Highlights of South America

Welcome to Brazil! Upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro, be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening where you will meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers.

Today, head to Corcovado Mountain and visit the incredible statue of Christ the Redeemer, the world’s largest art deco sculpture. Admire the breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro and its stunning surroundings. Later, ride a cable car to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain and watch a spectacular sunset.

In a capital city as dynamic as Rio, there is always something exciting to discover. Today, you have a full day set aside to relax or explore what this vibrant city has to offer, from beautiful, landscaped parks and botanical gardens to bohemian neighbourhoods and long stretches of sandy beaches. For dinner this evening, a special Insider Experience awaits.

Enhance Your Journey – Historical City Tour

Be transported back in time during this half-day downtown Rio walking tour, visiting iconic national monuments.

Enhance Your Journey – Carnival Experience

Be welcomed behind the scenes of Carnival and learn about its history and significance in Rio de Janeiro.

Enhance Your Journey – Guanabara Boat Tour

Aboard a schooner, sail around Guanabara Bay and enjoy views of Rio de Janeiro's coastal landmarks, including the Contemporary Art Museum.

Insider Experience - A Taste of Rio de Janeiro

Sample the country’s national cocktail, the caipirinha, before enjoying a sumptuous Brazilian barbecue dinner at one of Rio de Janeiro’s churrasco restaurants. Marvel as waiters wielding giant skewers slice off portions of mouth-watering barbecue beef, pork and chicken.

Fly to Iguazú Falls, the spectacular system of 275 falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil. On the Brazilian side of the falls, experience the majesty of World Heritage-listed Iguaçu National Park during a half-day tour. Walk through spectacular subtropical rainforest and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the falls. Afterwards, you might like to participate in an Enhance Your Journey experience.

Enhance Your Journey – Parque Das Aves

Explore the vibrant birdlife of Iguazú Falls at Parque das Aves sanctuary, with close encounters with toucans, parrots, guans, and other species in large, open aviaries.

Enhance Your Journey – Motor Boat Experience

Board a speedboat and get up close to the mighty Iguazú Falls, feeling the raw power of the cascades as you race through the rapids. This unforgettable experience offers an awe-inspiring view of the falls’ grandeur from a thrilling perspective.

Enhance Your Journey – Helicopter Flight

Embark on a 10-minute helicopter ride, soaring high above the waterfalls, and experience an incredible panoramic, bird’s-eye view of this stunning landscape.

Today, explore the Argentinian side of the falls and ride the Ecological Train, which connects to a series of walkways and viewing points. This narrow-gauge train stops at several key points, including acsess to the 82-metre-high Devil’s Throat, one of the most extraordinary and expansive falls of the region.

Tonight, dine at a local restaurant serving local and regional dishes.

Transfer to the airport and fly to Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital city, Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take the rest of the day to relax or explore at your own pace.

Your in-depth tour of Buenos Aires starts this morning along the Avenida de Mayo. At the Plaza de Mayo in the city centre, admire the Casa Rosada, a pink, palatial building that houses the offices of the Argentine president. Marvel at the city’s cathedral as well as the Cabildo, Buenos Aires’ first city hall. Later, explore the Italian-influenced barrio of La Boca and its famously colourful pedestrian street, the Caminito, and travel along Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest street in the world. Later, enjoy two Insider Experiences that offer deeper insight into the heart of Buenos Aires.

Insider Experience – Traditional Coffee House

Journey back in time and visit a traditional coffee house steeped in history. Here, you'll savour a fragrant cup of coffee, paired with exquisite Spanish delicacies. Buenos Aires is renowned for its coffee culture, and each cup is a fragrant symbol of the city’s warm social atmosphere.

Insider Experience – Tango Show in Buenos Aires

There’s no better place than Buenos Aires to take in an energetic and intense tango show. See how the locals bring this traditional dance to life, and be captivated by the emotion, power, and rich history woven into every step.

