They’re as different as sweet and sour or black and white, yet as perfect for each other as cheese and pineapple or Ross and Rachel. Yep, North and South America present a mix of the biggest contradictions of the modern world – secluded idyllic beaches vs. the modern metropolis; luxury vs. poverty; expansive dry deserts vs. mighty waterfalls, to name a few.

Yet somehow, together, they work. Which is why we came up with the Americano. This awesome adventure will take you to 4 of the most legendary traveller cities of the world leaving you free to explore everything in between.

First stop – New York, where you’ll make your own way to Los Angeles. From there you’ll fly down to Lima and embark on a journey across countries to Rio de Janeiro. Want to be there right now? Here’s the next best thing – check out the Americano route on the Tripline below.

Fully inspired? Good. Here are some tips for how you can make your way from North to South on the Americano in style.

Live the Americano dream

New York

Start spreading the news! New York is an amazing addition to any round the world trip. Take in the magnificent views of Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge and the iconic Statue of Liberty from the air on a thrilling helicopter tour, chew the fat with a yellow cab driver, cycle sprawling Central Park and relax with a Broadway show, cocktail and a big fat burger.

 Kick start your epic trip with a stay in the Big Apple | Image by kaysha

Soak up the thrills and spills of the Big Apple, the only city in the world that’s an A-list celebrity in its own right.

From here you make your way to Los Angles in that classic American style – altogether now – road triiiiiiiiiip! Hire a car and head off, West Coast bound, along the infamous Route 66, rock ballads blaring for that authentic all-American feel.

Take in the view of Manhattan from the amazing Brooklyn Bridge

Los Angeles

Next up is the world capital of glitz, glamour and beautiful people. LA is super stylish and jam-packed full of sun soaked beaches, brunching shoppers and movie madness.

Put yourself right in the centre of some of the most incredible movie sets of all time at Universal Studios – an absolute must for the ultimate Hollywood experience.

 Take some time to explore LA's beautiful beaches, like Santa Monica, above | Image by laura padgett

LA is also the gateway for exploring the rest of the West Coast; why not include a stop in San Francisco and get a Las Vegas sized hangover all in one trip! Better yet, an adventure tour such as the 15-day Best of the West means you can cruise around California, making new friends and hitting all the pancake joints as you go.

Lima

It’s time to leave the glamour of the Sunshine State for the historic enchantment of Peru. Discover the ancient mystique of Machu Picchu on your way through the testing but incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience that is the Inca Trail.

 Make the once-in-a-lifetime trek to Machu Picchu | Image by MikeBash

Make friends with an alpaca and leave your western domesticities at the jungle door as you venture deep into the Amazon rainforest. Head north, south, east or west for an epic overland adventure that leads you across some of the most exciting travelling terrain out there; just make sure you end up in Rio for your last stop!

An adventure tour such as Southern Cross will make sure you get from start to finish easily, without missing out on a second of the Lake Titicaca, Bolivia Salt Flats, or Iguassu Falls action.

Rio de Janeiro

Last stop: samba town! Get your dancing shoes on and be prepared to get swept off your feet by vibrant Rio de Janeiro.

 Party hard at the Rio Carnival | Image by Kate McKenna

Volunteer with disadvantaged children in the humbling local favelas, be part of the biggest party on earth and stay for Rio Carnival or seek out the tropical paradise of Ilha Grande, just a short hop from the city. However you decide to spend your time, we can guarantee you this – you will not be bored!