15 Days South America Discovery

15-Day South America Tour to Brazil, Argentina & Peru

Starting in the ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’, experience the sheer force of nature at Iguassu Falls before country hopping to Argentina for big steaks, fiery tango and a slice of gaucho living. Ending in Peru, cuddle llamas and walk in the footsteps of the Incas at mighty, magnificent Machu Picchu.

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Day 1 | Arrive Rio de Janeiro (3 Nights)

Golden swathes of famous coastline, tropical landscapes and a certain joie de vivre will welcome you to one of the world’s most vibrant cities, Rio de Janeiro. Energy pulses through every pore of this passionate and fun loving city, flooding from the favelas to the football fields and cumulating in nightly parties where the caipirinhas are free flowing and the samba rhythm is infectious. Rio may be best known for its annual Carnival, but visiting here you’ll realise that every day is cause for celebration. Settle in to your hotel before meeting up with your Travel Director this afternoon. Then perhaps hit the sands of Copacabana to watch the sun set whilst you sip your first Cachaça.

Hotel: Windsor Plaza Copacabana

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Day 2 | Rio de Janeiro sightseeing and free time

The picturesque Cosme Velho district will be your first stop today, where 1920s neo-colonial buildings will surround you as you board the Corcovado Rack Railway, an old cogwheel train. Hopping on board, you’ll wind your way through the Tijuca Forest to the very top of Mount Corcovado, standing in awe as you catch a first glimpse of the 30-metre-high Christ the Redeemer. The undisputed icon of Rio, this magnificent art deco statue is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and offers the best vantage point of the ‘Marvellous City’ stretching out below. Take your time exploring here before heading on to visit lively Copacabana and beautiful Ipanema, Rio’s best beaches. Tonight, celebrate the culture of South America at the Carretão Ipanema Churrascaria. Distinctly a South American-style rotisserie, it owes its origins to the fireside roasts of the gauchos of southern Brazil, traditionally from the Pampa region, centuries ago.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Windsor Plaza Copacabana

CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Santa Teresa including Selarón Steps - Drive to the charming Santa Teresa hilltop neighbourhood. Walk around the winding narrow streets filled with colourful buildings, artists, and a bohemian ambiance. Pass by the “Largo das Neves” plaza and the “Nossa Senhora das Neves” Church. Then, walk towards the municipal park “Parque das Ruínas” where you can see an old historic mansion with art exhibitions and spectacular views of Rio and Guanabara Bay. End your tour at one of the city’s top attractions: the Selarón Steps. Made by Jorge Selarón, the 215 colourful steps are covered in bright ceramic mosaics.

Adult: 40.00 USD

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Day 3 | Rio de Janeiro City free time

Waking up to your final full day in Rio, today is free to explore your way. For those keen to get a closer look, you could also opt for a half day city tour of Rio which includes ascending the Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for absolutely stand out views of Guanabara Bay.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Windsor Plaza Copacabana

CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Half Day City Tour including Sugar Loaf - Begin your tour in the heart of Rio, where colonial Rio meets modern skyscrapers. You will see the Paço Imperial palace, which was the first residence of the Royal Family, Banco do Brasil Cultural Center and the Candelaria Church. Proceed to Presidente Vargas Avenue, built to create access from the suburbs to the commercial centre of the capital in the early nineties, passing through the popular market and Tiradentes Square. See the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro, Rio´s aqueduct, Santo Antonio Church, BNDES and Petrobras buildings before reaching Lapa, the most popular night life point in Rio. You will have panoramic views of the Municipal Theater (Teatro Municipal), the National Library and the City Council building – all of them inspired by European 18th-century style. Afterwards, drive through the Flamengo Park, before ascending Sugar Loaf. This famous mountain is reached by a cable car suspended 1,200 feet in the air! This will be an experience you will never forget: looking down at Rio from Sugar Loaf, one of the most spectacular views in the world.

Adult: 86.00 USD

You will be offered one of the following two experiences depending on availability:

An Adventure in Rio's Tijuca Forest - The 140-hectare Botanical park lies at the foot of the Corcovado Mountain, far below the right arm of the statue of Christ the Redeemer and contains more than 6,000 different species of tropical and subtropical plants and trees; it also houses monuments of historical, artistic and archaeological significance and an important botany research center. Following the visit, you will head to Tijuca Atlantic Forest with the opportunity to visit Chinese View, a magnificent gazebo from where you are able to see beaches and tourist attractions. Afterwards, on the way back to the pier you will stop at Pepino Beach along the way to witness the hang gliders.

