Deluxe South American Highlights

Description

4 Nights – Santiago, Singular Hotel
5 Nights – Cusco / Machu Picchu, Tambo del Inka
2 Nights – Lima, Belmond Miraflores Park
3 Nights – Buenos Aires, Alvear Palace
3 Nights – Iguazu Falls, Gran Meliá Iguazú
4 Nights – Rio de Janeiro, Fasano Rio

Alternate Hotels Available
Flights Economy – Business Class Upgrade, from £1850pp

UK – Santiago (4 Nights, Singular Hotel):

To start your epic adventure, you will fly direct from London to Chile’s capital Santiago, where you will stay at the Singular Hotel for 4 nights. This luxury boutique hotel is set in the Lastarria neighbourhood and 4 nights is a perfect amount of time to explore the city and enjoy a day trip or two, to explore the region.

Santiago is framed by the famous San Cristóbal and Santa Lucía hills, and is known for its 22 funiculars and rewarding, high-perched views. Stroll the bohemian Barrio Bellavista neighbourhood and visit the Catedral Metropolitana shadowing the main Plaza de Armas square. Shopaholics and spice lovers are catered-to at endless malls and markets.

Enjoy a day trip to the coast to take in the UNESCO world heritage city of Valparaíso and the beaches of Viña del Mar. Valparaíso is known for its bohemian culture, brightly painted houses and beautiful coastal setting. You can explore the city’s famous street art and hill-set neighbourhoods of Cerro Alegre and Concepción, and enjoy its endless array of restaurants and bars.  The neighbouring beachside city of Viña del Mar boasts a long golden beach.

Chile’s world-famous vineyards are also a short drive from Santiago.  Enjoy a day touring the vineyards, sampling the wines and enjoying fabulous restaurants.

Santiago – Cuzco (5 Nights, Tambo del Inka):

You’ll next fly direct from Santiago to Cuzco, the gateway to the mesmerising Inca trail that is one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. You’ll stay at the Tambo del Inka which is a luxury spa hotel set on the banks of the Urubamba River. This hotel is a perfect choice, as the hotel boasts its own private train station to take you to Machu Picchu, however if you are looking for something more special there are a number of alternatives such as the Belmond Palacio Nazarenas in central Cusco.

Spend the first few days here relaxing, allowing your body to acclimatise to the 3,399-metre altitude, but there’s plenty to do while you adjust. Snug in the Andean mountain valley, Cuzco’s baroque squares and cobbles are filled with fresh markets, food vendors and bustling locals in indigenous garb. Two magnificent churches flank the main Plaza de Armas, while traditional cafes dot nearby thoroughfares. Whether you’re exploring the Inca site of Sacsayhuamán two miles north or just soaking in the Quechua culture, you’ll be surrounded by authenticity. Listen to the locals when they offer you that hot coca tea for altitude adjustment.

Also explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which from Tambo del Inka is on your doorstep. Explore some of the most well known sites associated with this mysterious civilisation and take in the stunning Andean landscapes that surround it.

Then, the highlight for many here is a visit to Machu Picchu. Tambo del Inko is the only hotel with it’s own private train station, which will take you directly up to Machu Picchu where you can marvel at its wonders. Beautifully preserved Inca culture here is showcased in sights such as the Temple of the Sun, Sun Gate and The Sacred Rock. Cascading terraces frame this 7 New Wonders of the World citadel, and brave travellers can hike up the demanding Huayna Picchu (where the photo ops are legendary).

Cuzco – Lima (2 Nights, Belmond Miraflores Park):

After Cusco, you’ll fly direct to Peru’s coastal capital, where we’ll transfer you to your next hotel, the Belmond Miraflores Park, the most luxurious property in Lima and set on the Pacific coastline.

Lima is a melting pot of modern-day urbanisms, colonial-era mansions, vibrant markets and nightlife. Historic squares and cathedrals fill El Centro’s streets, where ceviche restaurants contribute to Lima’s status as “gastronomic capital of the Americas”. There’s romance and greenery at the Parque del Amor, ancient temple ruins at Huaca Huallamarca, bohemian flair in Mirador and plenty of cobbled charm in the Barranco beach district. Visit the Museo Larco, meander grand lawns at the Plaza Mayor and take in the city’s iconic canary yellow facades. Fresh markets, historic monasteries and an exciting Chinatown make Lima fascinating.

Lima to Buenos Aires (3 nights, Alvear Palace):  Next your journey will take you on a direct flight to Buenos Aires, where you will stay 3 nights at the Alvear Palace, the most prestigious address in Buenos Aires that’s in the heart of the city.

Buenos Aires is the cultural heartbeat of Argentina, renowned as the birthplace of tango. During your stay, you can explore the city’s iconic landmarks, including the historic Recoleta Cemetery, the colourful streets of La Boca, the majestic Teatro Colón, and the iconic Obelisk. For the best place to experience the authentic tango culture, visit San Telmo, where you’ll find numerous tango bars and witness captivating performances that embody the city’s passion and soul.

Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls (3 nights, Gran Meliá Iguazú):   Take a thrilling journey into nature as you fly direct to Iguazú where you will stay for 3 nights at the Gran Meliá, the only hotel in Argentina’s national park, allowing you to walk from the hotel directly to the falls.

Here you’ll be met by 275 thunderous waterfalls, even larger than the Niagara Falls, that cascade through a lush rainforest – truly and unforgettable experience!  From the hotel, explore extensive walkways that bring you up close to the falls, including the awe-inspiring Devil’s Throat, where you’ll feel the full force of the falls. Take a thrilling boat ride from the nearby pier, that gets you close enough to feel the spray of the falls. You can also head to the Brazilian side, where you can experience the magnificence of this natural phenomenon from elevated viewpoints.

Iguazu Falls – Rio (4 Nights, Fasano Rio):

Wrapping up this itinerary in spectacular style, you’ll now fly direct to the Brazilian capital of Rio de Janeiro and stay at the Fasano Rio, set in Rio’s upmarket Ipanema area, looking out over Ipanema Beach and just minutes walk from Copacabana Beach. This chic hotel boasts an amazing roof top infinity pool and one of Rio’s best restaurants.

Blending urban jungles, white-sand beaches and sensational shopping and dining, Rio wasn’t nicknamed “The Marvellous City” for nothing. Bounce rays and samba beats on the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, explore colourful favelas and take in breathtaking panoramas from the Sugarloaf and Corcovado mountains. Under the iconic Christ The Redeemer statue, Rio encapsulates a feast of cloistered charm, cutting-edge nightlife, iconic landmarks and some of the most beautiful beaches on earth.

 Rio – UK: We’ll be at your hotel on your departure day to meet and escort you to the airport for your direct flight back to the UK.