itinerary for best of south america - tour rio to lima ... · via coach and on foot. tick off...

Expat Explore - Version: Mon Jul 13 2020 09:34:47 GMT+0200 (South Africa Standard Time) Page: 1/22

DAY 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro

Your adventure through South America begins in the city of Rio de Janeiro. You will have an opportunity to explore before meeting

your Tour Leader at the hotel around 18:00. This evening, join your fellow travellers and tour leader for a welcome dinner to kick off

this epic journey. Saúde!

Experiences

Welcome Dinner. Welcome Dinner: Eat local on your first night in Rio de Janeiro! For the Brazilians, mealtime is a family event. Your

welcome dinner involves a traditional Brazilian barbecue at a local Churrascaria restaurant. As the name states in Portuguese,

churrasco involves meat roasted over charcoal, served with a side of grilled vegetables, garnishes, salads and a variety of traditional

desserts. In combination with the warm-hearted culture of the locals, it makes for an unforgettable experience.

DAY 2: Rio de Janeiro City Tour

Itinerary for Best of South America - Tour Rio to Lima • Expat Explore

Start Point:

Hotel in Rio de Janeiro,

Address to be confirmed

Welcome meeting at 18:00 hrs

End Point:

Hotel in Lima,

Address to be confirmed

10:00 hrs

Included Meals

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:

Accommodation

Hotel Mirador


Enjoy breakfast and set out on a day tour of marvellous Rio. Follow your local guide to some of the city's most fascinating attractions

via coach and on foot. Tick off must-see destinations like the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mt Corcovado. Not to mention the

Escadaria Selaron staircase and eclectic Santa Teresa neighbourhood. Grab street food on the go for lunch. Go your own way this

evening or opt in on an outing to sample Rio's famous nightlife.

Experiences

Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer Statue entry and visit. Visit the most iconic monument of Rio and Brazil - the statue of Christ

the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor). Designed by engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, the 125 ft/38m tall Christ the Redeemer statue offers the

most breathtaking views from where it stands on top of mount Corcovado, overlooking the city below. Brazil is a religiously diverse

nation and considers the arms-open-wide gesture of the statue as one of welcoming and peace.

Visit the neighborhoods of Santa Teresa and Lapa & Rio de Janeiro’s tiled staircase. See a different and more quiet side of the

cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city), as you meander the streets of hillside neighbourhood, Santa Teresa, and the downtown

neighborhood of Lapa. Santa Teresa is a quiet, bohemian area with winding streets, colourful colonial houses, a charming yellow tram

and a village-like spirit. Also see the connection between the two neighbourhoods: the 125-step Selarón staircase (Escadaria Selarón)

made with colourful mosaic tiles and mirrors.

DAY 3: Rio de Janeiro: Free Day

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Mirador


Free day in Rio! Explore at your own pace or opt in on the Rio Plus tour. The latter will take you to downtown Rio to encounter it's most

significant sights. This includes the Museum of Tomorrow, the Sao Bento Monastery, Kobra Mural and La Candelaria. Ascend

Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car to see the city from the top. Enjoy spectacular views and learn more about the history and culture

from your local guide. This evening is yours to enjoy as you please.

Optional Excursions

Rio Plus Optional Day Trip: US$ 85

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 4: Rio de Janeiro - Paraty

Wave Rio goodbye and get ready for a gorgeous drive down the Costa Verde (Green Coast). Drink in astounding views over the Atlantic

Ocean and inland jungles. Arrive in the pretty port town of Paraty. Freshen up at the hotel and follow a local guide on a brief

orientation tour. Enjoy the stunning architecture and laid back ambience. Join the group for an optional dinner at a local restaurant

this evening, or go your own way instead.

Experiences

Paraty walking tour. Follow a local guide around Paraty and discover why Paraty was so affluent during the gold, coffee and cachaça

periods. This gorgeous colonial town is situated in the perfect spot for spectacular views of the surrounding Atlantic ocean and

jungle. The historic centre, a UNESCO heritage site, boasts beautifully preserved architecture, cobblestone roads and churches. Cars

were banned from the historic core, so you can expect quiet surroundings with welcoming locals.

