South America Grand Tour: Andes to Copacabana

The journey

Overview

Unforgettable moments

Highlights

Your itinerary

Day by day

1. Day1
   Join tour in Lima; afternoon tour of the Barranco District+

   Your tour starts in the Peruvian capital Lima.

   Or why not arrive a day early, as we book the hotel rooms from the previous night to secure early check in. So, there would be no charge for staying this additional night.

   Settle into the 4-star Innside Lima Miraflores for a two-night stay and early check in.

   Our walking tour departs the hotel at around 2pm. This covers the Barranco District of the capital. Lima is at once sophisticated and chaotic, colonial and contemporary.

   If you arrive later and miss this excursion our Tour Guide will catch up with you at a later point.

   MealsBreakfast
2. Day2
   Enjoy a Lima City tour with a Pisco Sour Cocktail tasting+

   Morning 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.

   MealsBreakfast
3. Day3
   Fly to Cuzco and transfer to Pisac for an empanadas tasting+

   Fly to Cuzco and journey through the Sacred Valley (at an altitude of 2,800m), to reach Pisac. Explore the Inca citadel and enjoy a visit to an empanadas oven for which Pisac is famous for. Enjoy a tasting of them. Spend three nights at the 4-star Hotel Taypikala Sacred Valley.

   MealsBreakfast
4. Day4
   Visit Moray and the Salt Mines of Maras+

   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 visit the archaeological site of Moray, on a high plateau; include a stop to view the UNESCO protected Salt Mines of Maras, where thousands of salt pools are stepped into pre-hispanic terraces; and Ollantaytambo fortress, with views of its beautiful Inca village, the best surviving example of Inca town planning; also making a visit to a typical house.

   MealsBreakfast, Lunch
5. Day5
   Travel to Machu Picchu to explore the site+

   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 returning by road and rail.

   MealsBreakfast
6. Day6
   Enjoy sightseeing on the way to Cuzco+

   In the morning, you will be transferred to Cuzco. On route, you will visit Tambomachay known as the Inca Baths and learn about the aqueducts and channels that allow the water to flow naturally. Then visit the Puca Pucara fort, an important military checkpoint for the Inca Empire. Nearby, head to Qenqo, a temple carved in a gigantic monolith with tunnels and chambers that were hand carved by men thousands of years ago. After that visit Sacsayhuamán, the Inca ceremonial fortress dedicated to the sun. Admire the gigantic rocks used to build the site and the way they were perfectly fitted together.

   Continue your journey to 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. Its foundations were used to build the Catholic Church Santo Domingo. Spend two nights at the 4-star Costa del Sol Wyndham.

   MealsBreakfast
7. Day7
   Day at leisure in Cuzco or join one of our optional excursions+

   Day at leisure to explore Cuzco or join one of two optional excursions. Join the excursion to the Rainbow Mountains, early morning departure towards Cusipata for breakfast, continue to Wasi Pata, which is the starting point of the hike to the Rainbow Mountain. You will walk for approximately 1h 40 min, appreciating the Red Valley and the mountain chain of Ausangate on the way. You will also be able to contemplate a diversity of South American camelids, lakes and beautiful landscapes. Time to take in the breathtaking scenery of the colourful Vinicunca mountain. Return to Cuzco in the late afternoon, lunch is included. (12 hrs, 10km hiking and reaching altitude of 5.040m, pre-bookable) or join the excursion to the Palcoyo Mountain, early morning departure towards Checacupe for breakfast, start your hike with views of this mountain range to the top of Palcoyo Mountain of Colours. The hike might take 5hrs overall. Return to Cuzco in the late afternoon, lunch is included. (12hrs, reaching altitude of 4.900m, pre-bookable).

   MealsBreakfast
8. Day8
   Enjoy sightseeing en route to Lake Titicaca+

   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; en route 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.

   MealsBreakfast, Lunch
9. Day9
   Travel to Copacabana and cruise to Isla del Sol+

   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.

   MealsBreakfast, Lunch
10. Day10
    Explore La Paz and visit Valle de la Luna+

    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.

    MealsBreakfast
11. Day11
    Fly to Buenos Aires+

    Fly, via Santa Cruz, to Argentina’s confident, cosmopolitan capital, Buenos Aires, a blend of elegant buildings, Spanish churches, and omnipresent ‘milonga’ tango shows. Enjoy a walking tour of the central part of Buenos Aires and San Telmo with antique shops in lantern-lit lanes. Dinner at a local restaurant tonight. Two nights at the 5-star InterContinental Buenos Aires.

    MealsBreakfast, Dinner
12. Day12
    Enjoy a city tour of Buenos Aires+

    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; 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. Enjoy a break at one of the historic cafés.

    MealsBreakfast
13. Day13
    Travel to Colonia del Sacramento and continue to Montevideo+

    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.

    MealsBreakfast
14. Day14
    Explore the city, experience dinner and tango show at Primuseum+

    A tour of the city including 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. Afternoon drive to a winery close to Montevideo for a visit and a tasting. Dinner at the fine-dining Restaurant Primuseum followed by a tango show.

    MealsBreakfast, Dinner
15. Day15
    Fly to Iguassu Falls+

    Transfer to Montevideo airport and fly via São Paulo 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 three-night stay.

    MealsBreakfast
16. Day16
    Visit Iguassu Falls from the Argentinian side+

    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. Join an optional excursion in the afternoon to Guarani Village, in the heart of Irayapu Forest for an immersive cultural experience with the Mbya-Guarani community. Led by a native guide, you will explore jungle trails, learn ancestral hunting techniques, and gain insight into the traditions and present-day life of this indigenous group (3 hrs – pre-bookable).

    MealsBreakfast
17. Day17
    Explore the Brazilian side of the falls, in the evening enjoy a culinary experience in Iguazu+

    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. Join an optional visit to the Bird Park and get up close to several native bird species, including

    toucans, macaws, flamingos, and parrots. Walk through the rainforest on a footpath amidst rich flora

    and fauna (3hrs – pre-bookable). Tonight get the chance to enjoy a real culinary experience in Iguazu.

    Yabuticaba Forest Market is a unique restaurant and market in Puerto Iguazu where you will find

    different spaces that combine the contact with nature with a modern ambience with a glass ceiling

    and colorful vitraux that represent the local Guarani culture, made by local artists.

    Local organic ingredients are used, and the local community is involved in the whole process of

    making this sustainable experience combining gourmet cuisine and preservation of the local

    environment.

    MealsBreakfast, Dinner
18. Day18
    Travel to Rio de Janeiro+

    Transfer to Iguassu Falls airport on the Brazilian side to fly 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.

    MealsBreakfast
19. Day19
    Enjoy a city tour of Rio de Janeiro+

    A morning tour visits the city’s iconic, much-photographed, Christ the Redeemer statue, soaring 38 metres 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. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, close to your hotel.

    MealsBreakfast, Dinner
20. Day20
    Tour ends in Rio de Janeiro+

    Your tour ends this morning after breakfast.

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    MealsBreakfast

Accommodation

Where you stay

Hotels are as planned; occasionally similar alternatives are used.

Peace of mind

What's included

• ✦19 nights’ accommodation
• ✦Meals Included: breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 4 dinners
• ✦Itinerary as described
• ✦Services of guides and local representative
• ✦2027 Departures: All local accommodation taxes
• ✦Flights from the UK can be added — ask your adviser