South American Highlights

Arrive in Lima and catch your connecting flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, drive to the Sacred Valley of the Incas where you'll visit the small town of Pisac, well known amongst both locals and tourists for its bazaar-like market offering a wide selection of Peruvian handicrafts. Next, explore the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo, one of the few places where the Incas won a battle against the Spaniards, before visiting a local home in the town of Ollantaytambo, often called the "last living Inca village of Peru". Here, you'll experience the unique way of life in the Sacred Valley.

This morning, board the train to Machu Picchu enjoying the stunning Andean views of small communities and snow-capped mountains along the way. When you arrive in Aguas Calientes, the small village nestled at the bottom of Machu Picchu, take the shuttle bus up to the ancient citadel where you'll learn more about the Inca civilization, the site's discovery, and the different theories of this mysterious and spectacular archaeological site. After our tour of Machu Picchu, we'll travel onward to Cusco.

Today's walking tour starts at the "Plaza de Armas" where you'll visit the impressive Renaissance-style Cathedral. Make your way through small alleys edged with Incan walls until you reach Koricancha, the temple dedicated to the sun, "Inti". Believed to be the most important temple for the Incas, it was destroyed by the Spanish conquerors in the 16th century and its foundations were used to build Santo Domingo, a Catholic church, epitomizing the clash of cultures. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or join an optional tour visiting different ruins around Cusco including Sacsayhuamán! This evening, enjoy a special welcome dinner with the group at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Cusco before you fly to Lima, Peru's capital city. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

You'll start your exploration of Lima today in the historical center where you'll admire the colorful colonial architecture around the "Plaza San Martin" and the main square (Plaza de Armas) where you'll find the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the Municipality. From here, visit the San Francisco Monastery and discover its underground maze of tunnels and catacombs. Finally, head to Lima's Contemporary districts, Miraflores and San Isidro, which combine beautiful parks like "El Olivar" and "Parque del Amor" with shopping centers and modern architecture. This afternoon is yours to explore Lima independently or consider an optional visit to the Larco Museum.

Today, you'll board your flight bound for Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. The city is often referred to as the "Paris of South America" and has a strong European influence which is reflected in its refined taste in cooking, luxury boutiques, and the elegance of its inhabitants. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore Buenos Aires independently.

Today's highlights include a drive along "9 de Julio", the widest avenue in the world, the Plaza de Mayo, and the Metropolitan Cathedral with its towering ceilings and striking stained glass. Stroll along colorful "Caminito" in La Boca district, and pass by the Boca Juniors soccer stadium before driving to the Puerto Madero area, a district made with recycled docks where some of the city's best restaurants are located. Our tour ends in Recoleta, one of the city's most glamorous spots. Here we'll visit Recoleta cemetery, where we can admire the ornate mausoleums, sculptures, and vaults on our way to visit Eva Perón’s grave. Before your dinner and show this evening, experience the unique opportunity to take your first steps in tango. Learn the basic moves and have fun during your dance lesson with professional tango dancers. Later, we'll learn more about the Tango tradition with a visit to one of the famous Tango houses for dinner where we'll enjoy a show with music, singing, and dancing.

Travel outside the city on a full-day excursion to the Argentine Pampas, where the native gauchos raise the cattle and other livestock that graze on the long grasses of these flatlands. You'll be welcomed with typical Argentinian empanadas and drinks and then you'll have the opportunity to appreciate the charm of the Argentinian countryside by a sulky or horse ride. Enjoy a typical barbeque lunch with Argentinian wines followed by a show of folk music and traditional dances. Today's excursion ends with some typical activities on an estancia: regional Gaucho games such as the "carrera de sortijas".

Today is yours to explore this cosmopolitan city! Consider an optional half-day tour to the Tigre Delta or explore Buenos Aires independently.

After breakfast, board a short flight to the Argentinian side of Iguassu Falls. You’ll soon discover why this is considered one of the greatest natural wonders of the world! Set at the border of Argentina and Brazil, the falls consist of 275 inlets and cataracts that send their cascades roaring 250 feet below. Enjoy a ride on the ecological train through the rainforest for a spectacular close-up view of the falls.

Because Iguassu Falls is too spectacular to leave behind just yet, today you’ll be afforded a view of the dramatic Brazilian side of the falls and surrounding lush sub-tropical vegetation on an included morning tour. The afternoon is free for independent activities, shopping, or relaxing beside your hotel’s hot-spring-fed pool.

Today, you’ll catch a flight to Rio de Janeiro, often described as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Sprawling between lush tropical mountains and the exquisite beaches of the Atlantic, Rio’s natural beauty and the warmth of its people will win your heart. This afternoon, you’ll ascend imposing Sugar Loaf Mountain by cable car to the 1,300-foot summit for stunning views of the city and surroundings. Later, you’ll ride beside the white-sand beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema before arriving at your luxurious hotel.

Enjoy a full day at leisure! How will you do Rio? Jewelry fans will love shopping for authentic gemstones. Culture hounds can explore the city’s museums and historic monuments. Sunbathers can spend the day basking in the rays on the beach. If you’d rather get out of the city, you can join our optional full-day excursion to the picturesque mountain resort of Petropolis, 42 miles away. It’s such a desirable destination that Pedro II, the last emperor of Brazil, had a summer palace built there. Tonight, you’ll celebrate with your fellow travelers at a festive dinner.

Before leaving the big city, enjoy a fruit-tasting tour at a Rio market! Next, our morning tour takes us to a cog railway that leads through the rainforest up Corcovado Mountain, a 2,300-foot peak crowned by the landmark statue of Christ the Redeemer. The views from the top of the mountain are dazzling! The balance of the day is dedicated to your leisure for last-minute sightseeing or simply relaxing by the hotel pool. Time allowing, consider an optional Carnival experience where you'll learn the Samba before being transferred to the airport for your overnight return flight to the States.

*The tour will end for passengers who did not purchase flights today, on Day 15, in Rio de Janeiro.