horseshoe Bend where you have a spectacular view of the Colorado River carving a horseshoe-shaped bend into Glen Canyon.

Our final destination in the USA is the Grand Canyon where nature has carved a truly massive slice into the desert floor. Hiking trails along the canyon rim and even down to the canyon floor offer you spectacular views of one of nature’s most awesome creations!

Our journey now continues south towards Mexico.
Day 4 Day 45-67: Mexico
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 45-67: Mexico

Hugging the Gulf of California our first stop in Mexico is at Los Mochis where you have the option to take an epic train trip on the famous Chihuahua al Pacifico. The journey takes you through the spectacular scenery of the Sierra Madre and Copper Canyon before reaching the small towns of Divisadero and Creel where you have time to explore the area on foot or fly across the canyon on the world’s longest zip-line!

Winding roads with vertical sided canyons now lead us up into the beautiful colonial heartland of Mexico where we pass through numerous sleepy villages en-route to Zacatecas. This compact cobble-stoned town is a delight with historic churches, fascinating museums and traditional restaurants.

The ruins of Teotihuacan are our next stop and are mysterious relics of an ancient civilisation where we also find the world’s 3rd largest Pyramid.

We continue to Mexico City, a busy metropolis where the ancient and modern worlds collide with a fantastic display of gorgeous plazas, tranquil canals, glorious palaces, historic museums and sublime restaurants. Ride the open-top bus for a couple of days and you will see all the highlights.

Cactus-filled valleys and wide open plains lead us to the charming city Oaxaca, a mixture of colonial glory and indigenous market-places. This world heritage site is crammed full of culture with wonderful museums, churches and markets. The surrounding area offers inspiring archaeology in the form of the Monte Alban Ruins, featuring pyramids, terraces, tombs, staircases and sculptures, all remnants of the ancient capital of the Zapotec culture.

We now head for the Chiapas highlands and the Sumidero Canyon where you can take an exhilarating boat ride through the steep sided cliffs giving you the chance to pass by several waterfalls, enter caves and get close to some quite large crocodiles.

The quaint town of San Cristobal de las Casas is close by and a real relic of the past. A day spent here wandering the cobbled streets offers us an insight into a real Mexican gem.

After a short swim in the turquoise waters of Agua Azul we continue to Palenque, Mayan ruins set amongst lush jungle and perhaps the most beautiful of all the Mayan ruins in Mexico.

We now head into the Yucatan Peninsula and visit the ruins of Uxmal, Chichen Itza and Tulum, 3 of Mexico’s most impressive Mayan relics.

The Yucatan is also famous for its Cenotes and it is here that we visit Dos Ojos Cenote, 2 crystal-clear natural swimming holes that are part of the world’s longest underwater cave system.

Our journey along the coast now takes us towards Belize.
Day 5 Day 68-73: Belize
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 68-73: Belize

At Orange River a boat trip through the jungle will afford you the opportunity to see crocodiles, iguanas, turtles, coati, howler monkeys and plenty of birds but the real adventure is arriving at the Lamanai ruins hidden in the dense jungle at the end of the boat journey.

Belize City will be our next base where you have the option to explore the beautiful Caribbean-style island cayes just offshore. This is a fantastic spot for diving and fishing. Those who stay on the mainland can visit the close-by baboon sanctuary or just laze on the beach.

Moving inland we find a wonderful sanctuary protecting the native jaguars, pumas, snakes, monkeys, crocodiles, tapirs and more.

From here we continue towards Guatemala.
Day 6 Day 74-80: Guatemala
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 74-80: Guatemala

We enter Guatemala in the lush lowland jungles where we can explore the once lost Mayan cities and pyramids of Tikal that lie hidden beneath the tree canopy.

A winding route through the Central Highlands now leads us to Lake Atitlan, commonly referred to as the most beautiful lake in the world. The two volcanoes and numerous traditional villages that surround the lake are best explored by boats which traverse the lake daily. The colourful market town of Chichicastenango is also close by offering some bargain buys and interesting Mayan shrines.

