Duration: 16 days and 15 nights

Description: 15 glorious days to experience the perfect South American hospitality – beaches, home stays, ancient ruins, Christ the Redeemer –
It is but scratching the ice berg on all the sights you are going to see and experience.

Day 1

Arrive Rio De Janeiro

Bemvindo ao Rio de Janeiro! On arrival at the airport, you will be met by a local representative and taken to your luxurious oceanfront hotel. Relax, get settled in and enjoy your hotel’s superb location overlooking Copacabana Beach, minutes from downtown Rio.

Day 2

Rio De Janeiro Free Time & Sightseeing (Breakfast included)

Enjoy a leisurely morning before joining your Tour Director to take a classic cogwheel train to the summit of Corcovado, home to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Descend the mountain and see the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches on your way back to the hotel. Enjoy a festive Welcome Reception with your Tour Director and fellow travellers at the hotel.

Day 3

Rio De Janeiro Sightseeing & Free Time (Breakfast included)

Spend the morning exploring the Cidade Maravilhosa (marvelous city) and its many contrasts – from the 18th century aqueduct and colonial Candelaria Church to the 20th century Opera House, Sambadromo and city Cathedral. Then stretch your legs in lovely Flamengo Park before ascending Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car for astounding views over the city and the bay. The rest of the day is yours to explore on your own. This evening, learn how to mix the perfect Caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail made with cachaça, and indulge in a traditional Brazilian Highlight Dinner at a local churrascaria, followed by a lively Samba show, highlighting the costumes and traditions of Rio’s world-famous Carnival parade.

Day 4

Rio De Janeiro Free Time (Breakfast included)

Enjoy a full day to discover the wonders of Rio on your own. Or choose to embark on an optional half-day journey by jeep and foot into the lush Tijuca National Park – the world’s largest urban rainforest. Perhaps explore Petropolis, the Imperial City of Brazil, or, if you prefer, cruise the emerald waters of Sepetiba Bay, stopping at an island for lunch and a swim. Your Tour Director will be happy to help you plan your day.

Day 5

Rio De Janeiro – Iguassu Falls (Breakfast included)

You will be introduced to one of Brazil’s most famous specialities: gemstones. Learn and watch the fascinating creative process as precious metals and rough gemstones are transformed into works of art, design and luxury. Then fly southwest to Iguassu Falls, on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.

Day 6

Iguassu Falls Sightseeing & Free Time (Breakfast included)

Enter Iguassu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the Brazilian side of the cascades with an expert guide, including a scenic walk through the rainforest at the base of the falls. Enjoy a Highlight Lunch at a local restaurant with a view of the falls, then return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. You may choose to take an optional excursion into the lush Macuco rainforest to get up close and personal with jungle nature and then cruise the river to see the falls from below.

Day 7

Iguassu Falls – Buenos Aires (Breakfast included)

Cross the border into Argentina to see the falls from a different perspective. Stop at the Visitors Center to learn about the geography of the area. Take a guided walk along a scenic catwalk and board the open-air Ecological Jungle Train to view the mighty falls and see the thunderous Devil’s Throat Falls. Then fly to Buenos Aires and arrive at your stylish hotel, located in the heart of Argentina’s exciting capital with easy access to designer boutiques, fine restaurants, museums, theatres and the famous Teatro Colon.

Day 8

Buenos Aires Sightseeing (Breakfast included)

Embark on an in-depth tour of the passionate city where the tango was born. See the Casa Rosada, Metropolitan Cathedral and other government buildings; world-renowned Teatro Colon; La Boca; San Telmo with its famed outdoor market and lovely Palermo. Stop at the workshop of a master leather artisan and learn how Argentine leathers are turned into fine leather goods. Lastly, visit the elegant Recoleta where you visit the museum dedicated to Eva Peron (Evita) as well as the impressive cemetery where she is buried. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for an exclusive Be My Guest experience as you are welcomed by a local family into their elegant mansion. Your hosts share their passion for art and invite you to learn how to make delicious empanadas – rolled pies stuffed with an array of delicious fillings. Sample these treats and other hors d’oeuvres while learning about and tasting some of Argentina’s best vintages and varietals from the Cafayate and Mendoza wine regions.

Day 9

Buenos Aires Free Time (Breakfast included)

Relish a morning and afternoon at leisure to pursue your own interests in the “Paris of South America.” The possibilities are endless. Visit one of the country’s finest museums at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Or, take an optional excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Colonia del Sacramento across the Rio de la Plata in Uruguay. And if you’d like to experience a different side of Argentina, take an optional trip out into the countryside to spend the day at a traditional estancia (ranch), including a lively equestrian show and traditional parrillada (barbeque) lunch. This evening, linger over a Highlight Dinner and a chance for an authentic taste of world-renowned Argentinean beef! Cap off the evening watching the best tango dancers in Buenos Aires perform the tango and experience the passion and power of Argentina’s beloved, traditional tango music.

Day 10

Buenos Aires – Lima (Breakfast included)

Bid Adios to Buenos Aires and Hola to Lima as you fly to Peru. Enjoy a unique Be My Guest experience at Casa Diez Canseco, the private home of an illustrious Lima family.

Meet the friendly owner and learn about the history of your host’s ancestors as he leads you on a tour of his home. Then celebrate your arrival in Peru with a sumptuous home-cooked meal of traditional Peruvian delicacies. After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring Peru’s capital. Visit Lima’s colonial sights, including the Plaza San Martin with its impressive cathedral and the stately government palace. Then tour the splendid Church of San Francisco with its atmospheric catacombs and interesting library. Conclude your afternoon sightseeing with visits to the upscale suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro, home to fashionable shops, cafes and restaurants.

Day 11

Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley (Breakfast included)

This morning, fly to Cusco, and head for the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Stop at Awanakancha, where you can see and touch llamas, alpacas and vicunas and learn about traditional Andean textiles as you see weavers at work. Enjoy a box picnic lunch before visiting the vibrant market of Pisac, where local Quechua people gather to sell their produce and handicrafts. Later this afternoon, arrive at your lovely hotel, a former 18th century monastery, in the heart of the Urubamba Valley. Enjoy dinner with your travelling companions at the hotel.

Day 12

Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu (Breakfast included)

After breakfast, head to Ollantaytambo to visit this famous Inca hilltop fortress built from immense blocks of stone. Then board the Vistadome train and view incredible scenery through panoramic windows as you journey up to the great citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

 Upon arrival, take a short bus ride to the entrance gate and begin your exploration of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Your expert guide takes you through the ruins of this once-great fortress, built in the 15th century and abandoned nearly 100 years later with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. See the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, an intricately carved rock most likely used as a sundial or calendar by the ancient Incans.

Day 13

Machu Picchu – Cusco (Breakfast included)

Your morning is free to return to Machu Picchu and continue your discoveries on your own. If you’re feeling adventurous, hike up to the Gate of the Sun for stunning views over the fortress and the valley below. In the early afternoon, descend from your mountaintop aerie and head toward the great colonial city of Cusco. On the way, stop at a local chicheria for a taste of chicha and to learn how this Peruvian corn beer is made by women only.

Day 14

Cusco Sightseeing & Free Time (Breakfast included)

Take a morning tour of Cusco, the capital of the Incas during their reign. See the highlights of the city, including the incredible baroque cathedral on the main Plaza de Armas. Visit the 17th century Church of Santo Domingo, which was built atop the foundations of the Inca Temple of the Sun, or Korikancha.Just outside of town explore the impressive ruins of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hill overlooking the Sacred Valley. Back in Cusco, meet with Kike Pinto, founder and Director of the Museum of Andean and Amazon Musical Instruments, for an entertaining presentation on Andean instruments and music. This evening, celebrate your travels through the lands of the Incas at a festive Farewell Dinner of delicious Cuscuenian dishes served at a popular local restaurant with demonstration of ancestral dances.

Day 15

Cusco – Lima (Breakfast included)

Fly back to Lima this morning and enjoy a day at leisure. Perhaps visit the impressive Larco Museum, pick up some souvenirs or just relax.

Day 16

Depart Lima (Breakfast included)

Say hasta luego to Lima and transfer to the airport for your flight home.