Grand Tour of South America

Your once-in-a-lifetime journey through South America begins today in Lima, Peru. As you arrive, make your own way to our hotel in Miraflores, a popular beachfront district, to check in for two nights. With time through late afternoon at leisure, you're welcome to unwind at the hotel or get to know your surroundings, perhaps enjoying a stroll around Miraflores. 

Return to the hotel this evening to meet the Tour Manager and your travel group ahead of tonight's special dinner experience, which takes place at a key archaeological site in Miraflores: Huaca Pucllana, an impressive pre-Columbian ruin in the heart of the district. Surrounded by high-rise buildings, this ancient adobe pyramid transports you to another time and place, setting the scene for the remarkable cultural discoveries to come on this grand tour. We savor a delicious dinner at the restaurant overlooking the ruin as the sun sets, enjoying the beauty and history of this unique setting. Overnight Lima.

• Dinner

After breakfast at our hotel, we set out on a morning sightseeing tour of Peru's historic capital. Our first stop is the Plaza Mayor, home to the city's magnificent cathedral. Stepping through the Portada de Perdón (the Door of Forgiveness), we explore the gilded interior and visit the tomb of Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro, who founded the city in 1535. 

Heading next to the nearby San Francisco Church, we descend into the catacombs for a taste of the macabre. Inside these underground chambers are hundreds of creatively gruesome displays of skulls and bones, arranged in various artistic formations and designs. Our final stop is the fascinating Larco Herrera Museum, which houses one of the world's finest collections of pre-Columbian art. 

After our visit, we enjoy a sumptuous lunch in the Museo Larco Café, choosing from Peruvian regional dishes including risotto norteño (duck cooked in a wild cherry sauce) and lomo saltado (stir-fried tenderloin). After lunch, you have a free afternoon and evening to continue exploring Lima on your own. Overnight Lima.

• Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight to the historic city of Cusco in Peru's mountainous interior. On arrival, we head into the Sacred Valley.  

Once the beating heart of the Inca empire, the Sacred Valley is a peaceful region of fertile farmland, soaring mountains and traditional villages, stretching for more than 60 miles. On our way to the hotel, we visit the town of Písac, home to some of the largest and best-preserved Incan ruins in the region. We enjoy a traditional lunch at the bustling open-air market before visiting Písac Archaeological Park, a jaw-dropping collection of terraces and ruined structures, including fortresses, temples, ceremonial baths, altars and fortified walls. Gazing out over the mountains, you can understand why the ancient residents of the valley chose this spectacular site.   

After our time in Písac, we transfer to our hotel in a beautiful former monastery near the Urubamba River. Dining independently tonight, you can enjoy dinner at the hotel or seek out Andean specialties or international cuisine at one of the nearby restaurants. Overnight Urubamba.

• Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, we board a coach for a full-day exploration of the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is Ollantaytambo, a small town with narrow, cobblestone streets and adobe buildings dating back to the Incas. Above the town on a hillside are the Ollantaytambo ruins, including the revered Temple of the Sun and the Fountain of the Baths of the Princess, a carved ceremonial fountain that still flows with glacial water after more than 500 years.    

After exploring these incredible ruins, we visit Alqa Museum, a gallery of popular Andean art, including handicrafts, old maps, elaborate masks, photographs, books, music and more.

Today's final stop is the Huilloc Valley, home to an indigenous Quechua community known for preserving the ancient traditions and customs of the Andes. We enjoy a traditional lunch at the house of a local family before a guided tour showcasing their work with alpaca fiber. Later, we return to our hotel, where you have a free evening. Overnight Urubamba.

• Breakfast, Lunch

One of the most enchanting locations in the world, founded around 1450, Machu Picchu was abandoned in 1572 and "lost" until explorer Hiram Bingham became the first non-Peruvian to rediscover it in 1911. 

Our journey to this breathtaking citadel begins as we leave the Sacred Valley on the panoramic Vistadome train. On arrival in Aguas Calientes, a winding bus ride takes us up to Machu Picchu, where we're greeted by one of the most incredible sights in the world: an ancient Incan citadel built amid the floating clouds, mountains and forested peaks of Peru. Our local guide explains the intriguing history of this awe-inspiring landmark. Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.    

