Best of South America: Machu Picchu, Iguassu, Rio & More

Upon arrival to the airport in Lima, you will be welcomed by an English-speaking guide outside of the Arrivals terminal and then transfer to your hotel for check-in. Lima was founded in 1535 by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro as “The City of the Kings” and became the capital and most important city of the Spanish Viceroyalty. Today it is still Peru’s most important city as it gives home to about 9 million people, almost 30% of the nation’s population. The historical city center comes with splendid colonial style architecture, ample squares as the Plaza de Armas (or Plaza Mayor) and grand churches which yielded it the declaration as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. In its modern quarters such as Miraflores and San Isidro you can find present day architecture, rich entertainment possibilities and a great number of first class hotels and restaurants. Peruvian cuisine is excellent and gets more and more famous in the world and Peruvians are extremely proud of their typical dishes.

Today you will explore the city with a sightseeing tour through Lima. First up is Plaza de Armas where you’ll discover the beautiful buildings of the government palace, the town hall, the palace of the archbishop and the cathedral. After that you will visit the San Francisco monastery which displays the largest collection of religious art in America. The highlight of this convent is the visit of the underground vaults known as "catacumbas" or catacombs.

Proceed through the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores and to the coastline enjoying the view over the beaches of Lima and the Pacific Ocean. Afterwards enjoy a guided visit to one of the Lima's most noted museums, the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum which houses the world's largest private collection of Peruvian pre-Columbian Art. Mr. Rafael Larco Hoyle founded the museum on July 28, 1926, in the Chiclin sugar estate in Trujillo, naming it as his father as an expression of filial homage. In 1958 he moved the collection to Lima, installing the museum in a colonial house in the district of Pueblo Libre, where it currently functions.

The approximately 45,000 objects of the collection have been exhibited to the public in the Permanent Hall, Jewelry Vault and the Classified Storage Area ever since. The halls of the Larco Museum are organized by subjects. The Metals, Ceramics, the Stones, the Culture, the Great Jewelry Vault and Textile Halls emphasize the technological aspects by Pre-Columbian cultures. Finally the World's unique Erotic Hall gives us a glimpse of the fascinating sexual life of ancient Peruvians.

In the afternoon the following optional tour can be arranged: Waterpark Tour with dinner at Café del Museo (5h)

Today you will transfer to the airport ahead of the flight to Cusco (flight not included). Upon arrival to Cusco, you will begin the transfer to Yucay in the Sacred Valley, stopping along the way to visit the Chinchero community. Here are the remains of what was the royal hacienda of Tupac Inca Yupanqui, as well as beautiful colonial temples built on Incan foundations. However, its main attraction is its Sunday market originally dedicated to the people of the valley to barter their products. This colourful and lively market still fascinates people with its variety of handicrafts and textiles made in true pre-Columbian style. Then you will be transferred to "El Mirador de Racchi" where you will have a splendid view of the Sacred Valley. 

Today you will visit Ollantaytambo, a typical Inca community. Towering above the town of Ollantaytambo you will find an ancient Inca fortress. Steep stone terraces rising from the edge of town lead up to the fortress ruins at the top of the hill. A stone stairway leads up through the terrace walls, allowing visitors to step out on them. One of the best-preserved areas lies north of the Hanan Huacaypata square: an area of 15 blocks of houses built on top of carved stone walls. After exploring the fortress, you will descend back into town to enjoy lunch in a typical restaurant.

In the afternoon the following optional tours can be arranged: Visit Moray & Maras (4 hrs), or trek along the terraces of Yucay (1 hr). Both activities can be booked on-site, or you can choose to relax at your hotel. Please note that these optional activities are not recommended during the rainy season (November to April).

Transfer by bus to the train station of Ollantaytambo where the tour starts by train, tracking through the fertile plain of the Urubamba valley and on to Aguas Calientes. From there, small busses drive up the steep mountain to the ruins of Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu, called the Lost City of the Incas, is rightfully considered one of the wonders of the modern world. This impressively located stone city was constructed with a technique incredible for its era and even for present times. Stone upon stone, fitted together perfectly without any cement, exquisite detail and discrimination worthy of the world’s greatest palaces typifies this mountain citadel. There are many theories about Machu Picchu, but one thing is for sure - it is one of the most impressive sites in the world.

Enjoy a guided visit of around two hours to explore the ruins, then return by bus and train to Ollantaytambo station. From here, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco. Cusco is widely considered to be South America's archaeological capital, and is one of Peru’s most important and most frequented tourist attractions. Nevertheless, it still remains the hub of the remnants of the Inca Empire: Quechua-speaking Inca descendants can still be found in the centuries-old stone-walled city streets. Cusco also boasts magnificent repositories of colonial art – fine examples can be found in the Cathedral and Museum of Archaeology.