DAY 5: Paraty: Free Day

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Mirador

Included Meals


Accommodation

Pousada do Principe


Take advantage of a free day in Paraty. The town forms part of the Serra da Bocaina National Park, so there is lots of nature to enjoy.

Think mountains, beaches, waterfalls and more! Take to the water on an optional boat trip if you wish. Or perhaps you'd like to drive

off on an optional 4x4 Jeep trip. Alternatively, simply find your own way and seek out the attractions that appeal to you most.

Optional Excursions

4x4 Jeep Tour: US$ 35

Passeio de Escuna Boat Tour: US$ 30


DAY 6: Paraty - São Paulo

Leave Paraty behind and continue onwards to bustling São Paulo. This populous city is a major financial hub in Brazil. Enjoy a guided

coach tour with a local guide upon arrival. This includes a foray to the famous Mercadão (a sprawling food market) - a dream come

true for any foodie. Settle in at the hotel this evening. Opt in on a group dinner if you wish.

Experiences

Included Meals


Accommodation

Pousada do Principe


São Paulo City Tour and visit to the Mercadão. São Paulo is quite simply enormous. It’s the biggest city in Latin America and the

Southern hemisphere to be exact. Upon arrival, set out with a local expert to find out more about the history and economy of the city

and see the points of interest. Then stop at the Mercadão, a famous food market, for lunch. This municipal market is the perfect spot

if you want to see and taste all kinds of South American foods - from north to south. Look out for the famous Mortadella sandwich,

codfish and prawn pastries, and cashew fruit.

DAY 7: São Paulo - flight to Foz do Iguaçu - Iguassu Falls Brazilian side

Get up early to board the shuttle to Guarulhos Airport to catch a short flight to Foz do Iguaçu. Here you will encounter the

mesmerising Iguaçu falls from the Brazilian side. Get ready to see the largest waterfall system in the world! Entry to the Iguaçu

National Park and there are various walkways to explore. Head back to the hotel this evening to enjoy a sumptuous included Brazilian

barbecue dinner.

Experiences

Visit the Iguaçu Falls in Iguaçu National Park. Foz do Iguaçu is located on the triple borders or Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina.

Depending on the rainfall, there can be between 150 en 300 waterfalls at the time of your visit. This experience gives you a chance to

enter the national park and explore to your heart’s content. Iguaçu Falls is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s truly a

once in a lifetime experience. Entry included.

Brazilian barbecue dinner: Eat local on your first night in Iguazu! Your dinner this evening involves a traditional Brazilian barbecue at

a local Churrascaria restaurant. The experience involves different types of meat roasted over charcoal, served with all you can eat

sides of vegetable, salad and traditional desserts.

Local Brazilian Dining Experience. On Day 9, enjoy a jolly night out as you sit down for a traditional Brazilian meal at a family home

with home-made Brazilian food, unlimited caipirinhas (Brazil’s national cocktail) and beer. (took off contentful)

DAY 8: Iguazu Falls - Iguazu Falls Brazil Side: Free Day

Included Meals


Accommodation

Sleep Inn Guarulhos

Included Meals


Accommodation

Viale Tower


Free day in the Iguazu region! Stick around in Foz do Iguacu and choose from a variety of optional outings. This includes helicopter

rides over the falls. Or a visit to the magnificent Parque das Aves with its 150+ bird species. Alternatively, you could opt in on a day

trip to Paraguay! Head over the Paraná River with a local guide. Explore the city on foot to visit markets and shops. Head to the

famous Itaipú Dam and see the Monday Waterfall. Head back to Brazil later in the afternoon. Tonight there is an optional Rafain show

and dinner experience on offer as well.

Optional Excursions

Paraguay Day Trip (with local guide): US$ 90

Rafain Dinner and Show: US$ 50


DAY 9: Iguazu Falls - Iguazu Falls Argentinian Side: Free Day

Yet another day to explore the Iguazu region anyway you choose. Head to the Argentinian side of the falls for a guided tour if you

wish. Enjoy a completely different series of vantage points on the falls and ride on a gas-powered train. You could also go the whole

hog and take the Grand Adventure boat ride that takes you right to the foot of the huge San Martin waterfall. Tonight there is optional

Included Meals


Accommodation

Viale Tower


dinner on the cards, or you can go your own way.