We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Machu Picchu town, known for its warm, quirky décor and French-Peruvian fusion cuisine. In the afternoon, we return to Machu Picchu station to board our Vistadome train back to our hotel in Cusco, where you're free to dine independently. Overnight Cusco.

• Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we set out on a full-day excursion in Cusco. Boarding a coach, we head first to the sacred temple of Qoricancha, or "Golden Enclosure," said to have once been entirely covered in gold. It was devastated by the Spanish, who melted down most of the gold and sent it back to Spain.   

Next, we visit the Plaza de Armas, which is dominated by two buildings: the city's cathedral and the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús. Enjoy a stroll around the plaza as our guide explains the history of the square, which was once the central location of the Inca Empire.   

Our tour continues with a visit to Sacsayhuaman, a vast fortress overlooking the city, built of finely fitted custom-shaped stones. We visit the ancient ceremonial site of Q'enqo before continuing to Puka-Pukara and Tambomachay, the "Inca Baths," which comprises a series of canals, flowing aqueducts, and cascades of water. Back at the Plaza de Armas, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel. Overnight Cusco.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Departing Cusco in the morning, we transfer to the airport for our morning flight to the capital of Chile, our second South American country. Gaze out at the glittering Pacific as our flight follows the continent's western edge, heading south.  

From the snow-capped Andes Mountains to the fjords and forests of Chilean Patagonia, Chile is home to a variety of landscapes and natural wonders. Even in the heart of bustling Santiago, the towering Andes are always visible behind the city's modern skyscrapers and streets. Known as the "country of poets," Chile also has a world-class literary legacy, boasting Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda and renowned novelist Isabel Allende.  

Touching down in Santiago, we transfer to our hotel, where you have the rest of the day at leisure. You might prefer to unwind at the hotel or explore independently. Our hotel is near the large Parque Metropolitano de Santiago, where you can find a beautiful Japanese-style garden with panoramic views of the city and the Andes in the distance. In the evening, we return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight Santiago.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we embark on a full-day city tour of Santiago. Our first stop is the city's historic center, where we visit key sites like the stately La Moneda Palace, the Plaza de Armas, the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Post Office, a remarkably ornate building that now houses a museum and a collection of stamps from across the world. 

Next, we visit the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, home to an outstanding collection of art and artefacts. We visit the covered central market over lunch, famous for its seafood, and you're welcome to find lunch independently. Later, we cross the Mapocho River to reach Bellavista, a neighborhood renowned for its bohemian and cultural atmosphere. Here, we visit La Chascona, a house that the famous poet Pablo Neruda began building in 1953 for his secret love at the time, Matilde Urrutia.  

To end the day, we head to San Cristóbal Hill to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Andes, ascending by coach and descending on the Teleférico Santiago cable car before an evening to dine independently. Overnight Santiago.

• Breakfast

Boarding a coach after breakfast, we head for the city of Valparaíso on the coast. Founded in the 16th century, Valparaíso is full of steep hills and colorful houses. Trams, stairs and narrow streets have been put in place over the years to make it easier to navigate this vibrant coastal city.  

On arrival, we head for La Sebastiana Museum House, formerly owned by Pablo Neruda. Located on the Florida Hill, it has a beautiful view of the Bay of Valparaíso. We get to step inside and explore the interior, learning about the house's history. 

Later, we visit Viña del Mar, also known as the Garden City. Thanks to the city's beautiful beaches, parks and floral arrangements, it has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. One iconic landmark is the Flower Clock, a floral arrangement created for the 1962 World Cup, which is still ticking today. Returning to our hotel, we enjoy dinner in the restaurant. Overnight Santiago.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we set out by coach with a packed lunch for a thrilling journey over the Andes. Get ready for the legendary 29-curve section known as "Los Caracoles" (the snails), a series of hairpin turns that take us up into the mountains. On reaching the top, we step out of the coach to soak up the views and take photos before crossing the border into Argentina, our third country. 

