DAY 1: Arrive in Brazil
Arrival day and transfer to your hotel. Please note, transfers are not included: plan accordingly in order to get to the hotel.
Overnight: Rio de Janeiro
DAY 2: Full day in Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy today at leisure to explore Rio de Janeiro on your own. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager on the exciting adventure that awaits you in South America, followed by a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers at a typical Brazilian Churrascaria.
Overnight: Rio de Janeiro
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3: Rio de Janeiro - Tour of Corcovado Mountain
Begin the day with an ascent by a scenic cog railway to the summit of Corcovado Hill. Here, at 2,400 feet above the city stands the 125 foot tall statue of Christ the Redeemer. The Christ statue, that embraces the entire city, is designated as one of the seven "New Wonders of the World". See the thrilling 360 degree sweeping view of the city and understand why Rio is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Afterwards, continue along Rio's famous beaches, including Copacabana and Ipanema before returning to your hotel.
Overnight: Rio de Janeiro
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: Full day in Rio de Janeiro
Today is at leisure to discover all of the delights of Rio on your own. Watch the volleyball and soccer matches on the beach, shop for local crafts, and linger at a waterfront café to just "people-watch". Join the optional not-to-be-missed glass cable car ride that takes you to the top of iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain, symbol of the city, where you'll see the stunning panorama of the beaches, Corcovado Mountain, downtown Rio and Guanabara Bay. In the afternoon attend the optional Carnival and Samba Experience. Visit one of the top Samba schools in the city and learn what made the Samba & Carnival icons of Brazilian national identity. On your last night in Rio at leisure, be sure to sample the cuisine at some of the fabulous restaurants and cafes ringing the beachfront.
Optional: Half Day Sugar Loaf Mountain
Optional: Half Day Carnival and Samba Experience
Overnight: Rio de Janeiro
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: Fly to Iguassu - Brazilian Falls
Depart Rio this morning on a flight to Iguassu Falls. Upon arrival, walk along the winding pathways on the Brazilian side of the majestic and awe-inspiring Falls, one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Iguassu consists of over 275 separate cataracts across a span of two and one-half miles, wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara Falls and more dramatic than both. Stand in awe at the unforgettable panoramic views before crossing the border to Iguazu, the Argentinean side of the Falls, for overnight. After a day filled with unforgettable memories, return to the hotel and enjoy a typical Argentine dinner.
Overnight: Iguazu
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6: Iguazu - The Argentinean Falls
Your adventure continues this morning on the Argentinean side of the Falls. A rail car takes you to the top of the Falls on the Upper Circuit,* and you will walk to the Lower Circuit where the power of nature surrounds you. Continue along the catwalks to Devil's Gorge - stand in amazement as you gaze at spectacular "Devil's Throat" the most magnificent of all of the cataracts. View, photograph and feel the spray of the thundering waters, one of nature's most impressive achievements and a unique experience for your senses. Spend the rest of the day exploring the natural treasures of Iguazu National Park, designated a World Heritage Site for its rare and endangered flora and fauna.
*Please be advised that in order to access the falls, you are required to walk over uneven surfaces, followed by a series of narrow boardwalk paths. The paths feature many sets of stairs and can be slippery due to the mist.
Overnight: Iguazu
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Fly to Buenos Aires
This afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. On the way, time permitting, meet with children at a local school. Arrive in the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires. Its beauty is apparent with its elegant architecture, wide tree-shaded boulevards, striking monuments and sprawling parks. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to get acquainted with the "Paris of South America" and its distinct European flavor. As you will have your night at leisure feel free to treat yourself to an Argentine dinner at one of the city's many superb steak restaurants.
Overnight: Buenos Aires
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Buenos Aires City Tour
Discover the city's highlights this morning on a tour that includes the Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa Rosada (government palace); see the balcony where Eva and Juan Peron made their speeches. Then, to the colorful La Boca neighborhood, a working class barrio, and the old quarters of San Telmo and Caminito, a mix of colonial style homes, narrow lanes, artists' lofts and very trendy cafes. Drive to the Recoleta Cemetery, final resting place of many of the wealthiest and most important Argentine historical figures. The grounds here cover more than four city blocks, filled with tombs adorned by works of local and international sculptors, and more than 6,400 mausoleums including the tomb of Eva "Evita" Peron, always heaped with flowers and letters from adoring fans. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring some of Buenos Aires neighborhoods and fabulous collection of shops before this evening's tango lesson with professional Argentine Tango dancers. Tonight is at leisure, or participate in the optional Argentine Dinner and Tango Show.
Optional: Buenos Aires Dinner & Tango Show
Overnight: Buenos Aires
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Full day in Buenos Aires
Revisit some of your favorite places in the city today, shop for leatherwear and designer clothes, or, join the optional fun-filled Gaucho Party at the Santa Susana Ranch. Get ready for a rustic experience at a typical Argentine ranch (estancia), dedicated to agriculture and the breeding of cattle and horses. After a tour of the grounds, enjoy a typical barbecue lunch, followed by a folklore show with live music and dancing. Return to the hotel with time to prepare for this evening's "Farewell to Argentina" Dinner with your group at a delightful restaurant.
Optional: Full Day Gaucho Party
Overnight: Buenos Aires
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10: Depart Buenos Aires - Arrive in Lima
Bid farewell to your Tour Manager and transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure*.
*Due to flight schedules, some departures will use an evening flight to reach Lima.
