Itinerary Highlights
- Scenic train journey to Machu Picchu
- Ride the cable car for spectacular views of La Paz
- Wonder at the 275 separate falls at Iguazu
- Meander the cobbled streets of Cuzco
- Watch tango in Buenos Aires
- Meet the locals at Lake Titicaca
- Have your photo taken with the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Transfers
17 nights from £4,895 per person
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Experience the best of South America with this exhilarating tailor-made holiday through Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil. Bringing together Peru’s Inca past, the dizzying heights of La Paz, stylish Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro’s iconic beaches, this epic journey encompasses the continents' main attractions.
Fly into Peru’s capital city, Lima, for your first taste of Peruvian culture, before heading up into the Andes to the colonial city of Cuzco. With cultural Cuzco as your base, you will travel by train to the incredible Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, discovering the history and magic surrounding this ancient citadel. Shimmering Lake Titicaca is reached by a scenic journey through the barren altiplano, dotted with llamas, alpacas and colourful locals selling their wares. On the Bolivian side of the lake, visit the Sun and Moon Islands and admire the Cordillera Real (the Royal Range of the Andes) mountains. Take to the skies by cable car in La Paz for unique views and visit the intriguing Witches Market and Valley of the Moon.
Jump across the border with a flight to Argentina, landing in the energetic city of Buenos Aires. This bright city will sweep you off your feet as you dance the Tango and visit the vibrant districts of La Boca and San Telmo, walking down the streets dotted with colourfully painted houses. At Iguazu, witness the colossal power of the 275 cascading falls, watching from the suspended platform which overlooks the Devil's Throat before crossing over to the Brazilian side. Here you will observe the vistas from the north side of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring the tropical flora and fauna of the surrounding rainforest.
Leave behind this incredible nature for the exciting hustle and bustle of the iconic Rio de Janeiro. Journey up to Corcovado to see the city from the perspective of Christ the Redeemer, relax on the pristine beaches and take a tour of the historic centre, all while enjoying the citiy's cosmopolitan restaurants and bars.
With a host of tailor-made extensions in Brazil, such as staying in the charming coastal town of Buzios, this holiday is a fantastic option for those who are visiting South America for the first time. Taking you to the most iconic sights and unique cultures, this trip will leave you with a desire to come back and explore this remarkable continent again.
Itinerary
Day 1 UK - Lima
Travel to the Peruvian capital of Lima with your chosen airline and transfer to the Barranco neighbourhood. Located by the Pacific Ocean, this is a great area to stay with a selection of restaurants and cafes in an easy walking distance. Bohemian in style, Barranco is home to a host of museums and art galleries along with the pretty Bridge of Sighs near the main plaza. This narrow wooden bridge has inspired many Peruvian folk songs and is one of the most photographed spots in Barranco.
Day 2 Lima
Lima is a city first founded as 'The City of Kings' in 1535 and subsequently made the capital in 1821 when Peru became independent from Spain. Explore the colonial area of the city with highlights including the Presidential Palace and Lima Cathedral, situated around the grand Plaza de Armas main square. Take in the modern areas of Miraflores on the Costa Verde, finishing at the Larco Museum for an in-depth overview of centuries of Peruvian history. Learn about the Incas and the pre-Inca cultures of Moche and Chimu. There is also the option for lunch at the Larco Cafe, overlooking the museum's pretty, colourful gardens.
Day 3 Lima - Cuzco
The heart of the Inca Empire is Cuzco, a wonderful city of historic charm. Meander the cobbled streets, admiring the well-preserved buildings and colourful shops full of traditional fabrics and handicrafts. Visit the artist neighbourhood of San Blas, nestled on a steep hillside close to the Plaza de Armas with its classic architecture and narrow passageways. After dark, the city comes alive. Learn about the traditional Peruvian drink of Pisco, at the aptly named Pisco Museum or dine at the sophisticated MAP Cafe located within the Museo de Arte Precolombino.
Day 4 Cuzco
Explore Cuzco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, awash with fascinating historic sights. Visit the majestic cathedral located on the Plaza de Armas and Koricancha, an impressive example of how Inca and Hispanic cultures fused together. Perched on a hillside is the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an imposing example of Inca architecture. The large granite blocks are held together without any type of cement or adhesive.
Day 5 Cuzco - Sacred Valley
Discover the best of the Sacred Valley of the Incas on this full day tour. Visit the Inca's Balcony, a beautiful terrace with an impressive view of Chinchero, an indigenous town where they continue to live in a traditional way. Learn about their ancestral way and how they process wool and obtain the vibrant colours for their textiles. Ollantaytambo fortress is one of the most monumental architectural complexes of the ancient Inca Empire and the town dates back to the 13th Century. With its cobblestone streets and traditional values, this is charming town to visit.
Day 6 Machu Picchu
A full day to experience the 'Lost City of the Incas', Machu Picchu, where you can explore this spectacular citadel. From the Sacred Valley, travel to Ollantaytambo train station for the journey through the Andes to the village of Aguas Calientes. From here, travel by bus via the zigzag mountain road to the entrance of this magical site. Machu Picchu, meaning 'Old Mountain', is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and was voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Learn about the history surrounding this iconic place and how it was discovered by American archaeologist, Hiram Bingham, in 1911.
