Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart Australia - Arrive Buenos Aires
Welcome to South America! Consisting of 13 countries, it is the world’s fourth largest continent and home to some of the most recognisable UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Today we arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina - the 'Paris of the South'. Buenos Aires is an intriguing mix of elegance and old-world charm… of grand boulevards and classic European style architecture combined with its own irresistible South American vibe. Founded in the 16th century on the shores of the Rio de la Plata, Buenos Aires literally translates to ‘fair winds’ and it has grown and flourished since its early beginnings. Now, one of the most visited cities in South America, its most defining characteristic is its many varied neighbourhoods - explore these on foot and take a stroll along the city streets to soak up the colourful atmosphere.
Meet your fellow travellers this evening over a welcome drink in the hotel.
A thriving city of approximately three million people, Buenos Aires is both cosmopolitan and elegant at the same time. Our sightseeing today begins with a city tour, including the widest avenue in the world, the 9 de Julio Avenue, the Plaza de Mayo and its buildings, Casa Rosada (Government House) and the Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires.
Next, we’ll wander through the elegant district of Recoleta (here, think Paris with a Latin soul and a cheeky wink!) and the Recoleta Cemetery where Argentina's famous Eva Peron was laid to rest, a gothic wonderland of grand mausoleums, then on to the Italian district of La Boca and a visit to Caminito Street, a colourful street museum.
We’ll then visit the stunning Colón Theatre. The main opera house in Buenos Aires, it stands as one of Buenos Aires’ most treasured landmarks and is a masterpiece of architecture and acoustics that has earned its place among the grandest opera houses in the world.
Our final stop for the day takes us to the exquisite El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore. Recognised by National Geographic in 2019 as the most beautiful bookstore in the world, this historic building was once a palatial theatre that has since been meticulously transformed into an opulent haven for lovers of literature.
Special Experience
Don your dancing shoes for a traditional tango lesson, before keeping the rhythm alive at a lively dinner and show.
No trip to Buenos Aires is complete without a dalliance in the city’s national dance – the tango! Learn the moves of this passionate dance that is deeply intertwined with Buenos Aires’ culture. Then, celebrate your new knowledge with a vibrant dinner and show.
Discover the fascinating history of Buenos Aires with a visit to the El Zanjon de Granados. Tucked away in the historic heart of San Telmo, what appears on the outside as a modest 19th century house unfolds below ground into an intricate network of brick passageways and hidden chambers, dating back centuries and revealing layers of Buenos Aires’ forgotten history. Wander through the candlelit corridors of this intriguing mansion and explore its underground tunnels.
Afterwards, we'll head to the vibrant San Telmo market for a unique shopping experience. Enjoy a short tour of the market with some free time to explore and grab some lunch. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavours of this bustling market, where local artisans and vendors sell everything from handmade crafts to delicious street food.
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure for us to further discover vibrant Buenos Aires at our own pace. If food’s your thing, we suggest an empanada crawl, sampling as many varieties as you can find!
Day 4 - Buenos Aires – Iguazu Falls
Today we say farewell to Buenos Aires as we fly to Iguazu Falls! Straddling the borders of Brazil and Argentina, Iguazu Falls is one of the world's biggest waterfalls with a total of more than 240 individual falls, each seeming to tumble in its own rhythm across a lush green stage. Surrounded by teeming rainforests, the waterfalls are more than 3 kilometres wide and 80 metres high - making them wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara Falls.
Upon checking into our hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free for us to explore these incredible surroundings.
We’ll spend today exploring the Argentinian side of this verdant masterpiece. A truly immersive experience, we’ll be right in the heart of one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. A small train takes us into Iguazu National Park, where a series of walkways and paths will lead us to the falls. We’ll stand on a dramatic viewing platform suspended over the thundering Garganta del Diablo, or Devil's Throat - the largest of the waterfalls, to feel (and hear) the water’s power. Something that has to be experienced to be believed. Warning: you will get wet, but you’ll love every minute of it!
There are other trails, like the Upper and Lower Circuits that offer equally as impressive, but different perspectives – from sweeping vistas above the falls, to intimate spots beside the torrents. Here, there’s an excellent chance of spotting some unique wildlife too, including toucans, colourful butterflies and coatis.
Day 6 - Iguazu Falls – Rio de Janeiro
We’ll explore the Brazilian side of the falls this morning for the ultimate panoramic perspective – an unforgettable overview of the vast sweep of the waterfalls that stretch across the jungle in a breathtaking kaleidoscope of mist and motion. This side is ideal for those wanting to take in the sheer scale and majesty of the falls all at once.
