EXTREMES OF SOUTH AMERICA

Day 1 : ARRIVAL IN BRAZIL - RIO DE JANEIRO (- / - / -)

Begin your South American tour in the impressive city of Rio de Janeiro. Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel to check-in..

▪    Overnight at the selected hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 2 : RIO DE JANEIRO - PANORAMIC TOUR – SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN – CORCOVADO (B / - / -)

First, we will board the train that will take us to Christ the Redeemer. During the train ride, you will have the experience of traversing the rainforest for about 20 minutes to reach the top of Corcovado. Named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Christ the Redeemer has a lookout that we will climb to have a privileged view of Rio de Janeiro. We will go down again to sea level to start our visit to the main monuments of the city. We will visit the Maracanã Stadium (outside) and the Sambadrome.

We will continue our journey towards the Metropolitan Cathedral and then, we will visit the Selarón Stairs, a work of art full of flashy colours and designs. We continue to Sugar Loaf. At up to 396 metres above sea level, you can enjoy a memorable and inspiring experience. The Sugar Loaf Cable Car ride starts at Praia Vermelha Station, climbs to Morro da Urca and goes to Sugar Loaf Mountain, which, interconnected by two cable car lines, offers breathtaking views at any time of the day. Enjoy the exuberant nature of the Atlantic Forest, the contours of the mountains, the beauty of the architecture and city centre, the main beaches, the imposing Tijuca massif and the Corcovado with the image of Christ the Redeemer; Guanabara Bay with Botafogo Cove; and, in the background, the Serra do Mar with the “Dedo de Deus” peak. On the way also included a panoramic tour of the famous beaches like Copacabana. Lunch is included in a Buffet Local Restaurant. . 

▪    Overnight at the selected hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 3 : TIJUCA & BOTANICAL GARDEN BY JEEP  (B / - / -)

The lush rainforest isn't the only green oasis of Rio, the Botanical Gardens is also a paradise in flora and fauna.  And on this tour, we combine them both - so in a handful of hours you not only see the best nature spots in the city, but you also are invited to unwind, breathe in the fresh air, and relax.  We already know that the rainforest is home to waterfalls, trails, amazing vistas and more.  So let's talk more about the Botanical Gardens. Home to an immense variety of native plants and proud to be a safe home to many endangered species, the beauty of this park also includes its tributes to international species.  Also worthy is the mention of the over 900 species of palm trees and 140 species of birds that will flirt and sing to the passerby.  The jungle surrounding the Gardens is the same jungle you will cruise through!  And while exploring the grounds, always look up - you'll catch glances of the Christ Statue above

▪    Overnight at the selected hotel in Rio de Janeiro. 

Day 4 : RIO DE JANEIRO - ARRIVAL IN IGUAZU - IGUAZU FALLS (BRAZILIAN SIDE) (B / - / -)

At the indicated time, you will be transferred to the airport. Begin your adventure to Iguazu with the transfer to your hotel in Puerto Iguazu. In the afternoon, get to know first row one of the natural wonders of the world on an excursion to the Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian side, where you can be just over 100 meters away from the waterfalls. Observe hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles and fish throughout the park. Waterfall swirls, toucans, yacarés, turtles, herons and coatis stand out. At the end of the day, return to the hotel in Puerto Iguazu.

▪    Overnight at the selected hotel in Puerto Iguazu.

Day 5 : IGUAZU FALLS (ARGENTINA SIDE) (B / - / -)

After breakfast, explore the Argentine side of the falls in the Iguazu National Park. Board an ecological train to the Garganta del Diablo station and, after a short walk, arrive at the falls of the same name, a set of majestic waterfalls of 200 meters, where you can appreciate the indescribable beauty of nature at its best. Then, travel the incredible meandering roads of the upper and lower circuit and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views, surrounded by the amazing rainforest. At the end of the day, a vehicle takes you back to the hotel in Puerto Iguazu.

▪    Overnight at the selected hotel in Puerto Iguazu. 
▪    Optional activity : Great adventure tour

Day 6 : PUERTO IGUAZU - BUENOS AIRES (B / - / -)

Transportation will transfer you from your hotel in Puerto Iguazu to the airport. Arrival in Buenos Aires. Once at the airport in the Argentine capital, and one of the most interesting metropolises in Latin America. It’s a dynamic and cosmopolitan city with a great cultural and architectural heritage. It’s known worldwide for Tango and football, but also for its cafés, book stores and theatres. You will be assisted by a representative and transferred to your hotel to check in. Take advantage of the free time to rest or explore the surroundings. 

▪    Overnight at the selected hotel in Buenos Aires.

Day 7 : BUENOS AIRES - CITY TOUR & DINNER SHOW  (B / - / D)

Today you will tour the city of Buenos Aires.  During this tour, we will discover the highlights of Buenos Aires. The city is known as the “Paris of South America” and we will easily identify why by looking at its architecture. We will start at May Square, where the Government House, the Cathedral and the old Town Hall are located. Then we will continue to San Telmo -one of the most ancient neighbourhoods- until we reach La Boca, famous for its colorful and picturesque houses on Caminito Street.

Finally, we will head north to visit Recoleta, the most elegant district with wide avenues, lovely parks and magnificent residences. We will visit the monumental cemetery where Evita Perón and other historical personalities are buried there. In the evening, delight yourself with a dinner and a show of tango at El Querandí located in the city’s historic quarter, in an old restored house that respects the original design with a high ceiling, Solomonic columns and dark woodwork. The show invites you to relive the atmosphere of the beginning of the 20th Century and travel through the history of tango with an intense and passionate performance. Finally, return to the hotel. 

