This trip showcases the most important highlights of the southern part of the South American continent. Starting in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires we head to the stunning Iguazu Falls before arriving in colourful Rio de Janeiro where we have time to enjoy such well-known sights as Corcovado, the Sugar Loaf Mountain and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Flying across the continent our next stop is the Peruvian capital of Lima where you will discover great Spanish colonial architecture and the rich museums of Inca and pre-Inca treasures. Iquitos on the mighty Amazon River is our starting point for our stay in Amazon rainforest, whilst high up in the Andes is Cusco, the former stronghold of the Incas and gateway to the Sacred Valley and magnificent Machu Picchu. A day’s drive brings us to beautiful Lake Titicaca and the Uros floating islands before continuing on to the lofty heights of La Paz, capital of Bolivia. Flying south we find ourselves in Santiago, nestled at the base of the Andes and home to some of Chile’s most famous wineries. Entering the 'Lakes District' we enjoy stunning mountains, picturesque lakes and towering volcanoes before taking the ‘Lakes Crossing’ from Puerto Varas to Bariloche in Argentina. Our trip comes to an end as, having come full circle, we arrive back in ‘Tango Town’ - lively, vibrant Buenos Aires.
Itinerary
| Days 1-2 |
(Sun) Arrive in Buenos Aires. City tour. |
| Days 3-4 |
Morning flight to Puerto Iguazu. Explore Argentinean and Brazilian side of the falls. |
| Days 5-7 |
Fly to Rio de Janeiro. City tour including Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema and Copacabana beaches. |
| Day 8 |
Fly to Peruvian capital, Lima. |
| Day 9 |
City tour of Lima's Colonial Centre. |
| Days 10-11 |
Fly to Iquitos. Boat to Jungle Lodge. Jungle and river excursions. |
| Day 12 |
Return to Iquitos. Afternoon flight to Lima. |
| Days 13-14 |
Fly to Cusco. City tour and excursion to Sacsayhuaman and the Sacred Valley including Ollantaytambo and Pisac. |
| Days 15-16 |
Train to Aguas Calientes. Visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco. |
| Days 17-18 |
Visit Pumamarca ruins and Peru's Challenge Community Project. Free day to relax. |
| Day 19 |
Drive to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. |
| Day 20 |
Visit Lake Titicaca, the Uros Indians and the ancient burial chambers at Sillustani. |
| Day 21 |
Enter Bolivia and head to La Paz via the ancient ruins of Tiahuanaco. |
| Day 22 |
La Paz city tour. |
| Days 23-24 |
Fly to Santiago and explore the colonial centre and enjoy a winery tour. |
| Days 25-26 |
South to Puerto Varas, in the heart of the Lakes District, to discover stunning mountain scenery. |
| Day 27 |
The 'Lakes Crossing' by boat and bus to Bariloche in Argentina. |
| Day 28 |
Afternoon flight to Buenos Aires where trip ends on arrival (Sat). |