Optional Excursions

Argentina Falls Day Trip: US$ 70

Argentina Falls Day Trip + Great Adventure Boat Tour: US$ 100


DAY 10: Iguassu Falls - flight to Buenos Aires

Early flight today to Buenos Aires. Depart from Puerto Iguazu airport. Be sure to pack snacks - lunch is not included today. Board a

transfer to the hotel from the airport upon arrival. We have three days in Beunos Aires starting today. Set out to explore, or take some

time to relax. An included dinner will be enjoyed at a nearby restaurant this evening.

Experiences

Buenos Aires Dinner. Enjoy your first meal in Argentina! The cuisine here has been heavily influenced by waves of European

migration over the last century and often includes dishes with Spanish, Italian and German roots. Grilled meats, pastas, empanadas

and sweet desserts are widely offered. How about a glass of Argentinian wine to complement your first meal in the country?

DAY 11: Buenos Aires City Tour

Included Meals


Accommodation

Viale Tower

Included Meals


Accommodation

Imperial Park Hotel


Rise and shine, it's time to explore Buenos Aires! The Buenos Aires City Tour kicks off with your local guide after breakfast. Tick off

some of the Argentine capital's must-see attractions. This includes the Avenida 9 de Julio, Plaza de Mayo, colourful La Boca

neighbourhood and the Buenos Aires Obelisk. Not to mention San Telmo and Recoleta cemetery. Go your own way this evening or opt

in on a dinner and tango show.

Experiences

Buenos Aires City Tour. Buenos Aires is a city with the vibrancy of New York and the spirit of Paris at the pace of Latin America. This

full-day tour will take you through the city’s best-known streets, show you the most popular sights and give you a taste of the real

Buenos Aires. Iconic sights covered on tour include Avenida 9 de Julio (9 July Avenue), Plaza de Mayo, the Obelisk of Buenos Aires, the

La Boca and San Telmo Neighbourhoods, and the famous Recoleta cemetery.

Optional Excursions

Tango Show & Dinner: US$ 65


DAY 12: Buenos Aires: Free Day

Included Meals


Accommodation

Imperial Park Hotel


Free day in Buenos Aires! Go scouting for experiences and destinations that interest you. Or join in on an organised day trip to a local

estancia (guest ranch). Head into the countryside to meet guachos (Argentine cowboys) and learn more about the economic

importance of their cattle stations. Taste their food, see folk dances and shop for curios as you drink in their warm hospitality. Meet

back up for an included group dinner in Buenos Aires this evening.

Optional Excursions

Ranch and Gaucho Day Trip: US$ 105


DAY 13: Buenos Aires - flight to Mendoza

Off we go to marvelous Mendoza in the Argentine wine country. Board a westward morning flight and disembark in the early

afternoon to explore a verdant paradise. Immediately set out on a tour of some of the local wineries. Taste their unique wines and

marvel at the extraordinary scenery in between. Opt in on a dinner at a pretty plaza in Mendoza this evening if you wish.

Experiences

Included Meals


Accommodation

Imperial Park Hotel


Mendoza wine tour. Even though Mendoza is technically located in the desert, locals have created smart irrigation canals to capture

water from the mountains. These days it's a real oasis with the ideal climate and topography for wine production. The region has

been named the ‘Bordeaux of South America’ and so it is. Expect to taste anything from signature, award-winning Malbec to Cabernet

Sauvignon and even simple foot-pressed wine (vino patero). This tour will take you around the best vineyards in the valley to enjoy

ravishing views of the Andes mountains, vineyards and villages - a quintessential Mendoza experience.

DAY 14: Mendoza - Santiago

Wave Mendoza farewell and settle in for a day of travelling as we head to Santiago. The road is long, but exquisitely beautiful. We'll

traverse the Andes mountains and pass Aconcagua. Stretch your legs during frequent comfort stops and take some pictures of the

epic scenery. Cross the border in the late afternoon as we make our way into Chile. A group dinner is included this evening.