▪    Overnight at the selected hotel in Buenos Aires. 

Day 8 : BUENOS AIRES – LIMA  (B / - / -)

You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your departure flight to Peru, arriving in Lima. From the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city. Take advantage of the rest of the afternoon free to rest or explore the surroundings. You will be transferred from your hotel to the Buenos Aires airport to take the flight to Peru, arriving in Lima. From the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city. Take advantage of the rest of the afternoon free to relax or explore the surroundings.

▪    Overnight at the selected hotel in Lima.

Day 9 : LIMA – LARCO MUSEUM & CITY TOUR  (B / - / -)

Wake up for breakfast in the hotel before hitting the streets of Lima’s old town; a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site packed with fascinating historical buildings. Start with the Larco Museum, located in the traditional Pueblo Libre district, which is housed in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid. The museum boasts the world’s most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver objects, as well as pieces of erotic art. Then visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted in 1535 by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to Jeronimo de Aliaga, one of his captains. This is the only house from that time that to this day has always been owned by the same family.

Continue to a scenic tour in the colonial downtown, which originates and spreads out from the Main Square. Here you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire and be amazed by Lima´s Cathedral. Erected in the 16th century, this building took more than 80 years to complete. After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel.

▪    Overnight at the selected hotel in Lima.
▪    Optional activity : Magic water circuit

Day 10 : LIMA – CUSCO:  CITY TOUR AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES (90 min flight)  (B / - / -)

A transportation service will take you to the Lima airport to take your flight to Cusco. A representative will welcome you in the Imperial City and accompany you to your selected hotel.

During the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the former capital of the Inca Empire. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Coricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature.

Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose impressive ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practised agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then finally visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua) an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings, squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated. Afterwards, return to your hotel. 

▪    Overnight at the selected hotel in Cusco.      

Day 11 : CUSCO – MARAS & MORAY – SACRED VALLEY  (B / - / -)

Depart after breakfast at the hotel, heading along the Sacred Valley towards the archaeological site of Moray, approximately an hour and a half away. As with many Inca ruins, its exact function remains a mystery though the design of ever-wider concentric circular terraces meant each level had a different microclimate. Continue to Maras, where the salt ponds create a dazzling scene. The thousands of small ponds give work to and help feed many local families.

During Inca times, the salt deposits were an important economic centre and of great value to the imperial economy. After the tour, transfer back to your hotel. 

*During December to March (rainy season), Chinchero, the town of Maras and chicherias, is visited instead of the salt mines. In these months, you have the option of replacing this tour with a visit to South Valley.

▪    Overnight at the selected hotel in Sacred Valley.

Day 12 : CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY: CHINCHERO, LIVING MUSEUM OF YUCAY AND OLLANTAYTAMBO (75km – 1h 50min)  (B / L / -)

During the morning, you are picked up from your hotel in Cusco to visit the town of Chinchero, a traditional Cusco urban centre located at an elevated point with a beautiful view of the valley. The inhabitants of this area preserve the artisan traditions and the inherited knowledge of the Incas and display them in their clothes and customs. In Chinchero there are also archaeological remains and a beautiful seventeenth-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru.

Then, you are transferred to the Living Museum of Yucay, a centre Andean traditions interpretations, where demonstrations of the elaboration of textile work, adobe, pottery and silverware are carried out in the same way in which they used to in antiquity; an original recreation of Inca traditions. Also, residents of the museum include llamas, sheep and alpacas, and they can be fed! Then, enjoy a delicious lunch in the sacred valley and, on the way to the fortress, witness the Andean essence that is breathed in the place, which still maintains Inca urban planning and is inhabited since then. Go up the iconic steps of the iconic enclosure, built next to the mountain. At the end of this activity, you are transferred back to your hotel. 

*On Sundays, also visit the local market.

▪    Overnight at the selected hotel in Sacred Valley.

Day 13 : SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU– CUSCO  (B / L / -)

A transportation service will pick you up and transfer you to the Ollanta Station to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu. Take the train to Aguas Calientes, travel observing the Andean landscapes during a journey of one hour and a half. Our guide will be waiting for you and will accompany you until the departure point of the bus. Afterwards, take a bus for the 25-minute journey up to Machu Picchu, known as the "Lost city of the Incas".

It is believed that this archaeological site was built in 1450 by the Inca Pachacutec as his holiday home. However, a century later, the city was abandoned after the Spanish conquest, escaping the destruction that azotó other Incas settlements. Along with the guided tour, you will have the opportunity to learn about the origins of this impressive city and explore its most outstanding monuments.
After completing the tour, you will take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will enjoy lunch at your selected restaurant. After lunch, you can explore the charming village and, when you're ready, board the train back. The trip by train will take an hour and a half and it will take you back to Ollantaytambo, where our transportation will accompany you back to your hotel in Cusco.

*Lunch time could vary depending on the entrance to the citadel.
**Due to the citadel’s limited capacity we recommend that you confirm your booking as soon as possible to proceed with the ticket purchase. Tickets are subject to availability.

▪    Overnight at the selected hotel in Cusco.

Day 14 : CUSCO - DEPARTURE  (B / - / -)

A vehicle will transfer you from the selected hotel to the Quito airport to board your departure flight.