Later today, we’ll get up close and personal with more than 150 species of stunning exotic birds at the famous Parque das Aves. Located just a short walk from the entrance to the Brazilian side of Iguazu National Park, the bird park is set in 12 acres of beautiful rainforest and is designed to feel more like a tropical forest than a zoo, with spacious aviaries that you can walk through - home to colourful macaws, toucans, and flamingos among many more. The park also houses butterflies, reptiles and a growing number of rescued animals. Parque das Aves perfectly compliments the natural wonder of the falls by showing off the region’s huge biodiversity.
We then transfer to the airport for our flight to Rio de Janeiro.
Optional Excursion
Helicopter Tour - (min 2/max 4 participants per helicopter) - Experience the breathtaking sights of Iguazu Falls from the sky! Departure is from the entrance of the Iguazu National Park (Brazilian side) and can be taken when doing the Brazilian Falls tour. Please advise your guide if you are interested in this tour. 10 minutes – from $212pp US
Rise with a smile this morning because it’s time to explore Rio de Janeiro! The Cidade Maravilhosa, or ‘Marvellous City’, is situated amongst lush, forest-covered mountains and breathtaking beaches, and is one of the world's most lively and beautiful cities.
Today we’ll discover the icons of this amazing city, beginning with the Statue of Christ the Redeemer. One of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’, it is situated at the peak of the 700-metre-high Corcovado Hill. We arrive at the bottom of the hill and board the red narrow-gauge train to climb the mountain and take us up to the statue. The historic railway was opened in 1884 and is Brazil’s oldest tourist excursion. There will be so many fantastic photo opportunities here.
Later we’ll visit Sugar Loaf Mountain to enjoy amazing panoramic views over the whole city. Sugar Loaf Mountain’s name is said to have stemmed from when blocks of sugar (or sugar loaves) were placed in conical moulds made of clay to be transported on ships. The shape made by these moulds was similar to the peak, hence the name.
Our touring will also include a stop at the Selaron Steps, one of Rio’s most striking and well-known landmarks. Created by Chilean artist Jorge Selaron, this is one of Brazil’s most famous pieces of street art with the steps decorated with more than 2,000 tiles in the colours of the Brazilian flag.
Special Experience
Experience the artistry of Carnival, marvelling at the spectacle of more than 6,000 costumes and having the opportunity to dress up in one if you wish, while enjoying music and a delicious drink.
Get ready to dive headfirst into the glitter, rhythm and pure magic of Rio’s Carnival… our backstage pass to the creativity and flair behind one of the world’s most dazzling celebrations. We’ll discover how the six thousand costumes and 15 jaw-dropping floats come to life, from sketch to samba! We’ll also step inside the colourful world of the Pimpolhos da Grande Rio’s warehouse, the Samba School for Kids and the legendary Grande Rio Samba School, one of Rio’s top-tier Carnival powerhouses and view the exhibition about the history of the samba and the Carnival Parade.
And because no Carnival experience is complete without a little sparkle and samba, we’ll have the opportunity to try on some of the real Carnival costumes and feel the beat of the drums, all with a refreshing Caipirinha welcome drink.
Later, the afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your own pace, followed by a delicious Brazilian churrasco grill dinner in the evening at Fogo de Chão.
Optional Excursion
Tour Old Rio and Santa Teresa - This tour starts in the historical centre of Rio de Janeiro. The architecture of Praça XV, Arco dos Teles, the França-Brasil House (Old Alfândega), the São Bento Monastery, and the Lapa Arches are prime examples of buildings from the Colonial era. The Banco do Brasil Cultural Museum, Municipal Theatre, Museum of Fine Arts and the Public National Library are examples of architecture from the Imperial era. Next stop on the tour is the neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. This traditional neighbourhood is home to mansions from the beginning of the 20th century, built mainly by the English who sought out this region for its mild climate. Nowadays, it’s a hotspot for artists and eccentrics. The antique cable car still runs through the narrow streets as the main form of collective transportation. Includes transportation on a seat-in-coach basis. 4 hours – from $66pp US.