Experiences

‘Alta Montana’ Experience. The Andes Mountains extend over seven countries in South America! This includes Argentina, Chile,

Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. We take an incredible high-mountain journey as we travel from Argentina into Chile

through the Andes. This is your chance to catch views of the incredible Aconcagua mountain - the tallest in South America.

DAY 15: Santiago City Tour

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Crillon

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Providencia Panamericana


Wake up in stunning Santiago. Grab breakfast and embark on a city tour with a local guide. The city boasts many famous attractions.

By the end of today you'll be able to tick off Alameda main avenue, Plaza de Armas, Santiago Cathedral and the Central Market. Not to

mention the downtown area, Bellavista district and San Cristobal Hill. After lunch you can continue to explore by yourself. Opt in on a

group dinner this evening or go your own way.

Experiences

Santiago City Tour. Set off on foot for a tour of Chile’s vibrant capital city! Your local guide will show you Santiago’s highlights and

share the city’s rich history with you. See Santiago’s downtown area, visit Saint Lucia Hill and traditional neighbourhoods around the

city centre. Stop by top attractions including the busy Plaza de Armas, the Santiago Cathedral, and the La Moneda Palace. The views

alone would be enough to keep you captivated for hours with the Andes Mountains providing an incredible background to the city.

DAY 16: Santiago: Free Day

Get ready for a free day in Santiago! Explore at your own pace, or join in on an optional outing to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar. Board

the coach and travel down the Pacific coach to view small-town Chile up close. Valparaiso is a UNESCO site filled with architectural

marvels. The resort city of Viña del Mar is known for its gorgeous beaches and museums. Head back to Santiago in the afternoon and

take a free evening to dine where you please.

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Providencia Panamericana-


Optional Excursions

Valparaiso and Viña del Mar Day Trip: US$ 65


DAY 17: Santiago - flight to Calama - San Pedro de Atacama

Wave goodbye to Santiago as we make our way into the desert. A morning flight takes you to Calama - a mining city in Northern Chile.

Disembark and board the air-conditioned coach to San Pedro de Atacama. Drink in the striking desert vistas along the way. Take an

orientation tour of the city upon arrival and check in at the hotel. Venture into the otherworldly Moon Valley this afternoon. It's the

driest desert on the planet! Tonight is yours to enjoy as you please. Opt in on a stargazing tour or go your own way.

Experiences

Moon Valley afternoon and sunset visit. Pay a visit to the El Valle De La Luna (Moon Valley) just outside San Pedro de Atacama. From

here you can appreciate the incredible views of this region and see the sun set like never before. Elevated 2,250 metres above sea

level, the valley contains the Salt mountain range, deep valleys, salt caves and a variety of rock and stone formations. The scenes you’ll

lay eyes on here closely resemble the surface of the moon - which explains the romantic name.

Optional Excursions

Stargazing Tour: US$ 50


DAY 18: San Pedro de Atacama - Bolivian Desert

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Providencia Panamericana-

Included Meals



Hit the road with a packed breakfast as we venture towards the Bolivian border. Switch vehicles and continue onward on 4x4s,

passing by lagoons and through wind-swept desert dunes. See if you can spot some flamingos. Pack your swimwear in your daypack;

there may be some time for a stopover at the Polques hot springs! Tonight we board with friendly locals* who will serve us traditional

Bolivian cuisine.

*The local homestays are modest, and the amenities basic. Expect multi-share rooms and limited hot water. Enjoy the opportunity to

learn more about how these communities live; we'll be back in regular hotels soon!

Experiences

Eduardo Avaroa National Park. Drive through Eduardo Avaroa National Park on a 4X4 tour in the southwestern region of Bolivia. It’s a

true natural paradise with jewelled lakes, a high-altitude desert and wildlife. The trip includes stops at the Laguna Verde, Laguna

Colorada (The Coloured Lagoons), the Siloli desert and the famous Stone Tree.