Adult: 70.00 USD

Ginga Tropical Show - Ginga Tropical celebrates the diversity and culture of the Northeast, Amazon, Pampas, Bahia and Rio De Janeiro though music and dance. Bohemian culture, folklore and mystical rituals are represented by the drummers and beautiful dancers dressed with carnival costumes.

Adult: 131.00 USD

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Day 4 | Rio de Janeiro – Iguassu Falls (2 Nights)

Leaving the colourful costumes and infectious rhythms of Rio behind, this morning you’ll head to the airport to catch your flight to Iguassu Falls. Words can’t really describe the magnificence of the world’s largest series of waterfalls (275 to be exact), which straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil and are surrounded by lush expanses of national park. Settle in to your hotel this afternoon and spend the evening relaxing, no doubt bubbling with excitement for the natural spectacle that tomorrow will bring.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Viale Cataratas Hotel

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Day 5 | Iguassu Falls and Free Time

Pack your raincoat and your sense of adventure this morning as you’re off to visit the Iguassu National Park, entering on the Brazilian side of the falls. You’ll be venturing down to the ominously named and utterly exhilarating Devil’s Throat, the tallest and most impressive of Iguassu’s waterfalls. Remember that raincoat? Now’s the time to use it! This afternoon opt to go on an open-air tram ride^ through the jungle to the Macuco Falls, where you’ll then board a custom-designed inflatable motorboat for a high intensity ride to the base of the falls. If keeping things a little more sedate is more your style, opt to visit a bird park on a Make Travel Matter Experience® where you can spot more than 150 different species of birds.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Viale Cataratas Hotel

CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

You will be offered one of the following two experiences depending on availability:

Explore Macuco Safari - Begin this adventure in open-air wagons as you work your way through lush sub-tropical forests. Then hike down the canyon where the Macuco Falls tumble over basalt cliffs into the Iguassu basin. Here, board a customdesigned inflatable motorboat for a 20-30 minute exhilarating ride to the base of the falls.

Adult: 127.00 USD

Journey through Bird Paradise - MAKE TRAVEL MATTER at this family-owned park that is home to more than 900 native birds from 150 species. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour along a well-marked trail through subtropical forests. Enter aviaries to get more of an up close and personal view of the birds. Adult: 40.00 USD Authentic South American Dining with Dancing Entertainment - Journey through South America Culture with a folkloric performance of Samba, Tango and Paraguayan music while enjoying a traditional Brazilian barbecue dinner.

Adult: 109.00 USD

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Day 6 | Iguassu Falls – Buenos Aires (3 Nights)

Country hopping between Brazil and Argentina, today you’ll cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge, otherwise known as Fraternity Bridge, to explore the Argentinian side of the falls. Adding a new stamp to your passport as you cross through customs, you’ll drive through the lush and wildlife rich Argentinian Iguassu National Park to reach the falls and cascades which are equally as impressive from this side of the border. Boarding the open sided and near silent Ecological Jungle Train which is every bit as scenic and sensual as it sounds, you’ll pay a second visit to Devil’s Throat before heading to the airport to catch a flight to passionate, sexy, European influenced Buenos Aires.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: NH City

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Day 7 | Buenos Aires sightseeing and free time

Waking up in sultry, red bloodied Buenos Aires this morning is a prospect that should fill you with excitement. This meat loving, tango obsessed capital city is a mix of sultry charm and gritty splendour, with European inspired buildings and street art pops from every corner. Dive in to all Buenos Aires has to offer on a sightseeing tour that will visit 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue in the world, outstanding Colon Theatre, Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral and San Telmo, the oldest district in the city. Finishing up in colourful and charming La Boca you'll then have time to explore by yourself with the remainder of day at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: NH City

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Day 8 | Buenos Aires free time

Make the most of your free day in Buenos Aires with a variety of exciting Choice Experiences. One option is to head out into the glorious pampas (grasslands) surrounding Buenos Aires to visit a working ranch to learn more about the gaucho culture, enjoying folk music, traditional dances and carriage rides before rounding off the experience with a juicy BBQ lunch. You also have the option of visiting the lush countryside region of Tigre Delta, which offers a laid-back vibe and a chance to see a different side of Argentine life. Or, soak in another type of culture with a visit to “El Querandi,” a house in the historical district considered a living testimony of the city for a wine tasting. You can also join an Argentinean Culinary Experience making your own empanada and sampling Argentinean steak. Lastly, take a lesson in the iconic tango.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: NH City

CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Day at El Ombu de Areco Ranch - Leave Buenos Aires and drive 110km (69mi) to San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the gaucho traditions. Arrive at El Ombu de Areco, a traditional, 300-hectare (741-acre) ranch dedicated to agriculture and animal farming. The late-colonial style mansion, built in 1880 by Lieutenant-general Pablo Riccheri, and its magnificent casco create and unforgettable setting. Indulge in a delicious and typical barbecue lunch asado that includes fine meats, salads, wine and dessert. Enjoy a full day horseback riding, or walk along the Areco river. Then, enjoy an intimate folklore show as a gaucho plays the guitar, and see a horse skills demonstration.

Adult: 236.00 USD

** The swimming pool is open only during the summer.

*** For an adiditonal fee, add optional activities such as gaucho folk dance troops, local music groups, horseback skill events like sortija races, horseback sprints, bullock lassoing and hog-tying.  

You will be offered one of the following two experiences depending on availability:

Journey to Tigre Delta - Head to the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta on this outing. This area is a popular weekend getaway for Buenos Aires residents. The delta features pretty scenery, lovely summer residences, relaxing vibe, yachting and a chance to see another way of Argentine life.

Adult: 115.00 USD

Wine Tasting - Leave your hotel and drive to “El Querandi”, a big house located in the historical district and considered a living testimony of the city. It was originally founded as a bar in 1920 and it was restored in 1992. “La Cave”, experience a wine tasting with local wines and their exquisite flavours.

Adult: 40.00 USD

You will be offered one of the following two experiences depending on availability:

Tango Dance Lessons - Buenos Aires and Tango are synonymous; visitors can easily find a Tango tour that will include a beautiful stage show that you won’t find outside of Argentina. We want to take you one step further to where the Porteño goes – to the Milongas. At the Milongas, your experience will include an introduction to the codes, traditions of Tango before you have the opportunity to learn the dance and enjoy the real Tango together with the locals.

Adult: 45.00 USD

Authentic Argentine Immersion - Get an introduction on the best of Argentina’s cuisine and culture. Meet and interact with other travellers as you sip on a welcome drink. Start your culinary experience with appetisers and wine. Then, create your own empanada and choose the filling you prefer and see them use the “repulgue” technique to make it. As you taste different flavours, get a short class and learn the most important Argentinean hand gestures. Then, enjoy what many are claiming to be the best steak in Argentina, that goes through a unique 24-hour preparation method. Try different Malbec wines from boutique wineries in Mendoza as well as other typical food like cuartirolo cheese with dulce de batata (made with sweet potato) and dulce de madera (Argentina is the only country in the world where a special kind of wood can be eaten). For desert make your own alfajores, Argentina’s national sweet, that combines biscuits, dulce de leche, melted chocolate, and coconut shavings. End your gastronomic experience with a lesson on the history and etiquette of “mate”, the country’s national tea. Learn how to prepare it from scratch and share it among yourselves.

Adult: 100.00 USD

*The tour is from 19:30-23:00h and operates daily. Round transfers are included. There is a maximum capacity of 58 people. Private venues can be customized: mini tango show with dancers, a tango class, upgrade on wines, aprons and cooking hats with group logo as souvenirs. Rates are not valid for December 24th, 25th, and 31st Vegetarian, pescatarian, and celiac options are available upon request

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Day 9 | Buenos Aires – Lima (2 Nights)

From Argentina you’ll fly to Peru this morning, bound for the ‘City of the Kings’, Lima. Rising above a long coastline of crumbling cliffs the city has a real sense of faded yet romantic grandeur, with historical sights a plenty and a culinary scene that is revered the world over. Arriving here you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore, which isn’t hard to do in this cultural and artsy city. Head to Parque del Amor to admire the Gaudi style architecture with beautiful views over Lima Bay, or take a wander around popular and bustling Miraflores.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Lima

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Day 10 | Lima sightseeing and free time

Visit the famous Plaza Mayor and Cathedral as well as the Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall. Delve into the dark history of the San Francisco Monastery, a museum featuring mysterious catacombs. Your afternoon and evening are free to join one of our exciting choice experiences. Take a walking tour with a local expert of the lively Miraflores district highlighting the Boardwalk of Miraflores, a cliff rising above the ocean at around 130 feet and the Larcomar shopping area. Or, indulge your taste buds on a food tour through Barranco or a street food tour – from coffee to churros – through Lima’s city centre. In the evening, opt to visit the colourful, musical Magic Water Fountains of Lima.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Lima

CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

You will be offered one of the following three experiences depending on availability:

Walking Tour of Miraflores - Miraflores is arguably the most lively district of Lima. From your hotel, take a walking tour with a local expert towards the Boardwalk of Miraflores, a cliff overtowering the ocean at around 130ft altitude, before walking by the popular shopping centre Larcomar and on towards the Kennedy Park, the heart of Miraflores. Your local expert will not only talk more about the district and its history, but will also explain more about Lima’s and Peru’s history and more importantly, the everyday life of the limeños. End this tour either at Kennedy Park for additional exploration on your own, or a lovely dinner at one of the restaurants in “Pasaje de Ramón”, or walk with the guide back to your hotel.

Adult: 27.00 USD

Food Tour through Barranco - Take in the sights and tastes of Barranco sipping coffee and trying an empanada, artisanal ice cream and Lomo Saltado and Inca Cola. You’ll even dive into the biodiverse experience of fruit and chocolate before seeing the main attraction of Barranco, the Bajada and Puente de los Suspiros. Watch masters prepare ceviche, causa and punch andino (a local drink) before capping off your tasty tour with a Pisco sour demonstration and tasting. Price includes transportation from and to hotel.

Adult: 145.00 USD

Lima’s City Centre – Street Food Tour - Sample the best of Lima on this street food tour. Begin at Hotel Gran Bolivar, a classic Lima hotel, for humitas and coffee. Dig into the breakfast sandwich, pan con chicharron (a popular pork-based sammie) before stopping at Mercado Central for fruit and refreshing ponche drink. Venture into the Chinese Quarter for typical Chinese snacks and anticuchos skewered beef. In San Francisco, try tasty churros before sipping on Chilcano, a drink made out of Pisco. Make your way through Plaza de Armas before finishing at Al. Chabuca Granda for Picarones or mazamorra desserts. Price includes transportation from and to hotel.

Adult: 108.00 USD

Experience The Magic Circuit Of The Water - The Magic Water Circuit is the world's largest fountain complex of beautiful interactive fountains featuring swaying water, coloured lights and lasers dancing with the music. The first fountain to welcome you, known as the Magic Fountain, forces water to a height of more than 250 feet (80 meters). This optional experience is available Wednesday to Sunday.

Adult: 41.00 USD

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Day 11 | Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley (2 Nights)

Flying into Cusco, welcome to the Incan capital of the world! Boasting the richest heritage of any South American city, Cusco is a wealth of archaeological greatness and the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. It’s also the gateway to Machu Picchu, so throbs day and night with visitors exploring its ancient streets. Take in the ornate temples and Incan ruins as you arrive here. On the way to Sacred Valley, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during your visit to Chinchero Sunday market, still a very original market where you can find fruit and vegetable vendors as well as the occasional souvenir stall. Your guide will introduce you to some local produce such as potatoes, and if you wish, you can also taste some of the fruit. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® as you learn about Chicha, a local drink made of corn and admire llamas and alpacas before making your way to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel: Ava Valle Sagrado Spot Day

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12 | Machu Picchu excursion

Today’s the day! Up bright and early this morning, you’ll travel to the ancient little town of Ollantaytambo to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the Incan village at the base of Machu Picchu. Slowly chugging your way through the rugged lands of the Sacred Valley, feel the excitement levels build as you pass by village settlements and towering mountains, the landscape changing as you descend. Making the last leg of the journey via shuttle, you’ll finally arrive at the most famous archaeological site of South America and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. Catching a first glimpse of this awe inspiring ancient city above the clouds is a moment you’ll never forget, so be sure to take a few minutes just to soak it all in. Take your time exploring the vast complex of fascinating ruins and let the mind boggle at how it was all built, before descending the mountain and making your way back to the Sacred Valley. Visit the local home of Mrs. Rosa. Her house goes at least 7 generations back and is a fine example of Incan architecture. Learn more about how guinea pigs are raised, as well as ancient traditions kept alive until this day.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Ava Valle Sagrado Spot

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Day 13 | Sacred Valley – Cusco (2 Nights)

