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A tour of five countries, and a journey of a lifetime, this is a grand adventure, from Peru’s Pacific Ocean port, and Machu Picchu ruins, to Brazil’s South Atlantic beaches, via Bolivian Lake Titicaca, the capitals of Uruguay and Argentina, and the fantastic Iguassu Falls
Lima - 1 night
Sacred Valley - 2 nights
Cuzco - 2 nights
Puno - 1 night
La Paz - 2 nights
Buenos Aires - 2 nights
Montevideo - 2 nights
Buenos Aires - 1 night
Iguassu - 2 nights
Rio de Janeiro - 2 nights
Flight - 1 night
From Andean peaks to Incan ruins, from seafront cities to Spanish towns, and from the world’s biggest waterfall to its highest waterway, South America is astounding in its diversity. Our discovery begins in Peru, amid the bell towers, balconies, and multi-coloured houses of Lima; the hairpin bends to historic relics in the Sacred Valley; mystical Machu Picchu, hidden in its fern and forest shroud for 500 years; and Cuzco, with all its history on show. We enter Bolivia at Lake Titicaca, the origin of the Inca civilisation, sail to Sun God Island, and visit La Paz, a heady mix in more ways than one, with steep streets, snow-capped peaks, and a sky-high cable car. Two capital cities follow, facing each other across the Rio de la Plata; elegant Buenos Aires, looking familiarly European but feeling unmistakably Argentinian; and Uruguay’s famously friendly Montevideo, teaming Old Town streets with a huge sandy bay. On first sight of Iguassu Falls, “Poor Niagara!” was Eleanor Roosevelt’s reaction to its thunderous run of 275 cascades, crashing through jungle greenery. In Brazil, the reputation of Rio de Janeiro, the ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’ (‘marvellous city’), is a lot to live up to, but this surfing, samba, Sugarloaf city rises to the challenge.
Cultural & Natural Wonders
Jules Verne Sightseeing
6 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Local Expert Guides
Central Hotels
Day 1 Fly from London Heathrow, via Madrid, to Lima, and transfer to the 4-star Innside Lima Miraflores Hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 Peru’s vast capital is, at once, sophisticated and chaotic, colonial and contemporary, arid and oceanfront. A tour of the city shows you the stately buildings of the Plaza des Armas; the Larco Museum of pre-Columbian art, housed in a hacienda; and, in the UNESCO listed Historic Centre, the monumental 17th-century San Francisco Convent; and includes a tasting of the local Pisco Sour cocktail. Fly to Cuzco and journey to the Sacred Valley (at an altitude of 2,400m), for two nights at the 4-star Hotel Taypikala Sacred Valley. (B)
Day 3 Enjoy the different aspects of this special place, where picturesque colonial towns and little crafting villages enjoy a peaceful co-existence with significant Inca sites. We tour to the town of Pisac, known for its Indian Market, and overlooked by the ruins of an ancient citadel; and to Ollantaytambo, boasting a beautiful Inca village and a fortress; and visit a local family home. (B, L)
Day 4 Travel by train and bus (2hrs) to Machu Picchu (at 2,500m), covering a spectacularly scenic saddle of land with some 200, dry-stone-walled, religious and residential buildings. Among the most recognised ancient sites on earth, its cosmic alignment is acknowledged, but the Inca’s reason for it remains an enigma. Spend the afternoon exploring the site, before travelling by road and rail to Cuzco, for two nights at the 4-star Costa del Sol Ramada. (B)
Day 5 Once the Inca capital, awash with royal and religious buildings; then a 16th century Spanish colonial town, when monasteries and manor houses were built on the archaeological Incan remains, Cuzco and its surrounds offer revealing glimpses of centuries past. A tour today shows you the city’s cathedral and colonial buildings; nearby Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Tambo Machay; the Cultural Heritage archaeological complex of Kenko; and the Puca Pucara relics of a small fortress. (B)
Day 6 Drive over the Andes(at 4,300m), visiting Andahuaylillas, a small town with a big reputation in the form of St. Peter’s church, it’s incredibly ornate interior nicknamed ‘America’s Sistine Chapel’; and continue to the temple ruins of Racchi; enroute to Lake Titicaca, at 3,800m, the world’s highest navigable waterway, mirror-still, mountain edged, sprinkled with islands, and steeped in folklore. Divided between Peru (to the north and west) and Bolivia (south and east), this unique place is a world apart in more ways than just geographical. The 17th century Peruvian port of Puno is the lake’s main city; where we overnight at the lakeside 3-star hotel, Sonesta Posadas del Inca. (B, L)