DAY 19: Bolivian Desert

Tuck into an early breakfast and get ready for a foray through stunning southern Bolivia. Today we hit three lagoons - Laguna

Hedionda, Canapa and Honda respectively. After a picnic lunch we'll pass by the Ollague Volcano en route to the Uyuni Train

Cemetery. The latter features abandoned trains that tell the story of the local mining collapse of the 20th century. Tonight we room

Included Meals


Accommodation

La Magia de San Juan


with another Bolivian family*.

*The local homestays are modest, and the amenities basic. Expect multi-share rooms and limited hot water. Enjoy the opportunity to

learn more about how these communities live; we'll be back in regular hotels soon!

Experiences

Visit the Laguna Hedionda and see the Ollague Volcano. With your 4x4 vehicles roaming the desert in convoy, allow your local guide

to point out some of the region’s most spectacular lagoons and vistas. This day includes views of the famous Ollague Volcano which

sits on the border of Chile and Bolivia at a height of 5,868 metres above sea level. We’ll stop at several lakes, including Laguna

Hedionda which hosts a large population of bright pink flamingos!

Train Cemetery. A visit to the Train Cemetery allows us to wander amongst these huge, abandoned carriages - some of which were

imported from as far away as Britain, over 100 years ago.

DAY 20: Bolivian Desert - Uyuni

Off we go to the Uyuni Salt Flats - one of the country's most sought-after attractions. Follow in the slipstream of a local guide as we

travel along in 4x4s to the heart of the flats and back. Put in a visit to the Colchani village to learn more about the vital importance of

the salt trade here. Afterwards, head to the famous cacti oasis of Incahuasi Island. Disembark at our Uyuni hotel and spend the

evening at leisure.

Experiences

Uyuni Salt Flats Day Trip. Join a local guide to explore the Uyuni Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni) with the assistance of a 4x4 vehicle.

Welcome to the world’s largest salt flats and one of Bolivia’s most famous tourist attractions. When it rains, the flats become a lake

and creates the world’s largest mirror - bright, endless and spellbinding. Take time to wander about on the flats and take the most

amazing photos. On the way there and back you can see magical landscapes made up of colourful lakes, local fauna, flora, mountains

and rock formations.

DAY 21: Uyuni - Flight to La Paz

Included Meals


Accommodation

La Magia de San Juan

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Girasoles


Off we go to La Paz - the highest administrative capital in the world. It's dreamy location is situated at the foot of the Andes in a deep

canyon - a mind-blowing setting to say the least! Today is yours to spend as you wish and explore at your own pace. Meet back up

with the group for an included dinner this evening.

Experiences

Landing at La Paz airport. Land at La Paz Airport. Experience a breathtaking flight! Fly from the world’s sixth-highest airport in Uyuni

(3,954m) into the world's fifth-highest airport at La Paz (4,061m). Take in the scenery below as we pass over lakes and the Andes

Mountains before touching down under the shadow of Mount Illimani, which stands high over La Paz at 6,438m

DAY 22: La Paz

Set out on a city tour of La Paz after breakfast this morning. Visit the Plaza Murillo, San Francisco Church and the Witches’ Market. Not

to mention a trip on the cable car to the Teleferico Viewpoint. From here you can see the whole city and lots of the surrounding area!

Grab lunch and explore some more by yourself. Opt in on a group dinner this evening or make your own way into the city explore the

nightlife.

Experiences

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hostal Naira


La Paz City Tour: EJoin an expert local guide on a city tour of La Paz which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! See the top attractions

and learn all about La Paz’s history. Wander through the Mercado de Bruja (Witches Market) and discover the colourful powders and

natural herbs on sale. See Plaza Murillo, the 16th century San Francisco Church and more! Ride the cable car above the city to reach

Teleferico Viewpoint. Take in the sweeping views of the city and surrounds from here.

Optional Excursions

Tiwanaku Archaeological Site: US$ 55


DAY 23: La Paz - Copacabana

Wave La Paz goodbye as we travel towards Copacabana. Make your way along the shore of Lake Titicaca between Bolivia and Peru en

route. Disembark, book in at the hotel and get ready for a day trip to the Isla del Sol (the Sun Island). Here you'll learn more about the

fascinating pre-Inca myths. Head back to Copacabana and spend the evening at leisure.