Day 9 - Rio de Janeiro - Lima
Spend your morning as you please before we set off for Lima, the capital of Peru. You might want to take a trip to the stunning botanical gardens, or simply take a leisurely stroll along Copacabana Beach, observing the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Late in the evening we arrive in Lima. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, the city was designed to be a showcase of Spanish Colonial architecture in a conquered territory. The patchwork of Lima’s vibrant city life and neighbourhoods combine with a plethora of museums and churches to offer visitors a fascinating and rich cultural heritage to discover.
Optional Excursion
Art and Graffiti Tour - This guided walking tour traces the route of open-air artwork located in some of Rio’s oldest neighbourhoods, from the original settlement of Praça XV to the recently renovated Porto Maravilha. This area’s historical importance is echoed through its monuments, statues, art installations, murals, and graffiti. Candelária Church, the Olympic Pyre, Maua Square and Rio’s Art Museum (MAR) are some of the highlights on this 4km walk. The amount of walking can be established by your interests and conditions. Most museums close on Monday in Rio. Entrance in any of the sites can be included for an added cost. Includes driver and guide. 4 hours – from $107pp US
Explore colonial Lima today on a city tour. Our first stop is the Plaza de Armas, where we see the Government Palace, the House of El Oidor and the stunning City Hall buildings. We take a stroll through the Cathedral of Lima and learn the religious history of Peru and see the resting place of the famous conquistador, Francisco Pizarro. Our walking tour continues to the San Francisco Convent to view both its ‘catacombs’, the ancient, underground cemetery of Lima, and the convent’s world-renowned library with thousands of antique texts.
As we tour the city, we'll get to admire the stunning baroque architecture of the Torre Tagle Palace and colonial Osambela House. Our next stop will be the Larco Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of Incan artifacts, providing an intriguing glimpse into the rich history of Peru. During our visit, we'll have the opportunity to explore various galleries, such as the Textiles Gallery, the Spaniards' Arrival Gallery, the Sacrifice Ceremony Gallery, and the Gold, Silver, and Jewels Galleries, where we'll discover fascinating insights into the ancient cultures of Peru.
After some free time to enjoy lunch at Café del Museo or to further explore the museum at your own pace, we return to our hotel to enjoy some downtime and unwind or explore the surroundings at your leisure.
This morning we take a short flight from Lima to the ancient Incan capital of Cusco. Nestled high up in the Andes Mountains, Cusco sits at over 3,300 metres above sea level. This UNESCO World Heritage city is also known as the gateway to both the Sacred Valley and the world-famous site of Machu Picchu, but it’s also a destination in its own right. With centuries of history in the Inca walls, baroque churches, bustling plazas and narrow alleyways all around, Cusco offers a rich mix of tradition, hospitality and high-altitude charm.
The best way to explore this picturesque town is on foot. Don’t miss the central Plaza de Armas, the local San Pedro markets, a sensory feast of local flavours, handmade goods and colourful characters and the bohemian San Blas district, home to Cusco’s artist community, cobblestone alleyways and cozy restaurants.
It’s important to note that Cusco’s height above sea level means it’s thin mountain air can be a surprise for many travellers and you may find you need some help to acclimatise – hydration is key, and sipping the local coca tea can help. We’ll have the chance to enjoy a hot cup on our arrival at the hotel.
Special Experience
Learn how to make the deliciously sweet and sour cocktail, Pisco Sour. For decades it has been regarded as the signature drink of Peru.
Day 12 - Cusco - Sacred Valley
It’s a short trip this morning to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Urubamba Valley, as it is also known, encompasses the heartland of the Inca Empire and contains numerous archaeological remains and villages. The valley was valued by the Incas due to its special geographical and climatic qualities and was one of the empire’s main points for the extraction of natural wealth.
A truly special day awaits us as we visit the local village of Ccorccor.
Special Experience
Discover the lives of Ccorccor's indigenous women and take part in customary activities like Andean games, 'Tribute to Mother Earth', and 'chicha' demonstration.
In this charming village of about 60 families, we’ll gain a glimpse into life in a small village – where hard-work and a strong sense of community are part of everyday living. We’ll discover their unique culture, daily traditions and share a few laughs and stories along the way with some truly wonderful people.
Later, we’ll arrive in the town of Ollantaytambo, one of the Sacred Valley’s most captivating towns, and a testament to Inca engineering and culture. Often referred to as the ‘living village’, Ollantaytambo is unique in that many of its original Inca streets, terraces and irrigation canals are still in use today.