Continuing east we reach the charming town of Antigua. Cobbled streets, colonial architecture and friendly faces make this a great place to relax for a couple of nights.

From here we wind our way through coffee plantations to the pacific coast and El Salvador.
Day 7 Day 81-84: El Salvador
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 81-84: El Salvador

Crossing into this lively and perhaps most friendly of the Central American countries we follow the coastline and base ourselves at the beaches close to La Libertad where surfing and fishing are the order of the day.

The once war-torn capital San Salvador is now a laid-back place where you have time to explore the museums and markets that make this such an interesting region of Central America.

On our way out of San Salvador we will visit Suchitoto, a treasured colonial town and buzzing cultural centre, before heading towards Honduras.
Day 8 Day 85-93: Honduras
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 85-93: Honduras

Known as the Paris of the Mayan World, our first destination is the magnificent ruins of Copan. This ancient Mayan city was well preserved after being swallowed up by the jungle and contains the longest known Mayan inscription with over 1250 hieroglyphics.

We now head for the wonderful Bahia de Honduras where we base ourselves in the town of La Ceiba. From here you have the option of visiting the nearby Bay Islands where the diving is spectacular. White sandy beaches, coconut palms and gentle sea breezes typify these islands and the clear waters, rich reefs and intriguing underwater caves make this an idyllic location to undertake a scuba diving course. Those who choose to stay ashore can keep busy with jungle trekking and boat tours.

Lake Yojoa is Honduras largest natural lake where you have the opportunity to hike to beautiful waterfalls and kayak through incredible caves.

We now journey across Honduras en-route to the Nicaraguan border.
Day 9 Day 94-99: Nicaragua
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 94-99: Nicaragua

The colonial town of Leon is our first stop and is the base camp to the world’s only volcano boarding tours. It is definitely a black run!

Occupying the caldera of an extinct volcano Lake Apoyo is possibly one of the most beautiful lakes in the world where you have the opportunity to swim, kayak, hike and relax for a few days. From here you also have the opportunity to visit Volcan Masaya, one of Central America’s most active volcanoes.

Our last stop in Nicaragua is the charming town of Granada where you can spend the day wandering the cobbled streets of this colonial gem.

On our way to Costa Rica we now hug the shores of the vast Lake Nicaragua, a freshwater lake full of saltwater fish that don’t exist in any other lake in the world.
Day 10 Day 100-107: Costa Rica
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 100-107: Costa Rica

In Los Chiles you have the opportunity to visit the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge and take a boat tour on the Rio Frio to look for the sloths, caiman, howler monkeys and the various species of birds that inhabit this lush area.

From our base in La Fortuna you have the option of undertaking numerous wonderful excursions including volcano trekking, riding the sky-tram, rappelling, bungy jumping, horse riding and sloth watching.

The pristine cloud-forests of Monteverde are our next stop where hanging bridges offer dramatic walks through the jungle canopy. For those seeking more adrenalin you can even go Sky Trekking and fly by zip-wire through the forest.

Back down on the Pacific coast our last stop in Costa Rica is at the well-renowned Manuel Antonio beach area where you have the option of spending the day in the National Park with plenty of wildlife and pristine beaches on offer.

From here we now continue our journey towards Panama.
Day 11 Day 108-112: Panama (And Break To Allow Shipping Of Our Truck)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 108-112: Panama (And Break To Allow Shipping Of Our Truck)

We head straight for the beach here in Panama and our first stop is at Playa Farallon, a palm-fringed white sand beach dotted with thatch umbrellas and divine seafood restaurants.

On our way to Panama City we will cross over the Panama Canal, affectionately known as The Big Ditch! This engineering marvel is considered to be the world’s greatest shortcut and is something that has to be seen to be believed.

In Panama City you will find a modern capital with great restaurants, American style malls and a museum explaining the construction of the Panama canal. For something more historic take a walk through the Casco Viejo area where you will find a charming community of old churches, cobbled plazas and magnificent palaces.

From Panama City we now take a 1 week break from the tour to give you some time on your own to recharge your batteries before regrouping in Cartagena, Colombia.