Day 7 Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Free morning to visit the Machu Picchu archaeological complex. Explore some of the outlying places, like the Inti Punko, also called the “Doorway of the Sun” and take the opportunity to climb Huyana Picchu, a steep climb but well worth it for the spectacular views over the citadel. Find a quiet area and simply feel the mystical energy and imagine how this town would have looked at the peak of the Inca civilisation. In the afternoon, embark the train, returning via the Sacred Valley, to Poroy, the key station outside Cuzco.
Day 8 Cuzco - Puno (Lake Titicaca)
Spectacular drive through the Andes Mountains to the town of Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. As you travel the altiplano, admire the wonderful scenery with the snow-capped mountain peaks. Visit Andahuaylillas, with its 17th Century church adorned with angels and cherubs, and Racchi ruins, known as "The Temple of God Wiracocha". Before arriving to Puno, climb to the highest point, La Raya, at 4300m altitude. Take advantage of fantastic photo opportunities with these colourful locals against a dramatic mountain backdrop.
Day 9 Lake Titicaca
Enjoy a full day tour to the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, which straddles the border of Peru and Bolivia. From Puno, travel to the port in Copacabana, board the hydrofoil for your cruise to Moon Island and take in a visit to the Sun Virgin Temple 'Iñak Uyu'. Next stop is Sun Island as well as a stop for lunch at the Uma Kollu restaurant, with its spectacular views of the lake and the Cordillera Royal Mountain Range. Return to the mainland at Huatajata, visiting the Andean Roots Eco Village before continuing to La Paz.
Day 10 La Paz
Explore this magical metropolis with its spectacular setting and feel the history unfolding around every corner. A highlight for many is the indigenous Witches Market, famed for its unusual wares close to the elegant San Francisco church. The main square, Plaza Murillo, is home to the Presidential Palace and a unique clock that runs anti-clockwise. Stroll along with Calle Jean, a pretty colonial style street, and take the new 'teleferico' cable car for spectacular views over the city. In the southern part of the city, visit Moon Valley, a spectacular clay formation resembling the face of the moon.
Day 11 La Paz - Buenos Aires
Early morning departure from La Paz for your indirect flight to Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is the chic and vibrant capital of Argentina, situated on the estuary of the River Plate and surrounded by fertile pampas plains. Recoleta is an upmarket neighbourhood with a wealth of old mansion style buildings, parks, museums and French architecture. Also in the area is the famous Recoleta cemetery, a popular attraction for those interested in the final resting place of Eva Peron. Wander the cemetery 'streets', admiring the impressive statues and marble mausoleums.
Day 12 Buenos Aires
Introductory tour to introduce you to the main highlights of this cosmopolitan city. Visit the Plaza de Mayo square, the Government House and the Congress Palace located in downtown before continuing to the diverse neighbourhoods. La Boca, the old port district, is by far the most colourful with its brightly painted tin and wooden houses. The area is vibrant and lively, with many shops, cafes and tango dancers in the street. In the evening, enjoy a sensual tango show at Esquina Carlos Gardel, the typical Argentine dance made famous in the early 1900s.
Day 13 Buenos Aires - Iguazu Falls
Depart Buenos Aires for the truly amazing Iguazu Falls which borders Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. An awe-inspiring sight, these vast falls are a highlight on any holiday. Spanning 3km, the power and noise of the cascades is astounding and form part of a larger national park. The lush Atlantic Rainforest which surrounds the falls is teeming with flora and fauna and is a wonderful extension. This area is particularly popular for birdwatching, but you can also spot coatis, raccoons and capuchin monkeys.
Day 14 Iguazu Falls
Take in the sensational vistas in the national park on the Argentine side. Take the electric train through the national park to the start of the various walkways and the different viewpoints. Here you will be able to appreciate the scale of the 275 individual falls cascading into the river gorge. The most spectacular is the 1km suspended platform which overlooks the Devil's Throat. Perched over this amazingly powerful, concentrated torrent of water, this deafening cascade plunges into the ravine below whilst mist rises in a smoke like plume. A further option is to ride the rapids to the base of the falls on an exhilarating boat trip.
Day 15 Iguazu Falls - Rio de Janeiro
Drive through the lush Atlantic rainforest to the start of the trail leading to the falls and the spectacular vista on the Brazilian side. When the waters are high, the volume of the water is staggering. Explore the many trails, the rainforest and its spectacular flora before taking your flight to the wonderful city of Rio de Janeiro, the city of mountains, sea, samba, carnival and relaxed way of life. You are based on the beaches of Rio and this evening is a great opportunity to enjoy a cold caipirinha by the beach as the sun sets over the sea.
Day 16 Rio de Janeiro
Visit the most famous highlights of Rio de Janeiro. Sitting atop Corcovado Mountain is the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the most emblematic sights in the city. On a clear day, the views over the city's natural harbour are mesmerising. Travel through man-made Tijuca Forest, as you descend towards the curving beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. The stunning viewpoint of Sugar Loaf Mountain is reached via a two stage cable car and as the sunsets you can enjoy a spectacular setting.
Day 17 Rio de Janeiro - UK
Day at leisure to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Rio de Janeiro or visit the downtown area around charming Santa Teresa. This inner suburb has many colonial and 19th Century buildings set in narrow, curving, tree lined streets. Around the same area, visit the famous Selaron steps, an iconic stairwell covered in colourful, hand painted mosaic tiles created by Jorge Selaron. Later today, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
17 nights from £4,895 per person
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