Day 7 Travel (3hrs) to the Bolivian town of Copacabana, known for its red-roofed houses, religious festivals, domed cathedral, and access to the Isla del Sol, the island of the Sun God. We cruise by catamaran to the lake island, visit the Pilko Kaina ruins of an Inca palace-temple, and participate in a traditional Aymara ceremony. Return to the shore and travel (reaching 4,000m) to La Paz, on the Altiplano of the Andes, for a two-night stay at the 4-star Atix Hotel. (B, L)
Day 8 Explore the colonial heritage and colourful markets of La Paz, the world’s highest seat of government, founded in 1548. Travel to see the other-worldly forest of rock spires in the aptly named Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley); enjoy a special visit to an artist’s studio; and ride on the longest urban cable car in the world, ‘Mi Teleferico’, which links La Paz to El Alto, spread across the cliffs at 4,150m. (B)
Day 9 Fly, via Santa Cruz, to Argentina’s confident, cosmopolitan capital, Buenos Aires, a blend of elegant buildings, Spanish churches, and omnipresent ‘milonga’ tango shows. Two nights at the 5-star Sofitel Recoleta. (B)
Day 10 A tour of Buenos Aires takes in the principal sights of the city and its outlying districts, seeing the stately architecture of the Plaza de Mayo, antique shops in San Telmo’s lantern-lit lanes; arts and crafts in colourful La Boca; Recoleta, with former palaces, Parisian-style townhouses, and the tomb of Eva Perón; and boutiques and bars in up-tempo Palermo. (B, L)
Day 11 Take the hydrofoil across the Rio de la Plata to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay’s oldest city, founded in 1600. Retaining its old-world charm with Portuguese/Spanish colonial architecture lining the streets of its UNESCO listed Old Town, the Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs) runs from the river to the Plaza Mayor; the Holy Sacrament Basilica is one of the country’s oldest; and pathways lead to the lighthouse through the ruins of the San Francisco Convent. Continue to Montevideo (3 hrs), the country’s capital and largest city for two nights at the 4-star Hilton Garden Inn. (B)
Day 12 A tour of the city includes the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) with the Metropolitan Cathedral in Montevideo’s oldest plaza, Constitution Square; the neoclassical elegance of the 1856 Solis Theatre, at the edge of the magnificent Plaza Independencia; and the Mercado del Puerto, old port market, famed for its feast of steakhouses. Taste the traditional ‘mate’ green tea, a herbal pick-me-up, made from the leaves of the Yerba Mate plant. Afternoon drive to a winery close to Montevideo for a visit and a tasting. Dinner at the fine-dining Restaurant Primuseum (B, D)
Day 13 Re-cross the river to return to Buenos Aires and the Sofitel Recoleta, for an overnight stay. (B)
Day 14 Fly to Iguassu Falls, the largest waterfall system in the world, forming the border of Brazil and Argentina, in an 80m vertical drop over the edge of the Paraná Plateau. Transfer to the modern 4-star Hotel Mercure Iguazu, in the Iryapu jungle, on the Argentina side of the Falls, for a two-night stay. (B)
Day 15 Iguassu is the heart of UNESCO listed National Parks in each country. The cataracts divide the Iguazu River’s upper (‘superior’) and lower (‘inferior’) flows in a spectacular surge through the Devil’s Throat chasm, a horseshoe bend with a 2.7km span of crashing water and rainbow spray, which soaks the river islands. We view it from the Argentinian perspective today. (B)
Day 16 Walkways on both sides cross the subtropical rainforest, the habitat for jaguars, tapirs and giant anteaters, and include a path along the gorge in Brazil. Explore the Brazilian side of the falls; before flying to Rio de Janeiro, revelling in its reputation for flamboyant festivals, football, and famous beaches. Transfer to the 4-star Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro, for a two-night stay. (B)
Day 17 A morning tour visits the city’s iconic, much-photographed, Christ the Redeemer statue, soaring 38metres high on the summit of Mount Corcovado; and tours along the crescent-shaped Copacabana promenade, including a stop for a Caipirinha cocktail. This afternoon’s excursion takes the cable-car to spectacular views from Sugarloaf Mountain. (B)
Day 18 Transfer to the airport for the overnight return flight. (B)
Day 19 Morning arrival at London Heathrow.