1 WEEK BREAK

As the road ends shortly after Panama City this is a good opportunity to have a break from the truck and head out on your own for a while, so it is from here that we take a 1 week break from the expedition before regrouping in Cartagena, Colombia. Sailing on a yacht from Panama to Colombia via the San Blas Islands is a popular option. Some people also visit Cuba during this break.

Flights to Cartagena are not included in the tour price.

We will also be saying goodbye to our North American vehicle in Panama as we use a different vehicle in South America, so you will have to take all of your gear with you when making your way to Cartagena.
Day 12 Day 113-124: Colombia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 113-124: Colombia

After our 1 week break we will regroup and meet our South America truck in the port town of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast. Legendary for both its outstanding beauty and fascinating history, this town really is a living museum of colonial Spanish architecture.

From our base in Santa Marta you have the option to visit the stunning Tayrona National Park where a series of wildlife-rich forest trails lead you to palm-fringed beaches and coastal lagoons usually only seen on postcards.

We now move south to the vibrant city of Medellin where we have the chance to explore Pablo Escobar’s old stomping ground! Through amazing displays of graffiti Comuna 13 tells us the story of an area once controlled by narcos and paramilitaries.

In the Andean town of Salento you have the opportunity to explore the colourful buildings and craft shops that adorn the colonial town square. The area is also well-known for the Cocora Valley where you can hike amongst the lofty wax palm trees which are a home to rare parrots.

We continue to the perfectly preserved pearl of colonial architecture known as the White City, Popayan. This is a laid-back town where kicking back in a sidewalk cafe is a great way to pass the day. This is also the gateway to Purace National Park where you have the option to take a day tour to see condors and thermal springs amongst some of South America’s most beautiful scenery.

Our final stop in Colombia is at the Shrine of our Lady of Las Lajas, an impressive Roman Catholic church built inside a canyon and something you would expect to see in a Disney movie.

A short drive away we cross the border and enter Ecuador.
Day 13 Day 125-137: Ecuador
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 125-137: Ecuador

Our first stop in Ecuador is the colourful market town of Otavalo where traders flock to from as far away as Colombia to sell their animals, carpets, food, clothing and traditional crafts.

On our way to Quito we stop at the equator where you have the chance to visit an exhibit that explains all the facts about this area where you can also straddle the yellow line marking the boundary between the northern and southern hemispheres.

In the lively city of Quito wandering through the old town is a definite highlight where narrow alleyways open up into grand plazas displaying historic churches as well as the President’s Palace. This city also has fantastic bars and restaurants to keep you entertained at night.

Dropping steeply out of the Andes we now enter pristine Amazon rainforest where you have the option to join a guided Amazon jungle excursion which includes hiking, rafting, bat-caving and waterfall climbing. Those who opt not to take the jungle excursion can enjoy the region’s activities such as kayaking and hiking from our base in the small town of Archidona.

A little further up the road we reach Banos, a bustling town offering several adventurous activities such as horse riding, canyoning, mountain biking, rafting and bungee jumping. Kicking back in the hot springs is a good way to end the day.

The town of Cuenca is our well preserved last stop in Ecuador where a day on the open-top bus will show you all the sites of this historic colonial town. Adventurous eaters should try the succulent Cuy (roasted guinea pig), it’s a delicacy here!

We now drop out of the Andes on our way towards Peru.
Day 14 Day 138-165: Peru
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 138-165: Peru

The white sand beaches of northern Peru are our first stop where you have time to enjoy the surf and go swimming with wild green sea turtles.

In Huanchaco you can sample some of the best ceviche in the country where the fish are caught locally by fishermen using reed boats, a 3000 year old tradition.

Close to Huanchaco you have the option to visit the vast and unusually decorated crumbling ruins of Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world. This area also boasts fascinating pyramids and temples well worth a day’s exploration.

A winding road now leads us into the mountains to Huaraz where we get commanding views of the magnificent Andes mountain range. Here you have the opportunity to undertake day trips to hike the famous Laguna 69 trail, visit the ice-blue Laguna Paron and walk to the face of the Pastoruri Glacier.

Back down on the coast we visit Lima for a taste of bustling city life and a look into Peru’s history in the fabulous museums, churches and plazas that adorn the city. The beach area of Miraflores is a culinary delight not to be missed.

A little further south we visit the national marine reserve of Paracas from where you have the option to take a boat trip out to the Ballestas Islands which are home to sea-lions, penguins and thousands of seabirds.

En-route to Nazca we have a short stop at Huacachina, a desert oasis where you can enjoy views over the green lagoon waters to the high, rolling sand dunes where the adventurous can take a dune buggy and go sandboarding.

The mysterious Nazca Lines are our next attraction where you have the option to take an exhilarating flight for an aerial view of pictures of whales, monkeys, spiders and even spacemen made by stones laid out on the desert floor.

Close to Nazca we take an afternoon to visit the mummified remains of ancient tribesmen at Chauchilla Cemetery and also the Cahuachi Pyramids, once an important ceremonial centre for Nazca culture.

Our journey back into the Andes now leads us to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. This colonial town is abuzz with energy and its beautiful squares, plentiful nightlife and wonderful restaurants make it a great place to explore and live it up a little! It is also from here that you will start one of your greatest optional excursions, the Inca Trail. This exhilarating 2 or 4 day hike lives up to its reputation for stunning scenery and ends at one of the world’s most beautiful sites, Machu Picchu.

On our way out of Cusco at a staggering 5200 m above sea level you now have the option to visit the Rainbow Mountains, a multicoloured marvel of nature.

We continue to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. From here you will get to see condors riding the early morning thermals, flying by at eye level providing great photo opportunities.

The charming city of Arequipa boasts beautiful churches, colonial plazas, lively markets and mouth-watering cuisine for us to enjoy during our 2 night stay here.

Our last stop in Peru is at the small town of Puno situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. Here you have the option of visiting the nearby floating reed islands where you can meet some of the native inhabitants, many of whom have never set foot on land!

Hugging the shores of Lake Titicaca we now head to Bolivia.
Day 15 Day 166-178: Bolivia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 166-178: Bolivia

Our first stop in Bolivia is La Paz, a bustling city where much of the street space is taken up by native women in bowler hats and voluminous skirts squatted down selling everything from fake designer jeans to coca leaves. There is even a witches market where you can find dried llama foetuses, magical love potions and an array of other weird and wonderful concoctions.

From La Paz you also have the option to cycle down the world’s most dangerous road, a hair-raising experience that follows a track carved into the side of a mountain.

We continue to Sucre, Bolivia’s most beautiful city set in a valley and surrounded by mountains. This is the proud heart of the nation and its whitewashed buildings are well-preserved vestiges of glorious colonial architecture.

A short drive away we now reach Potosi, once the wealthiest city in the world due to its prolific silver mines. The mines still operate today and you have the option to take a tour into the depths of the mines through a series of tunnels and shafts where you can even buy dynamite and have a go at your own excavations!

We continue to the tumbleweed town of Uyuni where we stay in a hotel made out of salt from the nearby Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flats. From here you have the option to visit the salt flats in a 4×4 jeep for an other-worldly experience of bizarre rock formations, cacti-studded islands and bright-white salt.

Our journey now takes us on a 3 day off-road adventure across the Bolivian altiplano, a high-altitude plateau of multi-coloured mountains, hardy wildlife, steaming geysers and towering volcanoes. This really is one of South America’s highlights!

The sandy desert tracks of the altiplano now lead us over the Andes and into Chile.
Day 16 Day 179-197: Chile
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 179-197: Chile

We drop steeply out of the Andes into our first Chilean town of San Pedro de Atacama, located in the world’s driest desert. This dusty frontier town is straight out of a spaghetti western and the relatively low altitude brings a welcome change in weather.

Desert meets ocean and we follow a coastal route taking in magnificent scenery and enjoy the stunning beaches of Pan de Azucar National Park from where boat trips are on offer to explore the rich sea-life of otters, seals, sea lions and birds.

