Best of South America

Welcome to Santiago. We’ll meet and transfer you to your hotel. Tonight, join a welcome dinner.

Travel to the coastal city of Valparaíso, where you’ll find colourful cliffside houses sloping down to the sea. Known to Chileans as the ‘Jewel of the Pacific’, the city offers an eclectic mix of art, culture and commerce. Embark on a Signature Experience before relaxing over lunch at a local vineyard. Afterwards, return to Santiago.

Signature Experience – Valparaíso Funicular Ride

Explore this World Heritage-listed city’s historic quarter, then enjoy a funicular ride and take in brilliant views of Valparaíso’s vibrant buildings and port. 

This morning, you’ll set off on a guided discovery of the bustling Chilean capital, which is wedged between the snow-capped Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure before choosing where to dine this evening.

Freedom of Choice Dining – Liguria Lastarria

Dive into rich Chilean flavours at Liguria Lastarria. Experience tantalising flavours with a wide array of dishes on the menu, including traditional empanadas, tuna tartar and Chilean-style pichanga, accompanied by cocktails, wine and beer.

Freedom of Choice Dining – Ambrosia

Chef Carolina Bazán brings dishes to life with a menu that combines the delectable flavours of Chilean and French cuisine, including a sumptuous ceviche. Enjoy the perfect fusion of elegant comfort food and a warm, relaxed atmosphere. 

Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. On arrival, we’ll transfer you to your hotel in the city’s prominent Recoleta district. Home to some of Argentina’s wealthiest families, Recoleta is a leafy neighbourhood dotted with beautiful parks and grand mansions, located just north of the city centre. Later, immerse yourself in the local culture with a Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Tango Demonstration and Tapas

Delve into the heart of Argentinean tradition and local culture as you enjoy a vivacious tango demonstration accompanied with a selection of authentic tapas.

This morning join a guided discovery of the city, which includes the Italian-influenced barrio La Boca, a neighbourhood known for its Latino vibe and brightly painted pedestrian streets. Explore the bohemian district of Palermo, filled with trendy eateries and galleries, before arriving at La Recoleta Cemetery. This is the resting place of key Argentinian figures, such as the nation’s former First Lady, Eva Perón. This evening, choose from three dining options.

Freedom of Choice Dining – Fogon Asado

Cut off a slice of local culture with a visit to Fogon Asado and enjoy the intoxicating aroma and taste of South American barbecued meats.

Freedom of Choice Dining – Fervor

Dine at an old-world steakhouse as you delve into Argentine cuisine featuring grilled meats and seafood.

Freedom of Choice Dining – Dinner & Tango Show

Enjoy a taste of local culture in Buenos Aires with a passionate tango show and a selection of delicious Argentine dishes.

Decide how you’d like to spend today with a range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer.

Freedom of Choice – Tigre Cruise

Head to the island town of Tigre and enjoy a cruise over the rivers and canals of the Paraná Delta.

Freedom of Choice – Parisian Walking Tour

Discover the Parisian character of Buenos Aires. Visit the Plaza San Martin, Plazoleta Pellegrini and more.

Freedom of Choice – Teatro Colón Tour 

Immerse yourself in Buenos Aires’ sophisticated high-arts scene on a fascinating tour of the iconic and majestic Teatro Colón, considered the one of world’s leading opera houses thanks to its impeccable acoustics. 

This morning, fly to Iguazú Falls. This natural wonder straddles the Argentina-Brazil border. Arriving on the Argentine side, set off on the Rainforest Ecological Train to a series of walkways and viewing points, including one to the 80-metre-deep Devil’s Throat. Then, continue to your hotel, where you will enjoy a sensational Signature Experience.

Signature Experience - Gran Meliá Iguazú

Stay close to Iguazú Falls at the Gran Meliá Iguazú, the only hotel within Iguazú National Park, Argentina.

Spanning an impressive width of some 2.7 kilometres, Iguazú Falls is made up of 275 separate waterfalls. Soak up panoramic views of the Brazilian side of the Falls with a leisurely walk between each of the viewing platforms. Later, embark on your preferred Freedom of Choice sightseeing activity and see the Falls from a different perspective. At the day’s end, enjoy a Signature Experience at your hotel.

Freedom of Choice – Jet Boat Safari

Get up close to the roaring cascades of Iguazú Falls on a thrilling jet boat safari.