Notes
This is a full itinerary with many visits on foot including some uneven surfaces and inclines.
Day 6 includes a long transfer with sightseeing en route.
Altitude
Part of your itinerary will be travelling at altitude. We therefore strongly recommend that anyone, regardless of age, should consult their doctor to ensure that they are fully fit and understand the effects of travelling at altitude. This is absolutely essential if you have any pre-existing heart conditions, anaemia or lung problems.
A modern 4-star hotel in the Miraflores district. Restaurant, bar, gym, pool and WiFi (free). 140 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
A 4-star hotel surrounded by a garden and close to Urubamba. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 53 rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea making facilities and satellite TV.
A 4-star hotel in a converted 17th-century mansion, a few steps from Cuzco’s Main Square. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (free). 90 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea making facilities and satellite TV.
A 3-star hotel on the shores of Lake Titicaca with astounding landscape views. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 70 rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and TV.
Modern 4-star hotel in the Calacoto neighbourhood in southern La Paz. Restaurant, bar, pool, gym, sauna and WiFi (free). 53 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A stylish hotel in the heart of Recoleta, surrounded by elegant restaurants, traditional cafes, art galleries and boutiques. The hotel has a pool, gym, garden and WiFi (free). 175 air-conditioned rooms styled in cream-coloured hues, stylish mahogany furniture, with mini-bar, tea and coffee making facilities and TV.
A modern 4-star hotel, walking distance from Playa Buceo beach and close to many restaurants. Restaurant, bar, gym, pool and WiFi (free). 172 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Modern 4-star hotel in the heart of the Iryapú Jungle. Restaurant, bar, pool, gym, sauna and WiFi (free). 100 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
4-star hotel situated on Copacabana beach with restaurants, bar, panoramic roof terrace with pool, spa, WiFi (free). 537 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Búzios Extension
Búzios was a simple fishing village until the early 60’s, when it was ‘discovered’ by Brigitte Bardot. Today it is a fashionable resort with charming cobbled streets, a picturesque beachfront promenade and beautiful beaches. Stay at the 4-star Vila d’este, conveniently located on Humaita Hill, the most exclusive area of Buzios, overlooking Armação bay, with private access to Bardot promenade.
Day 1 Transfer to Búzios (3 hrs) to 4-star Vila d’este for three nights.
Day 2 At leisure. (B)
Day 3 At leisure. (B)
Day 4 Transfer to Rio de Janeiro for return flight. (B)
A personal 4-star boutique-hotel conveniently located on Humaita Hill, the most exclusive area of Buzios, overlooking Armação bay, with private access to Bardot promenade, close to Rua das Pedras. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 20 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Amazon Pre Tour Extension
For the jungle experience stay two nights at the charming Hacienda Concepcion chosen for its location between the Tambopata Nature Reserve and the shores of Madre de Dios river. Tour includes a nature walk, twilight cruise, an oxbow lake visit and canopy walk. The first two nights of the extension will be spent in Lima before the Amazon stay and the return flight from Puerto Maldonado will be either to Lima or Cuzco to join the main tour on Day 2.