With plenty of insight and advice provided by your knowledgeable Travelmarvel Tour Director, today is yours to either relax or explore more of this fascinating city. Perhaps choose one of our optional Enhance Your Journey experiences.

Enhance Your Journey – Tigre & Paraná Delta Cruise

Visit the island town of Tigre and board a peaceful river cruise along the Paraná Delta.

Enhance Your Journey – Argentine Experience Dinner

Immerse yourself in the flavours and traditions of Argentina with this hands-on dining experience. Learn the fundamentals of Argentine cuisine, master traditional techniques, and savour iconic dishes paired with exceptional wines from all regions of the country.

Enhance Your Journey – Retiro District Walking Tour

Discover the sights of the Retiro district on this walking tour, including the iconic Torre Monumental.

Fly to Santiago, the vibrant capital of Chile. Situated in the Santiago basin and flanked by the snow-capped Andes mountains, this metropolis enjoys one of the most stunning settings of any city in the world.

Upon arrival, start with an Insider Experience exploring Santiago’s highlights, from its historic centre to the panoramic views from San Cristóbal Hill. After, check into your hotel and take the rest of the day to relax or explore at your own pace.

Insider Experience – Santiago by Funicular and Cable Car

Embark on a guided tour of Santiago, and explore the city's modern and historic sites. Wander through the Plaza de Armas de Santiago, a bustling urban square and symbolic heart of the city. Take in spectacular views of Santiago as you ascend San Cristóbal Hill by cable car. Then travel on the historic funicular through Parque Metropolitano, a 722-hectare park set above the city.

After breakfast this morning, head off to explore the picturesque port city of Valparaíso, one of the South Pacific’s most important seaports. On arrival here, set out on a sightseeing tour of the World Heritage-listed town centre, take a drive up into the surrounding hills to absorb the stunning vistas of the bay and the colourful city below. After, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Santiago for an evening at leisure.

This morning fly to Peru's capital, Lima, and be transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel and meet fellow travellers.

After breakfast, fly to the World Heritage-listed city of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Travel through Cusco to Chinchero, a city located in the stunning Andean highlands. Here, you will enjoy an enriching Insider Experience. Later, head to your premium hotel in the Sacred Valley, where another Insider Experience awaits. 

Insider Experience – Traditional Weaving Demonstration

During a weaving demonstration in the Peruvian highlands, see how the region’s colorful, intricate textiles are created. Meet local weavers and learn the important role that weaving plays in preserving Peru's ancient traditions and cultural heritage. 

Insider Experience – Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel

Located on the lands of a 17th-century colonial hacienda on the banks of the Vilcanota River near Cusco, this hotel and wellness retreat boasts landscaped gardens, charming facilities, and truly beautiful surroundings. In the evening, relax and enjoy a delightful dinner at the hotel.

Today, enjoy two incredible Insider Experiences as you explore the culture, history and beauty of the Sacred Valley. Later, you might be interested in an Enhance Your Journey experience.

Insider Experience – Pisac Ruins

Visit the Pisac ruins and gain a deeper insight into the Inca Empire. Perched atop a high hill overlooking the town, the unique Inca archaeological site features impressive agricultural terracing, military structures, and working water channels. From the back of the citadel, you can gaze across the Kitamayo Gorge, where hundreds of Inca tombs are carved into the cliff face.

Insider Experience – A Taste of the Sacred Valley

Savor an authentic taste of traditional culture and cuisine during a visit to a local family home in the Sacred Valley, where you’ll be treated to a home-cooked Andean meal.

Enhance Your Journey – Moray Terraces and Maras Salt Mines

Discover the important Inca site of Moray, which showcases a series of unique circular terraces. You’ll also visit the Salt Mines of Maras, a marvellous patchwork of salt ponds that dates back to pre-Inca civilizations and continues to be used by locals today.