Further south we reach the capital, Santiago. The city’s tree lined streets and wonderful architecture create a serene atmosphere but dig a little deeper and you discover a vibrant social scene. Huge coffee houses, tiny rock bars, sumptuous cuisine at restaurants like the Fat Cow and streets crammed full of late night dance clubs all make Santiago unforgettable.

As we continue south we notice a distinct change of scenery as the desert gives way to beautiful turquoise lakes and pine clad mountainsides. Pucon is a small Swiss-like lakeside town where we base ourselves for a few days to enjoy the area’s rafting and hiking. The really adventurous have the chance to trek up the active Villarica volcano.

Southern Chile is the beginning of our journey along the Camino Austral, a stunning route that takes us on ferries through beautiful fjords, dirt tracks that lead us to remote villages and national parks that offer unsurpassed views of the Patagonian wilderness.

Futaleufu is our first stop on the Camino Austral and is a world-class destination for fishing, kayaking and whitewater rafting, and actually boasts having the world’s most dangerous river.

Weather permitting, you now have the option to visit the Hanging Glacier where you can trek up to the viewpoint of a glacier creeping over a cliff-face with a gushing waterfall pouring out of it.

The town of Coyhaique is a friendly outpost where you have an afternoon to visit the regional museum and get a better understanding of this gateway to remote southern Chile. The 6 lagoons tour is an option for those who want to take in some more amazing scenery.

From our base in Rio Tranquilo you have the option to visit the stunning San Rafael Glacier as well as explore the bizarre marble caves on the shores of Lago General Carrera.

Settlements now become few and far between as we continue our journey south towards Argentina.
Day 17 Day 198-204: Argentina
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 198-204: Argentina

Our first stop in Argentina is at Cueva de las Manos (cave of the hands) where we get to see an exceptional amount of cave art dating back 13,000 years.

We continue to the village of El Chalten in Los Glaciares National Park where you have a couple of days to explore the trails surrounding the iconic peaks of Mt. Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

From our base in El Calafate you now have the option to visit the incredible Perito Moreno glacier where you can take a breathtaking boat trip through the glacial waterways or even put on crampons for an hour of glacier trekking.

We now head back to Chile.
Day 18 Day 205-208: Chile
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 205-208: Chile

We now cross back into Chile to visit one of South America’s most iconic national parks, Torres del Paine. Our idyllic campsite next to a turquoise glacial lake affords us stupendous views of the jagged mountain peaks towering skywards and the hiking here is stunning!

After crossing the Magellan Strait into Tierra del Fuego, providing the reserve is open, we now visit a King Penguin Colony where you can learn all about these adorable creatures that randomly made Bahia Inutil their home in 2010.

A short distance away we now enter Argentina again.
Day 19 Day 209-210: Argentina
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 209-210: Argentina

Dramatically wedged between huge mountains and the icy Beagle Channel, the end of the world town of Ushuaia is also our final destination on this tour. Activities such as trekking, kayaking, fishing, wildlife watching and boat cruising are popular day trips and the seafood restaurants lining the ocean-front are simply divine. This is also the closest land point to Antarctica and a fitting end to an overland adventure along the length of the Pan-American Highway from Alaska to Ushuaia!

Please note that this tour ends after breakfast on the final day of the tour so you can make your onward travel arrangements accordingly.

+16

210 days tour

Alaska To Ushuaia Group Overland Tour

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Itinerary of your trip Alaska To Ushuaia Group Overland Tour

Day 1-11: Alaska

Day 12-26: Canada

Day 27-44: Usa

Day 45-67: Mexico

Day 68-73: Belize

Day 74-80: Guatemala

Day 81-84: El Salvador

Day 85-93: Honduras

Day 94-99: Nicaragua

Day 100-107: Costa Rica

Day 108-112: Panama (And Break To Allow Shipping Of Our Truck)

Day 113-124: Colombia

Day 125-137: Ecuador

Day 138-165: Peru

Day 166-178: Bolivia

Day 179-197: Chile

Day 198-204: Argentina

Day 205-208: Chile

Day 209-210: Argentina

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