Day 1 Fly from your chosen airport to Lima and transfer to the 4-star Innside Lima Miraflores Hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 2 Tour of modern and colonial Lima includes visits to the Plaza de Armas, San Francisco Monastery and Larco Museum. Pisco Sour tasting. (B)
Day 3 Fly from Lima to Puerto Maldonado for the journey by boat (25 mins) to the Hacienda Conception Lodge for two nights (full board). Afternoon walk through the property’s nature trails. Twilight cruise on the Madre de Dios river. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Morning activities include a walk into the Tambopata National Reserve towards Lake Sandoval. Navigate by dugout canoe across this oxbow lake, which is home to endangered giant river otter, blue and yellow macaw and red howler monkeys. Afternoon canopy walk. Night walk. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Return to Puerto Maldonado for the flight to Cuzco via Lima and transfer to the Sacred Valley (2,400m) for two nights at the 4-star Taypikala Sacred Valley. (B)
A modern 4-star hotel in the Miraflores district. Restaurant, bar, gym, pool and WiFi (free). 140 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
This lodge is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and on the banks of the Rio Madre de Dios. Dining room, bar, spa and no WiFi. 30 rooms with private facilities, hot water and mosquito net. Electricity is provided for several hours each day.
A 4-star hotel surrounded by a garden and close to Urubamba. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 53 rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea making facilities and satellite TV.
Nazca Lines Pre Tour Extension
By air experience the enigma of the Nazca Lines (weather permitting) and by boat visit the nearby Ballestas Islands, home to a large sea lion colony. Stay two nights in Paracas and one night in Lima.
Day 1 Fly from your chosen airport to Lima and transfer to the 4-star Innside Lima Miraflores Hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 From Lima, travel by scheduled bus to Paracas (4 hrs) and transfer to the 4-star Hotel La Hacienda Paracas for two nights. (B)
Day 3 Morning flight over the Nazca Lines (weather permitting). Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 4 Boat tour of the Ballestas Islands. Later, continue by scheduled bus to Lima (4 hrs). (B)
A modern 4-star hotel in the Miraflores district. Restaurant, bar, gym, pool and WiFi (free). 140 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
This 4-star hotel is located right by Paracas Bay. Restaurant, bar, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 87 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and TV.
Arequipa and Colca Canyon Pre Tour Extension
Combine a visit to Arequipa, Peru's second most important city, on the foot of the impressive Misti volcano, with the Colca Canyon - twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.
Day 1 Arrive Lima and overnight at the 4-star Wyndham Costa del Sol Hotel.
Day 2 Fly from Lima to Arequipa and transfer to the 4-star Hotel Casa Andina Premium Arequipa for overnight. City tour including the Santa Catalina Monastery. (B)
Day 3 Travel to Chivay (4 hrs) crossing the Colca Valley, lunch in Chivay and then afternoon at leisure with the opportunity to visit La Calera hot waters. Overnight at the 3-star Hotel Casa Andina Standard Colca. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Depart for the 'Condor's Cross' and visit the Colca Canyon. Return to Arequipa for an overnight stay. (B)
Day 5 Morning at leisure. Fly to Lima to join your tour. (B)
A modern 4-star hotel close to Lima Airport. Restaurant, bar, pool, gym, sauna and WiFi (free). 192 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A 4-star hotel in an 18th-century colonial mansion made of volcanic stone in the centre of Arequipa. Restaurant, bar, spa and WiFi (free). 40 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
This 3-star hotel lies at the edge of the Colca Valley. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 52 rooms in traditional stone casitas with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and satellite TV.
2023
Wednesdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways/Iberia from Heathrow
2024
Wednesdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways/Iberia from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £1245
Flight Options
British Airways Traveller Plus – On request
British Airways Club World – On request
Iberia World Traveller Plus – On request
Iberia Club World – On request
Extension Options
Extension - Buzios
3 nights £785 (Sep-Nov £845)
Single supplement £345 (Sep-Nov £395)
Extension - Nazca Lines
3 nights £935
Single supplement £375
Extension - Amazon
3 nights £1295
Single supplement £345
Extension - Arequipa & Colca Canyon
4 nights £1295
Single supplement £725
Extra Nights - Lima
Innside Lima Miraflores
(per night) £65
Single supplement £60
Arrival transfer add £55
Extra Nights - Rio de Janeiro
Hilton Copacabana
(per night) £145
Single supplement £125
Departure transfer add £95
Privately Guided
Add £1795 per person
Tour Only
Save £900
Arrival transfer add £55
Departure transfer add £95
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 17 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 1 dinner, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Notes
Accommodation tax to be paid in Buenos Aires locally, currently 1.5 USD per person/per night (can be paid in USD or Pesos).
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm