Itinerary Details
Independent Brazil, Argentina, & Peru
Day 1 ARRIVE IN RIO DE JANEIRO
Welcome to South America’s capital of glamour—Rio de Janeiro, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2 RIO DE JANEIRO
• Today, your private tour takes you to the Cosme Velho district, where you board a cog-wheel train that will take you through the lush tropical vegetation of Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain. This rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay is one of the New7Wonders of the World and home to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, which affords sweeping views of the city and beaches below.
• The afternoon and evening are at leisure.
• Tonight, you may opt to join an outing to a fun churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats that are marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style.
(B)
Day 3 RIO DE JANEIRO
• Enjoy a full day at leisure. Your Local Host will suggest some options for your free time.
(B)
Today’s I-Time Tips
This afternoon, you may elect to discover historic Petropolis, a mountain resort and site of the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II or take an optional excursion to visit iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Day 4 RIO DE JANEIRO–IGUASSU FALLS
• Fly to Iguassu Falls. This masterpiece of nature encompasses 275 separate falls and spans almost two miles.
• Upon arrival, you will be met by your Local Guide who will take you on a private tour dedicated to enjoying the spectacle of this 2-mile-wide torrent from the Brazilian side. See the mammoth series of waterfalls cascading over a precipice almost two miles wide and 250 feet deep. Walk into Devil’s Throat Canyon, where the clouds of mist, thunderous roar, and 180-degree rainbows surround you—an unforgettable experience!
(B)
Day 5 IGUASSU FALLS
• Your Local Guide will take you on a private tour of the Argentine side of the Iguassu Falls. Begin with a short ride on the open-air Ecological Jungle Train through the rainforest.
• From atop the falls, a series of boardwalks takes you above the falls to see the water crashing down more than 300 feet below into the Devil’s Throat.
(B)
Today’s I-Time Tips
Your afternoon is free to explore, or you may opt to visit the Bird Park, home to many species of indigenous birds as well as flora from the area.
Day 6 IGUASSU FALLS–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
• Fly to Buenos Aires, proud capital of the vast country that occupies most of the southern part of the continent.
• After arriving at your central hotel, you will have time to become acquainted with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards and outdoor cafés.
(B)
Day 7 BUENOS AIRES
• After breakfast, your private tour takes you along the widest avenue in the world to see the Teatro Colón Opera House, the pride of Buenos Aires. You’ll also visit the Avenida de Mayo and Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House), and the Cabildo, which was the first City Hall. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, which houses San Martin’s Mausoleum. Continue to the oldest district in Buenos Aires, San Telmo, then stop by colorful La Boca and Palermo. Finish your city tour with a visit to Recoleta Cemetery, burial site of Eva Perón and a highlight of the city.
• This evening, you may opt to enjoy dinner and a traditional Tango show—Argentina’s famed passionate dance.
(B)
Today’s I-Time Tips
The Tango and Argentina go hand in hand. Tonight, perhaps opt to visit a local tango house, where professional tango dancers will delight you in Tango Show featuring the dance as it has evolved through the ages. Plus, dine on Argentine specialties and wine too!
Day 8 BUENOS AIRES
• Today is free to explore this extraordinary city. Consider an optional excursion to visit a traditional estancia (ranch) to experience the lifestyle of the gauchos, or cruise down the Tigre River surrounded by beautiful landscapes and impressive homes.
(B)
Today’s I-Time Tips
Estancias date back to the 16th Century during Spanish colonization when conquistadors where gifted land to raise and breed cattle. Today, these lands and traditions that go along with them have been passed down from generation to generation. Today, you have the chance to step into the traditional, local life of a gaucho and embrace Argentinean heritage during an optional trip to an estancia.
Day 9 BUENOS AIRES–LIMA, PERU
• Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima, where you will be met by your Local Guide.
(B)
Day 10 LIMA
• Your included city tour focuses on Lima’s rich colonial history as well as the modern city. Lima was the bastion of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the independence of the South American republics in the early 19th century. See the cathedral, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro are sealed in a wooden coffin, and the Santo Domingo Convent to see the relics of three famous Peruvian saints—Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres, and San Juan Macias.
(B)
Today’s I-Time Tips
This evening, you may choose to head over to a nearby park to witness the largest electronic water fountain complex in the world, certified by the Guinness Book of Records. You will enjoy a wonderful show of water, lights, music, and images.
Day 11 LIMA–CUSCO
• Fly to Cusco, high in the Andes, where you will be met by your Local Guide.
• Your guided tour visits the cathedral in Plaza de Armas and Santo Domingo Monastery, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. It is said it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature.
• Take a short drive outside the city to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons. Followed by the amphitheater of Kenko, and the red fortress of Puca Pucara.
(B)
Day 12 CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY
• Today, a short drive into the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you will learn about the importance of the alpaca for Inca cultures, as well as the ancient weaving techniques still in use today.
• Continue to the market town of Pisaq, where you can buy handmade rugs, alpaca sweaters, and jewelry at bargain prices.
• At the other end of the valley, visit Ollantaytambo to see some of the finest examples of Inca masonry.
(B,L)
Day 13 SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU
• Embark on a train trip bound for Machu Picchu and cut a path through the Sacred Valley to this “Lost City of the Incas,” discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.
• On a guided tour of Machu Picchu, explore this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. For hikers, a brisk one-hour walk leads to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas.
(B,L,D)
Day 14 MACHU PICCHU–SACRED VALLEY–CUSCO
• A morning at leisure allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins.
• Return to Cusco by train.
(B)
Day 15 CUSCO–LIMA
• Fly to Lima today.
(B)
Day 16 LIMA
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.
(B)
