Embark on an epic two week tour of some of South America's most famous sights. Starting in Peru explore beautiful Lima, the historic Sacred Valley and marvellous Machu Picchu; head to spectacular Iguazu Falls and see it from both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides and end in vibrant Rio de Janeiro!
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Half Day Lima City Tour
Lima has long been considered one of Spanish America's most beautiful cities and today you will take a half day guided sightseeing tour to some of the city's most important sites. Starting with the Historical Centre of Lima you will pass by Plaza San Martin, Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, City Hall, the Cathedral and its religious Art Museum (closed all day Sunday and Saturday afternoon when you will visit the Santo Domingo Convent instead) as well as the San Francisco Monastery, including its underground crypts - the Catacombs.
Your tour continues through the residential districts of Miraflores and San Isidro continuing past the Huaca Pucllana (a mud brick and clay pyramid building which used to be the Ceremonial and Administration centre back in 200AD). You'll also visit a number of Lima's famous parks including El Olivar Park which is full of olive trees that were brought over from Spain in 15th Century, the Central Park of miraflores and the Peruvian Love Park (El Parque del Amor) which overlooks the Pacific Ocean and has some great views across to the Morro Solar in the distance.
Your tour continues with a visit to the Larco Museum which provides a fantastic introduction to Peru's ancient past and holds one of Peru's finest collections of pre-Columbian art. Then travel on to the quiet district of Pueblo Libre to see the stylish Hacienda House, which exhibits hundreds of excellently preserved ceramics before returning to your hotel.
The afternoon is free to further explore Lima at your leisure.
Overnight: Lima | Breakfast
Cusco City Tour
Lima – Cusco. After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport in Lima for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival into Cusco airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city. In the afternoon enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Cusco taking in highlights such as the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and Koriancha Temple. You'll also explore the ruins of the Kenko Amphitheatre, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and the Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Afterwards return to your hotel.
Overnight: Cusco | Breakfast
The Sacred Valley
Cusco – Sacred Valley. Departing Cusco start your journey towards the famous Sacred Valley. The first stop of the day will be at Awanacancha - a popular Andean textile centre where you will learn about local dyeing techniques and how these textiles have been made for the past few hundred years. Continuing on you will visit the colourful markets at Pisac, where you can try your hand at haggling for some souvenirs. The final stop of the day is at the Incan citadel and fortress of Ollantaytambo. Constructed to guard the entrance to the valley to protect it from potential invasions from the local tribes in the jungle lowlands. It was the scene of Incan resistance in 1537 when Hernando Pizarro's troops faced Manco Inca's forces. A buffet lunch is included today.
Overnight: Sacred Valley | Breakfast, Lunch
Maras Saltpans & Moray Terraces
Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes. Today travel further through the Sacred Valley to the salt fields of Maras and its seemingly never-ending terraces. Founded by the Spanish in 1556 the salt from here has supplied the local area for centuries.
A boxed lunch is provided and today's excursion continues with a visit to the Moray terraces. These terraces are believed to have either been a former gigantic agricultural laboratory, a place of worship or an astronomical observatory or possibly all three! Next you are transferred to the train station for an incredibly scenic journey aboard the Vistadome train to the spa town of Aguas Calientes.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Guided tour of the Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu – Cusco. The 'Lost City' of Machu Picchu is without doubt the jewel in Peru's crown. Set high up in the Andean Mountains, its location couldn’t be more spectacular. Brilliantly preserved, this classical Inca-style complex of polished dry-stone walls and temples is your destination for this morning. Take the bus from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu where you'll enjoy a guided tour of this incredible site, with plenty of free time to take photographs afterwards.
After your tour of Machu Picchu return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before taking the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo and an onward transfer back to Cusco.
Overnight: Cusco | Breakfast, Lunch
Cusco to Lima
Cusco - Lima. Following a leisurely breakfast transfer to Cusco airport for your onward flight back to Lima. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to further explore the capital on your final day in Peru.
Overnight: Lima | Breakfast
Iguazu Falls
Lima - Iguazu Falls. Today you'll be transferred from your hotel to Lima airport for your onward flight to Foz de Iguazu (Brazil). Upon arrival you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in Puerto Iguazu on the the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls.
Overnight: Iguazu Falls (Argentina) | Breakfast
Argentinian Falls Tour
Discover one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World today on a full day tour of the Argentinean side of beautiful Iguazu Falls. Located in the Iguazu National Park the excursion can be completed via 3 circuits best known as Lower Path, Higher path and the Devil´s Throat Path. The Lower Path winds through verdant jungle offering fantastic views of most of the rapids and falls from a lower point. The Higher Path, as its name suggests follows elevated walkways affording stunning views from a cliff-point lookout. The Devil’s Throat can only be accessed via the Ecological Jungle Train and with 14 cascades tumbling over 260 feet into the frothing water below, the views are simply spectacular.
Overnight: Iguazu Falls (Argentina) | Breakfast
Brazilian Falls Tour & Rio
Iguazu Falls - Rio. After breakfast cross over to the Brazilian side of the falls for a half day tour of the Iguacu National Park, one of the largest vegetation reserves in Brazil. At the visitors centre transfer to a bus for a tour of the park via the boardwalks where you will be met by beautiful views of San Martin Island as well as the waterfalls of Bossetti, San Martin and the Three Muskateers. At the end of the walk there is an observation deck where you take in stunning views of Iguazu's Devil’s Throat, which is just 150m away and enhanced by the constant formation of rainbows.
After the tour transfer to Foz do Iguacu airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel in Rio. the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Rio De Janeiro | Breakfast
Rio and Corcovado Mountain
Marvel at one of the New Seven Wonders of the World on a half day Corcovado Mountain excursion this morning. Take a scenic drive along the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon before arriving at the foot of Corcovado mountain. Here you will board a train which climbs up to the iconic, towering statue of Christ the Redeemer, which stands 2,300 feet above sea level. From the top of the mountain you can also take in the spectacular views over the city, its beautiful beaches and the lush forest. The tour includes a drive along some of Rio's famous beaches before returning to the hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Rio De Janeiro | Breakfast
Rio De Janeiro
Day 12 is free for you to continue exploring this fascinating city at your own pace. You could take a trip by cable car up to Sugar Loaf Mountain or soak up some sunshine on one of Rio's many famous beaches, likes Copacabana or Ipanema. It's also possible to jump on board the old tram system across the viaduct into the quaint cobblestone neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, or embark on a walking tour of Rio's historic buildings. In the evening you could take in one of the many live Samba dance shows or simply soak up the unique Brazilian atmosphere in a local club.
Day 13 is the end of the tour and after breakfast you will be met and transferred to Rio airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast x 2
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply.
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