Experiences

Sun Island Visit. Catch a short ferry ride across Lake Titicaca to Isla del Sol and spend the day here. The island is home to indigenous

villages, beautiful beaches and great rocky trails. Explore the 80+ archaeological ruins, dating back to the Inca period, scattered across

the island. Sit down and enjoy a traditional lunch before travelling back to the mainland.

DAY 24: Copacabana - Puno

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hostal Naira

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Gloria Copacabana


Following the edge of Lake Titicaca once more, we make our way to the Peruvian border. Arrive in Puno on the Andean plateau. Head

to the Uros Islands via traditional reed boat. Explore the man-made islands woven from totora reeds. Learn more about the local

lifestyle, witness folk dances, sample the food and shop for handicrafts. Return to Puno in the afternoon to book in at our hotel for

tonight.

Experiences

Uros Islands Tour: Catch a traditional reed boat to the Uros floating reed islands. The islands are a top tourist attraction in Peru as

they offer insight into a unique, survivalist way of life. The Uru people chose to create these floating islands away from the mainland

and have been living here for many generations. Tour the islands and learn more about the way of life here. Meet the locals dressed

in colourful traditional clothes, watch crafts being made by hand, see lively folk dances and taste some local food!

DAY 25: Puno - Sacred Valley

Get ready for a lengthy trip to the famous Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley) in Peru! Keep an eye out for the epic scenery along the way.

Stop over at the town of Pucara to view ancient Incan sites. Take the 4300-meter-high La Raya pass to get to the ancient Inca fortress

of Raqchi. Stop to shop for souvenirs and take pictures along the way. You may even encounter some llamas! Marvel at the Church of

Andahuaylillas at our last stop. Book in at the hotel in Urubamba and freshen up before an included dinner.

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hacienda Puno


Experiences

Visit the town of Pucara. Visit Pucara and its small but exquisite architectural sight of Inca significance. Pucará, as it’s also known, is

known for it pottery.

Raqchi. Rachi is home to one one of the biggest archaeological sites in the area. The ruins of Raqchi are mostly known as the Temple

of Wiracocha that was built in honour of Wiracocha, a deity believed to be the giver of all life. Outside of the temple, there’s also the

living quarters, ceremonial baths and a natural lake fed by spring water through stone fountains.

Church of Andahuaylillas. Taking our eyes off the Inca ruins for a moment, visit the Andean village of Andahuaylillas and its baroque

church. Named the “Sistine Chapel of Latin America”, or “The Sistine Chapel of the Andes”, this church was built according to Spanish

traditions and dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle. Expect painted ceilings, a gold-leaf altar and a shimmering, colourful display of

murals.

DAY 26: Sacred Valley City Tour

Wake up in the magical Sacred Valley. Fuel up on breakfast and head deeper into the valley with a local guide to discover picturesque

villages and drink in stunning mountain scenery. Stop over at various significant Incan sites and enjoy lunch at a local marketplace.

Gear up for a guided tour of the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex - the erstwhile Incan royal estate. Keep an eye out for

livestock and farmers along the way. Return to Urubamba this evening to spend some time as you wish.

Experiences

Guided Tour of the Sacred Valley. Follow a local guide and explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. There is so much to see in the valley

outside of Machu Picchu (the crown jewel!). We take you out into the valley to do just that, stopping at the most significant Inca sites

up the mountain. Also stop at a local marketplace for lunch and do some souvenir shopping while mingling with the locals. This is the

ideal spot to get a behind-the-scenes look at the art of Peruvian weaving and perhaps buy your own woven blanket or scarf. The

locals you meet here might be descendants of the Incas, the sophisticated Andean tribe of South America. The language they speak is

called Quechua and is mainly spoken here in the Andes mountains of Peru.

Guided tour of Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex. Ollantaytambo is one of the most important towns in the Sacred Valley and

the last major town before Machu Picchu. Built on the site of ancient ruins, it’s impressive terraces were the base for Incan

ceremonies and the royal estate of the Incan Emperor. It was also the stronghold of the Incan resistance against the Spanish. Explore

with a local guide and learn more about the history of the architectural sites and incredible vistas around Ollantaytambo.