Today you will set out on a half-day city tour. The former capital of the Incan Empire, Cusco is host to incredibly important sites including the Plaza de Armas. There one can find the cathedral built on the ruins of the ancient Inca Palace. Later you will visit the old town with its magnificent renovated colonial buildings; some of them now used as hotels. Afterwards you will carry on to Sacsayhuaman, a ruin site located approximately 3 km (roughly 2 miles) above Cusco, where you can take in fabulous view over the city and explore the surrounding ruins. Please note: To protect the historic center of Cusco, vehicles are no longer allowed in the main square. After the tour is complete, the rest of your afternoon is at leisure.

The day is yours! With a full day at leisure in Cusco, you’re welcome to explore on your own, taking in the site, sounds and flavours of this incredible city. Alternatively, you can participate on an optional tour to Rainbow Mountain, which can be booked on-site. Please note: this optional excursion to Rainbow Mountain is a shared excursion with other international travellers, and requires good physical fitness. The tour lasts 12 hours (7 hours on bus, 5 hours hiking), includes breakfast and lunch, and is best enjoyed during the dry season (April to November).

A full day bus tour from Cusco to Puno leads through the Peruvian highlands along snow-covered peaks of the Andes and past small villages, reaching its highest point in La Raya at 4,300 meters (roughly 14,100 feet) above sea level. En route you will visit the town of Andahuaylillas, the ruins of Racchi and the small town of Pucara. Lunch in a typical restaurant en route is also included. Upon arrival to Puno, you will be transferred to your hotel.

The beauty and charm of Puno town is made up by its habitants’ kind personality and by its mixture of typical Andean architecture that is to be found all way down from the sides of the hills until the bank of the Titicaca Lake. Its archaeological, cultural and architectural variety and richness owes Puno to the fact that it once has been inhabited by three different civilizations on the banks of the Titicaca Lake: Aymara, Quechua and Spanish. This multicultural origin has created a mestizo race that is also found in their artistic and cultural expression and especially in an incomparable folklore which is second to none and has made Puno the “Folklore Capital of Peru”. But the main attraction of Puno is the Titicaca Lake, a must for any visitor. The Sacred Lake of the Incas is one of the most enigmatic places in the world. It is the highest navigable lake and combines beautiful sights, culture and history.

In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Puno’s dock where you will depart towards the Uros Islands on Titicaca Lake. The Uros are 40 small floating islands made of packed totora (reed), located within the Titicaca National Reserve. Here the inhabitants of the lake, the Uros, live just as their ancestors did, maintaining their customs and idiosyncrasies.

After visiting the Uros Islands, continue by boat to Taquile Island. There are no roads or electricity in Taquile and the locals have maintained their traditions and culture, and many still wear traditional dresses. The Taquileños are known for their high-quality handicrafts, especially for the knitting, which is exclusively performed by males. In the main square there is a cooperative shop, selling woolen goods and hand-woven items, as well as a small church. A typical lunch at Taquile Island is included. Please note: The excursion to Uros and Taquile Islands are shared with international travellers, and accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

After visiting the islands, transfer from the hotel to the airport of Juliaca. A box dinner will be provided during the transfer. Soon, board a flight to Lima (flight not included) and upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the airport in Lima. Here you’ll board a flight with service to Iguassu Falls (flight not included) and transfer to your hotel.

Iguassu is one of the most fantastic natural wonders in South America. Located amidst a sub-tropical forest in the triangle of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, a gigantic row of waterfalls flow into the river Iguassu.

You will leave your hotel on the Brazilian side by motor coach and cross the Iguassu National Park towards the Brazilian Falls. Walk along the paths following the cascades and then along the catwalk which leads you very close to the bottom of the Devil’s Throat, enjoying magnificent views along the way. Afterwards you will take an elevator to go up back to the road, and there you will board the motor coach which will take you to the Argentinean side of the falls.

You will make a short stop at the Visitor’s Centre and proceed from there along the Inferior Circuit, the down-river falls, to the Superior Circuit, the up-river cascades. The Ecological Jungle Train leads you to the most impressive observation point of the falls – The Devil´s Throat. After visit transfer to the hotel on the Brazilian side of the falls.

After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires (fight not included). Upon arrival to Buenos Aires, meet with your driver and transfer to the hotel. Buenos Aires is not only the capital of Argentina, it is also one of the 10 most important metropolises in the world and the center of the political, economic and intellectual life of the country. This cosmopolitan city, with great European cultural influence, displays a refined taste in its cooking, in its “boutiques” and in the elegance of its inhabitants.

