17D16N SOUTH AMERICA TOUR

Upon arrival Iguazu (Brazilian side), you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel in the city. Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the hotel. It is recommended to arrive before noon, as the afternoon excursions starts approx at 13:15 hrs.

In the afternoon, get to know one of the natural wonders of the world on the excursion to the Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian side, where you can be just over 100 meters away from the waterfalls. Throughout the park, you can observe hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles and fish. Waterfall swirls, toucans, yacares, turtles, herons and coatis stand out. At the end of the day, at approx 18 hrs, return to the hotel in Puerto Iguazu.

Overnight in Puerto Iguazu.

After breakfast, you will be picked up aprox 7am to start the journey to explore the Argentine side of the falls in the Iguazu National Park. Board an ecological train to the Garganta del Diablo station and, after a short walk, arrive at the falls of the same name, a set of majestic waterfalls of 200 meters, where you can appreciate the indescribable beauty of nature at its best. Then, cross the incredible winding roads of the upper and lower circuit and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views, surrounded by the amazing rainforest. In the afternoon, transport at service takes you back to the hotel in Puerto Iguazu (arriving approx at 16 hrs).

Rest of the day at leisure, or you can choose to book the recommended optional extra: Great Adventure Excursion: This tour combines the essence of the Iguazú National Park: the jungle and the falls. Departing from the base of operations, vehicles adapted to this environment will enter into the narrow Yacaratiá trail. During a 5 km ride, expert guides will explain more about the park’s natural wealth. Once we reach Macuco port, semi-rigid boats will be waiting for us to go up the lower Iguazú River for 6 km towards the cascades area enjoying fast-flowing rapids until we approach the imposing Devil´s Throat. The navigation is concluded in front of San Martín waterfall, the biggest one that an embarkation can reach. From there we return to the port, and later to the Lower circuit of the park

Restrictions: Due to safety and legal matters, this activity is not allowed for children under 12 years old, pregnant women, people with osteoporosis, with back, spine and neck problems, cardiac disease, neurological disorders, COPD, people that recently underwent any type of surgery or people with any physical, cognitive, functional and / or sensorial disabilities or deficiencies unable to respond in an emergency in the rapids of Iguazú River.
Important: Please take into account that steep stairs have to be climbed to reach the zodiacs and you will get completely wet during the boat ride. We highly recommend bringing an extra set of clothes and protect all your personal belongings in the waterproof bags provided by the company. According to the operation of the day, this tour can be organized in the opposite direction.

Overnight in Puerto Iguazu.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from the hotel to the airport of Puerto Iguazu to board the flight to Buenos Aires (not included). Upon your arrival in Buenos Aires, a representative who assists you in the transfer to your hotel will receive you. In the afternoon, you make a city tour through the city of Buenos Aires, where you visit the highlights such as Tres de Febrero, the racecourse, the Polo Field, the Lezama Park, the ecological reserve; historical sectors such as Plaza Italia, Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo and La Boca. Descend in Recoleta to get to know one of the most beautiful cemeteries for its historical and architectural wealth, recognized worldwide. Visit churches such as Del Pilar, the Cathedral, among others, and the symbol of the city: the Obelisk; in addition to the main avenues (Corrientes, De Mayo, July 9, Alvear, Del Libertador) and classic neighborhoods such as Palermo, Recoleta, Puerto Madero. Return to the hotel.

Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Breakfast at hotel. For today’s ride, tour through the elegant neighborhoods of Olivos (where the Fifth Presidential is located), Martinez and San Isidro, where you make a small stop to visit the neo-Gothic Cathedral and the main square surrounded by large trees and imposing houses, some from the nineteenth century. After about an hour, you arrive in Tigre, in the Paraná River Delta, where you board a typical boat and sail for 60 minutes through some of the multiple rivers, canals and streams that shape the Delta. The vegetation is dense and abundant. In the evening, you will be picked up at around 8 pm to delight yourself with a tango dinner show, a musical genre and a couple dance from the ‘Río de la Plata’ region and its area of influence, with multiethnic origins (indigenous, african, european and successive immigration contributions). Return to the hotel at midnight. Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and after about an hour and a half transfer, arrive at a typical gaucho stay. You are welcome with empanadas, followed by a traditional Argentine barbecue. Enjoy a show of folk music and gaucho skills, customs and activities of Argentine riders. Then you have free time to explore the room, ride a horse and take a carriage ride. Return to the hotel in the evening.

Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Breakfast at the hotel. A transport service takes you to the airport of Buenos Aires to continue towards El Calafate (flight not included). Upon arrival, you are picked up at the airport at the scheduled time and transferred to your hotel in El Calafate.

Overnight in El Calafate.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, you will go on an excursion to the Perito Moreno glacier, one of the most famous attractions of the Argentine Patagonia, about 80 km from El Calafate. During the trip to the park, the guide explains all the peculiarities of the famous glacier. During the first 50 km of the journey, cross the Patagonian steppe and, as you approach the destination, appreciate the transition to the colourful Patagonian Andean forest populated by lengas, ñires and coihues. The park has 4.7 km of walkways that compose circuits of different difficulty. At the end of the day, a transport service takes you back to the hotel in El Calafate.

Overnight in El Calafate.

Breakfast at the hotel. Early in the morning at approx 7 hrs from Punta Bandera port, 47 km from El Calafate, we start our navigation through the North Arm of Lake Argentino. We cross the Boca del Diablo bound for the Upsala Canal and navigate among the large icebergs that come off the front of the Upsala Glacier. Then we enter the Spegazzini Channel and moments later we will have the first view of the Dry Glacier. We continue sailing to the front of the Spegazzini Glacier where we will also contemplate the Heim Sur and Peineta glaciers. We prepare to disembark at The Spegazzini Base and begin the visit of the area by walking through the forest path to the Spegazzini Refuge. This 300-meter trail has unbeatable views of the Bay of Los Glaciares, on its way we can enjoy themed stations and viewpoints. At the end, return to the hotel at approx 18 hrs.

Overnight in El Calafate.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from the hotel to El Calafate airport to travel to the city of Ushuaia (El Calafate – Ushuaia flight not included), considered the second southernmost in the world. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon at around 14 hrs, embark on the Beagle Channel , a sea passage that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean, named after the British ship HMS Beagle, which conducted a hydrographic study in the area between 1826 and 1830. There, stop to observe the Isla de los Pájaros where skuas, albatross, cauquenes and seagulls nest among other species. Then, continue to Isla de los Lobos, where the attractive stars are the sea lions of one and two hairs. The navigation ends at Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, which is a typical postcard of the city. At the end of the walk, return to the hotel at approx 18 hrs.

Overnight in Ushuaia.

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day at approx 7:30 hrs discovering the Tierra del Fuego National Park, which preserves about 70 thousand hectares of Patagonian forests. Here the landscapes of the coast of the Beagle Channel, the sub-Antarctic forest and the mountains of the southern end of the Andes Mountains are combined. Visit different panoramic points such as Lake Roca, whose color varies according to the weather, and Lapataia Bay, where the sign announcing the end of National Route No.3 and the Pan American route is located. When finished, a transport service takes you back to the hotel at around 13:30 hrs.

Overnight in Ushuaia.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today your route has two air stops. First, head from the hotel in Ushuaia to the city airport to board a flight to Buenos Aires (flight not included). Then, take a comfortable flight to Lima (flight not included). Upon arrival at Lima airport, a transport service and a representative will pick you up to transfer you to your hotel. The Peruvian capital is a modern metropolis full of history, which is currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic changes.

Overnight in Lima.

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Lima’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with fascinating historic buildings. The route begins at the traditional Pueblo Libre district, where you visit the Larco Museum, located in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid from the seventh century. The museum boasts a complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver objects, as well as pieces of erotic art. Then visit the Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains, Jeronimo de Aliaga. This is the only house from that time, still belonging to the same family. Continue with a scenic tour through the colonial downtown. See the Main Square, where you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire. Admire Lima’s Cathedral, built during the 16th century. Finish the trip returning to your hotel at approx 13 hrs. Afternoon at leisure or decide to take part of the optional extra activity:

Magic Water Circuit with Dinner and Folk Show (shared basis):

A modern system of fountains certified as the largest in the world by the Guinness World Records. Built-in Exhibition Park, the Magical Water Circuit attracts crowds during summer and winter, being one of the new favorite attractions of Lima. See yourself and enjoy our water cruise that is followed by a unique gastronomical experience at a restaurant, accompanied by a delicious buffet dinner and amusing folk show.