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11: Lima City Tour
This morning’s tour of Lima, with its 2000 years of history, begins at the colonial center of the city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its historic buildings surrounding the splendid Plaza Mayor. View the impressive Palace of the Archbishop with its fine carved balcony, the opulent Government Palace, official residence of the President, and the 16th century Cathedral of Lima whose first stone was laid by Pizarro. Continue to the 17th century Monasterio de San Francisco complex with its magnificent tiles, ornate carved ceilings, exceptional paintings and world-renowned library. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure or join the optional Pachacamac Pre-Inca Ruins tour. Visit the archaeological site of Pachacamac, one of the largest religious centres in pre-Inca times on the Peruvian coast. This afternoon, join your new Tour Manager for an orientation meeting about the wonderful journey that awaits you. Tonight, perhaps attend the optional Evening Larco Herrera Museum with dinner. Experience one of Lima’s most magnificent museums by night on this tour, that also includes a light supper. Admire the world's largest collection of pre-Columbian masterpieces and a stunning exhibition of gold and priceless jewels
Optional: Pachacamac Pre-Inca Ruins
Optional: Evening Larco Herrera Museum with Dinner
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12: Fly to Cuzco - Afternoon at leisure
Depart Lima this morning by flight to Cuzco in the Peruvian Andes. This ancient capital of the Inca Empire is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in this historic city and spend the rest of the day acclimating to the altitude. Or, attend the optional tour Half Day Cuzco Ruins which explores some of Cuzco’s most unique Inca Ruins.
Optional: Half Day Cuzco Ruins
Overnight: Cuzco ▲
Meals: Breakfast
▲ Due to the high elevation, travel in the Peruvian highlands may cause some passengers to experience the temporary effects of altitude sickness. If you have any concerns about traveling to higher than your accustomed elevation, please consult your healthcare provider.
DAY 13: Discover Machu Picchu
Early morning transfer to the Sacred Valley's Ollanta Station to board The 360° Train that travels through misty peaks to the astonishing ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas", designated by UNESCO as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Machu Picchu was virtually unknown to the western world until Hiram Bingham's rediscovery in 1911. Spend the morning viewing the unforgettable wonders of this 15th century retreat, abandoned nearly 100 years later with the arrival of the conquistadors. See the highlights of the site including the imposing Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the intricately carved rock likely used as a sundial by the ancient Incas. The images of this significant archaeological site will be a long-lasting memory. Return to the Sacred Valley in the early evening and transfer to your hotel in Cuzco for overnight.
*Approximate time spent at the ruins of Machu Picchu is 2 hours.
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14: Cuzco City Tour
Enjoy this morning at leisure in the "Imperial City" of Cuzco. Take time to explore some of the city’s stunning sights or shop for some of the finest handicrafts and textiles in all of Peru. Perhaps, participate in the optional Cuzco Behind the Scenes Tour, offering a glimpse into the other side of life in Cuzco. On this tour, visit a local market and taste fresh-baked Chuta bread. Stop at the Cuzco cemetery to learn more about Andean life and death and meet with a local "shaman" (holy man). After the cooking demonstration, enjoy a delicious meal. In the afternoon, depart for a tour of Cuzco, view the impressive Colonial Cathedral, which contains over 400 paintings from the Cusqueña School in addition to colonial art. Continue on to visit the Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun, once the most important religious site of the Incas, whose walls and floors were allegedly once covered by sheets of solid gold. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a 3-course set dinner, featuring delectable Andean specialties.
Optional: Cuzco Behind the Scenes
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 15: Raqchi and Puno
Depart Cuzco early in the morning on a long drive today. Enjoy spectacular scenery as you drive through the Andes mountain range and the Andean plains to Puno on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca. In this area, South American camelids (llamas and alpacas) graze on the immense plateaus and plains. En route visit the 15th century Temple of Wiracocha, with its elaborate stonework, the largest Inca temple ever discovered. Today, Raqchi remains home to many farmers, ranchers and artisans. Then, arrive at pristine Lake Titicaca sitting majestically at 12,500 feet above sea level, backed by the snowcapped peaks of Bolivia's Cordillera Real range. This is the highest navigable lake in the world and South America's largest fresh water lake. A box lunch will be provided en route
Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 16: Excursion to Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca
This morning, an excursion by boat transports you from Puno to the fascinating Uros Floating Islands where the indigenous people of the area, the Uros, live on islands that dot the lake. The Uros live very much the same way as their ancestors did and still follow the ancient customs and traditions. These islands are completely man-made structures, using the totora reeds from the lake to build the islands and houses. Return to Puno for the remainder of the day at leisure. Or, take the optional tour to the Sillustani Tombs, the pre-Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo. The tombs here are built above the ground in tower-like structures called chullpas, vestiges of the Colla people before they were conquered by the Incas in the 15th century. Evening is at leisure in Puno.
Optional: Half Day Sillustani Tombs (PM)
Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 17: Fly to Lima - Enjoy a Farewell Dinner
This morning transfer to the airport in Juliaca for your flight back to Lima. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight, you bid farewell to your Tour Manager and fellow travelers at a special Farewell Dinner with Peruvian specialties.
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 18: Depart Peru
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your departure flight. Please note, transfers to the hotel are not included: plan accordingly in order to get to the airport in time for your departure flight.
*Some flights depart shortly after midnight in the very early morning of Day 18 and will require a transfer on Day 17. Transfers depart the hotel approximately 4 hours prior to flight time.
Meals: Breakfast