Almost 12 million people live there and can enjoy the plentiful night life visiting tango bars, cabarets, discotheques, restaurants, and eternally open bars. During the day, a wide variety of attractions are offered: museums, art galleries, tasteful shops, fascinating antiques, large green areas, parks, wide tree lined boulevards, clubs and sporting events. The Italian-Spanish descent of the inhabitants has formed this modern metropolis. Feel the flair, above all in the Italian old quarter La Boca and in the wide streets with cafes from the turn of the century. At the Plaza de Mayo, in the political center of town, is the starting point of this tour through this exciting capital. The widest street of the world, the very famous opera house and also the shopping street Florida make Buenos Aires unforgettable.

Afterwards you will be taken to the tango house Viejo Almacén, because visiting a tango show is a must when you are in Buenos Aires! El Viejo Almacén became a unique place thanks to its historic location and an authentic style nourished by popularity built through the years. Every night its doors are open to enjoy an impressive tango show performed by prominent interpreters of the tango scene, a demonstration of Andean music, as well as exquisite cuisine.

The Tango tradition started at the end of the 19th century, and developed out of a mixture of various rhythms, which were originally danced in the poorer neighborhoods. Tango is reflecting the nostalgia and melancholy of the European immigrants and brought up some great musicians, such as Astor Piazzolla and Anibal Troilo. You will enjoy a show with music, singing and dancing. The dinner includes entrée, main course, dessert & drinks. After the tango show return to the hotel, arriving back to your hotel around midnight. Please note: The tango show is shared with international travelers. The transfer’s hotel-tango house and vice versa take place with other international travelers from different hotels and Spanish speaking driver.

During today’s city tour you will see the Plaza de Mayo and the Metropolitan Cathedral, home of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. The tour goes then leads on to the San Telmo district. Until 1888, this part of the city was a river port though today San Telmo is one of the most modern and desired places to live in Buenos Aires. The worker district La Boca is famous for its colourful tin houses and its history as living district of Italian seamen and dock workers in the 19th century. The Barrio Norte, also called Recoleta, is the most affluent neighbourhood in Buenos Aires. At the cemetery of Recoleta one will find the grave of Eva Duarte who became internationally revered, and known, as Evita Perón. Continue along the widest avenue in the world, the Avenida 9 de Julio, and continue to the Plaza Lavalle with the Federal Court of Justice and the Teatro Colón. After your tour of the city, you will be returned to your hotel.

Following breakfast, you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro (flight not included). Arrival in Rio and transfer to the hotel.

Rio de Janeiro was founded in 1556, and this, the city of St. Sebastian of Rio de Janeiro, became the capital of the Colony of Brazil in 1776. In 1808 the Portuguese royal family fled Napoleon and settled in Rio. This brought a surge of progress and the city became the main cultural, political and economic centre of the Portuguese empire. In 1889, when the republic was proclaimed, Rio was confirmed as the country's capital, which it remained until 1960, when the construction of the new capital, Brasilia, was founded. Rio is situated in a 15-mile-strip of land, wedged between mountains and sea. There are some thirty miles separating downtown Flamengo, from far-flung Recreio, bordered on one side by the blue sea, on the other by verdant hills. Between them lies a colourful state of mind called CARIOCA, with almost 8 million locals who samba their way through life, relaxed and high-spirited. That is just the way it should be in Rio, surrounded by natural beauty on all sides, with Christ the Redeemer perched on top of Corcovado blessing the city and Sugar Loaf, one of the most famous postcards of our country.

In the evening the following optional tour can be arranged: Rio by Night Culture Show (1.5 hrs)

This morning, you’ll depart the hotel and proceed to Cosme Velho Station to board a cog-train which will then take you on a ride through Tijuca Forest up Corcovado Mountain at 748m (2.454 ft) high. The train ride takes 20 minutes and is a wonderful opportunity for a closer look at the forest’s lush tropical vegetation and to enjoy scenic landscapes of the beaches and city. Disembark at the top of Corcovado and then proceed up the steps that lead to the top lookout where the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer stands. After appreciating the breathtaking view unfolding below, you will descend by train. The tour proceeds by Rio’s world-famous beaches as far as Urca District to board a cable car for a two-staged ascent up Sugar Loaf Mountain at 390m (1.280 ft) high. Afterward, you will make your way down and proceed along Guanabara Bay and Flamengo Park to reach the downtown core. In the downtown district, you will pass by the financial and business hub and by other attractions including the Candelaria Church, Saint Sebastian Cathedral, Lapa Arches, Municipal Theatre, National Library, Fine Arts Museum, and by the Sambadrome, site of Rio’s famous Carnival parade. Please note: In the unusual case that the cog-train does not operate, you will instead drive by van. 

Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport ahead of your onward or return flight (flight not included).