Freedom of Choice – Helicopter Ride

Experience stunning panoramas of Iguazú Falls from the air during a thrilling scenic helicopter ride.

Signature Experience – Wine Tasting

At Gran Meliá Iguazú, enjoy a sommelier-led wine tasting, sampling wines from different Argentine regions alongside delicious cheese pairings.

Begin your day with free time to explore at your leisure. Later, fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s most visited city, set between lush, forested mountains and sandy shores. On arrival, we’ll meet and transfer you to your elegant art deco hotel, primely located opposite the golden sands of the iconic Copacabana Beach. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

See Rio de Janeiro from above with a visit to Corcovado, the mountain famed for its Christ the Redeemer statue, thought to be the world’s largest art deco sculpture. From here, enjoy sweeping vistas of the sprawling city. After enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and taste Brazil’s famously delicious barbecue fare. Towards the evening, board a cable car to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain to toast the sunset and incredible views with a drink.

Today, enjoy an included Freedom of Choice sightseeing activity and experience more of Rio de Janeiro.

Freedom of Choice – Jeep Tour

Discover the beauty of the Tijuca Rainforest skirting the city as you explore by open-top jeep.

Freedom of Choice – Guanabara Bay Boat Tour

Navigate your way through the tranquil waters of Guanabara Bay as you embark on a half-day boat tour of Rio de Janeiro’s beautiful coastline. 

Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima, where we’ll meet you. Savour a delicious lunch at Café del Museo before enjoying a visit to the Larco Museum. Later, be transferred to your hotel.

Discover the Peruvian capital’s World Heritage-listed historic centre with a guide today. Afterwards, enjoy a Signature Experience at a private hacienda before visiting the ruins of Pachacamac. 

Signature Experience – Peruvian Paso Horse Show

Pay a visit to a private hacienda, which showcases the nation’s regional traditions. Sit down to a lunch of traditional South American fare and enjoy a Peruvian Paso horse show. 

After breakfast today, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your included flight to Cusco, the pre-Columbian Inca capital of Peru. From here, travel to the heart of the Sacred Valley for your Signature Experience before arriving at your hotel.

Signature Experience – Hacienda Sarapampa Lunch

Visit a working corn farm where you’ll enjoy a delicious farm-to-table lunch. Experience the essence of local life and rich traditions of regional cuisine.

Travel to a small community tucked away in the Sacred Valley hillside, where you’ll enjoy a Signature Experience. Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a guide, including another Signature Experience which takes you to the Salt Mines of Maras and Moray terraces. In the evening, savour a delectable dinner at your hotel.

Signature Experience – Traditional Weaving Demonstration

Be welcomed by the local Misminay community before watching a traditional weaving demonstration. Discover how Peru’s colourful textiles are created by hand as you learn about the craft, which has been passed down through generations. Then, enjoy a traditional lunch with views of the Andes mountains and surrounding valleys.

Signature Experience – Salt Mines of Maras and Moray Terraces

See the glistening salt pools spill over the terraced slopes at the World Heritage-listed Salt Mines of Maras. Afterwards, visit the fascinating Incan circular terraces at the Moray archaeological site. 

Today, embark on incredible rail journey to Aguas Calientes during your Signature Experience. Upon arrival, enjoy free time before dinner at the hotel.

Signature Experience – Inca Rail First Class Machu Picchu Train

Travel on Inca Rail’s First Class Machu Picchu Train and journey through forested landscapes to the township of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a gourmet Andean-inspired lunch on board while taking in the magnificent views that unfold before you.

This morning, you’ll enjoy a full immersion into the natural setting and incredible heritage of Machu Picchu as you set off on a locally guided exploration of the Lost City of the Incas, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Later, board the PeruRail Vistadome Machu Picchu Train for your return trip to Sacred Valley. Here, transfer by coach to Cusco and settle into your hotel, primely located in the heart of this historic city.

A guided discovery of Cusco takes you to Plaza de Armas, situated in the historic centre of the city. This afternoon, delve into Peruvian culture with an included Freedom of Choice activity. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at MAP Café, located in the central courtyard of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

Freedom of Choice – Peruvian Cooking Class

Satiate your gustatory senses with a cooking class, discovering traditional Peruvian dishes and ingredients.

Freedom of Choice – Sacsayhuamán Citadel Visit

Explore the 15th-century dry stone archaeological site at the Incan Sacsayhuamán citadel. 

After breakfast, your sensational South American adventure concludes. We’ll transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.