This morning, enjoy a special Insider Experience with a scenic train journey to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, join a guided walking tour of the legendary Lost City of the Incas, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Insider Experience – Machu Picchu Train

Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape as you travel through the Urubamba River Valley to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. The Andes Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop as you pass through lush vegetation, dense forests and cascading waterfalls, taking in the breathtaking views through the train's panoramic windows.

With the morning free, consider exploring the vibrant stalls of the Mercado de Artesanias craft market in Aguas Calientes. Later, reboard your train for a wonderful journey to Ollantaytambo station before a coach returns you to Cusco. In the evening, indulge in a delicious Peruvian dinner accompanied by a captivating traditional folklore show at a local restaurant.

Today, a guided walking tour of Cusco will start with a visit to the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, the largest and most significant work left by the Incas. Then continue to the city’s historic heart, the Plaza de Armas. You will visit Koricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Though it was ruined in the 16th century, its stonework now forms the foundation of the Baroque Church and Convent of Santo Domingo. Following the tour, the afternoon is yours to tour Cusco at your own leisure. You may choose to personalise your experience with one of the Enhance Your Journey options available to you.

Enhance Your Journey – Peruvian Cooking Class

Immerse yourself in Peruvian Culture with an exciting culinary experience at a Marcelo Batata Cooking Class. Roll up your sleeves and get cooking to produce four delicious Peruvian classics, including ceviche and lomo saltado. When your dishes are ready, savour the delicious flavours whilst sipping on a refreshing Peruvian pisco sour.

Enhance Your Journey – Pre-Columbian Art Museum

Uncover Peru’s pre-Hispanic heritage with a guided visit to the Pre-Columbian Art Museum. Set within a restored colonial mansion in the heart of Cusco, the museum spans ten curated rooms showcasing ancient Andean art, ceramics, textiles and ceremonial artefacts, offering a fascinating insight into the beliefs, craftsmanship and daily life of pre-Columbian civilisations.

Enhance Your Journey – Planetarium Cusco

Discover the hidden wonders of the night sky with a visit to the Planetarium Cusco. Ancient cultures, including the Incas, had a deep connection with nature and the cosmos. Through a stunning sky projection on the planetarium’s dome, you'll gain insight into the significance of stars in Andean culture and learn to identify Incan constellations in detail. Weather permitting, step outside to observe these formations through a telescope.

Take a coach to Puno, a city on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Along the way, stop in the town of Andahuaylillas to visit San Pedro Apóstol, a 16th-century baroque chapel known as the 'Sistine Chapel of the Andes' for its stunning murals and ornate interior. Enjoy a hearty buffet lunch before continuing to Puno, where you’ll have the evening free to relax and explore at your leisure.

Today, embark on a unique Insider Experience. 

Insider Experience – Meet with the Uros People

On the border of Peru and Bolivia, enjoy a delightful cruise to the home of the Indigenous Uros people who inhabit the floating islands of Lake Titicaca. The Uros people are known for their unique way of life and have a long history that dates back to pre-Columbian times. Visit one of the 40 floating islands, Titino, before reaching the lesser-known community of Luquina. Learn about daily life and customs from the locals before enjoying a simple but fresh Andean lunch in the community’s restaurant. 

Fly from Puno to Lima this morning. On arrival, set out on a tour of the city’s historic centre, where colonial architecture and grand plazas reflect Peru’s rich past. Visit the Iglesia de Santo Domingo, one of Lima’s most significant religious landmarks. This expansive 16th-century pink church and convent is the resting place of three revered Peruvian saints. This afternoon, experience a Pisco demonstration and learn the art of crafting Peru’s iconic Pisco Sour, a classic frothy and refreshing cocktail. Later, enjoy a special Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Farewell Dinner at Huaca Pucllana

This evening, indulge in a Farewell Dinner at Huaca Pucllana, a unique restaurant set within the ruins of an archaeological compound next to a beautifully illuminated adobe pyramid.

This morning, after breakfast, your tour concludes with a transfer to the airport.