Here, we’ll visit a local house to gain insight into daily life in the Andes. We also discover the ruins of the historic Inca village. The ruins form a fortress that can only be entered by a steep stone staircase. We climb these and enter the town’s narrow streets for an up-close look at the Inca’s extraordinary dry masonry skills. Their astounding craftsmanship ensures that even after centuries of earthquakes, a knife cannot be slipped into the seams between the limestone blocks.
A fine morning for bird lovers as we make our way to Ensifera, where we visit the hummingbird gardens and learn all about these delightful creatures from an expert birder. With a beak longer than its body (the only bird in the world with that claim!) the pretty hummingbird flits from flower to flower with grace and purpose, perfectly evolved to sip from trumpet shaped blooms.
Next, we visit the terraces at Moray, generally regarded as one of the Inca’s most intriguing and mysterious engineering feats. At first glance, they resemble a giant green amphitheatre carved into the earth, but these concentric rings served a much more sophisticated purpose. Believed to be an ancient agricultural laboratory, each level of the terraces sits at a different altitude which allowed the Inca’s to experiment with growing various crops under distinctly different environmental conditions. Ingenious!
The salt pans of Maras are our next stop this morning, a visual feast of pink, white and golden pools coming down the mountainside. These terraced salt ponds have been used since pre-Inca times, fed by a naturally salty spring that flows through narrow channels into thousands of little ponds. Don’t forget to pick up a small bag of the famed sal de Maras – a flavourful souvenir straight from the source.
On our way back to the hotel, we’ll stop at the gorgeous Hacienda Huayoccari for lunch and some time to explore the private museum. Owned by the same family since 1916, this estate has an interesting collection of pre-Columbian, Inca and colonial artifacts, showcasing centuries of Peruvian heritage. The remainder of the day is ours to explore further at our leisure or simply relax and enjoy our surrounds.
Day 14 - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
A magical day awaits as we board an early Vistadome train to traverse the stunning Urubamba Valley and reach the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu ruins!
On arrival in Aguas Calientes, we check into our eco-resort before taking a local bus up the mountain to the entrance. Our guide will give us an in-depth introduction and description of the site and we’ll also have the opportunity to explore the ruins at our own pace afterwards.
Alternatively, if you have chosen to undertake the optional Inca Trail hike (this must be pre-booked at the time of tour booking), you will have an early start, taking a train to the ‘Km 104’ station where your trek commences.
For those on the trek, the first site along the way is the incredible archaeological complex of Chachabamba. From here, the trail ascends for 8 kilometres. At approximately the 4 hour mark we’ll arrive at the impressive ruins of Wiñay Wayna, built into the steep countryside. As we continue, we'll enjoy magnificent views of the Urubamba River valley and the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex. We continue along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle for another hour or so, until we arrive at the picturesque Sun Gate of Inti Punku - a wonderful photo opportunity. The trek ends in the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu. Our guide will take us through this mind-blowing site, pointing out the most important parts of the ancient civilisation.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 15 - Machu Picchu - Cusco
This morning is at leisure. You have the option to return to Machu Picchu for a second visit to thoroughly soak in the beauty of this ancient phenomenon before the crowds arrive.
Afterwards, we'll take the Vistadome train back through the mountains to Poroy. Upon arrival we will be transferred back to our hotel in Cusco.
Optional Excursion
Machu Picchu 2nd visit & Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) - Your tour already includes one visit to Machu Picchu, however, you may wish to take a second visit to explore this phenomenon further. Alternatively, you may wish to also incorporate a climb up to Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) (considered to provide the best view over Machu Picchu). Please note both options include entry into Machu Picchu and transportation (guide not included). If you choose the Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) option, entry to the peak is also included. Half day Machu Picchu only - from $90pp US. Half day Machu Picchu incl. Huayna Picchu (Waynapicchu) – from $105pp US.
Today is all about exploring the wonders of Cusco beginning at the magnificent fortress of Sacsayhuaman, believed to have been built during the 1400s. The enormous blocks used in the construction of this colossal structure were carved and fitted with such precision that there was no need for mortar, a testament to the skill of the masons.
We’ll then visit the San Pedro Market to immerse ourselves in the local culture. This bustling market offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can find fresh produce, handicrafts and traditional food.
Special Experience
Learn to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes with fresh ingredients and expert guidance from local chefs before enjoying our creations for lunch.
Our tour will then take us to the religious complex of Qoricancha, containing the Temple of the Sun, considered to be the most spectacular temple in the Inca Empire. As well as being the main astronomical observatory for the Incas, some 4,000 priests and their attendants once lived within its confines. Looted and then destroyed by the Spanish, they used the foundations for the Dominican Convent of Santo Domingo, creating perhaps, the most incongruous imperial-Colonial architectural clash in Cusco.