Begin your day in Pisaq, famous for its local market and empanadas. Taste the local food at a women-owned and operated empanada workshop. Learn from Mrs. Ernestina how to make empanadas out of seven different kinds of flour before enjoying the empanadas for lunch. Continuing on to Cusco you’ll also stop by the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 13th century, before arriving at the Incan capital of Cusco. Embark on a sightseeing tour of ancient Cusco visiting Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun and most important temple in the Incan Empire, before admiring the bounty of colonial art on display in the Cathedral.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: San Agustin Plaza

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Day 14 | Cusco sightseeing and free time

Kick off the final day of your tour joining for an optional experience. Head to Moray and Maras to see Incan farming and salt mining techniques at play or visit 17th century Piquillacta to view the pre-Incan citadel built by the Wari people. Another option is to indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to the Choco Museum to learn more about the Peruvian chocolate making process. In town, tour Cusco after dark learning the secrets of this ancient city or experience Cusco off the beaten track visiting tiny stores and cemeteries with plenty of personal stories along the way. If you’re looking for an all-day adventure, join a trip to Rainbow Mountain where you’ll take a rigorous hike through breathtaking scenery of mountains and lakes.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: San Agustin Plaza

CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

You will be offered one of the following two experiences depending on availability:

Moray and Maras incl fee - Whether you’re a history buff or love learning amazing facts, you’ll have a blast visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Maras Salt Mine. Learn how salt from this region where the Incas once harvested salt is now exported to the entire world. You’ll also dig into the history of how the Incas found a water stream with high salt content and learned -- in Pre-Incan times, nonetheless -- how to build terraces to extract salt. Amazing!  The Peruvians know a thing or two about living off the land. Near the village of Maras northwest of Cusco is the Moray, an amazing Incan laboratory. It’s at this site where the Incas learned the ideal altitude to grow crops in the Sacred Valley. Dig into how this ancient culture learned how to build these round terraces on a high plateau and experimented with different kinds of soils and temperatures to grow their crops.

Adult: 98.00 USD

Rainbow Mountain Hike - Set out on a grand adventure on this all-day excursion to Rainbow Mountain. You’ll be picked up at your hotel early in the morning to set out for Cusipata for breakfast. Continue on to the community of Wasi Pata where you’ll start your hike to Rainbow Mountain. As you take on this rigorous climb, appreciate the Red Valley and the mountain chain of Ausangate as well as the diversity of South American camelids, lakes and beautiful landscapes. At the summit, take in the breathtaking scenery of the colourful Vinicunca mountain making sure to snap a few shots before heading down and back to Cusipata for lunch. Hiking distance: 10km/ Highest point: 5,040m

Adult: 275.00 USD

You will be offered one of the following three experiences depending on availability:

Visit and Workshop at Choco Museum - Visit the Choco Museum where you will learn the Peruvian chocolate making process from the cacao bean to the chocolate bar. You will participate in making the chocolate and experience the true feeling of a chocolate maker.

Adult: 46.00 USD

Cusco Secrets After Dark - Experience Cusco like never before! During your walking tour through the streets of the ancient city, you will learn its darkest secrets. Stories only locals know about and are shared exclusively in this experience. Go beyond the usual city tour in Cusco, and learn something you can drop as an exclusive inside story at your next gathering with friends and family. To add to the experience, this tour is offered during sunset (5 am) or after dark (starting at 6 pm) only.

Adult: 36.00 USD

Cusco - Off the Beaten Track - Start your visit with the oldest Cemetery of Cusco, Cementerio General de la Almudena. Your guide will not only explain burial rites, but also relate personal stories, and most of all, stories about the citizens of Cusco buried here. From funny stories to tragic ones, what is guaranteed is that you will learn a lot of stories to tell! After that, you will walk through Coripata neighbourhood back to Plaza de Armas in Cusco. On the way, you will get a glimpse into Cusco and how it is rarely seen through the eyes of a tourist. You will see tiny stores that sell everything from tombstones to everyday goods, and hear stories about the neighbourhood and how life in Cusco works for the Cuzqueños. You will also learn more about Cusco’s history, and how it evolved from the Capital of the Incas to what it is today.

Adult: 44.00 USD

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Day 15 | Depart Cusco

3 countries, 2 New Wonders of the World and 1 incredible adventure later, your trip will finally come to an end this morning. Leaving with priceless memories, a wealth of new knowledge and a wonderful group of new friends, you’ll make your way to the airport today. Departure is at leisure from Cusco Airport.

Meals: Breakfast