Having long played a key role in the history of the region, Argentina was one of the first South American countries to declare independence in 1816. After the Second World War, President Juan Perón rose to power alongside his wife Eva Perón, becoming one of the most popular and controversial presidents in the country's history. Today, Argentina is known across the world for inventing the passionate tango, producing exceptional red wines, and being home to breathtaking natural wonders, including Iguazú Falls. 

After the journey, we arrive in the Argentinian city of Mendoza, where we check into our hotel and enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant. Overnight Mendoza.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today's excursion takes us deeper into the renowned Mendoza wine region, famous for its bold malbec wines. Vineyards in this region are known for their ancient canals and innovative irrigation ditches carrying fresh water down from the mountains.   

We stop first at one of the vineyards, where an expert guide joins us for a tour. As we stroll down the carefully cultivated rows, we learn about the winemaking process and the methods of fermentation and aging that produce Argentina's renowned wines while soaking up sweeping views of the towering Andes Mountains in the distance. If we're lucky, the winemakers will be around to share their experiences with us and allow us to take wine directly from the tanks.   

Later, we continue to the next winery, where we enjoy a guided tour before indulging in a gourmet lunch featuring local ingredients. Each dish has been carefully crafted to complement different glasses of wine. Returning to Mendoza after lunch, you have the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight Mendoza.

• Breakfast, Lunch

We head into the unique landscape of the Andean Foothills this morning, embarking on a tour of the region's most fascinating and beautiful sites. Joined by a local guide, we learn about the history of Mendoza and the importance of the mountains to Argentine culture. 

Entering the foothills, we pass the mountain village of Cacheuta before the  azure waters of the Potrerillos Dam come into view. Surrounded by mountains, this glittering reservoir is an astonishing sight. We stop at the village of Uspallata before reaching the Puente del Inca, a natural arch bridging the Las Cuevas River, which forms part of the UNESCO-listed Andean Road System. 

Our next stop is Aconcagua Park, where we marvel at Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Western and Southern Hemispheres, before continuing to the town of Las Cuevas. Returning to Uspallata at the end of the tour, we enjoy a delicious Creole lunch with a Mendoza wine before returning to our hotel for a free afternoon. Overnight Mendoza.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Today, after an early breakfast, we are transferred by coach to Mendoza airport for an internal flight to Buenos Aires. Our plane touches down in mid-afternoon, and we are taken by coach to our central four-star hotel.   

With the rest of the day and evening free in Buenos Aires, you may like to soak up the atmosphere in the historic streets around our hotel. We are only a short distance from the city's impressive Palacio Barolo, a unique building that pays homage to the Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri.   

Eating out in this city is a real pleasure; the only difficulty is deciding on a restaurant. From sizzling steakhouses to Argentine pizza restaurants and upscale seafood venues, this world-class city has an international reputation for exceptional cuisine. Overnight Buenos Aires.

• Breakfast

This morning, we are introduced to Argentina's capital on a guided tour of the finest sights of Buenos Aires. This city is known as the "Paris of South America" because of its European-inspired architecture, café culture, and thriving theater and art scenes. After discovering glamorous neighborhoods, such as La Recoleta, known for its Parisian-style townhouses, we also visit the resting place of First Lady Eva Perón, or Evita, who is buried at the local cemetery. 

Our tour also includes the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral with its spectacular dome; Palermo, the largest neighborhood of Buenos Aires; and Plaza de Mayo, overlooked by Casa Rosada, the presidential palace. 

This evening, we head to the elegant La Ventana theater and restaurant for a traditional Argentine dinner followed by an authentic tango and folklore show. Overnight Buenos Aires.

• Breakfast, Dinner

With a full day to explore, you could visit one or two of the other city districts, each with its own unique style and distinct atmosphere. One popular district is La Boca, a colorful neighborhood that was first populated by Spanish and Italian immigrants in the mid-19th century and has been a favorite of artists for generations. Caminito Street in La Boca is a vibrant pedestrian-friendly area that has functioned as an open-air museum and art market since 1959. San Telmo, another artistic quarter, is the city's oldest neighborhood, characterized by cobbled streets and antique shops.   