Finally, we tour the 17th-century Cusco Cathedral – the façade of which is a fine example of colonial baroque architecture.
Spend a leisurely morning in vibrant Cusco, brimming with plazas, archaeological ruins, and artisan shops. Why not check out the Casa Concha Museum, containing artefacts from Machu Picchu that were found by Hiram Bingham and recently returned by Yale University?
Alternatively, it’s a great morning to just get out and about on foot – it’s entirely possible to spend the morning wandering through the cobblestone streets of the historic centre, the Plaza de Armas, with its delightful colonial architecture, or find a cozy café to savour a coffee or the local coca tea. If you need to pick up some last-minute souvenirs, you may like to head back to the San Pedro Markets and enjoy the lively atmosphere, or head to the bohemian San Blas district for its artsy vibes and stunning city views. The great thing is – the choice is entirely yours!
This afternoon we transfer to Cusco airport for our flight back to Lima.
This morning, we head south to Paracas, a beautiful beach resort town where desert meets ocean in spectacular fashion! Situated just a few hours from Lima on Peru’s stunning coast, this area is rich in wildlife, natural beauty and ancient mystery.
Our journey takes us along the famous, and very scenic Pan-American Highway. After leaving the bustle of Lima behind, the landscape transitions into wide open desert vistas, rolling sand dunes and glimpses of the Pacific Ocean shimmering on the horizon. Sit back and relax, and savour the scenery, as it’s a wonderful prelude to the natural wonders waiting for us in Paracas.
A national reserve and a pre-Inca cultural haven, Paracas is also the gateway to Nazca and Paracas National Reserve, a stunning landscape of rust-coloured cliffs, golden beaches and turquoise waters. The reserve is home to a variety of marine life and seabirds, and just offshore a small boat trip away, is the spectacular Ballestas Islands. Here, it’s possible to have a close encounter with sea lions, dolphins and Humboldt penguins, as well as a large variety of bird species.
Paracas is the perfect spot to relax and people-watch in a seaside café with a pisco sour in hand.
Special Experience
Fly in a light plane over the mysterious Nazca Lines in the middle of the Nazca Desert. We'll see ancient geoglyphs depicting hundreds of figures.
This series of line drawings are believed to have been made in the sand more than 2,000 years ago by the Nazca culture and were only discovered in 1927 by Peruvian archaeologist Toribio Mejia Xesspe when he was part of an expedition organised by the National University of San Marcos.
Extending across the arid plains of southern Peru, the Nazca Lines are one of the world’s greatest archaeological mysteries. The gigantic geoglyphs resemble a landing field and feature over 70 designs including a monkey, spider, condor, lizard, and fish among others, that stretch for many kilometres. The view from the plane is simply breathtaking and a flight is the only way to appreciate this amazing sight that feels more like time travel than tourism – equal parts history, mystery and awe.
The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy your hotel or further explore this pretty seaside town at your own pace.
Optional Excursion
Dune buggy in the Paracas Desert – The desert near Paracas is a dream setting for a dune buggy adventure. Experience the thrill of zigzagging across the sands and have the opportunity to try sandboarding on the Paracas dunes. 2 hours – from $68pp US
Get your sea legs ready as we board a boat bound for the Ballestas Islands, a vibrant sanctuary home to many birds and animals, including the endangered Humboldt penguin. These craggy, sea-sculpted isles are bursting with life – home to an abundance of noisy wildlife including colonies of sea lions, waddling penguins and more than 60 species of colourful sea birds.
Along the way we will also see the 'Candelabro', a huge prehistoric geoglyph on the hilly coast of Pisco Bay, only visible from the sea or sky. Measuring over 150 metres high, this enigmatic figure looks like a giant candlestick. Whether it was a navigational guide for sailors, a symbol linked to the Nazca Lines or an offering to local deities, no one knows for sure, but what is certain is that cruising by boat along the shimmering waters of the bay, with seabirds soaring overhead, the Candelabro makes for an awe-inspiring sight!
In the early afternoon, we’ll settle in on the coach and relax as we return to Lima via the Pan-American Highway. Upon arrival into Lima, we’ll check into our hotel before enjoying a group farewell dinner this evening overlooking the ruins at Huaca Pucllana.
Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!
Day 23 - Arrive Australia
Day 23 - Arrive Australia