Notes: Shared service. Start time: 18:00 hours. Duration 4 hours. Includes Pick-up and Drop-off, Bilingual guide (Spanish and English), Admission to Magic Water Circuit and Buffet dinner with Folkloric show

Overnight in Lima.

Breakfast at the hotel. A transportation service picks you up from your hotel at the established time and transfers you to the airport of Lima (Lima – Cusco flight not included). Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive not later than 10:30hrs. Noon arrivals are too late. At your arrival in Cusco, a transportation service transfers you from the airport to your selected hotel. Enjoy your free morning to walk around the city. In the afternoon, at around 13 hrs the tour begins in Coricancha, also known as ‘The Temple of the Sun’, which was built by order of Inca Pachacuti and at the arrival of the Spaniards became the foundation for the construction of the Santo Domingo Convent. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most important monument of the Main Square, construction of which was completed in 1654. Then, head to Sacsayhuaman, one of the most emblematic buildings of the Incas, erected by Inca Pachacuti in the 15th century. It is an immense fortress built with large stones, and their transportation and assembly remain a mystery. Every June 24th, the festival of Inti Raymi, in which the sun is worshipped, is recreated during the winter solstice. Continue to Qenqo, an archaeological complex mainly for religious purposes, where agricultural rituals were held. To conclude, visit Puca Pucara, seven kilometres from the city. Puca Pucara, meaning ‘red fort’ was an architectural complex of alleged military use with multiple environments, plazas, baths, aqueducts, and towers. It is believed that it was used by the Inca entourage while the leader rested in Tambomachay. When finished, return to the hotel. (approx time at 18hrs).

Overnight in Cusco.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning at approx 7 hrs head through the Sacred Valley to the archaeological site of Moray. Like many Inca sites, its exact function remains a mystery, although its design in the form of widening concentric circular terraces means that each level had a different microclimate. Continue to Maras, where the salt lagoons create a dazzling scene. Thousands of small ponds provide jobs to many local families. In times of the Incas, the salt deposits were an important economic centre of great value for the imperial economy. Finally, return to your hotel in Cusco at approx 13 hrs.

Rest of the day at leisure or decide to book the recommended optional extra activity: Visit to the Planetarium in Cusco. During the afternoon you will visit the Planetarium Cusco. This is a centre of cultural interpretation on Inca astronomy, astronomical observatory and a beautiful place surrounded by nature, all in one experience. Upon arrival, you will have a talk about Inca astronomy and then a virtual projection of the southern sky in the Dome, where you will see the constellations. Finally, you will participate in an observation activity with a telescope. Operating days: Monday to Saturday. Does not open on the following days: 24th June, 24th y 25th December.

(From December to March (rainy season), visit Chinchero, the town of Maras and ‘chicherias’, instead of the ‘Salineras’. During these months, you have the option of replacing this tour with a visit to South Valley).

Overnight in Cusco.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up for a transfer to Ollanta train station for Machu Picchu tour. Begin with a train ride to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you will be guided to the bus that takes you to Machu Picchu. After a 25-minute bus ride, you will finally arrive at the ‘lost city of the Incas’. It is believed that Machu Picchu was built for the Inca emperor Pachacútec around 1450 as a holiday residence. The citadel was abandoned just over 100 years later, probably as a result of the Spanish Conquest, although historians have never uncovered why it was abandoned or how it escaped the destruction that other Inca settlements faced. Instead, the jungle slowly engulfed its stone construction, covering it in thick vegetation that kept it hidden and protected until the ‘lost city of the Incas’ was brought to international attention in 1911. Your tour will introduce you to the origins of this impressive citadel and guide you around some of its most iconic monuments, such as the main square, the royal rooms, the Temple of the Three Windows, the circular towers, the Sacred Clock and cemeteries. At the end of the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch then spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

The delicious breakfast at the hotel is followed by a relaxing morning at leisure. We strongly recommend waking up early today to spend the morning over Machu Picchu and discover its secrets. This is a must-have experience! The best views are from Huayna Picchu, which is about 360 metres above Machu Picchu, boasting an underground temple complex, and from Inti Punku, which offers even better views from about 390 metres above the citadel. Another option is the Inca Bridge, a secret military trail, which controlled the access to the citadel. In the afternoon, transfer to the Aguas Calientes station and take the train back to Ollanta station. From here you will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco.

After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, your representative will assist you with check out and you will be transferred to Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco to board your flight to Lima (flight not included).