This evening, you could visit some of the city's cultural centers, such as the Teatro Colón, the Teatro General San Martín or the Teatro Nacional Cervantes. These venues are as famous for their architecture as they are for their theater, opera and ballet performances.     

For dinner, you could head to a cozy restaurant and experience two of the things Argentina is particularly well known for: red wine and steak. Overnight Buenos Aires.

• Breakfast

Leaving the beautiful city of Buenos Aires this morning, we head into nature again. We are driven to the airport for a two-hour flight to Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil, the fourth country on our itinerary. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel, arriving at the end of the afternoon for a two-night stay. 

Close to the Paraná River, Foz do Iguaçu is situated at the point where the three borders of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay converge. Nearby is the National Park of Iguazú, and, marking the border between Argentina and Brazil, lie the tremendous Iguazú Falls, which we visit tomorrow.   

With an evening at leisure, you can dine independently in one of the local restaurants. Overnight Foz do Iguaçu.

• Breakfast

Another highlight of our trip lies ahead as we head out after breakfast on a coach excursion to the Argentine side of the spectacular Iguazú Falls. We board the Rainforest Ecological Train, a forest-green vintage train with open sides for viewing the forest.    

Arriving at our destination, we enter the lush subtropical rainforest with our local guide, walking into the heart of this extensive waterfall system made up of 275 powerful cascading falls. Taking the lower circuit, we experience the invigorating effect of the iridescent spray. In this unspoiled wilderness, we may catch a glimpse of the resident capuchin monkeys.   

 We continue to the Upper Falls up to a dramatic U-shaped section named Devil's Throat, described as "an ocean plunging into an abyss." Stopping at the main balcony and viewing point, we can watch the roaring water descend from a height of 269 feet. In the mid-afternoon, we are transferred back to our hotel in Foz do Iguaçu, and the remainder of the day is free to enjoy at your own pace. Overnight Foz do Iguaçu.

• Breakfast

Today we travel west of the rainforest to the confluence of the mighty Paraná and Iguazú Rivers for a better view of the main sources of this epic waterfall system. On a half-day tour, we follow the main circuit on the Brazilian side of the Iguazú Falls with a local expert who points out the fauna and flora of this vast subtropical rainforest. This is one of the largest forest reserves in South America and a World Heritage site.   

With the waterfalls constantly in sight, we follow an elevated route of 3,280 feet, just above the river level, where we can look out from the bridge across the water. From this point, an elevator takes us up to the Salto Floriano viewing platform.     

There's time for a break over lunchtime before we transfer to the airport for an afternoon flight to Rio de Janeiro. Arriving this evening, we are transferred by coach to our hotel, ideally located opposite Leme Beach. The rest of the evening is free to get to know our new surroundings and to dine independently. Overnight Rio.

• Breakfast

The vibrant metropolis of Rio awaits on a sightseeing tour this morning. First, we board the Corcovado Rack Railway to ascend Corcovado Mountain, traveling up to a viewing platform where the awe-inspiring statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooks the city. Our short but steep journey takes us through lush rainforest with views over the beaches and the turquoise waters of the South Atlantic, across to the favelas, and down to the city. Looking out over Rio, this colossal Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ paints an enduring image of Brazil and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.   

Afterward, we take a cable car up the world-famous Sugarloaf Mountain. This distinctive landmark soars almost 1,300 feet into the air, a natural wonder named for its resemblance to a loaf of refined sugar. From our spectacular vantage point, we enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across the harbor area and Guanabara Bay.   

In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Brazilian restaurant. Overnight Rio.

• Breakfast, Dinner

From the "Lost City" of Machu Picchu and the ancient landmarks of Cusco and the Sacred Valley to lively Rio de Janeiro, this exceptional voyage has revealed South America's breathtaking diversity. We tasted renowned malbec wines in Argentina's Mendoza region, drove over the Andes Mountains, followed in the footsteps of Pablo Neruda in Chile, and felt the power of Iguazú Falls in Brazil, leaving us with unforgettable memories. 

Your journey comes to a close this morning after breakfast. Upon checking out of your hotel, you are free to make your own way to the airport to begin your onward travels home.

• Breakfast, Dinner