Grand Tour of South America

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Lima, Peru

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Lima with British Airways. Transfer to the Casa Andina Premium Miraflores for 2 nights. (N)

Day 2: Lima

Morning tour of Lima, including the colonial centre and a stop at the historic Cordano tavern for a local pisco sour. (B)

Day 3: Fly to Cuzco The Sacred Valley

Fly to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca empire. Transfer to the Sacred Valley, via the local market in Pisac and Ollantaytambo Inca fortress. Stay at the Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley for 1 night. (B)

Day 4: Machu Picchu

Take the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu and explore the spectacular Inca city. Stay at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo for 1 night. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Cuzco

Morning at leisure or further explore Machu Picchu (purchase tickets at time of booking). In the afternoon, return to Cuzco by train and stay 2 nights at the Casa Andina Premium Cuzco. (B)

Day 6: Cuzco

Morning tour of Cuzco and San Blas. Afternoon at leisure or optional excursions. (B)

Day 7: Luxury train to Puno

Take the Belmond Andean Explorer sleeper train across the altiplano (high plain) to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Enjoy majestic vistas from the stylish lounge car, stop by the archaeological site of Raqchi and watch the sunset at La Raya (the highest point of the route), where the snowcapped Andes tower over deep valleys. Dinner and overnight on board (bunk bed cabin upgrade to a twin-bedded cabin from £105. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

Wake up to see sunrise over Lake Titicaca. Travel by road to Huatajata in Bolivia visiting Copacabana and its shrine en route. Discover the cultural exhibition at the Andean Roots Eco Village, see how reed boats are constructed and meet a Kallawaya, a spiritual healer. Stay overnight at the Inca Utama on the shores of the lake and observe the southern constellations from the hotels astronomical observatory. (B, L)

Day 9: Uros Iruitos La Paz

After breakfast take a hydrofoil cruise to the Uros Iruitos floating reed islands and visit the Quewaya Sustainable Project. Continue overland to bustling La Paz and take an afternoon tour of the city, including the witches market and Moon Valley. Overnight at the Hotel Europa. (B)

Day 10: Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina

Fly to Buenos Aires, a city of grand architecture and European influences. Transfer to the Alvear Art Hotel for 3 nights. (B)

Day 11-12: Buenos Aires

Morning city tour including a visit to the cathedral, La Boca district and the Recoleta cemetery. A day at leisure or take optional excursions. (B)

Days 13-14: Fly to Iguaz / Iguau

Fly to Iguaz and cross into Brazil for 2 nights at the luxurious Belmond Hotel das Cataratas within the park (upgrade to a deluxe falls-view room from £275). Take a half-day tour of the Argentinian side of the falls, including the thundering Devil’s Throat, and time at leisure to explore the Brazilian park at your own pace. (B)

Day 15: Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Fly to Rio, set among mountains, tropical forests and golden beaches. Transfer to the stylish Belmond Copacabana Palace (partial oceanview room) for 2 nights. Upgrade to a deluxe ocean front room from £75. (B)

Day 16: Rio de Janeiro

Full-day tour of Rio de Janeiro, including Corcovado and Sugar Loaf mountain. (B)

Days 17-18: Fly to London

At leisure or optional excursions (day room use from £85). Evening flight to London with British Airways, arriving the following day. (B) (N)