DAY 1: Depart UK via own arrangements
DAY 2: Arrive Lima - tour start date is today
On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights.
DAY 3: Lima.
Immerse yourself in this fascinating city on a morning tour of
Lima's historic downtown, with visits to the splendid baroque
monasteries of San Francisco, and the beautiful Plaza de Armas and San
Martin, before exploring the residential district of San Isidro and
garden district of Miraflores. The afternoon is free to seek out further
sights. (B)
DAY 4: Lima - Cuzco.
A morning flight to the former Inca imperial capital of Cuzco for
three nights. In the afternoon, you have a full round of sightseeing in
this beautiful colonial town, soaking up the old town and the Plaza de
Armas, the epicentre of the Inca empire, before heading out to the
city's scenic surroundings to see Sacsayhuaman - Inca ruins, Kenko,
Tambo Machay - the bath of the Inca and Puca Pucara, the ruin of a small
fort. (B)
DAY 5: Cuzco.
A day at your leisure, so why not take an optional excursion to
the spectacular Sacred Valley of the Incas and the famous Pisac Indian
Market. After lunch, travel through amazing Inca-terraced valleys to the
fortified settlement of Ollantaytambo, before returning to Cuzco. (B)
DAY 6: Cuzco - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu, by train - Cuzco.
A once-in-a-lifetime trip to legendary Machu Picchu awaits you
this morning. Machu Picchu is one of the great archaeological treasures
of the world, whose purpose is still a mystery. Begin your journey with a
bus transfer to Ollantaytambo, and then your train ride to Aguas
Calientes. From here a small bus drives up to the world's most
photographed fortified mountain and where you will join the extended
guided tour of this spellbinding site. Return to Cuzco in the afternoon.
B Note: Due to government restrictions on visitor numbers to Machu Picchu, extra visits to the site may not be possible.
DAY 7: Cuzco - Puno.
Today, an inspirational drive through the snow-tipped Andes,
climbing to 14,108 feet above sea level and visiting the captivating
mountaintop towns of Andahuaylillas and Racchi. See some incredible Inca
ruins on the way before descending to Puno on the shores of Lake
Titicaca for an overnight stay. (B, L)
DAY 8: Puno - Lake Titicaca boat cruise - La Paz.
The day begins with an early morning visit to see the floating
reed islands of the famous Uros Indians. This Titicaca tribe has lived
on the lake for centuries and still manufacture their own reed boats.
Next explore South America's largest lake aboard a catamaran cruise
boat, stopping at the sacred 'Island of the Sun'. In the afternoon
continue to La Paz, the world's highest metropolis, 11,910 feet above
sea level. (B,L)
Note: Occasionally the Uros Indians boat tour may take place on Day 6 of the itinerary.
DAY 9: La Paz.
A morning tour of La Paz explores its well-preserved colonial old
town. Afterwards follow the La Paz river to view the awesome Moon
Valley. The afternoon is yours to relax or further explore La Paz. (B)
DAY 10: La Paz - Buenos Aires.
Fly to Buenos Aires arriving in time to get an afternoon taste of this vibrant city. (B)
DAY 11: Buenos Aires.
A fantastic morning taking in many of the city's most colourful
quarters, from San Telmo, known for its tango houses to La Boca, with
its artist community. Drive along the world's widest avenue - the
magnificent Avenida 9 de Julio, catching a glimpse of the grandiose
Colon Theatre, one of the world's most splendid concert halls. (B)
DAY 12: Buenos Aires - Iguassu Falls.
Fly to Iguassu for an overnight stay close to the Iguassu Falls,
one of the world's most spectacular natural phenomena, an extended chain
of dramatic waterfalls set in an emerald, wildlife-rich jungle. On
arrival, visit the Argentinian side of the falls to enjoy several
close-up views of individual cascades prior to transferring to your
hotel on the Brazilian side. (B)
Note: Luggage allowance on the Buenos Aires-Iguassu flight is 15kg. Excess luggage is charged approximately US$2 per kilo extra.
DAY 13: Iguassu Falls.
Visit the falls to enjoy more spellbinding views, via a scenic
drive through the National Park. A highlight of the morning will be a
walk along the catwalk that leads to the base of the Devil's Throat, the
falls' most spectacular cascade. The remainder of the afternoon is at
leisure. (B)
DAY 14: Iguassu Falls - Rio de Janeiro.
Fly to vibrant Rio de Janeiro with its world-renowned Copacabana
Beach. On this afternoon's sightseeing tour, pass by the Candelaria
Church, the Opera House, Carioca Square and take a cable car ride to the
top of Sugarloaf Mountain to enjoy one of the most inspirational
cityscapes in the world. (B)
DAY 15: Rio de Janeiro.
This morning, join our exciting optional tour of the city's
golden beaches, culminating in a cog railway ride to the 'Christ the
Redeemer' statue viewpoint at the summit of Corcovado Mountain. Towering
seemingly miles above the city, the terrace surrounding the statue
presents 360 degree panoramas of mountains, offshore islands, the entire
sweep of Rio de Janeiro's immense bay and the city with its suburbs. In
the afternoon, enjoy Rio's beautiful setting, deep blue sea, its fine
artistic, architectural and cultural heritage and most of all the
festive and easy going lifestyle of its inhabitants. End the day in true
Brazilian style, with an optional folklore and dizzying Carnival
floorshow. (B)
DAY 16: Rio de Janeiro - UK.
Enjoy your last morning in Rio before transferring to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Buzios. (B)
DAY 17: Home landing in the UK.
Maximum elevation on this tour is 14,108ft.