OverviewThis tour of South America will take you on an unforgettable journey through the highlights of this fantastic continent. Embark on the journey of a lifetime, visiting Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro and more.
– Included Meals Breakfasts: 18 , Lunches: 17 , Dinners: 18– Flights International flights and current taxes– Accommodation – 18 nights in 3/4 star accommodation– Group Tour – Max Group Size: 18
ItineraryDAY 1FLY TO LIMAFly to Peru’s historic and sophisticated capital, Lima. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner.
DAY 2LIMAOriginally named the City of the Kings, Lima is rich in heritage. Start at the archaeological site of Huaca Pucllana before discovering the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre. Enjoy lunch and then explore the bohemian district of Barranco, popular with Latin American artists. Conclude the day with a Pisco Sour Tasting experience followed by dinner.
DAY 3TO THE SACRED VALLEYFly from Lima to Cusco and transfer to the Sacred Valley. En route, visit Ccaccaccollo, a remote village and home to over 50 families, some of whom we will meet today.
DAY 4PISAC MARKETToday visit the colourful market of Pisac and archaeological site. Continue to Potato Park which is a community led conservation project where approximately 2,300 to 4,000 known potato varieties in the world are grown. Then explore the ruins of Ollantaytambo before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes.
DAY 5MACHU PICCHUThis morning, you will ascend to the magnificent ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Long abandoned by the Inca, Machu Picchu came to international attention when it was stumbled upon by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and is now considered one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Take the train back to Poroy and transfer to Cusco.
DAY 6CUSCODiscover Cusco, home to an incredible Incan legacy, with a morning city tour taking in the Temple of the Sun and other ancient ruins. Also visit the Inca fortress site Sacsayhuaman, which sits on a hill above Cusco.
DAY 7TRAVEL TO PUNOTake the Titicaca train across the Andean altiplano from Cusco to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The train boasts dining cars, a bar car and an observation car.
DAY 8LAKE TITICACAJourney by boat across Lake Titicaca to the floating islands of Uros, which are constructed entirely from reeds. Spend time exploring and meeting the local Uros people before continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Taquile. Once a stronghold of the Inca, you’ll find wonderful textiles here. After your tour of the island, head back to Puno.
DAY 9SILLUSTANI AND LIMAEn route to the airport visit the archaeological site of Sillustani, located on a protected island reserve. Spend time around the site and enjoy a typical Andean lunch. Fly to Lima and stay overnight.
DAY 10FLY TO BUENOS AIRESBid farewell to Peru and fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s flamboyant capital city. Later, enjoy a quintessential Argentine experience; the tango! Take a dance class before sitting down to enjoy dinner and a sultry tango show.
DAY 11EXPLORE BUENOS AIRESAn irresistible combination of Latin flair and European elegance, Buenos Aires is a delight to explore and that’s exactly what you’ll do today on a city tour, discovering the vibrant districts of La Boca, San Telmo, Recoleta, Palermo and Puerto Madero.
DAY 12DAY TRIP TO URUGUAYEnjoy a day trip to Uruguay, taking a ferry across the Rio de La Plata to Colonia del Sacramento. A picture-perfect colonial town, Colonia was founded by the Portuguese in 1680 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beautiful Barrio Historico, which occupies a small peninsula that juts out into the river, is a maze of old cobbled streets that are a delight to wander. Admire the main square, see the ruins of San Francisco Church and visit the lighthouse amongst much more.
DAY 13THE PAMPASSpend the day just outside the city on the vast, fertile grasslands known as the pampas, on a traditional estancia (ranch). Here you’ll get some insight into the life of a gaucho, and after a typical Argentinian asado lunch, there will be a fun folklore show.
DAY 14PUERTO IGUAZUSay farewell to Buenos Aires and board a plane over to Puerto Iguazu, the town closest to the incredible natural wonder that is Iguazu Falls. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
DAY 15DISCOVER IGUAZUOn the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu is the largest waterfall system in the world, with hundreds of cascades pouring off the edge of the Parana Plateau. Today you will wander along the Argentinian side of Iguazu, which offers a fantastic overview of the whole of the falls and showcases its power and magnificence. This afternoon, learn about the indigenous culture of the Mboror Aldea people, who open the doors of their community and share fascinating stories of their ancestors, rituals, myths and legends.
DAY 16FLY TO RIO DE JANEIROEnjoy your morning on the Brazilian side of the falls – this side offers a completely different experience with paths and boardwalks to wander. These will lead you to some of the numerous smaller cascades that dance their way along gullies and through lush greenery. In the afternoon, hop on a plane to Brazil’s ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’, Rio de Janeiro, where you can enjoy sunset on the world-famous Copacabana Beach.
DAY 17CHRIST THE REDEEMERClamber into a jeep to venture to some of Rio’s many wonders! Starting at the foot of Corcovado, travel up to the peak by cog railway to the spot where the iconic Christ the Redeemer watches over the city. Next, wander through the tropical Tijuca Forest, a rainforest in the heart of the city, before exploring the bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, and enjoying a traditional Brazilian BBQ lunch. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
DAY 18RIO DE JANEIRO CITY TOURContinue exploring Rio with a morning tour, absorbing the city’s vibrant atmosphere as you enjoy the sights, including the famous Sugarloaf Mountain. Later in the evening, visit a samba club, where you can simply tap your feet to the infectious beat and watch the dancing, or dance the night away yourself!
DAYS 19-20FLY RIO TO UKFly to the UK, arriving home the following day.
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