Included Meals


Accommodation

San Agustin Urubamba


DAY 27: Sacred Valley: Free Day

Today is the day we visit magical Machu Picchu on an optional excursion. This is what every traveller to South America dreams about!

Embark on a guided full-day tour of this soul-stirring heritage site. Situated on a mountainside in the Peruvian Andes, it's a place of

exquisite beauty. Not to mention the fascinating ruins the Incans left behind! After being rediscovered in 1911, this treasured location

has become a bucket list destination for many, and it's easy to see why. Come experience it for yourself. Be ready for a day of

travelling by bus, train and on foot - it will be worth it.

Optional Excursions

Machu Picchu Day Trip: US$ 330


DAY 28: Sacred Valley - Cusco

Included Meals


Accommodation


Included Meals


Accommodation



Leave the Sacred Valley behind as we make our way to Cusco. Make a stopover at the fortress-temple of Sacsayhuaman to see some

more exquisite Incan craftsmanship. This wondrous location showcases more of their incredible architectural skills. Arriving in Cusco

(the former capital of the Incan Empire), grab some lunch on the go from a local vendor. Follow in the footsteps of a local guide this

afternoon. Opt in for a buffet dinner and dance show this evening, or take some time to yourself.

Experiences

Guided tour of Sacsayhuaman ruins. Visit the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, perched 3km above Cusco. See the huge rocks stacked

with impressive precision. Don’t forget to take in the amazing views of Cusco and surrounds!

Cusco City Tour with a local guide. Some call Cusco the bellybutton of the Earth due to the reach of the Incan Empire. Others have

called it the Rome of South America. It was once the capital of the Incan Empire, making Cusco an intriguing city to explore. A local

guide will share insights on the local history and culture. Find out how the Quechua and Spanish cultures met to create a truly

unique destination.

Optional Excursions

Cusco Dinner & Peruvian Dance Show: US$ 25


DAY 29: Cusco -Flight to Lima

Included Meals


Accommodation

San Francisco Cusco Plaza


Off we go to Lima! Board a short flight and disembark to meet up with a local guide for an orientation tour of the city. The capital city

of Peru boasts many wonderful attractions. Tick off the Cathedral of Lima, the Convent and Plaza San Francisco, Plaza de Armas and

more. Check in at our hotel in the Miraflores neighbourhood in the late afternoon, freshen up and join the group for an included

dinner.

Experiences

Lima city tour: Led by an expert local guide, take a journey through the areas of significance in Lima. Tour the colonial city centre,

including a foray to the Main square where the Presidential Palace, Archbishops Palace and City Hall are located. Learn more about

the fascinating history, main industries and culture of Peru's capital. The list of attractions include, among others, the Basilica and

Convent of Santo Domingo, plazas like San Francisco and De Armas, and the modern district of San Isidro. We’ll also make our way to

Miraflores, a seaside suburb with magnificent Pacific coast views.

DAY 30: Lima: Free Day

Take the day to explore Lima some more, or opt in a day trip to the Paracas region on the southern coast of Peru. Leave early to make

your way to Paracas. From here, board a boat to the Ballestas Islands. This area is known for its amazing marine wildlife. Get ready for

sightings of penguins, pelicans and dolphins, and more! Next, take a drive to Pisco airport, from where we'll lift off to see the Nazca

Included Meals


Accommodation

Ibis Larco Miraflores


Lines geoglyphs from above. Return to Lima in time for dinner this evening.

Optional Excursions

Nazca Lines and Ballestas Island Day Trip: US$ 390


DAY 31: Lima - End of Tour

The tour comes to an end today in Lima, Peru. Sit down with your fellow travellers this morning for breakfast. After saying your

goodbyes, you have the option to take a transfer to the local airport. Have a safe onward journey!

Experiences

If you would like to extend your stay in Lima after the tour, please contact us to confirm the hotel. By this point you will have enjoyed

18 incredible days exploring the very best of Chile, Bolivia & Peru. A true delight!

Included Meals


Accommodation

Ibis Larco Miraflores

Included Meals


itinerary for best of south america - tour rio to lima ... · via coach and on foot. tick off...

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